TRXAcero

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Close Encounter Of The Fairy Kind

 

And there goes another one... That is the fourth one...

 

Lately, one does not hear as oftenly of UFO sightings as it did happen back 30 years ago. You would expect that with the incredible advancement in technology and surveillance techniques of this day and age, UFO's would be more common even if they were hoaxes, but instead it seems as if the opossite has happened. With the increase in surveillance and technology it seems as if UFO sightings, hoaxes and claims, have been steadily decreasing all around the world.

Well, that's just the impression based on media reports and coverage. Now even science channels have changed the aproach to these phenomena. All you hear of these days is about ancient aliens and similar theories. You don't hear stories of people who saw weird lights on the sky or where people were intercepted or abducted by aliens.

Just now I saw one of the former and it really didn't seemed like atmospheric gases or balloons to me. It seemed as if they were trying to land or something and it was incredibly unnatural. But thinking about it I kind of understand why people wouldn't report it.

Nowadays it's so easy find a person that does such wild claims, that ridiculing them has become a must do almost in every town. If you dissapeared for a couple of days and then claimed you were abducted, you would be most likely treated as a case of kidnapping with emotional trauma and amnesia or something like that. Your claims would never be treated the way you expect, or even you yourself wouldn't believe it and would try to avoid the shame.

Anyway, it would have been great if I could have taken a photo for dad. He would surely be delighted to have something to talk about in the observatory, well other than his job though.

Now I really need to pace up. when I saw those lights I stood still for a good while and now there's not even a single sign of sunlight. I really need to go back and study. Even if I'm not going to to school the rest of the year I still need to take exams to amend it. At least I don't have to use a skirt every day.

...
 

-shhh- shhh- shhh-

 

Dammit... this is not good at all. I shouldn't have stayed so long watchig those stupid lights. This place has been so peaceful recently, I really never expected there to be a shooting. And to top it off, it seems to be in the way home... seems like I'll have to take a detour or wait till it ends.

 

Though it seems weird, the shots sound muffled but they feel off. It feels as if the sound is pretty near but comes from faraway... No, it's definetily near... Damn it, they're coming this way!

 

Not good, not good! Everywhere's closed around here this hour! It's too damn unconvenient I even have to go all the way inside the city since this people would close early and now I can't even take cover! Why isn't there a single damn bar in this place?!

 

Okay! Calm down, I just need to hide in an alleyway or... Alleyway! Lucky!

 

... It seems as they're still coming this way... but damn, it really is unsettling. Now that I hear them shoot so near, it feels as if they're using air guns... But they must be humongous! That's totally not a normal gun.

 

Well, for now, I'll just stay in this dark corner and-

 

-shhh- shhh- shhh-

 

What was...?

 

It was only at this moment that I realized that maybe... It wasn't a normal night. That everything until this moment was building into a pretty unlucky an unnatural situation.

 

As the speed of my thoughts rose to supersonic levels... I saw the figure of something I can only describe as...

 

"...Fai...ry...?"

 

A diminute girl with wings on her back crossed her eyes with mine as she flew by the dark alleyway.

 

"?!"

 

She had a pretty stern expression until she noticed me. Her skin was a clear color, almost white. Her black hair was tied with a big(comparatively) dark navy ribbon. Her outfit was very fairytale-like. It really couldn't be called anything else. She was a fairy.

 

"!"

It seemed as if she wanted to tell me something. Her shocke... Wait, what about the shooting?

-shhh- shhh- shhh-

"Dammit!"

As I was suddenly brought back to reality, I realized that I wasn't shocked at the fairy that was now flying in front of me. I was shocked that the shooting had already reached the street were I was and now they were shooting my way. Don't tell me they're after the fairy?

 

-shhh- shhh- shhh-

As they kept shooting, fear overcame me and I did what was logic... I catched up to the fairy, I grabbed her and ran as fast as I could!

... It wasn't until later that I realized that I didn't need to take the fairy with me.

 

Well, she really seemed to dislike being carried like a doll but there's not many ways one can hold someone so small. At the very least she's not cursing me or something...

 

I ran out of the alleyway and inmediately made my way to a nearby park. This people... the guys following us seem to still be coming, so I gues I was right, they really were after the fairy. Damn, I was just joking! No one should have taken that seriously!

 

-shhh- shhh- shhh-

 

And they keep on shooting! Still, it seems like they are trying to avoid shooting too much now that I'm here. Just who the hell are this people?!

 

Dark brown and grey outfits, visors, staffs and tails... What have I gotten myself into? If I were to call them something, they're military operation lizards!

 

“!!!”

 

The fairy keeps on shouting and trying to tell me something... Sorry, I don't understand a word of what you're saying. I hardly hear you from here you know.

 

-shhh- shhh-

 

UGHH!

 

Damn, that last shot grazed my arm... Why do they keep on aiming for my limbs? Are they sadists or something? It really doesn't hurt but it felt as if I touched naked electric wires... Now that I think about it, they're not using guns... they're shooting with those weird staffs!

 

“They're not military lizards! They're mage military lizards!”

 

As I shouted my mind, I finally reached the park and I can see woods from here. Perfect, this was my playground when I was a kid I know a thing or two that can help me.

 

-shhh- shhh- shhh-

 

They may be lizards but they are damn slow, I gained some distance already. Now is my chance to-

 

-shhh-

 

“ARGGHH! My leg! You sadistic bastards, you're gonna pay for this!”

 

I lost my balance and let the fairy go.

 

“Run!”

 

That's right! Run away. Get out of here inmediately! I know you're not running but flying. But stilll, run away!

 

I kept on running even with my leg numbed by the electric feeling. That's the only thing I can do right now. I understand it, this guys weapons are not guns but staffs. That means they're mages and they may have more tricks on reserve if I try to fight back.

 

I cannot simply charge at them and dodge bullets, what if they suddenly shot a net or something? I'd be cornered. At the very least, I need to have the field advantage. But with my leg like this, even running away seems very unlikely.

 

What bothers me the most right now is... Why isn't she going away?

 

“!?”

 

She sticked to me and keeps on shouting something in a voice I don't understand.

 

“Stop shouting and go away!”

 

I shouted back at her. It seems, she's now worried about me. Making a concerned look like that, it seems pretty obvious she's worried I was shot twice already. No joking, the numbing is making me want to drop on the soil already.

