Chapter Thirteen

The second Winged readied a sonic blast and released the sonic waves lashing out, rippling the air, but missing their target and Bitey started to make his way down the tree. The sonic waves blasted the tree as there was an explosion of wood and pulp.

Bitey started making his way down to solid ground, bouncing from branch to branch, finally making it to the ground.

The first Winged started to chase Bitey as he was jumping down.

No sense in looking back. He didn't regret jabbing the Magus' eye, but this was clearly the reprisal. How could I have forgotten? These are the tormented beasts that the Dark Ones have always twisted to their ends. The forest was dark, maybe because of the clouds overhead or their distance below the canopy. Now let's test their vision. He struck out, hurriedly weaving in and out of trees, keeping covered as much as he could.

Bitey bolted for the thickness of the forest. He was doubling back through the forest to see if maybe the thickness would give him proper cover from the attackers. Running as fast as he could, he dodged in and out of the large trees, ducking at times to avoid low branches. Behind him were the sounds of wings flapping heavily as they kept up with him. They had not attacked, but were making sure not to lose him. Up ahead he saw a deep ravine. Bitey ran, skirting the ravine, unsure if it provided any tactical advantage. Now he was just toying with the beasts. It was only a matter of time before they fell into his trap... he was almost sure of it. The giant creatures were still too close, and he did need a place to hide. It appeared that it's possible to climb down and maybe hide in the giant boulders lining the sides.

He jumped in and he fell, turning over and over himself. He couldn't stop himself, he was rolling towards the bottom. The bushes and branches stabbed his body as he fell head over heels. Finally coming to a stop he felt the breath leave his body, but the cries of the pursuing enemies forced him to pull himself to his feet and look for a place to hide.

The ravine wall was more steep than it had given indication of at the top. At any other time, Bitey might have stopped to study the optical illusion, or at least roll down it again for good measure. He staggered away from the deceptive cliff face and made his way to a small crevasse nearby.

Overhead the beasts flew over completely missing him. Soon he heard other cries as if there were others in the area. Remaining quiet he waited, listening. He listened for the flapping of the wings and shrill cries of the creatures, but nothing. It seemed that they had passed for now. Bitey slumped down the dirt wall, not caring for the small pieces that were falling inside the armor. He needed rest, every since running away from the dark imps lair he had pushed himself to get to Bertosh, but little good would he be if he was so tired. In the darkness of the shallow cave sleep was coming quickly, and soon it had him.

Scratching at the filth encrusted armor, Bitey snapped awake and cast his withering gaze at the dingy surroundings. He could almost remember his dream, but that would mean he had been asleep... He jumped to his feet and slapped himself hard. A little too hard considering he was wearing gauntlets. As he sat on the floor, he took in his dented plate. He slipped it off and tended to it, deliberately ignoring the voice berating him for letting fatigue get the better of him. He was afraid to listen to it; he was afraid to face what had happened because he had been weak. He tended to his armor and pretended that nothing was happening.

In the end it was futile. He had needed to beat those creatures to Bertosh. He sat bitterly on the dirt floor, absently brushing the dust from his garments, armor forgotten. I couldn't even provide a proper diversion. It was hard to even be sufficiently bitter about it after a time. There was no one to be angry at, except himself. {I have failed...}

Bitey had been tending his armor when he heard a rustle on the ground outside the large crevice he had been in. The rustle was something close and something large. Quietly, he listened.

Putting his hand to the wall, he leaned wearily. It was starting to make sense, though, as he gathered his thoughts. I have never been the target of dark magics before... but now I know what it's like. I should hope to avoid those in the future. It had been a valuable learning experience, but at a bad time, if not completely in vain. Now, all he really needed was to recover the lads, and it was more than likely they hadn't made the distance to Bertosh at all. Not with those humans dragging along. {Of course, being overtaken on the road by those creatures would not be any better...} He slipped his armor back on, preparing for action.

