The Other King

Crow- Lost Ability

I tried again, but nothing was working. There seemed to be a barrier to our abilities but that thought was distinguished when I saw Tharama and Devanar using theirs. Tharama could only do so much as to bring up vines and trap the trolls, slowing them down. Devanar lit them on fire and Pylah and Autumn were phasing through and attacking from the inside with their dark magic. The Elf dude, Krowel, was waiting patiently but looked almost bored and amused at the same time.
The troll didn’t give me too much time to come back into reality, I dodged another blow before taking out my black blade. I learned not to rely on my ability but I always had it as backup. It’s starting to stress me out why it’s not working. I had to figure it out later, right now’s not the time. I slashed his thigh, bringing him down and ending him. They were slow and sloppy with their movements but had power behind their swings. You just have to be faster than their arm.
Before I could think about it more I realized we took the small group down instantly. The leader troll was gone though, probably a coward in the face of defeat. The others didn’t seem to realize I couldn’t rely on my ability. I turned back to the man on the throne but I let my guard down too easily. My arms were locked behind my back, the soft sting of black mist circled me. Krowel got up with a grin. “Impressive.” He told us. My head was locked in place but telling by his attitude the others were stuck in this situation as well. “I was gonna ask a request to retrieve more little special things of mine but oh well, your temper is a problem just like those stupid ogres.”
“Let them go.” Autumn said angrily. Maybe not all of us. I saw Pylah’s white hair through my peripheral vision, she was out of it too.
The man held up his hand, not concerned. He looked at me, I heard a bang and groans of the two. I wanted to speak but my mouth refused to open. He searched my side, grabbing the box with the coin. He did the same with the others and went back to his seat. Opening the boxes as if it was his birthday, he made sure they were all there. Once he touched the coin, it dissolved in his hand. The wand turned into a wooden stick and handle like the witch had but this one was brown wood not black. But it swirled with black mist, the dark magic, instead of white electricity. He set the pearl down and the witches bottle he examined. He saw me struggling to speak and he chuckled. “I know. They are all the right objects.. It’s just. The bottle seems down a drop.” He looked down at my wrist and smiled. “Seems you used my object. Of course you probably didn’t do it on purpose.” He got up and started walking to me.
His clawed fingered grabbed my hair and pulled my head back. I clenched my jaw harder, eyes widened as they stared at the man with hatred. “I hope you didn’t.” He mumbled. He looked my face up and down with the same look I’m giving him. He let go of my hair, my head fixed into its original position. He dropped the three bags of golds onto the floor by my feet as if I’m a peasant. The diamond rolled next to the coins. “That wasn’t so hard was it?” He asked softly.
He sat down and we were released. I grabbed the payment, shooting him a look before I checked on the others. Autumn and Pylah fell to the ground. They grabbed their necks as if they were choked. Autumn shot his head up, running toward Krowel but I grabbed him.
“You son of a-!” He screamed but I clamped his mouth shut. He kicked at me but I held him close until he calmed down. When he finally realized it wasn’t worth it, he pushed me off of him. I was mad too but it wouldn’t do any good if we kept fighting with him. We did the exchange and it’s time to leave now.
“Leave it, Autumn.” I warned. He scoffed and went to his sister, who Devanar was helping out. “Let’s go.” I said, walking out of the shed. Tharama and Angelica went to my side, Tharama seemed upset and Autumn was pissed. Pylah just rubbed her throat and looked annoyed. We walked home silently and only when we got home to the meeting room did we start talking again.
“Who does that fucker think he is?” Autumn shouted.
“Let’s calm do-” I tried to say but he interrupted me.
“And who is this girl?” He pointed at Angelica after ripping his mask off. I took mine off and started to explain but Devanar did it first, telling them how she just showed up and how we saved her. “So you took her in because you felt bad? Well give her back to wherever she was before they took her. Does she even want to be here?”
“She’s mute Autumn.” Pylah stated. “Even if she wanted to go back she couldn’t tell us where she came from.”
“So she’s all of a sudden one of us now?” I pursed my lips. If it wasn’t under these circumstances, I was glad he’s actually recognizing he’s a part of the group and taking responsibility by saying us. He must’ve seen my face cause he gave me his all famous attitude. “What are you smiling about?”
I shrugged my lips, laughing under my breath. He’s acting cute.
