Jack DeMure's Story

"Hold it!," Jack shouted to River as he rushed around the small classroom collecting supplies. His hands knocked various ingredients off the shelf as he snatched what he needed. The damn thing had been more riled up about being summoned than he had expected. As Jack turned away from the racks to face the scene he jumped back quickly. He had gotten close to the edge of the circle while navigating around the small room. The nagga struck with terrible speed as Jack leaped away. The beast was brought up short when it's face slammed into an invisible wall at the edge of the circle. "Shit," the summoner breathed quietly as he composed himself and picked up the silver bowl he had been looking for.



Jack ran over to River who was standing with a look of intense concentration on her face. She was using the most basic, and yet most difficult method in magic to control the beast; willpower. The will was how a user of any of the arts managed to manipulate and aim their magic. When summoning there were two methods to controlling the creature. The first and simplest was entering a contest of will with the summoned creature, and River was locked into a mental battle of will with the monster. The second method was using a small bit of thaumaturgy. The art of using small symbolic objects to big effect.

Jack ground the salt, red wine, and herbs into a paste in the silver bowl. Reaching down he pulled a dried snake out of a plastic zip lock bag. Smearing the past onto the dried snake he put a portion of his will to power the ceremony. As he reached to for the last object Jack realized he had left the blessed knife on one of the desks. He set down the snake and spun to locate the knife, it was on the desk by the entrance of the classroom. A figure was walking into the room and Jack shouted to them, "Throw me that knife now!"

This was a horrible mistake. It was just supposed to be a simple monster summon, something for the kids to see when they walked in on their first day but turns out they managed to summon the most hormonal naga in the world. It fought against their control, clawing and struggling to be released so it could kill both her and Jack. The snake struck towards Jack but the field thankfully held and River knitted her brows together, her arms stretched out towards the creature as she fought its will tooth and nail.

It was taking Jack longer to prepare his spell than usual and the naga was becoming more furious as the seconds ticked away, clawing at the barrier in Jack’s direction. “Hey! Look at me why don’t ya!?” She shouted, attracting the large beast’s attention and immediately River regretted it. The naga whipped its head in her direction then struck at the barrier once, twice, three times with its sizable fangs. “Jack, hurry!” Oh God, I don't want to die by slow digestion in this things belly!

Alrighty then. According to this I just take another left and I’ll be down the right hall. But why does the room look so freaking small? Must have mis-sized the map Eliza glanced up from the school map she managed to snag from her recruiter the previous day. The test was simple enough, a hunter’s entrance exam instead of some college’s COMPASS test to place students into appropriate classes. As was expected, she had been given her schedule for summoning; and that was the only course of study she would be perusing. Being raised in a family of hunters had conveniently offered a familiarity with the basics of her families’ occupation; and the occasional experience with a few hunts. Who needs family picnics when you can go hunt monsters. Nothing says family bonding like bandaging each other’s cuts and scratches.

The young woman was in no particular rush to get to class, but with nothing better to do she had left a bit earlier than needed. Leisurely strolling through the institute with her black boots thumping down the halls. It was when she was within sight of the designated classroom that she paused for a moment and cocked her head. Is someone yelling in there? Curious, Eliza trotted to the doorway and stopped in her tracks at the creature before her. “The hell is that!”

Hearing the man shouting for a knife, Eliza looked before spotting the blade on a nearby desk. Grabbing the weapon, she tossed it hilt first toward the male before backing away from the now noticeable circle. Eliza spotted a tattooed female who must be keeping the thing contained; she was curious as to how these two numbskulls managed to pull this off on the first day. “Shouldn’t you two idiots have waited for the instructor?” she stated in disbelief, going to stand behind the other girl to have something for the snake creature to go through.

Jack caught the knife in the air and spun to slam the dried snake on one of the desks. With quick precision he once again put some will into snake and the knife to complete the ceremony and slid the knife down the dried snakes belly. The knife pierced the totems skin just enough to let some of the past into the wound. The reaction from the Nagga was immediate as it gave an unearthly scream and fell limp in the circle. The creature slowly writhed around now and it seemed to have a smile on its reptilian face, or at least a close simile of one. The creature was now subdued enough that River could complete the binding, and keep it under control until they wanted to banish it. The nagga would recover from the thaumaturgy spell in a few minuets, due to Jacks lack of talent in that art, but it was enough.

Jack sighed and let the tension out of his shoulders and neck. "We are the instructors," he replied as he rolled his neck, "and the first lesson I have to teach you is that it's always handy to have some cannabis sativa on hand. For some reason creatures of the fey seem to have a very low tolerance of the stuff. It also comes in handy if you get bored." Jack plopped down in one of the chairs and watched as River finished up the binding. "Of course some red wine to make it tipsy, and some salt to dehydrate it also help."

The naga was finally down and River released an exhale as she reached behind her to a shelf, lit some incense then began making an odd design in the air with the smoke. The smoke sparked and popped, almost solidifying the design before dissipating. She tossed the used stick away then grinned, kneeling down beside the satiated creature. “See, we’re not so bad right?” River ended the question by rubbing the snake’s belly as if it were merely a puppy dog.

As she was on the ground beside the new summon it was then she finally took notice of the young woman who had entered the room and saved the day. River turned her head, looking at Eliza with a smile. “Yes, unfortunately us idiots are your instructors but hey.” She motioned to the naga beside her. “You saved the day and we now have a fantastic creature to show everyone. I’m River McCree, you are?” She held her hand out for a shake then turned her head as another student wandered in. “Oh yes, don’t worry he’ll be completely out of it for awhile but he’s also completely unharmed which is important as well. Come in, come in! Don’t just linger there. His belly is quite soft if you’d like to have a pat.” Her smile widened as one hand rubbed the naga’s belly again while her other hand still hovered in the air, outstretched towards Eliza.

Standing there in the center of the academy, Mackenzie looked around at all the other students. She was actually pretty amazed at how many there were. In all her life she had never run across another living soul who could see what she could see, but now here she stood surrounded by so many. It made her sad and excited all at the same time. Mackenzie looked down at the pad she held in her hand where she had jotted down the directions to the only classroom for summoners then glanced around once more to get her bearings. Once she oriented herself she began to make her way through the maze like school.

As she made her way to class she couldn't help but notice the looks she was getting. She was sure it wasn't because of her dress, she had made sure to tone it down today with the latex, first impressions and all, and had settled for something simple with a leather jacket. 'Maybe they all know I opted for summoning class instead of combat, which seemed to be a strange choice if I gauged the reaction of my recruiter correctly.' She thought to herself. All the while she walked with her head held high she felt no shame in her choice and would let their stares, or in some cases glares, make her feel bad about it.

