It has taken me awhile, but I hope it will suffice. I just might post the next chapter tonight. ~ L.
One month back…
His feet grinded the ground behind him as two men dragged him by his arms, leaving a small trail of dripped blood. He could hear the clanking of the large wooden doors as they swung to a close behind him. A final gust of wind blew in, chilling his wound and sending a chill up his spine.
"Natsu, you alright bro?" A fading voice asked him.
He forced his head up, barely able to gather the strength, to see a blurry fusion of yellow and blue in the dark corridor. His eyes searched around the mess of colors but couldn't put together a picture. Giving up, he dropped his head back down. Fighting to keep his eyes open, a high pitch voice broke in, a girl he assumed-
"Natsu!" The clicking of heels moved closer until he felt a gentle hand against his cheek. Her chest moved under his face resting his weight on her. The two men released his arms, dropping them to his sides as the blood, what was left, rushed into them. "Who did this?!" she screamed.
"Well…" the voice hesitated.
"Katsugi, I swear!" she threatened.
"Kat… sugi," Natsu grunted before releasing his consciousness to the darkness creeping over him.
He took a moment to look over Natsu in shock. He's not dead, he thought, after losing that much blood he would have thought Natsu was KO'd long before they got here.
"Katsugi!" She repeated resting Natsu's body on the cold stone floor.
"Higamori," he murmured, shutting his eyes as he turned away in disgust for yielding a name.
"Get him," she commanded darkly, "and save Natsu, or else I'll end all of you!"
"Yes, your majesty," Katsugi propped Natsu up with his shoulder and carried him out.
A loud growl awoke Natsu. He sprang to his feet, panting as sweat dripped off his chin. Looking around, his heart slowed as he found himself in a small room with a large window and mirror that covered half of the wall.
"Natsu?" a still voice came from the bed he sprung from.
He jumped in surprise before whipping his head back. There was a girl sitting up in her seat beside the bed. Her face was curious, rather surprised. She had blonde hair that ended a little past her shoulders, bright green eyes that glistened in the window's light, a short white T-shirt, faded jeans, and long white socks. She rose slowly as Natsu just watched her move closer.
"Do I-" he was cut off when she ran into his chest, wrapping her arms around his lower back. He was shirtless, wrapped in bandages over his torso, and forehead.
"Damn it," she buried her face in him. "I'm so sorry…"
What a strange girl, he wondered. Maybe she nursed him back to health… Or maybe he was dead and she was welcoming him to the afterlife.
"I get it," he sighed, "I'm dead, aren't I?"
"What?" she giggled, "No, you're not dead. You wouldn't be here if you were."
"Oh," he laughed, scratching the back of his head, "well, where is 'here?'"
"My guild," she grinned, grabbing his hand and leading him towards the door.
"Your guild?" he asked, giving no resistance.
"Yeah, there are a lot of new people, but I think you'll like them."
"Wait," he pulled away just before the door, "I'm already part of Fairy Tail, a guild from Magnolia."
She sighed, "I know that." Grabbing his hand again she pulled him forward, "We'll talk about that later."
"I do owe you one," he mused, "what's your name nurse?"
She stopped in her tracks, "Nurse?" her white teeth gleamed, "I'm this guild's master!"
"WHA!" he cried. She yanked him out the door, flopping around like a rag doll as she glided down the hallway and into the main lobby of the infirmary. Coming to his senses as his head stopped spinning, he saw a familiar face.
"Hey there," Katsugi bowed politely, smiling at the two. "You made a quick recovery."
"Katsugi? This is your guild?" Natsu asked a little rattled.
"Yup, 2nd in command you could say," he bragged.
"That's enough Katsugi," the blonde girl broke in, squeezing lightly on Natsu's hand, "you guys can catch up later."
"Yes, your majesty. I wish to come by later today, if its alright with you."
"Yeah sure," she waved one hand, "later then."
Katsugi turned to Natsu who stood there lost, "Later then." He bowed to the two and left.
"Well," she yawned, "we've got a lot to do." She rubbed her eyes with her free hand.
