Soul Beasts- Chapter 8

  Soul Beasts Chapter 8

 The next day came before anyone had realized it. The birds were chirping this morning as the fluffy looking clouds moved gently across the deep, blue sky from the wind. Many, many miles away from the city, where Asaki is living in, there is a capital. Somewhere in this large and fancy city exists an organization. This organization is very shady and normally move around in secrecy. It had many members and not much is known about this organization nor its members. Also, no one would be able to uncover these sneaky members unless they were a pro or by accident. On this day, they were gathering for an important business. Needless to say, they were having an important meeting in the undergrounds of this city, which is also the capital of this country.

   Strange and shadowed silhouettes move and bustle about as they try and find a spot to take a seat in this spacious and somewhat dark room. By using magic and candles they were able to see in this dark room, some were even using their magic weapons or devices to produce light to see. Some wore fancy robes while others hid by wearing dark colored cloaks so they could blend in with the darkness and if needed to, escape when things get hairy.

   Loud tap noises could be heard as a person was walking into the room. Hearing this slightly calmed down the commotion that the people were making in this dimly lit room. This person continued walking to an important looking seat as people watched. He then sat in the seat and looked around the room while still wearing the hood from the robe-like cloak. If one were to shine on this person wearing such clothing, one could tell that this person is possibly from a nobility background or was very rich.

 "Attention everyone, attention!"

 Commanded the somewhat young yet mature voice that echoed throughout the room. Finally, the last of the chatter died down to a complete mute and all attention was focused on the person who owned that voice. That person looked around to the people that are looking at him.

  "Well, now that I've got all of your attention, I think it's time that we get down to business? It's about the latest news that's been spreading like wildfire throughout the kingdoms."

  "Yes, I agree. This is about Asaki Chrome, the Living Soul Beast that's making head news in the newspaper and magic headliners all over."

 "Right, I was so surprised to hear about this piece of news but that damn Hedya had to snatch him away before anyone else at the stadium!" *BANG!*

  Replied a couple of people while one person banged on the table before them. Various commotions and reactions had come from these people. The being in the fancy cloak understood they're distraught and sighed while having a frustrated look as well.

 "I understand everyone. Like some of you, I too was at the stadium and was also hoping to claim that wild, Living Soul Beast. I have also failed in accomplishing that but we have some information. Information on that soul beast."

 From this, the people once begin to chatter along. It was obvious that many were very happy upon hearing this.

 " His name is Asaki Chrome as many of you are aware. This is new information... he attends to this well-known school..."

   This leader shows the others through a magic device the school which Asaki is attending. Some gasp and almost everyone starts to gossip and chat amongst each other upon hearing the name of the school and seeing it on the projection. This school, Aste Mania, is a well-known Academy from all over and is not easy to break into. Most people know of this and were not happy upon hearing this while others smile from the challenge.

 "I've already thought up some counter measures for this, of course. I have managed to dig up some of Asaki's past that we can use to our advantage. Not to mention, we don't have to invade this famous Academy to get to him. There is the problem of Hedya being around and that the soul beast is claimed by both him and Kallai... he also has both Curse and Blessing. Those Limiters should prove useful to our advantage. We can use the Black Market's way of either sealing the limiters or erasing them, even overwrite them. We have plenty of choices... but there is a major problem. Who will own Asaki Chrome after we do manage to take him?"

  This problem is definitely real and a big issue. There's only one of the boy but many of them who'd want to own him. There's also the fact that they cannot walk around during the day and in public with him since they'll own a kidnapped boy. They could try cloning but most know that won't work because of the many factors in it. They talked of many possible ways to figure out this problem. One or two suggested that they could all own Asaki Chrome by putting him into their organization as a rent out tool, a weapon. Some didn't like this idea because of their greed to fully own the soul beast. Finally, after much thought, the leader spoke.

  " Very well, how about this? First come first serve. Who ever manages to take the Living Soul Beast from Hedya's hands wins! They will be able to claim and keep the boy for their own. But don't forget! Since you are part of this secret organization, you will use the soul beast for the organization's experiments and needs! You will need to contribute. I will not hear any dissatisfaction, got it!?"