When Mackenzie finally reached to classroom the door was blocked by a perplexed looking blonde guy. She looked past him and into the room so see what exactly he was staring at. "His belly is quite soft if you'd like to have a pat." said a woman with many many more tattoos than she herself had as she rubbed the belly of a snake-like creature. Mackenzie gently nudged her way past the man giving a soft 'excuse me' before coming to sit by the woman's side. Tentatively she reached out and stroked the creatures belly. "He's magnificent." she said as she looked him over even before she looking around to inspect the room and see that there were others with her. The older man must have been there teacher and the young blonde girl was probably another student. Not a lot of them but that didn't matter much to Kenzie.

“Oh that’s reassuring.” Eliza deadpanned. So these two were the instructors? Perhaps this class would be interesting after all. As River extended her hand, Eliza paused as she noticed the two new additions to the class. A young man and a young woman. Well, at least I know there are more students in Summoning.

With River still extending her hand, Eliza couldn’t help but smirk at her insistence. “I’m Eliza Winchel. It’s a pleasure meeting you McCree….Hold up. McCree?...McCree..McCree…McCree!” she exclaimed as she remembered, “Yeah! Our mothers went to school together at one time, didn’t they? I heard there was a girl a bit older than me who was thrown out or something. Nice to finally meet you.”

Blunt as ever, it was the main description she had been given about the McCree girl; so why not make sure she had the right one. After returning a firm handshake, Eliza stepped around River to get a better look at the now successful summoning being petted by the girl with red hair. “If you think he’s magnigicent now, you should have seen him pissed off a minute ago.” Oh what the heck. With a shrug, Eliza made her own way to an open spot with the two other females and joined in on petting the calmed creature. “So teach,” she called to Jack, “Mind if I ask what he is or do I need to wait for class to start.”

River shook the girl’s hand and was a bit surprised when her name was known. Yes her family was affluent in hunter society but typically they did their best to stamp her existence out of it. Winchel answered the question though when she stated she’d heard that River had been the girl who was thrown out. Ah, gossip, of course. She couldn’t help it though and laughed when Eliza stated this. “That’s me, the one and only McCree to ever be disowned. I had no idea I was practically famous. You know, come to think of it I’ve heard your name too. Yes, yes Winchel with the daughter they use for ploys against one another. Am I right?” Well hey; there was a student she could relate to right here. From an important family and considered the black sheep. Yes, they’d get along well.

Eliza moved to sit down with her and another girl who had entered the room. The girl with colorful hair, I’m always an advocate of colorful hair, seemed quite taken with the naga and even called him magnificient. River couldn’t agree more and she took on the task of explaining the creature, tossing a smirk Jack’s way as she drew the students’ attention away from him. Old fussbucket needs time to calm down. “This lovely fella is called a naga.” She scratched under the creature’s hood as it squirmed in enjoyment from the pets but mostly from the effects of the drugs. “He’s a fae that you’ll find largely in Hindu religion. Their depictions are generally positive from all that I’ve read, they possess great strength, even stronger venom and have no qualms biting anyone or anything. It’s how they earned the title persecutor of all creatures. Interesting isn’t it?” She grinned at the two girls who were seated with her, knowing Jack would scold all three of them soon enough for being too close.

Her attention suddenly turned to the boy in the doorway as if she just remembered his presence. “Oh! Still standing there? This is no place for shyness so come on before the drugs wear off. Get a close look at him and while you’re at it why don’t you tell me your name and you as well.” Her eyes bounced back to the other girl who was running her hands over the creature. Three students so far, hm, that’s not bad at all. Considering our current record we should only lose one of them during the summoning of their familiar.

Alexander was fascinated by the creature to the point where he barely noticed anything else. His focus was broken slightly when a young woman pushed her way past, but it stayed fixed. It took him a minute to register that someone was speaking to him. "Alexander. Always Alexander, not Alex nor Xander." His eyes never strayed from the Naga as he spoke and walked into the room. He didn't directly approach it but stood near River. "How does one control something with such a, how to put it properly, reputation for strength? And is it any strength or specifically mental or control of will or something else? Or is it a bit of a combination? I'm sorry if this is asking ahead a bit, I'm sure that's what we're here to learn, but it is a sight to see such a creature in such a state as this."

Alexander squatted slightly, bringing himself lower to look at the creature more closely. "Very interesting. From a biological viewpoint, it's absolutely fascinating. Such a humanoid form but with serpentine features, the skeleton structure, organs, I mean, it still is cold blooded right?" He smiled and shook his head slightly. "I'm sure I must stop thinking of things this way. I learned in school that science has the answers, even the ones we can't find yet. But with something like this in front of me, the things I, well, we can see that no one else seems to, the things we can, or will be able to, do rather renders that invalid, doesn't it?" He reached out and felt the curve of its hood. It wasn't exactly what he'd expected.

"I almost feel like someone who's seeing a living dinosaur for the first time. I remember when I was young, I saw a film, it's been a long time, where there was this big sick dinosaur laying on its side and one of the characters were listening to it breath, just fascinated to actually be able to observe such a magnificent creature up close that almost no one else has." He stood and began looking at the room and what it held as he walked around. "It's a pleasure to meet you all, though I have to ask if we're expecting any more. So far we don't really constitute what many would consider a class. I dare say, we'd barely qualify as a group so far."

This one is quite the talker. I like him. River cocked her head, a small grin on her face as she listened intently to Alexander’s rapid fire questions and observations. Her eyes tracked him as he moved around and came to touch the naga’s hood. He’s so interested and in awe, all of them are. This is going to be a good group. As Alexander was finishing up his ramble yet another student walked through the door. This one appeared less than enthused though and even sneered at the sight of them, at least she assumed that’s what it was about. Oh well, there’s always one in the group.

“Well, Alexander, to start off answering your questions it seems we’ve gotten one more student to add to our group. That makes four which is the largest class Jack and I have seen in quite some time. The reason for this is because summoning isn’t the most popular of classes. Yes, I’m afraid in the world of hunters we’re considered the black sheep due to our uh, what do they call it? Ah, yes, fraternizing with the enemies also known as the fae such as the one you see right here.” She gave the naga a firm pat on the belly. “We’re just able to see the strength in partnerships with creatures such as these.” River rose from her spot seated on the ground, dusted her ragged jeans off and walked over to a corner of the room. “This is exactly why we start off the school year with summoning a familiar for each of you. A familiar is some form of a fae creature that identifies with your very being. What you become bonded to may surprise you.”

The pendant around River’s neck began emitting a mist as she finished her sentence. It was a simple silver chain with a black stone hanging from it, the source of the odd fog spilling to the ground and beginning to take shape. “Just to give you an example of a familiar I’ll show you my partner who happens to be a Wendigo named Achak.” The mist grew solid then as an exceptionally tall creature stretched to its full height. “Hrmmm,” a rumble rolled through Achak’s chest as he looked over the gathered humans. “This is what you woke me up for? To prance about in front of a bunch of little brats.” His voice came out in a quiet hiss, almost like the wind blowing through the leaves. River cut the Wendigo a look and he seemed to actually pull back from the scathing glance. “Achak, be polite.” She huffed a sigh before continuing. “Achak is an example of what your familiar could look like but there are numerous, numerous creatures that might conjure up here because they identify with you when we send out the calling spell.” Achak rolled his eyes, folding his larger set of arms. “It’s like a siren spell, we can’t resist it and then suddenly we’re trapped with an annoying human until the day they die.” River rubbed her eyes, obviously irritated. “Achak, if you’re not enjoying it out here then just get back inside the charm.” The Wendigo tilted his head in the air as if he were raising his nose at the situation. “Gladly.” His body dissipated into a mist again then returned to the necklace.