"You look like you need some sleep," Natsu said, leaning down to her.
She moved her hand away, looking into Natsu's eyes inches away with a small smile. She wasn't that much shorter than Natsu, just enough for him to have to lower his chin.
"Me? No way," she objected before yawning again. "Okay, I'm a little tired but I'll be alright."
"Alright, so what'd you want to do?"
"I thought I'd introduce you to my Elites and we could have a lunch or picnic or something."
"Elites? Are they strong?" His eyes lit up as he began to roll one shoulder.
"Of course," she smiled, "they're my elites. They have to be!"
"Aaaalright!" Flames burst from his eyes at the thought of a challenge.
"Oh no," she scolded, "You're in terrible condition to be fighting someone at their level."
"I can take them! I'm barely even-" She poked him with one finger on his back. "AAH!" he screamed as he spun to her, "What's your problem?!"
"I'm just saying…" She rolled her eyes, "I could take you blindfolded if I wanted."
"Oh yeah?" he said spitefully.
"Take it easy," she smiled, squeezing his hand, "Let's just go meet them."
"Fine," he gave in. She dragged him around to checkout and then out into the street, a cobblestone road with large structures lining it. In the distance he could see tall stonewalls in every direction, he also noticed that they were heading for the center of the city where a large spire-like structure stood higher than all the buildings and twice the height of the walls, and they already stood as skyscrapers. After a short while, the common people began to crowd together, pointing and staring at the two.
"You okay?" she looked back.
"Uh, everyone is looking at us."
"Well, they're all part of my guild." She turned back, pulling him in tow.
"All of them?"
"Yup, they're just curious about you and me wandering the streets."
"Whoa," he said before he went into silence for a few moments.
"Don't worry, no one's gonna touch you while I'm here," she assured.
"I'm not afraid of them!"
"Sure, whatever, I'm just saying. Even if you got into a mess, it'd be a miiiiles in any direction before you even reached the wall."
He grinned, "short run."
She giggled turning back to him, "Aren't you the cocky one." She slowed to a stop, "Well, we're here."
Natsu released her hand, ignoring the size of the spire, and pushed the two large wooden doors open. It's creaking was familiar, but he ignored it as well.
"Where's these elites you were talking about?" Natsu stood proudly searching inside the hall.
She sighed, "They're not going to be here for another hour or two. We have a meeting later." She began up the large main staircase that ended at an elevator. "Let's go to my room for now." She winked at him.
"Sure," he sighed, missing her innuendo. "But we could go look for those guys," He muttered under his breath entering the elevator with her.
She shook her head with a smile, "Relax, they'll come here." She placed one hand on the glowing panel as they elevator began to move upwards. "These run on magic, so you just got to decide on what floor you want to stop on."
The high pitch ding rung as the doors opened.
"Whoa," Natsu said, looking around the room. It was marble floored with an antique king-sized bed. There was a chest that sat at the foot of the bed, and two glass doors that opened to a lanai. The room was scattered with crumpled paper and other food trash.
"Come," she invited, walking towards the lanai. He followed her out to the railing. "Its so peaceful up here. No drama, or anything." She leaned on her elbows and shut her eyes as the wind blew through. Natsu took place beside her, looking over the view.
"I have a place at my own guild just like this," he stated. "So I can think and stuff." She peeked one eye open to look at him. "Everyone thinks I don't think and all I do is fight…" She awaited him to continue but he didn't.
She yawned again and laid her head on his shoulder. He didn't notice, he was far too caught up in his own thoughts. He wondered what the others were doing, how they felt, and if they even noticed he was gone. He constantly thought of Erza, her face resting against his chest, her smile. He began smiling until he thought of the look she gave him when he attacked Magnolia, when she ignored him in the park. His smile turned to a grimace almost instantly, and in that same moment, became a dark furious expression when he remembered what happened that night, the next morning, and at the pub. His knuckles popped as the clenched into fists. His thoughts were broken when he heard a large exhale. He turned to see her fast asleep against his shoulder. He didn't want to wake her, but couldn't stand forever. He picked her up in his arms and moved to the bedside. He set her down and was pulling away when he felt a slight tug on his hand.
