03 Atavism of the Ifrit Read online

  “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry!” Ethan fearfully looked at the mangled arm that bled in his palm. It horrified him.

  “I said relax.” Odin rolled the shoulder that grew back. “I take it the reason you called for Pegasus and myself isn’t because we are the heads of the House, but because you are afraid to kill anyone?” Ethan couldn’t look away from the arm in his hand as he nodded. “You wanted us because we can’t die and can get close to you. Close enough that we can survive any accidents like what happened.”

  “It was my idea.” Kanade gulped. “Spells on me remain so I can do no harm, but his tail cut through a tree like butter in summer earlier. Its why we wanted only you and Pegasus. He’s a danger to others and his barest touch can kill without tryin’. We wanted you to know everythin’…” Her eyes turned to Floa. “I didn’t expect you to actually come along.”

  “Like I was going to miss the chance to visit my girlfriend after not hearing a peep since last week or want to see what happened since the world shook here yesterday? You and I need to go have girl talk. Right now.” Her motherly tone was cold and hard. “I expect you boys to behave.” She shrunk and flew away after giving a cold look to the men. Kanade followed.

  Odin grabbed what was once his arm from Ethan’s hand and threw it away. “Lad, if you want me to understand, show me your memories.”

  Ethan swallowed, wiped his palm on the ground, tearing a foot deep rut unintentionally. But unlike his body, he had full mental control and pushed the scenes into Odin’s mind. Odin’s own thoughts were amazed as it was as if he was watching a movie. He felt Ethan’s pain, smelled what he did, heard everything and watched all that went down. Unfortunately, Odin’s mortal mind was not as fast nor as capable of processing quite like Ethan’s own. Pegasus pranced impatiently nearby, clearly disturbed to be near Ethan and an immobile companion. Panther watched from the doorway and stayed there in silence for hours as Odin was given a taste of the past day.

  Floa grew and rounded on Kanade as soon as her feet landed in the sand and hesitantly asked “Did Val really try to kill you?”

  Kanade took off her wedge shoes and sat down to look out over the ocean. She sniffed and Floa knew that look too well. She knew Kanade was trying not to cry. Trying with everything. Even sitting, she was twice as tall as a standing Pixie in human size. “Yes. She threw her lance nine times straight for my head. If not for Panther and Ethan, she would have connected.”

  “Oh Sweetheart!” Floa cried as she climbed up and hugged Kanade tight around the neck. Floa’s tears crumbled Kanade’s brittle wall and began crying all over again.

  Floa practically raised Kanade in the Nineteenth House like a real mother who was now more a sister. Even without being said, Floa knew Kanade didn’t expect her to come or want to because it would make her cry and relive the pain all over again. But Floa was there and knew she was needed to be the mother Kanade needed. Not had. Crying turned to incoherent sobs and still Floa didn’t let go. For many minutes they held one another, desperately needing it.

  Eventually the Pixie withdrew saying “I love your wings. They’re sparkly.”

  Kanade was unable to hold back a choked laugh while wiping puffy eyes and letting her oldest friend to sit on her knees. “Can’t have ‘em.”

  “Not even one? You know I love shiny things.”

  “What Pixie doesn’t?”

  “You should know I finally found Blossom’s horde. She stashed all kinds of silverware and baubles in an old squirrel’s nest.”

  “Really? You found it?” Kanade needed the temporary distraction.

  Floa giggled. “That’s not all. I caught her making out with a young Wizard she goes to school with. She is finding her feminine wiles. Odin was so pissed to hear it. Typical fatherly reaction. In a few weeks I bet she’ll lose her virginity. But she is a pretty girl who enjoys kissing.”

  “No.” Kanade gushed a laugh. “Really?”

  “You better believe I’m so proud of her. Even her breasts are beginning to bud. She will outshine many of her sisters and she’s already third in her class at the Second House. First now at Translocation and portal opening.”

  Hearing the word ‘proud’ saddened and squeezed Kanade’s heart. “I wish I had a mother like you.”

  Floa knowingly took her friend’s hand and kissed the tips of each finger like she used to as a child. It brought a sad smile, but a smile nevertheless. “I take it you learned of Val’s act?”

