The grass rolled back as the wind pushed against it. Above, the cries of birds rang through the clear blue sky. On the ground below, a loud roar shook the leaves from the trees. A manticore shot out of the bush, its leather wings flapping rapidly. It slid across the ground at great speeds before stopping short of slamming into a tree. Sharply turning its head, the creature growled at a nearby shrub.
From it shot a young man sporting a red vest. His blue hair bobbed as he leaped from the shrubbery, his sapphire eyes locked onto the hissing beast before him.
"Got you now,'' his voice dripped with confidence. A grin spread across his lips, showcasing large, bestial fangs.
"Okay, Manny. Be a good manticore and come take this tranquilizer.''
The manticore roared, its tail lashing out violently. This tactic did little to dissuade the young man, however. With a shrug, he drew from his back a golden-headed spear, twirling it before pointing the tip in Manny's direction.
"I tried to be nice.'' Flashing a grin, he charged the beast. The head of his spear clashed with a tall wall, colored a dark silver. He raised an eyebrow. What? Where did... oh right.
From behind, a feminine voice, accompanied by the sound of heavy panting, called out to him.
"Flash! I... I said wait up!''
He shrugged. "Sorry, Twilight. But, the whole `waiting' thing isn't really my deal.''
The young woman slapped her forehead with a gauntleted hand and groaned. I don't know why I try with him sometimes.
Another roar from Manny snapped her back to reality as she took a fighting stance, hand hovering over her sword.
"Flash, look. We can still salvage my old plan. I'm going to lift Manny off the ground. Afterward, you'll inject him with the tranquilizer. I'm going to need a few seconds, so I need you to keep Manny distracted. Okay?''
Flash nodded. "Right. Distract Manny so you can lift him. Got it!''
She breathed a sigh of relief. "Alright, then. Make sure his eyes are on you for the next few seco-''
Not sparing another moment, Flash shot at Manny with inhuman speed, grinning like a madman.
Twilight pinched the bridge of her eyes, shaking her head. At least he's sticking to the plan.
Manny locked his eyes on the yellow blur charging him, brushing his front leg backwards against the ground. Flash made a sharp left, Manny's head followed. Flash then pulled to the right and made another hard left, his grin not faltering for a moment. He circled Manny with his uniquely impressive speed, earning a hiss from the manticore.
"Hey, what's wrong, Manny? Gettin' dizzy?'' Flash taunted. He lightly tugged the beast's tail, further angering him.
Twilight watched as her partner antagonized the manticore. In most cases, she'd reprimand him for his unprofessional behavior, and was considering doing so later, but it served its purpose in buying her time to prepare.
Hand glowing a faint purple, she thrust it into the direction of Manny. "Rise!'' The manticore felt his paws lose purchase on the dirt as he was lifted off the ground. With the manticore now airborne, Flash ceased his movements. His grin growing wider, he slowly paraded over to the helpless beast.
"Too bad, Manny,'' Flash chuckled as he petted the manticore's red mane, earning himself a growl. "You should have been a good boy and come quietly, you'd be on the ground still and not about to get a shot of tranquilizer.''
A strained groan came from Twilight. "Flash! Stop teasing and get on with it"
The teen cocked a brow. "Come on, Twi. What's the rush? You've got Manny, and he's not going anywhere!''
Twilight's brows lowered, gritting her teeth at his arrogance. "You do realize I can't hold him forever, right?!''
"Yeah, yeah.'' Flash shrugged, digging in the pocket of his vest. He pulled out a syringe filled with a green substance, carefully pushed the needle into Manny's thigh, and pressed the plunger. Manny howled, swiping at Flash, who dodged the claw at the last second.
"Whoa! Easy!'' Flash growled, glaring at the manticore.
Manny's body began to slow down, his flapping wings decreasing speed, tail falling limp and eyelids becoming heavier.Within seconds, Manny was completely asleep. Twilight carefully lowered him to the ground. She panted heavily as the aura disappeared, her legs trembling like a fat man after a race. Flash placed both hands under Manny's belly, clumsily hoisting him over his shoulders.
