02 Wrath of Flames

by Jr H. Lee Morgan

  “Good to see I’m famous enough to catch whoever you are… and be known. If it’s a thief you need, I’m he. I’m coming. Don’t move. I’ll scent you down and we’ll get him out. I feel your scent through Ethan’s blood.”

  “Thanks guys. Listen I’m literally beat and weak from starvation. I’m going to pass out now.” And that is exactly what he did. Hunger and exhaustion took its toll.

  “Tokala, you promised me!” The Kitsune paused and turned around to touch her coppery cheek. She calmed.

  “I love you like a mother I never had in Demon World. But in this, I need to save the man who saved us both. The man who let me live so my mother could go cancer free and done more for you. He’s been captured by the worst Demons you can imagine. And he is my master now. I didn’t make a blood oath lightly. No Demon would. The moment I took his blood and vowed to serve to his or mine final breath means I am bound to him. I’m going to steal him from her clutches. Getting him out will be easier than breaking into Spirit World.”

  “Give me your word, Tokala. Give it to me right now that you are the good guy in this. That this isn’t the debt you fled from in Demon World and made me be your mother. Give me your word.”

  Tokala knelt and bowed with a hand over his very heart. “I give you my binding word as your only son that I’m using my skills to save a good man.”

  “You have my blessing. Just do not die.” She began to tear up.

  “Awe, don’t cry, Mom. This is fun for me. Just stay here. I’ll be back soon. Don’t forget I’m stronger than I look.” His fox face grinned.

  “Don’t I know! You out muscled me when you were six. Just don’t take unnecessary risks.”

  Tokala kissed her forehead and went to the bathroom to begin filling up the porcelain bathtub while he began grabbing seeds from Demon World. Even a few spare transportation seeds. He kept only pants on as he walked out and in the bathroom to toss the seed in. The water turned night black as he set the vortex to send him near the mountain in which Ethan was being held. Then he jumped into the bathtub and was sucked down.

  And wetly emerged in the thick jungle of South America, far south of the Amazon where humans would only dare tread. It was a murky lake that seemed to boil as Tokala surfaced and swam to the bank. He squeezed most of the water out of all nine of his fluffy snow white tails. Meanwhile his black nose scented the air and found thousands of varied denizens, very few of his kind and reek, lots and lots of musky foulness that made him shiver. He whispered “Always hated these horrid places. Probably don’t even have proper plumbing or bathe regularly. You just had to get captured by the dregs of Demon World didn’t you, Kid.”

  Few creatures had a sense of smell as acute as a Kitsune and in the wind, he caught Ethan’s flavor, faint as it is. But in that sniff Tokala knew extreme torture that fractured minds. He hated suffering, especially for someone as special as Ethan. But then he caught the lingering smell mixed with blood and went wide eyed. “Oh shit… what did I agree to?”

  He didn’t get a chance to do anything as a dark form dropped from a tree. Tokala’s many tails spread and green energy enveloped him. Long claws sliced through them like paper before a hand gripped his throat and hauled him up till glowing blue eyes captured Tokala’s azure. “I had to make sure you didn’t scamper off when you found my scent, Kurama.”

  “General… Panther… I’m sorry for taking the Burning Ruby Heart of Villoi. Its under the Screaming Stone of Leaves… Under the nose-like stone.”

  “Good to know, but we have other issues than the theft of my celestial treasure, Kurama. If you run, I will kill you this time. Do I make myself clear?”

  His furry face managed a nod. And he was lowered to his feet. “I never knew he let you leave the palace, but I go by Tokala now. Have for seventeen years.”

  “The master worried as soon as Ethan was discovered and sent me to observe and protect if necessary. It has been nearly two months since his capture and I was unable to leave with his First Mistress keeping me so close. I’ve spent over a month trying to get in, but if…”

  “You’d get him killed.” Tokala confirmed. “Even with your speed. Have you noticed any intervals we may exploit? I might be downright terrified you’ll gut me right now, but losing someone like Ethan will be very bad for the worlds.”

