02 Wrath of Flames

by Jr H. Lee Morgan

  The smirk fell from the Ogre’s lips. “Watch who you are talking to, Lad. I’m your elder five hundred times over.”

  Ethan lit a finger hot enough to get his point across. “Yet I am your superior. Age on a mission doesn’t matter. We could die. Where will being a elder matter then? You are just a super strong swordsman. Nell could take you down with one shot at over a half mile away. Kira can kill Nell triple that distance and I can set an entire city ablaze without even yawning. This is my team and you are at the bottom. My rule is we each have a partner. Now that we are even in number, it’ll work. I have Floa. You will be Magnus’ for the time being. I’m responsible to get everyone home alive since our missions are the deadliest this world will ever face. When it comes down to lives I’m responsible and care for, I’ll not tolerate baggage or have a pissing match. You will lose. Baldr, you do not have to like me on missions, but you will respect me and my decisions. And if you want to pull the age card, then Floa here should lead… or Blake since he is two thousand years older than you.”

  “Well said. Seems stories are true.” Baldr scratched his chin to lower his own stubborn anger. “Your personality changes on mission. Good to know.”

  “Change the topic please. Don’t kill my buzz.” Kira said, sitting up.

  “I’ll do it.” Nell said. “So any new news from the recent scans? I take it Morgane is busy today and fit the two of you in early before breakfast? You both came down the middle rather than the side of the hall.”

  “Bingo.” Ethan switched from serious to relaxed. “Angel, you want to do it?”

  “Oh, thank you!” She kissed his cheek excitedly before turning to the intrigued team and friends leaning in closer. “We’re showin’ signs of slowin’ down finally.”

  “Really?!” Reevy asked. “How can anyone tell. Few of us can’t even say we are half your height. Only centaurs are above your hip. You make us look like children again. You still look taller than yesterday, even without the screw me now high heels.”

  “Data doesn’t bloody lie.” Kanade quoted and mimicked Morgane to have smiles returned for her small efforts to sound like a British Witch. “Over the past three days our blood work has shown a decrease in hormones that make us grow so fast. Even in me.” She touched her bosom. “Even my hair has slowed growin’ like a weed. Since last night’s scan I’ve grown just under an inch rather than the three a day from last week. Right now I’m twelve foot eight. Ethan is thirteen ten and a half. Three days ago were signs we were finally slowin’ down. But today’s sample put it in readable parameters for both of us. Instead of two and a half to three a day, if the trend continues, by tomorrow it’ll be just over an inch more than I am now. And my pain ridden joints are easin’ up, so that is also a good sign I reckon.”

  “Tis indeed fortuitous.” Ellen said as she braided her dirty blonde hair. “Ethan, have you discovered why the sails of your wings are redder and have an odd line pattern like stacked paper? Or about how the tip of your tail has become slightly bulbous?”

  “Yeah, the end of my tail is growing flexible cartilage for some odd reason. As for my wings, sorry, don’t know why, but Morgane is hypothesizing the ripples help reduce wind friction so I can fly faster. Kind of like the dimples on a golf ball. It’s like nothing she’s ever seen in a flyer. Also, most of my new organs are fully functional. It’s why I’m not eating everything in sight. I’m absorbing practically every nutrient from my food and produce almost no waste. Some growths aren’t doing anything yet though. And as you’ve all seen, my huge, bulky muscles I carried last week have slimmed down and become more lean.”

  “It is because your longer bones have stretched them?” Vitalli inquired.

  “Actually, yes.” Ethan nodded. “Morgane said that this morning. Instead of looking like the Hulk, I’m more like… well… Damn, what is a good analogy.” He got stumped.

  “The Avengers’ Captain America movie… only with red hair, a beard, wings and a tail.” Magnus threw it out there.

  “Good of one as any.” He nodded. “So yeah, we are finally slowing down and stabilizing as far as can be known at this point.”

  “About time. We were afraid you’d eventually outgrow a Titan.” Kira quipped. “We little people get a face full of crotch before breaking our necks just to look up.”