With the snoozing beast in hand, he walked towards his exhausted friend.
"You alright?''
She nodded. "Y-yeah. Just drained slightly. Plus, this heat isn't doing me any wonders,'' she wheezed, wiping sweat from her forehead.
"Well, maybe you need to get out more, partner. A little tan never hurt,'' Flash said with a grin. Twilight stared at him blankly before rolling her eyes.
"Flash, if I get even the slightest tan, I'll look like burnt toast.'' Lifting her head, she inspected the beast briefly. "Are you going to be alright with carrying him?''
"Well, unless he gains an additional twenty tons before we get to the cart I should be fine,'' Flash joked. Twilight sighed slightly.
"Still at least it's over now. Although,'' Twilight cupped her chin, turning her back to Flash, "this would have been much easier if we had brought a Beast Tamer with us.''
Flash tensed up, legs shaking. "Y-yeah, well neither of us knows a Beast Tamer, so it couldn't be helped.''
Twilight turned back to him, brow raised. "What was that?''
"What was what?'' Flash's eyes darted back and forth, desperate to avoid the inquisitive gaze of the shorter girl.
"Are you okay?''
Flash nodded rapidly, "Yes! I'm fine! Let's get back to the school!'' Without another word, Flash sprinted past Twilight.
Twilight merely watched as he ran by, a look of pure confusion painted on her face. Had she not been exhausted, she would have pressed him further.
"I don't have the strength for another fight.'' Shrugging it off, for the time being, she followed Flash out of the forest.
xXx
Resting at the foot of a mountain side sat a white castle with golden arches framed over the main gate, it's tallest tower facing the rising sun. At the back of the castle, a spire rose to the sky, various shades of purple and gold paint twisting up it. Several sun insignias covered the castle, most perched on the very tops of the many towers.
Twilight and Flash descended from down the hill towards the front gate. Up ahead, a small gathering of people circled someone they couldn't quite see. Despite the duo being some feet away, the words flew into Flash's ears clearly
"Aubade Academia is nothing but a hive of evil and filth!'' a man's voice screeched. He stood before of a shoddily put together table, numerous fliers scattered haphazardly across its top. His shirt was as white as falling snow, contrasted by his dark pants and matching tie. A pair of brown eyes peered from under neatly combed hair.
He scratched at the light stubble on his chin before continuing. "Why should we take Celestia?s word for it? We warred with those animalistic freaks for decades. Even their abominable offspring, those half-Daemons, are dangerous! They have magic humans can't use, they're the horrors in our stories, the nightmares that haunt us in our sleep. No one is safe from those things. Our children aren't safe!"
The man's ranting spurred several mutters within the crowd. Flash did his best to ignore him as he and Twilight passed by. Sadly, their attempt at discretion was doomed to fail. Out of his eye's corner, the man saw them walk towards to gate. His jaw set in a stern, grim line.
"You!'' he shouted, jabbing a finger at Flash.
Flash cocked a brow. "Me what?''
"You! You're... you're-''
"Leaving now.'' Flash spared the man no further time as he and Twilight continued on their way.
"Those eyes... Those slit pupils.'' Veins bulging, he thrust his arm in the direction of the retreating teens.
"He's one of them. He's a half-Daemon!'' All eyes soon became locked on Flash. The crowd exploded with gasps and whispers. The multiple gazes pierced Flash like a hailstorm of spears. He clenched his fist and snarled his lip as his eyes flickered red. A low growl rumbled in his throat.
Twilight looked at her friend, concerned by his aggression. Hastily, she took his hand into her own. "Calm down Flash. They aren't worth it.'' Twilight's voice was stern, yet soft. She knew her usual tone would have escalated the situation, not end it, but prayed her voice could least temper his fury somewhat.
It did not.
