This one took a while to write.

Went a bit over the date I said I would post it but was caught up in Christmas celebration after all.

Merry Christmas all.

Hope you enjoy it.

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The sun’s rays burnt our foreheads as we were forced to stand in rank and file. Currently I was lost in a maelstrom of human children all repeating the same monotonous drill over and over, jabbing forwards with the long sticks we had been equipped with. This would continue until we either passed out or the Instructor became too tired of taking those who dropped to the medical centre. Luckily I had kept up my morning runs upon moving to Tesuit and with my natural demon constitution I handled the training better than most. This was even more important when the instructors started picking me out. Perhaps they saw my frail looking body as an easy target for making an example, or perhaps they had heard about my “CC” grade in magic in which case jealousy was at work. Most likely it was a mixture of both and from the first day I alone had been required to wear my heavy chain armour during physical exertion. Still I refused to drop and give into their sadistic tendencies.

Jack was a huge help. Often staying behind to lend a hand if I was unfairly given extra cleaning duties. Even now he stood beside me, jabbing forward with his pole at a non-existent enemy while giving me the occasional word of encouragement. Charlotte stood beside him, swaying on her feet but still keeping in time to the instructor’s calls. Oliver and Alice had long since fallen and now it was just the three of us in our little group. We were now down to about a quarter of the starting number and the remaining children took desperate glances at the water bottles that would be given to us when the session was over.

Yet still we continued, for perhaps maybe an hour more. So long that those who had passed out first, had now awoken and were crowding around the remaining few, which had dwindled down to around forty. To be honest I don’t really know how many of us were left, I had long since stopped counting. I did however notice Jack still jabbing away, though even he had stopped the words of encouragement. I felt sour because the armour I was wearing had been cutting into my flesh, and now the warm blood trickled down my arm to gather in small puddles at my feet.

The training was going for longer this time. We had long since passed the required two hours we were to spend at the local military training session and I heard unsure whispers from our spectators, who would look anxiously at our instructor, who even now was helping a limp girl to the medical tent.

Jab, jab, jab, jab. I’ve lost all feeling now, trapped in a prism of nothingness. I can barely keep my attention of the count, and I feel myself start to jab out of time. The instructor has returned, and I catch his eye as he gives a sly grin at my state. It hits me, he’s waiting for me to fall. Well I won’t give him the satisfaction. I grit my teeth and wrench my consciousness back to the present. Forcing myself to stay in time. Please just stay in time.

It’s another ten minutes before my rescue, and it comes in the form an uppity man who strolls self-importantly into the training fields. I see him bend slightly to talk to one of our observers who in turn points to my direction. The man quickly runs up to the instructor and with a few brief words accompanied with a glare the training is abruptly called to a halt. The remaining children fall to their knees, completely exhausted. I notice there are only fifteen of us left, jack alone stands next to me, Charlotte having collapsed at some point.

The man who stopped the session barely breaks a beat as he sets off across the field towards me. His long strides close the distance almost instantly and with a swish of his hand, I feel the blood and sweat that caked my skin fall to the ground. He lifted me quickly to my feet. “We were wondering where you had got to Aare”. The man glared again at the training instructor who was slinking away like a wounded cat. “I guess he is the answer to your lateness”.

It took me a while for me to realise what he was talking about as my mind was clouded, though suddenly it hit me. “Ah, Crossford academy”. I exclaimed. For those who don’t know what I’m talking about, Crossford is the military academy my Mother signed me up for upon me completely my junior schooling. It started today though with my fixation on the training I had completely forgotten about it. “I’m so sorry”. I said sincerely.

“Nonsense, Aare. It wasn’t your fault in the slightest. However you have missed the morning assembly so I will introduce myself now”. The man gave a small bow before he continued, reminding me of a noble or someone similarly ranked. “My name is Alexander, and I will be your homeroom teacher, now come along, or you will miss the first lecture, also I need to hunt down a few other latecomers, and I assure you, most of them don’t have an excuse so forgive my sour mood”. Alexander took off leaving me to catch up. I shrugged off the chainmail and hung it up before rushing out the gate. Jack however barred my way, a frown on his face.

“Aren’t you supposed to start in an academy when you turn thirteen”? He panted. I shrugged in reply before motioning the now distant Alexander. Noticing my inpatients Jack stepped to the side, but not before giving me a look which seemed to say that we would continue this conversation later.

It didn’t take long before we arrived at Crossford. My mother had chosen it in the knowledge that it was nearby and the walk wouldn’t take too much time out of my already clustered schedule. The building itself was huge. It was three stories tall and stretched into a giant quadrangle made from gleaming white stone identical to the material of the spires that were situated nearby. Similar to my old throne room, fantastic sculptures of monsters and heroic humans were erected in the courtyard that practically screamed money. There was also a lush garden that circled the single building. With giant hedges that stopped anyone from looking into the beautiful construction and trimmed bushes that had been shaped into exotic swirls and patterns.

I took a moment to admire the brilliance of what I was taking in but with Alexander’s insistence I continued on. There were a number of older students on campus and each of them gave me a kind smile as I walked past, possibly thinking I was someone’s younger brother. I smiled in return though eventually we came to a closed wooden door, carved into the image of an eight headed serpent. I looked quizzically at Alexander but he just gestured that I should enter.

