A New Player in the Game

Over the next few weeks, Amaya and I have learned what the Academy was all about, and we were given missions based upon what we learned. Daily classes were mostly about improving and learning new techniques, we did learn few other things that would help us in our missions, but that's not important. On our sixth mission, we were in pursuit of a pair of ruthless killers and thieves. They were already Kishens, but they hadn't completely changed yet.

I found myself falling behind in the chase after a failed attempt to bring them down with a quick attack. If only I hadn't slipped on that alley water, I would be having curry with Knell right now.

"Damn they're fast", I cursed, following the Kishens on the rooftops of Death City.

"What would you expect? This is a level three mission", Amaya said. She was in her sheaths I had made for her after our first mission. They were black, since most of our missions took place at night.

"I suppose you're right, but I mean, there's no way I can keep up like this", I replied. Suddenly, something snapped in my mind to make me stop. I had an idea.

Master Ethan, you mustn't, none of us know what the effects of that drug might do, Critesce advised, reading my thoughts.

I have no other choice, besides, aren't field tests better than anything, I replied.

"What are you doing, they're getting away!" Amaya shouted. I pulled a pill from a pocket on my vest. The black pill shined in the moon's light. I was this, or failure of this mission. I, for one, don't like losing.

"My latest creation", I said, before Amaya could ask. I swallowed it and waited. Almost immediately, I felt a huge surge of energy rush through my body. It was incredible, I felt as if I could arm wrestle Lord Death!

"Amazing", Amaya said, "the energy running through your body is so strong I can feel it!"

"Good", I said. The two Kishen were almost too far away to see, but as soon as I took my first step, I was closing in on them faster than I could even think. My movements were faster than they had ever been before. The drug heightened my senses. Well, it nearly turned me into a god.

I was nearly fifty yards away from them in five seconds. I slipped past them and stopped in front of them on a large building. They stopped after seeing I had cut them off.

"Kishens Bonnie and Clyde, you have broken the law of consuming human souls, for that, I'm here to take yours!" I announced for the second time that night. They looked at each other, then back at me.

"Well, well, well, someone's persistent aren't they", Clyde said. They both had evil, pointed grins on their faces.

"I think we can take this weakling, but let's finish it fast", Bonnie added. Before I made a move, they both started to transform. Slowly, their bodies formed into one. It was a gross sight, seeing them melt into each other. After the transformation was complete, the final product was a skinny, two head body, with four arms. It swung its massive, yet, quick four arms at me, which extended outward, like they were made of rubber.

I easily dodged them using the speed from the pill. I unsheathed Amaya, and observed our opponent's attack pattern. The body in whole was slow, but the arms were lightning quick. I smiled, knowing I was three times faster. In a split second, I was behind them. Before I could strike, one of the arms had caught me in the chest, sending me backwards. That thing was really coordinated.

"Watch out, you're making your movements too easy to read", Amaya said. I parried another attack.

Unfortunately, before I could make another move, pain seized my body. It was so intense, I dropped to my knees, clutching my chest.

Master Ethan, I told you not to take that experimental elixir, Critesce said. It felt like I was on fire, the side effects would have been enough to kill a younger Meister.

"Ethan, are you alright", Amaya asked, worried. I felt her trembling. That made me feel worse than the pain I was currently experiencing. I was so stupid for doing that, and it terrified Amaya.

"No, the pill must be wearing off. The side effects are making my muscles tighten up, I can barely move", I said. The Kishen's observed the sight and smiled. They raised their four arms.

"Well, looks like your little burst of energy has run dry. Farewell", Clyde said. All of the arms turned into sharp spears. I waited for them to get close before attempting to move. I managed to jump aside, but the shockwave they made after impacting the ground sent me flying sideways. The searing pain stunned me for a second. That was the second they used to try and finish me off with.

The spiked fists were flying at me and all I could do was close my eyes. Flashes of light showed through my eyelids and I looked to see the Kishens flinching and moving backwards, with smoke coming from sever burn marks on them. Balls of energy were flying overhead and hitting the Kishens with an explosive impact. I looked in the direction of the blasts to see a girl with a giant rocket launcher standing on a higher building. The cannon was bulky, but, the girl seemed to be holding it with ease. She had been watching the whole time.

"Now, Soul Resonance!" the girl shouted. Energy surrounded her. The rocket launcher grew in size and two arms came out and grabbed the building to help absorbed the recoil of the next shot.

"Target locked, preparing Kishen Destroyer Shot", the rocket launcher announced, "Charging, thirty-six percent."

The Kishens was no longer looking at her, but me. They were going to try finishing me off. I clambered to my feet, feeling the side effects ease slightly. I think I could manage something.

"I know what you're thinking Ethan. Don't do it, you're in no condition for it", Amaya shouted. I ignored her.

"Soul Resonance!" I screamed. I practically forced us into Soul Resonance. Amaya had no choice but to comply. I thought of twin maces, and Amaya took the form. I rushed forward, and jumped, using aerial acrobatics to keep from being hit by my opponents' attacks. I managed to Amaya to crush the Kishens' left side.

