Showing Off

I got email from Lauri yesterday morning. I'm hereby cleared of all ill will between the AMU administration and myself. The security guards are likely to continue with their judging stares, but whatever.

I spent last night in one of the common areas of the school, celebrating with Elie. Jane and Kimiko were both with him, and Kallaway, Paris, and That Guy Tyler decided to tag along with me. There were a handful of other students there, but I had no idea who they were. We spent the night drinking beer and catching up on our lives.

After a few drinks, That Guy Tyler requested that I show off some of my powers for everyone. Something I had promised him a while back, but never followed up on.

"Fine," I said. "If you insist. Know a good place where we can set up some target practice?"

"We can use the old training ground," Elie said. "It doesn't see much use since the bigger one was added."

"Sounds good," I said. "As long as you all stay at a safe distance. Some of my powers are a bit... problematic."

We grabbed our drinks and headed to the old grounds. It was a clearing no far from the school grounds. We found Malkator there already, seemingly testing his Mana out. He was launching bolts of flame and ice at a target he had set up.

"Hey Professor," I said.

"Daniel," he said. "How'd things go with the admins?"

"Just fine," I replied. "Doing a bit of magic training?"

"Yes," he replied. "I'm sure you're here for a similar reason?"

"Showing off my own powers," I said.

"Well, let's see then," Malkator said. "I'm curious to see your progress as well.

We set up some cans in a straight line on top of a bench and stepped back.

"Is this far enough?" Elie asked from a distance behind me.

"Take a few more steps back," I instructed.

They all did so. All except Malkator, who remained a couple feet to the side of me. Smug dickhead... When I was sure they were far enough back, I turned to the cans, raised my right hand, and unleashed several sparks of lightning at the cans. They were some gasps.

"That was way cooler than the finger gun thing!" That Guy Paris said. "Why don't you use your lightning like that more often?"

"Look at the cans," I said.

None of the cans had been hit my the bolts. The bolts had all veered off, hitting the ground all over the place, but didn't strike a single can.

"Not a single target was hit," I said. "When I just let the lightning out like that, it's chaotic, unfocused, and, most importantly, dangerous. Hence you all standing back."

I then made the gun shap with my hand, allowing sparks to dance along my forearm as I did, for added effect.

"However, if I focus that power," I said, raising my arm. "If I single out a target, force that energy forward, and concentrate it all into a straight line, then... BANG!"

A straight line of electrical power burst forth from my fingertip, obliterating one of the cans on contact.

"...It makes for one hell of a signature attack," I said.

While everyone else stood around being impressed, Malkator stepped u next to me, raising a finger gun of his own. Son of a bitch...

"I swear to God," I said. "If you even think of saying 'bang'..."

"SHAG!" he said, smirking at me, as a bolt of lightning shot from his own fingertip, striking another can.

"You know what?" I said. "Fuck you."

I turned back to the remaining cans, focusing a different power. He wanted a competition? Fine. Always happy to indulge...

I sent out a wave of coldness, spreading a layer of ice, zig-zagging across the ground, ending just before the bench, before an icy stalagmite shot upward at an angle, pierxing one of the cans and lifting it into the air.

Malkator, seeming to accept the challenge, waved a hand, sending several crystals of ice fanning out in front of us, piercing the remaining 3 cans.

I turned back to our audience.

"Everyone finish your drinks," I said. "We need more cans."

Kallaway sighed.

"This is unlikely to end well," he said.

Everyone provided us with a new can, and I stepped forward. I raised a hand, and a small whirlwind comprised of a large number of multicolored flower petals began swirling around my forearm.

"Wow," Elie said. "Pretty."

"Indeed," I said. "However, sometimes beauty... KILLS!"

I trust my hand forward, and the petals went flying, and not only hit the cans, but shredded them into pieces.

"Razor sharp petals," Malkator said. "Neat. But I'm not done yet..."

"We're out of cans again" I pointed out.

"Who needs cans?" He replied.

He suddenly tossed a ball of flames right at the bench itself, cracking it in half and setting it ablaze. there were several gasps, both of amazement and alarm.

"You realize the schools gonna charge you for that, right?" I said.

"They'll let me off easy," Malkator said. "They always do."

"Can you wield fire too?" I heard somebody I never learned the name of ask.

"No," I said. "Although..."

"Although what?" Malkator asked, seeming curious.

"I can come close," I said, turning to Paris and That Guy Tyler. "You guys remember Spider Wolfie?"

They nodded, and I tuned to the burning bench, flexing my right hand and forearm.

"Let me show you all the power I got from her," I said.

As I spoke, chitin grew over my right hand and forearm, and the internal structure of my arm and palm changed drastically. It was... unpleasant, to say the least, but I was expecting the results to be rewarding.

