Fragment Chapter: Blazing Sylphid

"WATCH OUT!"

Before Machias could even finish, the sidecar swerved dangerously to the left, barely scraping by a jackal-like monster on the road. Another bump sent him flying off his seat. He grabbed on to the railings for dear life.

"Stop worrying, Machias," Fie shouted through the loud rumbling of the engine. "I got this!"

The orbal bike roared, and like a metal devil, it sped through the highways west of Trista. Far, FAR above the speed limit, if Machias could add. Unfortunately though, he was under the mercy of the silver-haired demon at the helm.

Fie leaned the bike into a wheelie as they rounded a hairpin curve, defying all concept of safety and proper road etiquette. "YAHOO!"

Machias screamed.

Was Trista always this blurry? Were there really that many trees or did he still have double vision? Why were his glasses crooked? Machias had spent the better half of his morning combing his hair right to appear professional, yet now it jutted out in a windblown mess.

Fie took a long gulp of her carbonated juice and belched. She gazed at him gleefully, befitting her small stature. "That was fun."

His brow twitched. "It definitely WAS NOT! Do you have any idea how many traffic regulations you broke today?!"

She blinked.

"No, you don't."

"Relax. I got the guild's permission. It wouldn't be much of a test if I didn't make it go as fast as I can."

Machias fumed. "That doesn't excuse you from violating the law! What's even worse: I could've DIED!"

Covering her ears, Fie crouched low and hummed a tune.

"Fie, I swear—!"

"Machias? Fie?" a youthful voice spoke from behind them in the station. "What are you guys doing here?"

Glancing around, Machias recognized the confused face of one of his friends. The orange tuft of hair under his hat and the violin case at his feet further gave it away. "Elliot?"

"Hi," Fie greeted. "I thought you were in Heimdallr?"

"I was… but then I had to run an errand to Trista and now," Elliot said. He looked away, his mouth in an awkward smile. "I sorta missed my train back. Heh heh."

"You're gonna be late?" Fie asked with a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Yeah. I need to be back before the next train arrives…"

Fie grinned. Cold sweat dripped down Machias' face when she leaned towards him. "He's gonna be late, Machias. Should we?"

"Fie, no."

"Fie, yes. Say Elliot, what if we said today's your lucky day, and that you won't be late all thanks to your lovely friends?"

"I won't?" Elliot asked innocently. "You guys have a ride?"

Fie nodded.

Machias was less than inviting. "Elliot, trust me man. You do NOT want to do this. Refuse this she-devil's offer. Be late. Save yourself. Don't—!"

Pain shot up his temple as Fie tugged on his ear. "Don't listen to him," she said.

"Well, if you insist," Elliot said with a wide smile. "It can't be that bad. What could possibly go wrong?"

"Yup," Fie answered, eyes half-lidded and expression malevolent with desire. "Leave everything to me~."

Accepting his fate, Machias sighed. At least he'd have someone now to accompany him to the grave.

Cue intense manly screaming.

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