He seemed to drop it, turning back to the others. “And he didn’t even seem grateful, that bastard. We almost died out there. Pylah almost lost her sanity, I almost bled out and Crow almost fucking died from having a seizure. Devanar almost- Wait, what did Devanar almost die from?” Crying like a baby, I thought but I could tell Devanar knew what I was thinking and silently told me to shut my mouth. “Anyway, the point is he almost killed us too. All he had to do was say thank you and we could’ve left.”
I hid my smile. Seeing him ramble like this was making me happy. This is the most he’s spoken and he doesn’t even mind it. “Now that it’s over with, thanks to Autumn for getting out all our frustration over the task, we need to think about the golds. Diamonds aren’t that valuable so if you guys don’t want it, I’ll toss it into the chest. I’m thinking of using one of the golds to buy Devanar another ax.”
Pylah laughed. “You buy things?”
I blinked, hiding back a smile and said, “Devanar does. He lost his ax due to a favor spirit trying to get the pearl.” I looked at everyone but Angelica because she probably didn’t know what we were talking about but nodded anyway. “Then for the others ..” I placed the bags on the table after handing Devanar a coin. We all earned these golds, it would be selfish of me to just keep them all.
“Let’s hold on to them.” Tharama said through the silence. He’s not really one to speak during the meetings so I look up with a curious face. “Golds are rare here, so let’s keep them. Maybe use people and bribes.” I like his way of thinking.
“People do fight for gold. Only the rich elves in the Four Kingdoms have them. How this guy got them, I’m wondering what his real past is.” Autumn said. I wanted to get in with the conversation but my wrist started burning. I made a soft noise of a pain-like gasp, I caught their attention. “What’s wrong?” He asked with concerned eyes.
Now might be a good idea to tell them. “Back at that place in Cyrenduen, I tried to use my ability and nothing happened.” They didn’t seem to understand judging by their looks. “I don’t know how to explain it but it didn’t work. The ground didn’t respond to me, I had nothing to rely on.” Devanar started getting worried.
“Your wrist.. Do we know exactly what that potion was?” He asked as he came over.
“Oh wow, well if we had time before that guy nearly killed us than we could’ve asked!” Autumn spoke sarcastically.
“Not now.” Devanar warned. He turned back to me, looking into the symbols. Autumn gave an odd look, Pylah did too. Devanar didn’t seem to catch on and I didn’t focus too much on them. “Did you still feel the energy?”
“Nothing. Usually I feel it in my chest, the more I use it the more I feel it and the more tired I am but nothing came up.” I glanced around and they glanced at each other. Thoughts start circling my mind. What if they don’t want to follow me anymore? What if one of them wants to lead because they think I’m weak. The only one who would possibly want to do that is Autumn and he’s too much of a chicken to do so. “What’s wrong?” I asked Devanar. He seemed silent for a while.
“The magic from the bottle, it seems to be taking away your energy source and magic from within. This kind of spell can’t be undone.” I was speechless. Goosebumps rose along my skin, as I tried to process what he said. “Pylah,” His voice was far away. “Do you think you can do something?”
“I wasn’t there but witches are full of fatal dark magic so he’s lucky he didn’t die. There’s nothing we can do. But at the same time..” Her voice trailed off.
“No.” Autumn interrupted. He shot her a warning glare, I know that look all too well.
“Tharama, take Angelica to bathe, she needs to wash up all the dirt.” He didn’t hesitate, leaving the four of us alone. Waiting till the door closed, I turned serious again. “Autumn, speak. What is it that we could do?”
“I said no.” His face hardened. I wasn’t having it. “It’s too dangerous, plus it wouldn’t even work if you have no magic inside.”
“He can learn.” Pylah said, turning back to me she took a deep breath. “There’s a way you can learn dark magic.” As she spoke Autumn got up quickly, ready to leave. “We can’t teach you because we were born from it but there’s a way you can learn,” Autumn slammed the door as he left. “And Devanar can’t teach you because he learned light magic, it’s very different. But-”
“I can introduce you to who taught me.” He said. The pain in my wrist didn’t ease, I stared at it with an odd look. Learn dark magic?
“I should check up on my brother.” I nodded.
“Go.” I told her. She left after apologizing on his behalf. I told her she was fine and when she left Devanar sighed. “What’s up?”
“I don’t know about this, man.” He rubbed his head, looking down. “The guy who taught me.. He’s a little crazy and he’s so.. old.” He said as if it was a bad thing. I knitted my eyebrows.
“So?” I asked, confused.