"Arthropod Physiology," Malkator commented. "Pretty neat, but how are you expecting this to impress anyone?"

I approached the bench. I got a good few feet away before turning to Malkator and speaking.

"Ever heard of the Bombardier Beetle?" I asked, grinning.

Malkator briefly looked confused, before looking very alarmed and maybe even a little worried. I tuned back to the bench, raising my hand, and a burst of boiling hot liquid-gas erupted from my palm, spraying all over the bench. While Malkator's attack set it of fire, mine completely burnt it to ashes. Everyone seemed impressed.

Myself included.

That was way more damage then I was expecting it to do. Either my calculations were off, or the Eldritch nature of my powers had a stronger effect on the chemical reaction.

"Not bad," Malkator said. "Anything else you wanna show us?"

"Yes, actually," I said, returning my arm to normal. "I want you to bring out your amr blade and strike me as hard as you can with it."

"Oh no...," I heard Kallaway mutter.

"How much have you had to drink?" Malkator said, chuckling. "You absolutely sure you want me to do that?"

"You fucking heard me," I said. "Do it."

Malkator shrugged, and brought out his arm blade.

"Don't go regretting this," he told me.

He rushed at me, swinging his blade. Just before the impact, I allowed a power to flow through my blood, causing it to harden. His attack hit my chest, barely grazing my skin as my blood rotected me from the full damage of the attack. As the blade cut my skin, a surge of pain and satisfaction flowed through me, and I felt myself become energized. He stepped back in alarm, noticing the change that had overcome my body.

"Son of a bitch," he muttered.

"Good color on me, right?" I asked, examining the sleeve of my labcoat.

My coat, as well as my hair and eyes, had shifted to a deep red, and the wound on my chest quickly closed up.

"Now then," I said, clicking the switch on my cane to release the sword hidden within. "Shall we continue the party?"

He didn't need asking twice. He charged at me, and I charged back. Our blades clashed a couple times before I teleported behind him. He was expecting that, and turned to block my attack. I dropped my Red form and tapped into my ice powers, sending a wave of coldness into the ground, freezing his feet in place. He projected a force field between us, and used it to push me backwards. As I was getting back to my feet, he melted the ice holding him in place using a fire attack. I teleported back up to him, slashing twice and managing to cut his jacket a bit.

The jacket restored itself pretty quickly. As it did, the damaged sots briefly took on black, mist-like properties. Which confirmed a suspicion of mine. I glanced at the tip of my sword and smiled a bit. I had what I wanted. Time to wrap this up...

I teleported a few feet back, and allowed my sword to slip from my grasp as I aimed my finger gun at Malkator. In response, he formed a fireball in his hand, preparing to fire it at me.

"Sod off!" he exclaimed, propelling the fireball forward.

"BANG!" I replied, unleashing a lightning bolt.

Before I could set my attack off, Kallaway charged in, hitting my forearm to the side, sending the lightning bolt flying into a raining dummy. He then turned, raising his gauntleted hand, catching Malkator's fireball. He struggled against the power of the fireball for a few seconds before crushing it in his palm.

"That's enough!" he snapped  "Out of both of you!"

Malkator and I tensed up for a few seconds before breaking into laughter.

"Calm down, man," I said. "What, never had a rival before?"


"We'd go toe to toe all the time when he still studied here," Malkator said. "Sorry if we got a little carried away there, but we weren't gonna go kill each other or anything like that."

"I also hear you permanently damaged Daniel's leg when he studied here," Kallaway pointed out.

"Well, to be fair, he showed a lot more restraint in this fight," I said. "Besides, Having a bad leg means I get to carry around a sword-cane, so it's not all bad.

Kallaway continued to glare at us both.

"Well, I've pissed away enough time here," Malkator said. "I'm off to bed now.

Malkator left, and we all eventually went back to the scholl as well. Paris and That Guy Tyler approached me on the way there.

"That was an intense fight," That Guy Tyler said.

"Woulda been more intense if Kallaway hadn't gotten in the way," I said.

"Seriously, though," Paris said. "Was that really necessary?"

"Absolutely," I said.

"How so?" he asked.

"You see, the Archangel has been known tp produce weapons and tools out of some kind of black, mist-like substance," I said. "Malkator's coat is made of a similar substance."

"That's interesting and all," Paris said. "But why is that important?"

I showed him my sword, which had a small bit of fabric from Malkator's jacket still stuck to the tip.

"Because now I have a sample," I said.

Paris grinned back a me.

"Oh, you are the worst," he said.

"Yeah, I'm an ass," I said, plucking the fabric off of my sword. "And soon, I'm gonna be an even stronger ass."