  Panther’s black fur hid him well in the unkempt forest this overcast night as he retracted massive claws. “Fear my wrath this day you needn’t. To be loyal enough to my new master so that we conversed through his powerful blood together is proof enough you will aid me. And your powers indeed are perfect for us to save my master. But I must ask, will you die for him? Few Kitsune will risk their hides and flee when needed most.”

  “Look, General, Ethan almost gave his life for me. He didn’t know he would live, but for me and my human mother, he gave his life for me without a second thought. I’d be dead if not for him. I’m a greedy bastard sure, no secret there, but I’m his minion forever. I’ve never willingly served anyone, but for him… yes, I’ll die for him. He did no less for me.”

  “Good.” Panther purred. “Keep up with me and I will show you my tree I’ve cloaked. Best you plant some carnivorous plants here. This is the nearest unused water source Sheedan’s forces do not own, but best we make sure it is ours if the master cannot walk.”

  Tokala reached in his pouch, plucked a few seeds and spread them out with a wrist flick to have them bury in the moist soil. As he turned back, Panther was gone. The Kitsune didn’t hear the feline Demon leave and it still unsettled him, but he left a faint scent trail Tokala easily followed. It would disappear in minutes. He knew his white body was easily seen so his furry form was cast in a darkness illusion while masking his scent. Lithe strides quickly led a hundred yards in and ended at a huge tree that pierced the canopy.

  Insects and animals prowled all over the dense forest and vegetation helped clean the musk coming over the northern wind. Tokala climbed the rough bark and sensed a trickle of power as he passed a potent masking barrier. Lazily lounging on a precarious limb was the general. Blue eyes the only thing seriously glaring towards a mountain four miles away. Tokala stopped cloaking himself as he reached a well used nest littered with bird feathers and fur. He pointed “You going to finish that boar?” he pointed to the raw carcass hanging off a broken limb used as a spike to spit it.

  “I’m full.” Is all Panther said. Hunting it earlier in the day.

  Tokala pulled a fist full of raw meat off and swung to a lower branch to eat. He didn’t dare take any higher limbs without angering one who could kill him without blinking. With a mouthful he asked “So how was he taken and what do you know about what we will be in for?”

  “I saw him taken on television by Zandri and two others of her kind. If I see her, I’m going to finally kill her for this outrage.” Panther deadpanned, but his fury was unmistakable. “She must know of my master’s true parentage by now and means to exploit him for their pathetic queen. It has been fifty seven days since his capture and I’ve scouted the fortress for the past forty six days. We can both sense Master is deep within that den. There are two openings, both heavily defended against infiltration. Our best bet is to sneak in among hourly raiding parties returning from elsewhere. Every minion is checked for Sheedan’s mark, even bugs.”

  “All this to make sure Ethan isn’t rescued.” Tokala said before tearing of more meat.

  “My abilities cannot stand up to the scrutiny they use and as you are aware, my kind very rarely leave Demon World, but will never ally with any of the foul Ice Queen’s poor excuse for Demons. It is fortune that you are loyal and can understand Blood Speak.”

  “Wasn’t easy. I haven’t heard it in centuries. Before I gained my ninth tail I spent time with a Hydra who could Blood Speak. She taught me. So when do we start this jailbreak? If Ethan just discovered his Demon Energy can connect us, he must not have much strength. Probably getting pissed released the power.”

  “You will hold your tongue, Tokal
a, in front of the master. I too sensed he discovered is demon side recently, but he still knows not his ancestor. He is weak, but we will wait till he regains consciousness. We will see what he knows and plan his escape together…” His whiskers twitched. “Before he disappeared from our connection, did you sense his ravenous hunger?”

  “Why do you think I’m eating? I was affected through the connection. But I know what you mean. It’s going to happen soon… isn’t it?”

  “Indeed.” Panther said in a low growl, glaring across the distance.

  Images, flashes and understanding settled as he dreamed of more torture, unable to escape even in sleep. But dreams didn’t hurt and that was enough to help. The new energy bonded to him, helping, supporting, but couldn’t replenish. Ancient instincts were awakened. Survival instincts. But it all seemed to connect seamlessly and settle so his body no longer felt awkward. It gave a sense of serenity long thought lost.

