Flaming Hearts - Fourth Wing

Chapter 27

They have been walking for a couple of hours now, maybe about one quarter of the way they have to go. All of the cadets mingling, conversing with one another. Ace is walking with Aetos and Jackson in the front, listening to them talk with one ear.

The herb they have still mutes her connection to Crith, however it doesn't seem to affect her Haki or her fire. She wonders if they have something similar to sea stone here. Because they have to have handcuffs that silence signets, she's sure. They have to. Infused with the herb. Or the herb is crafted from a mineral which is found naturally, like sea stone.

But if they don't have sea stone weapons or bullets, and don't know how to use Haki, she's practically unkillable. She comes to a sudden stand at that thoghts, before quickly walking on. Guns don't seem be a thing here, either. She saw twin swords, duals words, daggers, broadswords, bows and crossbows. But no guns.

Normal weapons would phase right trough her, considering that she ate a logia-type devil fruit, which turns the whole body into the element. Only Haki-User or sea stone weapons can hurt her.

And yet Xaden makes such a fuss about protecting me. I'll have to protect him at this rate. Not sure if the control freak would allow it, though. Buth then again, he doesn't know that only signet might be able to kill me.

She smirks a little. She doesn't want to blow her cover in front of everyone, so she won't be using her powers carelessly. At least, not on purpose. If it will safe someone, she might. At first, she wanted to use her powers to fake a signet, but Crith told her to refrain from that. And she was glad she listened, because from what she saw Professor Carr do with his fire-powers, they behave completely differently to hers. While he can make fire come from the palms of his hands, she is fire. Her whole body can turn into fire, and she can control fire when she touches it.

They have been walking for hours at this point, reaching the halfway point. Jackson, Aetos and Ace agreed earlier to stay close to the trees, maybe find a small cave for shelter. That way they might be able to risk some light and warmth trough fire.

The three were walking ahead of the group, the sun slowly setting in the distance. Ace spots a small opening west of them, leading towards a small cave. Then points towards it.

"There's a cave, I'll check it out to see if it's safe." The boys both nod, and Imogen says that she would join Ace. Both girls trail towards the cave, while the others stay close, taking cover under the trees. As soon as they are out of earshot, Imogen turns towards Ace, knowing the raven-haired girl was using her Observation Haki to scan the area.

"Do you feel anything?" Ace shakes her head.

"Nothing threatening. Professor Emetterio is still trailing us, but he did since the beginning. Other than that, nothing."

Imogen nods, and then both girls turn towards the entrance, waving the other cadets in. Quickly, a few infantry cadets, each paired with a rider, went out to collect some firewood. Some went to catch some rabits close by. Ace, Jackson and Aetos stayed outside the cave, watching the others in case something happens so they can react fast. Jackson turns towards Ace.

"You're really good at leading. How come you're not squad leader? No offense, Dain."

Ace snorts, shaking her head.

"Because I was a first year until a couple weeks ago." Jacksons eyes widen.

"For real?" The riders both nod.

"Yes, really. I was apparently to advanced for first-year, so they moved me up. That's what general Sorrengail said, at least."

"You're not someone who I want as an enemy, are you?" Ace smirks at him.