 

“!!!”

 

What the...? She shouted something as she pointed her palms at me and a light flashed gently at me. Now the numbing is gone... She used magic on me!

 

“Now that's something I understand!”

 

With this I can fight back! Inside the woods and with those guys still on our feet, it doesn't seem they're going to do something crazy like jumping from tree to tree. They may look like lizards but they're not like lizards at all!

 

“!!!”

 

Why are you stopping, little one?! They still haven't caught up to us but the numbing gave them enough distance to start firing again. Why would you give them more advantage?

 

“!!!”

 

She's flailing her arm to me... she wants me to get way?

 

“Now's not the time for heroic acting! Follow me, you asshat!”

 

“!!!”

 

I don't understand what she's saying, but it seems she wants me to run away on my own... Her eyes... She's crying... Dammit, if I take a guess she feels guilty I was being hunted down for helping her and to top it, I was shot. Not once but twice...

 

“Suit yourself!”

 

I'll hide around here and see what happens.

 

Okay, need to find a good tree... Those lizards... they kept on shooting at my limbs when I was running away and those shots were actually quite good. Wasn't it because I've been shot many times before, I would have been an easy mark... And those stun rounds... or magic shots... dammit, this feels unreal all of a sudden.

 

“Though being so accustomed to being shot is more unreal...”

 

That one tree looks like a good spot. I'll stay there and confirm my suspects. Aside form their great aiming skill and shooting stuns, they kept all the noise to minimal possible. They shot with a pattern in order to not call too much attention... If so, it is probable I did a mistake trying to save her... Still... I want to see this through and pay them back for hitting my leg and arm.

 

There they come. Miss fairy over there is waiting for them patiently, she really meant to stay behind... I wonder what she thought when I left up earlier.

 

I can see them clearly from here. I wasn't able to observe them properly before, but they still look lizard-like. Though, it seems their faces are plain unlike lizards, more over, their build is weird. They seem somehow human while looking like lizards. Under their cloaks it would most likely be full of horns and scales with a spiky spine and a slender lizard tail... That's a lizardman, indeed.

 

There's four of them. One tall and bulky, two slender lizards and a short one. They're all carrying those weird staffs and the tall one and short one are carrying knifes as well... That staff looks like an axe... a pretty cool staff.

 

It looks like they're talking about something now. The bigger one came to the front and is making signs at miss fairy... I can't make heads or tails from that and I'm sure that I wouldn't be able to understand whatever they're saying.

 

It seems as if they're trying to convince miss fairy to go with them but she's profusely refusing to it... I was right, this guys... I should have allowed them to capture her from the beginning. As it stands, i'll just lea-

 

“!!!”

 

Damn, that asshole is making that face again! I had a hunch but now I confirmed everything. It's everything that asshat's fault!

 

“HAH!”

 

I quickly jumped out from my hiding and took the fairy again. Damn, she was about to hit them!

 

“If you're going to fight then I'll use this chance to pay them back!”

 

As I stated my intentions, I held her tight and took a stone from the ground...

 

“This is what I do when I have a need for Garrobo Soup!”

 

And I procceded to simply stone the bigger one's face.

 

“Grragh! You little!!!”

 

They all fell into confusion. I took the opportunity and hid in the dark and tupid woods... Did that lizard just say “you little”?

 

Nevertheless, now I'm miss fairy's accomplice. I'll release her this time since there's no need to run anymore.

 

“!!! !?”

 

She seems pretty heated and I still don't get what she's saying, hehe.

 

“Now hear me out. I know you don't understand what I'm saying, but I want to help you. We'll resolve this for good.”

 

I made some signs as I talked to make her understand a little. At the very least I want her to understand I'm not running way.

 

“...”

 

Her shoulders drooped and her eyes show resignation. Yeah! The idiot is credulous!

 

“Let's give it our all!” I'm gonna kick their asses!!!
 

As I shouted, I gave a quick glance towards the lizard troops. Even if they are able to see in the dark they shouldn't be able to find in this place... Is what should have happened but they're walking straight at us!

 

“Hey, girlie! You know, it's not good to throw stones at people!”

 

The big bulky one said as he approached us. They couldn't have found us so quickly. What's happening!?

 

“!!!”

 

Miss fairy tugged at my shirt and flailed her arms. No way around it, we have to withdraw.

 

As I prepared to run, miss fairy jumped out and held her hands out to the lizard troop. Inmediately, everything went blank.

 

“Say something if you're gonna use something like that!”

 

She tugged my shirt again and the both of us ran into the darkness.

 

“!”

 

She pointed at herself and made handsigns as we run. It seems like she's saying that they can follow her even in this place. That's not good. We can't hide nor ambush them like that.

 

“!”

 

She pointed at a nearby tree. We went behind it and she made more gestures. Okay, we stay here quietly. Now she's pointing her hands out... I know the drill by now, she's using magic.

 

“!”

 

As she said some weirds words, a warm wind filled the air in every direction from a nearby tree. I don't really know what she did but I understand her intention. This is a decoy.

 

“! ! !”

 

She repeated the same spell 3 more times and now the warm comes from everywhere. This is perfect we can hide now!

 

“!”

 

As soon as she catched her breath she held onto me and pointed me to run further away. Those decoys will surely slow them down, but it won't be enough to fool them. We have to come up with a way to knock them down if we want finish this. Be it either to escape or talk with them...

 

Miss fairy pointed to a clear and made some signs. I believe she wants me sit down.

 

“! ?”

 

“No, I don't get what you're saying.”

 

As I confidently denied her, her shoulders drooped again. This time she, instead of giving me a defeated look, her eyes looked straight at me and placing her hands on my face... Wait, is she enchanting me!?

 

“No, wait! What are you-!?”

 

A shock spread through my head with the sound of low zap. Miss fairy inmediately took her hands off. It seems she hurt herself.

 

“That's why I told you to wait.”

 

(Eh!?)

 

What was that... It sounded muffled but I heard a voice coming from somewhere.

 

(You understand me?)

 

I glanced over at miss fairy...

 

(You really understand me! Since the spell backfired I thought it failed!)

 

“What did you do?”

 

(I realized it was pointless to try and fight back if I was gonna keep on blinding you and stuff like before. You seemed pretty mad about it... So I created a mind link between us. Pretty useful, isn't it? We can even understand each other despite language!)