“I’ll just show you tomorrow. It’s already late and we need to wash up. He’s a good guy, trust me. It’s just..” He trailed off, as if stuck in a memory he wants to forget. I’m still confused but I dropped it. I left lastly grabbing my cloak and dropping my belongings in my room and leaving only my thin shirt and baggy pants that dropped low on my waist. Pylah was talking to Angelica, she nodded and shook her head to her questions. It’s good that they are getting to know each other but we need to find a way we can talk to her more easily. Tharama was on the other side, letting the warm water come up to his chin and ears. When he saw me, he got up slightly. I took off my clothes before walking into the water. I watched as it dragged the dirt on my skin away.
“I wonder what the man’s like who's going to teach me..” He gave me an odd look, I almost forgot he wasn’t there for the conversation. I explained to him that without my elemental magic we were born with, I’d have to learn to use dark magic to protect myself and them.
“You can’t.” He said. Gods him and Autumn both. “You can’t, not with dark magic.” He looked worried and bit his tongue. “Take a break from magic in general, Crow. It will only harm you.”
“I don’t need wise words from a kid.” I looked away, this was my decision anyway after Pylah’s suggestion. “Pylah,” I called out. She glanced at me with a nod up. “Why’s Autumn so against it?”
It seemed like she already knew what I was going to ask, seeing her sigh and that look on her face after my few words. “He,” She paused, trying to think carefully of her next ones. “Dark magic is very difficult. Not only on your soul and body but also mentally and physically. He knows you're strong but it’s not like light magic. Learning it can kill you. We’re all worried but he has it the most.”
“He doesn’t care what happens to me.” I scoff. I relaxed deeper in the warm water, and the door opened.
“Bullshit.” Speak of the devil.
“Oh yea? Then control your skuller form, you’re always trying to attack me.” He looks like I just spoke gibberish.
“I didn’t attack you once on that trip. Are you out of your damned mind?” I heard his voice slowly rise. I only smirked and looked away with it. “And plus, what’s that talk with the ‘your skuller form is dangerous wa wa’ that’s my original form you dimshit.” I let out a laugh at his attitude. “Oh fuck off.” He went to close the door but his sister implied he stayed to cool off. He rolled his eyes and started undressing, I heard him abruptly step into the water, causing a small echo of waves. He sat near Pylah glaring at me before continuing the conversation. “And another thing, I only care what happens to you because you’re the leader of this group and the mighty symbol.” I heard his sarcasm but didn’t say anything. “Without you we’ll fall apart.”
He stared into my eyes with a challenge. He shows a weird way of showing his affection. I won’t die with learning magic, Pylah said it was a chance but I’m willing to try. If he wants to get mad at me then so be it. Tharama can get mad too, at least his reasons are understandable. “I’m not gonna die.” I mumbled.
“You don't know that!” He screamed. Everyone stared at him shockingly. He’s never raised his voice like that.
“Why are you getting so worked up? This isn’t your damn fault that we got hurt so stop blaming yourself. I’m fine.” My face hardened and he matched it already. “Get it through your thick skull that I’m fine.” His nostrils flared as if he’s holding back on saying anything else. I sighed and stood up, the water went down to under my chest. I walked up to the front, “Get sleep tonight and train tomorrow or whatever you guys do.” Tharama looked sad, he always does when I yell. I could tell he was anxious about Autumn and Pylah. “C’mon.” I said, he didn’t hesitate to follow me. Grabbing my cloak like a robe to hide my nude body. He did the same with his and followed me out of the room. I grab his head, pulling it toward my chest, his arms wrap around my muscular body. “You okay?”
I felt his deep breath, calming himself. “I hate it when you guys fight.” I heard his soft voice say.
I breathed against him. He’s like a little brother to me. We care and protect one another. We’re all family, I know that and he doesn’t want family to fight. I walk him to his room, making sure he’s alright before going to mine at the other end of the hallway. I take off my cloak, grabbing a fresh pair of clothes and only managing to put on my pants when the door opens. “Not now.” I said harshly. Autumn stepped inside, “Get out.” He just ignored me taking a seat by my desk.
“Why can’t you just use light magic? Why dark?” His black hair covered his eyes slightly, his shirt was against his wet skin. I looked up at him, my jaw clenched. He didn’t seem to want to fight but just wanted to honestly know why.
