Chapter 159: Lure

" here's what I think we should do; split up in to two groups. The stealers will be Gil, myself, and midnight we three have the best ability to sneak. The distraction will be Su, onyx, Remey , and Elise. Elise you and Stella can lure it from the sky, Su will taunt it and once it's close onyx will use his bind skill to trap it. Remey you're going to protect onyx so the cursed crow doesn't flail it's talons and hurt him, just be ready to help hold it. Riley and Laurence you'll be back up, who knows what other monsters could be around trying to hunt for the eggs or go after the cursed crow when it's incapacitated. Not to mention your tamed beasts may be a bit of a poor matchup for this situation." Laurence knew that having Hyde send his fiery quills at the crow could harm it too much and letting Riley's board rampage would hinder all of them so he didn't argue at all, this is why they needed help.

It was a simple enough plan to follow the only trick would be getting to the nest without alerting the mother before she was temporarily trapped. " Laurence do you have the specific location of the nest?" Laurence pulled out a small map of the area. The nest was in a small rocky clearing surrounded by high grass. The territory was clearly marked in a rough circle. " if we can attract the cursed crow to the edge of its territory here it should be far enough for it to get back to the nest fast enough. Elise you or Stella can fly up in the air to draw it out of the shadows and attack, just be ready for a sneak attack. Su keep an eye on them so you can taunt it at any moment. Onyx you know what to do, you'll have to settle for Su's shoulders for now."

Onyx uncoiled himself and slithered over to Su who lowered her arm to allow him up. " thank you cousin Su, I look forward to our debenture."

" cousin? Well I guess if midnight and walker are you siblings then I can be your cousin. Welcome to the team cousin onyx." At her worlds onus could himself a bit more on Su's shoulders and raised his head just like midnight would to show off her scales. He was already picking up some of midnights traits, next he would be rushing for kitchen scraps from hilda.

" alright one last warning, keep an eye on the shadows, if the crow manages to ambush you things will be rough. It's skill to stop your movement upon it causing you injury will be our main concern. If you aren't confident in your dodge then do your best to block." With the final warning said they split up, Su's team headed in a roundabout path to the farthest reach of the estimated territory. Walkers team started to head the opposite, he would await Su or Remey to utilize their system and notify him they had trapped hI cursed crow.

Laurence and Riley slowly trailed behind Su's party, Riley was more than happy to be left out so he could relax more. However Laurence felt useless even though to was logical he couldn't help. Deciding it was best to keep his eyes open to be ready as backup than dwell on it he took a deep breath and did just that.

Su was leading her group following the territory line established by the warriors from the rabbit tribe. The stretch of plains claimed by the cursed crow had grass that stood tall even through the snow. Building a nest in the area was most certainly a wise move. Finding it must have been like finding a needle in a haystack.

Elise had brought out Stella from her beast ring, she had taken flight immediately after being told their plan. Stella may have been excited to be out in the open sky again but she focused herself knowing how important this quest was to Elise. Stella would have to be the only one in the air, Elise only had a previous few moments before her soaring integration skill would run her mana dry.

Approaching their destination to start the plan Su had noticed even the average animals like squirrels and range rabbits avoided getting close to the taller grasses. Since even the average animals knew to stay away the crow must be very adamant about finding threats to its nest, hopefully it showed itself easily.

Forming up Su took the front with onyx coiled up to jump at an time. Remey and Elise were both evenly behind her. Stella kelts herself above them awaiting a signal to move forward to lure out the crow, she would need to remain lower to the ground in case it caught her with an attack. If it did manage to land one she would be paralyzed by shadows for a time causing her to fall from the sky.

Sending a message with the system to walker that they were ready she awaited her leaders response.

...

Walker had let Gil take the lead, he had the lightest foot steps and could naturally discern which spot was the safest to place his foot. The tall grass was apt at hiding icy spots that could alert any monster in the area, small holes and puddles were common due to the roots in the ground. Using silent gestures to help those following him he couldn't stop thinking how useful it would be if onyx was there to use his telepathy for this.

They hand not fully begun to encroach in to the territory but instead position themselves in the fastest path to the nest. If they went in too soon and drew the attention of the crow the other team would not be able to get in and out with the egg fast enough.

Crouching down to remain hidden the group awaited Su's notice that they had proceeded and lured the crow.

Feeling the tap on his shoulder walker signaled that Su's team had started to bait the crow.

....

Stella had started to fly in to the territory staying low. She glided side to side avoiding any shadowy patches where she could easily be ambushed. A soft breeze rustled the grass around the ice and snow. It was too quiet. Su and Remey had a sharp eye on Stella following slightly behind. Elise's nerves were threatening to boil over.

Su raised her hand and lowered her stance, Stella had just turned sharply to the left. A shadowy V shape seemed to shoot from grass patch to grass patch. Stella was spinning in the air avoiding shadows on the ground, the slight breeze causing them to move slightly making things harder. Stella locked on to the shadows movements and began to slowly pull back towards the others.

Stella on her way Su had Elise and Remey step back, they still hadn't laid eyes in the cursed crow which was staying in the shadows. " avoid shadow patches, I'll taunt it the second I see it leave the shadows." Stella was approaching faster now still moving in a zig zag pattern to avoid betting close to shadows. The V shaped shadow still following. She was soon over top of Su, the second the two met eyes Stella took a sharp upward turn. As she rose higher she hoped the crow would show itself.

Not easily tricked the cursed crow noticed the others in the ground and began drastically shooting from shadow to shadow. The V shape darted past them not showing itself yet. It's speed was too much making every single one of them loose sight.

Only the soft wind made a sound. Glancing here and there trying to catch a movement Su turned about. " Su!" Remey pushed Su from behind.

"CAAAWWWWWW" a defiant cursed crow had burst from Su's shadow narrowly missing Su but grazing Remeys ear lobe. The tiny scratch wasn't even enough to be felt but for the crows skill it worked. Black shadow chains sprang up anchoring Remeys limbs to her side.

"Ggrrrraaa" Remey struggles against the shadow chains trying to break free. They refused to break and instead became tighter. Su straitened her self seeing Remey trapped, she wanted to rush forward but holding itself above Remey was the cursed crow.

It's black feathers shined slightly almost dripping shadows. Small wisps of black smoke fell with each flap. It's red eyes were trained on Su waiting for any sign of movement. Beak and talons were sharp as a razor. It was almost taunting her, knowing it was out of her reach.

Inching her feet slowly Su nagar to fall in to a defensive stance. The crows gaze never faltered. Moments felt like hours with each small movement until she was ready to shout her taunt. Su took in a deep breath about to shout, that movement was enough to push the crow to love itself. It's darted down towards Su it's talons spread to scratch her face.