by Amy Mah
Alyce then changed the star idea to exhibit as she saw at least one hold up a burn rod, which was a short wand with a white-hot tip to it. All the rods she had seen in the past were larger and used for cutting up dead meat in the Academy kitchens. This one was being pointed at her very-much-alive body. It was not pointed at her for very long, as her glance at it caused the holder to drop it fast. A burn rod is designed to be fireproof or at least not heat conductive, and so it came as a surprise to the one holding it that she had to drop it fast due to it bursting into flames, which could have been a strong hint from Alyce’s inner Fire not to point one at a Fire Demon.
Several of the audience members stepped back, and Alyce could now recognize the feel of at least one Mind and several Lights in the room; one was still wearing a lot of dead plant.
Calmness now washed over her, and she knew it was not a correct feeling to have, so she imagined it having a coating of flame on it.
“Please relax, and stop doing that. You are quite safe; we are here to help you. Now lie still so we can fully scan you, and try not to play with the tools.”
A deeper calm set in, and Alyce no longer had the will to fight it. She closed her eyes and let the voices in the room begin to wash over her.
“Clear the room; I need just two Light assistants. Will someone remove that smoking fire hazard before I trip over it, again! And let this be a lesson to you all to switch off all lance cutters when examining a member of the Heat clan. Just be thankful you did not point it at a member of the Ice clan.”
“I am the consultant, so I should just be standing at the back telling you what to do, not standing here getting my hands dirty or my legs burnt! Will someone get some gloves on and remove that frigging burning lance! This is the third time I have trodden on it! I will not ask again!!”
“Now, three more screens need to be set to levels 3, 7, and 9. Come on; I have not got all day! I want to see what happened with the bone repair under the sinister horn. Well, well! That shows a perfect repair, and we could put it down to excellent energy displacement between horns, as they would need to be in alignment to pass a spark between the tips, which the level 7 scanner is now showing as a perfectly normal process if she were of the Electrics Clan, but she is not so a crap repair. Didn’t anyone think to clean the horn blockage so she can vent?”
“Now, that is interesting! Increase the magnification on screen 7; take it over the section where the horn grows from the skull and show it at bone depth. Hmm, now over to the dexter horn and do the same, and that is why I say interesting!”
Alyce’s thoughts began to clear, and she found herself looking into the eyes of a Mind, which was not something she had ever had on her wish list.
“I must say, you have taken us a little by surprise, and we may not have even discovered your difference if you had not been injured. Your mind and body are not fully in alignment, almost as if you are not in your own body. Our tests show you are fully Demonic in your thinking, so we believe something was different with your pre-hatching development. Perhaps you should have had a twin, but the yolks joined. Well, whatever it was caused you to be double in another way; your mind thinks like a Battery and yet your body is fully a Heat. Somehow nature has been able to join the two parts, which your body has done in a unique way by forming what I can only explain as a little internal Cloud-like linking the Battery and Heat sides of you together.”
“You are very lucky to be alive; Battery Demons have always been rare, as it is speculated that power is drawn from a linked dimension. Being part of a double is unheard of; I think I will write a paper on you. You may become famous, if you live that long. The scans also show something that is going to be a problem, and not just the odd body changes you have; your body has far more iron than it should, and you must have been collecting it from the red meats you have eaten. When your horn repaired itself, it used the internal Cloud links and the extra iron to make improvements.”
The medical Mind then called someone over, and Alyce was pleased to see it was Pink.
“Now, this affects both of you, so try and listen carefully. If you have questions, then leave them until I have finished. Sometime in the past year, an Ice linking spell was cast on you, which is a common spell used by Colds and sometimes on non-Colds as a temporary link to bring on faster development: a stupid spell that some of the less-intelligent Moas like to cast about without thinking of the consequences.
It is normally harmless and temporary but should never be used without a full medical scan first, which in your case would have shown the danger in using it as one of those linked is already internally linked. Alyce, you would appear to be a small Cloud to the spell, and so instead of a temporary link, the spell would try and add a member to your Cloud group. That is what you two are: a very unstable Cloud. Any questions?”
Alyce looked to Pink and opened her mouth, but before she could say anything Pink started talking.
“We suspected that for some reason we had taken on Cloud-like tendencies but thought it was only due to being similar elements working close together. Could someone have cast the spell without us noticing, as we would never have done such a thing without Academy permission?”
Alyce closed her mouth and let Pink do all the talking. It always took her by surprise the way her friend could change when talking to different Moas.
“Yes, that is quite possible and is not a current concern. It is, of course, magic well beyond your ability, so there will be no disciplinary action against either of you. However, it is not designed for your race and will be unstable, so we will have to cancel the spell.”
“I am free at the moment, so right now will be the best time. If no action is taken, then the link may in time kill you both, and more likely everyone who is standing too close at the time. Before you ask, there are three possible outcomes. One, the link will be destroyed, and you can then operate as a normal team of two. Two, a more stable link will form, which is unlikely but possible as once a Cloud is formed it does not like to lose members. Three, the shock of separation will kill one or both of you, but that is not the outcome I wish to have, so we shall all hope for the best! Now, follow me, both of you!”