On the way to my room I had passed many similar doors. We were on the first floor of the building which was where the first years would study and on this floor were eight lecture halls, each with a door featuring a serpent. However, after coming from another school each student was evaluated and placed according to their results. Naturally I was in class eight, illustrated by the eight heads on the door. This came with the annoyance of Shirley whose lack of study in the previous years had landed her in class two. She didn’t care that I ranked higher than her, but she did mind that she wouldn’t be able to copy my homework.

Shrugging I pushed against the door, appreciating how even though it was heavy it moved at my slightest touch. Inside was a darkened room. Fifty pairs of eyes reflected the light from outside as they turned to look at me. It was a configuration similar to the amphitheatre from the tribunal, with staggered rows containing cushioned seats and brass tables. I wondered how much my mother had paid to send me to such an institute, and what she would say when I told her I had been late on the first day.

Quickly scanning the room I saw an empty seat on the second highest level, I made my way there before sitting down. Trying to shy away from the prying eyes and thanks to the lack of light, my late arrival didn’t arise much attention. The eyes soon turned back to the front where a bespectacled man read from an open book. His voice was low and dreadfully boring. But the content was fascinating. Or at least for me it was, as my vision adjusted I saw more and more people losing focus on the professor and either falling asleep or trying to make an early friendship with their neighbour.

Apparently the professor was reading directly from a monster almanac. He would name a monster, seemingly off the top of his head before flipping to a new page. He would then read out why it was either incredibly dangerous or helpful to a human, either as a pet, or as an ingredient to some concoction. “The Hydra” he started monotonously, “Is a terrifying serpent like monster with reptilian traits, including numerous heads and the ability to multiply its natural regeneration rate. Its strengths are that each head has its own consciousness, coupled with its ability for each head to project a myriad of different gasses or elements, it becomes a natural artillery platform. Its sharp teeth, claws and scales also act as both perfect weapons and armour making it near unbeatable in combat.

I gulped. I knew what the old man was talking about. In my past life I had fought countless of their kind, and while their lack of magical defence made them susceptible to me personally, I knew plenty who had been killed or horrifically maimed while attempting to battle one.

As the lesson went on I started taking notes. Fortunately a fresh notebook, quill and pot of ink had been laid out for me and I gleefully jotted down points that would have been useful in my past life. For example, not many knew that a Hydra had a crucial weakness. Often the average demon combatant would be so locked up with the heads that with natural regeneration could be restored almost instantly. That they would never think to strike elsewhere. Apparently in the human continent it was common knowledge that a large bundle of synaptic nerves gathered at the base of a Hydra’s middle neck. Impalement with a bladed weapon at this point would ignite feelings of pain in so many nerve endings that a Hydra could die of shock on the spot.

Information like this flooded the room and to my astonishment, the other children took it for granted. It alarmed me that the kids in this room where in the top class of the school, but none the less I was the only one with a book open in front of me. I sighed, there was no helping some people.

Apparently the professor noticed this as well, and soon his words were directed at me alone, and even in the dark, his eyes would often seek out mine, as if sharing a common desire for knowledge that no one else in the room could be a part of. Even as he spoke, I realised life was coming into his words and an excitement built up within him.

An echoing bell resounded through the school, cutting off the lecture. But still I couldn’t say I was displeased. That was only the first lesson and as I picked up a timetable in front of me I saw that the day was split into three. Our first lesson had been Zoology, following it would be Militaristic examination. Where we would study past conflicts and conclude whether the choices made were the right ones or not. This notion extended to both on and off the battlefield. The third was physical education. Where we would mock small skirmishes. I won’t lie, the last one intrigued me.

My thoughts were interrupted by Alexander strolling confidently into the hall. His hand waving the class into silence. “Good evening. As you all know I am Alexander and I will be guiding you all through the wonders of militaristic examination, or M.E for short. Though before we begin, I would like to inform you all that having completed your primary education elsewhere you are now under no legal obligation to finish M.E. So let’s get this out of the way. If you have no intention of learning, and I see that almost all of you have left your books untouched during the last lesson then get out. You will be glad to know that I will still be paid at the end of the day. So any takers.” He swept his arms in an open gesture, allowing us to take up his offer, though unsurprisingly everyone just sat stock still, amazed at the teacher’s declaration of despondency.

Seeing the reaction Alexander smiled, a whole hearted and condescending smile that seemed to lash out at you. “Great, let’s begin then”. He waved, a book materialised, it slammed on the desk, and he began to read. Once again my pen swept across the page trying to take in all that was said, and while the subject matter didn’t interest me as it had done in Zoology I understood its importance.

During my previous life, or more accurately my numerous crusades. I found to my annoyance the difficulty of controlling thousands of demons, all of which thought that plans were for the weak. Instead I could only take them to the battlefield, and hope that their superior strength and magic would win the day. On the majority of occasions it did. However there were times when a witty human would completely outplay the shambling horde and through a combination of traps and manoeuvres my forces were separated, contained and sickeningly picked off. I didn’t remember these times fondly but because of them I saw the importance of what was in front of me now, and so, even with the boring subject matter I tore my attention back to the present. Hoping that the bell would ring before my patients ran out.

