May first it rained, a steady drizzle that did nothing for their already dreary mood. "So, I'm still not sure this was a good idea," Paul said, as they pulled up a few blocks from the warehouse.

"I'm sure it's not," said Alice. "But you wanna wait till that thing hunts us down?

No one said anything to that. A heavy gloom was over their little party. It had seemed like a good idea back when they'd come up with it, but now, looking at the hulking brick and concrete structure looming large among the other abandoned buildings, now...

##

It had seemed a simple plan when they'd talked it over in that little room: send a message to Liz's parents and anyone else who might fight the demon, then on May 1st they’d send a message that would be sure to be intercepted, to let Surtr and his minions know about the meeting. If they did it right, they'd have time to prepare before Surtr could gather his troops for a raid.

The problem had been finding some way to get the word out. It was a problem that was until Bali, who had been eavesdropping, offered the use of his pigeons. He’d left his show early since he was mad at Victoria choosing to marry Leon, or something of the sort

Bali used his pigeons for all his correspondence as, according to him, it was the only way the messages would be safe.

"You never know who's listening in, never ever. That's why you've always got to be careful, oh so careful. I still can't believe Victoria picked Leon; you know they're cousins? But anyway, you definitely should use my pigeons, they'll get to Ravea don't you worry. He knows to check them, most everyone does.

You want to let that demon know where you're going though? Just call on the phone or send an email. He'll find out quick enough then. Can't trust phones."

The messages were sent out and by the next evening one returned with a brief line: Will be there. There was more, but the rest was smudged by rain.

Levi said a silent prayer of thanks, someone was coming at least, but still, who sent the note?

“I think it's my mom's,” said Liz. “I mean, it sort of looks like her writing.

“You sure about that?” asked Paul, squinting at the smudged letters.

“Well, no. But I really hope it is. And sometimes when you hope for things hard enough they happen.

Paul was about to say something but Levi spoke over him, not wanting to repeat his mistake from the tunnels.

“Yeah, I bet you're right, and anyway, even if it wasn't her, there's no way she'd miss a fight like this right? Didn't she used to be a hunter?

“Well yeah, of course not. I'll bet she's there waiting when we get there; her and my dad both.

Even though she sounded upbeat, Levi was still worried. He'd seen her coming down from the roof that morning, her eyes puffy and red. He wanted to say something, but couldn't. Not when she was trying so hard to be happy

It hadn’t been long before other responses came, all with variations of the first. That morning, early, they’d taken Bali’s advice and sent out a mass text and email campaign. It was a plea from Liz for her parents to meet them at the warehouse they were now walking up to. It made it sound like there were hunters there, massing for a retaliatory strike, and Liz was telling her parents she was alright. It was contrived, and Levi wasn’t sure if it would reach Surtr, let alone fool him. Still, it was the best they had and, if Alice was right, this of all days was the day when his dark magic was weakest.

##

"Might as well get this done," said Levi, resolutely thrusting the car door open; stepping out into the rain. He didn't look, but he knew his friends had joined him as he trudged along the mournful street. They were in this together, maybe no one else would show (that was his greatest fear, despite the replies), but at least they'd face this as one

Still, he thought, a small army would be nice. But who else could they tell? Until ogres and barghest were running rampant in the streets, he doubted anyone but the craziest of crazies would believe them. Maybe not even then. He had to hope Melanie, Ravea, the others, he had to hope they could pull together something big enough to take down this demon

They approached the warehouse hesitantly. They’d only broadcast the meeting location an hour before, hoping he wouldn’t have time to gather his forces before showing up. Still, Levi worried that even with the short notice there would be someone, or something waiting. At the rusted metal door they stopped, exchanging glances.

“I'll do it,” said Liz, swinging the door wide and dashing inside before anyone could stop her. After a moment she popped back into view

“I can’t believe you did that,” said Levi. “What if something was in there?

“That’s silly, if there was, they wouldn’t expect me rushing in would they?

“I’m sure that only makes sense in Liz world,” whispered Paul to Levi.

“So we good then?” asked Alice.

“Yep, just more rats. Come on in.

#

"So, how did you know about this place?" asked Paul, wandering around the empty warehouse. It was one large room, with a stair along the far wall leading up to a control platform, or something of the sort. Leastways it was a railed platform looking down on the warehouse. There really wasn't much to see. Against the east wall there was a metal ladder bolted to the wall, which led to a trap door in the ceiling

Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

"Oh," said Liz, "the hunters use it for training sometimes. I picked it cause it's out of the way so no one else should get hurt.

“That makes sense, so this is a hunter training camp huh?

“Yep, I tag along sometimes to train with them. Mom encourages it.

“So what about you?” asked Alice. “You ever think about becoming a hunter?

"What, me? Sure when I was a kid, but dad was like ‘no daughter of mine is going to do something so dangerous.’ Besides, the real hunters, they all have adjutors, and those have to choose you. I feel like I'd just be playing pretend if I started calling myself a hunter.

"But," said Alice, "I saw you make flames out of your hand, you led us through the tunnels and you know all sorts of stuff. I'm sure you'd be a great hunter."

"Really, you think so?

"Course I do, and there's no one I’d rather have with me to take down a demon. It’ll never have a chance.

"Hey, yeah, your right. Let's do it."

The two of them hugged, Liz looking more cheerful than she had in days. Not since their last adventure with the barghest really.

“I wish I had their confidence,” said Paul to Levi

“Yeah, no kidding. I’ll call it a win if I wake up tomorrow.

He couldn't help but watch Liz as she wandered from window to window, checking to see that they were still alone he guessed. She looked up all of a sudden and their eyes met. He felt himself blushing, but he wasn't sure why. She didn't say anything, but she smiled and went back to her inspection. They hadn't really talked much since back at Taambervol, and he'd been desperate for a chance to patch things up ever since. Maybe things were back to normal. Then he remembered why they were here. No, normal was long gone.

