The Crimson Fang
Chapter 27 - The Resolution

Everyone turned to Dimitri, who had climbed down from the roof, and was taken aback. “Who turned you?” “Nobody did. I wanted to help Joseph, and next thing I know, I am on the roof, lining up my shot.” Elder Simon thought for a moment. “I have never heard of anything like this happening. I shall need to look into it, later.” “I must inform Nigel that I will not be coming back.” “Why would you not be going back?” “Well, I am a Crimson Noble now. I cannot go back to the Resistance, can I?” “That is really up to you to decide. We won’t stop you, should you choose to return to your allies and aid them. We are all fighting the same war, after all, and the humans are going to need all the help they can get.” “Very well, I shall return to the Resistance. I will attempt to spur them into taking action, instead of merely awaiting the next attack. This is no longer a matter of the survival of the human race, but of the whole world.” “I’ll bring you back. I need to begin my search anyway.” Joseph and Dimitri disappeared. “Simon, can we win without him?” “Either way, he is right, my lord. We need the remainder of our forces, if we are to stand a chance against the Altros. This includes the remainder of the Crimson Fang.” The small group of survivors began planning.

Joseph and Dimitri appeared in the middle of the Resistance’s encampment. At least, they appeared in what remained of it. The buildings that were still standing were smoldering, the rest in ruins. Nobody could be found, as Dimitri ran from building to building. Joseph knelt down, picking up a handful of dirt. He smelled it, and stood up. “There was a battle waged here.” He began to walk around, investigating the compound. Dimitri ran up to him, frantic. “There were both humans and Altros involved. Few casualties, none of them were Altros. It doesn’t appear as if they had fought their way in, either; the gate is open, not broken down. Amazing! The survivors were dragged east.” East? But that’s… “Towards the enslavement facility! We must save them!” The duo ran toward the Altros facility.

They managed to get into the facility with no trouble. “Well, that’s a great sign. It’ll be getting out of here that will prove difficult.” Joseph nodded, sniffing the air. He motioned for Dimitri to follow him, and he began running silently down a corridor.

Several cells came into view, lining the walls. One, in particular, stood out, mainly because of the humans inside, along with, “Ami! Draken!” Joseph saw his friends inside. An Altros that resembled a bear was guarding the cell. “I wonder; which of you Crimson Nobles they’re going to break next? I do enjoy your screams! They are exquisite, like…” His sentence ended abruptly, as his head twisted to the side. The body fell to the ground, creating a cloud of dust. “I have had it with you creatures,” was heard through the dust-cloud. Ami could hardly conceal her excitement, as the dust cleared revealing “Joseph!” “Sorry it took me so long. Are you guys OK?” Draken grinned. “It’s good to see you again, ‘Outcast.’ You could have gotten here sooner, before I had to smell that disgusting creature.” They laughed, as Joseph began working on a way to open the cell.

“Dimitri, what the devil is wrong with your eyes mate?” Nigel stood at the bars of the cell, staring at his friend. “Never mind that, there is no time to explain. What happened at the compound? When we got back, the place was in ruins!” Nigel explained that, as they were sleeping, the Altros stormed their compound, capturing all who lived. “We tried to fight back, but they overwhelmed us.” Joseph walked over to a corner of the cell, and grabbed the bar. “Let’s get you guys out of here.” He tore the bar out of the wall, taking the rest of the cell with it. As the humans made their way out, he did the same to the other cell, releasing the Goblins, Elves, Magi, Nymphs, and many other races that had been imprisoned. He turned to a human who was running and stopped him, grabbing him by the shoulder. “Isn’t it odd that, during my investigation of the compound, I noticed that the Altros had been let in, and not forced their way?” The human looked at him, confused. “What does that have to do with me?” “I also replace it odd that you are the only guard who survived the attack, isn’t that so?” “So what? Lots of others survived.” “As Dimitri said, we don’t have time for this. End the charade, since I can read your mind, traitor!”

Nigel turned to him. “Sam, is this true?” Sam broke down, crying. “I’m so sorry, Nigel! They told me that I would be spared, and that they would make me an Altros! All I had to do was kill the other guards and let them in! I had no idea that they would double cross me! Please, forgive me!” “I’m sorry Sam. I can’t forgive you for this, betrayal.” Joseph raised his hand. “For aiding the Altros in their goals, and betraying those that trusted you with their lives, you are hereby sentenced to be relieved of your burden of living. Do you have any last words?” “I have no reason to live. Please, make it quick.” Joseph nodded and Sam fell, lifeless, to the floor.

Nigel walked to Joseph. “I hereby vow to aid the Crimson Nobles in their fight against the Altros. I will do anything I can to help. I am tired of sitting back, waiting for them to wipe us out!” There were many voices heard, adding their own vows to Nigel’s. Joseph smiled. “Do you wish to do so as your own races, or as Crimson Nobles?” The group was torn, half wishing to be turned, the other half wishing to remain as they are, in order to keep their people alive.