Releasing his hand from the cart handles, he pulled away from Twilight and walked back towards the man. For a brief moment, as Flash turned away from her, she caught a glimpse of his eyes. The sight of his normally sapphire blue eyes colored a deep crimson sent a chill down her spine.
Oh no. Nonononononno! Twilight's mind raced as she followed Flash.
Flash locked his gaze solely on the shouting man, still ranting and raving. Much of the crowd had already left, either tired of his ranting or scared of Flash himself.
He walked up to the chatterbox of a human, trying not to grind his teeth.
The man squeaked as he noticed Flash's approach, but glared at him as soon as he came within arm's reach. His frown grew harsher as a sigh of annoyance escaped his mouth.
"What do you want, half-breed?'' he spat.
Flash rolled his eyes. "Why are you here?''
The man cocked a brow ever so slightly. "What do you mean?''
"Why. Are. You. Here? In front of the school. Spewing your bullshit.''
He snorted. "I'm educating the populace on the dangers of your kind, boy! It's well known that Daemons are incredibly dangerous and unpredictable."
"Humans are just as dangerous.'' Flash countered, gritting his teeth.
He grinned. "Hah! We don't have anywhere near the kind of destructive power you monsters possess.''
Flash let slip another growl.
The man's smile dropped as glared. "You can't do anything to me. I've done nothing wrong and I'm free to voice my opinion!''
"Then do it somewhere else. Away from here. Far away.'' Flash's voice dripped with venom and hostility. It took every ounce of will he had to keep himself from punching the barking fool a good ten miles into the air. It doesn't matter how frustrating he is, I can't hurt him. Even if I want to...
He sneered at Flash, grunting in disgust. "How typical. I try to get the truth out about Aubade Academia, and Celestia sends out her pet monster to shut me down. Not only are you an unnatural abomination, but you're a puppet as well!''
Something broke within Flash's mind as he heard the words. His vision become blurred with a blood-red haze, his nostrils flaring. Growling monstrously he balled his hand into a tight fist, his knuckles turning white as they popped from the exertion.
A pair of hands rested on Flash's chest. Tilting his head down, his ruby-shaded cat?s eyes furiously shook, staring into a pair of violet ones. "Flash,'' Twilight began, speaking softly, slowly. "I understand you're angry, but you can't hurt him.'' She turned her head to shoot a frown at the source of Flash's anger. "No matter how annoying he is.''
Flash continued to growl, staring at the man who shook with the fear of an impending assault. With great difficulty, he shifted his sight back to Twilight, who bore a frown of concern and anger. He jerked his upper body forward, letting out a snarl as he gnashed his teeth, but kept his feet firmly rooted to their spot.
"You see? What did I tell you?!'' the man shouted victoriously, grinning like a fool. But his words were met with silence. Turning back, he saw that the last remnants of the crowd had departed. He looked on, jaw slack. With nothing else to do, he huffed and began to clear his table of flyers, stuffing them into his pockets before walking down the street with his shoulders hunched.
Flash sent one final piercing glare before turning to an equally relieved Twilight.
"...Sorry. You didn't need to see that.'' Flash spoke softly, avoiding eye contact.
She slapped his arm in anger. "It's a good thing I did! Do you know what would have happened if you followed through on that?"
"Gotten suspended, if not expelled, lost my Hunter's license and probably been arrested,'' he stated casually.
"You are far too calm about this!'' Twilight shouted, hands balled into fists. "Your whole future could have ended right then and there just because you let your anger get the better of you.'' Despite the fury in her tone, Flash could pick up a small hint of sadness and fear.
"Sorry,'' was all he could say.
Twilight sighed as she returned to the still sleeping Manny. "Come on. Let's complete the mission.'' Nodding, he followed Twilight, picking Manny up.
