Chaos and Order

By Gwyndolyn L Russell

There are much greater powers at play than we could imagine. The cosmic forces of chaos and order sometimes clash like ocean waves and it will play no differently on Skao than it has anywhere else in the universe. These clashes are violent explosions of agony and death and this time the Queen of Wolves is

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gwyndolyn Russell
• Release date: Sep 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088095072

Book preview

The Thin Hex Line

Chaos and Order

Gwyndolyn Russell

INTRODUCTION

Reaper followed Tyr into the throne room. Many of the younger valkyries had gathered in, nervously awaiting the news. Vidar took a seat on one of the tables.

Are you well supplied, Tyr? Vactubstein asked.

Well enough. Tyr nodded.

We only have a handful of flamethrowers and a couple of rifles.

Yaaranam said. Not much ammunition to spare.

Jack, why don't you and Ruby…. Reaper turned around to find Jackal and Fenris were not there. He blinked and looked around. Where the hell is Jack?

I don't think he came in with us. Mjolnir said.

But he was right behind us. Fenris, too.

Maybe they're outside still? Yaaranam proposed.

Fenris does not seem to like being in here. Vactubstein added.

While you prepare your men, Tyr said, I will speak with Mimir and consult the Ancestors. See if there is any more information we can gather.

I'll check on them, Reaper headed back outside.

Yaaranam followed him back through the tunnel.

Outside in the cool air of dusk, they found no one. No sign that anyone had been there aside from their shuttles and their vehicles.

What the hell? Reaper checked around the other side of the shuttles.

Where did they go?

Yaaranam paced in a wide circle for a view moments, checking the soil for any impressions.

I found some footprints. Look like Fenris' She said.

Reaper joined her side.

They headed back into the forest? Why?

She shrugged. Fenris has been acting pretty weird ever since we got here.

Her true colors are showing, that's all. Reaper sighed. He climbed partway into one of the trucks to grab the radio receiver.

Jackal, this is Reaper, do you copy?

No answer.

Jackal, do you copy?

Maybe he didn't bring a radio?

Why the hell not?! He didn't even say he was going anywhere!

I'm sure he'll be fine, Captain.

No.. no, something isn't right. I've got a bad feeling.

Paranoia maybe?

Reaper sighed. He shut the door and opened the back door. Dug into one of the packs lying on the floorboard. He grabbed a hand receiver and a rifle; a few magazines to go with it and a flashlight.

Are you going out there, Reaper? Yaaranam asked, her ears bent back.

I just wanna make sure they're all right.

It's getting dark.

I'll be fine.

You sound just like Jackal.

He huffed and pulled the strap of the rifle over his shoulder.

Mjolnir and Vac can be in charge while I'm gone. They can handle it. I won't be long.

Nuh huh, she shook her head. I'm not letting you go out there alone. It's dangerous.

Yaara…

I'm coming with you, Art.

I'm sure they didn't go far.

There's eos out there.

Alright. Let's go.

She smiled and adjusted the flamethrower under her arm.

They headed down the path in the direction of the footprints. The trail went cold after a few steps. Fenris’ heavy feet didn’t kick the dirt up as much as expected. It didn’t even leave a trail of khexide like it usually did.

Flashlights flipped on, they kept the beams aimed at the ground ahead of them. No sign of eos. No sign of Jackal. They walked throughout the night.

Shrubs gently rustled against the cold air. Branches trembled from hidden movement. Still there was no immediate danger. No sighting of their friends.

When the sun peeked over the horizon, they finally stopped walking.

Captain, maybe they didn’t come out this way.

I didn’t see another path.

Hard to see at night with so little light. She perked up then. They could have already gotten back to the base!

He raised a brow. Hey, you could be right. Might be looking for us.

By the time they returned to the burrow, Tyr had Reaper’s entire team and most of his valkyries outside. They were waiting, but Jackal and Fenris were nowhere to be seen.

There you are! Tyr approached them. Did you not find Fenris and Lieutenant Jackal?

We were hoping they would have come back by now. Reaper frowned.

We haven’t seen them. Tyr shook his head.

What’s going on?

The Queen of Wolves has arrived! Tyr said.

Wh-what? Already?!

I am afraid so. He frowned. I prayed Fenris would be here for her arrival, but this will have to do.

