03 Atavism of the Ifrit Read online

  Floating at the edge if a barrier was a large yacht piloted by Baldr, a large, blue skinned Ogre who owned the luxury boat. Only he wasn’t alone. On deck were close friends and comrades. The yacht’s name had been changed to the Scottish Witch after he found his soul mate, the buxom Kira Penbrook who stood alongside their second in command, the skilled Blademaster and Naga, Blake. The boat had carefully pulled alongside the barrier Blake’s four digit fist pounded against. It was the only means at their disposal as nothing in Kira’s arsenal of Witch spells and potions could pass the erected wall she couldn’t make sense of. Also standing on deck is Blake’s dagger wielding Naga mate, Reevy, idly fingering the bone pommels of said daggers with sharpened claws. On the other side of the deck whispered another powerfully built Ogre, Magnus and his Nymph wife Nell Eldertree listening to Floa chatter away again on what happened yesterday. At the bow stood the largest pair. Centaurs. Ellen and Vitalli Quiethoof.

  Baldr shouted from the wheel up high “Babe?! You find a way to ring the doorbell?! Knocking doesn’t seem to be working! We’ve been at it for a half hour!”

  Kira’s blue finger dimmed and green eyes turned from the invisible barrier. Auburn hair was redder in the rising sun and wind blew strands in her mouth as she was about to offer a scathing retort. A breath tempered it while pulling the hair from her mouth. “If you got any better ideas than driving head on into the damn thing, I’m listening. I don’t want to attack the barrier incase Boyo threw in curses.”

  A deep and disconcerting chuckle made attention turn around. A hulking shadow swooped down and instantly weapons were drawn by the Naga couple. Blake’s katanas sang as they were pulled from their sheathes attached to either hip. At his side Reevy’s long and thin daggers flashed. Vitally and Ellen pulled claymores from along their equestrian sides. Nell smoothly pulled her Dragon’s horn bow taught with a thick arrow while Magnus raised the heavy club Zaxis. Whispers activated many of the weapons’ enchantments as each and every one of them were S Class warriors of Order. Then the shadow cleared as wings longer than the Scottish Witch was flapped.

  Floa giggled and said “Looking good!”

  The baritone chuckled again saying “Thanks, Kanade designed the new threads.”

  Kira was the first to find her voice. “Boyo!?” but came out more as a surprised squeak as she took in his enormity and the other changes.

  “Hey I tried warning all of you, but would you listen to me? Nooo!” Floa rolled her violet eyes at the gawking people onboard staring at the flying giant demon. Ethan wore a large royal blue vest with the ruby-like glass belt that held up a pair of matching shorts. Tucked into the belt were his onyx gauntlets and at the other side was the diamond shaped shield that came from Methrom’s most prized scale.

  Again the massive sails rose and dropped to keep Ethan fifty feet above the water as he said “Kanade wasn’t expecting you guys for a few more hours and she’s dying to have everything ready. Dress was being scolded for not telling you guys were on the way last I left her.”

  “If I didn’t see it I wouldn’t believe it.” Said Magnus as he let Zaxis’ power dissipate and hung it back on a hook at his hip. “So it’s all true then?”

  They all were spellbound, staring at the winged giant and each one of them could see their squad leader and friend, even after all the changes undergone. They especially knew it was him when his expression lost its mirth and when habit made him want to brush his hair back and immediately a horn got in the way. “Damn horns.” He grumbled not for the first or the last time. “Yeah. It’s all true. Is it just the nine of you? I need to know or else any hiding in the boat will be crushed by the boat as it passes the barrier.”

  “No, it’s just us, Lucy!” Baldr, grinning yet again as he increased the motor’s throttle.

  “Lucy?” Asked a completely baffled Ethan.

  “Yeah. Kira was telling me all about how you liken us to myth. You damn sure look like Lucifer. Or should I call you Horny instead?”

  “Don’t know. You have a better claim to being called Horny than me.” Ethan tapped the center of his smooth forehead as Ogres have a lone spiraling horn. Baldr’s sprouted over six inches long, much like Magnus’. Few males had horn’s so long. The longest belonged to Magistrate Morom who sported one over seven inches.

  “Kira tells me that all the time!” Baldr laughed, always lighthearted to keep his Berserker side in check. Kira smacked her forehead loudly and said “Boyo, don’t mind him. He had a little too much sugar for breakfast.”