Surprisingly Alexander was a great teacher. He began by introducing the leaders and the forces of both sides of the conflict telling the class about their relative strengths and weaknesses before acting out the battle with a dazzling display of lights. Pausing to show areas where mistakes were made, and plans were put into play that won the battle itself. Often it was the small victories that counted. A tiny team that would pierce the flank of an enemy and before they noticed their side had broken, both compromising the moral and the position of the formations closer to the middle of the field. I watched entranced as Alexander commanded the lights with accuracy I could only guess was flawless, and it wasn’t long before the bell pulled me from state of mind. Once again I watched as the other students stopped mid-way through their conversations and pretended to have been paying attention.

I almost cried as Alexander acted as if he didn’t notice before stomping out of the room. It was strange. Here were humans parting with information that had taken generations to piece together and children, mere children couldn’t be bothered to pay attention for the first class.

I shook my head violently trying to remove the thoughts as the children with renewed vigour, surged from their seats, rushed down the aisles and filed through the doors. A petite brunette teacher was waiting patiently and as the last of us joined the throng of children she quickly turned on her heel and almost ran into the centre of the quadrangle, which consisted of a small dusty field. One thing that caught my eye however was a large circle that had been etched into the ground. Runes laced the edges and I recognised it as one half of a summoning circle. The other half which was god knows where, would be where we would take the lesson.

The other classes were slightly later but soon they emerged from their rooms also. I didn’t take me long to spot Shirley amongst class two. Already in a group of four equally attractive girls. Evidently she had been one of the many, more focussed on her social life in the school than any academic opportunities it provided.

It didn’t take long before the eight classes stood on the field, all encased by the summoning circle.

The Brunette who had guided us spoke for the first time in one of those high voices that sound almost deliberately childlike. Coincidently a large group of people dislike these kinds of voices, calling them fake and attention seeking. I just thought it sounded cute, in a pet-like kind of way and just listened contently as she yelled out our instructions. “Good evening and welcome to physical education. As you all know this is the only compulsory course so if any of you notice that a classmate is not present, please inform us to make the rest of the exercise run more smoothly”. She waited briefly though with apparently everyone present she continued. “Very soon you will be transported to an arena to hold the first skirmish of the year. Truthfully today it will be relatively bare as we only wish to see your current battle experience, and with your lack of preparation we can’t expect you to employ the tactics that we will expect later in the year”.

The Brunette clicked her fingers causing the etched circle to glow white, a feature that had escaped my attention was a bright line that cut through the centre of the group. The teacher continued after indicating the line. “Could you all please separate yourselves into two teams and situate yourselves on either side of the line.”

I watched as the children moved autonomously, splitting down the middle to form the two sides. To my stupefaction all the boys went right and the girls went left, reminding me that the group was entirely filled with thirteen year olds. I moved to join the boys though was stopped by a rather large and completely unintimidating bully. A roll of fat that fell out from beneath his t-shirt grabbed my attention more than the face meant to frighten me did. I heard a few laughs behind the kid that consolidated my view that I was beginning to be ostracised, whether it was my age, my attentiveness in class or my small figure I didn’t know. To be honest I didn’t really care but the boy in front of me had the hygiene of a goblin. (Which I assure you were relatively filthy with few exceptions). Already his putrid stench was filling my nostrils and as I made to walk past him, he stepped in my way again.

Looking up I met the boys gaze who after spitting in my face, said in a voice that reminded me of a terrible throat infection, “oi, fuck’n scat yeh, gotta build of wanovthem twats”? He indicated the other side who all sneered in response.

I just stood there, I had never heard such a terrible attempt of communication and could only chuckle as the sorry excuse of a child in front of me. I don’t think he enjoyed that and to stop a fistfight that was bound to erupt I put up my palms defensively before turning around. “Yeah, ok mate, whatever you say”. I joined the girls who gave a few words of sympathy and glanced over to the other side which were sniggering at my situation.

That said and done the teacher clicked her fingers, causing the circle beneath us to turn from white to red. The surroundings began to blur and spin as my body was transferred to another location. As the spinning stopped I found myself on a grassy plain. A rocky range circled the field perfectly creating a bowled oval perhaps one kilometre long. Surrounding me were the girls from Crossford. They seemed familiar with the mode of transport and they ran to a small wooden shed placed deliberately close to our summoning point. As they emerged from the other side I was slightly disappointed with the wooden weapons they were equipped with. Crude and blunt things that would be better used as firewood.

I was even more upset when I saw those who came out just flat out run towards the boys who could be seen cresting a hill in the distance. Surely we could make some plan, that’s why I came to this stupid academy was it not?

A hand on my shoulder brought me out of my misery and I turned to find Shirley standing warily behind me.

“Sorry about before” She said sincerely. “But at least we’re together right”? Her voice became hopeful as she held out a practice sword for me to take. I took it from her hand with a smile and a quick nod before turning my attention towards the two crowds which had almost reached each other.

They met at the bottom of the hill with the boys placed slightly higher. I sighed, realising that by pure chance the boys had taken the high ground which gave them a significant advantage. I also noted that both teams had sprinted into battle and even from back here I could see the panting of shoulders and limps of exhaustion. I said such to Shirley and so both of us strolled calmly to the battle. Shirley filled me in that during the assembly I had missed, the teachers had told the gathered students that anyone who was knocked out or yielded would be immediately teleported back to school where a group of medical students would heal any wounds that they were burdened with. Also during any of these exercises all magic was prohibited and would result in the student being evicted from the skirmish.