What do we need to do?

Stay in the back. Tyr said. Allow us to handle the front line.

ONE

They all seem nervous, Vactubstein whispered. This will not bode well.

I don't think they've had much combat experience. Reaper whispered back. He knelt down next to the eldiravan. I can't believe they've arrived already. I thought we had more time.

Perhaps eos can travel faster than us.

Do we have a plan, father? Yaaranam asked from his other side.

Tyr wishes us to hold the back line. He does not have confidence in our abilities.

I don't have confidence in most of these valkyries! Yaaranam spat.

Captain, Mjolnir touched his shoulder, I had Ianisse and Ruby stay inside.

Thank you. Reaper smiled, it's probably for the best.

The radio on Reaper's hip crackled to life. Captain Reaper, do you copy?

He ripped it off and held the button, I copy, Syndicate.

A ship just pulled into orbit. Uh. .it's a big one. I don't think I've seen anything like it before. It's, uh, staying away from the Syndicate. It's fucking huge, Captain. Looks real mean.

That must be our Queen, Vactubstein breathed out.

How big, Willis? Reaper asked.

It could swallow us whole. The radio crackled.

Tyr! Vactubstein called.

The lion turned to look at him from the front line.

They're here!

We're ready for them. Tyr tapped his spear against the ground.

Heimdall hit the hilt of his sword against his shield. The other valkyries quieted down. Readied themselves for the battle to come. None knew what

to expect. Who this Queen of Wolves was they did not know, nor her abilities. They only knew she came with her army of monsters and they were hungry for war.

The minutes that ticked by now were unbearable. They trembled from the anxiety. The expectation.

Vidar soon pointed into the sky. Four shuttles twice the size of the Syndicate's own soared low over the canopy of the forest. They pulled around in a tight formation.

Human shuttles. Painted black.

Reaper and his team slowly stood up in the back line. Something wasn't right. These were not eos.

The shuttles came down to land in the clearing, doors on either side swinging upwards to reveal the interiors packed with not just humans, but trucks as well.

The lead shuttle was the first to reveal its contents and before it fully landed, a small woman jumped out. She didn't wear much. Shorts, halter top, knee high boots, and a leather coat with no sleeves. A red, toothy muzzle and long swooping horns. A crimson, lazy mohawk with the hair brushed over a shoulder.

A large robotic dog joined her side followed by a man twice her size wearing a crying wolf skull for a helmet. He wore a coat that matched her, save for the sleeves.

Well, this sure is one hell of a welcoming party! She said.

No…. Reaper could barely get the word out. He shoved his rifle under his arm. Pushed his way through the crowd of valkyries.

He couldn't believe his own eyes. He must have been seeing a ghost.

Other men jumped out of the shuttle behind her. Rifles strapped to their chests. The trucks inside were already reversing down the extended ramp out of the back of the shuttle.

Tyr tried to stop Reaper from rushing up to the strangers, but he kept going anyway. He needed that closer look.

Spec? He called out as he neared her.

Reaper! She raised a hand. Yer here!

Oh, my God! Spec, you're alive! He threw his arms around her and pulled her in close.

She grunted. Uh, yeah. Of course I am. What? You thought I was dead?

He didn't let her go. I saw that broadcast in Aesterium….

She patted his back. Oh, that. She chuckled. Yeah, as if that was gonna do me in.

He slowly let her go. He looked her up and down. She looked as good as ever. Like she had never taken that shot. Then again it must have been years for her.

Wait. .You're the.. you're the Queen of Wolves?

The what now? She raised a brow.

Reaper turned around and waved his hand at Tyr.

Tyr, stand your men down! These are friendlies! He called.

Are you sure?

I promise you, they are here to help.

Reaper grabbed Spectre's hand, "Come on, you need to meet some people.

We'll catch you up."

Wait, so you didn't get my message? She followed him towards Tyr.

The one about the infection? He glanced at her. You seem to have taken care of it. You look good. He squeezed her hand.

Vactubstein and Yaaranam broke through the crowd of valkyries. Phantom and Mako also followed them to Tyr.

No. She shook her head. I told you we were coming here.

I never received another message.

Weird….

When they made it to Tyr, she pulled her hand away from him to light a cigarette between the teeth of her muzzle.