 

“So telepathy, huh?”

 

(Telepathy? Nevermind that. Would you tell me what kind of spells do you know? Yer aura is pretty big though you can conceal it alright.)

 

“Spells? This is the first time I see someone using something like that.”

 

(HUH?!)

 

-creak -

 

(Be quiet, miss. It is indeed nice we don't need to talk. That was just the tipical noises around here, but it could have been something else as well. It would be pretty awful if they found us out so soon. By the way-)

 

(What was that, you mean you never saw aura spells before?! Your aura is humongous and on top of it yer concealing it to bug size!!! How can someone do that without any spells?!)

 

(I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just repressing my presence. It has nothing to do with magic and whatnot! Anyway, who are you and where did you come from?)

 

(I am a researcher from Tara. My name is- wait you haven't explained me yet, where are we? What world did I end running to?!)

 

(Welcome to Earth, the land of boredom and violence! I don't know what you're talking about and arguing about this won't take us anywhere?)

 

(Earth? Like the olympians? Are you kidding me? This is a backwater world. This can't be Earth! Earth was the center of the Universe just a thousand years ago and is surrounded by countless stars so there is no night!)

 

What kind of nonsense is all this? She says she comes from Tara but I've only heard a similar name on games. And Earth has no night? Come on, we have no time to be talking bullshit!

 

(Yer pretty rude! Just to let you know I can hear all your thoughts!)

 

(And I'm the rude one? Where's my privacy? At the very least, do I hear all your thoughts as well?)

 

(You heard me already, so we are even.)

 

Well, that's that. This is pointless. We're not gonna beat em like this I mean. We have a brawler and a fairy. We really are on the short end if were talking about numbers and size.

 

(… When you say fairy you're refering to me?)

 

(You're displeased expression tells me you don't like it, do you?)

 

(Fairy was used as an insult back some centuries ago.)

 

(Does it matter now? Then tell me how should I call you.)

 

(Just call me Bowie. What about you?)

 

Lalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalala

 

(YES! JUST CALL ME AL!)

 

(… what was that about? Whatever, now what? If you really don't know how to use your aura were stuck with my theathrical spells.)

 

(Yes... I was planning on telling you... but aren't you tired?)

 

(Tired? Me? Why would I be tired? I have only been running for my life nonstop for almost 2 days now!)

 

(Yeah, since you're wings seemed to start dimming and you're losing altitude...)

 

(… What? You mean I wasn't imagining it?!)

 

(I would like to describe it in my mind but you're reading it.)

 

(This means... We already lost!!! And I even pulled that decoy out! When did I lose so much aura?!)

 

(If I may say... It's because of this right? This mental link. When you used it... you said it backfired, didn't you?)

 

(I see... yes, yer right... I miscalculated it. The spell I used connects our aura by using both of our -concepts of meaning-...)

 

(I don't know what you're talking about.)

 

(Exactly. You never used yer aura before, and you went even as far as saying that it was the first time you witnessed spells. You don't have a -concept of meaning- like a caster, so the spell forced it's way and ended using way more energy than it should have to compensate.)

 

(Sounds forced.)

 

(Don't! Now's not the time for jokes!)

 

(Sorry. So what will you do? I'm still going to try and kick their asses.)

 

(How brute! And even if you go and ambush them again, it won't work like it did before... You'll only going to get yourself shot again.)

 

(I really want to pay them back for shooting me. That's why I'm taking this risk. Also... the easiest way to clear all this mess is to beat them up.)

 

(...)

 

(Stop making that worried face, Bowie... Alright, I give it to you that I'm at a clear disvantage since they can just shot me down now that I'm attacking them. If I could use magic like you do, it would be easier. But, is not like you can teach me before they come. Can you?)

 

(Wait... maybe I can but... it would only help you to run away to safety.)

 

(… Seriously? I mean, I was just teasing you... but can you really teach me so quickly?)

 

(Since were connected by the link, it means that yer like a caster now. Or at least that's what I hope. And the only thing I can teach you is the fundaments and a blind spell. But still that would be way better than going out there to fight with yer bare hands.)

 

(I will be a mage! … I feel like I should be more excited, but I can't for some reason.)

 

(Don't worry and just follow my instructions.)

 

And so, she taught to me the two basic fundaments of aura spells. Skipping details and going directly for the practical usage, it all came down to two things: enchants and projection.

 

As Bowie explained me, I can imbue my aura into objects to change their properties temporarily or I can project it to create light or reach a faraway object. She says that every living thing has the talent for it, but only those who mastered the -concept of meaning- could cast spells and manipulate their aura.

 

(I see... so basically, it's abstract thinking to manipulate reality... It really is absurd.)

 

(What's absurd is your world. How come you don't know anyone who can use spells?)

 

(Let's leave that for later. You enchanted those trees before, right? How long before your aura fades?)

 

(If I'm not wrong, it already faded a moment ago. They should be on their way already.)

 

(How does that work? It holded them back for about 40 minutes. They should have been able to follow us just by ignoring the obvious decoy.)

 

(My race's specialty and my favorite type of spells are theathrical. Illusions and tricks have earned us fame around all worlds. If you can trick yer enemy to run aimlessly for days, there's no need for offensive spells.)

 

(And here you are, running away from a group of lizards.)

 

(Silence. Is already bad without you pointing it out.)

 

(Question: Can I enchant my own body?)

 

(Yes. It's the most basic form of barrier. But if you only loosen your aura and increase your hostility, you'll be able to ignore their stun spell. I don't want you to get hurt any further, Al. So please, don't be reckless. As soon as they come, just use the blind spell I taught you to run away.)

 

(Don't take me lightly. You're the one who has to be careful. You're almost out of aura, aren't you? I'm going to beat them until they bled their heart out.)

 

(How brute.)

 

Yeah, this is the moment. If I'm not wrong, this will go smoothly.

 

As soon as I dispatched Bowie to a further place, the link dissapeared. I believe it has to do with her aura running low or maybe there's a distance restriction of some kind. Nevertheless, I can freely think of ways to beat those lizards now. What should I do? Haha, I can't hide my excitement anymore. I won't conceal myself anymore. I'll loosen my aura a little to call them out here. I'll be easier to spot than Bowie like that.