The duo stood before the enormous gates of the castle. Above the two great doors were the words "Aubade Academia'' in faux gold leaf. Twilight created a small orb of violet energy and pushed it into a slot on the gate's front. The large wooden doors creaked as they opened. Upon entering, they were greeted with five purple and gold buildings. Two were on the right side while the other two sat on the left and a large central building faced them in the middle.
Within the walls of Aubade Academia people, both students and staff composed of humans, Daemons and half-Daemons, moved about the courtyard. Some walked at a steady pace, some dashed like madmen in random directions, and some were on their way to the cafeteria in hopes of a hot meal. Others sat and spoke with friends, or meditated in near silence. Many students, however, crowded around an enormous wooden board with hundreds of different papers scattered about. Various murmurs of excitement, regret, and annoyance could be heard from it
"Dammit! Someone already snatched that D-rank mission!'' one voice shouted.
"Oh, this one seems neat!''
"Yeah, but it's a C-rank, it's over our heads.''
"What? Lame!''
Flash and Twilight headed towards the central building, passing by several students on the way. A few noticed the pair and greeted with a short wave or a hi, which they returned.
Twilight stole several glances from Flash, noticing his eyes were still a deep red. She wanted to speak out but struggled to find the right words. He's still furious. I need to pick my words carefully. Taking a deep breath, she stood tall and turned to face him.
"Flash, do you need to talk about what happened?''
The half-Daemon said nothing, his gaze locked on something up ahead. A marble statue of a horse, a mirror resting within its lower frame. First trembling, breathing becoming harsher as he approached, his fist rose and struck the mirror. Cracks spread throughout it. The sound of breaking glass echoed throughout the courtyard. Students soon crowded the statue, whispers, and mumbles quickly followed suit.
Twilight's jaw hit the floor in total shock. "W-w-what did you do?!''
His eyes returning to the normal sapphire color, he blinked at the now shattered mirror.
"...Dammit,'' Flash swore under his breath. Twilight quickly grabbed Flash's hand and led him to the main building. Brows furrowed, she angrily glared at her partner
"Flash, why? Why did you break the mirror?!''
"I'm sorry. I... I couldn't see anything but red.'' Flash's head hung low.
Twilight sighed. "I understand Flash. But, we can't let this pass. We need to go to the guard office.''
A groan flew from his mouth. "Do we have to? I already know what Caboose is going to say.''
"It's going to happen sooner or later. Besides, your punishment may not be as harsh if you willingly go to him about it.''
Having no other rebuttal, Flash nodded bitterly. "Yeah. Okay.''
Rushing into the main building, the two of them continued down the elegant hallway. It was longer than a football field, though couldn?t have been more than twenty feet wide. A soft, cream-hued carpet covered the floor, and despite the heavy traffic, it remained meticulously clean. Spaced at regular intervals were marble columns thicker than ancient oaks, covered in veins of gold that seemed to stretch upwards like inverted streaks of lightning towards the vaulted ceiling. Portraits of past teachers and students ringed their bases.
Five doors lined each wall, all bearing the stylized name of a teacher in a brilliant silver paint. On every window into a classroom was the school's blazing sunset in orange, peach and yellow stained glass.
Between each door stood full-sized steel lockers painted to look like cherry wood. Halfway down the hall were a set of staircases on either side, the same marble as the columns. Massive steps angled both up and down, and wide enough for ten students to march at arm's length with ample room.
"So, you wanna head to the guard's office or-''
"We're dropping Manny off first,'' Twilight stated plainly.
"Pretty sure we'd be able to get more done if we split up,'' Flash countered.
"Mostly likely. However, if the tranquilizer were to wear off, we'd have to pacify Manny. Again. And without a tranquilizer this time.''
"And you'd have a stroke if we did something that went against your list, right?'' Flash chuckled. Twilight huffed, turning towards the hybrid and following beside him.
xXx
The two stood in front of a large, open field, inhabited by various creatures of all sizes. Part of it was covered with grass, trees, and shrubbery, another part resembled a desert, and the third had most of its space dedicated to a large lake.
