"Look kid, I like a real competition. I don't need to crush your life from you." Goliath laughs. "What's the matter? Think your daddy taught you enough to survive?"
"No, I'm going to kill the man when I see him." Sett snarls. He throws a left hook at the man's face. Goliath's head snaps around and he stumbles into the wall. The ring goes quiet. Goliath touches a hand to his lip. I notice a bit of blood on his finger. He smiles.
"Oh, you're gonna get it now, kid. Boys?" The crowd swarms around me. I feel someone grab my arms. I start to flail. It's starting to feel a bit too much like BIlgewater, where I couldn't do anything. "Here's the deal, boy. You win, we let the girl go. I win, you're dead, and the girl is my consolation prize." He laughs. I start to hear the man's voice in my head, calling me a prize and a trophy, a product. I had enough of being afraid, of letting myself be captured. My magic reacts to my emotions, boiling and begging to be released.
"I'm not anyone's prize. Not then, not now, not EVER!" I scream and allow my magic to burst. The men holding me quickly release me as their hands are forced to let go. Their bodies walk away from me quickly. The ringmaster looks furious at them.
"Grab the damn girl!" He yells and tries to grab me himself. His entire body stops short. I give the sharpest glare I could from the magic exhaustion I am feeling.
"Don't you touch me!" I yell. Everything is silent before I hear laughter. Dark laughter. We all turn our attention back to Sett.
"You heard the girl. She doesn't want to be a prize. New deal. I can still die if you win, but I get all the money you earned tonight if I win." Sett laughs right as he throws a punch. Goliath catches it with a smirk.
"Challenge accepted." Goliath laughs before he rains blows on Sett. Sett blocks them as best as he could. I lean closer, hoping that Sett would be ok. Sett continues to hold them off. Goliath's forehead is getting shiny with exertion. Eventually, his arms start to shake. He slows down his attacks before backing away. Sett stands up tall, covered in bruises, but there were no snaps of his bones breaking. My magic helping to reinforce his bones must have helped.
"What was that you said? I get all the money you earned?" Sett laughs darkly in the man's face. The look in his eyes, it looks like he wants to kill him. No. I can handle him fighting, but not killing.
"Sett!" I yell. He freezes before sighing. He leans into the man's ear, whispering something before backing away and slamming his fist into Goliath's face. Goliath falls. Everyone remains quiet. Sett walks out of the ring before standing in front of the man. The fat ringmaster fumbles when he hands over all the gold, including my fake ones. Sett rips the gold away before coming to me. He's stopped by the mental barrier I created.
"Leilah, we're going now." He tells me softly. I nod and let the magic go. I feel the nausea rush through my body, but I refuse to let myself throw up now. I can't be weak. Sett's arm wraps around my shoulders and we walk out. "I'll be back next week for a fight. Sign me up with someone actually good." Sett comments lightly as we walk by. He feels my legs get a little bit weaker, so he clutches me a little tighter to him.
"Thank you." I whisper when we get out of the hole in the ground.
"Sorry 'bout that, didn't mean to go that far. What do you mean by 'not then'?" Sett comments quickly. I flinch.
"I was tortured, kept captive for my eyes. I escaped a few months ago. It's hard, staying present and not being scared. Tonight was the first night I finally wasn't afraid." I explain.
"Huh. Are you sure I can't ask you on a date?" Sett decides to tease. I laugh softly as we pass by Ahna's stand. She notices us and runs.
"What happened to you, Settrigh? You look so beaten up and Leilah, you're exhausted!" She cries. Sett holds her back.
"She just used a bit of magic. You mind cooking up a few bowls? I can pay." Sett offers, handing her a small bag of gold. She pushes it back.
"On the house, boy. Thanks to Leilah, I got so many customers I got enough gold to feed the entire homeless population for weeks." She mock complains. I smile.
"What? You helped me. I wanted to return the favor." I laugh.
"By overflowing me with customers? That's your idea of helping?' She teases.
"Well, you got the money you wanted, didn't you?" I wink.
"See, I was right about you. We need more people like you." She responds before starting a fire in her fire pit. Sett drops some money onto her counter.
