Disclaimer: PotS = not mine

The Bump Chapter Nine

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Neal's POV

A loud bang echoes through out the courtyard as the darkish smoke clears. The lightning struck near where the cloaked stranger stood. I wonder. Could have it struck him? I scoff. Of course not. The chances of that actually happening is so little that I can barely see.

The smoke takes an awfully long time to clear. I suppose I could get up and search but that would require effort and energy. And I don't fell like doing that. I hardly got any sleep last night. I'm exhausted.

But I will turn my head. And so I do so. I stare at Joren. He looks like he is struggling. Excellent. I do love to see him suffer.

Kel is staring intently at the clearing smoke. But she must have felt my gaze on her and her head and she turned and blandly stared at me for a second before withdrawing her attention away. I felt rather left behind.

No one ever pays me attention. Insufferable fools. Uh... weird moment there. Must have been the smoke. Some smoke can do strange things to you. Maybe this one can too.

The smoke clears.

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Kel's POV

The smoke clears.

What it reveals doesn't really surprise me. Through I didn't think it would be that big. Or so perfectly round and circular. Except for the cracked edge an almost perfect circle.

With a big black hole in the middle.

What a fresh smell that is in the air. Smelling of springtime and promises to come. Sweet of wood smoke. The lonely smell of autumn. Curling around the buildings. It smells slightly of charred meat.

Oh...

Well. The fight is over! We are victorious! Battle easily won is the best. I could do a little dance. Or not. I'm not the best dancer. I can admit that. But do other people have to – repetitively – point it out? It can be quite rude. And hurtful. For them at least. I have a sweet right hook. And steel capped boots for the more nasty comments.

I suppose I should say something but what is there to say? I mean really? Yay we won? Hip hip hooray for lightning? Actually, I might just say that.

"Hip hip hooray for lightning!"

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Neal's POV

I was shocked at what she had said.

But... I suppose that what she said does portray my feelings quite accurately. It has always been better not to fight. Most definitely.

He looked at Kel worriedly. She had the most threatening expression on her face. it was if she had something wild stuck inside of her. And it wanted to come out. She was suppressing it. But then a thoughtful expression came across her face.

Shaking her head she muttered, "You're an idiot. So stupid." She opened her mouth and out came a, well, green gas. It went on for some time that he had become quite bored. He started playing knuckles.

It was gradually forming a figure but in rather odd body parts and clothing. Different skin colours. Odd fur patches. Clothes of all different styles, periods and genders. Someone was a little kinky too. Some of those clothes looked awfully leathery and spiky. Plus the pink fur was most unattractive.

But it did form into a slight male figure. Short black hair, kind of spiky, with dark eyes and lightly tanned skin. He looked slightly uncomfortable and was shifting from one foot to the other. The looked like a rodent in some ways. That nose twitches oddly.

Seeing him and the others he smiled broadly and with a great show of teeth, too many teeth. Too many pointy teeth. Too many sharp teeth.

"Hi, my name is Murray!"

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Joren's POV

Murray? My God! What kind of person has name like Murray? Especially if he is a (that is if I am thinking correctly and I think I am) Demon? If I was a Demon (which I'm not) parent (not that either) I would never in a million years name my son/daughter Murray. I wouldn't if I was human (which I am). Damian. Wormwood maybe. Histarheyjfosnskucpe even. Anything!

"Uh, hello," he actually answered the thing that has been ruining our lives! How dare he do that! Shouldn't he have some sense of loyalty to us? We are all of the same species. I think.

The Demon smiles brightly at Neal. Happy at being answered back.

Kel looked puzzled. She is sitting down looking at the Demon with a puzzled expression. She is obviously having some problems with situations. I can understand. I feel like sitting too. But I remain standing, as I am stronger than this.

Kel takes a deep breath and exhales quickly letting the air out in a big gush. She chews at her bottom lip and stares at the Demon.

"Who are you? What happened? Why me? Why at all?" the questions were troubling, but still the Demon smiled even it had taken a malicious air.

It vanished.

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Kel's POV

The boy (Demon?) smiled. I was relieved. Until I saw the rather nasty edge to it. Not that pleasant at all. He seemed intent on what I don't know.

"Well," he said cocking his head to the right hiding half of his face, "I don't think you really have a right to know," I choked at his cheek. I haven't a right? He was in my body! He must have seen my face so he amended, "But since I am so nice I will," he smirked like he wanted thanks!

