02 Wrath of Flames

by Jr H. Lee Morgan

  “Stop! You’re killing me.” Ethan laughed as his fist beat on the dirty floor. “My gods, Sheedan, you’re beyond pathetic.”

  “How?” Kanade’s voice changed to cold and harsh as he had laughed for minutes till his energy left him weak as a kitten.

  Panting allowed him to barely whisper. “Whoever gave you information on my angel and team is as outdated as you trying to gain my trust by disguising yourself as my woman.” With the last shred of strength remaining he sat up and looked at her while the fake teammates glared. “For starters, you’re way too short to be Kanade. Her hair is longer and has ringlets. Kira is actually Scottish and calls me Boyo, no lad. And Kanade doesn’t enunciate the letter G, Dumbass. Ever. She’s from deep Alabama and her southern twang is thicker. Darlin’, not Darling. You can try again, but I’ll still never believe you. I will give my last breath before you break me. Using my soul mate was the worst thing you could ever do. Letting me see her face gave me hope you bastards will never take away. You might as well kill me because I swear, when I break out of here I’m going to Fry. You. All.”

  Sheedan and her minions she made appear his teammates all felt fear as his eyes burned red, actually glowing from the intense hatred he had from the moment he arrived. It scared them and even Sheedan was deathly afraid, but she managed to boast “I’ve got all the time in the world. Can you say the same? You will break and be my slave.”

  “Hope the door hits your ass on the way out.” He grinned.

  Sheedan suddenly transformed into a Kelpie and stomped her hooves. Her minions all took on their natural appearance. Two female goblins, a real Kelpie, a flapping bug to represent Floa and three Incubi. She glared down the hall and said “Increase his sessions till he forgets everything.”

  But as Sheedan left, she didn’t realize something inside had Ethan snapped when his eyes turned red. It was like an already weakening wall, but had crumbled away. Letting loose dam. New strength filled him. Unbridled hatred to dare using the woman he loved as a pawn was the final crack which let loose it all. This power was instant flash of fire while his normal was like lava. One burned slow and relentless and the other was a bright burst that consumed all. Thousands of images began flashing through his conscious mind as the block he had never known before began melting. Two powers blending into one. But the new one was weaker. Nevertheless his heart pounded in his chest like adrenaline, but warmed his cold, naked body.

  Heat burned through his veins. It was like the sun in springtime. Soaking deeper into the body till brimming with warmth. It eased the pain and all the flames he had been utilizing seemed to get brighter, as if they shared his joy.

  And then it settled as he tried understanding the images bombarding his mind.

  But before he could figure out what was happening he was electrocuted by a spell and dragged out and bound to the rock. Both the Succubus and Lamia worked together in causing pain. Only this time, it was noticeably less thanks to the strange new energy working to distract. He still roared in pain, just not as loudly. Although it was the best feeling in weeks, Ethan’s physical strength was still severely weakened. At least they didn’t bleed him since this early would more than likely kill him.

  But when they took a break to rehydrate and think of new ways to hurt him his fogy vision turned to the brazier used to burn iron rods to do scalding pain. But he had managed to feel something this new untapped power could do.

  While they were distracted Ethan curled his index finger to the flames in a ‘come here’ motion. And with a faint crackle and pop, one ember hopped through the air and was clutched in his fist not a second before Dirty Whore whipped her head around. The Lamia asked “What is it?”

  “Nothing. I just thought I sensed something. Let’s give him an anal pair. That should be interesting.”

  Inwardly Ethan smiled and felt dread. Smiling for he commanded fire once again, but despaired as he knew what a pair was and his rectum slammed as shut as possible.

  Chapter 13

  Ethan woke after finally passing out. His torn asshole throbbing from the pair being cranked to the point his mind shut down.

  Miraculously his sense of heat made him stare down into a clenched fist. Glowing as a small, marble sized ember was the same piece he grabbed earlier and still lived, feeding gently from energy. He smiled and wrapped his sore wings completely around his laying form.

