03 Atavism of the Ifrit Read online

  Some even asked to see silver flames and Ethan usually allowed it. Sometimes even making animal forms that did adorable things. Once he even made a cat licking himself, one leg fully extended and earned a deep laugh from those nearby as it ran hissing away.

  Blossom tired herself out playing in his horns and slept in Kanade’s cleavage when things grew boring.

  By the time mid afternoon rolled around time was over for well wishes and Ethan with the leaders met up with Jormungandr, the world snake. The gigantic cottonmouth was pleasant and didn’t take up much time since he wasn’t a creature of many words. Conversations followed as the large group met up at the home of Celestia.

  First thing the ornery Phoenix did was fly down off her roof and peck Ethan on the head on the way down since he’d outgrown her. A gesture kept Panther from retaliating. It didn’t hurt or draw blood. Merely a greeting. Only Kanade managed to hug her now that Ethan’s blood was pure Ifrit and offered perfect protection. Celestia squawked for her to ‘Bugger Off!’ but didn’t mean it deep down. It made her happy.

  She showed off the completed expansion to her home and shop and Ethan came inside without needing to duck for anything. Sadness clinched his heart as he looked at the shop built exactly how he wanted it. The forge was cold and empty, as it would remain so for many years to come. An Enchanter had already protected everything by runes written into every large object. Fire, wear and time would not damage anything.

  It was so perfect he said to the room of onlookers “I’m taking it with me.” His tone of absolution stayed objections as his fist brightened and slapped a targeting rune on each of the four walls. It was his dream workshop and stocked with hammers, chisels and crucibles to melt metal. Only things missing in the room was coal, wood and varying metals stocked in the far wall’s many holes perfectly placed for his height.

  Upstairs was the spacious bedroom already having their things boxed up from their old room. All that was missing was a new bed in the center of the room and cushions in a carved stone sofa facing an extravagant fireplace. At the far wall was a large sliding glass window that led to a crescent shaped balcony that doubled as a landing area since both he and Kanade could fly. By the door was a shiny new and luxurious stainless steel kitchen custom built for Kanade’s larger needs.

  It as a blend of medieval and modern that had her tearing up and wiping the corner of her eye. Mentally she thanked him for wanting to bring it with them. Even Kyoko commented she could enjoy living inside and eat Kanade’s home cooking. It earned a smile from the touched woman.

  Even more time was spent with Celestia alone with Ethan imparting all her metallurgy secrets while everyone else sat outside in the cool Scotland grass. She taught Demon World plants that benefit their craft before eventually hugging him and he greatly restraining to return affection before they went outside.

  Last was Ethan helping Morgane with her study and he laid down naked for one final scan. She was most interested to discover he had a second heart, but on Panther’s request did he deny giving away now purified Ifrit blood. If Morgane was upset she didn’t show it.

  But then as nightfall came around did questions get answered. Ethan and company came into the hall to find Blake and Reevy had return after putting Crait behind bars and were surrounded by a swarm of other Nagai with their features. Ethan knew right away it was their many children they made together.

  Only they weren’t alone.

  Vitalli and Ellen were surrounded by their herd of their grown Centaur children and grandchildren. Baldr wrestled with his brother Thor with Blossom flitting around cheering them on. Kira was crying into her mother’s chest while her little sister, father and the rest of the Penbrook clan hugged them all together. Nell cried into Vina’s head and shook with sobs with Magnus holding them together. Only one Ogre stood close and was a near copy of his father Magnus, but patted his Nymph mother’s back. Ethan knew they had had only two children together.

  In an instant Ethan concluded “Damn, they aren’t telling us goodbye. They are telling their families.” Kanade was just as speechless.

  “Aye, Lad.” Odin spoke up. Then he put two fingers to his mouth and peeled off a single, sharp whistle that had heads turn.

  “Bye Mum, Da.” Kira said and kissed them and her sister on the head. The clan pulled back and each Wizard and Witch hugged her in passing.

  “Father. Mother. Farewell.” Blake and Reevy’s eldest son of their first clutch said. They weren’t as emotional as the mammals, but the Nagai children parted together to make a path. As their mother and father walked to Odin and the others the children brushed their claws on their shoulder as if kissed by a butterfly.