  “Hello everyone!” Cook cheerfully bubbled a few minutes later to take their orders and get heartily thanked for a delightful meal.

  Ethan gathered the dirty dishes and mugs before putting them in the nearest hole in the wall to go get washed. He and Kanade went to do the morning ritual of keeping Jormungandr and the lake warm.

  But as discussed during breakfast they would be having a mock battle after Blake and Reevy finished meditating. While waiting, Kanade changed into a sexy two piece bikini and went for a swim in the heated lake like many others who still cheaply paid for the service. Over the past days they had gotten much practice in swimming, but mostly on the island and never were clothed. It seemed even the colorful little fish liked the warm up without going belly up in the crystal clear lake.

  Eventually the Nagai couple arrived around the same time as the other two teams. Ethan and Kanade got redressed and he set up his headset to save Baldr as number six in the list. Baldr didn’t use a club like most Ogres. He carried a two foot long forearm kite shield over his left forearm and his right clutched a hand and a half thick hilted sword, another Celestia made pair of weapons. Both the shield and sword were made by her. Ethan had Baldr and Blake partner as he told earlier.

  The object for the hour long session was to locate and touch Kira and Nell. Ethan stayed in the air to observe as the other two teams started charging almost silently through the thick grove. It was common in battle to first eliminate any Casters since they could fight long range, but it took time to build up proper spells. Therefore it was imperative for Casters to be found first. Ethan and Floa sat this one out since it would not be fair training if either were involved.

  Soon battles were met. Outnumbered, his team were on the defensive. First to get in range was the cheetah Shifter woman, but she was met by Baldr’s shield to the side of her face and sent flying as he activated one of the spells which used a blast of air from the shield itself. Ethan was impressed by the Ogre’s reflexes. Baldr quickly proved he could adapt to Magnus’ style, but was definitely funny as the man began to whistle a merry tune as he fought side by side. A glow surrounded his sword so it wasn’t sharp, but still hurt as he hacked at Vitalli’s legs and managed to drop him before a swift boot kick to his horse half’s chest to knock the wind out of him. When he defeated the thickly muscled Centaur he whistled his way to help Magnus who kept Reevy and a Witch at bay.

  But numbers won and Kira was touched by Reevy when she made a feint that Baldr fell for and slipped around him.

  “Not bad.” Ethan said as he blew loose snow away before his feet landed. “Blake, any comments?”

  “None, we were correct putting him by Magnus. His sword and shield combination complimented Magnus’ heavy blows with a club. For an Ogre he’s clearly agile.” Came the Naga’s hiss.

  “Does thou whistle every time thou enters in a fight?” Ellen asked as she helped Vitalli catch his breath.

  “Keeps me from going berserk.” Baldr admitted as he sheathed his blade.

  “So you are a Berserker?” Ethan asked.

  “Most born from my father are, especially the men. Loki helped me centuries ago to whistle to keep my blood from boiling so hot I attack anyone who gets too close and lose who I am till everyone is dead or gone. It is why I’ve never became a squad leader. Subordinates who serve under Berserkers tend not to live long.”

  “That is rather forthcoming. But good to know. Putting you on supporting the supporters will be essential. I do need to ask if you can hum. If we need stealth, your whistling can be a distraction.” Ethan said as he crossed his arms.

  “Tried, but it doesn’t work to keep me from going in that state. Maybe if Kira puts on he
r sexy dominatrix leathers… that will distract me.” He hinted with a blonde eyebrow.

  “In this weather, I don’t think so, Love. Somewhere warm, I’m game. Or maybe I should wear what Nell does and see if it works.” Kira said as she closed her shiny black leather armor around the cleavage.

  “You’d need strong vine to keep those bountiful tits from breaking free.” Nell commented as she licked her lips as she imagined how good Kira would look in a wooden top and vine thong.

  “I was thinking more like thin leather straps.” Kira admitted.

  “Give it a try at the gym when we are done.” Ethan said as Kira’s sexuality did nothing for him. “Blake, you’d be best if he went berserk. Spar with him and see if a skimpy outfit on Kira even remotely keeps him from going into the mindless rage.”