 

Whatever may happen this time is my fault and my fault alone. With that said I'll untie this sloppy knot of misunderstandings.

 

“So, you're still helping her? Just bring her here so I can finish my job.”

 

The tall lizard speaks in an intimidating voice. He wants me to leave.

 

“You are pretty skilled so you may understand the situation better. Why do you keep on boicotting us then?”

 

“I don't really have a reason. I saw her and I wanted to help her. Nothing more than that... Oh yes, I forgot. You owe me a beating for shooting me.”

 

“It's no wise to hold grudges, human girl. We know that most humans are non-casters, but we saw you're aura earlier. It is small compared to ours, but you still hold more mettle than most casters. We won't be taken by petty tricks.”

 

Idiot. I'm not a mage. Can't you recognize a brawler when you see one?

 

“Say... I give you are a 2 or 3 star caster at most. We are all 4 and above, so just let us finish this already. We don't want to hurt you anymore than we already did.”

 

The shorter one spoke this time. As I thought, those two are the leaders. As it seems they're fed up with this, but they still won't come to simply attack a mere civilian. Giving how things paint, I really should just take their advice... but...

 

“You see, I'm just human.”

 

As I spoke, the two leaders grimaced. They already know what I'm about to say. Well, it's not like I'm hiding my intentions.

 

“And humans are after all, violent creatures who hold grudges for generations to come.”

 

That is the signal. Back when Bowie was teaching me how to use my aura, she planned a way for both of us to scape. Since I couldn't have possibly grasped the -concept of meaning- that she kept on hammering for almost 30 minutes. The plan was to use my enormous aura to create a powerful blinding light, the simplest form of aura. Spells are born from using the -concept of meaning- to bend reality to ones own will, meaning I'm unable to use spells at all right now. But...

 

“Prepare yourself, then!”

 

Since I already know how it feels to have my aura flowing... nothing stops me to try and use it the human way. By force.

 

“!”

 

They stopped talking with me and they're coming at me now. Perfect, it's time to try and fail some. First, compress my aura back into restraint size. Now, I have to make it flow over my skin and...

 

“!!!”

 

And withstand their shots!

 

Exactly as I expected, they kept using the same stun spell on me. They all shot on group. Seems like they really want to take me out as fast as possible... Poor idiots...

 

-fwssh -fwssh -fwssh -

 

The moment their shots hit me, they inmediately dispelled into light fumes... Awesome, it really is going the way I expected! Let's keep on experimenting! Now let's try some weight reduction and acceleration. Once more from the base, gather my aura and direct it to reduce gravity's effect and air resistance.

 

“Reahhh!!!”

 

“I don't know what you're doing but we won't let you finish! Just drop already!”

 

The short one seems to be a little too jumpy. I'll take him down first later. Now it's dodging time...

 

-shhh- shhh- shhh-

 

The moment they shot, I inmediately jumped to my right, but...

 

-thump- fwsssssssssh- drop- crash-

 

Ouch... It seems I miscalculated... I was planning on jumping at least two meters, instead gravity was not amused with my meddling... My body was way too light and instead of two meters I went flying six meters and lost my balance in midflight and finally fell flat on my face. It hurts indeed but still, this confirms that I can repel gravity with my aura. Although I'll have to remember to enhance my legs and body against another crash...

 

“W-what was that? Hey, girl, are you alright?”

 

“Boss, now's not the time for that.”

 

What a nice guy this big dude is, jaja. Wait...

 

“Wait, don't get nice all of a sudden! I'm still gonna kick your ass, you lizards!”

 

“No, more that that... Just who are you?”

 

So it comes to this phrase once again. Really, doesn't anyone know that the moment you ask something like that, you already gave in? Getting up and explaining it is useless, so...

 

“I'm just an innocent passerby, mind you.”

 

“No way you're just a simple passerby! That was at least a 4 star spell. When did you cast it?”

 

This time is the shorty. I'm getting fed up with him...

 

“I'm telling you this out of good will. I may look like a weak little girl to you... But, I'm used to being in harm's way.”

 

“I see... Sorry, but I misunderstood. I'll look at you as if you were a criminal then.”

 

“It's good you understand.”

 

“Wait, boss, she is just human! We don't need to waste ou-”

 

“!”

 

I'll guess that shorty wanted to intimidate me. Jaja, you lost you're chance when you started talking with me. Even so, seems that the big one is the real leader... Did he saw my confidence and bulged, or did he understood the situation he's in? Anyway, I already have this in the bag.

 

“Hey, big. I'm telling you something else. You were the one who shot me before, right?”

 

“How did you-?”

 

“You just told me.” Idiot.

 

“Hmmm, what is you're point?”

 

“I'm gonna take you out last, so try not to get knocked before it happens.”

 

“! !!!”

 

It seems he got it, I gave him no options. They have to finish this before I close in or they're down. In other words, an ultimatum. Something only the player with the upper hand can claim. This time instead of plainly aiming and shooting they formed in line. The slender lizards came from their back positions and are now on each side. They have no presence at all. Even if they're as strong as the other two, they will be the easiest target. Still, it irks me... a formation can only mean they intend to finish this, ergo, they're preparing something big and flashy... I need to be careful, dodging this time may be more harmful than helpful.

 

“!”

 

They all rised their staffs in unison, retrieved them to the start and made a thrust. Inmediately, a big light flowed from their staffs and formed a grid in front of them... Hell no! That is...

 

“The dreaded net!?”

 

This is not good! That thing is dense and large, I cannot simply tackle it right now. I have to dodge it!

 

“Reahh!!! Hah!”

 

I repeated the drill from before to repel gravity. Since I'm jumping I don't really need to worry about the strenght so I simply tried to jump as high as possible. But I already made a mistake...

 

“!”

 

I knew it.

 

“!!!!”

 

The net was a decoy, they wanted me to jump so I couldn't scape from their shots. Since I'm in midair, dodging is not an option. In the other hand if I concentrate on defending they just need to increase the power of their shots. This is an incredibly well thought strategy that feeds from the fear of capture. Completely spotless and effective... That is in the case that I couldn't dodge in midair.

 

“REHH!”

 

With a simple somersault I changed my point of view and proceeded to use my aura to redirect the kinectic energy I created from the jump. Now, following the instant stop in midair, use my energy to catapult myself back to the ground...