  “Hopefully you all aren’t full. Kanade’s busy whipping up breakfast for all of you.”

  “Nope. Just me!” Baldr said as he turned the wheel to the barely seen island to the north. Ethan’s fist glowed brightly and a tingle went over the all and the boat to allow them to sail right in without running headfirst into a shipwreck. “Kira and I were out in my villa in the Alps when Floa came by to drag us to Father and hear all about your recent escapades. Now that I see you… well, I’m a believer too now. So where can we drop anchor?”

  Ethan’s wings were loud as it kept him aloft, but his voice was loud enough so none found it difficult to hear as the ship picked up speed. “There is a cove on the northwest side of the island… Who… who else knows?”

  Blake, serious as ever, offered a gentle reptilian smile. “You know how it is concerning you. Only Odin, King Pegasus and Floa knew so…”

  Floa gleefully cheered “I told EVERYBODY!”

  “Every…” Ethan flew right along with the ship. “You didn’t.”

  “Aye, Boyo.” Kira held onto the rail like the others as Baldr had pushed the throttle wide open, following the backwards flying giant. “Baldr and I barely managed to put on our robes when Floa stole us back to the First House. Dinner was still going on and you know her, she stole the remote from Chille and took over all the telly’s. Odin and Pegasus tried stopping her so she Translocated them out by Jormungandr’s moat.”

  Floa shrugged. “I needed to talk and my husband learned he can’t stop me.”

  “Aye, that was clear to everyone. Well she goes to tell everyone what she learned yesterday. And I do mean everything. Is it true you are owed a debt by Lord Odin?”

  “For settling the dispute of five Demon Lords before nightfall? Yup.” He grinned.

  “Told you.” The Pixie snorted.

  “Then the attack was real?” Nell’s bright green hair whipped in the wind. As a standard dress code for Nymphs, all she wore was a wooden top and a woven thong from vine. Everyone else was armored and armed to the teeth. Only she wore her bow, quiver over the back and a small dagger strapped to her bare ankle. “I can’t believe a mother would try and kill her own daughter.”

  “Believe it.” Yowled a new voice and gasps resulted as attention turned to find Panther with his back lounging on the ship’s front. The nine foot tall Balam had appeared without arousing notice from anyone other than Ethan who only saw because he flew backwards. Panther was a master of stealth. Blue eyes glowered. “And do not mention it to the mistress. She still has not come to believe it is over and worries another attack. Master, why have you not spelled them?”

  “Because I already ejected Fate from their minds.” Ethan said simply.

  “What?” Reevy asked as she and Blake were all that could barely follow the last part spoken as it has sped up to near incomprehensible. “What do you mean by ejected?”

  Ethan slowed himself to be understood. “Fate tried to use all of you to spy on me. He wanted to learn any weaknesses I might have through you, but after reading his mind and cursing him, I know all his usual tricks and he tried tricking all of you to ignorantly be unaware of his presence. I already dealt with the matter.” None of them had even an inkling something had gone down. “Don’t worry, his curse wouldn’t let him do more than watch, but I don’t like voyeurs.”

  “Present company excluded I hope?” Nell teased.

  “Yes. Present company excluded.” He chuckled. “Just a word of warning. Kee
p a good distance from me.”

  “Why?” Vitally asked, stomping a hoof on the deck.

  “Because I can’t fully control my strength.”

  “Oh right!” Baldr laughed. “Floa told us how you ripped off Father’s arm like a hay dummy just saying hello. I’ll be sure not to let you pull my finger.”

  “Better you than Vina on brussel sprouts.”

  Everyone had a good laugh. Magnus said “I don’t know. Baldr a few days ago ripped one as Floa flew by and she passed out before landing.”

  “Ugh! It was beyond foul! I still don’t see how fruitcake could turn that rancid.”

  “Damn I missed you guys.” Ethan sadly let known. “But I’m serious. Stay out of my reach till I’m in control. My tail cut a tree in half before I flew out when you guys knocked. The world to me is weaker than wet cardboard now and one mistake will seriously injure you. My energy is already being stripped for leaving, but my physical strength can literally crush diamond. I already found out last night since I no longer need to sleep it seems. It was just a tiny diamond, but it’s now dust. I’m serious. Be safe so I’m not sorry.”

  “Not to fret. Tis only proves you have not changed at all.” Ellen said as the island continued growing. “Like your fire, you will learn to control.”

