The Child of Light and Shadow

Book Two: The King of Heaven and Hell Chapter 1: The Hat Trick

„Focus," Ishtar instructs, looming over him like a hawk. „You're being too harsh; Just let your mana guide you. It isn't like fire. There is no need for sudden release. Let it come naturally." She's trying to teach him water magic. Good luck with that one, girl. Jonah might be an ace when it comes to scheming and plotting, but he's actually pretty terrible at controlling his mana. I mean, sure, he's got a larger amount than, well, almost everyone, and he did come by it pretty suddenly, but I still wouldn't call him a genius by any means. Fire he could master because he's got plenty o fit inside – plenty of the explosive anger needed for it. Water, though? The guy's about as relaxed as a mother of ten. He's not gonna get this down any time soon.

„Spying again?" Aisha asks, stepping out of the shadows as I turn my head toward her. „You should really ditch the habit."

I shrug, offering her a friendly smile. My usual response. „Can't help it. Not much to do around here."

„You could always train, too."

„Nah, there's no point." My abilities with magic are sub-par at best. I can control my mana easily enough, but none of the elements are coming to me. That's because I'm one of the uniques; My magic takes the shape of something special, rather than conforming to the standard attributes. Yukiji's on the same carpet. However, her invisibility at least gives her something to work with. My magic? Well, it can be replaced with just about any regular bow and arrow. Infinite ammo is great, don't get me wrong, but what can I really do against a strong opponent? If I fought Risk, he'd take my head off before I even summoned an arrow. Raksha? I'd never even land a shot, given his mobility. No, combat is not my forte. I'm best left as the sniper, waiting to interfere with an already ongoing battle.

„Still looking down on yourself?" the girl asks me, and I notice the satchel hanging from her shoulder.

„You're going already?"

She glances at it, then looks up at the pale moon. „Yeah. There's not much more they can do for me. Time to do my part."

„Pluto is dangerous," I warn. „Their king isn't really the biggest fan of magic. Sure you wanna go?"

Dropping the seriousness, Aisha gives me a smirk. „Is that concern I detect, Obi? Who'd've thought you were capable of it."

Bringing my hand to my heart, I puff my chest out, procaliming to the heavens, „Oh, I'm a man of many layers, m'lady. You've only discovered but a few." Now, let's just hope that was enough of a diversion for-

„You're not changing the topic, Obi." Bonkers. „All types of magic can be improved. Yours is no different. You're limiting yourself before you even try."

Now, those are words I've heard before. „Isn't that what Jonah told you? Taking a cue from our dear leader?"

Suddenly, she puffs out her chest far more than I just did, taking great offense. „Who said Jonah was the leader?"

„Well, Yukiji and Snow would die for him, and he brought Raksha and I into this. If you don't like that word, then call him the center."

„Yes, I like that one much better."

„Looking to take the crown, then?" I inquire, and she smirks once more.

„You better know it. I can only enjoy a view from the top."

„Is that why you volunteered for Pluto, of all places?"

As is my talent, I bring her mood down yet again. „It's the hardest of the kingdoms we have to visit. Out of all of us, I'd say Jonah and I could handle it." She then walks up to me, and peeks through the bushes to get a good look at everyone's favorite half-fairy. „He's got a long way to go, and he's just a kid. I'd be to embarrassed to live with myself if I left the task to him."