 

-shhh- shhh- shhh- shhh- shhh- shhh-

 

All the shots passed by without even grazing me. It really is awesome to be able to move at this speed... but, now I'm on my way to the ground at an unspecified speed, all my muscles tense and no gravity reduction. I need to do something real quick or I'll be in for some serious wounds!

 

-shhh- shhh- shhh- shhh- shhh- shhh-

 

More missing shots. Jaja, idiots. Yes, idiots, me included... It's pretty simple actually. Either reduce speed or misdirect the energy, the latter is too dangerous but will give a good start speed to close in to them.... That will do.

 

-shhh- shhh- shhh- shhh- shhh- shhh-

 

As they kept missing and I closed in to the ground, I made another aura projection to change my falling angle and then proceeded to land.

 

“! !!!”

 

It seems the lizards thought of the same thing and prepared to shoot once I landed. This is exactly what I would expect of professionals but they took way too long to realize. The moment I landed, they inmediately took aim and were about to shot me down but...

 

“Idiots! Like I would give you a chance!”

 

It was the best option. May I have chose to reduce my speed to land, they would find an easy target for shot practice. But by using the redirected energy from the fall, the moment I landed I gave a kickstart on the ground and closed in my distance in a full frontal attack. Shamefully, they're all aligned one beside the other so I cannot focus on the shorty as I was expecting to. First, I have to separate them... Yeah, that from before will be good. I don't know the theory behind it, but I've seen it work.

 

“Give up!”

 

That damn shorty keeps on being annoying. Well, here it goes. Concentrate my aura in front of me using my hands as a reference point. Change the properties of my aura to heat. Make a spread angle and force it out in gust of wind!

 

“Sei!”

 

Inmediately, a gust of warm wind spread in front of me from my palms. It is weaker than I expected but it should be enough to throw off their senses and to knock back their focus.

 

“What is this? Is like the decoys from before! Did you do that maze from before as well?”

 

“What? That was way too easy for someone like me. I still have more mettle, so come!”

 

This couldn't be going better than this, jaja. By this time they may be thinking I'm some kind of incredibly powerful or wise mage. They've gone ahead and started to intimidate themselves. Let's roll with this... Yes, let's use those stun spheres from before.

 

“Reahhh!”

 

Expand my aura and gather air from my surroundings. Focus in the gathered air, compress it and make it spin. Enchant the spheres to preserve the static charge and make them spin agaisnt each other. Release!

 

“Go!” Feel the lightning!

 

The gathered spheres spread in the form of a shotgun discharge, and as so, the number of shots from the spread was overwhelming. Over a dozen of wind roaring spheres soaring through the air. The static charge from the spheres I made is not as much than the feeling from before, but the point of this attack is not damage but flashiness. Make them cower with smoke and mirrors!

 

-burst -

 

The resulting effect was simply predictable. The air spheres did not really resemble the stun spheres that were used before, instead they looked more menacingly by cause of the wind roar from their spin and the clear difference in the amount of rounds fired. The only reaction one would expect from the receiving end is panic, which is exactly what happened.

 

“!!!!”

 

Their horrorified screams “...it's just like music to my ears! HAHAHA!”

 

The lizard troop instantly scrammed in terror. Except for their leader, they all simply evaded the spheres... The big guy in his case, while running away from the spread, took his staff and thrusted it in front of him. I expected he would use some chant or something but just like with the stun shots, he stayed silent and withstood the attack.

 

“Remarkable, but you let you're underlings unprotected!”

 

I'm loving this! The phrases just keep coming up! If I keep this streak up, I'll be the perfect Big Bad of this story. I really I'm enjoying this feeling. The moment I stated my intentions I rushed on to attack the shorty. The leader seemed like he wanted to rush in as well, but he was still stunned by the static impacts while I on the other hand, still had the impetu from initial frontal charge.

 

“!”

 

Still running away, he could only watch as I drew closer to him, uselessly trying to reach for his knife from his belt. Before he could do anything with his staff or knife, I repeated the attack at minor scale... This is totally unfair and an overkill, I know that right, but the prospect of looking like some sort of uncanny monstruosity is way too tempting.

 

“Take this!”

 

“Grooarrgh-!”

 

He took the full spread at almost point blank. Even when it wasn't meant to deal real damage, that still had enough energy to blow him 2 meters away. A hit like that to his torso, even if he had some kind of barrier it should have knocked him down.

 

“Rest for a while.”

 

You really didn't deserve this treament but what's done is done, sorry. Now is time to take advantage of this and keep scaring them.

 

-swooosssssshh -

 

“I won't allow you to harm my troo-!”

 

“You're too slow.”

 

But he is still good... before I could notice him, the leader was already behind me with his knife in his right hand and his staff on the other one... He gives a ferocious aura, but he is blinded by his fury. This will be just an easy sidestep trick and...

 

“You can't hit me like that.” I'm already behind him.

 

And inmediately, catapulted myself towards the other lizards. I felt some shots coming from behind, but with the tailing aura from the propulsion they don't get anywhere near me. This time I'll end it quickly, I need to go faster. I have to shave off all the opossing forces that keep me from accelerating. Air resistance, fluid dynamics, weight and mass... I'll go faster!

 

In that moment, I realized I was striving for something unreasonable, but I still found it to be something that could now be done. Instead of trying to oppose nature forces I decided it was more reasonable to ignore them... To ignore physics I have to recurr to that obscure term, the -concept of meaning-. It signifies -to make ones take on the world into reality by giving power to meaning-. If I want to go faster, I have to reduce the meaning of going faster and use my power to make that into reality. To go faster I need to reach the other lizards in a narrower window of time from my own expectatives. Reducing it to a minimum, it turns to -reaching objective in less time-. If I disregard the laws of nature, I don't need to accelerate, I just need to get there. So I have to...

 

“No wait. I just have to shot'em down.”

 

Following, the logic from the spread attacks from before I made a single air projectile. This time I'll focus on accuracy and power instead of size and awe.

 

“No, you won't!”

 

A powerful aura creeped from behind, followed by a tremor and a shockwave. Damn, I forgot they said they were stronger than me and ignored the possibility of any more tactics other than what I've seen.

 

“! !!!”

 

“!” “!”