"Stay here," she pled.
He saw the innocence in her eyes, but there was something more in her voice. Something he recognized from himself. He nodded, and sat down beside her. Smiling, she cuddled into his waist. A moment later, they were both fast asleep.
"Your promise, it means nothing…"
"Count me out… I'm done…"
His eyes opened slowly, still leaning against the headboards. It was night, the moonlight crept through the open lanai doors and the room was in its same filthy state. He wiped a tear that had rolled down his face and looked around to find himself alone.
He sighed, "What do I do now?" He threw his legs over the side of the bed, placing his face in his palms. "Erza," he mused, "Gray, Lucy, Happy." Images of the town's fire burned through his mind followed by the rumors, the people, the rejection, the loneliness. He felt the burning within him, stronger than his typical magic. It wanted out, a tension that began to linger in his mind. Suddenly it clicked, was this what made him attack Magnolia? If so, it wouldn't happen again, he decided. He took a deep breath and stood up. The elevator doors dinged open.
"Hiya," Katsugi stood with a clipboard in one hand.
"Hey, Katsugi, I have some questions…" Natsu sat back down on the edge.
"Sure man, what's up?"
"Where am I?"
He laughed as he flipped his hair out of his face, "Province, man. Province."
"Come on," Natsu said irritably, "I don't know where that is!"
"Just outside of the town we met up at, remember that?"
"Oh yeah," Natsu nodded, "Alright then, who's the girl?"
Katsugi's radiant smile disappeared, "She's… complicated. She's kind, but cold. Thoughtful, but sometimes cruel.
"Wha? She seems harmless!"
"She's not," he hissed.
"Well, whatever. I'm out of here anyways."
Katsugi leisured around to sit at the foot of the bed, "Where ya going?"
"I don't know," Natsu fell to his back. "Not my guild, for sure," he growled, putting an arm over his face. The burning sensation returned in his stomach, rolling around inside him, roaring at one side, trying to tear its way out and then to the other. Katsugi may have felt the weird tension, as his tone was much more gentle.
"That's right, you were gonna leave them anyways, right?"
"Yeah," Natsu replied, still shielding his face.
"Why not join us?"
"What?" Natsu lifted his arm to look at him.
"Stay with us, bro! Loneila would be stoked!" Katsugi raised a fist in excitement.
Natsu sat up, "No." He avoiding looking at him, and exhaled sharply.
"Huh?"
"No," he stood up and moved towards the elevator. Katsugi rose and followed a few paces behind.
"Well," he yawned, "I tried, maybe Loneila will do better." Katsugi chuckled, raising one fist to Natsu. "We still bros?"
Natsu grinned, "Yeah." He returned the fist pound as they entered the elevator.
"By the way, the others are already at dinner."
Natsu's grin grew wider, nearly slobbering onto the floor.
"Katsugi!" Loneila shouted, "What the hell took you guys so long?"
"Your boy here was taking his sweet ass time," Katsugi said, motioning to Natsu.
"So what's for dinner?" Natsu ran to her from the elevator.
"Easy, Natsu," she put one hand on his chest, "You have to meet my Elites first. Top of my guild!"
Natsu sighed sadly, "alright…"
Around the large table stood two men, a boy, and a girl standing beside their chairs.
Loneila walked Natsu around the table by the hand, "This is Tomah; he can get out of line." A tall, rotund man scoffed, playing with his handlebar moustache.
"Hey there newbie! Better watch yourself out there." Tomah laughed and sat down.
"What's that supposed to mean?!" Natsu raised a fist to him.
"Come on," Loneila dragged a flailing Natsu by the collar to the next Elite, "This is Lucas."
The man wore a chain link necklace with long blue hair pulled back into a ponytail. A large smirk appeared on his face as he raised one eyebrow at Natsu.
"Hey! I know you! You attacked me and my friends!"