I watched as bright white lights were emitted from the fight. Each one signalling a single child either voluntarily or forcefully being taken back to campus. What I did see was that more and more of my side was being pushed back. Their strength being sapped by the hills hexing gradient.

Shirley being Shirley couldn’t be bothered with the slow approach and by the time we were even half way to the battle she broke from my side and ran to join the fray. I watched as Shirley jumped over the clumsy strike of an exhausted child before swinging her sword down in a terrifying downwards stroke. Her target’s eyes turned white as they rolled up into his head, knocked out from the sheer ferocity of the blow.

Though by now even I had reached the battle and placing my entire body weight on the balls of my feet, I leapt forward. The first boy I came in contact with didn’t see me coming. He had spent the last several minutes desperately weaving between the fights and now each breath came with a rasping desperation.

I was low to the ground, my arm curving beneath me to unleash an uppercut from outside of his vision. My insane horizontal momentum coupled with a demons affinity for speed meant that the exhausted and inexperienced boy wouldn’t have had a chance even if he had seen me coming. As such he disappeared in the burst of a white light, giving me a small space to consider my options. Though my choice was made for me, as my peripheral vision caught a spear thrust aimed at my head. I leaned back slightly, allowing the blunt stick to pass just in front of my eyes. With my free hand I caught the shaft, pulling myself up with the added momentum of kicking my legs. My minuscule weight allowed me swing up and balance precariously upside down on top of the spear while a well-timed swing, brought my sword into the boy’s temple. Instantly he was enveloped in the white light and he was gone. I fell towards the ground and I allowing my body to curl into a roll that brought me to my feet.

There were few left now. Less than twenty on the boy’s side and half that on the girl’s. It was now a pitiful display of two against ones that sprawled out across the hill. I joined the closest one and joined a pretty silver haired girl with a short staff against two brutes who swung giant clubs with deceptive speed. I took the first from behind. Jamming my sword in between the brute’s shoulder blades and dislodging a section of his spinal cord. He screamed in agony but the silver haired girl brought an end to his pain with a crescent kick to his solar plexus, knocking the boy out with a flash of light. The remaining brute tried to take advantage of the girls turned back, though with a flick of my hand my sword shimmered through the air and found its way to his knuckles. The youth dropped his club with a bellow and his other hand automatically reached for his wound. This time it was us who took advantage of his lack of attention and I swept the boys feet from under him as the girl brought her staff down on the boys now exposed neck once again dealing the finishing blow.

I didn’t even stop to make eye contact with the girl before moving on to the next group. Although to my astonishment I found that Shirley had reached it before me and now stood alone with a blood splattered sword. A few lights flickered around her before fizzling out, marking the battle that had taken place. Unfortunately the rest of the battle was a nightmare. Completely outnumbered the other group battles had come to a very negative conclusion. Now standing in front of us were the sixteen boys who had overcome the melee.

I stood beside Shirley and the girls whose name was still unknown. In front of us were pictures of hell. Each boy that stood before me carried wounds from the fray. Blood trickled freely from numerous open gashes and a number of them cradled their arms, which were bent at obscene angles and probably broken. I saw Shirley grimace at the sight, most likely thinking that they were tough to endure such pain and continue fighting. I just thought they were stupid for getting hit in the first place. One did catch my eyes as the boy who had blocked my way in the summoning circle earlier. Out of all of the remaining opponents he seemed to be the least hurt, and seeing me as one of the last three standing, completely unharmed, he narrowed his eyes and barged through his allies towards me.

A battle field is a terrible place, people who have experienced one will often say that it is the most confusing and terrifying situation to ever be a part of. Often a combatant will become unable to differentiate friend and foe, yet somehow amidst this confusion it is easy to pick a powerful figure, as people will always look for someone to inspire and lead them. Because of this when two figures who inspire such hope meet on the battlefield it is incredibly common that a clash between them will occur, as those who watch can often not bring themselves to interfere in a battle that symbolises the core strength of two forces. I’m not trying to liken a petty dispute between two boys and two heroes of war. But I am trying to say that no one found it out of place when I stood up to meet the boy in single combat.

This time I evaluated the boy in front of me. He was tall, monstrous even. With bludging muscles that were clearly visible under his multiple layers of clothing. His face was masculine to an extreme. With his square jaw and obtruding chin he reminded me of a berserker. He had sandy coloured hair that reached down to his shoulders but kept out of his eyes by a red headband. His eyes were a dull brown which seemed to be unable to look at any one thing for an extended period of time.

He opened his mouth to speak though with his last attempt still in my memory, I didn’t have high hopes for the second time round. Instead, before he even uttered the first syllable I was running, closing the distance between me and the behemoth. The boy, although shocked that someone as small as me would attack him, almost immediately recovered by dropping into a defensive stance. He held a long staff diagonally to his body and crouched down to minimise my target. What this entailed was an incredibly defensive stance that if he was any good would be very hard to penetrate.

Unfortunately for him, he wasn’t any good. Even as I ran I saw his hands turn white showing off a grip that was too stiff. His eyes were in the wrong place, they were more focussed on making his stance perfect than on me and his feet were facing inwards, the signs of an offensive stance that contradicted his intentions.

I, on the other hand had practiced every day with my fathers, who in their own rights were master swordsmen, consolidated the knowledge in brutal spars with Red and had drilled it into myself through hours on a training field. So it was only natural that I finished it quickly.