His musings were cut short when he heard a ‘pop, pop, pop’ from off to the north.

"What's going on?" Called Paul, who was up on the supervisor's platform.

"Someone's starting the party early," said Liz, craning to get a better view, but another warehouse blocked their view. For a moment the gunfire subsided, then a series of explosions rattled the windows, and the gunfire began again, this time closer.

"There," Levi called out, pointing to the dark smoke coming from the far side of the north warehouse. "It's right there."

They all were gathered at the north window, watching expectantly

There was another explosion and a lizard creature flew out from behind the other building, landing lifeless on the ground. Three other evil looking creatures burst into view, running from something. Around the corner behind them, Ravea and about thirty others came marching. A few of them opened fire, gunning down the fleeing foes

Levi let out a long sigh of relief, and Paul actually let out a whoop. They weren't going to face that thing on their own

The joy was short lived though, as there was more gunfire and Ravea’s rearguard emerged, laying down fire back the way they'd come. After a moment Ravea yelled something and the whole lot of them made a run for the warehouse. They were halfway across the open space when behind them emerged a hoard of ogres, imps, minotaurs, barghest, hags, red caps, and others Levi didn't recognize, all giving chase.

Liz flung the north door open, cheering her dad on. They were fast, but the monsters were slowly gaining.

No more than thirty feet from the warehouse Ravea yelled an order. His entire band turned, raining bullets down on their pursuers. The frontrunners were hit first, the front row falling under the onslaught. Still, the momentum of their charge carried some of the fastest forward, their crumpled bodies landing almost at the defenders feet. Those behind slowed, surprised by the counterattack. The wildest leapt over their fallen comrades, to be gunned down in turn. When it was over, the majority of the monsters’ corpses littered the ground, the others having disappeared among the neighboring buildings.

It was a triumphant band of fifty or so that marched into the warehouse, led by Ravea

"Daddy!" Liz cried, leaping to hug her father around the neck. "I missed you.

"I missed you too girl. Still, I thought I taught you better than to get cornered like this.

"Did you get our note then?" Levi asked

"Sure did my boy, and that's quite a few maybes to hang our lives on."

Levi felt deflated. Had he led them all into a trap

"Don't worry boy, I'm just giving you a hard time. That was a good piece of work all of you did arranging this. There we were holed up, all the normal communication channels compromised, at a loss as how to coordinate our attack. Then that bird showed up.

This, on the other hand, this is good, I like a good stand. But, after they raided Taambervol, it was apparent how unprepared we were. Now though, now we're ready. This could be our best chance, especially after the good news this morning. If only he makes an appearance we should have a shot. Still, we have a lot to do."

“But Daddy, what about Mom? It she okay?

“Yeah, she’s fine, she’s just setting up with a few snipers up above.

He walked over to the closest window, peering out at the empty lot. "We'll need to get these windows covered at very least. I don't want them knowing where we are. Let's not waste anymore time. Matt, Dylan, check for blind spots, make sure we're not taken by surprise. Hey Liz, you check the lock box yet?

"Not yet Dad," she called back, already halfway to a junk pile under the stairs. Levi watched as Liz yanked moldy planks and rusting chain links off of a sturdy metal chest, unlocking the combination. Ravea joined her and the two of them began pulling out a surprising amount of shotguns and rifles.

"Levi," Ravea was coming back his way, holding a shotgun

"Yes sir?"

"Liz says you can handle a gun, how about you take this and find a spot on the south wall.

"Yes sir, I can do that." He said, the words rushing out as he reached for the gun. In his haste he almost dropped the thing. Ravea looked at him uncertainly. "Sorry," Levi mumbled. "Just a little nervous." He could feel a warm flush running up his face.

Ravea shook his head. "We're all a bit nervous lad, nothing to be ashamed of. Just remember the safety, and don't take your eye off of your window. Do that and trust in Nashi and you'll do fine."

“Uh, sir?

“Yeah?

“You said you’d heard good news this morning, what did you mean?

“Ah, well that’s a surprise for later, now kill a few beasties for me alright?” He slapped Levi on the arm, walking off to inspect the other positions

"Just great," he muttered to himself, as he took up his position."Levi, what on earth did you get yourself into.

"Not sure," said Paul, coming up beside Levi. His phone pulled out like it had been on the day they met. "I bet this isn't quite what your mom expected when you went off to school. I bet she was thinking you’d go to some nice quiet school, in a nice quiet college town, meet a nice girl maybe. Instead you had to get branded by demi-gods like some sort of hero. Course it’s more likely we’re going out like Cassidy and Sundance in this old stinking warehouse. But I don't know your mom, so that coulda been her plan. Any words for the camera?

“I thought you gave up on that thing.

“Just took a break, but I figure if we're making our last stand I want someone to know about it. Don’t worry, I won’t post it unless it’s hopeless. So back to the question, you think this was your mom's plan?

"Probably not. What about your folks? This the sort of thing they'd be down with?

"Nope, my mom thought I should toss the video games and become something boring, like a tax accountant. Said that’s what would prepare me for real life. 'Paul,' she'd tell me 'when are you going to stop this gaming nonsense? When will you ever be in a firefight? Things like that don't happen. Now come down and finish your chores.' Who'd a thought I'd prove her wrong.

"Yeah, who'd have thought." Levi laughed, not sure how Paul could joke right now, but he sure was grateful he could. It made him feel a little better

"Oh, looks like Liz's dad wants me, good luck Levi. We'll tell my mom all about how those video games did nothing for me. I want to see if she faints. If we live, this'll make for an epic post."