"Consider this as pay for all the times I couldn't pay you. With interest." Sett pushes. Ahna sighs and relents.
"You're a stubborn boy, you are. I remember you a few years ago, the sweetest, most curious child you could ever be. Nice to see that the hard exterior you made can still be cracked."
"Nah, you got a soft spot. No cracks here." Sett corrects. Ahna pulls out some food and gives it to the two of us. I smile gratefully at her.
"Thank you, Ahna."
"Thanks, Ahna."
"Oh, stop it, the two of ya." She smacks us lightly with her towel. I give a genuine laugh.
"Leilah!" I barely pick up the familiar cries of Starshadow. "Leilah, where are you!"
"Starshadow?" I ask.
"Who's lookin' for ya?" Sett raises his eyebrow and stands up.
"That's my brother. Well, he's not my blood brother, but he's really as good as." I explain and stand up. I stumble into Sett's side.
"Leilah?" His voice sounds a little bit fainter. He's moving away. I push myself off of Sett and look around for him.
"Starshadow!" I scream with a bit of help from my magic. I'm dead tired now, but I know Starshadow and company would come and find me. I also know that Sett isn't going to let me get hurt either. If he was, he wouldn't have helped me out.
"Leilah!" Starshadow chirps happily. "She's over in that direction!" I hear him yell. I hear Ahna scream. I snap my head around and smile, seeing Shen with Starshadow on his shoulders leaning against Ahna's stand. "Leilah!"
"Starshadow!" I cry out happily. He leaps onto my arm and rapidly slithers up to hug me.
"Oh, I'm glad you're ok! Never walk off that far again!" Starshadow scolds me.
"Is that snake talking?" Sett interrupts our reunion. Starshadow glares at him.
"Who are you?"
"The name's Sett."
"Well Sett, nice to meet you, now go away."
"Starshadow!" I scold him.
"What?" Starshadow asks innocently.
"This is your brother?" Sett demands me. I groan and rub my forehead.
"Hell, yeah, I'm her brother and bonded. What's it to you?" Starshadow snaps.
"I'm gonna be the one to get all her attention, snake."
"Well, you certainly made a poor show to me." Starshadow hisses. I bop his nose.
"I am not prepared for this. Sorry Ahna, Shen." I apologize. Ahna waves her hand away. Shen nods, accepting my apology. "Sett, it was lovely to meet you. I'm afraid that I have to go now." Sett nods before giving me a hug.
"I'll find you again, Leilah." He whispers in my ear. I shiver. It's not rough, but smooth and sensual.
"OH HELL NO! You dare to lust after her when she already has a boyfriend?" Starshadwo hisses. Sett raises his eyebrows.
"Well, I'll still prove myself the better partner in the end." Sett shrugs. I can feel Starshadow buzzing.
"I'll probably see you later!" I try my best to stay positive. "Oh, I almost forgot!" I quickly hand Starshadow to Shen and grab his arm. The bruises on his arms disappear. I drop, completely exhausted. Shen manages to catch me right before I hit the ground. Sett smiles softly at me before nodding.
"Thanks."
"No problem!" I wave as Shen takes off with his method of travel. We quickly reappear before Govos and Kusho. Starshadow loans me some energy, shrinking himself down to the size of a worm. I bow my head in shame.
"I'm sorry I ran. I was feeling overwhelmed."
"Are you feeling better now?" Kusho asks.
"Much." I nod.
"Rest tonight. We will continue training tomorrow." Shen carries me to my bed. I'm asleep before my head hits the pillow.
The next morning, Shen hands me a banana. I eat it quickly before going to find Kusho and Govos. They are meditating outside. They hear me approach and stand up.
"How are you feeling?"
"Much better, thank you."
