Demon and Paladin: Human

Chapter 3. Not Training

With an odd mix of anxiousness and eagerness, Felix moved to the cottage's back door. He had become accustomed to training, but the process was still as rigorous as Master Rose was cruel. She was, at least, well-meaning. The biggest bruises, the biggest bumps, and the biggest scabs on his body all came from the field he was about to enter. However, so did his biggest muscles.

"What are you standing around for?" Master Rose breathed down Felix's neck. She was not there a moment ago. "Let's go."

"S—sorry!" Felix jolted from his reverie to throw the aged door open. If he had used any greater force, he definitely would have broken a hinge.

Crisp autumn air danced past his blond hair. The birds Felix heard chirping behind a window that morning could now be seen without the gloss of glass, and heard without barriers muffling their songs. An acre of clearing stretched before him, tree stumps remnants of the woods once present. The dense forest coiled just beyond it like a snake. Aarwing was already whizzing out to play with squirrels and gobble an unsuspecting caterpillar.

Master Rose cleared her throat before Felix could further absorb the scene. When he glanced back, her arms were crossed—best not to keep her waiting. He took a deep breath and stepped onto the training grounds. Master Rose's boots chinked against each other as she followed behind him, and she dusted her gauntlet-covered hands. "Alright then. Get going."

"Yes, Master!" When Felix first arrived at the cottage, there was little but a dirt arena bound by a wooden fence, and a weapons rack. Now there were tightropes, monkey bars, hills made of piled rock, and even a dummy standing on a peg—a cheap sack stuffed with hay. Felix stepped towards a low wooden beam, where he would perform his morning stretches.

Just as he neared it, however, he stopped. A peculiar feeling tugged at him. Ever since becoming the way he was now, he had gained something that a number of full-blooded demons also had: the ability to detect souls. At first, they were vague, fuzzy sensations—he dismissed them as bad food making his stomach upset. Instead of going away, however, they persisted. Instead of fading, they became stronger—they gained clarity. Soon the ink became water, and the shallow hunches became deep feelings. Some souls felt happy, some somber. Some felt human, some did not. Some were strong and some were weak. The only souls Felix typically felt the presence of on these training grounds were himself, Master Rose, Aarwing, and the forest. Now, however, his stomach churned with the presence of two humans—both appearing to be right behind the weapons rack. They did not feel friendly. Frozen in his tracks, Felix could only stare.

He heard the sound of metal sliding against leather as Master Rose drew her mace. It was a blunt thing she pounded Felix with when he faltered too much. "What are you standing around for? Hurry up!"

"M—Master," Felix stammered, withdrawing a step, "did you invite anyone over this morning?"

"What? No." She followed Felix's fixed gaze, but too many wooden weapons were piled upon each other on the rack. Neither could see through with the naked eye. "Why?"

"Th—there are...there are people, I think, behind that..." Felix pointed, already trembling.

Master Rose sighed. She likely thought he was spineless, as usual—but did not brush aside his fear. Twirling her mace like a baton, she marched towards the weapons rack. "Stay there."

Felix's nod was brisk. Aarwing, detecting an uneasy atmosphere from his companion, floated back into the area. His squeak was long, inquisitive.

Petting him always provided comfort. Maybe I'm just crazy? Felix considered, reaching out to scratch Aarwing's chin.

"Oi! We mean nothin'! Absolutely nothin'! We just passersby, see!?" The masculine imp-like voice was not one Felix recognized. He jumped, startling Aarwing away from his touch.