The AMU

We arrived outside the AMU to find Elie Graves waiting for us.

"Hey," he greeted me. "Heard you were on your way over."

"Yeah," I said. "Called ahead. Supposed to meet someone in the library."

"Yeah," he replied. "Avie should be waiting there for you."

"Friend of yours?" I asked.

He shrugged.

"We've met briefly," he said. "Don't know them that well."

"I see," I said. "I'll be bringing Kallaway into the meeting. Mind entertaining my interns in the meantime?"

"No problem," he said. "I'll show them some of the popular hang out spots on campus."

"Sounds good," I said. "Also, any news on the Professor? He's not on one of his vacations, is he?"

"Just got back from one," Elie said. "Something about a second layer or something? Didn't really elaborate."

Kallaway perked up slightly upon hearing that.

"I see," I said. "I'll ask for an audience while we talk business."

"Alright," Elie said. "You'd better get going. Don't wanna keep 'em waiting."

"Right," I said. "See ya later."

As we walked away, Kallaway leaned in and whispered to me.

"The second layer of reality," he said. "Not easy to get there, but it contains a powerful source of eldritch power known as Mana."

"And how do you know this?" I asked.

"Dyson," he replied. "His been there. Has Mana of his own."

"Interesting…," I replied.

I walked Kallaway over to the library. On the way there, I got some uneasy looks from some students, and even dirtier looks from security personnel. They were informed in advance that I was coming on business, so they weren't going to stand in my way at all. They just stood aside judging me.

Not that they could stop me if they tried...

I arrived at the library, where Avie was waiting. I'd never met them during my time there, but they were pleasant. After some brief introductions, they escorted me to a private meeting area, where a woman by the name of Lauri Strawn was waiting. I found that a little amusing, since I had recently been drinking in a town called New Strawn.

Anyway, our conversation has already been covered once, by Avie themself, so I won't be retelling the whole thing here. I will, however, be recounting the interaction when I was finally able to introduce Kallaway to the Professor.

Avie left to go fetch him, only to run into him just outside the door, already on his way there. They both walked in after, and I stood up to greet him.

"I see you were expecting me, Professor Malkator," I said.

Kallaway immediately reacted to that name, and stood up as well. His reaction was perfectly natural. After all...

What kind of mama's boy would forget their mother's maiden name?

"Foresight, remember?" Malkator replied. "Long time no see, Daniel. How's your leg?"

Professor Benjamin Malkator, age 26, was a young British man with an interesting history with the AMU, and the people behind them. However, the admins at the Academy managed to strike a peace, hiring him on as a teacher, and giving him free range to do more-or-less as he pleases. Hence the vacations.

He was about my height, with straight brown hair, handsome features, and the most beautiful, emerald green eyes you can imagine.

And for those who have been curios all this time about my bad leg, in was seriously injured in a sparring incident with this man.

"Just fine," I said, giving him a smirk. "How's your mouth?"

"Just fine," he replied. As he spoke, there was some slight movement underneath his shirt, accompanied by some soft, clicking noises. He then addressed Kallaway's presence. "And who might this be?"

Predicted that I'd show up here, but wasn't expecting Kallaway. Okay then...

"I'm David  Kallaway," Kallaway said. "I'm... your cousin..."

Malkator took a second to process this, before his eyes shifter to the eclipsing pupil look Kallaway does, and the sleeve on the right arm of his jacket peeled apart (and interesting thing I'll have to ask about later) and a large, chitinous blade sprouted from his forearm. He briefly slipped into the God's Way, appearing directly in front of Kallaway, blade raised to his throat.

"Prove it," Malkator demanded.

After getting over the initial shock, Kallaway sprouted his gauntlet, using it to push the blade away from him, locking giant irises with Malkator. Lauri was noticeable worried by this sudden, violent shift in events, but Avie was trying their best to keep their cool.

After a few seconds, Kallaway and Malkator both relaxed.

"Proof accepted, cuz," Malkator said.

Everything calmed down after that, and we wrapped up the meeting. Malkator escorted us out. On the way out, I tapped into the power I had gained from the extractor of Kallaway's blood. The Vision's power. I looked at Avie briefly, getting a look at what was coming to them. I gave them a smile, promising that we'd see each other soon in Seattle.

"So, you're Aunt Shiela's kid, huh?" Malkator asked. "I heard your family was killed."

"My father killed mom," Kallaway said. "I killed him afterwards, which apparently didn't stick, and things with me have been complicated since then..."

"I see," Malkator said. "My parents are gone too. Never committed patricide, though. What's that like?"

"Haunting," Kallaway said. "And... satisfyingly deserved..."

"Hmm," Malkator replied, possibly a little disturbed.