Bitey eased himself forward, peeking out of his hole. He shook his head sadly. Matters were very grave now. At least before there had been the chance to minimize the damage and turn the tide of darkness before it became overwhelming. Now it was too late.

Then you hear...WARK! Again it WARKS and you smell the familiar scent of chocobo. Maybe it was Shadow doubling back to find him, or maybe it was some other random chocobo that happened to be in the forest, still it mattered little. At the very least it was not the flying creatures he had so hoped were gone now.

Still seeing nothing, Bitey answered the wark with one of his own. It didn't sound like a troubled wark. It would have been easier to just wait in the cave, but there was no sense in giving up. Besides, he was prepared now for the dark magics. Something told him not to count on avoiding them any longer.

The air was quiet for now, the sounds of the creatures are gone, and he simply heard the wind blowing through the trees above as their branches scratched one another.

"WARK...WARK...WARK" Shadow could be in the area. "WARK" A beak appeared and a dark feathered creature walked into view. It was indeed Shadow, but he appeared to be hurt. Shadow limped towards Bitey and placed his head on the imp's shoulder. He started to rub his head against his friend, and Bitey was happy to see Shadow alive, but it appeared he too had an encounter with some trouble.

"WARK" said Shadow, miserably. Looking down to see its bloodied foot, itdid not appear broken as Shadow had been walking on it, but it seemed to be hurt in some way. First he'd have to convince the chocobo to sit and not move. That was a trick indeed. His armor was fixed, he felt a little refreshed, the chocobo deserved just as much for helping, would he not?

Pulling a carrot, Bitey displayed it for Shadow to see. "Have a seat, fellow, and I will do what I can for you..." He leaned in, trying to determine the nature of the injury. I can bandage it, although at this rate I will run out of bandages and spare cloth in no time. Shadow deserved some care for his troubles, even if he couldn't have a real medic to do it. Waiting for the bird to calm, he plopped down to tend the injury. "So, what happened, friend? Was it those beasts? I would think you would have less trouble than I in these woodlands. I am no ranger, as you well know." He smirked, as that was very true. If there was any terrain advantage to be had in these foreign wilds, it was lost to the constant stream of setbacks and misfortunes he was being fed.

Bitey was able to entice the wounded Shadow into the dark crevice he was in, but not so far that he was unable to see. Bitey remembered that while he was able to see in the dark, there was a high probability that Chocobos could not see in pitch black. He remembered the times when his cousin released chocobos underground, and how crazy they went because they could not see. Of course that was back when they were simply children, a time where the darkness was not as prevelant.

Looking at Shadow's injury, Bitey figured that he could do very little to fix the injury, but stopping the blood was a must. Taking the bandages out of his pouch he started to unravel them and lay them out across his legs. He started by picking one up and placing it on Shadow's foot and wrapping upwards. He stopped right below the bloody cut and took a small cloth out to dab the cut as much as possible without causing too much pain. The pressure causes the chocobo to wince, but he focused on eating the carrot rather then running off.

With the wound as clean as it can be now, since there is no water, it might be wise to go ahead and bandage it up until they could get to a resevoir of some sort. Wrapping the bandages tightly he made sure the chocobo can still move his leg before standing up. Shadow remained still and only WARKED his appreciation as he started to nuzzle his companion.

It was all Bitey could do for now. Petting its feathers and feeding him another carrot you hear the howling of wolves. It seems as if the forest has other friends lying about its bottom. Quickly thinking he looked out behind Shadow and saw a trail of blood leading into the cave. Shadow did not know what was going on, but the sounds of the wolves made the bird antsy. For sure the wolves would be hungry and able to track the blood scent.

Blood trail. Pack hunters. Shaken out of his dark thoughts, Bitey forced himself to the here and now. His mind quickly brought back what he knew of wolves. In the forest where he had met the doomed humans, the wolves were tainted somehow. I missed that, as well... the touch of the Dark Ones was evident even then. Regardless of whether these were more of the Dark One's tortured abominations or natural creatures, however, their presence would prove troublesome. How intelligent are wolves? Will they wait for us to become exposed, or will they come into this cave one at a time?