  Warmth spread and soothed rather than shaking on the freezing floor.

  Even in dreamland, Ethan knew he was thankful for this tough body. Infection would have killed him long go from being skinned repeatedly and left to rot on a rough floor beyond known contamination.

  Strength returned, some at least as he got to rest. Pain was less in sleep, but remained enough that deep sleep was impossible.

  “Wakey wakey, Big Boy!” The succubus hummed in her husky smoker’s voice. Ethan just rolled over. “I’m ordering you to wake up?” He mumbled. “You asked for it.” She grinned and zapped him with pain.

  His inner beast roared deafeningly, so loud the cave shook and startled the Succubus. She didn’t know what she just awakened and would be the last thing she ever did. Blind hunger consumed him. True, pure and animal. Interrupted sleep and new awareness woke the ultimate predator.

  Burning red eyes landed on the Dirty Whore as a low growl spoke but one word. Prey. And she wasn’t the predator. The inner beast within Ethan threw an arm out between the bars, but grazed the leather. Pain only pissed him off and faster than the blink of an eye, a large right hand wrapped around her thigh. Shock turned into a scream as she was drug into his den. Her scream turned to a shriek as she came in full contact with the leather wrapped bars. She then began a blood curdling scream as her bones broke as he forced her through. Hips broke first and then her screams turned to gurgles as her guts were squeezed through. Ribs tore apart and blood shot across the floor like a squeezed condiment package. Her last sight was fire filling and burning through. Cooking her.

  The other inmates were downright terrified after the screams died and violet flames licked the ceiling, filling the dark room. Everyone felt warmth settle over the damp room and one person’s shock wore off to ask “What the fuck is happening?”

  Moombae the Goblin couldn’t believe it, but she said “It’s Ethan… he killed her and is eating her… The fire is coming from him!”

  “How is that possible?” Someone hysterically asked, squeezing away from the fire licking over them all.

  “I think he finally snapped, but how is he using power?” Volkenm the Naga beside her cell asked.

  “Maybe his hunger triggered something. Proportionally he was starving worse than any of us. We all heard his stomach. I think the problem is being solved.” She gulped.

  Ethan was fully aware he was eating the Succubus, but he couldn’t stop. Didn’t want to. Hunger made her taste delicious, bones and all. His fire cooked her better than grilling steaks. She was what he needed to survive, no matter how messy it looked. He wasn’t sickened, but didn’t feel right eating a sentient being, but she pissed him off for the last time and he needed fresh meat. She was meat. With his strength returning, his jaw made quick work. The only thing he didn’t dare devour was bowel. He threw that aside. Off to the side he heard how scared the others were, but he finally found decent food.

  Before he was satisfied, the meal was gone.

  Then out of nowhere a championship class belch left him.

  “Feel better?” Came a quiet hiss. Volkenm warily stared at him.

  “Actually I’m still really hungry. She was a good appetizer.”

  “You realize what you’ve just done?” Moombae said.

  “Yup.” He licked his lips and laid back. “I’m going to get seconds in about a half hour before we get the hell out of here. You guys enjoying some decent heat finally?” he asked as he gestured to the inferno rolling off of him.

  “How are you doing this?” someone asked.

  “Trade secret, but I figured it out when Sheedan pissed me off by putting on my woman’s face. Do you guys want a hot bath and a room scrub?”

  “Uh, can anyone translate what that meant?”

  “My fire can rid us of all the filth we’ve been soaking in forever. I’ll do it for all of you so long as you don’t scream… uh, never mind. I’ve got to reconsider that idea. I’m still in no condition to fight back, but we will leave here.”

  “Um, should I say it again? He’s not making any sense.”

  “Suffice to say, we will be leaving these cells before long. But we’ll need to recuperate for a day at least before I burn this mountain down on Sheedan’s head.”

  “Uh, Ethan…” Moombae hesitantly asked. “Are you by any chance… a… a Blood Speaker?”

  “A what?” Volkenm was curious.

  “Between us? I just found out. Gaia told me.”

  Gasps came from all six captive Demons.

