Hearing Albert’s voice made Ifrit felt a bit less concerned, but when the human wanted to let Ifrit hear Lilac’s voice, he quickly changed his mind and become distraught to the point he ran out of the tea shop, leaving Anarim to continue the conversation with Albert. He thought he already gone through it, but when Lilac was involved, there was one emotion that gave him cold paws: shame.

The realization that his darker impulses gained its own personality was enough to make him realize that Lilac would not be safe with him around. While he was aware that the dark personality was only concerned with their enemies, there would be a time where in the process of fighting the enemies, collateral damage was inevitable. If he was involved with Lilac without knowing how to control his darker impulses, he was afraid that things would turn to the worse. So, until he could rekindle his relationship with her, he must try and find a way to control himself after three years of unconsciously fighting his enemies. At the moment, he was an uncontrollable beast that could easily go wild.

Then again, he did not wish to be detained for being a dangerous individual, so he felt relieved when, after Anarim finished his conversation, called him back to the tea shop to talk about a job with Rhynsa and Arnulfe. The two Fuzandres revealed that they requested both Ifrit and Anubis specifically to help them, even though Anarim pointed out that Anubis was blind. Arnulfe gave a very reasonable response.

“(He knows how to fight),” said Arnulfe. “(And besides, he ain’t gonna do anything helpful if all he does is sitting around).”

Anubis also wanted to help, partially because he felt he owed the three for his freedom, and partially because he was a Caropus prince, therefore he felt responsible for causing the Incursion in the first place. No one blamed him for it, though. It was never his family’s fault to begin with.

Ifrit’s request, however, was only accepted after a certain degree of reluctance. Ifrit was also aware of it, but he did not care.

“(I also want Sam to join us),” he asked. “(And Rhynsa, before you say it’s not a good idea, you said it yourself. He’s a docile Barghest who follows the orders of a Schelkz. As much as I don’t like that fact, Sammael is an ally).”

“(He might not help you with matters, Ifrit),” said Anarim. “(No matter how you look at it, Sammael looks too demonic to be mistaken for a dog).”

“(I’m a demon),” reasoned Ifrit. “(I have hooves and non-hellhound eyes. Rhynsa and Arnulfe does not even look canine. There is no shred of ‘normalcy’ in our group. Adding one more doesn’t change that fact).”

It took Ifrit a little bit more persuasion before Anarim relented, and Rhynsa agreeing to Ifrit. The Fuzandre still had misgivings about working with the Barghest again, but he had hoped that it could be a start of something different.

Sammael had already let go of his grudge against Rhynsa, so he did not mind working with the Fuzandre. He knew his place was beside his master, Ifrit. It wasn’t because he was influenced to do so by the seal. It was because he felt it was the best he could do to someone who’s genuinely kind to him, even if he happened to be a demon. Kindness and demons were not words that could be associated with each other, but it did happen with Ifrit, with the irony being that he happened to be a half-Infernal and shouldn’t be the kindest person around.

After everything was set, Anarim called everyone to the tea shop, where he invited them to a private tea room where he would start his discussion and give out missions when needed. Ifrit was leading Anubis and walked in first, followed by Arnulfe and Rhynsa, who had been waiting near the tea shop for the two hellhounds and Sammael.

After Anarim confirmed that everyone was there, he then started after sipping a cup of tea.

“(The job I’m going to ask you to do is to find the whereabouts of a royal hellhound we managed to track down),” said Anarim. “(This hellhound might not have the same importance as Anubis, but the more former members of the royal houses we can get, the more we can start convincing more hounds that we know what we are doing).”

“(How about Zagreus)?” asked Rhynsa.

“(We already know Zagreus’ willingness to help us. The Council gave me another name: Sahia Antelberg).”

“(Antelberg as in the mountain)?” asked Rhynsa.

“(Could be a fake name),” clarified Anarim. “(Not everyone’s well protected like Ifrit and Eshdar or careful like Nergora and Zagreus. Some former royals chose anonymity and this makes it harder for us to track them down. Then again, a name like ‘Antelberg’ is anything but conspicuous).”

“(Hmmm…then maybe we can start somewhere around that region),” said Rhynsa. “(If I recall, there are towns that are considered part of that region).”