As they followed, Pink gave Alyce a look that said, Don’t cause problems! She wrapped her tail around Alyce’s tail and added some pressure as they walked, meaning she was not happy and also wanted comfort, or she was offering Alyce comfort. Whichever way it was intended, Alyce was happy to have the touch of it.
Alyce mostly tried to treat all Moas the same: always with respect and sometimes fear. Pink had a real fear of Minds, but then, Alyce conceded, all students did. Neither of them knew the rank of this one, but that did not matter with Minds, as they never cared about ranks themselves. Why should they, as anyone not a Mind was naturally below them?
They followed the Mind as she walked down several corridors and collected two Lights, who fell in behind them. They also wore the same coveralls. Alyce was feeling better. Her headache had now gone, and the only thing left to remind her of what had happened earlier was the smell of burnt cabbage. It still covered her and meant she would have to take a horrid sand bath before sleeping, as even Dyson would not get near her smelling like she did.
What they were currently doing was not that alien to her, as it reminded her of Earth medical centers. Lights would be doctors, nurses, or interns, and the Mind acted like a consultant or surgeon. As for herself and Pink, well, they were patients but probably the sort that did not have the correct medical insurance.
At the end of the last corridor, which was a dead end, the two Lights stepped forward, and a door appeared. After the last lecture on magic doors, Alyce no longer knew if it was just a door that was hidden by light bending or a portal door hidden by light bending. She really hoped that it was the former, as portals worked like some sci-fi teleport device along the same lines as the magic mirror that had brought her here. Now she knew how they worked, and more importantly, how they could go wrong and end up thinly sprea
ding her across the landscape like a hot sauce.
The Lights did not enter, which did not give Alyce any more confidence regarding their safety, but the Mind did so they had to follow. Alyce still closed her eyes as she went through, which did nothing for safety but instead caused her to bump into the Mind, who had stopped on the other side. She received a dirty look from her as she apologized.
She was cold: very cold. As a Fire Demon, it was not a good sign. Her body automatically covered itself with tiny flames, and as soon as it did Pink grabbed hold of her to share the heat. The little flames danced off her and along Pink’s arms, and then Alyce saw the look the Mind was giving them.
“Sorry! I should have asked, but I kind of do it without thinking.”
The Mind had a shield of heat around her to keep herself warm. Alyce knew that these shields were invisible to most viewers, but because she was a Heat she could see it. The Mind seemed more interested in how the flames moved from a Heat onto an Electric’s body as if they were sisters.
“It is a normal body function for you, so no need to apologize; just keep the flame size down to a low setting.”
But by now Alyce was not listening, as they were outside in an area that must have been the size of a football stadium. She saw what she could only think of as a vision of Narnia when ruled by the snow queen, and it was beautiful. She could not stop herself saying so out loud, and then both Pink and the Mind were now looking at her, forcing her to continue.
“Er, well, it looks so beautiful with the Ice carvings and the way everything sparkles, giving a rainbow of colors. I just wish I had a camera.”
The Mind tried to see what the girl with the head injury was seeing. All she could see was a Cloud of stupid Colds doing some sort of outdoor exam, possibly showing their ability to manipulate Ice particles into various shapes and forms. She thought that they would get points for structure and density, but beautiful?
She looked harder and yes, the angles in the structures produced an interesting array of light refraction. The angles were random, but the effect was pleasing as it showed that order could be found in chaos. She looked back at the Battery/Heat and wondered if she should do another head scan on her or if it was simply the radiation spectrum that interested her, as her Battery side must somehow tune into it to draw power. Yes, she was correct; this would make an excellent paper on duality. And maybe, just maybe, they could be of use to her real reason for being here. Having gotten all that sorted out, she looked back to the Ice Cloud and summoned the Cloud leader to her.
“Yes, yes, all very pretty, I’m sure! And if Ice sculptures would help us win a war, then you will all be heroes. Now, leave here, and tell your judicator that I have said you have passed this exam, or whatever it is, with full points. If someone is stupid enough to set art classes as part of the exam, I see no reason why you should not have maximum points for landscape design. If you are still within sight when I start to set fire to this area, I will not be able to vouch for your safety.”
As there was no movement from what must have been a high-level Ice Cloud member, the Mind looked straight at the lead member.
“Now, please don’t bother trying to think about it for too long, as it was a very long sentence. To make it simple, that was a warning that unless you all run away very fast, you will all be dead… NOW GO!”
Alyce saw a passing look of contempt on the Mind’s face, and then it was back to its normal emotionless state. As the high-ranking Ice Maidens ran off towards the entrance, barely slowing down to grab piles of clothing as they went, she knew what had been different. They were wearing frost: no clothing but a self-created layer of frost. The Cloud leader’s skin had a tint of blue to it. It did not take them long to run off, and as they did the Ice sculptures began to evaporate. Pink kicked her hard on the leg and whispered.