A woman stood in its center, appearing to be in her early twenties and sporting long blue hair. She fed a three-headed beast with scraps of jerky, smiling lightly.
"There ya go, Eddie,'' she smiled brightly.
"Hey, Master Jasmine!'' Flash shouted. Perking her head up, she turned to find the pair and a, thankfully, still sleeping Manny.
Jasmine beamed at the sight, her red eyes flashing brightly. She dashed towards them with monstrous speed. Flash had little time to react as Jasmine leaped over the circular wall, landing in front of them with the elegance and grace of a deer.
"Yooo! Kitty-Kat and Bookworm! How ya doin'?'' Jasmine flashed a grin at the two, her shaggy, blue tail wagging with joy.
"Fine, Master,'' Twilight said with a bow.
"Could you please not call me that?!'' Flash grumbled brows lowered.
"Aw, what's wrong? Don't like Kitty-Kat?'' Jasmine chuckled, ruffling the fuming hybrid's hair.
"Of course not! It' embarrassing!'' Flash huffed, turning away as to hide the redness on his cheeks.
Jasmine laughed. "So, is being super sensitive a Lion Daemon trait?''
Her comment was answered with a frustrated groan. A clearing of the throat alerted Jasmine to Twilight. Jasmine turned to the second girl, her grin unwavering.
"So, how have you both been? I see Kitty-Kat hasn't driven you batty yet.''
"We've been doing well, Master Jasmine. Thank you for asking,'' Twilight replied hastily.
Jasmine cocked a brow. "Something wrong?''
"No, it's nothing, really. Just... thinking,'' Twilight said awkwardly, eyes locked on the ground. Jasmine flung an arm around Twilight's shoulder, pulling her close.
"Hey, hey. No need to be so uptight. Relax.'' Jasmine's grin was warm and inviting. It put Twilight's mind at ease somewhat.
"Now, tell big sis Jas what's wrong?''
"Big sis?'' Flash comment, adding a slight chuckle. Suddenly, something struck in the back of his head with impressive speed and force, causing him to stagger briefly. Sharply turning back, he growled at the grinning older woman.
"So, what's up?''
Sighing, Twilight faced the elder Hunter. "On our way back, there was a man at the front gate, saying various... things about Daemons and the school.''
A groan of exasperation exited Jasmine's mouth. "White Collar. Ain't the first time he's pulled this BS, either.''
"He's done this before?'' Twilight questioned.
Jasmine nodded. "He's been pulling this for a few years now. Before I was hired, apparently.'' Jasmine folded her arms, moving to Flash. She gestured for him to place Manny down, which he did.
"I'm sure Celestia or someone else told you not to give guys like him the time of day, right?''
Twilight nodded. "Yes. However...''
"However, what?'' Jasmine asked as she pulled out a large comb and began to sliding it through Manny's dark red mane.
"Some of his words... got to Flash and...'' Twilight looked away, rubbing her arm. Flash folded both arms, growling softly.
"I almost took his damn head off.''
"Ah. I get ya. So, Bookworm is confused about what to do, yeah?'' Jasmine asked, her gaze not leaving Manny's form.
"Somewhat. I do plan on reporting White Collar, but I'm more worried for Flash. He didn't strike him, just frightened the man at most, but-''
"But?"
"He took his aggression out on the statue.''
Jasmine sucked in a sharp breath. "Hooo-boy. That's bad. Really bad.''
She nodded again. "Yeah.''
"Well, since Kitty Kat didn't hurt him, he should be fine,'' Jasmine answered coolly.
"R-really?!'' Flash and Twilight exclaimed.
"Yep. Sadly, I can't say much about the mirror sitch. You're gonna have to talk with Caboose about that.''
Flash grunted, tossing his arms into the air. "Great.''
"Hey, hey. Don't be like that. I'm sure Caboose will go easy on ya!'' Jasmine flashed a reassuring smile. Her smile had no effect on the Hunter's mood.