  “Panther and Dress told me of an Enforcer’s hate… that it…”

  “Yes, it was a good act. Best one I’ve ever seen. I’d hope to keep you ignorant. No daughter should know their mother doesn’t care in any way for their own children.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me she could heartlessly kill me?” Kanade choked.

  “All I’ve ever wanted is for you to be happy.” Floa meant it. “Ever since Val dropped you off in Alabama when you were four I tried to keep you smiling. You always had a beautiful smile, Girlfriend. I wanted you to be happy and love your mother properly. It’s why I took you under my wing… just incase you needed me to be your mother if you found out as a little girl.”

  “Mo… Valande” Kanade was still trying to break the habit. “is no longer family. She almost killed my angel, Floa. Happily too. She tried killin’ me too because I’m in love with Ethan. He isn’t a Demon. Not by a long shot. He had no control of his body changin’ or who sired him, but still she wanted me dead because I love him. And he still has his soul. He doesn’t hunger for souls like a Demon because he retains his. I’ve left my clan, but they will say I was kicked out because I’m a traitor. I’ve got a bit of Ethan’s demon blood in me and they see me as tainted as he… an abomination.”

  “Then they are cowards and fools!” Floa snapped and Kanade jerked back as her friend’s green cheeks flushed darkly. “I know you, Girlfriend. I practically raised you to know right from wrong. What is the first rule I taught you?”

  “To always think for myself.” Kanade didn’t need to bother thinking on it. It was pounded into her like an instinct.

  “Precisely. For all the good Order does, it too has a dark side. Nothing is perfect. I’ve always called Valande my friend, but anyone who knows the real face of an Enforcer, merely sugarcoat friendship. I know Val would not hesitate to destroy me if ordered.” Floa admitted sadly. “Just as she would her own daughter. Only their soul mate is safe from being executed by their hand. Child, I’m so sorry all this happened to you.”

  “Past is the past. I’m movin’ on. I’ve taken my angel’s surname so as to not be associated with my clan or Spirit World anymore.”

  “So how long do I have before you leave?” Floa asked.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’m not blind nor an idiot.” Floa maintained direct eye contact. “Odin and Pegasus might be afraid, but even if you’ve shot up like a bean sprout with breasts, I know all your tells. You’re leaving Earth with Ethan. I taste your power even sealed by your necklace. You wouldn’t trust yourself to harm anyone by staying. And I’m old enough to remember the celestial war General Panther up there fought in with the Ifrit. We both know what Ethan’s horns signify. Don’t we?” Kanade couldn’t use her voice to answer so she nodded. “The Fire King will claim him. We know why.” Floa went on, not needing her so say any more. “So don’t sit and hide that you are leaving. The Accords I know you believe are necessary, prohibit Transcendent beings from fully touching a protected world. Even Fate cannot truly have all of himself here or risk lives. The loophole is if you Transcended here, not came here already being one. I know you are leaving and I want to know how long I’ve got.”

  Unable to hide anything from her Kanade spoke just over the surf. Floa still had to read her lips to understand. “Twenty seven days. It will take that long for the spells Ethan and I created to make the portal to Demon World so that we may pass dimensions. We both already discovered we can shift to our ethereal forms instantly without sheddin’ our mortal bodies. It s
eems our evolution has made our bodies capable of both without exposin’ our souls or lowerin’ our power.” She rambled on.

  “So, twenty seven?” Floa asked and got the answer in a sob. “Sweetheart, you can find me anytime now. Your power won’t truly separate us. Plus I can go to Demon World whenever I want. If you need me, I will be there. You will just need to know I can’t stay long. Demon World is infested with bugs and it will kill me regardless if I stay over a prolonged period. The air is poisonous to me prolonged.”

  “Promise?”

  Floa shrunk and flew up to kiss Kanade’s glittery and tearstained cheeks. “Val, might have shunned you, but I won’t. Never. Though I’m not your mother, you will always be my little girl.” They hugged more and cried many times together.

  Back up on the mountain Odin finally finished reliving Ethan’s memory and waved off Pegasus’ concerns. “Lad, you are the most lucky and unluckiest bastard I’ve met. Not even in a year have you died, been revived, were taught by Celestia, and fight just to survive the impossible. You are the epitome of FUBAR.”

  “Huh?” Ethan still sat on his hooves.

  “Lad, you’re Fucked Up Beyond Recognition. FUBAR.” Odin said with a chuckle.