“(Then you can start from one of the towns. I suggest you take a car there. Antelberg is quite a distance from Summinat).”

“(Any car we can borrow?)” asked Rhynsa.

“(I never know you can drive, brother),” said Arnulfe.

“(I learned a bit),” said Rhynsa. “(It’s not that comfortable sitting with your wings pressed to the seat, though).”

“(I’ll have one prepared for you in short order. In the meantime, prepare yourselves. Dusdolf is relatively safer than Tragoria, but we never know if things go wrong. Also, try not to get into trouble with the Demon Hunters. You don’t want them to ask about Sammael and Ifrit).”

“(Or us),” said Arnulfe. “(Fuzandres aren’t exactly as common as the hounds).”

“(So, stay out of the main road).” Rhynsa sighed. “(This isn’t exactly the best group to find an elusive hound, you know).”

“(Not necessarily, Rhynsa),” said Anarim. “(In fact, I have a feeling that you might get into a trouble that neither you nor Arnulfe can solve. You might need the heavy hitters).”

Rhynsa then walked towards Anarim and said, “(I need a minute with him. Go talk with each other or something).”

Ifrit wondered with Rhynsa looked vexed, but he had a feeling that it had something to do with him.

Anarim and Rhynsa walked out of the room into a different room, which happened to be Anarim’s office. After Rhynsa locked the door, he said, “(Strength and numbers are not the point. Surprisingly for me, my problem is not against the Barghest. Anubis and Ifrit are the problem).”

“(I did clarify that they know how to fight, right? Are you having problem with Anubis’s blindness, then)?”

“(They are both traumatized hounds with a lot of emotional issues. Being blind and being a half-Infernal are not the issue).”

“(Then consider this a way for them to channel those problems. They need a distraction, not being idle. In fact, if Ifrit’s secret is out, he won’t even be allowed to be in Summinat at all. His blood is a very troubling issue. And besides, do you have anyone you have in mind? Besides Arnulfe, of course).”

“(Mizarka).”

“(She’s busy being a Council member).”

Rhynsa sighed in frustration.

“(Rhynsa, I know you are not comfortable working with more than just Arnulfe, but you need to accept that we are no longer doing recon missions anymore. This is the moment where we take the fight to them and show that we are not just the defenders. We need to tip the scale, hopefully for our benefit).”

“(But what if we don’t?)”

“(Then at least we can say that we tried. But I believe that we will succeed. You just need to find the right rhythm and even a way to make them focused. Can you do that, Rhynsa?)”

“(Is this the part where I say you’re overestimating us?)”

Anarim smiled and said, “(I never overestimate anyone, Rhynsa, especially if they have been working with me for more than a year. I know you and Arnulfe can help Ifrit and Anubis. Please try and help them. They might…no, they will make a difference).”

Rhynsa was still unconvinced that Ifrit and Anubis could help them make things easier, but Anarim’s yellow vulpine eyes were determined, silently telling the Fuzandre that he truly believed that the two could really make a difference. The Fuzandre sighed, knowing that whatever he did, he would not be able to convince Anarim otherwise.

“(Alright, I get it),” said the Fuzandre. “(I’ll indulge you, old hound. Just be sure this isn’t a mistake).”

Anarim gave him a silent smile as they returned to the tearoom. The four of them were talking with each other jovially, though from Arnulfe’s conversation with Anubis, he had a feeling that it wasn’t just a simple friendly conversation. It could be something more than that.

“(We’re all set),” said Rhynsa after clearing his throat. “(We’ll leave tonight).”

The four did not even argue. They all turned serious and nodded.

“(I do hope you’re not wrong, old hound),” thought Rhynsa.

***

Rhynsa wasn’t the only one who felt unsure about the mission.

Anubis was confident about protecting himself, but that was when he was in danger. In a delicate mission, especially a search mission, his blindness would not help. Anarim could assume that he was one of the fighters, much like Ifrit, but he wasn’t sure why he would consider a blind person capable of fighting even though he only heard of his exploits from Ifrit.

