505 Blood Fiend (1/2)

Fajii ignored him and helped herself to half of his pillow. ”It's only for a short while; we have to get up soon.”

Nix turned on his side to make room for her, smiling into the back of her neck. Shortly after the two females from Alpha returned, Cyra sent a messenger to their tent. At first light Adder team was to find the Fiend that Wind had mentioned. He tossed an arm around her waist and dozed off comfortably.

When Cyra entered their tent an hour later, all of Alpha was up and ready to go. ”Got everything you need?”

/Alpha: Nix: We need anything?

/Alpha: Semmi: Not really.

Nix was curious about the older woman's abilities; like Chael and his Urban Ranger class, it was yet another variant of a traditional job. ”How do you match up against a basic Ranger?”

Cyra held up her bow for him to see. ”Interested in switching classes? Or maybe you just like me.”

”Neither... You're too old, and bows are for people who can't hold real weapons.”

Cyra laughed at the comment. ”You sonofabitch! Spend a few months in this place; my age won't matter.”

Nix gave her a deadpan expression. ”If you say so.”

Ten minutes later, Semmi led them to the area designated for leaving camp. She made a face at Nix and activated the comm ring. ”Adder Team, leaving base.”

*Report in every thirty minutes, notify us of any enemy contact.*

”Understood.” Semmi smiled apologetically at Nix, who was frowning at her.

/Alpha: Nix: What kind of shit was that?

/Alpha: Semmi: They have rules, Boss.

/Alpha: Nix: You're banned from talking on comm. That was so embarrassing.

/Alpha: Pon: What's embarrassing is you hitting on that grandma back there.

/Alpha: Nix: The fuck does that mean? I clearly stated that I'm not interested.

/Alpha: Pon: Number one rule of seduction, pretend you aren't interested.

/Alpha: Nix: Says the guy with absolutely no experience.

/Alpha: Semmi: Let's ask Fajii! How did you know Nix liked you?

/Alpha: Fajii: He gave me a present and told me I was beautiful.

/Alpha: Semmi: Well played, Boss.

/Alpha: Wind: Straight up killer.

/Alpha: Semmi: Must be nice to get presents.

Alpha retraced their steps toward the frontline; the Ice Faction had a perimeter of Observation Posts (OP) set up in a wide semi-circle about a mile from the border. They consisted of single person treestands that had been camouflaged by someone who knew what they were doing.

/Alpha: Nix: Send those OP locations to our scouts.

/Alpha: Semmi: On it.

/Alpha: Pon: How many fiends did Atilla summon when you killed him.

/Alpha: Wind: Twelve. Thanks to the King, we were able to trap them outside of the room. Atilla can't summon more while they are still alive. They get stronger as his health diminishes.

After searching the immediate area, the two thieves returned, and Wind summoned Atilla. The antlered Witch immediately put Wind between himself and the fire users. ”Master Wind! I answer your call.”

Pon scowled, his face looking like he ate something bad. ”Shut the fuck up, Rudolf!”

Wind had a slight smile on his face when he spoke to the witch. ”Summon your fiends, have them stand down without attacking.”

The creatures were man-sized, hunched over slightly, and covered with black blotches of fur. They were riddled with scars, and growls emanated from their misshapen mouths.

Nix walked around Wind, his lips curving in a wide smile. ”Got a theory I'm going to test. If your beasts dare attack me, the next dozen times, you'll be summoned into a pit of fire.” The Inferno leader raised a hand, and a half dozen strands of emerald flame shot out. They wrapped around the witch's torso, pinning his arms to the side.

/Alpha: Wind: Er... Boss?

Nix picked up Atilla and slammed him onto the ground, causing a portion of his health to disappear. The beasts growled menacingly around them but did not attack. He repeated the act a second time and then a third.

/Alpha: Semmi: That's it. Go slower.

Semmi watched as the fiends grew in strength. The fur on their bodies extended over their scars and grew thicker. Thick ropey muscles pulsed under their skin while their teeth and claws elongated. ”Their tiers are rising.”

Nix continued until Atilla had only the barest sliver of health left. ”Hello, beautiful.” The end products were hulking beasts with arms nearly dragging the ground. They had angry red eyes that seemed to hunger for blood.

/Alpha: Nix: Have him cede their control to you. He can return directly to camp.

/Alpha: Semmi: I'll let our people know he's coming.

Atilla has given control of his blood fiends to Wind.

Wind has received the Blood Fiend Command Interface.

/Alpha: Semmi: What does their Command interface look like.

/Alpha: Wind: Hunt, hide, docile, and retreat. They can be told to do those things at specific grid coordinates. Basic bite and claw attacks with a nifty stealth feature.

Nix waited until Atilla left the area before turning back to the group. ”Have six hide in the surrounding woods. Send the others after the nearest OPs.”

/Alpha: Pon: Aren't we going to kill one?

Nix activated his broom and moved into the air. The beasts howled in fury as Wind put them in hunt mode and sent them to the different areas.