  Vitalli and Ellen smacked the flanks of their foals to get them to move. They had made nineteen children who smacked their parents back rather playfully with tears in their eyes.

  The roughhousing siblings came to a stop and Thor slapped Baldr’s now naked back saying “Let them have it, Brother. I’ll watch your brood and keep them in line.”

  “Good luck with that! Just keep Loki from following. I don’t need him of all people watching my back.”

  “Aye. That’s why I drugged him.” Thor fired off.

  “Can’t blame you. Will he have a hangover?”

  “Aye.” Thor grinned fully and together that laughed.

  “Watch out for your sister seedling.” Nell cried as she hugged her older son. “She…”

  “Mother, I will. I’ll also make sure auntie doesn’t spoil her too much. Isn’t that right, Vina?” the young adult Ogre cooed to Vina and took hold since Nell’s sister was too upset to be there. “Big brother will be the one to spoil you.” And blew raspberries on her belly.

  Vina pealed a baby’s infectious laugh.

  Despite the heavy sadness squeezing Nell’s heart she managed to smile as Magnus’ thick arm laid over her shoulder and dragged her away, tears falling from his eyes as well.

  Together they all came forward to hear Ethan say to them all “No fucking way. You are not coming!”

  “We most certainly are.” Vitalli responded with absolute resolution.

  “No.” Growled Ethan.

  “He’s right.” Kanade said, realizing it right along with her man. “Ya’ll are stayin’ right here. None of ya’ll know what is waitin’ for us. Besides, as soon as Ethan and I cross over we’ll be removin’ our suppressors.” She tapped her orange burning necklace. “Ya’ll be killed instantly in a world who devours souls.”

  Kira wiped her eyes and said “Floa.”

  The Pixie clapped and the team, demons, herself and Odin all Translocated from the First House to Blue Angel Isle’s beach in the dark.

  “No means no damn it!” Ethan stomped a hoof and the ground shook.

  Kira’s sadness still layered her tone, but she held her ground and didn’t look away from the giant couple. “Boyo, we are.”

  Silver fire sparked all over the beach. “Oh really? How so? It’ll be a death sentence where we’re heading. In Demon World no one suppresses their aura. Demons are immune and this diamond palace will be crawling with creatures more powerful than any Demon Lord you’ve seen before. I will not see them eat your soul as soon as they catch wind of it. So I suggest you reconsider.”

  Blake got closer to hiss “What is a leader without his team? We are going as your guards. I’m not denying the loyalty of Balam, but” Panther’s whisker’s twitched in annoyance. “you’re not going into a lion’s den with fresh meat draped around your neck. We will be by your side forever, even in Demon World. You cannot get rid of us so easily. I’m sorry we kept this from you all month, but it is our decision, not yours.”

  “How many times do I have to fucking say it! NO!!!” He roared in the team’s face, but none moved or blinked.

  “I’m with my husband.” Kanade admitted. “Ya’ll are not realizin’ what we’ll be facin’.”

  “And you underestimate us.” Baldr said without a hint of a smile. “We didn’t decide this lightly or come u
nprepared.”

  “What do you mean?” Ethan struggled not to yell again.

  Kira said firmly “With your help, Boyo.” She then lifted a large vial that seemed to emit a black glow. It was ominous since black absorbed, not gave off. “We are attempting to take a forbidden blood-magic.”

  “Blood-magic? Didn’t you already get in trouble for doing it on me?”

  “Lad, shut up and let her speak.” Demanded Odin in a soothing way.

  “Aye, Boyo, blood-magic. Before Baldr took us here in the yacht we” She gestured to the team. “all agreed to follow you Torment if you went. Demon World is not a far stretch from it either. Among the team, only Floa cannot go because the air will kill her if prolonged. It won’t bother the rest of us, but you’re right. There is lethal aura throughout Demon World. Before the Accords were put in place, many warriors hunted demons back to their world. Few came back, but they did. This extract though is different. A modification of my own making.” She jiggled the vial. “Originally it temporarily allowed for one to Transcend their limits, but as soon as I saw Kanade’s wings glowing I knew I could make this permanent. The feather Floa took from you proved to be the missing ingredient I needed.” She smiled. “She’s the first Spirit Guide to Transcend and the essence in her wing was the key. That and your blood will make us Transcend.”