"Okay, look. I shouldn't be saying this, but while I don't really support you spooking folks, even obnoxious tools like White Collar, I'd be lying if I said it wasn't deserved.'' Jasmine turned and gave them a thumbs up, which brought a grin to Flash's face.
A sluggish moan drew their attention to the manticore. His eyes blinked owlishly before a deep rumble escaped his yawning jaw. Flash chuckled as his bones vibrated. "Mornin' Manny!'' Jasmine greeted the manticore with a hug, cuddling him. "I can handle him for the moment. Y'all go tell Teddie about the mission, kay?'' After a nod from Twilight and a grunt from Flash, they left the room, Jasmine waving at their departure.
xXx
The silence between them stifled any attempts at conversation as they walked to Teddy Safari's classroom. Twilight shot a quick glance towards her partner, his gaze firmly locked on the marble tiles one step ahead of him. She had noticed his mood shift slightly after they had tranquilized Manny, but thought little of it then. After their encounter with White Collar, however, Flash's demeanor had changed drastically.
And it baffled her.
Flash had encountered people like White Collar in the past and usually met their comments with a snarl and a terrifying glare. However, this was different.
He looked like he was out for blood. Twilight shuddered at the memory. In the two years, they had been partners, she'd only seen him come close to that level of anger once. It worried her back then, as it did now.
I need to get an answer. Even if the means we end up arguing. Sighing, Twilight stopped and turned to her friend. "Flash?''
Flash's head snapped up, his mind clearly elsewhere. "Hm?''
"Do... do you mind if I ask you something?''
Flash shook his head. "No. What's up?''
"I just wanted to know why White Collar's comments got to you like that. I mean, you've dealt with people like him before and none of them ever set you off like that.''
Flash rubbed the back of his head, struggling to find a reply. "I... I'm not really sure. I guess that jackass just pushed the wrong buttons, plus with the mission and... something else, I just snapped,'' he growled, fist trembling.
Twilight's brow rose. Something else? What does he mean? She began to speak, before stopping. That's something we can deal with later. Focus on the matter at hand.
"I guess it's just annoying, you know?'' Flash shifted his gaze towards the ceiling, eyes heavy with sadness. "No matter how much good I do, there are still people who look at me like... that. They don't see Flash Sentry, they just see a half-breed. A Daemon... A monster.''
Twilight placed a hand on his shoulder followed with a comforting smile. "Well, it's a good thing there are those who can see `Flash Sentry.'''
Her words brought a small smile to his lips. "Thanks, partner.''
"Of course. We should try and help each other when one of is in trouble, right?'' Twilight returned his smile with one of her own.
Flash nodded, pumping his fist in the air. "Right!''
"Hey, you two!'' a voice called from further up the hall. Running towards them was a middle-aged woman, her carrot-colored curls bouncing with her steps. As she got close, a student flew by over her head, leaving a strong breeze in his wake. Her hands quickly shot up to grab the pith helmet she wore, lest it reveal her disheveled hair beneath.
"Good afternoon, Master Safari.'' Twilight bowed with Flash giving a small wave.
"Glad I found you two. I had some time before my next class, so I wanted to see if you got back! Looks like I got my answer.'' Safari beamed. "Thanks again for taking the mission, kids. I'll have your payment for ya tomorrow.''
"Thank you for your patronage, Master,'' Twilight said.
"Mm. Kay. Well, we need to go hit up the guard office, so-''
"Actually...'' Safari interrupted, chuckling awkwardly. "I was wondering if you could help me out with a little something.''
"Um... Okay. Sure what do you need from us?''
"Well, I only need Flash's help.'' The statement caused the duo to stare at Safari, then each other, then back to Safari. Twilight raised a brow nearly into her hairline as Flash cocked his head. Twilight cleared her throat and spoke.
"Um...if you don't mind me asking...''
"Why do you only need me?'' Flash asked bluntly. Another awkward giggle left Safar's mouth. "Well...''