Then again, he had a certain ability to sense demons and ‘see’ them. They had visible red aura in the darkness that vaguely surrounded their black outline. Ifrit and Sammael, one’s a half-demon and the other a pure demon, would be visible to him at all time. However, that aura did not include walls. He could see the aura, but it could be behind a wall.

This insecurity was overwhelming Anubis to the point of him confiding with Arnulfe. He could talk with Ifrit about it, but Anubis was sure he would think the same: his half-demon blood and his darker split personality could become a problem on its own.

So, while Ifrit, Sammael, and Rhynsa gathered their belongings and supply themselves with food and money, Anubis asked Arnulfe to guide him, with the Fuzandre agreeing.

“(I’m not sure why Anarim did not consider the fact that I’m useless outside of fights),” said Anubis.

“(Hey, c’mon, don’t think about that now),” said Arnulfe, trying to cheer Anubis up. “(It’s much better than sitting around doing nothing. Believe me, I went through that period. It wasn’t nice. I don’t know any surface world language, everyone’s looking at me funny for being this furless, gray-skinned, wing-armed Fuzandre, and the fact that I drank more blood than Rhynsa did).”

“(But wouldn’t it be better that way?)”

“(You can fight, right?)”

“(I can, but—)”

“(Then, don’t sell yourself short! C’mon, cheer up, will you? It’ll be fun).”

“(I don’t think being at risk of being attacked can be considered ‘fun’).”

“(But the road trip will. You’ll love the open countryside, Ani. I’m sure of it).”

Anubis nodded and smiled. It was quite reassuring while also lifting his spirit somewhat. He wanted to be useful, and he would use that opportunity.

He was also motivated to join the group because he sympathized with Ifrit’s own situation. Ifrit needed all the help he could get to overcome his darkness, and to prevent him from falling into depression and letting his darker personality take over. Deep down, the Jackal knew Ifrit was the kind and caring (though a little selfish) hellhound that saved him and gave him a comfort that he had not felt for a while. It’s the least he could do to return the favor.

After preparing themselves for a travel, Arnulfe helped Anubis climb to the car parked outside Summinat, with Ifrit helping him find the seat on the large six-seater car. The blind Jackal could hear the roar of the engine starting, which startled him.

“(Stay out of the demon hunters’ business),” reminded Anarim as Rhynsa took the wheels. “(Understand?)”

Everyone nodded to confirm that they understood. Ifrit and Sammael were well-aware of the confusion and the hassle if they were confronted by the Demon Hunters. After that acknowledgement, Rhynsa stepped on the gas and they were off, leaving Summinat behind and towards Dusdolf. It did not take long for them to cross the Adaline-Dusdolf border and found themselves within the mountainous and forested region. It quickly reminded Ifrit of the town of Snohand.

As they travelled, Arnulfe made good of his promise of describing the scenery to Anubis. The way the Fuzandre vividly describing the scenery played with the Jackal’s imagination. Arnulfe, playful as ever, peppered in some details that wasn’t really there, or enhancing the ones that’s really there, such as the Dusdolfian black forest.

“(To your right’s the black forest),” described Arnulfe. “(The trees were dark-colored, and the leaves were a darker shade of green, giving the forest its name. Even in winter, the leaves never fall, giving a sense of eternity from outside the forest. Within it, critters and wild animals roam freely, undisturbed, unconcerned. Some sleep through the winter, hoping and dreaming of a colorful springtime of flowers and seedlings growing. It is the cycle of life, and it is quite beautiful).”

“(Wow),” said Anubis, astonished. “(You’re good at this, Arnulfe).”

“(Oh, I’ve got a lot more to tell you. It’s something, isn’t it, the surface world? There are beauty, even in the bleakest of times).”

“(Too bad I can’t see that beauty. Although, you do give quite the description).”

“(With a little bit of imagination, that darkness you saw might not be as dark you think it is).”

Sammael, who was sitting beside Anubis, could only smile as he listened to Arnulfe describing everything while he was enjoying it silently.

At the front row of seats, Ifrit also listened to Arnulfe and Anubis’s conversation, but then found that the two sounded like they were having a personal date, given Arnulfe’s straightforwardness and compliments to Anubis.

“(He’s flirting with Ani, isn’t he?)” commented Ifrit.

“(That a problem for you?)” asked Rhynsa.