  “She’s right!” Nell smiled brightly. “When Odin first learned you hadn’t made so much as a spark when you first came, you learned. And after your final lesson against me, Magnus and Ellen, you showed me how not to be afraid of your fire. I’m still not comfortable, but I know you won’t burn me.”

  “Is it true the color’s changed too?” Magnus asked since she brought it up.

  In answer Ethan’s entire body burst into harmless silver flames. It made them all stare transfixed. After a few moments they vanished. “Alright, follow me, Baldr. I’ll show you a safe break in the reef that will let you drive right into the cove.”

  “Righty O, Lucy!” The Ogre quipped as Ethan turned impossibly smoothly in the air to glide ahead. Sea sprayed as waves were hit and matched the set flight speed of the guide. Gazes often turned to the demon in their midst, but other than having it returned, no moves were made. Only Reevy kept her daggers out and at the ready. Words of admiration drifted around as the near untouched island came into full splendor. It was beautiful.

  Twenty minutes later the speed of the Scottish Witch slowed and navigated into a calm cove. Hitting a button on the dashboard dropped the anchor. Baldr, still up on the top yelled “YAHOO!” as he threw himself into a cannonball, sword and shield already strapped to his back. Kira couldn’t hold back a laugh at her soul mate’s antics. She laughed harder as he resurfaced yelling “My ass!” being landed on hard. She laughed so hard the three blue dots on the roof of her mouth was seen, proof she was mated to an Ogre. Checking her belt’s zipper holding dozens of potions, reassured they were secure, she dove in right after.

  Everyone abandoned ship to swim except the cheating Centaurs. Both Vitalli and Ellen whispered command words in their native tongue so their off golden horseshoes began glowing a bluish white. Instead of sinking below the surface, they walked without getting wet, earning the finger from a grinning Baldr.

  Everyone soon reached shore, the girls and Magnus wringing out their long hair. At Ethan’s side stood Panther, but the first thing Kira blurted without thinking is “Boyo, how bleeding tall are you?!”

  “Last night Kanade and I measured ourselves.” Explained Ethan. “Kanade is seventeen foot ten inches tall from toe to crown. With a wingspan fifty two feet wide… From hoof to the top of my head I’m nineteen feet eight and a half inches tall. Including the tip of my biggest horns in the back I’m twenty foot six, but the top claw of my wings stand twenty five feet eleven inches. From wingtip to the other I’m seventy four feet one inch long.”

  “Damn! How much do you weight?” Baldr said as he slapped the side of his head to knock water from his ear.

  “Roughly two tons give or take a dozen pounds.”

  “I can check if you wish.” Kira let known.

  Instead, Panther held out a protective arm in front of his master. “Until you are spelled, you will not take another step closer unless to tempt me. Using a spell will be the last thing you will ever do.”

  “He’s correct.” Blake laid a clawed hand on the Witch’s arm. “We all decided it was for the best. If there is one I trust, it’s Ethan. That hasn’t changed as far as I’m concerned. I will go first.” Panther nodded an acceptance as the group, other than Blake, stepped back.

  “Blake, I’ll try to make this quick. It will be painful. It won’t be as powerful as what I put on Fate and Armid, but it will sear into your flesh. I can limit the size and where to place it on or in your body.”

  “Understood. Of all my students, I’m most proud of you…”

  “Uh, that isn’t nice since you also trained Ellen, Nell and Magnus. They are all…”

  “You’re his crowning success.” Nell chipped in with a hand on a near naked hip. “And he’s right. You’re better than the rest of us… for a seedling. It’s only lying if he doesn’t mean it and everyone knows Blake never says anything other than the truth as he sees it.”

  Returning to the matter at hand, Blake unclasped the baldric holding a bastard sword across his back and removed it, the black leather armor, chainmail and a few throwing daggers around his midsection before turning around. “Place the mark over the entirety of my back.”

  Deeply touched at the trust being given, he still had to ask “Are you positive? It won’t go away even if you are skinned… never.”

  “I am certain.” Came the slightly forked tongued hiss.

  Blake squeezed his eyes shut and tensed as the pain of the curse was planted, blackening his earthy brown scales, making an intricate shield-like pattern that was aesthetically pleasing. Like a tattoo puzzle. There was no burnt flesh smell or hiss of scalded flesh. There was no sound at all in fact. Commands were given, much the same as what was spoken yesterday with some minor variations. Moments later it was over. “Done.”