"So, how'd you awaken your powers?" Kallaway asked.

"I got cut open with a magic knife," Malkator replied. "You?"

This time, Kallaway looked a little disturbed.

"Um, Daniel's Enhancer," he replied.

Malkator quickly turned to me, glaring angrily.

"You put my cousin in the same crazy death machine that got you expelled!?" he demanded.

"He survived," I pointed out.

Malkator sprouted his arm blade again.

"I have half a mind to lop your reckless head off right now," He growled.

Kallaway stepped between us.

"Okay, can we not!?" He growled. "Look, this may sound crazy, but with a threat like Kraken planning what they are, maybe not letting you two kill each other is a smart move. You're both powerful. And we need power."

Malkator continued glaring, but still retracted his arm blade.

"Fine," he said.

"Even if you did try anything," I said, grinning, "I'm stronger than I was before."

Malkator raised a hand menacingly, and a ball of flame appeared in his hand.

"As am I," he growled.

I see. Second layer. Mana. Interesting...

I outstretched the finger on one of my hands, allowing electrical sparks to dance between them.

"So then," I said. "Do you think that'll be enough to top what I've got packing?"

"Trust me," Malkator growled. "I can take you..."

Kallaway looked frustrated, and was about to get on our cases again, but he was interrupted by the voice of a young, familiar Japanese girl.

"Malkator-sensei!" Kimiko called out. "Dani- I mean, Dr. Ferris!"

We lowered our guards and turned to her.

"Kimiko-san!" I called back to her. "How ya been?"

"Very well," she replied, smiling. She then turned her attention to Kallaway. "And, um... I don't believe we've met..."

"Dave, "Kallaway said shortly, too annoyed with me and Malkator to pay much attention.

"Kon'nichiwa, Dave... senpai," she said, clearly checking out his biceps. "Um, Elie-senpai sent me to go find you.

"I'll be taking my leave, then," Malkator said. "David, I'll see you later. And Daniel.."

"Yes?" I asked.

"Don't bloody kill anyone...," he said.

"No promise," I replied.

Reunion and parting

I've had time to skim through both the books. Abdalin's diary was … useless. I can't read hieroglyphs, so I'm not really sure what I was expecting there. All I was able to gather was that the Fears were behind the 10 plagues, and something about shadow games, but that's about it.

Now, the recovered AMU book was a lot more useful. I learned a lot from it. Including where I can find more of Kraken.

Anyway, I'm ready to return the book now. I'll be making a trip to the AMU shortly. But first, I had to rearrange my party a bit. Paris and That Guy Tyler arrived in Burlington earlier today, in a brand new set of wheels. No idea where Paris got the money for that, but I'm not complaining.

Justin, Ciel and Terrence, on the other hand, were setting off to assist Tony, who had apparently gather some more evidence of Kai's disappearance, and was preparing accordingly. He needed them more than I did.

"It's been nice seeing you guys again," I said.

"Same," Justin said. "Shame we weren't actually useful out here."

"Fucking waste of our time," Ciel pouted.

"Love ya too," I said. "Oh, right. I got something for you before you head out."

I teleported away briefly before returning with a large suitcase, and a couple smaller boxes.

"Ciel, for you," I said, handing her one of the boxes.

"Medicine?" she asked, looking inside. "You know I can make my own, right?"

"Don't go refusing gifts, now," I said. "I've researched Oathbreaker poisons extensively, and those should be able to cure any of them you get infected with."

She rolled her eyes at me, but pocketed the meds regardless.

"Terrence," I said, handing him the second box. He looked inside to see a set of flash grenades.

"Neat," he said. "They pack a punch?"

"Put military grade to shame," I informed him. "I suggest investing in sunglasses and earplugs."

"Where'd you get these?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Made 'em myself," I said. "Inventor, remember?"

"Okay," he said.

"And Justin, " I said, placing the suitcase down. "This... is for you."

He looked inside, and immediately broke out into a wicked grin.

"This is literally the most badass thing I've ever been given," he said.

"Glad you like it," I replied.

He closed the suitcase and looked back up at me.

"I'll use it well," he said.

"You'd better," I said. "That was very expensive to make."

"And yet you still don't pay us," Paris said, chuckling.

"I'll by you drinks later, alright?" I said.

"Deal," Paris said.

What about you guys?" I asked. "Wanna grab some beers before you head out? I know a lace in New Strawn that's pretty decent."

"I'm down," Justin said.

"As long as I'm not paying," Ciel said.

Terrence nodded.

"Great!" I said. "Since Tyler's the only underaged guy here, I hereby declare him the designated driver!"

And so we all went to the bar, had some drinks, and had a great fucking time. Friendship is nice...