River shook her head as she grabbed a piece of chalk off of a nearby shelf. “You’ll have to excuse him, he can be quite crabby most of the time but don’t let it fool you. He’s quite cuddly when he wants to be.” She grinned then kneeled and began drawing a summoning circle. “Now, I’ll take our newcomer.” She motioned towards Kalika then flicked her eyes to Mackenzie. “and you. I want the two of you to come into this circle with me and Alexander? You control creatures like the naga and whatever creatures we’re about to summon with the power of will. You have to be determined and focused and all times while simultaneously being able to split your attention span at times when needed. The creatures we’ll be summoning after Jack banishes our friend there won’t be as difficult to subdue, if needed at all, due to the fact that they identify with you. Now Alexander and Winchel, you two go to the opposite corner and Jack will be with you shortly. So!” She clapped her hands together, a smile spreading widely across her face as she looked at the two girls in her group. “Who wants to go first?”

After scoping out the rest of the room the blonde girl came, sat down next to her and began to pet the creature that she later found out was called a Naga and it was from the Hindu area. Kenzie sat and wondered what kind of personality the Naga had when it wasn't sedated. Was it as vicious as it looked, maybe it was as mischievous as those little goblin's that she grew up with, or even pretty calm when not being summoned by forced to some strange place. She was still pondering about the creature when the guy in the doorway, who introduced himself as Alexander, began to rattle off a series of questions.

They were all valid and honestly interesting questions. Though shortly after that he went on talking about science and dinosaurs, or something. Kenzie didn't really pay much attention, all she could think of was how she wanted to draw the creature. Just a rough sketch really, she'd later take brush to canvas and bring him to life for all the world to see, although they'd think he was a figment of her imagination. 'I wonder what the Naga would think of a painting of himself?' she thought briefly giving a chuckle.

Kenzie had pulled out her sketch pad from the satchel she carried with her and began to draw the Naga when another student entered the room unbeknownst to her until she'd uttered a disdainful 'Eww'. Kenzie offered her only a glance, noticing her expensive taste in clothes, before going back to drawing. When the picture was finally finished McCree had begun to talk about familiars, something that made her sit up and listen. ". . .A familiar is some form of a fae creature that identifies with your very being. What you become bonded to may surprise you." she said then went on to say that she was going to show them her very own familiar, a wendigo named Ackak.

As the mist swirled and flowed from black stone around McCree's neck Kenzie stood. Before the mist solidified she wondered what it would look like, she had heard the legends of the wendigo. A demonic creature or spirit that could either possess humans or be a monster that had physically transformed from a person and was particularly associated with human cannibalism. 'What would a creature with a mysterious legend like that end up looking like?' It was not exactly what she was had imagined but he was still impressive. Kenzie circled him, etching every detail of his being into her minds eye. Oh she planned on painting him on the biggest canvas she could afford.

When the moody familiar went back to wherever it was he went to when not on this plane. It was then that McCree started setting up for each of the other students and herself to perform their own summonings for a familiar all their own. "So!Who wants to go first?” she asked a big smile on her face. "I'll go first. I want to meet this familiar that's supposed to resonate with my soul, sounds like an adventure." Kenzie said giving a smile of her own.

Jack grimaced as he watched the students and River pet the Naga. The damn fools were going to lose and arm. Jack was about to tell the students to get away from the "giant ass snake monster," but decided that losing a body part might serve as a better lesson. When no limbs were lost and the students were separated out by River Jack took stock of the class. This really was one of the biggest classes he had ever taught. While more than likely a few would die, the idea of actually getting to teach someone occurred in the back of his mind. Being a summoner was extremely dangerous and many students died for one reason or another. The others weren't able to hold up to the persecution that came with being a summoner. Over all a total of five people had graduated from Jacks class in his eight years of teaching and he hasn't heard from any of them sense. As he looked at the unusual bunch of students Jack grimaced. There was a beautiful little supermodel of a girl who didn't look thrilled to be there, a well dressed male student that seemed a little stiff, a girl that looked like she had raided the nearest hot topic and coated everything with latex. Where do you buy latex clothing anyways? Finally there was an average looking girl with an intelligent gleam in here eyes that showed she might be more than she appeared. Overall it seemed to be an interesting class.

With a huff Jack stood up and dusted off his bluejeans as he walked over to the Naga. Reaching out with tendrils of his will Jack felt the invisible magical strands that were anchoring the Naga to this reality. The summoner reached out his hand and with a sharp gesture snapped the strands. "Your services are no longer needed," he mumbled to the fey. The Naga lifted it's head and shot an inquisitive look at Jack as though it didn't quite understand. Still slightly high the creature slowly faded into nothing with a quiet hiss. Turning to the two students he would be helping. Alexander and Winchel he thought their names were. It didn't really matter anyways. If they survived he would put effort into remembering their names.

Jack walked over to the two and inclined his head slightly in greeting. “I’m honestly not sure what you might have already been taught by your parents, mentors, or friends, but I want you to listen to me well. The summoning of a familiar is a deadly task. If you haven’t ever summoned anything before then it’s going to be a shock to you,” Jack said as he quickly started chalking out a summoning circle. “I’ll help you through the ritual by helping the magic keep shape, but when your familiar appears it’s all up to you.” Jack finished the circle, gave it a cursory glance and re-chalked a line. “When the summon appears you will be connected to it in a very intimate fashion. It all really depends of the person doing the summoning, and the creature, but you’ll know it when it happens. You might feel what it’s feeling physically, emotionally, and maybe even mentally. Whatever happens doesn’t lose concentration. When the creature appears there is a good chance that it will try and reach through the link you’ve made to summon it, and it will try to crush you. If that happens then it becomes a battle of will. Can the fey destroy your mind and make you into a breathing meat vegetable, or will you over power it and make it submit. This is one reason why so few people don’t make it as summoners. They don’t have the will for it. They one day summon something that’s meaner than they ever are, and it crushes them.
“So I’ll give you one chance to reconsider this before we start the ceremony. Do you want to turn around and try to get into another art? If you don’t think you can handle this then please do. I really hate having to clean up the messes. When you start the ceremony the buildup of magic will be too strong to interrupt without the back lash killing someone. If your still willing then whoever want’s to go first can step right up and stand in that box over there,” Jack said pointing to a two foot square box that he had drawn attached to the outer ring of the circle. “After you are in the box then use this,” Jack held out the silver knife, “to draw a bit of your blood and drop it into the circle. After that you’ll need to gather the magic and will your blood to draw something akin to you through the portal that I’ll open with the magic you’ve drawn. Jack gave the students a predatory smile and offered the knife, “So who here is feeling brave? I can promise you one thing; you won’t get this kinda intro class in any of the other arts. ”

He can be such a jackass sometimes. River thought fondly as she watched Jack gave his typical scare the shit out of the students before class had even started speech. She folded her arms over her chest, watching him with a smirk as he stalked around his two students telling them of their apparent impending doom. When he was finished she rolled her eyes and turned to Mackenzie who had popped up as first to go. The new girl was still seated and still radiated with every fiber of her being that she didn’t wish to be here but at least there were more enthusiastic students this year. River gave Mackenzie a smile as she plopped the silver knife into one of her hands then pointed to the box. “Well, alright then here we go.”

