Hellwalkers

So You Wanna Play With Magic

Phew! At last! Sorry for the long wait, guys. Pokémon Scarlett came out and I've been playing it like crazy because I'm a big fan of Pokémon games.

From this point on, the story will go in a more original direction, as you've probably noticed by now.

—*HB*—

Being awake all night was, perhaps, one of the hardest things Moxxie has ever done. He's had sleepless nights before, but having to keep your eyes open to avoid transforming into a hellbeast is something completely different. By the next morning, although not exhausted, Moxxie did feel a little bit drowsy. But he was able to get on his feet and move around as normal. 

As the thespian moved around the house doing chores, he began humming a small tune, as usual. He was in the middle of dusting some of the shelves when he noticed a flash of golden light in one of the potted plants; more specifically, the one that had withered. When he turned around, it was gone, but the leaves seemed a little greener. 

Moxxie resumed his tasks and humming. And so did the golden flash. This time, he briefly spotted the familiar golden swirls of Hellwalker magic in the plant before they faded away. Thankfully, Blitzo was still knocked out by his alcohol-intoxicated state.

What just happened? He hadn't meant to use any magic, but why...? 

Wait, he was humming a few seconds ago. Perhaps it sounded a bit too much like a hellbeast purring? Striker had sometimes purred when using his magic, and the pack mimicked the sound.

Tentatively, Moxxie began humming gain, eyes focusing on the pot. This time, he saw the magic tendrils swirling on the stem and leaves. The plant gradually became recovered its healthy green color. Once he stopped humming, the magic disappeared.

Is this what Striker meant with the 'leaks'? 

Moxxie thought about last night. Striker actually offered to give him Hellwalker magic lessons. Should he take up on it? It's not like he'd actually use it, but it's best to know how to avoid using it inadvertently, like now. 

But this means he'd have to sneak out of town and into the forest. And just how long would these lessons last? He'd have to make a believable excuse as to why he's spending so much time out of home.

A loud groan from the sofa caught his attention. Shortly after, Blitzo sat up, hand over his forehead. 

"Shit..."

"Good morning, Blitz." Moxxie greeted, casually placing a bucket next to his companion. He knew what was coming. 

"Mox, is that—?" Blitzo didn't get to finish. He quickly picked up the bucket and threw up in it.

"There's some pills for the hangover on the table." 

"What the fuck happened...? I-I don't..." 

"Nothing in particular. You just got arrested for altering the order last night and we had to bail you out." Moxxie added a hint of bitterness at the last part. 

"Altering the what?" Blitzo squinted his eyes. "...I kind of remember something... I thought I saw a hellbeast. I must have gone crazy with the bullets."

You certainly did, considering that you almost shot me.

"That was probably just your mind playing tricks on you, Blitz," Moxxie said quickly, serving up the omelets on the table. "Anyhow, I don't think you'll be able to go hunting today in your current state. You should probably go home and rest—" 

"Rest?! No fucking—!" Blitzo threw up again. "I'm not letting that dick-sucking Travers win! Not when I got a lead on the Pale One's den!"

"Blitz, you're in no condition to go anywhere, let alone the forest."