“Pylah suggested I learn so I will. Plain and simple.” I grabbed my shirt, pulling it over my head, I looked down at my wrist. The symbols were still dull but didn’t change their capacity. I still see them so clearly. “It doesn’t matter if it’s dangerous, I have magic within me it’ll be fine.” Though it’s dying slowly due to the poison. He rolled his head back as if he couldn’t believe my opinion didn’t change. “Just get out, Autumn. Get some sleep.” I walked over to him, he sighed and got up. I watch him close the door slowly behind him. I shake my head, attempting to get the water out. “Weirdo..” I mumbled before grabbing textbooks I have about dark magic, trying to prepare myself and learn more about it before I actually get training tomorrow.
After staying up all night, Devanar and I eat quickly. We didn’t bother bringing our masks or cloaks, no one should notice us. I tell the rest my farewells for the day and follow after Davanar, he seemed stressed. “So where is he located?” I asked him to break the tension.
“Suveron.” He said a little more steadily. I nod and stay quiet. No one really glanced at us, which was nice. We mostly walked in silence, only exchanging a few words.
Suvernon was crowded like usual, people buying and stealing almost everything. During the commotion, my hands pickpocketed everyone who came close. Most of the shit I grabbed was useless to me but I found some valuable stuff. I tossed him the coins and he gave me the diamonds. When we went to an isolated part of the market, I asked if he was going to look for a new ax. “Might as well.” He said back. He glanced in both directions before pointing to a building down the alley. “That one. Darry should be right in there.” I turned to him but he was already off to buy another weapon. I blinked with a confused look as to why he’s still acting like this.
I didn’t take any more time and started walking to where he told me. The building looked worn down and the stained glass was dusty. I knocked on the door and I heard a loud crash on the inside. I waited but no one answered. I went to open the door but it was locked. I step back to see if there’s another opening that won’t make me break the glass just to get in. The window was opening on the floor above but there’s no way I can get there without my ability which now I don’t have. I think of a way I can get there and notice it’s on a railing.
I take a few steps back, sprinting to the wall and kicking off of it to grab onto the railing. I grunt, pulling up my whole body weight to the open window. I roll onto the floor on the inside, staying alert. Standing up, scrolls and open books line the floor and walls on book racks. My eyes scan for a living thing but I’m guessing the man’s downstairs. My imagination scanned on what the man could look like, judging by his home he’s probably an old man.
“Hel-?” I started but a dagger went straight for my face. My instincts acted first, dodging it. I look back to see one with the same assassin print that Autumn has. That’s odd.. I look back to the doorway where the dagger came from. I heard a scrape against the floor, the moment I saw the creature my sword was in my hand, ready to attack. Is this the man Devanar was scared of? I wonder why.
The man that came out was about seven feet tall, his long black hair came behind his long horns on his head. His well-structured face was handsome with his black and red eyes like ghouls. His clawed hand was holding a massive staff, his long black cloak was dragging against the floor as he walked closer to me. He tilted his head, he looked mid-aged, a little older than Devanar but who knows how old demons can get. But then I noticed his missing pair of wings and the way he acted almost human-like. Was he half-blooded? “Your instincts are good.” He commented with a smile. His teeth were sharp like a dogs. I was still on guard, he circled me. I was caught off guard when his staff nearly stabbed me, I was taken aback abruptly to avoid the point at the end and landed on my butt. I tried to stand but he pointed the sharp end at me, he tilted his head again. “Devanar sent you?”
“Correct.” No point in getting scared now, just a human and a demon who’s threatening me with a stick. I’m good.
“Usually he comes for medicine. Why has he brought you?” He crouches down, his bare feet faded into a pitch black color that covered his toes. It fades all the way to his calves. I noticed it’s the same way with his hands, all his fingers were covered.
“I want to learn dark magic.” I was serious but he let out a huge laugh. His figure fell into the shadow behind him. My eyes widened, where did he go? I’ve seen Autumn do this, I’ve almost forgotten the dead can do it too. I stood up, and turned around after a small wind blew on me. He was leaning on the wall, arms crossed. His staff wasn’t with him.
“You want to learn dark magic?” He asked with another laugh.
“Yes, I do. You have a problem with that?” He smiled and pointed at me with his pointer finger, the ground from under me felt like water as I was pulled through. The floor under us from where I tried to enter the first time, came into view after I broke through. The impact came harder than I thought, I groaned on the ground. I saw the man, known as Darry, walk down the stairs very formally.
“What makes you think I should teach you?” I looked at him, I was still lying on the floor.
“Quit playing games with me. Everyone here needs to protect themselves and those who can’t learn. I need it to survive or I’ll be killed.” He only shrugged.