Stalker, at the shuttles, started barking orders at the other alpha hunters to get camp set up. The others piled down out of the shuttles. Trucks were backed down the ramps and crates were pulled out.

Tyr, Reaper said, this is Spectre, the leader of the Black Wolves and. .I suppose the Queen of Wolves.

Why the hell is everyone addressing me as a queen lately? She groaned.

I'm an alpha hunter, not royalty.

I haven't seen an alpha hunter since I've left Avant-Garde. Tyr raised a brow.

It is good to see you again, Spartan, Vactubstein gave a toothy smile.

She looked him over in silence for a moment.

Dragonborn? What the fuck are you doing here?

Investigating the eos. He laughed. I'm glad you are all right. I feared your enemy took you down.

Man, you guys really have no faith, huh?

I can't wait to see Jackal's face when he sees you. Reaper grinned.

Where is he anyway?

Not sure. Him and Fenris wandered off last night. Reaper frowned. I'm worried about them. They don't usually disappear like this. Not without saying something.

Maybe we should go look for them. The cigarette flicked up and down against her muzzle.

I tried before and had no luck.

You can't track for shit.

I wouldn't recommend you venturing off anywhere, Tyr said. The eos are dangerous.

I can handle myself, thank you. Spectre rolled her eyes. Stalker can manage the base. Me and Phantom will go fetch Jack and Fenris. Why don't you wait here and we'll be right back? It'll give us a chance to check the area out.

Why don't I come with you? Reaper suggested. I know the area.

Naw. She shook her head. Stay put for now. Settle in. You need time to. .relax. She stared at him for a moment.

I am relaxed! Reaper said. I mean, it's just a miracle you're alive! And you're here! With so many people!

She's right, Tyr put a hand on his shoulder. "You should have a drink.

Maybe help them unpack."

I promise we'll catch up when we get back. She smiled behind the muzzle.

There's a lot to discuss. She looked up to Phantom, you ready?

Let's move out before the sun sets. Phantom nodded.

Tyr waved his spear around and the other young valkyries spread out. Many retreated back into the burrow. Others headed into the forest.

Reaper let out a heavy sigh. As soon as she's back and she leaves.

Vactubstein squeezed his shoulder and laughed. Fret not, comrade! She will return before you know it! Spectre always comes back.

I. .I can't believe she's actually alive. I. .I really thought she was…

Come, he grinned. Why don't we head inside and have a drink? If she's here, then something important must have happened.

I don't think getting drunk is the solution. Reaper frowned.

With all four shuttles emptied in record time, the doors were shut and their engines were turned on. They were back in the air and off through the clouds. Well over three dozen alpha hunters and four trucks were left on the ground scurrying back and forth in a chaotic mess carrying crates one way and another to set up camp. Stalker and Tempest were barking orders at everyone else with just four others reiterating their orders down the chain.

TWO

Reaper followed Vactubstein into the burrow. Instead of grabbing drinks like Vactubstein had intended, Reaper went straight to the war room.

Spectre, as usual, didn't want him, or anyone to tag along. That didn't mean he couldn't be there in spirit and make sure things were okay. He noticed Vidar had disappeared once the coast was clear. Perhaps he had followed them out like he would normally do with Fenris.

Reaper scoured the screens to find where Spectre and Phantom were. After searching for a few minutes, he found them on the screens to the bottom right hand side. They were walking down the path without much of a care.

It looked like a casual stroll from this camera angle.

Are you sure this Queen of Wolves can be trusted? Tyr asked as he stepped inside.

Your Ancestors must have misunderstood whatever they were reading.

Reaper said. I fought alongside Spectre for years. I wouldn't trust anyone more than her.

She isn't human. Tyr said.

Not completely. A lot of cybernetics.

No, that's not it. Tyr shook his head. She isn't eos either, but she is far from human. She is. .she is like us.

Reaper raised a brow. What do you mean?

She is like a valkyrie. Her and her army.

That's not possible. They're alpha hunters. They're humans. Some of them have prosthetics, but….

You cannot see their souls like I can. Tyr stated. "She is torn. Corrupted.

Damaged and chaotic. War is the only path she knows and the only path she walks. Captain Reaper, I fear death is the only thing that will follow her."

Reaper shook his head. You don't know her. You don't know anything about her.