"Sorry about that," he brushed his long bang away from his face, "a mistake on our part. I was supposed to bring you here, just, not the way that I executed."
"What the hell does that mean?" Natsu raged.
"I could have simply asked you to come with me, but I was too eager for a fight." Lucas rubbed his jaw, "You're not bad at all."
"Ugh," Natsu stomped forward but Loneila stopped him.
"Not the time, Natsu," she stared at him until he stepped back.
"Friends?" Lucas offered out one hand.
"I don't think so, buddy!" Natsu replied coldly.
"Whatever, stubborn as always." Lucas flicked his wrist. Loneila turned to Lucas, smacking him in the back of his head. "Ow!"
"Silence already! Come Natsu," she pulled him to the final two Elites, the boy and girl. They looked like twins, wearing identical attire, bright blue eyes, and green hair.
"You're pretty cute!" the girl said, "I'm Fayo."
"I'm Reo," the boy pointed to himself with a thumb, "Nice to meet ya bro."
"Same to you," Natsu grinned.
Loneila glared at Fayo as she dragged Natsu to his chair beside her, "Ready ta eat?"
His face lit up with happiness. He had been hungry, starving, since he awoke. Wait, he thought, is that the growl that I heard this morning?
"Natsu?" Loneila peered into his pondering face.
"Oh yeah!" he cheered, dropping into his seat. She giggled and sat down between him and Katsugi.
Several maids came out, lighting candles and brightening the lights. Others came out with silver platters of food. The meal was several large pork roasts with a special sauce that Loneila prided herself most in after slaving herself over the stove for all of them.
"What is this?!" Natsu mumbled happily, stuffing a large bite into his mouth.
"It's a special mixture of magic, donated by yours truly." She smiled widely.
Turning to her, he lowered his next bite, "so I'm eating your magic?"
"Sort of, but not really," she itched her head, "It's hard to explain."
He looked down at his food, I can only eat fire magic, so if this is hers, she must be a fire wielder too! "I get it now!" he announced, proud of his investigative skills. He stuffed another bite into his mouth as the others snickered at his outburst.
After dinner, Tomah and Lucas took their leave rudely laughing at Natsu, the reason Loneila held him back. The mood lightened until she turned to him with a very stern expression.
"Natsu, do you like it here?"
He rubbed the back of his head, "Loneila, the food was amazing and you're really nice, but… I wanted to head out on my own."
She sighed, a doleful look in her eyes, "Back to your guild? I understand, with the circumstances that brought you here."
"Nah, nothing like that," he grinned. "I want to venture out and become stronger."
"I see, you just want to leave," She rose from her seat and went into the elevator as her servants began to clean up the plates and serving dishes.
"I'll go talk to her," Fayo said, giving Reo a discreet nod. He narrowed his eyes at her and nodded back. She went to the elevator and entered after it returned. Natsu took a deep breath, leaning back in his seat.
"I think I'll be going as well," Katsugi said, bowing to both Reo and Natsu, "You two play nice while I'm gone." He proceeded out the two large wood doors, leaving them in absolute silence.
Reo jumped from his seat and strolled to Natsu's side, "Hey bud, wanna do me a favor?"
"Huh?"
"Just stand up and lean slightly forward," Reo grinned widely.
Natsu shook his head, "That sounds… A little…"
"What?"
"You're a guy, right?" Natsu questioned.
"Yeeees…"
Natsu tilted his head to the side, "I'm not into that kind of-"
"Wha!" he jumped back, "It's not like that! Just do it damn it!"
"Fine," he rose and slouched, "Still sounds weird…"
Reo frowned, "Could you get on your knees? I'm kinda short."
Natsu looked back at him with a raised eyebrow, "That's even more-"
"God Natsu! Just-"
"Alright! Fine! Chill out!" Natsu dropped to one knee.
"Perfect," Reo placed a hand on his neck gripping tightly.
"OW! What the hell are you-"
Reo wrenched backwards, dragging an outline of Natsu away from his body. Tug of War began as Natsu attempted to turn around.
"What're you doing?!" Natsu growled. "Let go of me!"