 

The leader shouted fiercely at wich the other guys responded with a loud scream as well. Bad, truly a bad situation. They snapped out of the fear state, seems like I'll have to back down on the snipping. What the hell did the boss anyway? It felt as if something huge hit the ground.

 

“I'll have you know we're professionals! Don't understimate us!”

 

You don't need to tell me that right after showing such a thing.

 

“Hey... don't you think is time we finish this?”

 

I rolled up my sleeves.

 

“It doesn't feel alright to abuse opponents who can't accept their defeat.”

 

My clothes are dirty and I have scratches everywhere. I'm stressing out my aura and I'm starting to feel the fatigue of all the conmotion. I HAVE to finish this.

 

“I'll knock you out before you can do anything more!”

 

No more experiments. I already gathered more than enough data to ensure the upper hand in this fight. I just have to focus on the situation. First and foremost, they are superior in magic capability and skill but they're still made of flesh and bone. Not different from me, so I can beat them in physical terms with martial arts. In second place, even when they have indeed strong auras, simple techniques with low aura are still useful like the warm wind. Using the spread attack or a focused bullet... I believe it can do the trick.

 

From the feeling of all I've been doing, streghtening my body with enchants has proven to be unefficient as of now. I need to concentrate and estabilish a median point by wich I can control the amount of energy used in an effective way. Okay, I think I got everything covered. It's like entering a zen state, I just need to focus on one thing... fighting.

 

“Here I come!” Let's go for the boss.

 

This time with no projections, I gave a powerful kick on the ground. Right now, my aura is simply flowing inside my body and directly over my skin. The moment I make any effort, my aura gives support to my body to enhance it's abilities. Just like before, I'm charging through the clear and heading for the leader. Yes, this is a feint.

 

“Are you kidding me? This feint is way to obvious!”

 

“Sei!” Warm wind!

 

Aiming for his face, I began a close combat with the leader. The objective is simple to prevent the other two lizards from attacking.

 

“I thought I was gonna be the last one to fall!”

 

Using his staff to block my attacks, the leader kept me on a safe so I wouldn't be able to land any kind of attack. I have to break that safe.

 

“REH!”

 

Increasing the pressure from all my attacks, I managed to make him back down. Using that little advantage, I kicked off the staff from his hands.

 

“Wha-? -?!”

 

Taking advantage from his confusion, I landed a couple of hits. And...

 

“Sei!” Released another dose of warm wind.

 

“-cough -cough -”

 

And kick!

 

“Argh...”

 

Now that his senses are dimmed, I can prepare to shot down the other two guys.

 

Kicking the ground, I hastefully made my way to my next target. While I was not watching them they grouped... This wiil be hard, they are at a fair distance and already took aim. I can disregard a couple of shots but I need to evade as much of them as possible... Moreover, I have to do this before the leader retaliates.

 

Both of the lizards, began shooting at me. Their aim sucks but it still is way too hard to evade so many shots.

 

“! !!!” “! !!!”

 

Another net, but this time it is way smaller than before and at this distance it's just a hurdle for me to jump.

 

“HUT!”

 

Kicking the ground and flying six meters finally landing right behind theirs backs, I'm prepared to reduce the number of nuisances.

 

“Rest!” And I knocked them both unconcious with a single hit to their necks.

 

I glanced back to the only other standing party.

 

“Now it's just you and me, boss.”

 

“Gah... Well, you surely got me there... Now, tell me. Are you really human?”

 

“Did I make you doubt your eyes? What's a human then?” Let's help him a little.

 

“This world's only self-concious race.”

 

“Okay, I'm human. Why you ask?”

 

“So it was true after all...”

 

As he said that he took off his cloak. This is... Not a lizard... Exactly as expected from the bulges he has a handful of horns all over his body but...

 

“You... totally look human.” Except for the tail and horns.

 

Under the cloak was a tall and bulky man holding a knife and a staff. He had a great build and lots of scars. He's wearing pants and a shirt. Weird, he seems more experienced than I expected as well as awfully human. His scaly tail and horns feel completely out of place.

 

(Al, be careful! That's a gon! He descends from dragons!!!)

 

“...dragon?”

 

“? How did you know? Well, no matter. I'm not really a dragon after all. I'm more concerned about you... Do you intend to keep on fighting like that?”

 

“You noticed? Well, you still owe me a beating after all.”

 

(You're still on that?! Just leave it!)

 

(… I already come this far, even if I collapse I'll conclude this.)

 

“If you insist!”

 

He threw his staff away and stomped the ground. A big tremor shook the ground... This is the same as before. But I won't falter this time!

 

“I'll finish this!”

 

I charged forward to attack him. This will be over once I'm close enough to reach my fists.

 

The leader held his palm over the knife and it began to glow... No matter what he does, it would be better to dodge that.

 

-roar -

 

WHAT THE HELL?! HE'S SPITTING FIRE ALL OF A SUDDEN!!! DODGE! DODGE!

 

I jumped to the side and the fire burned the soil where I was standing... That is way too dangerous! Why suddenly use something that would kill me?

 

-slam - “Geh-!”

 

The explanation came in the form of blow to my left arm! He intended me to dodge so he could catch me with his next attack!

 

The blow made me fall to the ground and the pain in my arm prevented me to notice the leader's where abouts... This is another stun spell. I really was way out of my league after all... This outcome is more logical and natural.

 

(Al, are you alright?! Al!)

 

(You know... you could just... run away, right...?)

 

(Get up and come with me! He's coming from your right!)

 

“Thanks.” Knowing where to aim changes everything.

 

“Please rest for a whil-!”

 

He appered out of nowhere and charged from the right... To think he would be smart enough to trick me but foolish enough to come close and get his share. By the time he apeared I was already on my knees and prepared my fists to send him to rest.

 

“Reahhhhhhhhhh!”

 

“Groargh-!”

 

Delivering a sucesion of seven aura increased blows, the leader finally went down to sleep.

 

“Ahh... that was too much...” -thump -

 

-sigh -

 

I let myself onto the soil and let a big sigh. I can believe I really did take him down. This is nothing like when I fought thugs on the past. Guys with weapos and actual gangsters are dangerous... but a pseudo-dragon flock?! I hope I don't have to do such a thing never again.

 

(You... Al, just... Wait, don't fall asleep!)

 

“Just let me rest for a while...”

