Of Demons and Fallen Stars

Chapter 16: Abilities and Things Just Beneath the Surface

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Even the sharpest rock could be shaped and softened by the gentlest hands. With the right tools.

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After the first night of a rather odd training, I improved quickly. Knowing what I was looking for helped. Jasper waited for me by the by the demonclock every night and dismissed me as soon as he finished informing me of my progress. I thought that it was not much of a training at first but then I realized that it was not only the matter of my sensitivity to demonic auras that he was making me work on but also my endurance. Staying awake and running around at midnight was not exactly a practice recommended for high school students. For the first few nights I end up really tired during the following day and unable to stop myself from sleeping during classes. Getting scolded for dozing off in class by the professors was really embarrassing and unfair since another person was slumped over his desk behind me. And the fact that he enjoys watching me being thoroughly chewed out hardened my resolve to wipe off the smirk off his face. His unnecessary remarks at our midnight lessons were also getting on my nerves. And besides, my body was already getting used to the nightly exercise.

During the second week he started setting up a decoy and I had a little run in with another of his pet demons. He informed me that it was nothing but a class D demon which was not even a bit reassuring because I came out of that little encounter with tons of bruises and scratches all over me. He is taking this way too seriously. Letting loose a wild demon just to teach me was making me dread the following ‘lessons’ if, and that is a big if, I live through the following nights with this ‘things’ lurking around and waiting to attack me.

“You’re recklessness is one of a kind. Don’t tell me you did not feel that there were two demonic auras,” he said, his arms crossed over his chest while he enjoyed himself scolding me. “And yet you did not deliberate it with even the least bit of caution. You just bolted off without thinking.”

I gritted my teeth. He was right of course and he would bite off my head if I even think to defend myself. The last few weeks of training have sharpened my senses so that I could sense multiple distinct presences. But that does not make me an expert in distinguishing auras; I feel that they are different but I could not understand the difference and so it makes deciding which demon to take on futile. I just left it to chance that night and I lucked out. But that does not justify being insulted by him especially since he, my alleged teacher, did not even teach me about it yet.

“The second lesson,” he said with air quotes as if he was saying this one does not even count as one, “is being able to differentiate auras and being able to gauge the difference. This requires a perfect composure and, of course, you need to use your head.” He meant it as an insult. I bit my tongue to stop myself from saying something I would regret. I know need this and I do not want to lose my instructor. And however irritatingly annoying it was to learn from him, he knew just what I needed to learn. I was not so dumb as to throw it away just because he was testing my patience.

“You are as dumb as that demon to not know how to differentiate auras.” I stared at him, annoyed. That comment was out of line. I’m starting to lose my calm with his games.

Losing my calm, my composure, I suddenly thought. He was definitely testing me. I looked up to see him observing my expression. He looked amused.

“How you stayed alive this long, I could not understand. In the stupidity contest you definitely have a chance to beat that class D demon,” he continued, but he was grinning now. I was killing him inside my head but I just smiled at him.

“Are you enjoying yourself,” I asked.

“Yes. Definitely having a blast,” he said, smiling at me. It was the first time I have seen him so openly smile at anyone. It was actually kind of disarming to see him show any emotion which is the opposite of sarcastic and grim. He was in such a good mood tonight that I can’t help myself from easily forgetting I was annoyed at him.

“This will take a lot more time to practice. You did good in the first exercise and that will help you greatly with this one,” he said, instructor-mode.

“Is this how Julia does it,” I interrupted.

“No. Julia’s skill is different. And she has a wider range. Her ability to detect bloodlust is just a part of her ability. She could also channel it into herself. It’s a dark ability and it is all she can do to stop herself from going berserk.”

I was shocked to hear that. It was not what I first thought it was. I cannot imagine the gentle Julia to ever get out of control. The image just does not match.

“Don’t look so surprised. Most half demons have dark abilities. After all they are usually born from the trickery of their demon parents and not from genuine love,” he said matter-of-factly. I nodded. I could see where he is getting that from.

“Tell me the abilities of the others.” He looked really amused by my curiosity but he obliged.

“Okay. Let’s start with the twins. They have knack for illusions. But their illusions are not so tame. It could actually kill a person when it is what they want. It’s a good thing that although those two are kind of wild they don’t use their abilities mindlessly. But I still think it better not to ever get into their bad side.”

Even without that ability I would not want to get on their bad side. They are the embodiment of charm and fun but there is that ever present mischievous sparkle in their eyes that could make anybody cringe.

“Then there’s Ice. That shorty could knock you down with a finger flick. Don’t hold it against her if she accidentally breaks some of your bones since she is still learning to control it. With great difficulty.”

“Seriously,” I asked, disbelieving. He grinned and nodded. It was clear he was fond of her. I was too. She was feisty for a small girl but her spirit is admirable. I just could not connect it to the fact that she would probably make any wrestler have a run for his money. Of course, I should probably forget about first impressions. They don’t seem to apply to half demons.

“You probably know about Art.”

“Electricity,” I said, remembering the first time I met Art and I scowled at the memory. “Somebody should really make him stop doing that. It’s not nice.”

Jasper chuckled. Hearing him laugh, however good his mood tonight was, still gave me a shock. I stared at him. It was the first time he really relaxed in front of me, all his guard down, and it does magic about my impressions about him. It came about because he was talking about his friends. There was something about him that would make you feel good if it was you who were making him smile like this. I’m suddenly overwhelmingly grateful to all of them, to his friends, and I longed to be one of them. When he caught me staring intently at him, I looked away, embarrassed. I could feel his curious gaze on my face. Just then his phone rang and I thanked whoever it was who was calling.

“What’s wrong,” he said to the phone, a worried look on his face. “I’ll be right there.”

“What is it?”

“Two class Bs at the border,” he said. “I think it’s time for a little hands-on. Just don’t t something like before happen again.”

I winced with that last remark. “Hands-on?” He smirked at the alarm on my voice. If he was thinking what I think he was thinking, I’m doomed. I have not recovered mentally from the encounter with the spite demon and yet he expects me to do this. And what was more, there are two of them.

“Will that be a problem,” he asked with barely concealed amusement.

I frowned at his challenge. I would not lose to him easily this time. My determination to get stronger just made my resolve steadier.

“Nope. Bring it on.”