  “That about sums it up.” Ethan agreed. “Odin, do I really look like him? Zagan I mean.”

  The old Viking stroked his beard several timed before answering. “From afar, Aye. But this close, Lad, I see the differences. The Fire King’s horns, as Floa said earlier, have violet purple sparks, not silver. You’re a bit more muscular and your face is the same as ever. In confidence Morgane told me alone that she discovered your horns that were still hidden under your hair. No one suspected you were Demon descended. It’s probably for the best you lived so long before a kill squad came knocking down your front door, Lad. Now, before I begin an in-depth inquiry, I need to speak to the General.”

  “Alright. Panther?” The Balam came out as ordered. He stopped at Ethan’s side as he stood a giant at his side and bowed “Yes, Master?”

  “Why did you take my wife?” Odin barely restrained himself from recklessly skewering the Demon with Gungnir.

  Panther remained silent and it only inflamed the tension. To correct it, Ethan knew what he had to do. “Answer him.” Came the order.

  “You were clearly told to come alone.” Burning blue eyes glanced casually between the Viking and Stallion. “The Pixie breached the command of my master. I spared her only because I recognized her and didn’t wish to anger my master and mistress. I took her so she would be unable to open a portal to send myself or them somewhere dangerous or to bring in reinforcements. She was not permitted, but I spared her. Be thankful for my mercy.”

  “You haven’t changed, Balam. Still an arrogant prick. Touch her again and I will finish what we started a millennia ago.”

  Panther was too proud to take the bait. He merely fulfilled his command and held at attention. Ethan though knew Odin might be unable to die, but Panther was in a whole different class.

  Odin snorted and looked up into Ethan’s eyes to say “Lad, keep a tighter leash on your minion. But right now I need to know what your plans are and what you’d like to do. I need to report all this to the heads and royal families so they understand why our world’s in turmoil. Many believe Demons are responsible and want to attack while the Demon Lords are busy dividing up land…”

  “Since all I’ve worked for is gone now, how about we have a private powwow to discuss it. You, Pegasus, Me and the Demon Lords.”

  “You can do this?” Pegasus wondered in surprise.

  “Yes.” As simple as that.

  Kanade’s head turned as she read his mind, held Floa’s body in one hand and took flight without saying anything, but Floa didn’t scream. She knew she was completely safe. They landed and she said “Yes, Darlin’, it is a good idea. They must know by now anyway.”

  Tiny points of light within Ethan’s mind allowed him to find all who were unquestionably loyal to him as they took a touch of his blood to be bound. He said “Vliie cl, Sarimee, Gaia, Kyoko, Dileep, Methrom, xiu nom bian…”

  “What is he saying?” Floa asked as she was gently sat down beside her husband.

  Kanade’s newfound mastery of Blood Speak had her translate “’Good morning everyone. Sarimee, Gaia, Kyoko, Dileep, Methrom, if you haven’t guessed it by now I’m done changing. I was attacked and it forced it… Yes, Gaia, I’m well… Will you five please come to my island immediately. I have Odin and Pegasus at my side and there are important matters to discuss and your input would be most welcome. Also General Panther is with me… Yes, Kyoko, one in the same. Good, see you shortly.’” Kanade finished translating word for word as best possible. Panther nodded she did well.

  “They will be coming within the next thirty minutes.”

  “How do they know where to find you? You’ve revealed this place?” Floa asked with fright, clearly not liking to not be on neutral ground.

  “They always know where I’m at. Just like minions can always find their masters, I’m their master.”

  “I hate to say it, Lad, but I’m impressed. Shall we wait on the beach? It looks inviting?”

  “Sure.”

  “Good. Go on ahead. We’ll go back and armor up. I’ll not be unarmed.”

  Panther said directly “Bring no more or than yourselves. I will not be lenient again concerning Master’s security.”

  Odin gave a long look to the three giants and they were in agreement. “Very well. We will return in ten minutes. Wife, take us home so we may be ready.”

  Floa brought her hands together.

  Chapter 4

  “Let me fix you right up before our guests arrive.” Said the southern belle as soon as they landed barefoot on the pristine, white sand beach. Ethan smiled and enjoyed her touch as she took the crimson strands that escaped and stuffed them beneath the horn crown and let it brush his shoulders. She snapped her fingers and there appeared a large hairbrush, one tightly packed with bristles, much like one would find on a brush meant for a horse. His eyes closed to enjoy the intimate experience as she straightened out the long strands of his head and then his chest till the hair shone from the golden rays of the sun that rippled from the constant tropical wind. All the while she smiled, thoroughly enjoying doing it for him. Muscles beneath the flesh rippled even at rest and it excited her tremendously.

