Inferno's Aftermath II

Malik barely had time to breathe before two more were on him.

One came low, trying to swipe his legs out, while the other leaped high, aiming for his head. 

He jumped back, his feet skidding on the dirt as the high one's claws nearly raked across his face. 

His blade flashed in a quick arc, clipping the low one's arm and sending it spinning to the ground.

The second Qird landed rough and pounced again. 

Malik sidestepped, driving his elbow into its side midair, then followed up with a slash across its back. 

The creature hit the ground in a heap, snarling for a moment then dead the next.

"You guys gotta work on your coordination." 

He flicked the blood off his blade.

KIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!

A loud screech from his blind spot made him whirl around. 

Another Qird—a big one, its flames burning brighter than the rest—came barreling toward him.

"Oh, shit!"