Vactubstein remained quiet. He listened to the two of them bicker back and forth. He did not know Spectre like Reaper nor could he see souls like Tyr.

He knew she was a fierce warrior who didn't know how to quit. Even when she looked death in the face, she still fought to live.

I know enough to know she is dangerous to have around. You cannot feel her strength, nor can you see what the rest of us see. Tyr said.

I can't send her away. I wouldn't even if you asked. Reaper snapped.

"She's here for a reason. Not because I told her to come here. Wait and see.

Maybe she can help us with Surtr. Maybe with the artifacts. She might know something."

Meanwhile, outside the burrow, the Black Wolves kept themselves busy erecting their campgrounds in record time. The four shuttles came and went repeatedly. Arrive fully loaded and leave as soon as the last crate was taken off. More alphas arrived with each trip. The few down that initially made landfall had turned into a couple hundred. All shapes and sizes. Spiders, Demons, Knights, Stormbringers, Blitzkriegers, and Vikings scrambled throughout the camp. From the outside it was a chaotic mess. Orders barked back and forth between multiple leaders.

Yet the camp was constructed completely before the next day. The center lit aflame with a huge bonfire. The largest of the tents, about five of them used as barracks. Their mess hall, or cantina as they called it, was one of the largest tents erected and filled with fires, ovens, and cooking tops for the designated chefs to get to work immediately. Various smaller tents used for storage, office spaces, and covered work areas. All of the vehicles required basic upgrades to withstand the planet's gravity. It would take the Blitzkriegers no time at all.

Small camp fires were set up around the perimeter of the camp where small groups of alpha hunters gathered to sit and rest. Many were already standing guard, watching out for any potential threat.

Despite the completion of the camp, the calmness that fell over the Black Wolves was only just. They still bustled back and forth. Work still needed to be done. Reports were drawn up. Supplies checked. Cleaned. Checked.

Taken apart. Reassembled. Checked again. Feral and Tremor sent out a handful of small teams not as scouts, but hunting parties to gather fresh food. It would help maintain their food supplies to live off the land.

Stalker oversaw supplies and vehicles. It seemed the lieutenants of the Demons maintained the brunt of the leadership, allowing the old alphas to handle other important tasks around the camp while they waited for the return of Spectre and Phantom.

Wow, that is something, Mjolnir gestured at the alphas. He leaned against the stone near the entrance of the burrow. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone put up a camp this large so quickly.

Yeah, with so few men, too. Yaaranam yawned. I’m tired just watching.

Y’know, I was under the impression alpha hunters were quite aggressive and violent. Mjolnir said. I’ve never actually met one though.

I haven’t either. Yaaranam shrugged. They don’t seem to be like the rumors. Not yet anyway.

Mjolnir pointed with a claw. We may have spoken too soon.

Not too far from the center of the camp two of the alphas came face to face.

Revenant and Azazel. Revenant had looked up from the tablet to watch Azazel crouch down to set a crate on the ground in front of a freshly constructed tent.

What are you doing with that? Revenant asked. That’s Phantom’s. Put it over there. He pointed.

Azazel growled and lifted the crate back up. You said it was Stalker’s.

The white-tipped teeth of his mask clicked together.

It has his fucking name on it.

Why don’t you fucking do it? Azazel threw the crate at him. Haven’t seen you do anything all night!

Revenant dropped the tablet to catch the crate. The fuck is your problem?

Just wanna see you do something useful for once.

Revenant growled. Set the crate down. He stepped up to Azazel.

Sounds like someone needs a morale boost. Revenant clicked the teeth of his mask.

You’re complacent. Azazel pushed him backwards.

Revenant returned that shove and pursued to close the distance. Azazel swung at him only to take a swift counter blow to the jaw of his mask.

With a frustrated snarl, he went in for a second jab, letting a hooked, flesh-covered blade unfurl from the bottom of his forearm. The surprise weapon didn’t even phase Revenant. He grabbed the blade and held it at bay without giving an inch. When another swing came in, he took hold of Azazel’s elbow. Pulled the blade inward. When it finally snapped against the pressure, the white-tipped demon let out a holler. The broken blade was stabbed into his side halfway.

Despite the injury, Azazel still wanted to fight. He still went against Revenant, forcing the lieutenant’s hand or rather his head.