  “I was planning on it.” The Naga nodded. “Berserkers have their uses. If Kira is willing to see if she can control her mate’s urges, it could be another weapon.”

  Reevy swatted his thigh with her tail and gave him a sultry glance. “We females do not need to think we control our males. It’s genetic. We know we do.”

  A short laugh was followed by Ethan saying “New scenario. Escape and evade. I’m dead, Ellen’s right foreleg is wounded so badly she can no longer run. Floa is the target you must reach together. She was told to hold position so bugs wouldn’t arouse suspicion when catching her scent. Vitalli’s team will be laying in wait while Reevy’s will be in pursuit. Protect each other and help Ellen reach the edge of the grove that is roughly one mile in that direction. Nell will act as scout and try to avoid the ambush. The team will have a five minute head start before Reevy’s team is loosed to hunt you down.”

  Real world scenarios were what these skirmishes were about and Ethan’s death, however unlikely, was possible. He couldn’t be there always and that was the truth.

  Vitalli’s team hurried in the direction to ready the trap before Nell shot off to recon the area as Nell limped slowly while being supported by Baldr. The rest took position and hurried as fast as possible. Floa stayed on Ethan’s shoulder as he took off to watch from the sky.

  Nell made no sound as she ran through the grove she grew up in and quickly discovered harmless tripwires, disabled them and sprung holes dug by Wizard powers. Then she found the enemy team hiding very well. If she wasn’t so alert she would have missed them. She counted those in hiding and rushed back to the group to lead them around.

  Eight minutes later the giant cheetah found them and roared to alert the area they’d been discovered and hopped around a tree as one of Nell’s harmless arrows landed right where her forehead would have been. Even with Kira covering their trail they were discovered.

  Blake and Magnus held back with Kira creating harmless hiccup curses and sending them across to the attackers. Blake, Magnus and Kira were felled as was Ellen who told Baldr and Nell to run. Nell, being swifter was the only one to reach the tree line after Baldr was struck down by a binding curse from Reevy’s squad leader Witch.

  They had time for one more scenario before calling it a day. Blake, Kira and Baldr went away to do a private study while Ethan flew to the shop to find Kanade hard at work lifting heavy slabs of granite. He too got right to work helping expedite the building. Towards the end of the process the walls were completed and were three stories high rather than two. The added height was needed as the bottom would extend the shop area since it was beginning to get cramped in there as well. The wall would be taken down after a roof would be put on and the new forge would be built and sent for Ethan’s new size accommodations. Having two tall and overwhelmingly strong beings helped the construction crew considerably. And it would save points to boot.

  They shared a quick shower to wash up before lunch.

  Towards the end of the always overwhelming meal that was moan worthy with each bite there came a gruff voice which could only come from a Gargoyle. “Mr. Volorum, you and your team are ordered to appear before the council ASAP.”

  “We’ll be right up.” He said and chugged the rest of his fruity drink and shoveled the last few bites. The team followed his example and threw their dishes into the conveyer which would carry them to the wash area.

  “Darlin’, I’ve got to fly home for a few minutes and finish enchantin’ a dagger for a client. Let me know what is going on.”

  “Will do, Beautiful.” He gave a quick kiss and turned to find the team gathering up to him. He then led the way up into the heart of the giant castle, pressed the elevator button and got lucky when the left side went ‘Ding!’ and they filled it quickly to ride all the way to the top floor.

  “Do you know why we are being summoned?” Baldr asked.

  “Not a clue.” Kira said. “Last I knew, our team was still on leave because of Ethan needing to be watched over and observed. If it’s a mission it might be something has happened to one of the Demon Lords. Unless this week something has changed while we were occupied in my room.”

  “Nope. You know about as much as the rest of us.” Nell threw an arm around her auburn friend.

  Before long the doors parted and as always sat the lovely Ogress secretary. She smiled and said “They’re waiting. Best to go to the right. Geri and Freki are in a foul mood when I brought them some deer carcasses and got a little too close.”

  “At least you weren’t mauled.” Ethan said.

  “Wouldn’t be the first time they tried. I’ve been at this for many decades. Good luck.”