  All agreed to this and replied to their spokesman. This is the capital's darkness that runs deep with the Black Market. One's greed for power will move many to get whatever they wanted. With Asaki's power, one may be able to rule many kingdoms and not many would be able to win against them. They are aware that the boy has the soul of the beast called Salamander but they do not know exactly how powerful it is. So there is a lot of speculation but for the boy to have Salamander was of great concern. They didn't want to face up to this powerful being who owns such a thing inside him but for them to be able to use the boy and this mythical beast, it was a great risk. A risk that they were willing to take if it meant obtaining a unique being with the power of a legendary creature. A mythological beast.

  After the secret meeting ended, some either dispersed and had left the room or stayed behind to chat with each other. The leader who spoke at the meeting started to speak to his henchmen and co-workers.

   "I know I've suggested the idea myself but we will have to beat the rest to get that soul beast. I also know it won't be easy, especially since Hedya is almost always around him. It seems that at the Academy, Asaki is left alone at the school but it's very hard to invade or sneak into. So we'll have to find moments where there is a gap. There's also the idea of getting the boy to come out of the barrier of Aste Mania Academy on his own. We can use his past against him..."

   He suggested. The others around him nodded their heads and agreed to his plans. This person continued to consult the others about other ideas as they continued to leave the undergrounds. Meanwhile, at the Guild Association, they too were having a meeting. Today was also special since nobility and some Royals had come to visit. They were the Guild's guests. They were all talking about how to stop the secret organization that has been doing whatever they wanted for a long time now and how they were going to do it. One had mentioned about the recently discovered Living Soul Beast and how this being could attract this unwanted secret organization due to the uncertainties and possible great power that he possesses. Just like the secret organization, they too didn't know the full extent of what the boy's power was and was very concerned. At least, not too concerned since Hedya had claimed him. Asaki being owned by both Hedya and Kallai made a lot of them sigh with relief.

   "Dagnabit, that shitty organization is startin' to move again Salnia. We can't get 'nough information to keep track of 'em. Oh, I'll tell ye now that if I ever run into any of 'em snakes... I'll clobber 'em with me pickaxe and anvil I will!

  "That's a dwarf with leprechaun blood for you... Will you calm down? I know it's been hard to keep everyone safe and up to date about these guys but if you start getting riled up now, you'll only wear yourself out before the time comes. Calm down Olvir."
 
 Olvir:"... I guess yer right."

 The dwarf sighs as he paces around on the table after jumping onto it. Olvir's height is actually much shorter than the average dwarf. His height is around 3 feet but he kept his dwarven looks and stout body. He pats his short red beard as he looks at the large map that's being projected by a magic device before him. The map that's being projected is hovering over the large table that's in the Guild's back room. The others in the room were also wondering what to do about their situation.

  This room is used when something big is going on or for doing business with one's clients. Important figures come here together when something needs to be discussed and currently, that's what they are doing. They are also exchanging information with these important and powerful figures and groups. At times, this room is also used as a reception room and is normally called that. You can find this room on the second floor and you'd normally need permission from the Guild to use it. If you are powerful enough or ranked enough, even with your special status you can use this room.

   The blue haired swordswoman turned her attention to the map when someone spoke up. This man looked to be of importance. One could tell by his slit eyes and slightly scaled skin that he has the blood of a lizard race. It's also possible that he's got dragon's blood in him.

   "Why not ask if we can get permission from Lord Hedya to allow us to help guard his soul beast? His name is Asaki Chrome, was it?"

  The young man pushed something on the magic device projecting the map. It then started to project and show everyone the soul beast in question. It was as if someone had taken a picture of Asaki but it was 3-Dimensional. The people in the room reacted in various ways upon seeing the boy.
 
  Salnia:" Do you think that Lord Hedya would agree?"