  Their guardian stood out near the water’s edge, silky black fur looking like indigo. He seemed serene.

  As she made the brush disappear she had to ask “Did they seem excited? Is that why they all are comin’ so soon?”

  “I got the impression they were waiting patiently for me to call them, Gaia especially. She seemed the most keen to come and will likely be the first to arrive. Sarimee as usual was the most quiet, but even she felt excited when I called.”

  “I hope they will do as we discussed…”

  His fingers wove with hers and her fidgetiness eased. “We’ll figure it out together. We always do. Besides, nothing on this world can hurt us in any way shape or form. They will either agree or leave. They can’t stop either of us from doing what we want. We have less than a month and that means we’ve got a lot to do and little in which to do it. Kyoko though will most likely give us the answers we need without holding back.”

  “She’s pretty.” Kanade said barely above a whisper.

  “And why did you say it like that.”

  Shocked she said it and not hid it in thought, Kanade slightly jerked and covered her tracks as Panther’s conversation in private weighed heavily on her shoulders. “Um, I mean, she is pretty right? Even among Yuki-onna.”

  He didn’t prod though it was an itch he really wanted to scratch so instead he said “I guess.”

  Wanting to change the subject she asked “What do you think of my Transcendent name bein’ Love?”

  “Love? You mean like Aphrodite the Greek Goddess of love?”

  “Actually Aphrodite’s Transcendent name is Lust, not Love.�
� Kanade clarified.

  “Really? Well, why did you choose it? Love, I mean.”

  “I didn’t take it. Dress told me when one Transcends we can represent somethin’. No being before has ever taken on Love’s name.”

  “Love huh?” She nodded and listened as his mind raced. “It suits you. You are by far the most loving and caring woman I’ve ever met. There can be no one prettier that can fit the bill.” His gaze turned to the sky and his power went far and wide. He said commandingly. “Listen up! If tradition dictates that when one Transcends they take a new name. Kanade Volorum is taking Love as her new name. if you have a problem with it, Tough.” And withdrew his strength to laugh. “Damn it’s fun pissing them off.”

  “After what they put us through, they can get over it.” Kanade bumped his arm with her shoulder. “So what should you be called? Snuggle? Teddy bear? Fluffy?”

  He now jerked and looked terrified. “Hell no! Are you trying to emasculate me? You’re doing a damn sure good job of it.”

  A giggle bubbled past her sinful lips. Even using a hand to cover her mouth couldn’t cover up the near doubled over giggle that took over.

  “Anything but cute or fuzzy names.” The shiver down his spine shook his immense wings too. “Volcanis, Magma… something hot like me.”

  “Great!” Kanade giggled “Now I got that song stuck in my head. ‘Don’t you wish your girlfriend was hot like me!’”

  “Actually in Demon World” began Panther as he approached. “only the eldest and strongest of a species takes a new name as royalty does on this world. Master Zagan is the Fire King. Until he is killed, dies or you kill him to take his title and privileges you will maintain the name of your birth, or as heir, be named a prince.”

  “Since you know I won’t kill someone for personal gain, does it mean I’m a prince or something?”

  A familiar presence tapped into their three minds, but unlike last time they weren’t crippled. Zagan, eldest Ifrit and Fire King thought to them “Glad you can deduce the details of your station, Boy. You’ve pleased me more than you know. Armid pissed himself and it made me proud. The bastard never beat me either, but has never been cursed as entirely as you’ve done. Bravo, Boy.” Zagan laughed almost manically. “You did me proud. My blood still runs strong. Yes, you will be my heir if you aren’t killed or I don’t kill you.” Within their mind’s eye came the image of violent violet fire consuming a silhouette with deadly and wild red eyes identical to Ethan’s, only more cruel. “You are of my blood and only you have the right to take my throne when the time comes. Your power has stirred Demon World and you were seen standing up to the cowardly bastards so hiding your existence is impossible now. A place has been made for the two of you in my palace. Return to where you belong before my patience wears any thinner.”