"What's up with you?!" Reo yelled, sweat rolling down his cheeks. As the image moved further away from Natsu, his eyes rolled backwards and the image tore free. A full duplicate appeared lying on the floor. Natsu's vision became blurry as he collapsed forward panting. The thin outline, began to become it's own living person as colors filled in. An unconscious man laid there with dark red hair, and sharp features similar to Natsu. Reo dropped to a sit in exhaustion.
"Crap, that was a lot of magic for one guy… If I didn't catch him off guard…" Reo took a deep breath, "Just up to you now Fayo. We'll have the good life soon…"
"Loneila?" Fayo called softly in the dark room. The lanai doors were swung open as the curtains flapped in the wind. She stood there looking over the at the lights below.
"What?" Loneila snapped.
Fayo eased toward her, "I just wanted to make sure you were okay…"
"I'm fine!"
"You don't seem like it," Fayo placed one hand on her back, rubbing gently.
"I just… I thought he would stay with us. It's all Lucas's fault!"
She moved her hand up to her neck, "I know how long you watched Fairy Tail to get him to ditch those losers." Fayo sighed, "I have an idea to keep him here, but I don't think you'd agree until after this."
"After what?" Loneila turned slightly towards her.
Fayo began the same magical seperation, yanking backwards on her neck, an outline appearing to be pulled out from her neck.
"Damn it Fayo… the hell?!" Loneila fought back as the outline began tugging back into her.
"Isn't it obvious? I'm… pulling out… your weakness!" Fayo ripped backwards tearing the outline free from Loneila and dropping her into the railing. The outline's colors began to fill in but the two looked exactly the same. "Wow, I don't even know if this is your magic…"
The original Loneila began to stir, shaking her head as it spun a million miles an hour.
"What the? She's already awake?" Fayo ran up to her side, helping her up and leaning her against the railing. Loneila gladly accepted the support, sighing as she rested on it. "I'm sorry," she whispered. With a large shove, Loneila tumbled over the railing, rolling, flipping, and finally crashing into a large bloody heap at the bottom of the spire.
"Ahem!" A voice coughed behind of her, "What's going on?"
Fayo whipped back to see a naked Loneila, cross-armed, glaring at her.
"You will address your Master with more respect!" Fayo chastised the newly awaken girl, pointing a finger at her.
"No manners," she shook her head, "that doesn't fly." Loneila stepped forward, grabbing Fayo's head with one hand, tilting her face and sinking her teeth into the side of her neck.
"No! Stop!" She shrieked. Her fingers curled back, as her skin withered to her bones and hair began to frail. Loneila pulled away, fangs glowing a bright yellow. Fayo's magicless body dropped to its knees, staring up at Loneila. She placed one hand on her chin. "How dare you test me!" With one swift movement, Fayo's head spun around with a line of cracking and she fell backwards. Loneila licked her fangs, savoring its magical lingering taste. "Pathetic," she spat on Fayo's corpse.
Reo sat cross-legged beside the unconscious man, focusing on him.
"You're gonna be a pain in the ass, I can already tell." Reo poked his face. The man replied with a growl that scared him to his feet. After realizing he was still asleep, he sighed. "God, you're scary. There's no way you were in Natsu."
"Reo!" Loneila yelled coming out from the elevator in entirely different attire.
"Oh, hey master…" Reo scrambled back cautiously, as he was expecting Fayo to return first.
"Who's that guy?" She glared at him.
"You're new servant?"
"…" She knelt beside him, lifting his head into her lap. She smirked, "Alright then."
Reo sighed in relief, "Have you seen my sister?"
"Yes, she's dead."
Reo became bug-eyed, "d-dead?"
"Yes, is there a problem?" she turned to him with a look that sent shivers down his spine.
"N-no! No…" he averted his eyes from the cold glare.
Loneila sighed, "I know that you planned to overthrow me. I've known for some time, and I let my guard down. Now my innocence is gone, and have no regrets killing Fayo." He gasped, turning back to her, "If you ever try this again, I will burn you alive and tear you in half."