 

(But we have to run away now that they're down! And for that matter, just who are you?)

 

Noisy... Okay, I guess I still have to explain her what is happening.

 

 

…

 

 

(You stiil haven't explained me who are you and I'm not buying that history that you're just an innocent passerby.)

 

“You're too noisy. Tell me how long will this mind link last?”

 

(I don't know. It never lasted for so long before... Are you implying I'm annoying?)

 

“You said it yourself.”

 

(Rude!)

 

“Well, this will do. They're safely tied up. Plese do the honors.”

 

(Really, you're just way too rude... Will it be okay? Are you sure this is just a misunderstanding?)

 

“Just enchant the ropes! I told you it will be okay already!”

 

(Okay... -Restrain!-)

 

“Hearing the spells translated inside my head... it doesn't feel like a big deal.”

 

(Well, the mind link only transmits superficial thoughts. What now?)

 

“I'll wake them up.”

 

Taking two stones from the ground, I hit them to each other making a loud banging.

 

“... ...!”

 

The gons woke up alarmed at the annoying sound.

 

“It's you! ... What, were is my cloak? And you tied us!”

 

The shorty began squirming and shouting after noticing me.

 

“Sorry, I took your cloaks off. I didn't want you to suffocate.”

 

“... You're plenty nice for someone who would tried to kill us!”

 

“If I were trying to kill you, you'd be dead, dumbass.”

 

“You plunged that huge spell into my belly! It hurted like hell!”

 

“Does it still hurt?”

 

“Well... no, it doesn't... Eh? Why doesn't it hurt?”

 

“She didn't intend to kill us, Rob. In fact, she did the minimum damage she could... Except for me of course.”

 

“I wasn't mad at you anymore, Boss, but I already planned to give you a piece of my mind.”

 

“Really now, why didn't you just talk it down then?”

 

“Because I needed to clear the situation. Bowie... the girl you were following was really scared you know!”

 

“...”

 

Everyone avoided their eyes. Glancing at Bowie, her face has an incredibly pained expression. Even my brother and his horrible attitude would be taken aback by that.

 

“If I didn't take you all down first, she wouldn't be cooperating.”

 

(Wait, what do you mean?)

 

“Wait, you mean you're helping us?”

 

“Rob, you're annoying, shut your mouth.” I said without a hitch.

 

(What did you mean?)

 

“Why are you so over-familar with us? Damn, is like we've been dancing for you since the beginning.”

 

“That goes without a saying.”

 

(Hey! Listen!)

 

“You're just a little girl!!!”

 

“And what about you people? You said you're professionals, but you're all no older than my dad. Damn, we even got you looking no older than me.”

 

(Why are you ignoring me? -sniff -)

 

“What was it you wanted?” The boss is pretty clear as always.

 

“I already know you're not police or anything the like.”

 

“So?”

 

“What was it you were looking for?”

 

“...”

 

He's making a reflexive expression, seems like it could be troublesome.

 

“How did you...?” This shorty does not stop.

 

“You were trying to harm nobody and were pretty eager to just finish this. This means you were not after Bowie herself but something she has, am I right?”

 

“Well, you're not wrong but you're logic is all over the place...”

 

“Say girl, what would you do if someone suddenly shot at you and tried to run away?”

 

“Is that what happened? Of course, I'd be furious and trying to get back at them.”

 

(… Would you?)

 

(Yes.)

 

“Let me clarify, how did it go?” This needs to be explained for everyone after all.

 

“We sent a message to her ship telling her to stop and let us check her ship. Suddenly, we had explosions all over our fleet and she ran away.”

 

(I was so scared that a shady group of people were trying to aboard me that I panicked released all defensive fire and got away as fast as possible... Did I do wrong?)

 

(Not necessarily wrong but too hasty and sloppy.)

 

“After that we followed her ship for half a week or so. She kept on jumping from world to world until we reached the farthest gate, that is this world.”

 

(I was just running away until I found myself on a dead end. And then when I tried to hide in this world when my ship lost control and crashed.)

 

“Did you crash on this planet?”

 

“Not crashed as it is... but we did lose control of our ships. This place is normally off limits because of such things being norm, but we had to finish our job.”

 

“Why would you go to such an extent, boss?”

 

“We were searching for an object that was made for a special kind of ritual. It's a very smal source of energy t-”

 

“Okay I get what you're gonna say, how clichè. What I want to know is why did you keep on it, why not abandon? It would probably be too troublesome for you, right?”

 

“We are just mages hired for many different kinds of jobs, and this was a pretty good offer. Most of the time we are called to look out for lost items since that's our speciality but we end getting low pay. We couldn't let it go.”

 

“You're dragons, work with your muscles. That should earn you more money, right.”

 

“No, we're outcasts. Not really dragons, so even when we've got lots of power... We really have to do these kind of jobs to survive since we have no world to go back.”

 

“Okay... That is sad... sorry.” Oops, landmine.

 

“Don't mind.” Forgive me...

 

(I... don't...)

 

(What is it? You're pretty ill-timed here.)

 

(I... don't remember having something that could be used for a ritual.)

 

(I was wondering...How come you understand what were saying?)

 

(I read some of it on your thoughts.)

 

“Okay...She just told me that she doesn't have anything of the like with her.”

 

“But she has even if she doesn't know.”

 

“...What you say?” You're not making sense.

 

“We are professionals... And searching requests is our specialty. We traced the item all the way to her ship using a another one of it, so there's no mistake.”

 

“So that's why you wanted to inspect her ship...”

 

“Maybe she hit with her ship and it got attached to it.”

 

“That would be way too convenient.”

 

(… No, well...)

 

(Don't tell me. You hit something sometime before everything started...)

 

(It was just a pretty feeble rumble... but maybe...)

 

“... sigh... Boss, we're going to check on her ship. I'll release you so don't do anything stupid, please.”

 

“Don't worry. If we can just end this already it is on our best interest.”

 

“Can you take mine first? It's too tight.” Noisy kid.

 

“Come to think about it, only the boss and Robkid have been talking.”

 

Robkid made a pout and the two girls on the other side looked awkwardly at me.

 

“W-we're sorry. We are normally silent on missions.”

 

“Well, we hide ourselves as outcasts to not call attention. Since many people seem to disregard woman for work we just rode with it.”