Revenant smashed the forehead of his mask into Azazel’s. The crack sounded throughout the camp. Azazel ripped the blade out of his side, flipped it around and stabbed it towards Revenant in one last attempt for the upper hand. He didn’t even try to stop the incoming weapon. He just bashed his head into Azazel’s once again. Then one more time to send him to his knees.

Revenant spat on the ground. Bitch, he growled.

When he turned around, he found Usarak holding the tablet up for him.

You’ve got to stop getting into fights, Rev, he sighed.

Revenant grunted, taking the tablet from him. "Consider yourself lucky I’m fighting your battles, too." He dusted the screen off and turned it back on.

Usarak gasped. What do you mean? I can handle myself.

Says all those fancy new cybernetics.

Usarak stammered for a moment, then grumbled. Upset I got better ones than you? He sneered.

Don’t get too ahead of yourself.

I’ll take this over to their tent. He scooped up the crate.

Don’t bother getting a medic on your way back. Zaz can go to the medbay himself or he can just lay there like the embarrassment he is.

Roger that. Usarak headed off across the camp.

Yaaranam and Mjolnir had questions and they wanted answers. Revenant seemed to be the man with those answers. He was the one ordering everyone around, perhaps he was in charge when Spectre wasn't here.

They waded through the ever moving lines of alpha hunters bustling back and forth through the camp.

Hey! Yaaranam called.

Revenant glanced up. Grunted. Looked back down at the tablet.

I've got a few questions for you, she said.

I don't have time. His raspy voice grumbled.

It looks quite differently.

Revenant turned around. Azazel was just picking himself back up with a groan. The broken blade still in his side. Revenant kicked his shin.

Go get taken care of, Zaz. Then get back to work. Revenant headed off across the camp.

Yaaranam and Mjolnir followed him with a glance at the downed alpha. It seemed cruel to make him tend to his own wounds after such an altercation.

Revenant made his way into an open tent. Some makeshift office it seemed.

A few laptops were set up near the back. Crates were being organized.

Older machines were set up and ran off a fairly quiet generator. Four people were in the back working quietly.

Revenant made his way to one of the machines and hooked the tablet up by a long, thin cable. The bulky machine whirred to life. Sucked up a stack of white, blank paper and copied what was on the tablet to the pages to be spat out at the top, neatly stacked up and ready to be taken.

Are you the leader here? Yaaranam asked.

Look, if you got questions, ask the old alphas. Revenant grumbled, setting the tablet down on top of the printer. I'm too busy to deal with outsiders.

He turned to grab one of the clipboards off the table.

Honestly, I'm only being polite because I've been ordered to. Feel free to bother anyone else. Grab a bite to eat at the cantina, hang out. Do whatever you want. Leave me alone.

You're not being polite at all if you ask me. I just want to know what we're dealing with. I assume we're going to be working together.

I doubt that. He didn't even glance up from the papers he pulled from the top of the printer. He went through each one, ensuring they were organized properly. Stacked them on the clipboard. Then set them aside for the next stack.

The fact there's even ravens here is strange. Garchtan or not. You're not my problem anyway.

Wh-what? Why do you have a problem with me and my people?

I don't have a problem with your people. He stated. Just nosy people.

Another stack.

Why are you even dealing with all this paper? Isn't this pointless? All your information is already on that tablet! You're wasting time!

Well, it isn't for me, now is it? He finished the third and last stack.

Gathered all three clipboards and tablet and shouldered past her and Mjolnir without much more of a thought or care.

What the actual fuck? Yaaranam breathed out.

What did he mean by old alphas? Mjolnir crossed his arms.

Why the hell does everyone have a problem with me?

Mjolnir chuckled and patted her back. He's just grumpy. Don't let him get to you. We don't know anything about him.

Maybe all these alphas are just rude assholes.

Don't you find it strange that almost none of them are wearing exoskeletons? Mjolnir scratched his beard.

THREE

Spectre stretched her arms up over her head. She let them drop down at her sides and swing back and forth.

Ah, man. The air smells so sweet here. She took a big breath. Like berries. Minty, too.

Phantom grunted. Yeah, it does.

He watched her skip down the path. She wasn't paying attention to their surroundings it seemed. The sun had gone down and the moonlight was barely breaching through the canopy of the trees.