"Good. I will be supervising your training today. Govos, if you will." Kusho calls. Govos nods and makes fists. I sigh before widening my stance. "Yajime!" Govos dashes towards me. I duck out of his first few punches. When I can't dodge, I use my magic to hold his punch long enough for me to dodge. The quick uses of that magic don't make me sick instantly, but it is taxing. It doesn't take too long before Govos swipes his leg and knocks me down. I let myself hit the ground. He moves to punch me. I dodge and shove him off of me. We both quickly get back on our feet. Govos swipes low. I jump quickly and will myself to not hit the ground. I feel pressure against my feet and I'm hovering just above Govos' knees. He swipes again. I roll onto a higher surface. This magic is insanely tiring, but I want to train. Interestingly enough, it does not make me sick. Eventually, I dodge enough that I'm high above him, but my vision is blacking. My control over the shadows drops, and I yelp as I fall. Govos is there to catch me.
"When did you learn how to hold people?" Starshadow remarks immediately when he senses that the fight is over. Govos helps me onto my feet.
"When Sett took me to an underground pit fight?" I offer. Starshadow immediately grows in size, furious. Govos is struggling to hold onto my arm as I sag.
"If I see that kid again, I'm going to kill him." He growls.
"Star...Shadow… bit… much!" I squeak. He immediately shrinks in size, but his scales are raised.
"I cannot believe the nerve of that kid. While you're also dealing with Bilgewater?" He snarls.
"Oh, I'm over Bilgewater." I comment lightly. Everyone's eyes widen considerably. "There was an incident in the pit fight, I was being held. I just… I got tired of being afraid of being captured. That was the last straw and I kinda forced them to stay away. After Sett won his fight, he took care of me."
"Ok, so one redeeming quality, but I'm still not pleased with him." Starshadow snaps.
"Seriously? Taking you to a pit fight would have helped you considerably?" Govos complains. Kusho smacks his head.
"She needed time to heal before she could decide that she was done being afraid. We gave her a safe space to heal. There is no need to be so bitter." Kusho scolds.
"Sorry Master." Govos apologizes. I feel like there's something else bothering him, but he doesn't want attention on himself quite yet.
"So, was there anything you learned from the murder?" I ask. His death flashes before my eyes, but I'm not scared or sad right now. I'm determined to take the murderer to jail.
"The man there was methodical. He scored the ground before bringing his victim in. The victim is not from Navori. No one knows the man. We asked everyone. The cuts were clean and just as methodical as the other victims. It's just odd that it's in a very secluded spot." Kusho states.
"Maybe it's not supposed to be seen yet. Maybe it's practice." I think out loud. Everyone looks at me. I glow. "Well, everything he's done, he wants it to be seen. Why not this one? Maybe because he is trying something new?" I ask. Kusho nods.
"It's not a bad theory. This one was very basic, the only difference being the scoring under the body." Shen agrees.
"Then he's practicing for something. Something big. He's going to want it to be seen, bright and clear as day. And he's going to want attention. What else is connected to the crimes?" I ask.
"If you remove this latest attack, most of the people we have are famous artists or skilled musicians." Govos adds.
"Why did you mention that earlier?" I grumble.
"Well, you were recovering. It's been 6 months, Leilah. We didn't want to overwhelm you."
"Wait, six months?" I whisper. "That's… That's such a long time." I feel a little feint.
Leilah?
I haven't seen my family in over sixteen months, Starshadow. Do they miss me?
Of course they do. But they know that you are special. I told your mother that. And she is happy to know that you are safe with me.
"Leilah?" Shen asks, bringing me back to the real world. I shake off my thoughts.
"I'm sorry, it's just I was thinking about my family. I haven't seen them in a long time. I miss them." Shen and Govos nod, knowing my pain. I wipe my tears away. "So, what else do we know?"
"That's really about it. We don't have much more to go off of." Kusho tells me.
"Ok, so he goes after famous people. Why don't we lay a trap for him then?" I offer. The men look at me in surprise.
"What are you thinking?" Govos asks warily.
"We can be famous artists and musicians. I can pose as an up and coming aspiring magician and-"
"We are not risking you." Starshadow interrupts.
"Why not? I have the most easily identifiable traits among us. Besides, Shen, Govos, and Kusho all have more reliable skills than mine. It would be better for three people to be on lookout."