  The team took the long way around. Ethan had to take it slow since his strides were double his companions. Eventually they took the circular hallway, reached the double wooden doors and he knocked. “Enter!” Shouted Tattoo’s voice as he is the interim head of the house.

  Ethan and crew filed in with Blake closing the doors. Inside sat Queen Gra, Tattoo, the Centaur mare leader Mia and Magistrate Morom with his Nymph wife Edda in his lap. Ethan spied the Pixie Princess Chille whispering with Dress off to the side of the spacious room. The semi circular table had one individual standing in the center and it had the team raise eyebrows.

  A Nependis stood on all fours. The boar-gorilla creature widened its coconut brown eyes as it took in Ethan’s new stature and swallowed. Its tusks looked as deadly sharp as ever. Even if Ethan knew about the Spirit Energy poison within the curved sabers, it still gave a moment of pause. The Nependis gave a snort to break the silence.

  Tattoo, still in his mechanical suit, stood up and said “We finally got a break on Sheedan’s whereabouts.”

  The blunt words were why Ethan loved Order. Direct and to the point. “Then why aren’t we geared up to go break down her front door?”

  “Ximr, why don’t you introduce yourself.”

  The Nependis grunted and turned his thick body fully to the team. “I am Ximr Shortsnout, aid to his majesty, King Grayback. The situation is a bit more delicate than brute force. We do not know exactly where she is presently. Sheedan moves around the newly acquired territories at random times so her whereabouts are impossible to track by conventional means. We…”

  “Then how?”

  “Do not ever interrupt me.” The Nependis barred his teeth and growled.

  A deeper and more deadly growl vibrated the room, coming from none other than Ethan who’s more crimson slit eyes narrowed. Things grew deathly quiet. Even the leaders looked to one another with uncertainty. “Threatening me will not be wise for you, Ximr. Spit. It. Out. Why was my team called if we aren’t going to roast the Agas? You do not scare me.”

  Ximr felt the room grow warmer and realized his threat displays wouldn’t work on him. Not even his lesser abilities seemed to give the Elemental pause. “I do not like you, but very well. I have an informant close to Sheedan. He wants to be protected and escorted out of a hostile area. In exchange for safety, he will give us Sheedan’s thought erratic pattern as actually a list he managed to copy. She has a schedule and he is willing to give it to us in exchange for extraction. He’s a Ghoul, chef to Sheedan who overheard he is n
ext to be eaten for not preparing a meal to her liking. For now he is hidden safely in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, but our watchers detected a Demon horde heading in his direction and will be found in less than two hours or sooner. All we were able to do was disable any Translocating by Elf. All he sent was a general area. You were chosen by the Ghoul to save and extract. He wanted the best protection and your leader has approved it by sending you.”

  “Have the Demon Lords been informed?” Ethan asked.

  Tattoo nodded. “Gaia has responded that a small, elite team would be harder to track and extract, allowing us to get in and out with minimal risk. Gaia agreed you should go when I gave the recommendation. She and the other Lords are readying their armies to strike the Agas’ horde from behind as soon as you signal the asset is in your possession. There are cabins in the area I’ve been given in data, but my aerial drones and satellites cannot pinpoint our informant. Use your ability to detect fires and hone in on him. You have thirty minutes and we need the Ghoul to give us that list. It might be our only chance. Prepare for speed. When you find him, send four flame bursts to let Sarimee, who will head the fighters s distraction to know to strike. She’ll be leading the fight to cover you. Then bug out and get back here. I’ve already sent a download to all of your headsets. Good luck.”

  “Alright, we’ll be quick.” He turned to the team. “You know the drill. We’ll meet up in fifteen to twenty at the usual spot.” They nodded and left, but Ethan went to the large opening in the council room and flung himself for home.

  Ximr glared triumphantly with beady little eyes.

  “This doesn’t feel right. It’s too coincidental a Ghoul has that kind of sensitive information.” Kanade said right as he walked through the door and her brightly glowing blue eyes returned to their natural golden luster as she sat the dagger she was working on down.