Are you even paying attention?

Huh? She glanced up at him. Of course I am! Then she groaned. I'm just bored! I was hoping for something. Anything! There's no real trace. Just the occasional giant Martian track. I assume Jackal must've been getting tired by this point.

Fenris must have hurried him along. You think because of danger?

She took a few swigs from her flask. Naw. No signs of a savarl around here. Valkyries must keep the area secured. Can't even smell anything.

Must be all that scotch getting to you.

Pah! As if that's ever dulled my senses!

I can promise it has and still does.

I'm calling bullshit. She pointed at him.

His lips twisted faintly. She narrowed her eyes.

Don’t look at me like that. She huffed.

You can’t even see my face.

She lifted a fresh cigarette out of the pack. Have you forgotten most of our lives were spent seeing literally the lower half of our faces? She grinned behind the muzzle. I know every single face you make. She stuck the cigarette in her mouth and lit it. It’s still kind of odd seeing your whole face. You used to sleep with that helmet on.

When you sleep next to a psycho bitch who’s your on again off again enemy, you get a little afraid if she’s gonna try to stab you in the head when you aren’t looking. He chuckled.

"Uh huh, that’s exactly why you did it."

You weren’t much of a charmer yourself. He pointed.

I don’t know how you put up with me as long as you did. She shrugged.

How anyone puts up with you for any length of time is beyond me! Came a sly voice from the shadows.

Spectre stopped dead in her tracks. Phantom reached for the pistol on his hip.

Just a few meters ahead of them, the shrubs rustled. Out came a large, black wolf. Green eyes glowed in the shadows. It gave a soft shake of its body to fluff out its fur and huffed.

Loki? I didn’t know you were here. Spectre said.

I am everywhere I need to be, my dear primitive little human! Loki flashed those sharp teeth in the moonlight.

Loki? This is that valkyrie you kept seeing? Phantom asked.

Oh, yeah, this is your first time meeting him. Spectre smiled. Told you he was real.

I didn’t doubt you.

Uh huh. She patted the wolf atop the head. What are you doing all the way out here, Loki?

Watching. He circled around her. Also, I am no valkyrie. Do not insult me so. Do I look like a woman to you?

Isn’t that what those other guys are called? Phantom crossed his arms.

Falsely named by their surrogate mother. Loki rolled his eyes. No, they are far more than simple valkyries. Well, the originals. He looked up to Spectre. I am glad you made your way out here finally. I’ve been waiting for you.

Why not just tell me you needed me out here?

Where would be the fun in that? The wolf whined. You wouldn’t have grown so strong if you just rushed all this way! Tyr most likely would have hindered all of this beautiful progress! No, you battling those silly little Venators was a wonderful thing.

Tyr seems to be afraid of us.

They all are. The cosmos warned them that you were coming, but it did not tell them the whole truth. Perhaps Mimir cannot hear the cosmos as well as he thinks. Loki laughed. They thought you were coming here to destroy them!

Well, let’s not jump to conclusions too quickly! Spectre grinned. I may or may not yet!

That’s not something to play around with, Luc. Phantom sighed.

Oh, I’m just joking! She huffed. I’m not going to destroy the valkyries or whatever they are. Not unless they try to kill us first.

It would be easy for you to do. Loki chuckled. You’ve grown so powerful. I’ve never been so proud! Brings a tear to my eye to see how fast you’ve grown! He reached up to paw at his face and snout.

Spectre scratched the cheek of her muzzle. Speaking of that… Have you seen Fenris and Jackal?

The wolf perked up. Ah, is that why you’ve come out all this way? You’re searching for those two?

It seems they’ve gone missing.

Loki laughed. They haven’t gone missing! Fenris took Jackal away!

What?

Fenris wanted Jackal to get stronger. So, he had him go through the same pilgrimage I put you through and you put all of your friends through.

He does know what he’s doing right?

Of course! I told him how. I was there. In fact, I don’t think Jackal has woken up yet.

How long ago was it?

Not too long. A couple of hours? He circled around her once more then headed down the path. Come! They are this way.

They followed Loki down the path.

Could I ask something? Phantom spoke up after a short while.

You can ask anything you want. Loki said.

Why do you appear as a wolf? You make it out like you’re one of us, but you don’t look like it.