  Blake shuddered and fell to a knee to catch his breath. Reevy was right there, worriedly fussing and asking “Are you well?”

  “A moment is all I need.” Came passed tiny sharp teeth. “Indeed the pain was great. How does it appear?”

  “Baddass!” Expressed Baldr with two calloused thumbs up. “I want one on my left shoulder.” Ethan obliged. “Sonofabitch!” He yelled, but held still. “Give me a prostate exam with a broken beer bottle over that!” he held the blackened flesh and pulled back. Kira went fishing for a vial to help burns and was waved off. “Nah, Babe. It hurts worse as it’s put on, not after. Just remembering it is painful. See, look at Blake. He’s already putting his goods back on.”

  One by one all were branded. Only Nell, Floa, Kira, Reevy and Ellen chose their curses on one of their bones so as to not mar their beauty. The men saw it like a membership tattoo, proudly displaying it.

  Afterwards Panther allowed Kira’s finger to go green and levitated Ethan to determine “Three thousand seven hundred and sixteen to eighteen pounds. About as close as I can tell.”

  “Good to know.” He smiled as he was set down, glad they all kindly kept their distance. “Kanade’s still cooking so let’s enjoy a nice walk around to the south side of the beach.”

  “Sounds like a plan, Lucy!” Quipped the spirited Ogre. “I thought you’d look more impressive from Father’s stories, Puss.” Baldr told point blank to Panther.

  Kira went wide eyed as ten long claws expelled from each fingertip like wicked spikes and grabbed her man’s arm to hastily drag him away saying “He doesn’t mean anything by it. Really.”

  The Balam smirked, brandishing the claws that put them on guard. “I know. I just wanted to show him why his father is one of the few who managed to survive playing with me.”

  “I still find it hard to believe you are the real Panther who played with our daughters.” Nell admitted between herself and Floa.
/>   “Since you are in the mood to show off. Show them.” Came the winged giant’s rumble.

  “Yes, Master.”

  One moment there stood a nine foot tall demon with a jaguar’s head and the next there stood an average black housecat with familiar blue eyes. The only ones not to be stunned were Blake and Reevy who knew Balam abilities.

  “By the Sap!” Cursed Nell. “It really is you.”

  ‘Row.’ Yowled the adorable and cuddly midnight feline before assuming his natural form a moment afterwards. “Yes, it was me all along. Introductions are not needed. I’ve come to understand each and every one of you.”

  “But none of us know you.” Nell said. “Not the real you anyway. So I’m not imagining any of this all.”

  “Mass hallucination? I’m in.” Baldr chuckled.

  Ethan began walking the beach, finding out real quick just how great his stride had become as one for him was four or more for most of those barely above his knee. It was awkward walking, but lighthearted and soothing with friends again. As Nell, Floa and Baldr took turns getting to know Panther, Ethan said “Magnus, I’m still surprised you could swim with all that armor and not drown.” Magnus being the only one wearing metal armor like knight’s of old, but painted black and carrying the helm under an arm. Everyone else was in leather.

  “It isn’t a walk in the park, but practice does help.” The Ogre let known. “So how are you doing. Really?”

  “Better with friendly faces, but nowhere near a hundred percent emotionally. Like you all, it feels more a dream, but pain sure helps make the sting remind me it’s all real, everything.”

  “And your better half?” Prodded Reevy this time.

  “Worse than she will admit. She puts on a good front, but is more affected than me by a long shot. She was devastated by it all. It will be good for her to be with you all again. In just a few minutes all my built up tension is gone.”

  “Tis what friends are for.” Ellen slapped his wing.

  “Space remember.” He reminded and the mare realized her mistake. He sighed “Watch.” and ambled to the nearest coconut tree to gently place the flat of his spade red tail against its bark. Attention turned to him and watched on as without so much as a flex or twitch, the tail felled the healthy tree as if moving through air. No resistance was given and it was all the proof needed. Then with a vertical whip they watched as said tail was more like a sword as it sliced cleanly through bark and sand, wrapped around the trunk and lifted a quarter ton as if it were a blade of grass and transferred it to his hand, looking more like a club. “See, I didn’t even try. Please, I’m begging you. Be more careful.” Ellen swallowed, tucking loose dirty blonde strands behind an ear.