“(Nothing. Just confirming it, that’s all. Nothing wrong with two male hounds having a go at each other).”

Rhynsa scoffed. “(You’ll be surprised how the surface world feels about that kind of relationship. Lycan-Human relationship’s already a bit too racy for some people).”

“(Doesn’t seem like it).”

“(Read the history books. You’ll get what I mean).”

Just as soon as they followed the paved road leading to the mountains, snow started to fall. Ifrit only saw it on the ground, but he never saw a snowfall before. He looked at the snow as they kept their constant speed through the paved road. Ifrit was mesmerized by how white they looked as they fell. They looked like cotton, but they felt cold.

Rhynsa noticed Ifrit’s reaction to the snow and commented, “(Never saw a snow before, Schelkz?)”

“(The Underworld doesn’t have snow),” said Ifrit short.

“(Maybe not. They do have ashes, though).”

Rhynsa felt that they should start talking about where their relationship was at. There were not any time to talk about it since Rhynsa was always acting like a professional when executing a very meticulously planned operation, such as the fort’s liberation. However, they had nothing to do while driving except admiring the snow and listening to Arnulfe and Anubis’s conversation, with a bit of Sammael commenting and talking with the two.

Rhynsa wondered what to talk about when they stopped and pull out the canvas top, before he decided that it would be best to start with something simple as he returned to the driver’s seat.

“(Schelkz),” said Rhynsa as he continued driving. “(I know we have our differences, but I didn’t mean to mistrust you. It’s just, I don’t know what to think of everything that happened. We found Anubis after months of searching. Then, surprise, surprise, we found you, alive and well. Then days later, I found out that you really did return to life, only now you’ve awakened something dangerous. I mean, sure, I should not be surprised, but I can’t help it).”

“(I know, I know),” said Ifrit. “(Anarim told me about your reluctance. You can be honest with me, Rhynsa. You don’t like my guts and you can’t trust me to behave. Well, let me tell you something. You don’t have to like me, and you can’t expect me to ruin your meticulous planning. But I really wish that we buried the hatchet on that bridge).”

“(Buried the hatchet?)”

“(Make up and forget past mistakes. Well, to be fair, my only mistake is because I was born a Schelkz. Also, it’s a surface world saying). Bury the hatchet?”

“(Ah. You learned that from blondie)?”

“(I read books and I asked him a couple of times, if you’re referring to Albert. Now I understand what it means more than the story).”

Rhynsa smiled for a moment before he returned to his usual chiropteran expression. “(Schelkz),” he started. “(To be fair, I did move on from my hatred when we reached Summinat. Your girl, Lilac Rezmirn, she…convinced me to).”

“(She’s a strong Lycan, isn’t she? Strong and forgiving, too).”

“(Yeah, she is. Ironic, isn’t it? I could only forgive a Schelkz because I watched them die with my own eyes. Your father, your mother, then you).” Rhynsa scoffed. “(Shows you how fucked up I’ve become, huh?)”

“(Not as fucked up as my family is).”

Rhynsa let out a laugh. “(That’s true),” he said. “(Still…I hope you understand why I’m reluctant, Schelkz. Even now, I don’t know what’ll happen next. This applies to Anubis, too. I told Anarim that both of you need to deal with your traumas first, but he wouldn’t have that. Do you…do you think this is the best way to deal with that)?”

Ifrit did not know the answer himself, only answering with silence. Rhynsa had reservations about trusting him, which Ifrit could understand. No one could trust someone who had the blood of a violent demon in his veins. This fact lingered in Ifrit’s mind, causing him to doubt himself more than others doubting him. Even now, he could vaguely hear his other personality’s voice taunting him to ‘let loose’. It could be his imagination. It could also be an indication that he was losing his mind. By that point, maybe it was right to keep him locked up.

“(Well, Fuzandre),” said Sammael. “(If you’re talking about Anubis, he doesn’t mind. At least that answered part of your question. As for Ifrit, however…).”

“(You don’t have to think about it too much, Sam),” said Ifrit with a smile on his canine face. “(It’s…well, I don’t know the answer yet).”

“(Even if you don’t know, you should know that I’m always with you, no matter what),” said Sammael. “(I don’t care if it’s my mind forcing me to say this to you or not. Right now, you need someone. Or something. I’m always at your side, Ifrit).”