River double checked the circle before straightening up and coming to stand beside Kenzie, just outside of the circle. “First off, ignore Jack’s big scary speech ok? Summoning is very dangerous but don’t let that spook you because the benefits and experiences outweigh any danger. I promise.” Heck, if everyone ran away from something that was difficult and possibly dangerous then nothing would ever get done! Then again, most difficult things don’t include the occasional monster that wants to snack on your face. “Now with that said I’ll be here the entire time, helping to draw your familiar out but like Jack said once it’s here then it’s up to you. You’ll have to control it and subdue it if need be then after that I’ll tether them to you with the same spell I used to keep our naga friend here, only stronger. Your familiar will never be able to leave your side unless you command it. It might seem a bit harsh but trust me, once you bond and the two of you resonate with each other then they will not want to leave. Alright, here we go.”

A nod to Kenzie was the signal to drop a bit of blood into the ring. The droplets splattered onto the hard floor and River moved herself into a stance, almost as if she were preparing for a fight. “Now use everything in you, focus on the droplets, focus on that and will it to draw forth a fae.” She waited a few moments, her eyes trained on Kenzie before encouraging her again. “Come on, you have everything in you to do this already. Just will it, use any stubbornness you have, all of your focus to push the blood to release your essence.” A few more moments passed by and a grin spread across River’s face. “There we go, there we go. Now I’m going to open a portal, remember focus.” There was obvious emphasis on the last word as River began making hand gestures in the air, drawing symbols into what seemed like nothingness. She then trailed her right hand over her left forearm, following the lines of a tattoo, before stretching out her right hand. This is it.

The blood seeped into the floor and a thick mist began seeping out from where it had been. It twisted and twirled, beginning to take form. “Focus, just focus and don’t be afraid.” I forgot to find out her name before we started this. Well, like Jack said if she lives then I can ask and remember. The mist finally solidified and the creature that appeared before them seemed innocent enough but it caused River to gasp sharply and curse. “Oh shit.”



The creature was a ball of fluff in the most literal sense. Its blue eyes shone with curiosity as it looked about the room trying to figure out exactly why it was suddenly here. “No one look it in the eyes.” When River uttered the warning the small thing fluttered its wings, apparently startled that there was someone in the room with him and he turned with the aid of his long, golden colored tail to stare at her and all the other occupants surrounding it. “This is what you call a white imp, very dangerous for many reasons. Don’t let anything it says to you fool you. Don’t look at its eyes until I’ve tethered him and you’ve bonded.” Her voice was stern, which was unusual for River and she moved around the circle, keeping her eyes fixed anywhere but on the cotton ball that had been summoned. “Stay focused, I know it’s difficult without actually looking at it but for the love of all that is holy do it.” River rifled through the cabinets as she spoke before pulling out a living, squeaking mouse from a small cage.

I’m so sorry little one. River approached the imp as it made a curious chirping noise, its small wings flapping excitedly at the sight of the distressed rodent. It then began to bounce up and down, chirping and squeaking before River tossed in the mouse. It was quick, the blink of an eye really, a clean cut appeared out of nowhere down the mouse’s back and suddenly its skin flayed off. The now skinless mouse writhed in pain and squealed loudly as the imp’s small mouth suddenly grew, revealing hellish looking teeth. A long tongue snaked out to snatch the morsel inside its mouth and it purred happily while loudly chewing.

While the awful sight unfolded River had lit a stick of incense and had begun motioning in the air. The air popped and sparked where she drew with the stick until finally she was finished. Kenzie would feel a sudden snap, as if a missing piece had been popped into place. It was as if she were two beings at once, two heartbeats, two souls. The imp made a noise that can only be described as a sream when the tethering was complete and its voice now resonated within Kenzie’s head. While it screeched and squalled to the others in the room she would hear a small, but very angry, voice in her head. ”What did you do to me?! I want to go home! I hate you, all of you!” It focused on River and hissed at her. ”You, look at me! Look at me and die! Its wings flapped in fury, its lips curled back to reveal teeth as it carried on in its fit. Kenzie would feel a pressure on her mind and her body as the imp fought at the tether. It clawed and pushed, the feeling was that of getting a cut on your skin again and again and again. He turned to face her, hissing loudly. ”Let me go or die!”

River winced at the noise the creature made; obviously it wasn’t happy about being tethered. “Fight whatever it’s doing to you. My part is over but yours has just begun. Wherever you go, he goes. So, I want you to take him somewhere quiet and calm him down. That’s your first test.” She flashed a smile at the girl. “Please do be careful, I’d rather not have this demonic piece of lint skin you and then run loose in the school.” After that warning she turned to the blonde girl. “Next?”

Alexander watched across the room as the first to summon stepped up. As he was told, he averted his eyes after the creature was summoned to avoid looking in its eyes, but he really didn't want to. He was fascinated by the idea of being able to bring something like that from where it was here and, in theory anyway, controlling it. As it screeched and screamed though, his mind turned to the idea of himself. It was almost like time slowed down and everything was reduced down to what was in his path.

He found summoning to be amazing and something he was so glad to have discovered. It was something he now wanted to try for himself and feel what it was like the way you never can until you actually do something. But he was terrified. He felt himself move towards Jack, his mind seemingly acting separate from his body. The fear of death is in all of us. Alexander thought about this as he approached. The unknown, man's greatest fear, the ultimate act that can't be taken back, death would come for us all in our time. Was now his time? Did he care? He'd floated through life so far. He'd been told what to be. Strong. Always be strong. But he'd never been told why. He had no true purpose. He could feel, somewhere deep inside himself, that he wanted to be something more than what he was. But he had no direction, no way to know what it was. Death would answer so many of his questions. If something went wrong and he died, he might no longer exist, and so his questions wouldn't matter. If he still did exist, where he was, what he felt, everything would start answering some of the questions man has tried to answer since we could think.