He swallowed hard, staggering back, "Yes Master! I'm so sorry!" He dropped to his knees, bowing to the ground with tears streaming down his face.
She turned her attention to Natsu, now stirring awake.
"What should we do with him, Ma'am?" Reo asked, still facing the ground.
She gave the sleeping man a witty smile, "I don't care, I have the Natsu I wanted." She ran her hand over his chest. "I can't wait to try him out."
Reo blushed, looking up at her, "Yes ma'am, I'll take care of Natsu."
Black and brown colors splotched around, swirling together in a blurry confusion. Natsu squinted in the dark room but all he could make out was mossy stonewalls surrounding him and a single torch lit nearby him.
"Where… am I?" He attempted to rub his face but his hand was held back, reaching the length of the chains that were shackled to his wrists and knees. A throbbing pain came from inside his chest that felt as if he had an open wound.
"Up, are ya?" A hefty man came from the darkness in front of him. "Heard we could do anything we want to ya', and I've got all the time in the world to test my new skills."
"Wait… Tomah? Is that you?"
"Haha, sure is, let's get started," he cracked the knuckles in his fists, "there's a line out the door of people waitin' ta practice on you till you're just a corpse. I'm just number one!"
From above the cellar, crashes and minor explosions could be heard as they echoed around the dining and entrance halls.
Who's that?
Ifrit… He's my beautiful dragon.
What happened to Natsu?
Nat-who?
"Ugh," he shook his head violently.
"Morning, Ifrit," Loneila looked down at him. He was lying on her bare chest in her bed.
"Where am I?" He sat up, looking around the room.
"Our room," she replied, wrapping her arms around his back.
He peered over his shoulder at her, "Our room?"
"Yeah," she grinned, "our room."
He took another good look around before turning back, "It's a dump."
She shoved him away, "You could pick that shit up then."
"Whatever," he rolled to the edge of the bed. Standing up, he swung freely in the open. "Where are my clothes?"
"Here," she motioned to the folded clothing resting on the chest.
He sighed, "I guess so." He took a moment to get dressed as Loneila admired, still in bed. A short sleeved black hoodie with a broken zipper and baggy pants. "Zipper's broken."
"I know," she winked.
His hand moved over his ear, "Is... is this an earring?"
"You like?" she grinned.
He shook his head, "Aren't you gonna put on some clothes?"
She got on her knees, dropping the sheets and exposing her breasts to her navel, "What? You don't like this?"
He let out a small sigh before turning to the lanai. He stared out at the defensive structures until he noticed a small red splotch directly below his position. He felt her arms once more around his waist and her lips against his neck.
"What did you call me?" he said softly, barely audible.
"Your name is Ifrit, and you are my dragon." She murmured between kisses.
"Dragon?"
"Yes, you're a very powerful one as well." She gently moved her hand down his waist.
He pulled her grip free and spun around, "So what do I do?" His sharp golden eyes pierced her sensual motive with his hands holding her at arms length.
"You do my bidding," She replied, placing a hand on his. She moved closer to him, kissing his neck but he remained to appear apathetic.
He sighed, "I have no idea who, where, or why I'm here and you're trying to screw me?"
"Pretty much," she moaned, now nibbling on his ear up to his earring.
"Loneila! Is ifrit-" Katsugi ran into the room, blushing after seeing her naked. "I'm sorry, I thought… Never mind… Just, I'll be downstairs!"
She growled at him as he left in the elevator. Turning back to Ifrit, "That's Katsugi, my lame brother."
"You gonna get dressed yet?"
"Am I gonna get some?"
"No."
"Then I guess I am," she laughed, swaying her hips as she walked to the clothes crumpled on the ground. Ifrit shook his head and walked to the elevator.
Ding, the elevator doors split apart. Ifrit followed Loneila out into the main hall where her Elites stood.
"Allow me to introduce you," she read off their names going down the line, "Lucas, Katsugi, Reo, and Tomah. Everyone, this is Ifrit. He is the new Head Elite."
