Veil of Shadows

Chapter 5. Drums of War

"Alright, Jaddie, let's see what you can do." Wolf said.

Jaddie grinned and replied "Might want to step back a few paces." Wolf did so, even though she sensed it wasn't necessary. Jaddie's eyes glowed brighter white, and a blinding flash of energy burst from her hand.

Wolf glanced at what Jaddie held and realized it was a sword. A white energy sword, to be exact. And quite a powerful one as well. It could use some work, but it was a good start for a recruit.

Impressed, Wolf nodded and said "Nice magic trick. But can you use that sword?" Jaddie held the energy blade by her side and said "Why don't you find out?" Wolf grinned and unsheathed her own diamond sword. "I plan to."

"I suggest you put the sword down and step away."

Wolf froze as she heard another voice. She saw Jaddie's eyes widen. She felt something sharp at the back of her neck, and the voice repeated "Drop the sword and step away."

Grinning, Wolf didn't put the sword down.

Jaddie whispered "Are you insane? You're going to die! Put the sword down!" Wolf simply shook her head, her grin unwavering. Now, Jaddie was having a death stare match with the person.

Then, with unnatural speed, Wolf spun under the blade and punched the unknown person in the stomach. He staggered backward, gasping, almost dropping his sword.

Wolf held him at swordpoint and said "What is your name?" He chuckled and replied "Wouldn't you like to know." Wolf closed her eyes and smiled. Fire bloomed in her other palm, flickering and deadly.

"I will ask you once and only once more..." Wolf's voice had become dangerously quiet "...what is your name?" He said, sketching a bow "Caken, at your service. Not literally."

"And what is it you want with us?" Wolf asked, and Caken replied "I merely have a message from my King. He brings a warning to you all. He is done hiding. If it is war you want, it's war you'll get."

Wolf chuckled. "We do not fear war." Caken smiled. It was the smile of a wolf. Ironic, wasn't it? "Perhaps you do not fear war, but you do fear for your friends." Suddenly, Caken found himself in a position he really did not want to be in.

Wolf held the sword at his neck, eyes blazing white with anger. "Tell me what you mean." She said, pressing the blade closer to his neck. Caken laughed and pointed to a spot across the courtyard.

He said "Perhaps you should see for yourself."

Wolf cautiously put the sword away and moved to the place he had indicated. After a quick search around the perimeter for traps or an ambush, Wolf moved in.

Her breath hitched. Pro lay on the ground, unmoving. Quickly, Wolf checked for a pulse. It was there, but it was faint. Wolf thought something was off about her.

Then her hybrid sense went off.

Wolf immediately inspected a small injection wound in her arm, and came to the conclusion that Shadow had turned her into some kind of hybrid. She growled "When I find him, I'm going to kill him."

She spotted a small note nailed to a wall. Ripping it off, she unfolded it and spread it out. She looked at the sender and almost tore it to pieces right then and there. It was a note from Shadow. It contained the following message:

"Greetings, Hero Squad.

By now I am certain you know who I am. And, of course, Caken has given you my message. But I bring another message. A warning. War is imminent, and you must pick a side. But take care which side you choose.

As a token of my goodwill, I have returned to you your friend, Pro. We had a small incident concerning slime DNA, but I assure you, she is quite unharmed otherwise.

My best wishes. - Shadow"