   "I don't see why it wouldn't hurt to ask. I've heard that ever since he obtained Asaki as his soul beast, he's been acting differently than before. This might work in our favor. It's also Lord Hedya's job to assist us in learning about new discoveries like Asaki Chrome, he's the first ever living soul beast after all. Because he's different than any other soul beast, it's better to get the data that we need in case more appear. So far, we've only obtained a small portion of data from Asaki when he was brought into Aste Mania's private hospital. "

  Salnia:" I see what you mean. With that boy's help, we could help those like him in case more appeared. What do you all think of Cadmus's proposal?"

  Olvir:" I think this is me` first time meetin' with this youngin'...?"

  Cadmus:" It is Fairy Hammer. My name is Cadmus Barak and I'm a quarter dragon. A dragonewt. It is a pleasure to meet a well-known being such as yourself."

  Cadmus introduced himself and bowed to the dwarf. Fairy Hammer is a nickname that Olvir has among others. Dragonewt is a race of half-lizard or half-dragon people, it can also refer to certain humanoid lizard sub-species. Cadmus's short hair, that's green with golden-yellow ends, somewhat glows in the dark as if illuminating itself with light. The scales that show on his skin is also green and yellow.

  Olvir:" My, he has such uptight manners... Lad, you don't need anythin' like that when around me. Just know that ye don't need to be too rude. Hahahaa!"

 Cadmus:" I understand."

  Some of the people in the room understood Cadmus's proposal but they weren't sure if the plan will go well. Well, it's not like they'll lose much or anything at all. All they have to do is ask the Seraphim Angel.

  Salnia:" I understand that Asaki is a living soul beast but I wonder what sorts of beasts dwell inside his body?"

  Olvir:" Wha- lass, you don't know?"

 Salnia:" I don't, not everyone knows."

 Olvir:"... Aiya. Didn't they say that what dwells inside the boy is a legendary beast from mythology? Wasn't it Salamander?"

 Cadmus:" It is... That's possibly why that the secret organization is after him. They will probably get him by any means necessary. Luckily, Hedya is his owner along with Kallai. Not to mention the boy is attending school at Aste Mania Academy. Both will be hard to deal with."

 Salnia:" I... Can't believe someone has a salamander inside of them."

 Olvir:" What's this lassy talkin' about? The lad isn't the only one with a legendary beast inside of 'em... There's probably more that we don't know about, not ta' mention the ones that we do know. Though... considerin' that we probably never ran into or knew anyone having one. Do we even know what kind of salamander that he has?"

  Cadmus:" It should be a flame salamander from what the reports say. It also describes that Asaki has been in salamander form before. It's a black salamander with red at the end of the scales. It also does not have a normal Newt's skin but similar to a dragon's due to the scales. It apparently has power similar to that of a sub-species or a dragon itself."

  Olvir:" Oh? That's incredible. No wonder that organization wants him."

  Cadmus:" This is also information from when the boy was asleep for three days straight in that form and the times when he was briefly in battle... There are also sightings of him in that form when he was with Hedya to go out shopping."

 Salnia:" I see... Do we have an image of Asaki in any of his forms or using his power?"

 Cadmus:" We do."

 Cadmus pushes something on the magic device once more to show more images of the boy in 3-D. This time there are many images of Asaki in various forms and poses, even some using his power, such as his flame. The people in the room are looking at the images that were rotating around so all could see all of the forms and power of the boy. There was something about this soul beast and his power that gave everyone admiration. Maybe it's because of his eyes but some liked his face.

  Salnia:" This is incredible. Especially his salamander form, it's gorgeous! It's too bad that we can't see the real thing up close..."

 The reason Salnia is slightly disappointed was that the magic device that is showing the projection images of Asaki could not completely show the actual colors of the boy. It's not like it was one color but the color is mostly in a blue tint, so it obstructed the actual coloring of what the real thing had.

 Cadmus:" I have got to admit that both his jack rabbit and salamander forms are impressive and that the salamander form is somewhat pretty..."