"I agree that it would be better to tempt the killer to try and catch one of us, but I should be bait. You will remain out of the operation." Kusho states. Govos and Shen look ready to protest, but they remain quiet.
"Didn't you try to not include me in a murder before? I'm not staying behind. If I can do something, I will." I snap, crossing my arms.
"Leilah, be reasonable." Starshadow pleads.
"No, I want to help. I can, and I will find a way to, so either you agree and let me help, or I can go look for him on my own."
"But Bilgewater-"
"Will not hold me back. Not anymore." I snap. Everyone is quiet for a moment before Kusho sighs.
"Very well. We will both be bait. I'd rather you be in the public's eye if the demon notices you. And I can be in plain view and protect you."
"Master/Father…" Shen and Govos try to change his mind. Starshadow shakes his head.
"It's honestly the best offer. She's stubborn enough to do her own thing anyway. Better include her. I think I'd be best with Shen or Govos. As Leilah and I are bonded, if I'm with her and caught and she's not in plain view of everyone, she's dead. I won't be able to guide anyone to her in the end."
"Go with Shen. He's calmer and quicker to get our attention." Govos states.
"So, we have a plan. Now, how do we get his attention?" I ask.
"Oh that's easy. We go around Ionia and claim that there's a new magician that can walk on air." Shen states.
"That would work if I could do that reliably." I protest.
"We have six months. There's a group of calligraphers that is planning on presenting their skills in Jyom Pass at the spirit festival. From what I know, the best calligraphers will be there, so more than likely our demon will be there too." Kusho states.
"Even better, a magician with beautiful and unique eyes? That is bound to get his attention!" Govos adds. "For once, we may finally be ahead of him."
"Well, two problems with that." I interrupt. "One, I can't walk on air accurately yet, and two, what if he isn't interested?"
"You'll practice, and it's not just you, it's the combination of writers, artists, and you that should draw him to Jyom Pass. We have six months to get it right. Govos, Shen, can you spread the word of a young, beautiful magician that will be joining the artists in Jyom Pass?" Kusho instructs.
"Yes Master/Father." Govos and Shen bow. "When do you want us to start?"
"As soon as possible. Leilah, you will need to train that shadow magic you use. Can you replicate it?" Kusho demands.
"I think I can."
"I'll train with her. My size is a good indication when she gets too tired." Starshadow adds. Kusho nods.
"Well, we have a plan now. By the Spirit festival, the Golden Demon will be caught. I will send out word to officials that we will be unavailable for investigation for the next six months." Kusho walks away.
"I can't believe it. Almost four years of hunting this monster and we're going to get him!" Govos cheers.
"We'll get to go home. I wonder how Akali is doing?" Shen mentions.
"Why? You like her?" Govos teases.
"It's not like that. She's expected to be the next Fist of Shadow. You would do better to get to know her since you're going to be the next Eye of Twilight."
"Is he really?" I ask.
"Yeah. After this quest, he's going to earn a new name. A sort of initiation to the Kinkou order symbolizing that he has truly earned his place." Shen boasts. "He's earned it for sure."
"What about you?" I ask.
"I was born to the Master. I kinda didn't have much choice in joining. The only way we got Govos to join was through me throwing a sparring match between the two of us."
"You threw that?" Govos asks. He tackles his friend and they wrestle for a bit. I just smile at their playfulness. They look to much lighter that when I knew them. It takes a moment before Govos pins Shen down. "Did you throw that one too?" He pants, teasing Shen.
"Get off me. You're getting heavy." Shen laughs. Govos rolls off Shen and lies down in the grass. We just enjoy the silence for a moment before Starshadow slaps his tail against his belly, making a slapping noise.
"Alright, you had your moment to relax and celebrate. Time to work!" Starshadow smirks. "Let's go, Leilah!" I smile at my snake before standing up and taking a step into the air. I'm immediately panting with exertion, but I'm still standing.
This is going to be long. I hope I'm ready in time.
Settrigh, a man with a fondness for mama and a greed for gold. Such humble origins. I know I said this before, but I want to say thank you to every for reading this far. You guys are the best. I hope you guys are having a great day and stay extraordinary!