He saw his hand reach out to Jack, signaling him to pass the dagger. Death would not be so bad, should it come to that. But there was still that fear. It hadn't lessened, no. It was worse. Everything more he did that got him closer that moment where he would summon something here, it got worse. If he wasn't afraid of dying, the summoning not working, then that must mean he was afraid of if it worked.

Dagger in hand, he approached the box. He thought back on his life. He's always enjoyed being alone. Never has he had someone he felt he wanted by his side, truly. Someone to trust his life with, someone who he knew he could count on if the worst came down on them. He never had anyone he didn't feel he had to be strong when facing. Even his family. He knew they loved him, but he couldn't be just Alexander when he faced them. He had to be strong. He wasn't even sure if he was truly himself when he was alone. He even felt a need to prove his strength to himself. Then he thought, Not only have I never had anyone like that, I've never been anyone like that. I've never been able to. He felt like everything in his life was counting down to this. This was the fork in the road. He could run. He could give into fear and run from everything, his family, his fears, the summoning, any true responsibility, everything. Or he could die and none of it would matter. Or his life could be changed forever. He would never be alone, not really. He would share his life with someone else in a way more personal than anything else. More than any best friends, more than any two who married, more than two soldiers facing certain death in a fox hole, he would never be the same. And he couldn't stand the thought.

He didn't realize what his body had been doing as his mind raced until he felt pain of skin parting. He still hadn't decided. The decision had been made for him instead. He watched the blood fall into the circle. His time was up and whatever was to happen would happen. He took a breath and tried to clear his mind of all the ill thoughts he'd had. Focusing on the drops of blood, his sense returned. He could hear everything like normal again, but his eyes stared at the circle. He would try to do as he was told. Try? At this point, you want to try? You think that's an option? As his eyes focused on the blood, his ears focused on the instructions, he couldn't help but whisper to himself, "Be strong."

Jack winced as the little white fluff ball appeared in the summoning ring. The damn high imp, why the hell was it the high imp. That annoying little bean bag was all kinds of dangerous. With an internal sigh Jack avoided meeting the little creatures gaze. It couldn’t flay the skin off of anything with more mass than it, but it would sure as hell give it a good old college try.

When the commotion was over Jack passed the dagger to the kid who reached out for it. Alexis, Alex, Alan? With a mental shrug the summoner watched as Alexander walked to the box and cut his finger with the knife. Taking his position outside the ring Jack felt the magical energies begin to unsteadily at first. Jack looked at the student and noticed the apprehension in him as he whispered “Be strong,” to himself.

“Listen kid,” Jack said in his teaching voice as he started focusing the energy that Alexander was gathering. “Don’t think about it too hard, just do it. Reach out with your will and gather the ambient magical energy around you. I’ll open the portal and tether the creature to you, and then you have to make it submit.” As the energy gathered Jack focused on the task at hand. He had always had more of a flare for the dramatic and kinetic motions tended to help him focus his energies; so when he shaped the energies the blood misted up into a straight line hanging in the air. Jack stuck his hands straight out in front of him and heaved them apart like he was ripping open a mountain. The line of mist hanging in the air split open with the gesture and a great blinding light flared on the other side of the door. Gentle but beautiful music could be heard trickling through from the other side. Slowly the beautiful music turned into something repetitive, thumping, and electronic. The bright pure light began to change into a multicolored rainbow and mist started seeping out of the portal. As the wub, wub, wubbing of the music grew louder a shape stumbled through the portal.



With a roll of his eyes Jack mentally slammed the portal shut and began to tether the creature that had come through. It was an angel, a freaking angel. Not just any angel though. It was Jeston…dammit. The angle stood at an even six feet tall, or would have if he wasn’t lying on the ground. The angel wasn’t the best example of his kind. He was built with the lean muscle that came to any person that practiced martial arts or with weapons for long periods of time. He had a warriors Mohawk that worked with his slightly tan skin. For clothing he wore a black tee shirt with a white arrow pointing up that said “the man”, and another arrow pointing down that read “the legend”, and had on tight fitting stone washed jeans. He had holes cut in the back of the shirt to let his large grey wings through.

At first Alexander would experience a sense of dizziness and nausea. Feeling like he had a heavy hang over that he had been treating with vodka for the past week. There would be a slight pressure against his mind as the angel curiously probed. As Jack finished the tethering the angel sobered up in a flash. Anger poured out of the being as his eyes began to glow with a white fire. “The fuck man,” he shouted glaring at Jack and the Alexander. “You dare to try and bind a motherfuckin angel of the lord. I will smite you where you stand. Release me now, and send me back to the part- I mean to the heavens!”

Alexander would feel a stronger push against his mind like a tidal wave crashing into a wall, as unseen heat welled under his skin. As he beat back the angels assault though the heat would fade, and the pressure would lessen.

“Shut up Jeston,” Jack drawled as the angel threw its tantrum. “You know as well as I do that if you were in good favor with the heavenly host that the binding spell wouldn’t have even touched you. I’m not even sure you could smite a hot dog with enough heavenly fire to cook it all the way through right now.” Despite his comments Jack kept a hand on the ring that contained his familiar igneus. If the angel destroy the kids mind Jack would send it back fast, but sometimes if the summoned familiars broke loose and tried to wreak havoc among anyone nearby. The Alexander he said, “When you gain control of him, take him somewhere where he won’t be quite so loud. Don’t forget to bind him to something on you so you can banish him if he gets too annoying.”

Eliza stepped back and off to the side as the class’s introduction seemed to begin. So we’re at a count of four. The semi-dominatrix artist doesn’t look like she’s going to have a problem. The Sherlock guy on the other hand… definitely not raised in the life. Was he referring to Jurassic Park? Hope he remembers the dinosaurs turned around and bit the characters in the ass. Then there’s legally blonde over there. For her sake, maybe looks will be deceiving. At least I can be pretty sure McCree knows her stuff. Don’t recognize this Jack fellow however…

Finished taking stock of whom she would be sharing quite a bit of her time with, Eliza brought her attention back to McCree as she was going to bring forth her own familiar. The entire previous speech was not worth listening to anyways. She had heard it often enough, and not put as politely as McCree had worded it. But summoning was of no consequence to her. Sympathizer, not a sympathizer; it was just another way of hunting as far as she was concerned.

When the Wendigo made its appearance from the mist, Eliza had to admit she was a bit impressed with the familiar. Cranky or not she could see where McCree and – Achak? Achoo… - would be a fit. They argued like a married couple.

With the show and tell over with as the cranky Windigo left, the time had finally come for their own summonings. Divided into groups of two, Eliza took her place on Jack’s side of the classroom. As he ran through what they needed to know; and an alternative choice of arts if they so choose to turn back, it was time to begin. As charming as Teach made it sound, I sure as hell am not batting first until I see how this is done.

Lucky for Eliza, McCree gave a more subdued lesson; and the dominatrix was the first to step up. Here we go. With the blood spilt and the summoning beginning, Eliza watched carefully as the mist appeared. Taking shape, she couldn’t help but wonder what the first student's familiar would be after the intro of the Wendigo. Then finally… it appeared with a curse from McCree.

