CACKLE- Book 1

Chapter Five

"Looks like three pigs." Anna said, raising her hand to block the sun from her eyes as they watched the creature's pudgy silhouettes fly closer. On their own they are not the most dangerous demon but their shrieks are loud and typically alert less desirables in the area of potential food.

Remi took a step forward. Typically while on the run it would be too difficult for her to call upon her magic without stopping to centre herself. When you're running for your life, there's less opportunities to do just that.

The pigs did what they do best, shrill high screeches that made Remi want to cover her ears. She kept still. If Anna saw her flinch, she would demand they return to the cove.

"I've got your back." Anna said, loading her crossbow and slowly turning on the spot to avoid being caught off guard by other demons who've heard the pig's dinner bell cry.

As their features came more clearly into view Remi's fingers sparked. Turning her palms to the sky she conjured balls of green flames in her hands and directed them at the fliers, releasing one at a time.

The largest pig dodged the first ball of fire, however its companion was not so agile. Bursting into flames, it screamed in pain as its body plummeted towards the ground.

A shrill cry of frustration came from the largest flier. Most demons have no regard for the death of another- except in the case of a mate. Rare as it was, on occasion Remi and Anna had observed vengeful behaviour when a demon's companion was killed. Typically a sense of self-preservation would cause stragglers to flee but a few times they've seen a companion stay and fight- when it was clear there was no chance of a win.

The largest demon's cries turned into wails of rage. A constant flow of shrieks filled the skies.

"Crap!" Anna yelled, "He's going to catch the attention of every damn demon for miles!"

Remi kept moving her hands, projecting ball after ball of fire at the pigs. She killed the second smaller one- but that last pig was determined. He had come close enough that she could see the pitch black colour of his beady little eyes. He snarled and snapped. Remi put both hands out and projected a stream of fire, engulfing the pig. The only sound that left him now was the thump of his body hitting the ground and the sizzle of burning demon flesh.

"More will come." Anna said.

Remi knew what she was suggesting. That they go back into the water, retreat to the safety of their cave, but she knew they were running out of time. There was only one more day until the blood moon. This would be their last chance to practice like this. She knew she wouldn't have the strength in her tomorrow, she would be far too distracted.

"I'll need a better vantage point." Remi said, as she turned to climb the mountainous side of the volcano. Rocks and debris skittered down behind her as she found footholds to pull herself up onto a ledge. Anna was still on the ground, crossbow at the ready- turning from side to side watching for what was to come.

"If there's more than five we're going back." Anna called.

Remi hesitated. "More than five and I want you to get in the water." She said.

Anna looked up at her briefly, reading her face. Remi kept her expression calm and confident.

Then they heard it. A loud growl to Anna's right. She turned her crossbow and trained it on a werewolf that was sprinting on all fours straight for her.

Remi lifted her palm and instead of sending the same balls of fire, she conjured a massive boulder size sphere of flame. The center glowing blue with heat. She aimed just ahead of where the wolf was and fired. Its yelp echoed through the empty lands around them. When the smoke cleared all that remained was a small pile of black ashes and singed dirt.