“So be killed. Judging by the name on your wrist and the magic that imprinted it, your little ability as you humans call them’s gone, correct? And you're scared your little puny self will die off like everyone else because you're weak now.” What the hell is he talking about? I stood up with my face scrunched up, I felt my body start to heat up with anger. “Oh relax, you mortals are so sensitive.”
“I’m not scared of being weak.” I tried to say but even that sounded like a lie in my mouth. I can’t protect the people who matter to me most if I’m weak and even if I’m the strongest I still can’t. I need something more and now I can have it if this stupid man just teaches me.
He circles me once more with a testing expression.  “You're already cursed, I can see it throughout your body. Whatever you did was a stupid mistake. I can see the poison running through your body from your wrist, the writing- hmm.” He smirks, I’m scared by his reaction. How the hell did Devanar get caught up with this.
I sigh, rubbing my eyes. “Will you teach me or not?”
“Cursed on this stupid planet by the gods, I might as well.” He frowns and walks right through the wall behind him. I stand there not knowing what to do until he calls out, “C’mon! You stupid mortal-” The rest was caught off. I grab my sword and run after him, walking through the door that was left open. “Don’t touch anything unless you want another poisonous imprint and die even faster.”
The room was full of dark bottles and potions. I should’ve known he was a sorcerer, but most of his abilities are probably from his being in general. I passed through the little walkway that came between the tables. Big pots of black sloppy liquid bubbles and spits. I tried to get nothing on me, I fixed my vest in the process. The building was bigger than I thought. I quietly wonder if he has to pay rent like others in Suveron. He passes to the next room, which opens up to a wide long room with metal scraps and broken equipment. “Is this where you’ll teach me?” I ask impatiently, my body slowly fills with excitement and adrenaline.
“You do realize, dark magic isn’t a joke right?” I nod. He rolls his red eyes. “Take off all of your weapons and your shirt.” Before I could ask why, he replied, “Just do it.” I didn’t bring that many daggers or others, I placed the three with my black sword to the side before pulling my shirt over my head. “You have muscle, strong flesh and bones.” It sounds like I’m food to him. “I don’t feed on mortals mind you. I’m observing, you’ll need to get stronger. You're skinny and well built but you need more or it will eat away your flesh.”
I looked down, I wasn’t that skinny. I have a well chested front with abs and muscle on my arms. My legs were strong too. I wasn’t as skinny as Autumn and I wasn’t as big as muscle man Devanar. I’m a mix. “Stronger huh?” I ask. He nods.
“We’ll focus on combat and physical training to work your body like a vessel then we’ll move onto knowing spells and forming the dark magic into mist form and all that crap. You better try hard and not waste my time.” I nod and comment that I'll try my best. “Oh and one more thing.” He paused. “If you die, I get your soul.” He said it so easily I thought he was joking.
“Excuse me?” I asked, my ears must be playing games with my hearing.
“I won’t do something so difficult for nothing. Listen, you're already poisoned, who cares. To put it simply, you can die here in training right? Either take the deal and try not to kill yourself or your mine. If you don’t then leave and you’ll eventually die off in the real world and end up with the rest of the undead and lost poor pitiful souls with the gods and kings of the underworld-” He gasped to catch his breath, “And live a sad afterlife. What will it be?” Before I could answer he clapped his hands. “Great!”
Immediately after, the side of my stomach formed a circle, I watched as it cut into me like a knife. On the inside were different symbols but I could tell the similarity to the ones on my wrist. I scrunch my face, it burns so fucking badly. By the time it was done, black covered the blood escaping it like a brand mark instead of a scar it was black. I wiped my blood off with a shaky hand, what is with dark magic and my left side?
“The mark will disappear after all this, don't worry.” I can’t believe this guy. I know for a fact he’ll actually try to kill me for an excuse of my soul. Is this what Devanar had to go through? Wait no, because he learned light magic. How does that add up to a demon? “In the meantime, let’s train out your body.”
He walked closer to me, I eyed him. He’s much more powerful and stronger than me and I’m empty handed. His figure turned to mist, I backed up but I hit an invisible wall. I was too slow to turn around, his foot kicked right into my back. I coughed and landed on my hands and knees. I looked to the side and another blow came right at my face. I rolled onto the floor, this doesn’t seem like a get strong session but a beat up Crow situation. I felt blood in my mouth, he’s playing around and going easy on me due to his real strength. But then again how can I fight how he really is if I can’t even fight this??