How I did it was complicated, though I was rather pleased with it, so listen closely. The first step was to drastically alter my speed. When I judged that I was close enough I broke the regular rhythm of my feet with a half step not only slowing my advance but offsetting the rhythm of my oppenent. The second step was to confuse the opponent. Only two metres away from the boy and near striking range I both ducked down and crossed my right leg over my left, turning my body away from the boy and sliding out of his vision. This worked especially well with his attention more on his weapon than me. To him it should have seemed as though I had disappeared. At my disappearance his stance naturally relaxed a bit as his head turned to find me, what he achieved by this was to raise his head slightly over the top of his guard. My last step could now be accomplished. I was inside his fallen guard, down by his right knee and spinning to my left. I allowed the spin to carry on and like a hurricane my sword circled around me gathering momentum and weight. After creating a full arc it slammed into the boys chin. Tearing though the outer skin and into the soft sinew underneath. The strength of the blow had both the crude stick and my own weight behind it and accompanied by multiple crunches of snapping bones, actually managed to lift the boy off the ground by at least a metre before a white light enveloped him and he was gone.

I can’t say that I was particularly proud of knocking out a thirteen year old human, but it was still damn satisfying as my spin left me facing the remaining children who were all too shocked to move, or even speak. In fact, finishing the duel with a single blow had shattered their remaining moral, and in the next few minutes where the three of us finished them off, all they did was parry our blows, too afraid that a counter would leave them to the same fate. Ironically it was this state which allowed the three of us to finish the remaining fifteen unharmed and soon we stood alone on the field which now took on a feeling of peaceful tranquillity.

It didn’t take long before my surroundings started to spin, easing away my physical form as we were re summoned to the school. Which I now evaluated. To be honest I thought the first day was lacklustre. While the first two classes had been brilliantly informative, the activity which had excited me the most had been a complete let down. If the skirmish wasn’t compulsory I doubted I would have turned up again. Unfortunately it was, so after a quick congratulations from the Brunette teacher who I later found out was named Chelsea, I masked my presence and ran from the exotic building avoiding a few groups of children who had made it their mission to find me, whether for revenge or to apologise I didn’t know. There was one more thing I needed to do today, and it was located at the south side of Tesuit, so that’s where I ran, eventually leaving the upper class districts and moving quickly through the cobblestone streets of what my mother called the slums.

The sun was setting now, and its crimson tendrils of light were fading through the alleyways. Soon it would be too dark to navigate so I doubled my pace. As such it wasn’t long before I reached an ancient temple like building made from a midnight blue stone. It looked similar to a pyramid except that each block that made up the structure was huge, making row upon row of retreating steps that were each taller than me. The entrance was foreboding to say the least. Two torches stood as guards to a disturbingly dark tunnel that seemed to speak as I drew close. A small inscription was carved into the stone above the entrance. “For the possessed”. I felt a chill run down my spine as I took the first step inside the tunnel. Where the darkness engulfed me.

I felt my way through the tunnel, my hands sliding across the perfectly smooth and cold walls as I took small steps in the darkness. As a quick interjection on how my family hadn’t reacted well to my choice of becoming a possessed. My father straight up didn’t like them as he didn’t appreciate anything slightly demon related. Shirley thought having a demon inside my mind was creepy and my mum was furious as she knew I probably chose it to avoid the marriage she had planned. Even red was slightly taken back, although I don’t think he really cared that much and he has probably forgotten it by now so I’m not sure his opinion can be taken into account. Either way it seemed as though the possessed were unpopular, especially in the upper class areas of town. My mother had told my specifically that it would hinder me in the senate as many senators could counter my suggestions by implying that it was the demon in my mind speaking, not me.

But back to the present. As I made my way through the tunnel a small light could be seen peeking through and as I kept going I found myself in a clearing lit by numerous floating balls of light. There was a single stage that overlooked the halls and a number of chairs lined up in front of it. So far I saw about twelve children, my age this time. Sitting down and staring eagerly up onto the stage. I sat down next to one of them with a small nod, though he must have been lost in nervousness as he didn’t even notice me sit next to him. I shrugged, it didn’t matter. I waited about twenty minutes in which time another four children made their way through the tunnel, all looking perplexed of its purpose. Although finally a mage burdened with heavy robes that slipped down to his ankles stepped out onto the stage and began the lesson.

He spoke in a soft voice though echoed erringly in the tight confines of the room so we heard him as if he was whispering directly into our ears. “Good afternoon students, and welcome to your first day of becoming a possessed. Firstly what kind of demons can we allow inside our minds? Of course they can’t be physical or too strong, and so we limit ourselves to the demons we call dreams”. The man paused before raising two fingers to delicately touch the side of his head. To the students amazement when he retracted his hand a small wispy shape emerged with it. It looked like an animal made of smoke, green, mana incorporated smoke. It floated above his hand menacingly and consisted of a sleek body with a featureless head that looked back and forth, a pair of clawed hands floated detached from its body and the body itself thinned down into a wispy tail that seemed to flow happily from side to side.

The man on the stage was evidently pleased with the children’s surprise and when he continued he did so with a note of pride. “This, is a dream. Of course there are many types of dreams, but the one you will obtain will likely be the one that suits you the most. Now listen carefully, there are seven classes of dreams”.

What happened next was a pointlessly long rant on each species of dream, though for simplification I will outline them for you now.