Ah, well, I suppose at this rate it’s an old habit. Loki’s head bobbed around. "I did appear more human at first, but it didn’t go over smoothly.

When I first spied. .Spectre, she was just a young little primitive human.

Turns out strangers approaching children isn’t accepted anymore!"

I know I wouldn’t have. Phantom said.

Indeed. So, I tried a second time as my usual spirit form. A snake. It turns out children are not allowed to play with potentially venomous snakes anymore either! He let out an obnoxious sigh. "Wolf was the only thing I could get near her as without anyone reacting too harshly. Including her.

And that was only after she was adopted into the Order!"

So, you’ve been in her life.. forever?

Since shortly after she was born. Loki glanced over his shoulder.

Precious souls make great vibrations in the cosmos. Hers was not one I was going to ignore. He smiled. Be happy I reached her first and not someone else. Things could have been different.

What do you mean?

Some futures are best left unknown. He took a seat in the dirt and faced them. We’re there. He turned his head to point into the shrubs. Not far in that direction.

Fantastic! Spectre cheered. I can stop listening to you two blabber on about pointless stuff about me!

Hold on, Phantom raised a hand. I’m interested in something though. He said you were adopted.

Yeah? That’s not news. I was an orphan remember? She raised a brow.

All alphas are.

His lips pursed. He eyed Loki for a moment. It felt as if he knew something he couldn’t quite remember.

Before you go, I should warn you, He said. Fenris doesn’t know you. He will see you as a threat and I can promise he will attack.

We’ll just have to calm him down.

I have faith you can handle him with the two of you together, but he is fiercely protective of Jackal. It may have been smart to bring Reaper with you.

Spectre groaned and headed into the shrubs. Reaper would have slowed us down and this trip would have taken days instead of hours.

But Fenris trusts Reaper.

He’s a wolf. Spectre shrugged. "And I’m apparently the queen of them.

He’ll listen. I guess."

Phantom rubbed the back of his neck. She’s going to get us all killed.

Loki laughed. Oh! He looked up to Phantom. Beware his smoke. I believe the others have dubbed it khexide. Getting it in your system will.. Be painful to say the least.

Phantom nodded and followed Spectre into the shrubs.

It didn’t take them long at all to find the small clearing Fenris and Jackal had settled in. They crouched down behind the shrubs first to check out the area.

A small pond fed by a trickling stream. Just enough space in case things did go awry as Loki predicted. Both Spectre and Phantom were fairly agile and they did not expect Fenris to match it. The furthest edge of the clearing was covered in thick, black smog that rolled like waves of water.

In the center of the clearing was Fenris, curled in tight. The crimson lights for its armor were off, even its eyes. Jackal was laid on his back within the center of the curl; the wolf’s cloak pulled over top him to help keep him warm throughout the cold night.

That’s the smoke Loki warned about, Phantom whispered. He said not to get it in our systems.

Let me go in first. She whispered.

Why?

So he doesn’t feel threatened. I can handle wild animals, remember?

That’s not a normal wild animal, Lucy.

Shush. She stood and stepped quietly through the shrubs.

As soon as she stepped through the smoke, the lights on Fenris’ armor lit up brightly. Its head lifted up from the ground so it could look at her. She continued forth quietly and slowly. Hands raised to show she had no weapons on her at all.

Hey, Fenris, She spoke sweetly. How you doing, buddy? How’s Jackal?

The wolf stood up slowly that way when Jackal fell to the ground he was undisturbed in his slumber. Its lips curled to show those wicked teeth. It came around to meet her face to face.

It's alright. Spectre said calmly. We're not here to hurt you or Jack. We just want to bring you back home. Where it's safe. I promise.

It stepped closer to her. Head low. Tail parallel to the ground. Ears stood straight up. The wolf once more flashed its teeth. It snapped its jaws and its hair puffed out.

Yer a lot bigger than I remember. She held her ground. I get it. Yer a big boy. Relax. I don’t want to hurt you, Fen.

Leave! The wolf snarled.

Come with me.

Can’t have Jackal.

I don’t want him.

Its cloak rustled and lifted up. Leave.

Not without you and Jack.