"As I said before my name is Murray. So thoughtless of you to forget. I just cam out of your body in a cloud of green smoke. Rather nice green. I have always liked green. With a hint of lime for added freshness. You? Because I have always liked big people. I thought you were older but you were only a child. Very large. But a child. Such a tall person. Because? I don't fancy spending my entire life in a temple. Temple life is boring. And I mean boring. The priests are no fun at all. It's all ritual. So boring"

She was shocked at all this. It was all too much. But she wanted more.

"But what about the cloaked stranger? Who was he?"

"Him? He was Aida Akira. A fisherman a possessed. Slightly. He was here to set me free. He was useful over the years. He was always leaning to the edge of the law. Piracy. And that sort of thing. Now! You don't mind if I leave do you?" his voice dripped with sarcasm, "I have an appointment with the Demon Agency and they are horrid with late comers. Then a chat with the Hag. Busy, busy! Bye now!" he popped out of existence with a crackle of lightning.

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Neal's POV

Right. That was normal. Totally normal. I wonder what an abnormal day is? I hope I don't have to live that? Um... well if I have to I will. Because I kind of like living. Quite a bit. Hmm... I wonder what an abnormal day would be like?

Shudders.

Kel is staring at where the Demon was. Her gaze is slightly... unfocused. Well... more than slightly. She is troubled.

Joren is pale. Paler than usual. Dark shadows beneath his eyes stick out. He is confused I believe. But aren't I too confused? He's still an idiot but. Nothing could take that away from him. No one at all.

Back to the pretti- more important issue. Kel.

She's standing up. Unsteady on her feet. She seems more determined to regain her former façade. She's returning to her usual emotionless seeming self. I can't let her retreat back into her shell. Not when we are making such good progress. Sort of. Maybe.

"Kel are you all right?" I ask.

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Joren's POV

She doesn't look right. She looks strangely ill as if she has been sick for some time. But she seems to be recovering. I hope she gets well.

"I'm fine. I think I am just... getting used to the feeling of not being... possessed. That sounds better in my head. I am feeling better but." Kel explained softly walking around nervously.

"That's good!" Neal says happily. Smiling brightly at her.

He sickens me. He is such an... idiot. I don't like him much at all. He annoys me in some way I can't fully explain. He has this way of irritating me so I want to kill him. Or at the very least maim. Maim. Kill. Destroy. I like that motto.

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Kel's POV

I'm feeling dazed. As if I've been spun up tightly then, suddenly, I have been let go in one motion.

I need to take a walk. I need to clear my thoughts. I need to leave. I need space–

"MINDELAN!"

I quickly turned my head. It was Lord Wyldon. I was alert and aware for danger. I ready my position. I trip forward. Stumbling over my feet.

"Mindelan! What are you doing out here relaxing with Queenscove and... Stonemountain?" shook his head dismissing it, "Get to work now!"

"But sir – "

"No buts! I want your body to be moving. Some on get goi – "

"What do you think you are doing talking to my daughter that way?" came an indignant voice. It was her Mother!

"She was being a fool and I was punishing her for that. Fair and just I am," he nodded his head.

"Oh really? I must doubt that. As her Mother I know her best. Who are you to judge her?"

"I? I am Lord Wyldon. Her training master. She threw a tomato at my face. I count that as punishable and as she is under my control I have the right."

"Under normal circumstances would she throw a tomato at you? No. Kel has been possessed by a Demon. She is of no fault. As at times she had no control of her body. So I say let her go with me!"

While this had been going on I had been signaling to Joren and Neal to come to me. They did so and looked wordlessly at me.

"Let's get out of here, "I whispered. They nodded. I grinned. This was going to be fun escaping it all. She really needed some relaxation.

"– and further more your daughter – "

"My daughter has to live with more problems than any other page or squire! You would think that you could treat her with some sympathy."

Neal, Joren and I were walking away, increasing our speed.

"I have to treat someone differently?"

"No! You should treat her with respect!"

"I don't – " his gaze caught us, walking, no, running away from him and Mother.

"Mindelan! Stop!"

We ran.

"Kel what are you doing? Kel?"

"Come back here Mindelan!"

We were nearly out of sight. We were out! We heard or at least I did distant shouts.

"Kel!"

"Mindelan!"

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End Chapter Nine

The End.

Final Notes: It's done. After all these months. Very infrequent updates. It's finished.

I would like to thank all people who have reviewed.

And my reluctant beta reader (she's only in it for the thanks).

Goodbye.