And to Darkness You Shall Return.

Leo - Chapter 8: Magic 101

After Tabitha had left, Leo had watched her walk off and thought about what she had said, unaware of the stupid look he had on his face and the fact that he was staring.

She didn't want to go on a date with him, but then, why would she act so vulnerable around him? Leo shook his head. I don't get it. Whatever, I gotta finish my dinner, hopefully this history lesson won't be too boring.

As if on cue, a voice spoke in his head, this one was dry and airy, like a woman who lived a timid life, and died full of regret because of it. Forget history, what about that other boy, Javion? Why didn't you deal with him then and there? It would've saved you a lot of trouble...

Leo thought that suggestion was strange, even for the voices. It was more violent than the others, and the last bit made it sound as though the voice knew something he didn't.

Then there was a slight shake in the ground and a rumble in the distance, but no one really seemed to notice. After a while, he had cleaned his plate and was walking back towards his dorm.body

When he got there, he didn't see Yemero. So he went to his bed in hopes of getting a quick nap, and walked towards his bed.

He froze.

As his foot stepped on the floorboard in the direct center of his room, a chill spread. Now a slight shiver you feel in your spine. This was a chill that made every fiber of his being tingle, one that he could feel as if something were creeping along his skin and slowly covered his entire body.

"Hello again" came the voice of Yemero. But the voice seemed to originate from inside his head this time, forcing a sharp breath and the widening of Leo's eyes.

"GAH!" Leo yelled, and jumped to the corner of the room.

Yemero took shape and chuckled "Oh I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you." he said apologetically. But there was an undertone that revealed the thought of I didn't mean to do that, but I'm glad I did anyways.

"Were you really inside my head just now?" Leo gave Yemero an unsteady look as he caught his breath and stilled his nerves.

Yemero nodded, "Yes, and might I say, I knew that the other elements were scared of us, but to think that we would try to turn you into a Shadow Mage." he spat out the name like it left a nasty taste in his mouth."

"But" Leo began "aren't I already a shadow mage? And why would they think that you're trying to 'turn me' into one?" he asked, then "And what else did you see in there?"

Yemero laughed "Nothing important." but then he shook his head "Yes, you are a shadow mage, that is the correct terminology. But I'm talking about the Shadow Mages, capital S and M. They are the soldiers and servants of The Shadow Swordsman, even if their element isn't shadow, they're classified as Shadow Mages. You'll never see one of those freaks unless you've really screwed up. They don't send those demons after just anybody."

"And what exactly does that have to do with you or me?" Leo asked.

"Well, the Shadow Swordsman was taught by another skia prosopo, his name was Avire. Even though most of us don't even know him, we're all assumed to have the same nature as him."

Leo shrugged, So what?

"But judging from your history with the Golden Eagles, I'd say they're already watching you carefully, no doubt word has spread that you attacked two of our mages during first contact." Yemero added helpfully

Leo dropped his eyelids to a lazy glare.

Yemero chuckled "Well enough about that, you've got a class to take!" and Leo groaned. "Oh come now," chided Yemero "if you pay attention, it should be over quickly."