"Fellow, we should go. We definitely do not want to be here when the wolves come." He peeked outside the cave again, noting the time and tracing the blood's path away from the entrance. "I know you need rest." A different shelter and a fire wouldn't hurt.

Looking outside the cave there were no signs of wolves, but he heard an answer to the first howl from somewhere off to the right. Being in the chasm he couldn't see level ground, so if he'd have to find a way out. Shadow seemed a little concerned, but at least he was not bleeding anymore.

Looking up there was no sign of the flying creatures, that was a blessing. Looking over the land he saw a path that lead up from the chasm. Being that the chasm was not all that deep they could make a run for it, but Shadow's leg was hurt. Is it possible to for a chocobo to fly straight up without a running start? Or at least a good jump?

The howls were coming more often now. Maybe they were closing in, it was hard to tell. There were lots of things to use for fire. An abundance of wood lay at his feet excellent for torches.

"HOWL!!!!"

"WARK!!!" Shadow replied quietly.

A plan was forming. Bitey went through his pack, picking out the rags he used for his armor. He ran back up Shadow's trail, looking for stray feathers. He rubbed the rags in the blood as he scooped the feathers. Unless I miss my guess, this should make an excellent scent decoy. He looked for a few large rocks to complete his "chocobo". Scavenging what he could from around the area he started to put his plan together. He rolled the rocks into the cavern, propping them together with the rag strips and feathers. Shadow only watched on as Bitey started spreading blood here and putting it together there. "Let's just hope that the wolves are more interested in the smell than in what their eyes might tell them. Now we hide."

The wolves howled again, it seemed as if they were trying to corner the scent, which meant he had a little time left. It looked like his idea was going to work as he looked out and decided that it was time to crawl out of the chasm.

Taking Shadow out with him, he started to make his way out of the cave, again making sure that the bird was not bleeding everywhere again. It seemed the bandage work was better then he had expected. Satisfied, he made his way to the exit of the chasm and start making his way up. At the top of the hill is a dense collection of bushes, figuring this would be his best vantage point looking down. He would not be directly over the crevice where he was, but instead about twenty yards to the right of the crevice, enough to see if the plan worked.

After some climbing up the steep slant he made it to the top, nothing but hollowed stumps, more shrubs and such, and lots of trees, but no enemy. It was time to hide. Another howl and another told Bitey they were close.

"(Quiet, Shadow...)" whispered Bitey, bringing the bird to his temporary hiding place. "(Let them surround our little cave, and as they enter it we will try to bring that cliff face down on top of them. We shall have to strike before they can react, with speed and strength. If we dislodge some of those larger rocks, it may work.)" He hoped that it did work, otherwise he'd have to delay the wolves at the narrow path leading back out of the ravine. It was not unthinkable, but not without risk and time was of the essence. "(You let me know if you feel like just flying out of here...)"

He positioned himself behind the boulders. Shadow got down low to the ground, as low as a chocobo would go. He saw nothing, only heard the howls in the air, but could not tell if it was just two of them or a larger pack.

Behind the boulders he started to chip away at the base of the boulder, hoping to dislodge it. Below the wolves had already followed the scent to the cave. They were licking their chops, hungry no doubt. Two of the wolves went inside because it was so narrow, the other three simply sauntered around the opening.

With the base finally chipped to pebbles he pushed the boulder against another to make them both dislodge and start rolling down the hill. They rolled, gravity making them roll faster and faster. The wolves saw them and started to make their way in the opposite direction, realizing that climbing up the chasm walls here was pointless. The boulders moved with great speed pounding and rumbling down the hill. The last thing heard was the wolves cry in pain. Their bodies tossed against the side walls, their bodies crushed by the boulders.

The two wolves inside came out cautiously, but one of them caught a scent in the air. He looked up towards Bitey's position and growled. It was moving, and the other followed behind it. They were quick like lightning running towards the hiding spot.