1 Daydream (Green): The most common of the dream class demons. Basically it was a jack of all trades. Though if asked for a specialty one could say they were good at clouding and replacing the memories of others. Creating effects similar to the deception I had placed upon the Nickar all those years ago.

2 Lucid Dream (Blue): An incredibly rare dream. That excels in penetrating into the mind and creating an illusionary world for the target. Depending on the strength of the dream, the target can sometimes become so caught up in the illusion that it forgets about reality.

3 Nightmare (Purple): A rare and dangerous demon that specialises in attacking the mind. Great for any magic user who wishes to obtain a more offensive class dream. Unavailable to any mage who isn’t at least C class as it can sometimes backlash and damage the consciousness of an unwary wielder.

4 Healing Dream (White): A rare demon that will only show itself to those it considers peaceful at heart. A more benevolent demon that can mentally defend or repair the mind. Healing dreams are often sought after as a magic user grows older as it is able to keep the mind in a youthful state.

5 Prophetic Dream (Red): A very common demon with a slightly deceptive name. A prophetic dream is not used for seeing the future, but instead is capable of penetrating silently into the mind and siphoning the thoughts and synaptic signals to predict another’s movement or actions. Useful to those who wish to join the arcane military corps.

6 Mutual dream (Black): A common demon that excels in controlling others through the use of linking the brain of the mage and the target. Requires at least a DDD rank as if the target is too strong the user may find itself being controlled instead.

7 Epic dream (Varying): Not an actual class of demon, but like a rank up for any of the other six. Basically after enough time a dream demon will morph into something completely new and terrifying. It will still keep the characteristics of its former class but its ability’s will exponentially increase.

The information I have just given you took approximately an hour and a half for the lead mage to go through and for a bunch of ten year olds this was almost an eternity. So I saw a number of children sign in relief when the mage said the words. “So, are you ready to manifest one yourself? We all jumped up in answer to his question but we all hesitated when we had no idea what to do. The mages chuckled at our enthusiasm. “Please step calmly onto the stage and we will guide you through”.

The group walked with trepidation and as we gathered on the stage the mages indicated that we should lie down. We followed the instructions as a smooth voice washed over us. “Now, close your eyes, to capture a dream we will need to send your consciousness to another plane”.

What happened then was the weirdest sensation came over me. All feeling left me. Physically, I felt free, relieved from pain or pleasure. “Open your eyes”, I heard a mage say. His voice no longer sounded close. It felt as if he was whispering from a long way away, yet his voice still held his earlier clarity. I complied to find I was no longer in the dimly lit room but floating freely in nothingness. I tried to reach out but found I was no longer in my body, but I held the form of a small light, floating alone in the darkness. I frowned, or at least I would have if I had a mouth. However for those who looked on, I’m sure I would have looked as discontent as a light could have.

When the initial surprise of leaving my body had left me, I found I could float around by willing myself too. It also didn’t take long to notice a number of other lights whizzing around. Each was a slightly different shape and size but all were comparable to me. Most likely they were members of the possessed class and as I watched there were various reactions. Some enjoyed the newfound freedom and would yell and scream as they spiralled through the empty space. Others were finding it slightly more difficult. A certain small light could be seen nudging forward with unease and after a small time I heard sobs as the distressed occupant gave up his/her futile attempts.

The voice came again. “Ok, most of you have got a basic idea of how to move around. We will now be releasing the dreams into the plane, good luck”.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but when a giant vortex opened in the middle of the empty space I jumped slightly. The vortex was huge, and even though I was far away from it, I felt my form being dragged towards it. Fortunately it only stayed open for about three seconds.

However those three seconds was more than enough for hundreds of dreams to slip through. I watched as the multitudes created a tide of colour that shifted and swirled in the black space. The lights stopped moving now, each appreciating the beauty of the scene. I would have been content watching the spectacle but the voice of the lead mage once again entered my mind. “Now, the demons are through. Keep moving around and remember these are beings that do not naturally operate in the same level of existence that we do. They will feel your emotions, and react accordingly. If you wish to prosper as a possessed you must be confident in yourself. If you are, then they will approach you. When they do, stay calm and let them speak first. Be polite, but don’t let them manipulate you. Good luck, we will pull you back into reality in thirty minutes so be prepared to return”. The voice echoed until it became too soft to hear whereupon silence once again filled the space.

The dreams were now revolving in a great loop around us lights. As if taunting us into approaching. Then a single light moved, away from the rest of us who had now gathered in a clump. The light moved slow at first though with each passing second it moved faster and showed more control. Naturally in response to the first movement a few dreams pulled away from the loop and gathered around the leading light. I assumed they were conversing but I was too far away to listen in.

A second light moved off, though this time there was a great deal of hesitation. I mentally winced as the light attracted only a single green dream. Obviously a good first impression was required if you were to have any choice of a decent contract.

Having seen all there was to see I set off. During my past life I had stood in front of thousands of the highest rank of demon, who all would have – if given the chance – ripped me limb from limb to take my power. In those times my nerves had held still. My life had depended on me at least acting unshakable and so I just did, however this time there was a gut wrenching feeling in my stomach. Most likely a remnant feeling of my new body. So I stole my feelings and hardened my heart for whatever outcome was to come. As one the loop gave me their attention. Each member appraising me.