The man named Lucas stepped forward, "Excuse me Ma'am, I mean no disrespect, but you strip me of my title when I am the best of all of us?"
"Do not question me!" She scolded. A sly grin crossed her face; "Ifrit has much more potential than you and will surpass you very soon."
Tomah stepped forward, "That pipsqueak? He couldn't beat me in a thousand years! Especially since I practiced my new techniques all night long." Ifrit's fist clenched and a strange sense of anger swept over him hearing this, "I could take this little shit anytime."
"I could beat a fat ass like you anytime," Ifrit bursted out, surprising himself. He recomposed himself, looking at his palms.
"Wha? You just call me a-"
"I agree," Katsugi nodded, completely ignoring their outbursts, "he should at least prove himself."
"Fine," Ifrit replied, taking a slight step forward, "I'll fight you four."
Katsugi shook his head, "No, no, that's fine. Tomah would be just fine."
Loneila broke in angrily, "Tomah, if you would like to spar with Ifrit, it will be when I decide. Until then, you are to take him with you on your jobs to get him used to combat once again."
Tomah flinched back, gritting his teeth, "My fault, ma'am… I'll drag him along as long as he don't slow me down."
"Isn't your stomach already doing that?" Ifrit inputted with a smirk, again, surprised himself.
"You little shit, just you wait…"
"Get out, all of you, to your jobs!" Loneila yelled.
The newly formed team of elites left the spire and Province, arriving at the train station in the nearby town.
"Come on Ifrit," Katsugi said politely, "Get onboard."
Ifrit stood just outside of the door of the train, nervously looking at the faces of the other elites. "I don't know why, but this seems like a bad idea."
"Just get on, ya wimp," Tomah blurted.
"Hey, don't pick on the rookie," Lucas began. "It's not his fault he's afraid of doors."
The others mocked Ifrit until he stepped through the doors, right up to Lucas. His golden eyes staring at him, showing no obvious emotion. After a moment, Ifrit sighed and ran a hand through his crimson hair.
"Whatever then," he took a seat at one of the tables on the train. The others soon followed his lead at sat at different sections except for Katsugi who sat across from Ifrit. The doors slid closed as the whistle rang. The train began to trudge along and Ifrit slumped down in his seat.
"You alright there bro?" Katsugi peered over the table at him almost completely off of the bench.
"I don't feel good," he moaned.
Katsugi chuckled, "motion sickness… you have motion sickness." His laughter grew louder as the others noticed and joined in. Ifrit tried to glare at them but could not muster up the will.
Slowly coming to a stop, Ifrit shot back to his feet.
"That was a pretty quick recovery," Lucas admitted.
"Let's go rookie," Tomah led out the doors and into the station.
"What are we doing here?" Katsugi asked.
"Group of bandits took over the government here a couple days ago." Lucas answered. "Local law enforcements couldn't stop them and they've been cocky enough to post a wanted flyer on themselves."
"Sounds like they just want to die," Tomah commented. "We should ju-"
"What the hell are you looking at?" Ifrit broke out in a harsh tone, glaring at Reo.
"N-nothing, sorry!" Reo bowed low. Ifrit watched him for a moment before turning back to the group.
"As I was saying…" Tomah began again, now irritated, "We should just call out the ringleader."
"Simple enough," Katsugi agreed. "Sounds like a warm up for our new leader."
"Uh..." Tomah's jaw dropped at the horrific scene.
"He's… Even he doesn't deserve that," Lucas looked away.
Katsugi stepped forward unsteadily, "Ifrit, stop. We're done here."
Ifrit turned to him with the same apathetic expression he had since the train ride, studying Katsugi's piteous frown. Ifrit turned back to the man he held under his foot. He was unable to see if the burly man was dead or not. His teeth were smashing in, leaving a bloody mess of gums and a broken nose. Both of his eyes were swollen and blood ran over his bald head. His body was covered in exposed red areas and large burns. He remained motionless without making a noise or breathing with Ifrit's foot over his mouth. Ifrit removed himself and walked back to the group, extinguishing his fists.