Bitey grimaced as the last wolves emerged from the cave and caught Shadow's scent. He spoke conspiratorially, "(I was hoping they'd be caught in that.)" As he drew his swords, he dropped into a more conversational tone, "Good work, but it looks like it may come down to steel. Stand clear, my friend... I'll deal with these." He'd fought wolves before, and they had been worse than these. He wasn't about to let them hurt Shadow now. Maybe they will spook and save me the trouble... He threw his blades into attack position, attempting to look large and menacing as they came on. "Run, Wild Beasts! Flee!" He stopped his charge, a little bit uncertain. He wasn't sure exactly what to say. "SHOO?!" That didn't seem like it.

Bitey had both swords drawn, steel ready to draw blood. Snarling back at the wolves it seemed that these creatures had not eaten in days and they were desperate. They also did not spook as Bitey attempted to scare them off. They were just too hungry to leave a possible meal alone. Bitey ran for the first Wolf and swung his blades. The first blade flies through the air and the wolf attempts to snap at it when it passes by. But the wolf failed to see the incoming second blade with struck home into the beasts fur. The wolf shrieked out loud as he felt the warm blood cover his fur.

The second Wolf ran for Bitey, jaws snapping the air, nostrils flared he lunges into the air and falls upon the imp. As Bitey attempted to fight the beast away by holding it at bay with his armored forarm the beast snaps its jaws just inches from Bitey's face, the drool falling onto his chin. Bitey was successful as keeping the jaws at bay but the wolf took one swing with his claws and they dug into his hand opening up a small wound.

The first Wolf lunges into the air on the still fallen Bitey, but the prone imp is able to roll out of the way as the wolf simply lands on the ground, and claws the dirt before going back beside his companion.

Throwing himself back to his feet, Bitey held his blades aloft in a defensive stance. These beasts were out for blood and there was little that would sway them from it. He was having more trouble with mindless creatures lately. Disappointed with the minor wound he had inflicted on the first, he prepared for a second attack. Now is the time to finish the job...

The second Wolf jumps into the air, it's lithe body showing days, possibly weeks of starvation. It's attack is relentless, and even with it's partner badly wounded it does not let up. It's jaws lock down on Bitey's arm as hestruggled to fend it off.

Bitey is able to toss off the wolf and regain his stance as he charged for the firstr Wolf, who was already badly wounded. The wolf was too hurt to move and sees the final flash of life as the sword digs deep into its body. The wolf screeches as frothy blood pours forth.

Whipping his blades back into a defensive position, Bitey faced the last wolf. {You'll only get more of what your brothers had, beast.} The animal probably wouldn't give up, not after tasting blood. Better to just finish it now. He eyed the starved creature, readying himself to put it out of its misery.

Bitey with both swords again drawn and ready runs for the attack on the wolf and strikes the beast on the side of his hide. The wolf howls out in pain as Bitey withdrew his blades. The wolf stumbles to the ground where its chest rises and falls for the last time.

With both wolves down Shadow comes out from the nearby brush and struts forward. With a loud "WARK" he's happy to see that Bitey lived through the battle.

"HOWL!!!!!"

More howls from the woods seemingly coming from all sides. Seems like more are out there, it was time to move. Shadow started to prance around as if frightened by the howling wolves. It was definitely not a good thing to just stand around.

Jumping on top of Shadow the bird attempts to lunge skyward, but to no avail. The sounds of bushes and leaves being tossed and Bitey felt the prying eyes on him. Time to move indeed. Urging the bird forward, Shadow lunges forward and takes off at a run. Runing away from the chasm and heading towards the edge you can hear the sounds of pursuit nearby.

The second Wolf lunges for Bitey as it appears it wants to get to Shadow. But Bitey stands before it so the beast goes straight for the imp. With a vicious snap it attempts to take a bite out of his neck but he was able to roll away from the bite.