I pick myself up by my elbows. I scan the walls, my head snapping all around me. My eyes focus on the candles along the walls and the scraps on the floor. Once one moved, I immediately lunged at it and tried to tackle Darry but only grabbed air. I landed right on the scrap, it was curved upward, the top pierced right into my side. Not enough to go deep but enough to make me flinch in pain. I cursed under my breath, I grabbed the piece of metal and swung in all directions while he kicked me and punched when my back was turned.
“You're ignorant.” I heard his voice mumble, I threw the scrap and it hit. My eyes lit up. Only then I got caught off guard, the wall hit me in my chest and I flew backward into the wall. My head whipped backward, The pain coursing through my skull. A black pool of smoke appeared in front of me. My vision blurred, another set of pain on my jaw as Darry slashed me with the scrap he picked up. He grabbed my neck and forced me to face him. “You thought of nothing but attack. You’re not just a punching bag, learn strategy.”
I felt blood trickle down in many parts of my body. So much for trying to get stronger. I already made the contract so there’s no going back now. With the little strength I had left, I grabbed his horn and pulled myself up. He raised a judgmental eyebrow, I ripped the scrap out of his hand and went to stab it right into his throat but he disappeared in an instant. “Pussy.” I scoffed. I yelped once I felt my legs being pulled down and my arms restrained behind me. He held a dagger to my throat from my back and his leg crossed over mine. My arms were pulled back by his grip as he growled in my ear.
“Never get too confident.” The blade lightly dug into my skin, I tried to fight back or slam myself against him but he was nothing but air, only his grip and pressure was the only thing I felt until he morphed back into view. I tilted my head back, I slid my legs. Turned on my bottom and grabbed the back of his neck while my other hand grabbed his with the knife and placed it against his throat. I was beat up, tired and out of energy. He gave me a smirk, his other hand pulled my head back by my hair, I grunted. I pushed the dagger deeper into his throat, he’s not making this easy. He let go of my hair, shoving me off of him. He stood up and wiped the zero dirt off of his cloak. He grabbed his staff out of mid-air. “You need a break.” He concluded. I held my breath not wanting to agree with him. He left the room without a word, I took a deep breath and pushed my back against the wall where my stuff sat. I put my head in my hands to wipe away the sweat and blood. I grabbed my shirt and attempted to wipe off the rest on my hands. My body aches and hurts but I doubt he has bandages for a mortal. When he came back, he threw me a bag of water and a thing of wrap. I gave him an odd look.
“I supply Devanar, I have a few things.” I didn’t say anything but I gave him an even weirder look. He supplies Devanar? I mean I always wondered where we got all his healing supplies but I never thought someone like this would be behind it all.
“I’m a lot of different things than just a demon stuck in the mortal world. While I’m here I might as well help you stupid things before you die, and teach you like I’m doing. I’m cursed here anyway..” He mumbled the last part, not meeting my ears. I almost laughed, I didn’t really learn anything yet but that he’s powerful and an ass when it comes to his magic.
I grabbed the water and down most of it. I place the rest on my light wounds before wrapping my waist. It's odd without Devanar to be there to heal me whenever I need. I rip some of the wrap and place them on my small cuts.
“Is that all you need?” I hear Darry’s voice not far off. I nod as he backed away to let me regain my strength. It’s still pretty early in the day so I’m guessing I’ll be here in a while.
Before I could even make a reasonable plan he came back, he walked over and checked the wraps and bandages to see if they were healing nicely and it seemed ok. He took them to throw them out and I watched him the whole time. “Are you ready?” He asked.
I breathed and nodded. The moment his figure disappeared into swifting air I cleared my mind and fully came dependent on my instincts only. It’s not just that he’s invisible, his whole body is nonexistent. Only when he chooses to be physical. I felt the air move, I immediately formed a fist and threw it where I knew he was. Pain grew on my knuckles, he reappeared with a smirk. Out of his fingernails, the claws were longer and thicker. The points were pierced through my hand, I relaxed my fist as blood dripped down like a waterfall. I’ve been bitten by many things on my hand but this was the worst pain. He was going to claw my face.
He pulled his hand away, the nails leaving my bloody flesh with pain. I held my wrist with the other hand. The throbbing made my arm tickle. I looked at the black holes with a blank head.
