Setting
- 33 posts here • Page 2 of 2 • 1, 2
Jack sat in silence and watched the last students summoning. His eyes widened as the fallen angel emerged from the lava. They had dealt with Jeston a number of times, but Jeston was a particular case. Fallen angels were almost just as powerful as regular angels minus the holy power granted too them. With a shake of his head Jack dismissed the mystery. It didnât really matter in the end. What mattered is what kind of familiar this fallen angel was. If he was anything like Mendabra then he warranted watching closely. Jack stood and addressed the two people left in the classroom. Barbie, and the jock. That sounded like it would make a good sitcom Jack mused as he addressed them. âClass is over for today. You can go and learn more about your familiar. Personally I would suggest trying to make friends with them. Otherwise this is going to be a very long year. Now if you wouldnât mind, close the door when you leave.â Jack turned around and started looking on the shelves for a book he was wanting to study.
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Mendabra
Mendabra hissed under his breath as Benen appeared. âWaste of a good demon, didnât even put up a token fight. Pathetic,â he whispered under his breath.
âYou and me need to have a little talk.â His summoner said with a gesture.
âCertainly my dear.â The shadow man glided out of the classroom behind the girl.
âAlright then. What exactly was all that back there.â She asked with a polite smile that did not reach her eyes, âI see you and my teachers are⊠acquainted with one another. Care to clarify what happened to your previous charges?â
Mendabra smile his toothy smile and bowed his head. âOf course,â he said as his red eyes glowed faintly with inner light, âmy only job now is to enlighten, and guide you my dear. All that I know is yours to partake of. I am but a humble servant.â Mendabra paused slightly as if collecting his thoughts then continued. âJack, River, and I have met of a number of separate occasions. I have been the familiar of a number of their most gifted students, but sadly as you can see none of them managed to keep me,â he purred. âYou see the students under my guidance always end up at theâŠhow do you sayâŠtop of the class? The problem with being at the top is that the council of five start looking in on enterprising young students. Those five old fools are scared of young blood that may come rising up and becoming stronger than them. They like to keep a thumb on those that are potential threats, and when they cannot keep that thumb down they eliminate the problem.â
The demon looked hard at the girl and leaned in conspiratorially to whisper to her. âThey send Mr. Demur, and Miss McCree after the student. If the students cooperate then they are tried and executed quickly, if they struggle then they are executed in a just as expedient, but messier manner.â A somehow warm and yet ice cold chuckle emerged from the demon as he leaned away from the girl. âJack said for you not to trust me, to take my words with a grain of salt. Well the blood on his hands is just as red as the blood on mine. The only difference between him and me are that I donât try and hide what I am. Of course donât forget about the dear Miss McCree in their either. Beneath all of that joy and politeness on the outside lingers something,â Mendabra gave a small shiver of pleasure, âjust as vile.â
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Jeston.
âDammit,â Jeston yelled as the binding fell completely into place. After a little cussing and ranting the angel just crossed his arms and put on a scowl as he stared at his summoner. "Come on." His summoner motioned to Jeston to follow, stopping to let someone else out of the room first.
Alexander began picking up and tossing stray rocks and such that he found. "I, *sigh*, I guess now we're, I can't believe I'm saying this, stuck together." He turned and faced Jeston. "I just can't figure out why. Look at yourself, you're a mess. I didn't even know to believe in angels. Looking at you, I guess I really shouldn't." He tossed what he had in his hands out and tried to think of what to do.
âYeah well fuck you too,â Jeston said with a scowl as he turned around and studiously ignored his summoner.
"I'm a bit new to this,â Alexander said, âif you haven't been able to guess. So I'm not exactly an expert on how these things work. So, since everything's fallen into place as it has, I guess," he rubbed his temple trying to think of what to say or do about everything that was going on. "I don't know. The people in there," motioning back to the building, "seemed to know you. You've had experiences with them before, I take it? If we have to work together, it would be best if I know you're history. So, tell me your story." He took out the piece he'd been working on and in frustration threw that out too
Jeston glared at the nearest wall for a second before turning around. He never let a chance to bitch about his problems pass by. âFine you wanna know about my story Iâll tell you. I was created before your kind was even a twinkle in the big manâs eye,â he said with a gesture upwards, âand yet Iâm sitting here now, bound against my will, to a weak little meat bag like you. Or maybe youâre talking about before this huh? Maybe you want my life story? Well go screw yourself!â The angelâs eyes flared up as he continued on with his story like he hadnât just refused to tell it.