The fourth Wolf runs forward and goes for his legs as you stand back up. It moves like lightning and attaches itself to his leg as he beat it away.

Bitey having beat down the fourth to make it let go goes after it and swings both his swords. The wolf jumps out of the way of the first but the second hits home.

The first Wolf runs and lunges knocking him off his feet again and goes for the arm that was blocking it. :::HIT 4HP:::

The third Wolf does the same but this time he dodged it as it flies right by only to turn around and return to its former position.

Bitey grimaced, not liking the odds at all. "Begone! Scatter!" All this combat was taking its toll. He eyed the potion bottle he had found dubiously. There was no time to be timid about its contents, since they might well mean the difference between escaping and becoming wolf food. He took another look around and swallowed the liquid.

The second Wolf goes for his legs again and its jaws snap shut on air as he quickly moved to the side.

Bitey reaches into his bags slowly and pulls out a bottle that he takes half its contents from. He felt his body revitalized and ready for battle. It seemed that the potion did the trick after all. "All right, you brutes, now see how you like this..." He eyed the menacing wolves coolly, looking for that wounded one. Time to finish it.

The fourth Wolf lunges for his arm, attempting to disarm him, but it only nicks flesh as he shakes it off.

The first Wolf goes for legs again but now understanding their tactics he is able to watch out for their attacks.

The third Wolf runs and snaps at his arm and catches him as he deflected the hit.

The third Wolf again lunges but misses as its jaws snap down on Bitey's blade. :::MISS:::

Bitey goes for the wounded wolf as he shakes one off. Both blades hit with a scissor attack and the wolf is decapitated.

The second Wolf attacks him and knocks him down onto the ground. Snarling and snapping it bites his arm and draws blood.

The first Wolf takes the opportunity to attack and smell the blood as it licks its jaws. Its attack misses and he runs around to take his position for another attack.

Bitey whirled and immediately went for the third wolf. He tried to look larger and more dangerous without allowing them to get anymore bites to his arms. They were beginning to ache. "Gah!" he said, irritated that the beasts wouldn't be frightened.

The second Wolf snapped for his legs and misses as he tried to scare the wolf off, but the savage look in its eyes says otherwise.

The first Wolf ran and fell on top of him, but he threw hands and knocked the wolf off, allowing him brief seconds to stand.

Bitey attacks Wolf number three that has lowered itself on its haunches for an attack. With a swing both swords make contact. The wolf staggers back, its fur now stained with blood.

The third Wolf did not move.

Bitey turned to face a new wolf, satisfied that the last would be no more threat. But the beast is obviously injured badly. Besides, it may be driven into a frenzy by pain. He whipped back, intent on putting the animal out of its misery.

Bitey goes for an attack on Wolf number three, who is hurt badly, and swings his first sword that comes around and digs itself into the wolf's hide. The second blade came down and hit the same area but on the opposite side of the wolf. The wolf let out a gurgling cry as it fell to the ground.

The second Wolf does nothing as it watches its comrade die. For fear of invoking the more wrath while there are only two, the wolf howls into the night sky. One more wolf appears.

The first Wolf attacks Bitey with a bite to his legs and misses completely.

Bitey grimaced as more wolves came to the forefront. This was as bad as sticking Dark Ones in their holes... maybe worse. "Bad wolf! No more wolves!" He jabbed at the howling wolf. If it kept howling, who knew how many more wolves... or other things... it would summon.

Wolf number two attacked Bitey and was able to snap at his arm drawing more blood, pulling teeth back that were tinted red.

Bitey went for an attack on the second Wolf, hoping it would not call any more wolves. With both swords at the ready he took his swing, a mighty blow to the wolf.

The new Wolf was much bigger then the rest and came in for an attack where it stood on its hind legs and took a swat with his paws just missing Bitey's face.

The first Wolf attacks Bitey in the same area as the second but missed completely as Bitey moved backwards away from the snapping jaws.