“You succeeded in this part of training.” His words sounded far away. He came close to me, my head became light headed. He took my hand in his, a clear liquid came out of the palm of his hand. Once it touched, a sharper feeling erupted for just a moment. It carried the blood down, almost cleaning the wound. After a moment, I saw my flesh being sewed back together. I wanted to look away but at the same time it was fascinating. After the holes were gone, I moved my hand with ease.
“Why didn’t you do this for the others?” I asked him, referring to my other cuts and wounds.
“It takes your energy and using it for little things is a waste. You need to come back tomorrow, early when the sun comes up to work on more. I want you to do some training on your own before you come back, but don’t tire down your body too much.” I was still shocked by the way my hand healed so fast. He’s a dark magic half demon who can heal just like light magic. “And your friend’s coming back.” He added.
Before I could thank him he cut me off. “Don’t thank me until the end if you truly mean it, I don’t want you to regret your words.” I bit my tongue, whatever that’s supposed to mean. I know this was the beginning and I’ve been beaten the  crap out of me. I grab my belongings before nodding and leaving the room, finding the exit by the main door. I stepped outside, the burn mark on my side burns from the sun. I pulled my shirt and vest over me before putting my knives and sword back where they belong. I spotted Devanar a block away. He was holding an ax that looked identical to the one we lost.
“New one?” I asked.
He nodded as he answered. “They were selling them west of here, no sign of crystals though. How was- Darry?”
“You get your materials from him, right?” He gave me an eye but I could tell I was right. “Then why are you so scared? But damn he beat me up before I could even register what happened.”
“That’s exactly why. Sure he’s a great teacher but he never knows when you need a break.” He rubbed his hand over his eyes and face as he started walking back. I came right behind him.
“He gave me a break.” I said more of a question than a statement.
“He gives you breaks, sure, but not for long. Only to heal and a small chance to pick up a plan. Mine was being a punching bag as well for the first portion. But it paid off in the end, it got my body strong enough to create magic myself. Seevon gave me some to start off with but I had to use it to make my own.” He jumped over a rock in our way, we passed a small market tent and moved down the path.
“How does one give another magic?” I asked out of curiosity even though I’ll find out soon enough after training.
“It’s a complicated process, Seevon used to carry light magic like I do and when she met Darry he gave her dark magic after passing her core of light to me. Now she’s a witch of dark magic and is accompanying Darry, you’ll see her soon, I’m guessing. She’ll help with your training. I saw her on my first day when I met Darry. I’m not sure how she learned light magic or who transferred but I’m guessing it’s the same deal.” He must’ve known my next question. “I met them back when I first came to The Other in search of you. I knew this place was stronger than me and if I needed to survive I needed another way. Unlike you with an already strong gift, the magic I have now gives me so much. It helped me create my-'' He looked around but saw people nearby. He held his pendant relic on his necklace. “And it helped me create a better bond with Mykren.”
“You’ve found him back in Lylerkry right?” He nodded. I always wanted to find my Spirit but sometimes you have to wait lifetimes to find the bond. I figured it wasn’t worth it and gave up on finding mine. He pointed to the left to see if I wanted to take that route and I shrugged. By the time we got home the sun was slowly coming over the trees. Sunset took hours though so we still had time.
I heard yelling inside, I eyed Devanar and he seemed as confused as I was. I opened the door to Autumn's voice and Tharama screaming at each other. Pylah was in the middle of them, holding Autumn back as she shouted at him. Angelica was crying behind Tharama. “Enough!” I raised my voice and everyone looked at me. I stepped inside, Devanar closed the door behind us. I looked at Autumn, he didn’t seem mad but determined for something. Pylah was annoyed and angry, Tharama was upset and mad while Angelica was just overwhelmed. “What in the gods is going on here?” I asked.
I look into Autumn’s eyes, I can’t read him as usual. “If this is about me going to training, I swear Autumn.” I looked at Autumn and Tharama. Pylah moves behind me, I nod at her with thanks. She takes it with one back. They both were silent, looking at each other. “I’m not your father guys, c’mon spill it.”
“Autumn’s thinking of going back-”
“Shut up!” Autumn snapped. My head moved to him, his eyes were wide and his jaw was clenched.
“Going back where?” He didn’t answer. Tharama opened his mouth but I raised my hand up to stop his response. “Autumn, where?”
He moved his head to the side, being a little brat. “Devanar take Pylah and Angelica. Tharama you stay.” Devanar did as he asked, Pylah glanced back at Autumn before leaving.
“I can’t force you to spill, but if you're going to go somewhere where even Tharama is worried, you need to tell me what it is.” He sighed, raking his hand through his shaggy black hair.