It’s a freaking riceball. A furry, flying riceball. Not stupid enough to ignore their warnings, she dutifully kept her eyes averted while making sure the furball stayed in her peripheral vision. She would have thought the deceiving furball would tie itself to the other girl in team McCree; but if these familiars were decided from a deeper part of the summoners self… well who knew how things are going to turn out.

With the thing satisfied and her own curiosity satisfied as well, she wasn’t going to complain when Alexander decided to step forward next. I’ve seen Group 1, now to see how our little group summons. Staying off to the side as best she could, Eliza folded her arms across her chest as she waited; her eyebrows creasing in concern as she caught what the boy whispered to himself. Is he going to be okay with this? she wondered. Even if he wasn’t, it was too late to turn back as the second summoning began.

And this one comes with his own theme music. Watching the angel sprawled out on the floor, Eliza had to cover her laugh with a cough, keeping her hand to her mouth until she could control her grin better. The most sophisticated person in the room just summoned some punk angel, who looked a little toasted in her opinion… or drunk from the sound of it. It didn’t take long for her to lose humor in the situation. So far the two familiars were not exactly what she would have expected. And the more she tried to not think about it, the worry still built that she was about to be forever bonded with a familiar she would want to strangle, or find completely useless. But there was no room for doubt in this business.

Determined to keep to that mindset, Eliza snagged the small waste can beside a desk and walked over to Alexander. Gently taking the silver knife from him, she swapped it with the can with a smile. “You may be needing this Lexi-boy. Good luck with that one.” Not bothering to wait for a response, Eliza stepped into the summoners box; not wasting any time before she swiped the blade along her jeans to wipe off any leftover blood then nicking the side of her arm to let her own blood flow.

As the drops fell to the ground, she steadied her stance and switched the dagger to a more defensive grip. “Let’s get started then, Teach.”

Jack raised an eyebrow as Eliza confidently strode up and spilt some blood onto the circle. “Well aren’t you the confident one,” Jack said with another wolfish smile. “I kinda like you. I might actually be disappointed if you ended up dead.” Without further ado Jack began to shape the magical energies that Eliza was gathering. This time the mist from the blood spread out in a sheet on the floor. With a lift of his shoe Jack stomped on the ground and the mist solidified into a black sheet. With another stomp a web of cracks appeared in the dark sheet of blood. A final stop sent the shards shattering downward into the pit that had suddenly opened where the sheet had been.

A great howling wind could be heard from the black pit; a mournful sound that sent an instinctual shiver down Jacks back. There was something primal in the sound of the wind, and if you listened carefully, you could make out individual sounds within the great howl. Voices, millions of voices raised in terror and pain. The sound of millions of throats straining to their utmost all combined to make the howling wind. An almost insubstantial, shadowy, hand shot out and grasped the edge of the hole and began to haul it’s owner up as it’s twin shot up and mirrored the motion.

A vaguely human form rose up from the pit and settled itself on the ground in a dark puddle. After a second the puddle rose up and took a more solid shape. That of a humanoid with glowing red eyes, and a grin that was too big, and too full of teeth. The demon was a thing made of shadows and had a encompassing cloak around it. Nothing but the head of the demon was visible until a shadowy, long fingered, hand rose up from the cloak and reached out gently towards Eliza. “Mendabra,” Jack growled quietly as the figure coalesced. With violent Jerks Jack began to bind the creature to Eliza. “Don’t lose to him kid. Don’t let him in,” Jack growled. The demon didn’t even react as Jack bound it. All of it’s attention was focused on the girl.



Eliza would feel a thrill of terror run through her as Mendabra pulled itself out of the pit. When Mendabra stretched his hand out towards her she would feel pure animal terror run through her body. No rhyme or reason. Just the terror of those who know they are doomed to a long, lonely, and painful existence. While she felt terror on the outside Icy coolness press gently to her mind. It would be soothing, and comforting. It wanted in, and if she let it in there would be power. Power and fulfillment of everything she wanted. All she needed to do was let it in, and the terror would stop. As she beat back the mental assault the terror would slowly fade, though the gentle urging to be let in would not fade until the terror was completely gone.

With a tilt of its head and a shrug Mendabra smiled his toothy smile at Eliza. “Well done child, I will be glad to serve you.” The demons voice was a disconcerting combination of silk and ash. He turned to Jack and smiled even wider. “Why Jack, I didn’t know you would be here. It’s always a pleasure to see you. I assume River is nearby? The dear girl never seems to be very far from you.”

Jack stared at the demon for a few moments with flat eyes before turning to Eliza. “This is Mendabra," he said in his teacher voice. "He is a spy for the demon army, and he is dangerous. We’ve lost…a lot of students to him," an uncharacteristic look of sorrow shot across Jacks face and was gone before the blink of an eye. "He is knowledgeable about many things, and can teach you a lot, but be careful and take everything he says with a grain of salt… a big grain.”

Mendabra gave an icy chuckle. “Why Jack, I rarely kill any of your students. I honestly believe yours and River’s score on that one is higher than mine. I merely give the children guidance as I see fit. Yours is the hand that slays them.” With a snort Jack shook his head and walked away to watch Rivers last student work. He didn’t feel like listening to any demon psychobabble today.

Kalika had settled into the idea of sitting through a boring first day that would probably include a bunch of lectures covering the dos and don’ts of Summoning along with class rules and school policy. So it was extremely shocking to hear that they planned to summon familiars on the first day instead. There had to be more of a buildup to such a pivotal moment like lessons on it and practice scenarios. Kalika was starting to feel overwhelmed; she suddenly regretted all the times she ignored her parents when they tried to teach her about summoning. Crap. She thought, while eyeing the door as a possible avenue for escape.

The tattooed woman continued talking about familiars, even calling her own familiar out and showing him off. The Wendigo was an impressive and frightening sight to behold; while he seemed grumpy, Achak didn’t behave openly hostile to the humans around him and Kalika noticed a degree of respect between the Wendigo and River. Despite the tattooed woman’s unique appearance, Kalika felt herself relaxing and even beginning to trust this woman’s knowledge. Still, there was no way she was going first. Luckily the other girl seemed eager enough and happily volunteered to go first.

The ritual was fascinating to watch, but the appearance of a gigantic floating cotton ball with murderous tendencies was a bit much to comprehend all at once. Kalika had a strong urge to bolt from the room after seeing a mouse be skinned alive and consumed by the fluff ball. It also made her concerned about what her own familiar might be like and how difficult the battle of will between them would be.

The next person up was the suit wearing student, he looked very nervous as he approached Jack’s circle, quietly muttering under his breath. The appearance of an angel was amazing to say the least. The punkish angel had a mouth on him too. Kalika smiled wryly, what a pair those two would make. She watched them leave the circle, her eyes lingering on Jeston’s wings. She found herself wondering how soft the feathers might be and if the testy angel would even let her touch them.