âI was a warrior angel of the lord before the fall. I fought against Lucifer and his traitors,â Jeston bit the last word as he said it. âI was stuck as a guardian angel after the battle as a reward for my good deeds. The most fricken boring job ever. Then when I partake of a little entertainment the archs put their thumb on me and say bad Jeston, you shouldnât do that Jeston, not our way Jeston. Then those self-righteous pricks punish me by taking a hunk of my power away to make me think about what I did. Now Iâm stuck here with you and Iâm just praying that this is some kind of angelic candid camera.â
Kenzie sat down on her bed crossed legged, the little imp in her lap settled in and looked up at her after asking her who she was. "My name's Mackenzie, but Kenzie is fine. I'm a student here learning the art of summoning. Part of being a summoner apparently is having a familiar. That would be you. We're kind of partners now." she sat him on her pillow and watched him for a minute wondering what he thought of all of this. In some ways it kind of felt like kidnapping, but that could also just be because of how cute the little guy ways. 'Yeah cute and blood thirsty.' Kenzie's eyebrows drew together as a question crossed her mind, could he hear her thoughts? Maybe she could talk to him that way too, or maybe it was just a one way type of gig.
She decided to hold off on the Q&A for a moment figuring that it'd be best if she looked for something to bind him to. Kenzie hadn't really spent anytime unpacking her things so she'd have to start digging around. There was something she had in mind for him, it was in a jewelry case in one of her bags. As she rifled through her things she would occasionally glance back at him making sure he was still there. When she finally found it she returned to her bed and showed him what she had. It was a decorative key necklace with angel wings and various other details. "So the scruffy guy named Jack, who I think is the instructor, said that we needed to bind you to something. I'm picking this." Well now that she had the object picked out what the hell did she do now. They really took the whole 'Toss ya in the deep end and hope that ya swim' thing to a whole nother level.
Iâve known Teach and McCree for the same time Iâve known Mendabra. Sure heâs a demon, but at least I know not to take his word for what it is. The other two⊠Why would they kill their own students? Teach didnât deny it, and McCree is awfully perky for this line of work. Course, that could just be McCree. But what did the other students do. They had Mendabra as a familiar, those two as teachers, and were they all the top of the class? I wonder⊠With a side glance at Mendabra, Eliza narrowed her eyes to a questioning glare. Exactly what was his guidance and knowledge he felt the need to share with them. Or that they were stupid enough to ask for. Knowledge is power, and with too much or the wrong use, it probably could have spooked the old coots on the council. But why send two instructors after them? And how did they let it go that far with the students if they were to be teaching them. Darn it! I didnât sign up for this.
Dropping the glare, Eliza let out a sigh. âI guess thereâs really no use in trying to figure out everything on the first day. But if what you say is remotely true, then Iâll just have to make sure Iâm not at the top of the class then.â Not that I was planning on it anyways. Too much attention, too much work. With that said, she noticed that more people were starting to leave their classes⊠and conveniently avoid the hallway she and her demon were occupying. âIt might be better if we move this little chat elsewhere. And before you even start, donât call me âMy Dearâ. Itâs as creepy as hell coming from someone that looks like â well â you.â She wasnât entirely sure what he would come up with instead, but maybe it wouldn't give her a cold chill anymore.
On that note, Eliza started to make her way down the network of halls and back to her room, making sure Mendabra was staying close behind her. She tried to take the lease trafficked route, but it made no difference as one group scattered in the opposite direction, while other students stood by with a glare at herself. And the welcoming committee is warming up. She was keeping quiet while they walked, not wanting anyone to overhear them; but she wasnât done with Mendabra yet.
Once she reached her room and let them in, her dĂ©cor showed she hadnât cared much for moving in. A few duffel bags were tossed around, one with its contents spilled open from getting ready this morning. And the only boxes were opened to display a selection of books and journals from her family library; along with a case of knives and small weapons she had stowed under her bed. âHome sweet home. Now, I have two more questions. You can answer in whatever order you want. First off, you knew that other demon back there. Benen, I think. Can you tell me about the other students familiars if you know of any of them. And second. For a little test run on this guidance thing. Letâs have a little scenario. If I was to summon, letâs say a⊠Naga for instance⊠And it was pretty pissed for whatever reason. How would I take care of it so I can finish the summoning without it, or myself, getting killed.â Not bothering with the smile this time, Eliza flopped down on the edge of her bed to await her answers. Ok buddy. Letâs see what you have to give me on the Naga. I already know and seen Teachâs method. Letâs see what youâve got. Give me some clues here on what could have happened in the past.
The human, Kenzie, he found out her name was, sat him on a pillow and began explaining where he was, who she was and what exactly was going on. He cocked his body in a display like a dog cocking its head when listening intently. Partners? Weâre partners? That doesnât sound too bad and she doesnât seem too bad either. This isnât anything like heâd heard in the stories of the summoners who were horrible to their summons and treated them like slaves. In fact, he found he was more curious now than worried like he was when he first arrived.