  Says Cadmus trying hard to not show his feelings too much that he is admiring Asaki's form and power. It was hard to tell but the scales Asaki has are very pretty. They have a sheen to them similar to cut gemstones or a reflective surface making them shine. If one had a pet snake or has encountered snakes before, one would notice the sheen of the snake's scales. Asaki's salamander scales are not mostly tiny but were large like that of a dragon's if one would compare.

 "Hey, do salamanders shed their skin or erm... scales? I wonder how much they would go for? Probably somewhat pricey considering how rare and legendary the salamander is."

 Said one of the people in the room. Some agreed to what that person was talking about while others gave him an odd look. What the man is asking does make sense but since Asaki's Salamander was originally many Newts that combined into one, there is no guarantee that he's able to shed just like them. Let alone any of them knowing that Asaki's Salamander was a combined form of many Newt souls. No one currently knows how did Asaki obtain Salamander or when did he get it. It's possible that he obtained it through leveling but no one knows if that was possible.

   In fact, the beings known as soul beasts have not been around for long. They are actually a fairly recent creature and discovery. Desires have been around for awhile, unlike the soul beasts. Some have speculated that the creatures that they called soul beasts have been hidden since ancient times or that they were recently born to counter the Desires. After all, soul beasts are some of the few beings that can fight off Desires and destroy them. For them, it's as easy as breathing air once they learned how to use their power. But the people discovered something troubling. Due to the soul beast's trauma of how they were born interferes with their full potential. Depending on how badly they are scarred or what their trauma is, they have issues fighting Desires or other enemies, even doing day-to-day daily things can be a hurdle.

  There is also the issue that all soul beasts are undead, brought back to life by something and becoming soul beasts yet their hearts remain un-beating. Some say that they might be cursed while others think that they are like zombies. Zombies, that one would normally find in certain areas and dungeons, are moving around thanks to some kind of energy. Despite their hearts remain dead, the mana flows into the corpses and makes them move. It is extremely hard to find fresh corpses where the zombie still has its brain mostly intact, despite being dead or slightly rotted. Because of this, the majority of undead creatures are stupid and unintelligent. It's different if their soul or a soul is inside the undead. There's also the issue of someone or something controlling them. Not to mention that the undead normally reacts by possible instincts but this is just speculation.

  The Guild Association members continued their meeting as they try to think of what to do next. They finally came to a conclusion and went along with Cadmus's idea. The members chose the people to go to either Lord Hedya's mansion or to the Academy itself to ask Hedya about protecting Asaki.

    Meanwhile, Asaki is in his second day of school. The other students have yet to get used to having the transfer student in the classroom which is understandable. Asaki was given a small notebook that a teacher had provided for him to learn a little bit of what soul beasts are since he, himself does not know. It seems that soul beasts were first discovered around 200 years ago while Desires have been around for about 500 years. While reading the booklet, he listens to the lectures. Asaki would have loved to learn more of this world from the beginning if it weren't for the fact that his uncle was always moving. He wasn't able to finish or keep any of the books and scrolls he'd find or borrowed because of his family. So the information that he has in his head is full of holes. The young soul beast was secretly happy to be given free information of this world and what he currently is. He continued reading the booklet while he multitasks by listening to the lectures as the day continued.

  The day went by like this until it was mid-day. One of the teachers walked over to Asaki and told him to come to the head office. He wondered what was going on since it wasn't time for the school's day to end and for Hedya to come pick him up, though he hoped that Hedya wouldn't take them home like yesterday. Some of the other students and a couple of teachers notice this and wondered what was going on also. It might have been something interesting but it's too bad they cannot leave.

   Asaki was led to the main office of Aste Mania Academy and entered the room. There he sees unfamiliar people along with the head master that he had met yesterday along with Hedya. There he sees a blue haired swordswoman and a swordsman with what seems to be green and yellow scales on his body. Asaki noticed that this man's eyes were not normal and were like those of a beast's. He also thought that the man had unusual hair color and thought it was pretty since it seemed like it was illuminating in the dark. The boy looked around but he couldn't find Hedya anywhere but it's possible that Hedya will shortly be notified and be here.