  He gave it a mental nudge and then it obeyed by going from a red ember to an inch tall violet flame. Warmth allowed him to bask in true light for the first time in so long. He could barely believe that wall which crumbled actually allowed him to regain control of fire. He then ordered it to extinguish. It did.

  Coming back to life was just as simple.

  The smile turned into a grin.

  “How long this time?” Ethan asked his buddies after making sure the flame cast no light, but he didn’t move from laying on his side.

  The answer came from the end as usual. “Couple hours give or take. Seems they forgot all about feeding us today.”

  It was code meaning the Dirty Whore was still in the room as well. All clear meant they could talk. Another phrase would mean someone new arrived. Thankfully no others did or she couldn’t talk. “That sucks. I sure could go for a big juicy steak. Better yet, I’ll make a burger business close down indefinitely.”

  “With fries?” Victtulr at the end asked.

  “That’s a given. Plus I’d chug every drink they had. Maybe a salad too.”

  “Wishful thinking doesn’t help.” Dirty Whore growled. “It’ll just make you hungrier. Now shut it!”

  “Who wants to hear about a justice league joke?” He acted like he didn’t hear her as the others all said they wanted to hear it. “Wonder Woman is out sunbathing in the buff, spread eagle and enjoying the day when both Superman and the Flash walk by and duck behind a bush. Neither can believe their luck. Flash grins and really gets excited so he says to Superman ‘Bye’ and is moving faster than the blink of an eye to have sex with Wonder Woman. Wonder Woman though looks down and asks ‘You alright Invisible Man?’ and he pulls out to say ‘Not really. For some reason my ass hurts.’ So she says ‘I got use to it. You can too.’ After seeing Flash nearby puking his guts out after hearing what the Invisible Man said.”

  The room laughed out loud. It ended when Dirty Whore said “Speaking from experience are we?”

  “So how about Hawkeye from the Avengers this time?” and he begins talking.

  Minutes later she had had enough of listening to drivel and stomped out and far away. Ethan continued talking, seeing her pressing her ear from the other room as he looked through the brazier. He didn’t stop for fifteen minutes till she muttered “I swear he’s already broken. Who can talk so much on something so pathetic all the time?” and left the area.

  “Alright, she’s gone.” Clanking metal bowels were carefully passed down without touching the leather covered bars. Everyone’s spare water went to him again. He drank and listened to everyone enjoying how he threw Sheedan off her game. Scaring her to those who saw. After drinking he passed empty cups back and sighed. He said “Back in position. Food is coming.” Ethan talked tiredly as the daily gruel was delivered.

  What no one expected was he heated the cold bowl now that it was possible. It really helped, but wasn’t enough. All it did was ease the near deafening stomach growls. As soon as he drank the metal bowl and licked it clean he tossed it in the hall like everyone else. As soon as the cart and Goblin left Ethan said “Sorry guys, but I’m tired.”

  “Believe us, we understand.” Someone said.

  But Ethan didn’t rest quite yet. He used his wings to hide as he worked with fire again. He was still amazed the fire was purple. It gave something to focus on as he assimilated all the flashes from earlier. He saw many odd runes and deep down understood them and how they were used. Runes he never saw or was taught before. They weren’t looping and elegant like what he was educated in. These were more angular and sharp. Under the concealmen
t of his wings he found his fist was now lavender. As if blue and red energy perfectly blended. He quickly moved his fist to make a light orb using Order’s runes, but they fizzled out and he sensed the blocks that activated to strip the spell. Then he tried a set which had popped into his head and a blood red orb appeared rather than the blue-white.

  Then it clicked. Now I remember! Shit, that was a demonic rune! Only Shamans use these. I was told I couldn’t do them… but I can… but just that tiny amount sucked me dry… probably since I hadn’t done a spell in weeks. He assumed.

  Red light vanished as he sat up and made sure everyone else hadn’t seen any light. Everyone was just as tired so they didn’t wake. Ethan fought a groan as he leaned to sit, but that wasn’t going to happen. He rolled to a hip and got up close to the bar for a closer observation and found he could now understand the enchantments with all the new images in his mind.