Albin was put at ease by the very fact that he could sense Kenzieâs apprehension at taking him from his home. He also felt she meant him no harm; she wasnât lying to him. His blue eyes followed her as she rifled through boxes looking for something, occasionally glancing over her shoulder to check on him. Finally she revealed a necklace and stated why sheâd searched so hard for it. He flittered his wings and trilled loudly. âItâs so pretty! I wonât mind sleeping there.â He grinned, a cute, small thing, very unlike the horrific smile before that revealed his teeth. âYou donât know how to bind me to it, do you?â A small, bird-like titter came from him; a laugh. âSilly, itâs easy! I heard this from the stories too!â Albin fluttered his wings and flapped over to Kenzie, hovering near her head. âYou just have to want me there and Iâll be bound to it. Something about will? Thatâs what I heard at least. We can try and see if it works. Oh! My name is Albin by the way.â
It was difficult to explain, his apprehension was melting away as every second passed. Being able to communicate with her, feel her feelings as well as his own made him feel comfortable. He wasnât home and with his family but this felt like he was where he was supposed to be. Honestly he couldnât figure out how the horror stories about summoning got started. He could see being great friends with this Kenzie meat bag!
âAs you wish, my dear lady,â Mendabra said with a bow of his head that might have hid the ghost of a smile on his shadowy face. The demon glided silently behind his summoner as she led him to her room. The demons eyes quickly flicked around the room taking in the surroundings and noting them as he listened. The lights in the room dimmed as he entered. The demon listened quietly as his summoner made her requests of knowledge. A small hiss escaped the demon at the mention of Benen.
Mendabra paused for a second once again seeming to gather his thoughts. âWell my lady. I have some information on all of the familiars present in this school. You see my job is gathering information, and I am quite good at that,â he purred. His voice changed slightly into that of a teacher as he spoke again. âBenen is a somewhat high ranking warrior demon in hell. He is a master combatant and quite the strategist as well. He does not serve in his rightful place as a general in hells army, and will one day pay for it. He also has a fascination with your kind. Next would be Albin; The little high imp. He, or she, my information does not specify, is a dangerous little creature. It can rip the flesh off of anything with the same mass as itself if it meets said creatures eyes. It is not what you would call good, or evil. The high imps just are what they are. I have little other information on the creature."
âLetâs see,â Medabra mused as he tapped a claw tipped fingers at his temple. âAhh yes, Jeston. Jeston is a marvelous little creature. An angel on the brink of falling. He has some, what would your psychologists call it, daddy issues?â A quiet throaty chuckle emerged from the shadow demon. âWe have been keeping tabs on that one for a while now. He is knowledgeable in his own ways, a skilled warrior as angels go. At one time he was one of the most powerful angels of the lower ranks, but he lost it all when he started throwing temper tantrums.â
âFinally we have Amancio. He appeared after we left the room. I had my shadows watching just in case. Amancio is, well, dedicated. He doesnât talk much, and doesnât do much that I have been able to see; besides follow his orders that is. All I can really tell you is that he is dangerous enough to warrant watching. âMendabra began to wander the room examining the shadows that lay in it. He reached down and caressed one that was lying beside a box on the floor. âAs for your second question there are a multitude of answers. I myself could contain a naga without killing the beast. Though it might not be quite so useful to you after I am done with it, but it would be alive.â The shadow that Mendabra caressed was suddenly darkened into a deeper shade of black before resuming its natural tint.
âIf you would like to achieve it yourself then you have various measures that you could have set up before hand to subdue the creature. Though if you want something just at the spur of the moment then there are two options that I would suggest. Either a feat of thaumaturgy to subdue the creature, or, you could always siphon off a bit of the creatures own life energy to weaken it and reinforce your own spell. The thaumaturgy is effective, but only if you have the concentration to effect two spells at once. Siphoning the energy is quick and would instantly reinforce your spells. It is the most efficient option in my professional opinion. âThe demons eyes flashed slightly as it turned around and stared at Eliza with its head slightly tilted.
A powerful flare of jealousy ignited within Kalika and by the way the pair talked it was apparent that this wasnât their first meeting. Steaming silently, she allowed herself to be lead away from the circle by Benen when a jock type of student entered the room. Kalika ignored the newcomer and turned her full attention to her familiar.
Now that she was thinking more clearly, Kiera took full accounting of the demon standing before her. He was still extremely hideous, but she began to notice other qualities that could prove to be useful. Benen was easily the tallest familiar that had been summoned so far, not to mention his wickedly sharp claws and horns. Kalika couldnât help feeling slightly smug about that fact and he apparently was a high ranking warrior as well.