  “Mistress Gaia? You spoke with her.”

  “Not just her. I’ve got two badass Demon Lord class friends outside. If you want out I’ll keep my word after all.”

  “For once… I believe I may survive to see my friends and mistress again. I believe you, Ethan. But, can you turn the heat over me down. My fur is good enough for warmth.”

  “Wouldn’t mind a little more back here.” Called further back.

  After Ethan’s stomach settled and everyone was comfortable for the first time in so long he sighed. “Second course, coming right up. Everyone be quiet.” He said as he saw the Lamia slithering down for another day of work. Completely oblivious. He killed the purple flames dancing on the roof several minutes before she arrived. Thankfully his fire made no smoke. Roast Succubus though was strong scented. Ethan’s cramped and still torn wings spread the scent throughout the room.

  The Lamia opened the door to greet everyone with a smile of silvery fangs. “Hello my pretties. Who’s first to play?”

  “Try me, Snaky!” Volkenm sneered and used his middle claw to flip her off.

  She slithered in further to let out her forked tongue and before she realized something was off she shrieked as flames enveloped her as a large hand grabbed her scaly tail, but dug into her body like thick claws. Ethan’s fingers got an unbreakable hold on her spine as she tried coiling away, but to no avail as she too was forced through bars thinner than she is and she too was preyed upon.

  “Ah, that hit the spot.” He belched loudly again.

  “Leave any for the rest of us?” Someone joked.

  “Sorry! I’ve got crap filled intestines set aside if you want.”

  “No thanks.” Was the reply as the room chuckled.

  “Alright, Guys, no one will bother us for quite awhile, but I need to concentrate.”

  “Do what you have to. I’m plenty warm for awhile.” Others said similar things as he killed the fire coating the ceiling.

  “Panther, Tokala, you there?” He asked.

  “What language is that?” Voklenm asked.

  “Shhh!!!” all the Demons in the room hushed.

  Up in the tree an hour after dawn arrived both Tokala’s and Panther’s ears perked and sat up. “We’re here.” Tokala answered.

  “Good. I know this complex by heart. Better than anyone.”

  “How? You wouldn’t be allowed to as a prisoner. Not even Sheedan is stupid enough to allow you to see anything.”

  “Master, can you Flame-see?” Panther asked cool as a cucumber.

  “Uh, if
that is what it’s called. The flames actually taught me when I was really in bad shape. I’ll not go into details, but I’ll walk you through to me. The cells can only be opened from the outside so I’m screwed there. You guys follow my lead and I’ll guide you down.”

  “This will be no fun if I can’t figure it out. Where is the thrill of the seeking the treasure if you are guided like a newborn kit.” Tokala snorted.

  A growl was transferred through the blood and Ethan said “I’ve been through hell and need to hole up somewhere better. Do wise cracks about something else. I don’t need you to have another Vilorogue incident.” Panther raised an eyebrow as Tokala shut right up. His whiskers twitched in a smile, a rare occurrence. “What you fail to realize is they uses passwords that daily change and an Ice Dragon rests outside the torture area and you have to get past him and two other checkpoints, each with different codes to access lower levels. Unless you already know them, you need my help.”

  “Alright Alright! I get it.” Tokala threw up his arms.

  “Good, now I assume you and Panther figured a way to get in?”

  “With the next raiding party.” Panther said. “We are on the south side entrance.”

  “I’m backwards down here and the fires are too deep enough to show me the sun. Get started and when you pass by the first fire both of you look at it so I know what you will look like and track your movements.”

  “Understood, Master.” Panther lithely crouched and sprung like a flea down into the forest floor without making a sound. Tokala was right beside him.

  “Panther, call me Ethan. Now that I know you aren’t a real housecat, I’m your friend, not your owner.”

  “Only in private shall I ever refer to you other than Master.” Panther said as he sped silently through the forest as quiet as a prowling jungle cat.

  Wily as a fox, Tokala wasn’t near as quiet, but still barely crunched a wet leaf. “Don’t bother trying to reason with him Ethan. His kind is very strict. In Demon World, they are the most disciplined. General Panther more so than others.”