  Each bar not only sucked either form of energy to induce overwhelming pain upon touch, but without touch it still blocked all forms of Spirit Energy that can be projected. Like it did his normal fire since it was an extension ability. Same with Casters and other Specialists. It was why Shaman’s could exert spells and he could not.

  Putting the pieces together, Ethan realized he somehow had Demon Energy at his disposal and could only blame it on when he was shot in the arm as well as from the weeks of torture. Perhaps I absorbed their energy and can use it against them? Finally a hidden trump card is back in my deck.

  He laid back down and willed all the images back within his mind. They came too fast at first when the dam broke, but now he could go through them piece by piece.

  One image in particular drew his attention. It drew magic from his very blood. He didn’t know how he knew it, but simply did. It was like the fire, always there and waiting, but he wasn’t aware till it was discovered.

  The feeling warmed his hot blood further and it made him think back when he first spoke with Methrom, the crimson Dragon Lord. It was the same feeling, but not quite so aware as it came upon him now.

  It was the Blood Speak.

  With that feeling came eight tiny dots of light within one corner of his many random thoughts. It wasn’t like the flames all over. There was no warmth in those dots of light in the dark epanse, but there was an odd connection. Each dot was unique and had almost a different… texture. Like a personality. One shone brightest of all so he concentrated on it and felt the need to ask “Who are you?” in Blood Speak.

  The mind at the other end was wild, feral and beyond reason. A ravenous beast. But as his blood felt out the mind it concluded his worst fear. “Oh, no… Kanade.” Again he just knew it was her and he pulled away as the mind lashed out.

  Back in the First House Floa said “What in Torment set her off?”

  The technician had to keep her hand on the sedative. “I don’t know! She shouldn’t have moved for a few more hours at least. Perhaps she is adapting to it.” Floa hoped not, but she still ached to see her friend attack at the slightest movement.

  Back within his mind he decided to focus and not think on how bad Kanade needed him. This time he tried one of the dimmer and more docile of the dots.

  Gaia’s head lifted from her large desk the moment she felt a presence connect. She knew the feeling and asked “Is that you, Young Master?”

  In Blood Speak Ethan asked in a whisper “This voice… Gaia? Is that you?”

  The Titan let out a great breath and crossed all four of her muscular arms. A hand though rested over her worried heart. “It is, Ethan. How good it is to hear you speak. I’ve been worried to death. I see you finally figured out how to speak through your blood.”

  “My blood? How can my blood let me talk to you… and why are you so dim?”

  “Because I tasted a diluted sample of your blood. It is why we cannot find you, Young Master. If we had tasted a pure drop straight from you we would know exactly where you are. I take it you’ve been rescued or broke free?” for some reason he felt she knew he wasn’t free yet, but wanted to hear his voice.

  “Try again. I just learned how to find this when something inside me was let loose. So this diluted blood, did you get it from Kanade after the attack?”

  “Secretly the five of us Lords did on the chance you may need us. Your mistress’s blood was just potent enough for us to speak and know you lived. I do have the ability to Blood Speak too, so I know everything about it. Mates seem brightest for they have much more of your blood within. Those who are loyal to you and will never do harm are lesser points of mental light. Are there any brighter dots?”

  “Besides four other sparks like yourself, there are two. Kanade is feral and I need to save her.”

  “Be at ease. I have been informed she is safe.” Gaia soothed as she spoke in the empty spacious room dug out of the Appalachian Mountains. “Tell none in Order of Blood Speaking. But the other two brighter beings who have tasted your fresh blood will be loyal and at your command. They can sense you at all times. Now that you’ve found me I will prepare my warriors if you coordinate with the two loyal ones. We will get you out no matter the cost.”

  “No, if I think I know who the two are, it would be best you await my first option. I’m in Sheedan’s lair and just met her earlier. But I thank you for caring for me. You really are the good mother.” Gaia beamed at the words. “But incase my idea fails, none of your minions will die for me. And after the shit I’ve been through and seen… well let’s just say you’re better off far far away from me. I plan on nuking this hive.”

  “If you think its best.” She mumbled.