Taking a step closer, Kalika began to warm up to the idea of being tethered to Benen, though she had many questions for him. A reality that stung her pride, but she knew would be necessary if she ever wanted to become a great summoner. The cut on her hand had clotted, allowing her to cross her arms without ruining her clothes.
âMy name is Kalika Becker. I canât believe that the universe decided to pair me up with you; it apparently has a cruel sense of humor. My family tree is filled with summoners, but they decided to keep me ignorant of the art. All that heir and the spare sort of thing. Anyway, what Iâm saying is we better start with the simple stuff.â
Kalika could tell it was the warm and comfortable feeling that the demon had brought with him that was causing her mood to improve slightly. She felt less angry, which was confusing to say the least and she wasnât sure how to react to the sudden change.
âMy first question is do you have to obey me absolutely? Can you refuse an order or try to find a loophole in the command? Are you able to read my thoughts? Why are so agreeable about being tethered to a puny human?â Kalika smiled a bit, in an attempt to be semi-friendly to the fearsome creature.
Jeston pouted for a second and let out an exasperated sight before responding, âYeah, it should.â The angelâs lips thinned as he stood and listened to the human go on without stopping. After his summoner finished Jeston let out a low growl. âYou arrogant little prick. You dare to insult me and my kind. You ask me to train you and then insult and threaten me,â he shouted his voice rising to a shout. The angel paused and took a deep breath which he held for a few long seconds.
Releasing the breath in a long sigh Jeston snorted out a laugh. âFine, Iâll teach you. Hell I donât seem to have much of a choice, and I wouldnât wanna teach someone without some balls anyways. Besides I was getting a bit outta shape anyways. Kicking your scrawny ass up and down a training field seems like a decent enough work out,â The angel said with a sneer.
âYou said you like carving or something right? Well then whittle yourself out a sword. Doesnât matter what type or size, just whatever you feel most comfortable with. After that weâll practice. When I think your good enough for the real deal Iâll let you try it out, and I donât give a damn what you stick me in. You donât get to play with the real toys until you prove yourself. You would probably kill yourself otherwise.â Jeston paused at that comment as a wistful look crossed his face. âThen again maybe we should just start out with the real weapons,â He said with a predatory grin.
Suddenly the angel grabbed his head and ground his teeth. âFine, fine. I wonât do it,â He shouted to the heavens as he covered his ears. After a few seconds had passed the angel eased his hands away from his ears. A bit of blood was trickling out of one and he grunted at the sight of it on his hands. â Could turn the freaking volume down a bit,â he said wiping the bloody mess onto his jeans as he stood up again. âApparently were going to stick with training weapons for now.â
Benen calmly watched Kalika as he felt her flurry of emotions. Obviously she was unhappy being tethered to him, which wasnât surprising but it was still disappointing. After sizing him up she finally broke the silence by taking a step forward and introducing herself. The introduction was tainted by insult but Benen didnât mind. Usually his summoner had long ago banished him so this was a stride forward in his book. He merely chuckled deeply. âItâs a pleasure to meet you too Ms. Becker. I believe weâll make a fine team and I promise to teach you Iâll I know and more.â
He could only hope that Kalika was receptive of the comforting waves he was sending her way, otherwise getting to know one another was going to be a long and torturous process. Thankfully the next time she spoke it wasnât with as much malice in her voice. However she did ask a long string of questions. He raised an eyeridge in amusement. âMy, curious are we? Well, to address your first query the answer is no; I donât have to obey you absolutely. If I donât agree with a command then I can refuse it. Remember, Iâm a partner, not a slave. However, you donât have to worry about me rebelling against you because I can refuse commands. Weâre connected, intertwined to our very core if you will so I canât and wouldnât harm you directly because that would be like harming myself.â
Benen shifted his weight and craned his neck down a bit to get a better look at Kalika. âNow secondly I canât read your thoughts but I can read your emotions just as you can read mine. For example if weâre in separate rooms but youâre upset then Iâll be aware of it or vice versa. Right now you should be feeling a, comforting, warm emotion right now. Something that calms you; we also can feel each otherâs pain.â His eyes drifted down to her hand. He reached out and took her injured hand delicately with his large claws then turned it over to look at her palm. âAnd Iâm agreeable to being tethered to a human because Iâm quite fascinated with your kind. Youâre much more capable then any fae give you credit for. Certainly not puny at all; now why donât you show me to your room so I can tend to your cut.â He gave her wrist a gentle, reassuring squeeze before letting go and looking in her eyes. âShall we?
- 33 posts here • Page 2 of 2 • 1, 2