Ifrit could only let out a sad smile, knowing that whatever binding ritual his father used on Sammael could have something to do with it.

Even then, their travel would not be a simple journey. Dusdolf was not as safe as they thought it was. Their first test would come in a way that even they could not expect.

The road they travelled on was soon covered with thick layers of snow as snowfall continued throughout their journey. Rhynsa did not need to worry about the accumulating snow before, but this time he was driving a car. Their decision to stay away from major throughways meant that there were no reliable road cleaning service, and before long, their car was stuck in the snow.

Rhynsa groaned, knowing that this wouldn’t happen if he was well-over all the snow with is wings. He pulled out two shovels and told Ifrit to start digging. Arnulfe told Anubis about what’s wrong, but soon got an idea as he remembered the recent events.

“(Hey, Ifrit),” called Arnulfe. “(I got an idea. Why don’t you melt the snow with your fire)?”

“(My fire?)” Ifrit was quick to realize what Arnulfe was talking about. He quickly said, “(Are you crazy? Absolutely not!)”

“(Hey, come on. You can produce fire. The least you can do is give us a slack).”

“(I can’t afford to lose control again! And besides, I can’t use fire, he can).”

“(He happens to be you, meaning you can use fire if you wish to. You two are two sides of the same coin! Your body can produce fire, so, why don’t you use it?)”

“(You do realize that his fire’s hellfire, right?)” said Sammael.

“(Which makes it easier to melt the snow).”

Rhynsa murmured, “(That idiot)” under his breath, but he couldn’t agree more. Arnulfe was not exactly the one who think about the long-term consequences of his actions. Even in missions, he took far too big of a risk. Asking someone who barely had control of his own personality to use the ability that caused him to lose control was exactly what Arnulfe would do. It frustrated Rhynsa, but his high-risk, high-reward strategy proved beneficial. Mostly.

“(This isn’t about the snow! If he takes me over…).”

“(Didn’t he declare that we aren’t his enemy? Just don’t argue and try. You might as well put one foot forward in your journey to overcome your darkness. Now, come on, or we’ll stuck in the cold for hours!)”

“(Don’t worry, Ifrit),” said Sammael, who was still in the car beside Anubis. “(I don’t like agreeing with him, but he’s right. You might as well learn how to control your darkness).”

“(I can help warn you if you like),” said Anubis. “(Your aura’s not as prominent as before, so you should be fine).”

“(You two…).” Rhynsa sighed. “(You know what, never mind. Just don’t point it at the car).”

Ifrit did not like this idea, but in the end, he started to consider the situation. It would take them a long time to shovel off all the snow the car was lodged in, so their best bet was to melt them. However, the hellhound had no idea how to do it without triggering his dark personality.

His reluctance and concern were unfounded, however. Just as he tried his best how to produce fire from his body, both Sammael and Anubis felt danger at almost the same time. Arnulfe noticed Anubis’s changing expression and used his echo senses. He gasped and said, “(Rhynsa, look out!)”

Rhynsa reflexively moved away from where he was standing just as a flying, flaming rock landed where he stood just a moment ago. He, too, used his echo senses and found that there were people walking through the thick snow. The snow dampened the echo produced, but he could still faintly sense them.

“(Demons),” growled Sammael.

“(Four…no. Five),” said Anubis, who sensed the demonic auras that were represented by red, flaming outlines of several figures. He waved his hands around, trying to find something to grab hold to when Sammael walked beside him and guided him with his own aura, with Arnulfe also helping him off. Anubis did not expect the thick snow, and when his paws touched them, it felt cold.

“(They can’t handle the Hunters, so they prey on us),” said Rhynsa, pulling out his rifle.

“(There is something else),” said Anubis. “(One of them…what is this…feeling?)”

Sure enough, as Ifrit turned towards where the others were looking, he felt a sense of dread. It was as if there was a danger that he needed to take seriously and he knew death was a certainty. This was not the same situation with the hellhounds he fought before. This was a matter of life and death, a predator and prey situation. The demons creeping towards them, or at least one of them, could wipe the four of them as he chose to.

