Master Bree

I make some adjustments to the noers, before stopping and studying the finished work. I frown. Hours had passed since I first started and I only just managed to finish this first prototype. Still, I am not done. Studying the prototype, I begin to note parts that might interact negatively with each other. Then my forehead throbs.

The next moment I find myself standing outside, in a part of the city I hardly ever go to. I look around and find a boy near me, the telltale mark on his forehead proves him to be Laen. He is currently being possessed by a deer-like Fasuru, but judging by the green glow in his eyes this is something he willingly allowed. Nothing else around him seems to be out of the ordinary. With great displeasure, I break the connection. Once more I am back in my study.

Kids these days, treating the mark like it's some sort of live stream button. If it were up to me I would severely punish those who use it without being in any danger, at least that way whenever something interrupts my work it will actually be important. With a small sigh, I go back to my work.

* * * * * *

Hugo

I break the connection. Where did Ian learn how to use the mark? Did he discover it by mistake, or did that Watcher possessing him teach him about it? And if it did, why? Either way, I had to check it out. Bowing to the other party in front of me I begin to request leave. "Sir, you probably just saw it but someone has activated the mark. As the guard-"

"Enough Hugo," Grand Master Zarel interrupts. "We both saw that he was clearly fine."

"But-"

"Do not interrupt me! I never said you wouldn't fulfill your duties, but as we clearly saw, he is fine and he is with a Watcher. At the very least, even if he is in danger, the Watcher should be able to keep him safe for some time. You can check up on him once we're done."

Helpless, I can do nothing but nod.

* * * * * *

Drew

I look around the hideout, noting the expression on everyone's face, which is mainly confusion. They should have all seen what I just did. Why did Ian activate the mark? No matter, the Fasuru currently possessing him should be able to keep him safe.

Seth who is currently keeping watch frowns. "That damn kid, if something had happened just now I would have missed it. Why does this have to happen every year."

Before I could reply, Emma speaks. "Drew, I think Ian's in trouble."

Everyone in the room immediately pays attention to her. This is because of experience. If you don't listen to Emma's hunches, then you do so at your own peril. Still, I have to ask, "Why?"

"Because of the Fasuru possessing him. I believe it's the one who taught Ian about the mark. But think about it, why would a Fasuru instruct a Laen like Ian to use the mark when it should be enough to protect him from most ordinary threats? Also, didn't you say he went home? Why isn't he at home right now? I think he's in trouble."

Her words make sense. I pull out my phone intending to call him and confirm things when I see the missed calls. I have a sudden sense of foreboding as I try to call him once… twice… four times. He doesn't pick. Something is definitely wrong. I make up my mind quickly.

"You guys stay here, and don't act without me if anything happens," I say to the rest of the Five, before turning to my teammates. "Let's go check up on Ian. I recognize where he was. Hopefully, he isn't in too much trouble."

* * * * * *

Ian

My body stops, staring at the familiar figure in front of me. It is the same man I had seen at the concert, and overlaid over him is the Majin, emitting an aura far stronger than what he had at the party. He comes to a stop, his eyes searching my face for a moment before they light up with recognition. "You."

The deer controls my mouth to speak. "Devourer, are you not tired of antagonizing the Laen? Please, leave. You can always get your target later, in a place not occupied by so many innocent humans."

Majin ignores the deer, staring straight at me. "I remember you. Since you are here, then more of you should be coming. A pity."

The next moment his presence fades a little. "What are you doing?" he says to himself, "We only agreed to-"

"Shut up!" This time his presence comes back stronger than ever. "You will get your wish, so do not interrupt me again."

"He is a child."

"He is Laen. Not a child. Speak once more, and there will be consequences. And as for you. This will be the last time you ever poke your nose into someone else's business."

My body moves just as the Majin charges me, his fist barely missing my face. He turns his punch into a swing and I hastily set up Hilla's Barrier between us. His hand meets the barrier and then shatters it like glass before continuing undisturbed toward me. This time I can think of nothing to stop it, I freeze involuntarily, watching in horror as his hand closes into my face, knowing that the moment it lands I am going to die. Then a burst of telekinetic energy bursts out from me pushing me out of Majin's reach. For a moment I am confused. I hadn't done that. Then I realize, it is the deer who did it.

The Majin's eyes narrow as it looks at me and I feel an involuntary spike of fear within me. Even if it had been over in less than a second, his attack had been a ferocious almost unstoppable thing. Even after all the fights I had been in, nothing could prepare me for the pressure and ferocity of his attack, and knowing that a moment of carelessness could end me just makes it all worse.

"Relax boy," the deer says, "if you freeze up like that again then you are going to die. Be grateful, while he is still very strong, The Devourer is still far weaker than I expected. It's no wonder he had to resort to terrorism to gain his strength back. Listen, I have an idea that if it succeeds could end with us winning this."

"What is it?"

"What is the purity of your Uua?"

"Seventy-eight."

"Hmm… with the addition of mine it should be barely enough. Listen, I am going to grant control of your body back to you. I need you to survive as long as you can. Don't doubt yourself, remember all the training you've done, no matter how inconsequential, and put it to use now. You can do it. He is weak, and even his host struggles against him, it'll be difficult, but you have to survive. Now, take control."