Big one... thought Bitey, noting the size and strength of the newest arrival. He pressed his attack on the second wolf, keeping a wary eye on this larger menace.

The bigger Wolf runs forward for an attack and again stands on it's hind legs to swipe at the small imp. With one powerful paw he was able to knock Bitey off balance.

Bitey flashed in anger. With weapons ready, he went to attack the second Wolf and suddenly moved faster then the wolf could see. A blur hitting it from all sides, flying upwards, downwards, from the sides, diagonally, the wolf can only whine as its being pelted on all sides. Bitey landed back in position watching the body fall over.

The first Wolf goes for an attack on his leg hoping you do not do that again, but it misses.

With strength borne of desperation, Bitey turned his attentions to the large wolf. Drawing both blades forward, he charged the beast, intent on cleaving the creature in two. His thoughts flew back to the book in his pack, the journal. Balance, strength of the sword, momentum, the draw of gravity... all forces focused on one edge, one single cut. Fitey's Edge...

Bitey focused his blade again just like before. In a blur he moves like lightning, and cannot be seen. From all sides again he hit the great Wolf as it whines and bleeds from cuts unseen just yet. The imp landed back into place and the wolf fell to pieces...literally.

The first Wolf attacked as he caught his breath and was able to take a chunk of flesh from his hand.

Bitey panted like the wolves he had killed. One more, and then escape. More animals might be on the way. He wiped his face and stared down his last foe.

Bitey again moved like lightning, disappearing as he pelted the wolf from side to side. All he could hear was the clanging of his weapon and the whines of the wolf. It did not have a chance. Bitey stopped and it again fell apart like all the others, a pool of blood soaking into the dirt. Now was time to get away.

Shadow came in from the side rather quickly and urged Bitey to climb on. It tried to jump in the air but let out a horrible "WARK" it appeared that there would be no other way but on foot.

Bitey popped the stopper on the potion he had found. "Here, friend, try this out. Don't worry, I tested it first." He gave the contents to the chocobo, hoping that would clear up his injury. He cast a quick look around... "As much fun as it's been, we should really be leaving... how do you feel?"

Shadows gulps down the liquid and "WARKS" loudly. He seems to be energized and the healing takes place very rapidly. Bitey smiles as the large chocobo starts to flitter and flutter as he flaps his wings.

The sounds of wolves howling in the night breaks the silence, and Bitey figures it's time to go. Jumping on top of the chocobo Shadow faces away from the howling and starts to run, gaining momentum, ready to fly.

Behind them the wolves were running. There were three of them...then four...then six of them...every time Bitey looked back he could see them gain in number. More and more of them seem to be jumping out from behind the bushes and brush on the forest floor. He heard them snarling, and heard their jaws snapping shut just inches behind him. Ahead you see a break in the forest, it seems this is where Shadow is running to.

Feeling their rotten breath, he can sense their desire to maul him and devour him down to the last bone. But not this day...hopefully not this day. Shadow made the run, running just a little faster then the wolves. And with one giant lunge into the air they were off into the sky. The jaws of the hungry wolves snapped shut right where Shadow's legs would have been. Up they went, into the air, leaving the wolves to mill around down below, growling and still howling.

The dark clouds hung overhead, ominously. The darkness wasn't particularly worrisome itself, so much as the things it might conceal. Still, with spirits soaring from getting airborne, it was difficult to muster concern over the flying abominations. They were well-armed, but now they had lost the power to ambush.

"Good work, Shadow!" said Bitey, keeping one eye on the clouds. "Let's not let anything interrupt us this time." The delay they had already suffered had no doubt cost the inventors dearly. They were just humans... but humans with their hearts in the right places, and therefore exceedingly rare. Bitey looked down past Shadow's neck. "We will avenge them. Now fellow, keep a steady watch for wagons below... we will need to find that inventor man in order to rescue the lads."