“(Ohhhh…),” said the voice inside him. “(So, they sent out the big gun. This will be interesting).”

Just as Ifrit started to be overwhelmed by that fear, the voice inside his head started talking.

“(Fear, huh?)” said the voice. “(That’s your hellhound part screaming for you to run and never look back. I mean, a hellhound can’t best a demon from the lower depths of hell. It’s just stupid).”

Ifrit did not want to say anything, but the voice knew this and said, “(Cat’s got on your tongue, eh? Oh, Ifrit…. Just let yourself loose. You don’t want to run from him. In fact,…you might as well enjoy it. Even I feel it will be fun).”

“(I…can’t),” thought Ifrit. “(I…don’t want to).”

“(What’s wrong? Scared your girlfriend might reject you for what you have become?)” taunted the voice. “(We both know three years are too long for a grief. She might not even want to look at you now. She prefers the docile one, not the rough on the edges, dominating one! Well, look at you now!)”

Ifrit shook his head, trying his best to get the voice out of his head. His dark impulses laughed, apparently loving how tormented he was. In a sense, it was his own voice telling him to be sensible, but a twisted kind of sensible.

Ifrit’s reluctance to use his Infernal powers, whether he could consciously use it or not, would be problematic as his allies prepared themselves for a fight. However, they all soon realize their preparation was for naught as they saw the demons that was approaching them. Even from a distance, the danger they posed was not to be trifled with.

However, fear gripped their hearts when the demons got closer and closer. In the middle, leading the charge, was a demon that had been described by everyone as the most dangerous of them all: a goat-headed demon with black fur and red, horizontal-pupiled eyes. It fit the description of an Infernal, a term they all learned from associating themselves with Ifrit, a hellhound born of an Infernal. The goat-headed demon’s aura was enough to make everyone intimidated.

“(I-I think we should run),” said Anubis. “(Rhynsa, that thing…).”

“(Yeah),” said Rhynsa. “(An Infernal. Worst goddamn scenario we can get).”

“(I think it’s best if we scram),” said Arnulfe. “(Right, guys?)”

“(Good idea),” said Sammael, who was visibly trembling.

Ifrit wanted to run, shouting the others to do so. But then, his darker voice started speaking.

“(Really? Running?)” said the voice with a mocking laugh. “(You think that is going to work?!)”

“(You want to fight?! This is your fucking body, too!)” shouted Ifrit.

“(That is what you are supposed to do, you cowardly fool! You have an Infernal blood in you, and you decide to run? You better off drowning in a pool of shit than embarrassing yourself!)”

“(I don’t want to lose control! I can’t let myself to lose control!)”

“(That’s what you scared of? Losing control?)” The demon chuckled. “(Oh, Ifrit. The moment you died was the moment you lost yourself. You’re fighting against the current, my friend. You must swim with the flow, not against it! Better die, than struggle…then die!)”

Ifrit kept struggling to accept the fact, not knowing that the demons reached them, melting the snow around them with their fiery aura. Everyone started to become overwhelmed by fear as they saw the imposing goat-headed demon that stood in front of his demonic companions. Unlike the goat-headed demon, the others did not resemble any animals. They looked more like grotesque masses of creatures.

“Well, well,” said the goat-headed demon. His voice was deep and unsettling. “Look who we have here. Hapless mortals, trapped in this unforgiving weather.”

Everyone tried to hold their grounds, trying to muster enough courage to start defending themself. But the realization that they would be slaughtered did not help their confidence. Rhynsa, in particular, despite his cocky and sarcastic personality, all he could do was freeze as the goat demon caressed his cheek with his sharp, pointy claw, drawing blood. He proceeded to taste the blood with his long, forked tongue.

“A Fuzandre,” he said. “A tasty and unique specimen for those who like to live dangerously. Then again, ‘dangerous’ is an understatement when you happen to be wearing the things that can burn my tongue.”

His attention quickly turned to Arnulfe, whose gray skin and furless appearance, along with his wing-arms, made him stood out. But the demon sensed something else.

“Ah. Now, that is an interesting one,” he said. “What are you, exactly, hmm? You have a certain stench that can make little old me interested.”

Arnulfe couldn’t say anything witty. He was too scared to talk.

