Dark feathers, hollow eyes like space itself with four wings. Two thrice the size of its body and two shorter ones near its back. Talons sharp as a knife and a serrated beak filled that looked like teeth. It flapped it wings, trying to scare the enforcers away but their keen minds stopped them. Major gulped, cold sweat running down his neck like an ant crawling on his skin.
'That's definitely a chaos mutation…'
Those words echoed in his mind and throughout the mental link. The others knew it too but needed confirmation. They didn't move – not an inch, waiting…and waiting…The chaos mutated raven lowered its head, scanning its surroundings. It saw three humans, ready to attack at any moment and two at the base of its tree – injured. It didn't waste more time. Releasing a thunderous screech, it dove down.
Matthew reacted first, stepping back and warning the team.
"DODGE!"
They responded and dodged its first attack but…in the next second, it crashed against their car, flipping over. Josh's eyes filled with horror as the bird flew up once more.
"It…flipped over the car…?" He muttered under his breath.
The group spread beneath and readied their blades. Major drew a sharp breath, analyzing the bird and…noticed something. The bird's eyes were rolling all over the place…
"What…?" He inquired but their no time to think.
It attacked Frank and Nolan next. Frank's pupils dilated as it dove down. He flexed his muscles once more and stood up, carrying Nolan out of the way. Just as he thought he dodged…
The bird swept past his shoulder and drew blood. Frank gritted his teeth, pain shooting throughout his body as he let Nolan go.
"Damn it." He blurted.
The raven flew again but didn't stop. In a continuous motion, it rose and dove, attacking Matthew. Matthew flinched, the bird inches from his face but…
He activated his attribute and a small green barrier covered him and the avian. The raven attack was blocked; it's talons crashing against the barrier. It 'frowned' and flew up once more, landing on a branch. The team was finally able to breath and grouped together. Nolan and Frank picked themselves up and dragged their bodies towards the vehicle and leaned on it.
"Sorry, guys…looks like we're out of commission." Frank said.
"Is this bad luck or karma?" Nolan shrieked.
"You two rest." Matthew stated. "We'll take care of the rest."
"Thanks…" Nolan and Frank spoke at the same time before falling into the soft grass.
Matthew chuckled nervously and turned back to benched bird.
'Major!' He called out.
'Yes!' Major responded.
'How do we defeat that thing?'
'Dunno…'
Matthew gritted his teeth and turned back towards the raven. The air grew thick with tension as the officers waited for its next attack. The bird didn't move…not yet. Its eyes flashed around rapidly as if it were gathering information.
'It flipped over the car so, we wouldn't have an easy escape method…it attacked Frank for some reason…was it because they were easy target? But they were of no…threat…it can't be.'
A realization slowly dawned on him as he began listing out what the avian had done.
'Captain.' He called out.
'Yeah?' Matthew replied.
'I think we're dealing with a smart one.' Major theorized.
'What do you mean by that?'
'It means the bird's got a brain…aren't I right, Major?' Josh threw the backpack near Nolan and Frank.
'You're absolutely correct.' Major smiled slightly.
The three frowned heavily, realizing that the avian had a good level of intelligence.
'Y'know what ravens are even more…'Major grinned.
'What are you saying?' Josh asked.
'They're highly territorial, mate. We can use that.'
'Then, why isn't it attacking us?' Matthew questioned.
"Well, since its intelligent, it can decide what its territory is and isn't instead of just attacking us when it sees us.' Major replied.
'So, we're safe at this distance?' Josh questioned.
'Yep.' Major answered. 'Now, listen to me carefully.'
Matthew and Josh eased their guards and listened to what Major was saying.
'You too distract it…while I do something.'
'What are you gonna do…?' Matthew asked in puzzlement.
'Just trust me.'
Matthew and josh sighed. They committed to Major's 'plan'. They gripped their katanas are rushed into the raven's land. Major trailed right behind them with a sight grin on his face. It roared in anger and dove down, heading straight towards Matthew.
Matthew held up his blade as it approached him. But at the last second, it diverted and attacked Josh. He flinched and rolled away. The bird didn't miss its chance and caught his leg. It flew up high as Josh's eyes widened with fear. Then, in the next instant, it let go.
"AHHHH!!!" Josh screeched.
Matthew raised his arms, activating his attribute. Right then, Josh was covered by a green barrier. It protected him and crashed into another tree. The raven landed on the ground. Matthew deactivated the barrier. It opened its wings and rushed forward. Josh tried to intervene but was pushed away. It attacked Matthew first. Matthew ducked its bit and kicked it in the chin.
The bird also attacked with its talons, cutting the lieutenant general's arm. He gritted his teeth and rolled onto the ground. The bird didn't pursue further and tuned its attention to josh. It nose-dived and glided towards the man. Before Josh could react, he was hit in the stomach by the avian's beak. He gasped but didn't falter. He gripped his sword and threw a swing. Luckily, it slashed the raven's wings.
The bird didn't stop event then. It twisted its body, crashing Josh against a tree. Then, it began quickly pecking the man's stomach as it was trying to piecer through. Josh threw up blood and the it's beak with his sword.
'Damn it…3000 points into strength.'
He suddenly, spoke strange words. The next second, his veins popped and a thin aura covered him. He felt a surge of power and kicked the raven away. The raven didn't scream and flew up again. Right then, Major screamed out.
"HEYY!!!"
The raven snapped its neck, looking in the direction of the sound. Its pupils dilated as it saw Major near its nest.
"I'm gonna make some good omelets outta these eggs!" Major shouted again.
The raven roared in anger and shot towards Major. Major smirked and jumped off, avoiding the avian by inches. He fell and rolled onto the ground. The raven followed him fiercely as Matthew and Josh stood up.
'Josh, grab the net gun and follow me.' Major ordered his mate through the mental link.
Josh nodded and sheathed his blade. He ran towards the bag, sliding across the terrain. He unzipped it and pulled out the net gun. He calibrated it and placed his finger on the trigger. Then, he gritted his teeth and rushed behind Major and the raven.