Glancing back up, it was obvious that they were trailing the villainous plans of the Dark Ones. Far worse than the human's wizard troubles, as the Dark Ones were already on the move and winning battles. Now I must rally the Queen's armies... I have to turn this tide back. He was feeling anxious, impatient. The fighting had been much better than the waiting. With so many foes, it was best to get started cleaving right away. It was going to be a long fight.

Shadow soared into the dark sky. The forest was long behind them, and the howls too far to be heard. Now they were on open land. The road below was faint, barely noticable. Still Bitey was making sure to keep his eye on it. What disturbed him most was the fact that his fellow dark brethern were already moving, and it seemed like no one knew.

So much time had been spent fighting already, and with the dark cloud cover it was hard to tell whether it was day or night. Never before had such a darkness been seen before. Bitey was reminded of the times he was deep in the caves of the imp kingdom and how dark it was in there, this was definitely a close second.

Out on the horizon he could see some lights here and there, scattered across the landscape. Farm no doubt, persons brave enough to live outside the city limits and dig out a life in this dangerous wild.

Up ahead he saw three horses stopped beside a wagon. He thought to himself what the group consisted of. He knew that some of the humans had horses, he knew Sir Slyde was riding a horse, and then the wagon was being driven by some of the others.

Shadow warked loudly, seeing the movement below. It did indeed look like the group. Curious they did not move much farther then he had expected. Maybe something was wrong. Maybe they were slowed down by someone being hurt, or maybe the wagon was damaged which was why the people were off their horses.

"Shadow, let's fly by that wagon. It might be the humans." Bitey leaned forward to get a better look at the wagon. Of course, there were two wagons... but they may have left one behind. How many humans have wagons out on the roads? Noting the dark sky, odds were that only the extraordinarily foolish were out... or the desperate. Both of which likely fit most humans. I only need rouse the lads, and we can be off. A gesture to dip lower, and Bitey gave the wagon an inspection as they drew closer.

Shadow dipped down and starts to descend on the wagon. The wagon is not moving and the three riders are off their horses but from this height Bitey is unable to see exactly what is going on. The darkness also made it hard to see any detail of the area, so Bitey was sure to be careful.

As Shadow came down low enough Bitey yells out his nephew's names in his own language. Surely if they are inside the wagon, someone will hear. He yelled out their names twice each and suddenly heard arguing and fighting now that he was closer.

Apparently something is happening. He heard crying and more yelling. Definitely not the wagon he was looking for, but someone is in pain and in need of help. The cries are of a woman, and there is a man's voice in there. Things are being tossed out of the back of the wagon as boxes crash onto the ground.

Upon closer inspection there is a man holding onto a child, the child no more then twelve years of age, and fighting to be let go, but the man only laughs. He is the first to hear the calling voice and looks up as the two are descending.

"What the hell?" he asks as Bitey came into view.

Irked at not finding what he was looking for and instead finding humans up to their typical brigand tricks, it was a foregone conclusion that it was time to make trouble for them. The boy made him think of Taran, which only served to strengthen his resolve. It was time for action. "Stay clear of those humans, fellow," said Bitey, positioning himself to leap off the bird's back. With any luck, he could handle these rogues and be on his way in short order. So long as he kept the element of surprise.

Shadow dipped down low enough that Bitey could jump off the bird. Shadow warked loudly as Bitey left. The man below tossed the child aside, and opened his arms just as Bitey fell on top of the armored man. The child was on the ground looking at the creature now attacking his attacker. The man yelled out and from inside the wagon two male voices could be heard wondering what was going on outside.

Leaving their position from the wagon the two shadowed men climbed out of the wagon and looked at their fallen comrade who was struggling with a creature also in amor. Just then Shadow landed on the ground just to side of Bitey. Bitey was knocking the man senseless, when he looked up and saw that two others had been watching him. The men must have come from the wagon.

"Don't move you beast!" A man shouted. The other ran to the wagon and returned with a lit torch. As the men walked closer the light fell on Bitey. "You!"

Bitey looked up and recognized the man's face. It was the captain from Camea, the very one who had ordered his death. The child had already gotten up and run to his mother who was climbing out of the wagon.