In response several dreams cut off and flew towards me. I was slightly disappointed with the turnout as the first light had received at least a good dozen though I didn’t let it show. The reason for the small number soon became clear. While the first light had received multiple demons of different colours, the dreams approaching me were all a mesmerising purple.

It clicked then. The dreams didn’t just read your emotions but your character as well. Even when the lead mage was talking about the different advantages of each dream, my mind was entirely focussed upon the nightmare. The dreams had sensed this, I could only imagine how much else they knew.

There were three in total. Three sleek bodies that twirled around me. After a minute of close inspection one stepped back and came to a rest a metre in front of me. I almost spoke a greeting though at the last second I remembered the mage’s warning to let them speak first, and so I waited patiently.

“What do you seek”? The voice came precipitously. It emerged from the dream and the powerful tone perfectly contradicted the frail looking figure in front of me.

I didn’t even think about the answer. “Power” I replied instantly. I spoke honestly, without a hint of deception. Perhaps I should have, but if the demons knew as much about me as I believed they did, they should have had no trouble telling if I was lying or not. The demon in front of me nodded.

“For what reason”? Once again the demons heavy voice caught me off guard and to add to the effect it brought its head up closer to mine, as if it was looking straight into my mind.

“For myself”. I wasn’t wrong, I did intend to gain power to achieve my own goals. Regardless if these goals were for others or me, the answer was simple and correct. The demon just nodded in response before resuming to spin around me.

Another of the three demons took its place in front of me. This one was slightly larger than the first, and it didn’t waste any time before continuing the questions. “You….” It started, “why……. Possessed”. Its voice wasn’t as loud as the first and it seemed less sure of the words it was using.

“To help achieve a goal”. There was no point in hiding it from them. If they were going into my mind they would find out regardless.

“Which……. is”?

“King”.

“The humans……. Don’t select……… Kings by power”.

I chuckled slightly before continuing. It sounded silly even to me. “Not for the humans, for the demons”. Even before I finished the demons were recoiling. All three just sat there looking at me incredulously. I could only watch as they scanned my body for lies.

“You’re not human”. The first demon stated.

“No I’m not”. I replied. The four of us just floated in an awkward silence before finally the first two dreams broke the unnatural state and floated away to join the great ring of demons, which even now was still circling me. I sighed, perhaps I had been foolish to reveal so much. But seeing as one demon still lingered I regathered myself. Only to find it laughing, ominous laughs that echoed throughout the empty space.

“You want to become a king, finally. You don’t know how many years I have waited in these planes. Waiting for someone worthwhile, and all I got were pathetic children hoping for a strong partner to impress their teachers”. Its voice, wasn’t strong or particularly deep. But every syllable was pronounced with such finesse and accompanying it was a sinister undertone that practically screamed malevolent. “I believe it is time to leave this place”, it paused briefly and all laughter stopped. “If you’ll take me”.

I thought for a moment. The demon in front of me didn’t seem like one that would willingly take orders from people it thought were beneath it. So a show of strength would be necessary. “And why, little demon, should I take you”.

The silence was replaced with a chuckle and the dream drew in close before whispering. “Because you don’t have much of a choice”. Its detached hand indicated the clear surroundings as if taunting me for my lack of attention. “And, I think we’re perfect for each other”.

“How are we perfect for each other”? I asked inquisitively.

“Because, I can see your true self. Underneath your layer of social conformity I see desire. I can help. You have certain emotions barring your true potential. But if I removed them we could turn those desires into reality and prosper”.

The more time I spent with this small demon the more it resembled my past self, as if with time it became more like me. It cared for the results, not the methods, and honestly, I had thought about forcing my way into power. However while it was true that in some ways my newfound emotions were hindering my advancement, it also gave me an insight into the advantages of gaining power with time and trust. Something this demon would never understand. So I continued lowering my voice to a dangerous level. “Unfortunately little demon, I believe you are misunderstanding something. While I do indeed intend to follow through with those desires you accurately pointed out, I plan to do so my way. With patients and tact. With time it will happen but I do not need you, a whelp, to tell me how to best go about it, do I make myself clear”.

“Yes” came the squeaking reply, the demon completely lost its façade for a split second, looking deeply troubled as if it had made a mistake. The dream made to say more but I cut it off before it could continue.

“So, whelp, I’ll ask you once. What can you provide me, or do I need to come back another day”.

Having been momentarily startled before, my loaded question made it lose its cool entirely. It staggered back slightly and for a while it seemed the only thing stopping the dream floating back to the ring was its pride. It showed a large amount of mental fortitude by gathering its thoughts before trying again, though when it did there was the unmistakable tone of respect. “Of course, I apologise for my ignorance. However I understand and appreciate your goal, which makes me invaluable to you. Quick tell me, how many demons it that ring would follow you after what you have told me”. I vaguely saw him gesture to the circling demons as I pondered his question. Honestly he was right. Like the other two dreams before, many would likely turn their backs on my ideals and I did not have the time to keep returning and waiting for a demon which would.

I once again look at the demon in front of me. It hovered in the air, slowly slinking back and forth. Unlike the other demons, its claws were longer. Curved into wicked sickles blighted with cruel serrated edges. Without a physical form they wouldn’t be hurting anything but they reflected the demon’s inner personality. I liked the idea of having a heartless weapon that wouldn’t question me mid battle. But there would be repercussions later due to its personality. Then again it showed enough intelligence to be reasoned with, which was a positive sign. As with enough reason, a compromise can be made with even the stubbornest of individuals. But there was still one problem.