"Let's go," Ifrit exited the city hall after picking up the bag of gold coins the bandit had wagered with. The remaining bandits fled and cowered in all directions. Katsugi and the others stared at the motionless bandit leader for a moment, looking over the wounds. Lucas knelt down beside him and pressed two fingers into his neck and a hand over his nose.
"He's dead, no surprise here." he rose in silence and left the others to follow Ifrit.
Reo began to tremble, "He's… a monster."
Katsugi placed a hand on the short boy's head, "Be glad he's on our side."
A chill ran up Reo's spine, recalling the birth of this new demon, "Right… Our side…"
The Elites entered the spire's hall to find Loneila awaiting their arrival.
"So, how did he do?" she questioned.
"He…" Reo began.
Ifrit dropped the bag of gold at her feet, bowing slightly. "We handled it with no problem."
She lifted his face to hers with one finger, "I didn't think you would."
"Anything else, master?" Lucas asked irritably.
"No," she replied, not taking her eyes off of Ifrit, "that's all for today. You are all dismissed."
As the others were about to exit, Loneila added, "But from now on, you are to take Ifrit on all of your endeavors unless told otherwise."
Tomah grunted, Reo shook in fear, Lucas glared at him, and Katsugi nodded.
"Go on," she said, and they were gone.
The next few weeks passed almost instantly. Ifrit had spent most days with the other elites accomplishing various tasks with a cruel and gruesome fist led by him. The others found his style to be the worst, and in turn, tried to spare lives from his unrelenting tactics. He was ill-practiced, but fought with undying confidence and persistence. The lack of fear to put himself and the others in danger strung a web of fear and hatred in the other elites that they hid from him. Ifrit held a similar idea, and never spoke to them outside of their jobs. Only Katsugi dared to speak with him; though he was disgusted with how he did things, he didn't hate Ifrit.
One day, Loneila approached the Elites before they boarded a train.
"Master, what're you doing here?" Reo asked, surprised.
Loneila smiled widely, "You, Ifrit, and Katsugi are coming with me to lunch."
Tomah, jealous of the attention she gave them or the offer of her homemade food, interrupted, "Whadda bout me?"
Ifrit turned to him, "I don't think it's a buffet."
"You little sh-"
"Tomah! Settle down." Loneila commanded. She noticed the worried expression that Reo wore, nearly trembling. "Reo, are you afraid of me?"
"N-no ma'am, I just…" Reo's eyes flicked from hers to Ifrit unintentionally.
She shook her head, "Ah, it's Ifrit." Reo immediately flinched, hearing her speak his thoughts. "It's alright, you can stay."
Reo nearly broke down when Ifrit turned his attention to him.
Lucas blushed slightly, poking his chin, "If Reo wants to stay, maybe I could-"
"Tomah," she frowned, "you're coming, but you're not going to eat all the food I made."
His bucktooth grin covered his face, "Ah, much obliged master." He bowed slightly.
"As for you," she turned to a downtrodden Lucas, "you and Reo will complete your job and return to the spire to look over it until I return." She whipped her blond hair at him, returning her attention to Ifrit.
"Where are we going?" Ifrit ignored the furious gaze from Lucas as he boarded the train with Reo.
"A little place called Magnolia, no big deal." She winked at him before leading the three out to the front of the train station.
Katsugi immediately picked up the location and perked up, "Magnolia, Loneila?"
"Yes," she nodded, peeking over her should at him, "Is that a problem, Katsugi?"
"No master, I apologize."
She smiled, "Then relax, we're going there to create a friendship." Her hand found Ifrit's and pulled him to her side. She pointed to a large basket with two straps, "Tomah, carry this. The walk is pretty long."
"Why'da I have ta do it?" He complained, "Katsugi's a big boy, make him do it!"
Ifrit gave him the golden glare that had became his trademark, "You giving Loneila an order, never thought I'd see the day."
Tomah grunted before gritting his teeth, shaking his head, and picking up the basket.
She gave Ifrit a pleased look, "Alright guys, let's get going."