"Fire!" the girl shouted. When I hit the ground I ran for all I was worth, if I was still in the blast radius of that shot when it hit, I would be known as filet mignon right now. I heard the explosion when I dived for the building right next to the one I was currently occupying. After I got up and looked back, all I saw was a giant crater, and two Kishen Eggs.

The girl jumped down and grabbed them, still holding the rocket launcher on her shoulder. She tossed one of the Eggs to me.

"I saw that last attack, I have to split the reward. Pretty impressive", she said. In the moonlight, I could see that she had explosive red hair and was wearing a grey battle dress.

"Who does she think she is? We had that under control", Amaya snapped. I felt her twitching in my hands.

"Oh, really? It looked like I was just in time to save your sorry asses", the girl retorted. Amaya changed to human form. The rocket launcher had changed into a girl. I saw that the Weapon had black hair and was wearing a regular black T-shirt and black jeans.

"Abby, calm down, there's no need to fight those who aren't our enemy", she said, holding her Meister back.

"Well, the female seems pretty hostile to me", Abby replied. I heard Amaya growl. I grabbed her by the collar just in case.

"Hey, cutie, why don't you come over here so we can talk! Don't you think that she's a little aggressive for you" Abby directed at me. I blushed, completely embarrassed. Not only had she just met me, but she was flirting with me. Oh, didn't know how to deal with it. What? You've heard that before. Well, I highly doubt that.

I had to hold Amaya back with more force now, she almost rushed over there. There was only one peaceful solution.

"Let's go", I said, ready to leave as fast as possible. I didn't want to hang around and try to get to know them. I had to practically drag Amaya back home after Abby said something about how I wasn't her type and that she'd seen better.

"They should consider themselves lucky", Amaya said when we were out of earshot. I nodded to keep her from getting mad at me.

"We're home!" I called, walking through the door.

"In here!" Knell announced from the kitchen. Inside, Holly, Rex, Maka, and Soul were having tea.

"Missed dinner?" I asked, walking in. Knell took a sip of tea and nodded. I took my seat nearest the door and Amaya walked around to sit across from me. I looked around the table, still no sign of Holly's Weapons. I was beginning to wonder if she was keeping something from me. After all, she barely talked to me, and was doing all she could to avoid me.

"So, how was your mission", Maka asked. I looked at Amaya. The look on her face told me to shut up before I started.

"Eh, rather not talk about it", I said. Something captured my thoughts. "Uh, oh, I forgot to report in to Lord Death."

I quickly rushed from the kitchen to the bathroom. I hurriedly breathed on the mirror and chanted the incantation. The mirror flashed, and Lord Death replaced my reflection.

"Heya, hi, Meister Ethan", Lord Death greeted, holding up his left hand. I smiled, I always enjoyed talking with him.

"Hello, Lord Death", I replied. I saw a brown haired man just behind him. I greeted him as well, "Death Scythe."

"Hi, Ethan, nice to see you again", he said, "How's my Maka?"

"Doing fine", I answered, "She's having tea with us before she goes home with Soul."

"Good, because if anything happens to her I'm holding you personally-", he yelled. I eased my tension after Lord Death hit him over the head with his hand. Death Scythe was left on the floor with a small fountain of blood spewing from his skull.

"I take it you are reporting your mission status", he inquired casually. I scratched the back of my head.

"Well, it didn't go as well as I had originally planned", I responded.

"Oh?"

I briefly explained what had happened about an hour ago and awaited his response.

"Abby and a rocket launcher partner", Lord Death mused aloud.

"Yes, sir, I didn't stay long enough to find out the other's name", I said.

"That seems awfully familiar for some reason", Lord Death pondered, "All well. Maybe it's not important."

I smiled awkwardly, you have to admire his enthusiasm. He told me not to worry about it and that he would see me in the morning. We said our goodbyes and I left for the kitchen again.

Only Knell remained at the table. Apparently, my conversation lasted longer than everyone's liking, so they left. I changed into my blue T-shirt and red shorts and after saying good night to Amaya, went to bed. I locked the door behind me.

Zero and Critesce burst from my body.

"You want to talk, Master Ethan", Zero asked.

"Yeah. You guys need to be more helpful in battle", I said. They looked at each other.

"Master Ethan", Critesce said. I held up my hand to silence him.

"I know you two can see what I can't. You need to warn me more often about in coming attacks. I almost died tonight because I couldn't react fast enough to an attack I know you could see", I interrupted. They remained silent.

"Think about it", I said. They retreated back inside me and I finally got to sleep.

The next day…

"Okay everyone, we have two new arrivals today", Mrs. Usari announced. Amaya and I looked up to see her standing next to two girls. I groaned. It was Abby and her partner.

"Great", Amaya said next to me. Mrs. Usari went on.

"This is Abigail Saries, and Haley Saries", she continued. The looked around for a seat until they spotted us. Abby smiled deviously. She walked in our direction and her sister followed. As they got closer, I found myself getting more and more nervous. Abby sat next to me, causing Amaya to shake with anger, Haley sat near her, trying to calm her down.

I sighed, it was going to be a long year…

Sorry, I only got one review, so I wasn't motivated enough to get this up quickly. I told you, reviews are important to keep my stories up. I may repost this chapter, so look out for changes.

I have a nice poll up, go check it out.