He shook his head. “Speak.”
Tharama opened his mouth but I raised my hand to silence him. “Everyone agrees that those objects aren’t just objects and that there’s something shitty going on here. A dark elf, full blood, is here with an army of flower druggies, that hired you to get these things that almost cost our lives and we’re going on like nothing happened?”
“Look-” I started but he cut me off just as fast.
“I’m going back. Our other tasks weren’t as bad as that. Sure you’re the main issue by accepting it but I need to know how many more of those things are out there, if they're powerful enough to almost kill us by touch then let’s get our own.Be the strongest group in The Other, even more than Krowel. I want to know who's behind it and how we get money in our pockets.” My eyes snapped up. Money?
I grinned. “I like how you're thinking, Autumn.” I grabbed the back of his neck and squeezed. He flinched and flared his nostrils. I ignored it. Devanar returned just when I was about to call for him. “Devanar. You and shit-talker are going back to that old hags place. Get me information on the symbol and how we get more. I want more golds, if the objects are valuable then let’s see how dead bodies lay at our feet. I want locations and names” They both nod in agreement with unusual smiles teasing across their faces.They don’t usually get along, I guess they both share the same interest with the objects.
“You leave tomorrow at the same time I leave for training. At dusk we meet up, I don’t want you to stay in Cyrenduen too long.” They nod and leave with me following after them. I wrap my arm around Tharama following him to his room that he shared with Angelica. Pylah was in there with her, good, I needed to talk to all three of them.
“You can’t let them.” Tharama said. “Last time Krowel almost killed us and their abilities and magic are for far and mid-range not close rang like that club,  it’s too dangerous they're gonna burn that house down and everyone inside and make us look bad and won’t be able to get the objects-” He rambled and shrugged off my arm. I grabbed his shoulders and forced him to look at me with a shake.
“Tharama. Stop worrying. I wouldn’t ask them to do the impossible, that’s not the type of leader I am. They’ll be fine. They’ll only go for a few hours and that’s it. I’m not expecting them to get the objects, just a simple talk and if things get bad then I trust them to handle things. Alright?” He only nodded slowly. “As for you guys, Tharama I want you to work on your gift, go out to Deadman and strengthen yourself up, I can train with you sometimes if you want. I want you stronger and only you can do that. Find yourself surrounded in your own domain and you’ll get it, I know you can. That’s how I learned.
“And for you, Pylah.” I said turning. “I want you to train Angelica, girl on girl, one on one. I want her to learn to defend herself out here, though I'll try my best to protect her. She still needs to learn. I sense magic in her system so maybe it’s still there. But also combat and knife training, you know the deal.” She nods and places an arm on Angelica’s arm. I nod back and tell her to head back to her room. I close the door and follow Pylah to her room only to see Devanar inside mumbling to Autumn. I show a confused expression, Autumn usually never lets anyone in his room. At least not voluntarily.
“Out.” Pylah says to Devanar, guestering to the door. Devanar doesn’t stay to argue and instead comes out next to me with an unreadable face, Pylah closes the door and leaves us in the hallway.
“What was that?” I ask curiously.
“Planning. How to approach Krowel to find information. We need a strategy to not get ourselves killed, you know?” He answers honestly.
“I like your thinking. Just keep him in line, if you can..” I look around before speaking. Ending up right in front of Devanar’s bedroom door. “Get me some silvers, at the least coppers.”
He nudged me with a grin. “You need to stop your obsession.” Shaking his head, he asked. “What do you even do with the money? Collect and never spend only stealing your way through life?”
“You know me so well.” I grinned back.  “One day there will be a time where stealing won’t get me what I want and I’ll have to use them but right now? I get everything I want. So why spend?” He sighed and went to his room. “You know I’m right.” I said with a smile after his closed door.
“Uh huh.” I heard him mutter. I slapped his door gently and returned to my room, closing the door. Now by myself I sigh and hold my wrist as I feel it softly burn across my skin. I curse and wrap it with a healing bandage, hoping it will fade quickly and hopefully return my ability back to me. Taking off my clothes I lay in bed tirely not ready to get punched around tomorrow like I did today. Even though he’s a living demon, he’s the only teacher I have. I think as I place a hand on my new mark. I can’t let the others see this.
I have to be more ready to get the strength and power of my senses with the training. I want to protect myself and the others, and in order to do that I need to possess the forbidden dark magic the Four Kingdoms will kill me for.