  “No! Forced Transcendin’ will fracture your soul if you take his blood. I…”

  “Only if taken in a full dose.” Kira clarified. “We’re going to split Boyo’s power eight ways.” Kanade’s jaw dropped. “My hypothesis has been looked at by every High Witch there is and they all agree the risks of soul fracture remains great, but the chance is less than nineteen percent if divided by eight of us. His power would potentially be put on par with you, Kanade. When Ethan’s blood worked its powers on you in the attack, it made sense his would work for us too. Only those of us here know I used your feather for permanency in my potion, mainly to protect you. You are after all… one of a kind.

  “I’d rather ask willingly for your blood, Boyo, but I’ve already taken some from your back from Kanade’s scratches. Fresh is always best, but it’ll have to do. We will all Transcend one way or another and be loyal to you alone. We won’t be helpless. Far from it. But we want nothing more to do with Order. Besides, we’re cursed to you. Where our leader goes, we follow… no matter where it leads.”

  “Such loyalty.” Whispered Dallare that only her mistress could hear.

  “Nineteen percent is still too great a risk.” Kanade said and was seconded by her man.

  A flash of red ripped the potion out of Kira’s hand. Turned out to be his long tail. “I’ll make sure they stop being idiots.” And crushed the potion in the extra appendage. Inky blackness dripped onto the sand.

  He sure wasn’t expecting Kira to smile. “You think it’s over now do you, Boyo. Tsk tsk!” she said with a finger wave. “You forget I always make spare potion. Only a third of Kanade’s feather went into it. Two more are hidden away… and before you try digging in my mind, just know I had someone else safeguard them so I won’t know. We’ve made up our mind. The sooner you realize we are coming the sooner it’ll be over. Besides, fresh blood will make the transition smoother for us.”

  “Stubborn bastards.”

  “Hey, we learn from the best.” Baldr grinned and pointed at Ethan.

  “Nell, what of Vina?” Kanade tried another tactic and played off a mother’s misery. “She’s barely learned to walk. She needs her mother and father. Why would you leave your own child behind?”

  Instead of running away in tears, it struck a nerve and pissed the Nymph off. “Don’t you dare try making me second guess my decision. If not for Ethan she would either be dead or raised as an Elf’s plaything. He gave her the gift of life. Her brother and my sister will watch over her and once I make it through as a Transcendent being I’ll watch over her from Demon World and be in her thoughts forever. I’m coming. End of discussion.”

  “But…”

  “No, buts. I’m not going to let you two go alone. For all you know it’ll be a trap the Fire King set up. We are a team. Each of us has different talents. Only together will we fail or succeed. Now if you say another word I’m going to ask Floa to poke you in the eye.” The Pixie popped her knuckles in eagerness.

  “Panther, say something.” Ethan said.

  The Balam shrugged. “They are free to choose their own path, Master. It is their risk to take. If you send them away I believe they will follow. Short of killing them, their resolution is firmly set. I did warn that your blood is precious. For them to steal it is on you.”

  “Fat load of help you are.” Grumbled Ethan. Panther barely smirked, but it was enough for Ethan to realize he was taunting him. No one else saw it.

  “Give us time Ya’ll.” Kanade said and took Ethan’s hand to walk away.

  She of all people knew he was losing it and was about to snap.

  Kira yelled back “You have till breakfast, Boyo. It takes five days to brew and a day to cool.” He waved back, but the group knew he was upset. Large flames flared around him and her. Rightly so.

  “I’m retiring for the evening.” Announced Kyoko and after being acknowledged both lovers she and Dallare disappeared.

  Kira took a step back as Panther seemed to appear right in front of her, but moved slow enough to make it clear his intention to claim her attention. Blake and Reevy naturally laid hands on their blades and Baldr stepped to his woman’s side, but they were silent till the glowing eyed general sough fit to break the awkward silence. They never expected what came next. “You surprise me. That is a rare event, Witch. I must ask, this potion… will it Transcend Demons as well?”