  “Hey Gaia?” He asked hesitantly.

  “Yes?”

  “Between you and me…” Ethan took a deep, steadying breath. “I’ve discovered something and I need the truth. You know what I’m becoming. Is my ancestor a Demon?”

  Gaia closed her eyes slowly and was silent.

  “Guess that is answer enough.” He said in resignation. “It’s probably why you all treated me with deference. Kyoko knew and is why she wanted me brought before all of you. Gaia, when I get out and recover after this ordeal I’ll call you again. Will you be willing to talk to me openly as a friend?”

  She slowly smiled. “I would like that, Young Master. May I ask, have your horns started to grow?”

  “I feel knots at my temples, but when my skin re-grows, they have yet to break through.”

  “Then it is a good sign. Your ancestry is strong enough that you can win against any enemy you face. I would rather you wait till they break through on their own before you escape, but I have full confidence you will survive.”

  “Before I go. Am I strong enough to beat an Ice Dragon named Zandri?”

  Gaia sat straighter. “Zandri is there?” He confirmed. “Stay away from her, Ethan. She is one of the top ten Demon Generals to the Queen of Ice. She is your natural predator till your horns fully emerge and your true power is unleashed. If you see her, flee. It now makes sense why you were captured by Ice Dragons. She is their leader. Promise me.”

  “Right now I’ve searched and she is not here. Gaia, thank you. It is good to hear a friendly voice again. I’ve got an escape to engineer so I’ll be in touch. Next time I’ll give you my blood so our connection will be stronger.”

  “I look forward to it, Young Master.” And then he was gone. Gaia knew she had work to do so she got right on it.

  Ethan though drew back so his mind could wrap around the fact that he had demonic origins. Looking back, so many things stood out that now make it obvious. Mainly how there weren’t any records among Spirit Energy beings with his unique body. Strangely though, it didn’t sicken him. He knew like people, Demons could be good or bad. Whoever he was becoming mustn’t be a weakling because even as weak as he currently is, it was stronger than ten men. As long as he remained who he was inside, he didn’t care if he was becoming a Demon. Deep down though, he knew he was becoming something else. A hybrid of some kind.

  Right now he needed an escape
and would get it through his very own mind for starters. He focused on the two brighter dots simultaneously and said “Tokala, Panther, I know you can hear me.”

  Tokala turned off the television and stood up in his apartment in Cincinnati Ohio. The white Kitsune held a hand to forestall his second birth mother. “I knew you were a descendant, Elemental. My nose never lies.”

  Panther’s dark form hunkered down in a tree being stealthy. He said nothing.

  “Tokala, back when you and I were on the rooftop of the hospital, when did you take my blood?”

  “After you save my furry hide and my mother’s. I never leave a life debt unpaid. You were out cold and it was just a drop. You were the first person beside my mom who helped me. I’m loyal to you. My life is yours to do with as you see fit. Don’t take it lightly.”

  “I appreciate that. Listen, if you don’t already know, Sheedan took me prisoner and I’ve finally figured this Blood Speak trick out. And I need the best thief of Demon World right now, Tokala. As a Kitsune at Demon Lord level, you have the skills to break in and get me out. And Panther,” The dark one didn’t move from his perch. “I know you are no mere housecat. Your some kind of Demon that makes Tokala seem like a Goblin in comparison. I can feel your suppressed power through the blood you took when you scratched me that first night we met and Kanade had to have you. Look, I had some suspicions for awhile. You react too differently and answer questions from time to time. I don’t know why you feel loyal to me or why you’ve hidden yourself as a cat, but I need help. My Demon side is still weak and my spells of Chaos are too draining. Order doesn’t work where they got me. Panther, will you please help me?”

  Panther’s sharp blue eyes narrowed till he purred “You are my master. If you ask, I will always come. In fact I’m am near you as we speak and have been for days, scouting the stronghold for weaknesses. I see the fortified entrance, but it is heavily guarded. My skills lay in battle, not deception. If I go in and fight, they will kill you. Kitsune, I know you. You last went by Kurama yes?”