So far none of her classmates had been killed; maybe it wasn’t as difficult as everyone claimed. Though she decided to wait till the others had gone first before making a final decision. The last student in Jack’s group approached the circle and let the blood droplets fall like the others had, but the portal opened on the floor this time around. The screams of anguish and torture seeped into the room while a sinister creature pulled itself up and out, resting its eyes on blonde girl standing before it. There was an exchange of words between the demon and the teacher, apparently they had met before. What was the demon talking about? Kalika wondered suspiciously. What had he meant by saying that the students had died at Jack and River’s hands? Demons were by far the most deceptive of fey and it wouldn’t be at all surprising if the demon was simply trying to create distrust between teacher and student. On the other hand, the accusation hadn’t been denied by the teacher either.

After the blonde girl and her familiar left the circle, both teacher’s eyes fell on Kalika. It was definitely too late to leave now. Externally her bored expression remained, but inside she was completely freaking out. Leaving the relative safety of seat, Kalika stepped towards the female teacher, her hands quaking slightly as she grasped the knife. Hand or arm? Was this going to leave a scar? Hand. She finally decided. Squeezing her eyes shut, Kalika slid the blade across the length of her palm. The cut was far deeper than she had intended. Upon opening her eyes, she saw the wound begin to steadily drip to the floor, miraculously missing her shoes by half an inch.

“Eeee!” She screeched in horror, staring wide-eyed at the deep, bloody canyon that cut across her otherwise perfect hand. Kalika would have rushed from the room for immediate medical attention if not for the current of energy that started coursing through the air. She realized the summoning was starting and forced herself to suck it up till the ceremony was complete. She needed absolute focus in order to gain control of whatever was about to step into the room.

Kenzie raised her eyebrows as the instructor gave his doom and gloom speech about summoning. It didn’t matter to her though, she had been excited about the aspect of summonings since she had first heard about it. Nothing was going to stop her from trying now, besides in Kenzie’s opinion while the fae may be dangerous humans were only a different kind of monster.

She looked down at the silver knife that was handed to her as she listened to McCree’s instructions. When she was signaled she cut a decent size gash across her left palm, letting a bit of blood pool before squeezing it into a fist causing several good sized drops onto the ring.

Doing as she was told Kenzie focused on the blood ’You came from me, you are literally my lifes blood. Show me the fae that will be my familiar.’ she silently willed the blood. Kenzie was delighted when only moments later a thick fog flowed from where her blood had been spilled and it began to take form.

Kenzie was taken quite aback by the cute fluffy little ball that had a pair of mini angel wings. At first it was adorably confused and even became startled when River spoke. ”This is what you call a white imp, very dangerous for many reasons. Don’t look at its eyes until I’ve tethered him and you’ve bonded.” she ordered her, which wasn’t a problem for Kenzie, she was focused on the curly golden tail that swished about.

As the little imp turned at the sound of the frightened mouse any illusion that the little guy was some precious fae was shattered. The mouse was skinned in an instant and a treasure cat like grin appeared on the angelic creature’s face before it ate the still live mouse. Kenzie continued to focus on the imp all while fighting the emotions of disgust, pity, and above all curiosity. ’Why would something like that be tethered to me?’

With the imp distracted River had time to perform the last part of the binding. Kenzie felt it the moment it happened, she wouldn’t go as far as to say something corny as ’I suddenly feel whole’ but she did feel as if something clicked into place. That pleasant feeling didn’t last very long though the little guy was throwing a hissy fit. ’Let me go or die!’ he screamed across her mind.

”Shit that hurts! Knock it off ya little furball!” she barked at him, mentally pulling on their link causing the imp to falter. Grabbing him, being sure to keep her hands away from his mouth, she nodded to River. “I think I’ll take him to my room, I have to find something to bind him to anyways.” Kenzie hadn't paid much attention to the others but when she looked she saw that two of the other students had managed to survive the summoning. Giving a small smile and turning she headed out of the classroom but not before tossing a ‘good luck’ over her shoulder to the other students. It would be a shame if the others didn’t make it for one reason or another.

River folded her arms and watched as Jack summoned the familiars for Alexander and Winchel. Both fae were quite the surprise but that was usually the case with familiars. It wasn’t the fact that the familiars seemed ill fitted for the students that bothered River, it was the fact that these two were well known to her and Jack.

Jeston’s appearance had River rubbing the bridge of her nose. Many, many hours of annoying douche baggery would come from this poor excuse of an angel. She could only hope that he wouldn’t drag Alexander down with him. The next was Mendabra who was more worrisome than any of the three that had been summoned so far. Where Jeston was a pain in the ass, Mendabra was a legitimate threat. She and Jack had lost many students to his trickery. Her eyes narrowed in the demon’s direction as he taunted Jack. They’d definitely have to keep their eyes on this pair.

The last student, the bored looking blonde girl, stepped up to bat. River made a conscious effort to wipe the grumpy expression off her face and give the girl a grin as she took the knife. The droplets fell and the girl seemed quite distressed about the cut on her hand. River couldn’t help the fact that her eyes rolled of their own accord before she began shaping the energy. This girl was going to have to toughen up. Hopefully whatever familiar comes of this doesn’t give her too much of a fight.

The droplets spread into a pool of blood that began to boil. The heat from the pool was intense and filled the entire room as the steam wafted from it in foul smelling waves.Was that sulfur? River crinkled her nose at the smell, her right arm extended as she continued to shape the magic. What in the world was this girl going to be bonded to? The blood began to bubble up, the pile reaching higher and higher until it stood taller than any human or fey in the room. Piles of bloody goop began to fall off of whatever towered beneath the bubbles. With a disgusting plop, each section of goop that fell off revealed more and more of the creature. The look of apprehension on River’s face faded when the fae’s face was revealed and a bright smile spread across her features. “Benen!”



The demon warrior had been summoned multiple times before as a student’s familiar but the first timers couldn’t deal with the fae’s awful appearance. They would run in fear, leaving the laid back creature disappointed each time. If only the newbies would have given him a chance they would have come to realize how great of a teacher the demon was. Despite his terrifying tooth filled, smiling maw and his towering height, Benen had taken an affinity to humans and their strange ways.

Benen’s doll black eyes looked around the room in mild confusion that always came with suddenly being ripped from one place to another in the blink of an eye. Realization came over him and his eyes quickly found River. “Ah, a summoning ritual once again?” His voice was deep and rumbling as he spoke and River grinned at him, quickly lighting the incense stick and completing the tethering process. Benen rolled his shoulders, ridding himself of the last of the goop. He turned toward Kalika and stared at her, slightly cocking his horned head in interest. A warm, comfortable feeling would spread through Kalika when Benen was tethered. It spread from her stomach, throughout her body and finally it would settle in her mind, a constant, comforting feeling. There was a light prodding into her mind; each prod was gentle and curious as Benen watched her. There was no fight from him as he was eager to teach anyone who was willing to learn.