 

“Seeing twin girls is always such a bliss. And you look pretty, you should use that as a charm, like being the poster of your group or something. Twin Flames Trackers!”

 

A shy and polite teenager and a fiery eyed youngster. It really is nice for publicity.

 

“That sounds cool and all but it doesn't really help in our area.”

 

“Is that so? I think you should change that but it's your decision. Well, that's the last one.”

 

“You say that, but we're just regular mages. We're not something absurd like you knocking us out with a single move.”

 

“W-what kind of sleeping spell did you use? I've never heard of a sleep spell that could be delayed like that.”

 

(I would like to hear that too, how did you do it?)

 

“I didn't use any spell. I just hit your vital points.”

 

(Vital points?)

 

“Humans are scary as the tales say...”

 

“Haha, shall we get going?”

 

And so we made our way to the crashing zone. We were actually halfway done since we were in the middle of the woods after the long pursuit and ended running parallel to their original chasing path. The woods are pretty dark in the night so I was a little worried we might get lost, but thesearching party did live up to it's pride and we reached the place without problems...

 

(That said... I'm almost two hours late to go back home.)

 

(When we reach my ship we can use my crystall ball to contact your dad.)

 

(You insist on believing that there's magic eveywhere... Forget it, I'll just call him now.)

 

(How do you intend do that? Will you scream or something and he will just hear you?)

 

“Damn ignorant fools.”

 

I took out my cellphone and dialed home. Bowie seemed pretty curious about it.

 

“What is that thing?”

 

“Give me a second... … … Hello?”

 

[What are you doing so late at night?]

 

“Sorry, you heard about the sudden shooting? I took a detour and ended helping someone I found.”

 

[Shooting? That's weird there weren't patrols or anything... Are you alright?]

 

“Don't worry. Well, I'll be back later.”

 

[Wait, is almost 8'o'clock, don---]

 

“Well, that's settled.”

 

I closed my phone and found everyone looking weirdly at me... Maybe it's that?

 

(What was that just now?)

 

“What did you just...”

 

“You're on sync, heh. Well, we're here. Do your thing.”

 

I ignored their curious and confused faces. They inmediately got to work after meeting with two other of em' gons that were apparently guarding their ships. Shortly after, Bowie guided us to her concealed ship and released her spell on it. We're done now.

 

(It really was in there... Al, I'm so-)

 

(Don't even mention it. You would've never know it.)

 

“With this we can go back and get this job finally done and our pay on our bags! ...Is what I would like to say, but...”

 

The boss seemed pretty down. Well, that's a normal reaction after finding out the damage on their ships was worst than they expected and it would take lots of time to repair them.

 

“This world of yours is awful, girl. First, we crashed because of the weird interference from this place and then you beat down our boss. It really has been a horrible week.”

 

“Yeah, to think that the boss would come across a drgon killer right off the bat.”

 

“If you're talking about me, I'm just a middle schooler. I don't know anything about killing dragons or mages and whatnot.”

 

“...”

 

They all fell onto and awkward silence.

 

(Bowie, you understood their message on the ship explain about earlier to them.)

 

(You mean... Okay.)

 

After a while, we were all on the same wavelenght... not.

 

“That's not possible... How come you just learnt and... and...”

 

“You were scary and shit. You used big and flashy spells...”

 

“Awawawawawa...”

 

They're shocked.

 

“Really now, we really were dancing for you all the time... If it is true, then you'd be the most talented mage I've ever met.”

 

The boss looked composed but he was surprised nonetheless... Well, even I was surprised I could pull all of that with just a simple tutorial of 15-20 minutes.

 

(You may not have understood it completely from my words... but you actually mastered the -concept of meaning-... that's the only way I can explain it.)

 

“Not that it really matters. I'm just a simple bystander.”

 

(… No, I'm more of simple bystander than you are. I just got dragged into all this fortuituosly. You helped me like some heroine from a tale book.)

 

(Well, is not the first time I was called absurd,jeje.)

 

“What are you going to do, boss?”

 

“You will keep on calling me that, I told you my name earlier... I gues will just stay around until we fix our ships.”

 

“Not that. I mean food and refuge.”

 

“We'll just find a way about it. For now we'll stay in here and eat some creepers.”

 

“Again.” Robkid seemed pretty frustrated.

 

“If you can't go back for now... Maybe... can you lend me that thing?”

 

“What? You mean the ritual item?”

 

“Don't worry, I won't break it or anything. I'm just interested in it.”

 

“No, well... You can have it for now. Just remember to return it. It's not like someone will come to look for us, we were given some time to find it. We just wanted to know it wouldn't end somewhere troublesome like with an army or something.”

 

“I see, thank you.”

 

“No, thank YOU. We we'll contact you when we're ready to go.”

 

“I will come to check on you as well... One piece of advice, let no one find you. People may get scared of you and attack you like the fairy girl did... And they will surely kill you.”

 

-gulp x6 -

 

“We will have that on mind. Have a good night.”

 

And like that, I parted ways with the lizard troops for today.

 

(It really has been one incredible night.)

 

(Well, it was pretty incredible indeed. Will you really come home with me, tho?)

 

(I don't think it will be comfortable to stay with them, even when they offered to repair my ship as well.)

 

(Why are you not flying?)

 

(Please let me rest. I was supossed to be on a break from work.)

 

(Sorry, seems like you had it rough. But at least everythings clear now.)

 

(And you seemed like you actually enjoyed it, for goodness sake... hmmm.... What the...?)

 

(What is it? Is my shoulder too uncomfortable for you?)

 

(Your sky...)

 

(Sky? What about it?)

 

(It's broken...)

 

Broken... I don't understand. True we can see the milky way from here but to say it is broken.

 

(Milky Way? Anyway what is that thing up there and why are there so little stars elsewhere?)

 

(...You mean it?) She really is pointing at the milky way.

 

(Yes I mean it! Please explain! It's freaking me out! And earlier too, you took out that weird object and it seems you talked with someone on it even when there was no spells or enchants in it!)

 

Man, it's gonna be one hell of a trip from here on.

 

And that's how my times living with a mage began. Seems like explaining things to her will give me more work than school did... But, it seems things will only get more interesting from now on. Maybe getting suspended wasn't that bad of a deal... Wait does that mean she is an alien or not?

 

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