The wolf lunged at her and one of its wingarms jutted forward from under the cloak. The dagger like fingers went straight for her. Spectre held up her arm and it split apart to form the blackened shield lined with spikes along the edges. Its fingers smashed into the shield, shoving her backwards through the dirt despite her attempt to hold her ground.

She peeked over the shield with a breath.

Without even leaving the surface of her shield, the fingers scratched up to grab the edge.

Oh, those ain’t just for stabbin’? They’re for grabbin’?! She was pulled straight to the ground. Yanked across the dirt and grass to get positioned underneath the horse-sized wolf.

It snapped its teeth over her face.

A little help would be nice! She shouted, unable to rip her shield from its grasp.

Oh, Phantom called out from the bushes. Now you want help?

Or you can just stand there! I’ll tell everyone back at camp you were too scared to help me subdue the big bad wolf! She was yanked a bit. A paw smashed into the ground next to her head. Yeah, fuck you, Erik!

I thought you were the wild animal expert? He stepped out of the bushes finally.

Don’t fuckin’ start with me right now! I’m a little fuckin’ busy!

The teeth came too close for comfort now and forced her other hand to action. It split apart to form the blade, sacrificing two of her fingers to do so. She shoved the blade between the wolf’s haphazard teeth to stop it from biting down on her head.

I think you have it under control. Phantom grinned.

Her peripherals began to blacken. She could feel the ground underneath her sink. Eye contact had been made with the wolf and that was all it needed to reach for her soul. She could feel its touch. Its anguish. The ethereal howl of its misery.

With a snarl of her own, Spectre’s sword flipped backwards so she could send her two knuckles cracking against the side of Fenris’ snout with all her

strength. The wolf’s head turned, jaws snapped shut. That gave Spectre just what she needed; the space to maneuver.

She grabbed hold of its curled horn with her shield hand and hoisted herself up. Instead of getting away, she stayed in close, still gripping that horn.

Before Fenris could try to bite her or snatch her back up, she took its low posture further to her advantage. Threw her leg up over its neck to sit upon its shoulders. She kept a grip on its horn to try to keep its head shoved down, but the wolf would ultimately overpower her.

When I’m done fuckin’ this dog up, Spectre pointed the blade at Phantom who was still standing a safe distance away, analyzing the valkyrie. I’m gonna fuck you up.

Fenris reared to throw her off, yet she squeezed her thighs down tight. This wasn’t her first time. She just had to watch those extra horns pointed right at her.

All right. Relax. Phantom chuckled. I’m gonna help.

When he approached, Fenris snatched him up with a wingarm. He was slammed into the ground underneath the wolf. Then Spectre was hoisted away and smashed into the dirt next to him. The wolf roared and snarled.

Any smart ideas for once? Phantom grunted.

Stop playin’ nice? She growled.

Phantom grabbed the pistol on his hip and aimed it at the wolf. He fired off a few shots, not actually expecting it to do much. One round pinged off its armor and smacked into the ground between their heads. A second round shot into the ground further up. The third smacked into Spectre’s muzzle, making her head turn.

Fuck! Son of a bitch! What the hell, man!? She snapped at him. Watch where yer fuckin’ firin’ that thing!

I didn’t think they’d ricochet! Phantom snapped back.

Fenris stood and brought both of them with it. It held them off the ground in the clutches of its wingarms.

Spectre and Phantom held onto its claws. Shared a look. Together, they swung back and kicked their feet into the wolf’s chest. With their combined

weight and strength, Fenris hurdled backwards. Forced to let them go to catch itself, the wolf snarled at them.

They charged each other and entered into a scuffle. Fenris had the upper hand with its speed and ability to use all of its limbs simultaneously for different purposes. As long as it could see both of them, it could defend and counter each of them, but this was a new prey that not even the wolf had fought before.

Spectre and Phantom were formidable foes with years of experience fighting humans to monsters just like Fenris. They also worked in perfect synchronicity. They had a way with one another as if they could read each other’s minds. Mirroring one another’s attacks from opposite sides.

Feigning attacks to make Fenris defend so they could counter where it least expected.

Spectre managed her way on top of the behemoth of a wolf. A hand on a horn to try to steer its head away from Phantom. Her hands had blackened and spiked like they had once before. The corruption of the chaotic energy shown right through the skin around her face. She used those spiked knuckles to her advantage and punched Fenris in the side of the