The Fuzandre gulped as the goat-headed demon moved past him towards Anubis, who could only stand in place, supported by his walking stick, as he was frozen by the fiery aura that was very menacing and somehow filled his vision with fire, not just around the Infernal. Then, he saw Sammael, who walked in front of the demon, apparently fearless. As a demon, he wasn’t as affected as he, like the demons he faced, were immortals. Even if he was mortally wounded, he would just return to hell and be a true Barghest.

However, years of living with the hellhounds had made that idea felt like death. If he returned to hell, the binding seal on his body would be gone and he would just be another Barghest, a lesser demon that ate dreams, and not a unique demon called Sammael. This fact was noticed by the Infernal, who looked at him with a confused look.

“You sure you’re fighting on the right side, Barghest?” asked the Infernal.

“I won’t abandon my friends,” said Sammael. “Especially now.”

“Yeah, well, that’s what your ‘friends’ wanted you to say,” said the goat demon. “That binding seal’s playing tricks with your mind like a corruption did to mortals. Good thing for you, it’s reversible, and there is only one way to do it.”

Sammael realized the imminent danger as the Infernal lifted his claws, intending to cause mortal harm to Sammael. The Barghest quickly tried to dodge as he shouted, “(Get the hell away from here! Now, dammit!)”

The others snapped from their fear-induced fear, but they were just in time to witness the moment when the Infernal’s claw started to light up like a heated metal. Sammael knew the attack that would come would utilize hellfire and would be as dangerous as a demon cleansing ritual. However, just as he wanted to dodge, he soon realized he was standing in front of the car with Anubis in it. If he dodged, the attack would hit the car and possibly Anubis, so he quickly tried to draw the Infernal’s attention away from the car. Unfortunately for him, the Infernal knew his intentions.

“I don’t make rules against the disabled, Barghest,” he said. “Everything’s fair share in front of me.”

Anubis realized the danger and was trying to get out of the way, but before he could, the Infernal slashed his claws to the air, releasing straight blade-like slashes of fire towards the car and Anubis. Sammael tried to run towards the fast-moving slashes, but he wasn’t fast enough.

But one was. Just before it hit the car, a fresh burst of fire blocked it, surprising everyone there and causing the demons to snarl. The Infernal was surprised at first, but then his face turned to glee as he realized what the fire was. He turned towards the source of the fire: Ifrit.

“Now, that’s a surprise,” said the Infernal. “I guess some of us do desire the taste of the Underworld.”

Ifrit was struggling to maintain control, but the rage and the realization that he almost lost his friend caused him to lose his control to his darker impulses. Before long, he found that he was unable to move, but he could still feel the moment when his body was taken over by his dark personality, who let out a malicious grinned. The Infernal similarly grinned, showing sharp rows of teeth on his supposed herbivorous caprine head.

The Infernal chuckled. The rage was strong in the peculiar hellhound. While he should be surprised about why a hellhound had enough guts to not be overwhelmed by the Infernal’s aura, his reaction was one of excitement. He was glad that there was someone who not only had the guts to fight him but could match his strength and tenacity.

Of course, there was no demon better than a fellow Infernal, and this hellhound, Ifrit, with a piercing glare of a killer, looked at the caprine demon.

“Now that’s the hungry eyes I have been waiting for,” said the Infernal. “You are ready to try and rip my throat out like your life depends on it. That Infernal blood in your veins is burning like there is no tomorrow, demon spawn. Can you feel that thrill of violence?”

“Why don’t we find out?” said ‘Ifrit’.

The two started fighting, starting with Ifrit going in hard with an attempt to bite the demon, only for the demon to snag them, threatening to break his maws if it wasn’t for Ifrit somehow producing fire on his hands, fueled by the pain and the rage. The Infernal laughed as he saw this. He was starting to get bored by the people summoning him and the whole hellish incursion business that he considered returning back to the Fifth Circle to fight an eternal fight. He never thought he’d be given the fortune of finding an enemy Infernal, even if that enemy happened to be half of one.

All the Infernal wanted was a good violent fight, and he found one in a half-Infernal hellhound.

“Come on!” taunted the Infernal. “Show me a good time, demon spawn!”