  “No. They are Order curse runes mixed with slight healing and transfiguration. His blood is key. My superiors tested it on rats and demon Bugs. His scab was used and the bug died as soon as touched, but the soul of the rat increased its Spirit Energy output by over ten thousand percent before fracturing… the original temporary potion only allowed a nine hundred percent increase and would gradually weaken over a week’s…”

  “I know of the potion.” Panther spoke his mind. “You forget I’m experienced in many matters. Your Wizard ancestors made many raids in our lands. I killed a fair share more powerful than they naturally were meant. Now I must ask since Master won’t permit me to demand…” Those unnatural eyes flared in angered intensity though his rigid stature stood in military rigidity. “How much of my Master’s blood have you stolen without his and my knowledge. It is a grave crime to steal Ifrit blood since you discovered the primary reason Armid waged war and slaughtered all of my Master’ brethren. How much blood?”

  “A… ffffew dddrops worth of a scab.” She stuttered a her instincts warned her to flee for her life. “III gggave only enough ttto dddo the tests.”

  “And does your potions’ caretaker have Master’s blood?”

  “No.” She visibly shook.

  “Back off hairball.” Baldr stepped between them.

  Panther’s eyebrow rose and whisker’s twitched. He turned around and followed after his masters.

  “One moment.” Odin said and Panther paused. “What do you mean the Spirit King waged war on Ifrit because of their blood?”

  “After millions of years your Witch rediscovered Order’s taboo for this very reason. A reason Armid forbade all knowledge from leaving Spirit World’s secret archives. He doesn’t like competition and kills those who threaten his rule. Kira Penbrooke’s potion’s unique creation of using Mistress Kanade’s feathers for a permanent solution will enrage him, which is why I’m allowing your minions to come.” Feline teeth shone in the night. “Giving lesser beings the gift to Transcend at will threatens his rules, but he is impotent. They are protected by Master’s curse. If they survive, Master will be better protected. Demons do not believe in friendship, but my new Master is more than demon. If they wish to come they need to be more than what they are in order to survive constant threat. If it breaks
Armid’s rules and threatens his pompous taboos I say do it. But Kira, I take it only you know every ingredient and rune and shared it with no one else.” She nodded quickly as his light tone darkened. “Keep it that way. If Armid sets off to war again, I would suggest you are not the cause. Unless my master wills it of you, I’m ordering you to silence. If I gain knowledge you’ve created more than the eight of you without his permission I will flog and imprison you for many centuries. Am I clear?”

  She could barely squeak out an “Aye.”

  He walked on down the beach without another look back.

  Ellen stomped her hooves while watching the silver flames settling further down to say “Never has he spoken to us like that before… not without Ethan’s permission.”

  Nell rubbed her goose bump riddled arms though the beach was warm. “He did say Kira surprised him… Kira?”

  “Wha…” She jumped a bit.

  Blake put a hand on Baldr’s shoulder. “Better take her to get some sleep.”

  “Nah, I know my girl. She needs to walk it off, not sleep. She’ll have nightmares standing up to him.” He thumbed the slinking feline on hind legs. “Come on, Babe. Let’s take that moonlight stroll down the beach you love.” He took her hand and led her away in the opposite direction.

  “Lord Odin,” Odin turned to Reevy’s hiss. “we never got to thank you for allowing us to disband and follow the hatchlings.”

  “Lass, It was Collu and Mia who decided it since they alone were neutral to the rest of us.” The All Father sighed and sat down in the sand with Floa lounging on his soft wolf’s pelt collar. “It wasn’t till Kira whipped up samples and allowed Morgane and the sixty High Witches to study the effects did they decide. Between the two of them, they, at my command, stayed as far away from the Lad and Lass as possible. They would have said no to your request to follow if her potion couldn’t deliver. I suspected the Spirit King wouldn’t be happy if word got around of her discovery… the general’s words solidified it. I was glad I ordered Kira to make sure only she kept the knowledge to herself.”