“What do you want from me in return”? I asked. Call me suspicious but the dream in front of me seemed too headstrong to blindly follow a child. In the end I was glad I asked it. The demon hesitated slightly before lowering its head sadly. It shook its head in response, refusing to speak.

I was shocked at this, the strong demon I had seen before was no longer there, and in its place was a cringing demon that looked unsure of itself. This annoyed me, what stood in front of me had both a poor personality and a weak constitution, liable of collapse at the slightest mental pressure. I sighed. “Waste of time”. I muttered. Before turning my back, if I was lucky I could talk to a few other demons before the time was up.

“Wait”! A voice came from behind me. A small pleading voice, the finesse was still there but there was no sinister undertone. “Please take me with you”. I turned once again to find the purple nightmare floating behind me, however this time there were subtle differences. Its body had lost the shard edge, and its claws and shrunk back into its hands leaving tiny nails that while filed to a point, no longer held the sinful appearance. “I made a mistake, I’m not like before, really! I just thought that’s what you wanted”. I was baffled by the change in the little demon. But I couldn’t back down because of this display. After all, it could be an act. So naturally I repeated my last question.

There was a silence for a while as the dream seemed to internally agonise itself on what to do, though finally it spoke. “I want to leave this place”. It said softly.

I frowned, from the reactions of the kids earlier nightmares should have had no trouble in being picked. I mentioned this when the demon quickly leapt in saying, “but I don’t want someone who will parade me around for self-recognition”.

“So how do you know I wouldn’t?”

“Because you’re strong, you don’t need too”! I startled slightly, surely he couldn’t see my magical potential. The demon must have noticed my surprise as he continued quickly. “We can all see how powerful you are, and so we know you’re not looking for more acknowledgement”.

The explanation seemed fine but I still didn’t know why the demon had seemed so reluctant to say it, or why it was so worried about being shown around back in the human plane. Unless it was hiding something. I knew the time would be running out soon so I kept it blunt. “What are you hiding”? I asked. Though even as I said it, I saw the dream flicker. It was so quick so I almost missed it, but for a split second the dream became a mesmerising blue. Then suddenly it all clicked. The demons reluctance to answer questions was due to its hiding of its actual abilities, its hatred for being shown around was due to its rarity and its ability to seamlessly change personality which was the effect of its class. As soon as I saw the flicker I knew enough to know that I was under the effects of an illusion. So delicately woven that I hadn’t even noticed its creation.

I gathered a small amount of magic inside me and delved into the mind of the demon facing me. Its face perfectly mimicked the surprise it felt, which now that I was inside it, I felt as well. Now inside the mind of the dream I released an overwhelming amount of unrestrained energy. Without direction the magic wouldn’t hurt the demon, but it would act as interference for its thought patterns and as I retreated back into my own body of light, the demon could only float silently as the magic dissipated. However there was now a crucial difference. The illusion - now no longer under the demons maintenance – fell apart. Surprising me slightly was that the only change occurred to the demon itself. It was now the colour that it had blinked to previously. A beautiful swirling blue that made natural alien like patterns along the demons body. The marks of a lucid dream.

Then the demon snapped out of the momentary paralysis with a jerk. Its face swung my way and it backed away in fear.

“No way, my illusion, so easily”.

“Why pretend”? I ask simply, the disappointment layered in my voice. Though I could only watch as the demon began to cry. I don’t know how so don’t ask, he had no eyes or a physical form. But still tears streaked down the streamlined face.

“Because I wanted to go with you, and you only wanted a nightmare”. Great heaving breaths dissected his speech as the demon turned to leave.

I don’t know why I called out for him. Pity perhaps, but it was also due to being relatively impressed. The fact that I hadn’t even noticed the illusion being cast was a great plus. What it meant was that this small demon in front of me was capable of entering a stable mind completely undetected even going so far to leaving not a single trace of magical presence to be found by any counter magic of my level. “Hold up”. I said slowly. “No more avoiding the question, now that I know you are a lucid dream I want to know what you could offer me If I took you with me”.

The tears stoped and the dream looked back at me. Cautiously at first, as if I was teasing it. Though apparently he saw the honestly in my ball of light and its started jumping up and down in excitement. “I could help infiltrate and hide your presence in another’s mind as well as assist you in any utility options while in there”. The voice was quick and flawless this time, no lies, no deceit.

Almost coincidently the voice of the lead mage rang out in the empty space. “We will now be pulling you back into our plane, all that is required for the demon to follow you is your permission, you have twenty seconds”.

Hurriedly I turned my focus to the blue dream in front of me and in an assured voice I said, “What’s your name”?

“Blue” came the reply. I couldn’t help but frown inwardly. I had forgotten about the demon naming sense. Oh well, at least red wouldn’t feel too left out.

“Ok Blue, my name is Aare, I hope we will get along well in the future.”

“Does that mean” the demon started hopefully.

“Yes, would you do me the honour of joining me”?

“Of course”. Came the happy reply. As the demon finished speaking a vortex opened right next to my left flank, pulling me though.

The sensations hit me, gravity weighed me down, the sound of dozens of people filled my ears, and the dim lights warmed my face as their emissions washed over my body. I grinned.

I was back, and my life was about to become very colourful (pun intended).

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