Storm's Break (Completed, Editing)

Chapter 8

Ren

    I’m a little apprehensive as we file through the warp. Either way my coven takes charge. As soon as we hit the ground I study my surroundings. Interestingly enough the students look to us.

    We’re on a beach of sorts. There’s huge cliff walls full of caves surrounding us and a large deep lake in the centre. I immediately scroll through my list of Mermish species to see if I can come up with something for this setting.
“Right. We know we’re fighting a Mermish creature so be wary of the water. However, those cliffs are full of caves, so we could be dealing with a mix breed Mer. Whoever is confident in the water with me. The rest of you keep an eye on those caves with Jasper.” I command.

    The group nods and takes up positions. The non-swimmers spread out in groups of two watching the caves. They rotate slowly. The rest of us rotate around the lake. Lizzy – a slight vampire and my girlfriend spots it first. The rapidly growing shadow in the water.

    I lunge, shoving her out of the way as the shadow breaches the water, lunging for her in a blur of scarlet scales and water. It grabs my shoulders – better me than her. Lizzy is my third. I barely manage to shout what type of Mer it is before I’m pulled under – the heat of it’s skin told me.
“IT’S A DRACONIC MER!” I yell.

    I can hear Lizzy shouting commands to circle up and watch the caves – we don’t know if it will shift into a drake and come out of the caves. I gasp, losing valuable air, as the Mer slams it’s tail into my chest. All of Luke’s explanations come back to me in a rush.
Sharp movements, slice through the water rather than force against it. Use your opponent’s body – preferable shoulders and head – to propel yourself to the surface. Be quick in determining what type of Merfolk it is – Leviathans will try to crush you but guard their fins because they’re super-sensitive. Draconic tend to be fast and breach. They use caves and pathways they’ve carved through stone and guard their backs where wings would sit. Sirens sing to create distractions, duplicates and disturb the water. Mazins whip up massive storms above and below water so that neither is safe.

    I do as Luke recommended and shove off it’s shoulders. I’m not cruel enough to use the head. I gulp down a lungful of air and study the water. It’s circling.
“Cave team! Back away from the walls – Draconic Mer have a tendency to pop out of caves as fire drakes!” I yell.

    I’m yanked back under the water by a hand round my ankle. This time when the Mer tries to tail slam me I’m prepared and shift my body in the water. The bubbles and blurriness make it hard to see but I do my best. Suddenly though, they grab my arm, slam me into the rock wall and physically throw me out of the water. Though the Mer was being careful, I can still feel a few scratches on my cheek and arms.
“The drake’s over here!” Jasper yells.

    I cough up water as our three designated medics check me for serious injuries and make sure I’ve got all the water expelled from my lungs. Lizzy takes one look at me and gets what I’m planning.
“Lead it to the water, hit every unprotected area you can in the process! Jasper, Sora! Your with Ren!” She shouts.

    My coven mate and his half sister join us.
“What’s the plan boss?” Jasper asks.
“Their weaker in the water because their attacks are limited. The others will lure it in and we’ll be there to hound it. Target the Mer’s back, but don’t hit too hard. They guard that area because of their wings.” I explain.

    The team nods and we dive in the water. Again the bubbles and blurriness make it hard to see but I don’t bother to remedy it. The Mer will likely come after me because I was it’s previous target.

    There’s a loud ‘whoomph’ and a hiss of steam and then we’re face to face with the Mer. As expected it comes after me. It takes little too dodge and distract, making the Mer aware of the others. We circle around it dodging blows as best we can, coming up for breathers when needed. And we hound after it’s back.

    This goes on for about an hour, we swap out when required until finally it starts to tire. Half an hour later the Mer throws us out the water and slumps against the shore.

    Bruises bloom on pale flesh and I would have felt guilty had we not all been in a similar state. My t-shirt is in rags.
“I... can’t keep... going, you.... won” The Mer pants.

    I help the guy up and he nods in thanks. He shifts into his human skin, appearing wearing a pair of baggy cargo pants and lacking a top. Suddenly the pocket in space becomes unbearably hot. Only for a second. When it cools off all our clothes are dry. The Warp appears behind us and we file through, back into the combat room.

    The humans are already there, though judging by harsh breathing and how sweaty they are,  they only just got out.
“Well done vampires. Ren, Lizzy, Jasper. Full marks for leadership. The rest of you, well done on cooperation and teamwork. Mia. Smart idea in going into groups.” Luke praises.

    I smile. Then look at each group’s opponent. The human side fought two vampires. Twins. Except they smell like mutts. How my father used to describe werewolves. Whereas we – no way! I burst out laughing.
“Care to share what’s so funny Ren?” Luke asks, amused.
“Sorry, I just wasn’t expecting Jazon to be our opponent!” I chuckle.
“Glad to be of service, though it’ll be hell explaining the bruises to my class at Taiga. Nice job when you pinned me.” Jazon smirks.

    Then he disappears. Luke smiles in a way that suggests he has something planned.
“Alex. Is it ready?” He calls out.

    There’s a muffled yep and then the doors open revealing refreshments. Yup. This is definitely my favourite class!