“This is my new partner?” He held out a large, clawed hand in a gesture towards Kalika. River nodded her head, stepping into the circle to practically koala onto his side. “You have no idea how happy I am to see you Benen. Some of the familiars these kids are conjuring up are ridiculous, dangerous or both.” The large demon rumbled a chuckle as he looked down at the small human attached to his side. “Well, hopefully my new partner will be accepting of me so I can stay this time around.” His eyes once again went to Kalika. “My name is Benen. What are you called, young one?”

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Albin fluttered his wings and wriggled with all of his might as he was carried down a corridor then forced into a small room. “No! No! Let me go! Put me down this instant!” He hissed and carried on before suddenly realizing he wasn’t going anywhere. The imp drooped in Kenzie’s arms, his tail hanging down and his wings flopping against his back limply. “Where am I?” The human could hear him, which was odd, but what was even odder than that was that rather than just sensing her in the normal ways such as sight or scent, he could sense her internally. He’d heard of things like this happening to other fae, being dragged from their homes to be bonded with humans but he’d always assumed it was just myth. Was this what had happened to him? Surely it was, the stories he’d heard fit everything that was happening to him now. ”Who are you?” He wiggled slightly in her arms so his eyes could face her. His gaze held no threat to her now. Before, he might have tried his hardest to flay her skin from her bones but now it seemed he would only be harming himself if he tried something like that. She was there in his mind, he could feel it, and he was in hers. It wasn’t something he was particularly fond of at the moment but if he couldn’t fight his way out he might as well figure out just what was going on.

All Eliza could register was terror. The summoning had been forgotten. Jack’s movements were never noticed. From the moment those shards shattered to the depths of hell; everything was filled with that single, utmost, pure terror. As those red eyes shone and the demon’s hand stretched forward, that terror formed into the deepest depression she had ever felt. A fear that spread like the shadows Mendabra was made of. Yet between all of this was the coldest comfort she had ever felt in her entire life. A promise like a kiss of death if she let it be. But Jack had managed to break through her fear just enough for his words to set root.

What the hell am I doing. The HELL I’m trusting a demon. Fighting back the mental assault, the terror lessened; and finally the urge to let this thing in was gone. How she did it, she did not know; but it was done. Mendabra was bonded to her till the day she dies.

Her senses finally back to reality, Eliza was taking deep breaths to steady herself as Mendabra and Jack spoke. She was pretty sure she was still shaking, but that was the least of her worries as words were exchanged between her two mentors. “Students lost to a demon spy. Can’t imagine why.” She said with a weak laugh. Dang it, I’ve got to pull it together. And what are they talking about anyways? I know students can be lost in summoning… but usually by their familiars. What’s been happening in this class? May be something worth looking into later. Mendabra accepted me far too easily for a demon of his standing… I’m going to have to be careful with the lot of them.

With the shaking finally stopped, Eliza stepped away from the summoning circle with her senses fully restored. And crap it was nicer without all of them. Sometime during the summoning she had managed to grip the actual blade of the knife, cutting a pretty good gash to the side of her palm in the process. Guess I was trying to snap myself out of it. Inspecting the silver knife a bit more closely, the young blonde weighed it in her palm before flipping it. “Nice knife. Well Mendabra, I do believe this would do just nicely to bond you too.” Showing the blade to her now familiar, Eliza slipped the little prize into her boot for later. If she was going to be carrying something around, it might as well be useful for more than one thing. Plus it was a nice knife. Pressing her thumb to the cut on her palm to at least slow the bleeding, Eliza turned her attention to the last student in the room; nodding her head to Miss Dominatrix as she took her flying riceball from the room with a ‘good luck’ exit.

Eliza could only give a withered look through the last summoning. The girl honestly sounded like a squeaking mouse as she cut her palm open. This class better have a first aid kit in here. As the smell of sulfur hit her nose, it didn’t leave many options other than another demon would be joining them. While the blood piled higher on each other, Eliza kept her eyes on the blonde girl to see how she was handling it. Then as Benen finally made his appearance, she could only raise an eyebrow at the greeting he received from River; as well as the one he gave to his summoner. “This is going to be interesting.”

With all the summonings complete, Eliza took another look at Mendabra before beckoning to him with a finger. “You and me need to have a little talk.” Making her way through the classroom, she made her way out the classroom door and shut it behind them before going further into the hallway outside the class. This should work fine enough. I want to hear what Jack and this guy have to say separately. “Alright then. What exactly was all that back there.” She asked with a polite smile that did not reach her eyes, “I see you and my teachers are… acquainted with one another. Care to clarify what happened to your previous charges?”

“Stupid alarm clock!” Diego cursed the useless piece of crap that always failed when he needed it most. Sneakers slapping the linoleum as he hurried to his class, being late on the first day was never a good idea. Teachers were quick to label late students slackers and he didn’t want to be on that list. The day before Diego had taken the time to memorize the location of the room at least, so that would save time and help him be less late than he might have been. He was itching to see what summoning was all about, just the mere idea of the possibilities that lay ahead put a bounce in his step.

His total focus on getting to class nearly caused him to miss a trio who were leaning against a wall talking and joking. Two of them wore jeans and t-shirts but the third was wearing a jersey for a team Diego didn’t recognize. Maybe they have a team here, Diego thought with a thrill of excitement. While he wanted to stop and have a chat with the students, the need to get to class was stronger. He settled for a wave instead and a quick shout hello followed by a head nod as he passed them. After class he would try to look for them and introduce himself properly.

Hiking his backpack up, he turned the last corner and stopped in front of the classroom’s door. Diego attempted to smooth his wrinkled shirt with his hand, but the gesture was useless the wrinkles were stuck fast in the fabric. With a shrug he accepted his appearance and carefully turned the knob, intending to quietly slip in the back and apologize to the teacher afterwards. Though that changed as soon as he stepped through the door.

“Holy shit!” Diego burst out, a bit too loudly for the relatively quiet classroom. There was a hulking creature standing calmly in the middle of the room. Huge horns curled back over a thick scale covered head, rows of razor sharp teeth in a wide mouth, pure pitch black eyes set back in their sockets, and the fae also only possessed four slits where a nose was normally positioned, what a sight the demon was.
I want one. Diego thought as he dropped his backpack in a vacant seat before stepping closer. That was when he noticed the fae’s gaze was locked on a slim girl. She had the look of a cheerleader, which was another confirmation that this school had a football team. His eyes lingered on the impressive demon a bit longer before he noticed another woman who sported a large collection of tattoos.

She radiated confidence and authority while she watched the cheerleader girl; which made Diego figure that she was actually a teacher, even though her appearance strongly suggested otherwise. Might as well bite the bullet and apologize now.

“Hi, my name’s Diego Taylor. Sorry I’m late, alarm clock troubles. Looks like I missed something really cool.” He said gesturing to the towering demon.