"You vile hell spawn, I knew I would catch you, and now you're mine!" Captain Alemorea withdrew his sword and sneered, baring his teeth.

Bitey frowned... These pawns of evil are excellent trackers... they'd put our best rangers to shame. His mind boggled, Bitey shook his head. "No, I think you are mistaken. It was I who found you, Captain... blast, I'm almost sure you had a name. I suppose that's not important now. I think now is as good a time as any for that lesson I promised you."

Going for his swords, a thought occurred to him. "Hold on just a moment, there's something I need to do..." Finding a moment of peace, Bitey willed his wounds to heal.

Captain Alemorea salivated at the thought that finally his demon would die by his blade. The city of Camea had been in a uproar about this creature and he would be a hero when he took the head back on the end of his sword. The people would cry out to make him a leader, and then he would be able to claim the power he so deserved. Unsheathing his sword he grinned as he licked his lips. With a jump forward he swung at Bitey who was still readying for battle. The swing missed as Bitey was able to duck down below it. Alemorea cursed, but remembered that different tactics would be required with a demon as wily as this one.

Bitey holds his hand out to signal that he would be with them in a moment. Offended by the imps non-chalant attitude about them, they all cursed and spit in his direction. Bitey paid little attention as he started to chant and was soon surrounded by sparkling green lights as he felt his skin tingle. Bitey was now ready to fight, drawing his swords.

The second Soldier carried a mace and used that instead of his sword. Swining the mace overhead, he brings it flying downwards and smashes the imp in the torso with a heavy blow. Bitey is sent backwards a little, his body seemingly vibrating from the hard hit.

The first Soldier withdrew his sword and was ready to fight, and charged forward yelling his battle cry, but Bitey amazingly was ready and deflected the hit with his own swords. A struggle of sword against sword began when the soldier finally decided to push off.

Bitey shrugged off the blow he had received. "Not worth much when you can't backstab, are you, humans? You lads should go, this is between your ignoble grandfather here and myself. You've been warned." With blades drawn, Bitey lunged for the human that had struck him. This battlefield needed to be weeded.

The captain spit on the ground and cursed Bitey. "Any lesson you have to teach me is one not worth learning, demon." Captain Alemorea came in for a hit with his blade and hit Bitey true. The captain laughed loudly. "You will fall by my blade before this battle is through."

The first Soldier came in for a hit, but missed as Bitey ducked and rolled out of the way, getting back on his feet quick as a hiccup. The Soldier was obviously frustrated.

Bitey went after Soldier number two and swung his mighty blades at the soldier. Both of them struck very true, and the soldier cried out in pain. The soldier was left standing hunched over in pain.

He lifted his weapon as high as he could and went after Bitey, but the imp was able to read the man's movements and dodge the blow.

"Run along now lad, this fight's not for you..." Bitey gave the man a dismissive gesture with one blade before glancing at the captain. He was a confusing one. 'Not worth learning?' Shrugging, "How will you know if a lesson is worthwhile until you have learned it? It's not as if you'll have a chance to learn another." He raised his own swords and addressed his foe again.

Captain Alemorea was not a man of many words and did not care to converse with this demon. He spat on the ground again this time almost hitting Bitey's feet. He ran forward with his weapon and sliced at Bitey. The swing missed and the captain returned to his position.

Bitey was determined to clear the field of the two soldiers so he struck out at Soldier number two again, striking the soldier in the torso. With a grunt the soldier spit up blood as Bitey returned to position. The soldier had had enough. "I need to get out of here!" He turns and disappears from the battle.

The remaining Soldier ran forward and swung his blade but caught nothing as Bitey caught the tip of the sword with his weapon and deflected the shot.

"Good lad!" said Bitey, watching the soldier escape. There was still one human impeding his duel with the hated captain. "You're next!" he said, blades extended toward the first soldier. "Your friend was right to run away... I'll give no quarter."