“Shut up and stop acting weird again, or you will get us both culled!”
They moved to the middle of the stadium, and Alyce thought it was a pity that the Ice melted so fast. She also wondered what it really was, as water would have left behind puddles. It was a strange thought, as at the same time it made her sick to think of water. Maybe being a lover of Ice sculpture was not a good idea if you were a Fire Demon, as she knew a comment like being sick over artwork was not normal criticism for a work of art.
The Mind turned to Pink and took hold of her arm then did the same to Alyce.
“It is at these points the spell links you together. What I am now doing is making the link weak and brittle, but you will have to snap it yourself. I will move well out of the way, and when I give you the signal, you are to both run in opposite directions. Ignore any feelings of being held back. You will know when to stop, as when it snaps and cancels out, you will feel it.”
Alyce still had Fire rippling over her body, but as soon as she stopped touching Pink hers faded to be replaced by little sparks as her body was trying to warm her skin.
“Do you think this is a good idea?”
Pink looked around and replied.
“No, just look at how rough the ground is. I am sure to have blisters before I have gotten half way across it. But that is what a Mind wants, and you know how they always have their way.”
Alyce inwardly sighed and thought that was not what she had been thinking. Forget blisters; she was more worried about the third possibility of death of one or both of them in this dangerous tug of war.
When she had reached a safe distance, which she considered the Academy entrance, the Mind set up a selection of shields and anchored them in place around her. She suspected she was being too careful, but that was the correct procedure so it was what had to be done. A heat shield plus one that would ground electrical current with a blast shield to finish off would make her safe unless a mountain dropped on her.
After she had determined that she was fully prepared, she sent a command that took both girls by surprise, as out of thin air the words, “You may now start!” could be heard.
With a quick touch of tails for comfort, they both turned and as one started to run.
As soon as they began, Alyce knew that if the invisible binding spell did not stop her before it snapped, then her lungs plus lack of running skills would. The constant daily training she had received here gave her the ability to kick like a mule, but as far as she could remember, this was the first time she had had to run anywhere in her present body.
Even when human, the only running she had done was for a bus, and she was so bad at that she always missed it. It had never even occurred to her to imagine being a Fire Demon and having to run anywhere for any reason, as you were always warned that as soon as you turned your back on an opponent, that would be the time you died.
While this was still going through her mind, along with the idea that a slow trot may work just as well as a flat-out run, it happened. As happenings go, it was kind of disappointing. She almost fell over as something like an invisible cord that had been slowing her down snapped.
She stopped and looked back to see that Pink had also stopped running. By the way she was leaning forward holding onto her knees for support, Alyce surmised that she would also not make a good Olympic runner.
So that was it; nothing happened apart from an overwhelming feeling of sadness and pain followed by fear and worry. She saw that Pink was now lying flat out on the ground, and with unknown extra amount of un-summoned strength, she ran to her and knelt over her unmoving form.
Smoking Hot: (29)
A whole kaleidoscope of emotions now became available, and the one that forced itself forward was anger: a burning anger that first took form as a Cloud of blackness that surrounded her and grew and grew, looking for anything to blame for this pain. Through her the Cloud looked about and saw a shielded form. It removed the shield with several loud explosions of dissipating magic, leaving a large hole in the ground where the shielded creature had been.
The Cloud did not know what it had removed as it did not think; it just was. If it could have thought,
it would have cared even less. The whole stadium was burning from the aftermath of the Fire strike it had sent, and now it looked for anything else living to destroy. Content that it was now alone, it lifted the prone body of Pink into the air and surrounded it in a living flame. There was then a bright flash of energy, which made Pink’s body shudder two or three times.
Alyce’s heart missed a beat when she saw her friend’s eyes blink open. She could now feel a difference in the Cloud, and with a deafening clash of thunder her body slowly settled back to the ground. The black Cloud condensed until it vanished from sight.
Pink began to stand and tried to say something, but before she could speak her friend embraced her. For a few moments neither of them moved, and then Pink leaned slightly to one side of her friend and vomited violently, losing whatever was still in her stomach from her previous meal. When she finished, she carried on with what she had planned to say.
“I was going to say I feel very sick, er, but I think you may have guessed that, so I will make a statement instead, and here it is. Never, and I mean never, ever, never, will I ever try that again. I almost died for trying that crazy Mind’s idea, and you are to remind me of this every time I say we must do what a Mind says: frigging Minds and their ideas! Well, that one has made me feel like I was ripped apart and stuck back together again in the wrong order. It was a real waste of time, as nothing has changed. I can still feel that we are linked. Now, where has she gone, and why does the place look like we have been in a war?”
As they made their way to the entrance, which could now be now clearly seen due to a large smoking dent in the ground, Alyce tried to fill her in on all the things that had happened along with her suspicion that their Cloud did not like the idea of members wanting to leave.
The door swung open not so much to let them in but more to let a very excited Mind gush out at them.