Switch | One Shot | Working Title

Awakened and Smoke

The two stared at one another for a time as Murad's words dispersed through the air. Jellal's mind swirled as it tried to wrap around what the giant before him said.

Did I hear him right? Save... save our lives?

"Wh...what... what do you mean save our lives? Who? All of you? And save them from what?" asked the teen, feeling his chest tightening with panic and worry. Murad blinked slowly and rolled his shoulders, readjusting his folded arms.

"Please spare me having to explain. Honestly, you're not going to remember so why spend the time?" sighed Murad. Jellal's heart skipped a beat. He naturally leaned away from Murad, chest tingling with apprehension.

"Wh... what do you mean I won't remember?" the teen barely managed to sputter out the words without stuttering before Murad leaned forward. The giant's arm extended, hand outstretched and fingers slightly splayed.

"Relax, it is a simple spell and will cause you no harm. You will simply wake among strangers and friends in a town you recently relocated to. Just breathe and don't fight it. It will make you sleep better," instructed Murad. Murad's extended hand began to glow with a faint ember glow sparking from his palm and lacing around his fingers.

Jellal felt his breath seize, mind blanking in terror. He wanted to shout for the giant to stop. He didn't want to lose his memory. He didn't want to lose his family. He just wanted to be home with his sister and his mother and father. His limbs began to shake. Tears gathered in the corners of his eyes.

The young blue-eyed boy watched as Murad flicked his fingers and a brilliant swirl of ember overtook him. Instinctually, he slammed his eyes shut, every nerve and fiber in his body tensing and flinching away, and he averted his gaze.

Something made a solid impact with his chest. It was warm and felt soft like the brush of feathers against his skin. Suddenly, the sensation felt constricting, wrapping around his arms and torso and legs seized him. He wanted to cry out. He tried to shout, to beg for the giant to stop and take him home. His voice refused to obey. His heart was pounding out of his chest. Everything hurt. Everything wanted to thrash and be free. Just as warm tears slid down his cheeks, the sensations subsided.

The tension around his body dissipated. The warmth left him. The constriction faded. His face was wet and finally his breath returned; however, some things remained.

His consciousness.

He was awake.

Unmistakably awake.

Most importantly – he remembered.

The blue-eyed boy opened his eyes one at a time, afraid but also daring himself to take a peek. He was still on the pillow. He was still in the odd room with books and shelves and fire. He was still on the table. He was still in front of Murad, who wore the most curious expression. His eyebrows had partially knitted together, head turned slightly to the side. His narrowed features seemed to further purse in an examining manner.

A new terror struck the boy as the realization sunk into his head – whatever Murad did wasn't working. His shoulders began shaking involuntarily as he stared up in panic at the other. The auburn-haired giant, on the other hand, seemed more calm than before as his features relaxed. He leaned forward, looming over Jellal, and for a fraction of a moment there was the smallest trace of a tugged grin on his face. His dark brown eyes swirled as a dangerous fascination swirled in them.

"Well," he said softly. "Seems as though you truly are an interesting one." Murad once again tilted his head to the opposite side while maintaining eye-contact with the frightened blue-eyed boy. Murad hummed curiously and, placing his hands gently on the edge of the table, stood while maintaining contact with the table and Jellal's eyes.