 Salnia:" Hello, you must be Asaki Chrome? I'm Salnia Hjordis of the Guild Association and part of the Guild called Shining Sword of Loyalty."

 Cadmus:" My name is Cadmus Barak and I'm also a part of the Guild Association, but I'm also part of the Guild called Sacred Legends. It's nice to finally meet you."

    Asaki wasn't sure how to respond to these strangers but nodded. It was neat how he found out about this world having Guilds. He's read plenty of manga to know how they might possibly work, not to mention watching fantasy anime. The fantasy genre is one of his favorite genres after all. He wondered how this world's Guilds handled and managed themselves and if it would look similar to the stories he's watched, read and played. Yup, he's even played some video games with this genre. It is very popular. Seeing the boy not speaking was understandable. This meeting was sudden and they don't know each other at all.

 Salnia:" We're sorry for interrupting your education and calling you."

 Asaki:" It's fine, it must have been urgent if you wanted to come and see me. That or you wanted to discuss something with me around or rather, to me?"

    The boy's insight caused the people in the room to be startled. They were not expecting to be analyzed like this with their first meeting. But if one thinks about it, it is understandable to try and guess why one would be summoned and be meeting strangers if there were any clues or guesses. The two could see that Asaki's eyes were sharp and calm, showing that he's on his guard and possibly with suspicion.

 Asaki:" I was summoned here because...?"

 Cadmus:" We want to talk with Lord Hedya to ask permission to help protect you. We thought it was best that we summoned you while we wait for Lord Hedya's arrival."

 Asaki:" I see... I want to ask why me but is it possibly because I'm currently the only living soul beast around? Or maybe it's because you know about the beast I have inside of me?"

 Once again, the people became startled from Asaki's words. This boy of 16-years-old had done the process of elimination inside his head as to why they wanted to protect him. He wasn't sure what the average IQ level of this world is for his age but it was quite easy for him to understand the situation or at least guess.

  Salnia:" That's correct...?"

  Asaki:" I didn't mean to startle you all twice. Though, if one thinks about it, if you were me, it doesn't take much to understand what the current situation is... possibly."

 Cadmus:" I see you have a decent head on you."

 Asaki:" You kind of need it when living in the streets for years when your family constantly moves around, right?"

  Cadmus:" That's right. The files did say that before turning into a soul beast, your family moved a lot and never stayed in one place for too long."

 Asaki:" You can blame my stupid uncle for that. He's quite selfish and had decided to run away from his debt collectors and taking all of us along with him. Because of that, we didn't have much to keep to ourselves... Well, except for uncle."

 Salnia and Cadmus wondered what he meant by that and asked the young boy. Asaki sighed and scratched his head, not caring about sharing his tale but decided to tell it as he looked at their curious eyes.

 Asaki:"... Anything we owned of value was sold by uncle so his riches would expand. He had also sold many of his own possessions while keeping the most expensive and portable things to himself hidden somewhere. How he transports his riches with him whenever we move, you got me. My guess is that, besides his bank account, he uses the others in the family to transport them."

 Salnia:" Couldn't he pay off his debt with the riches and money he currently has?"

 Asaki:" He could but he wouldn't. He's very selfish and greedy. Now that I think about it, I wonder how Hedya explained it to them about where I am now?"

 Cadmus:" You don't know? It was never explained?"

 Asaki:" Everything was crazy and hectic for me and things were moving at a fast pace. I didn't think about asking this whole time. I have thought of my family and friends but that was it. If you think about it, this is basically kidnapping in itself but..."

  Asaki went quiet for a little bit. This caused the young adults to worry about what the boy will say next.

  Asaki:" It's not like they cared if I was still around. I'm basically an Alien to them and wasn't really welcomed."

  Salnia was about to speak when the head master spoke up first as he was very concerned.

 Head Master:" Asaki, what do you mean by that? Your family didn't love you at all...?"

 The two looked back at the head master who's sitting in his seat behind the fancy polished desk then back to Asaki.

 Asaki:" You got it, they don't. Uncle didn't like the fact that I was another mouth to feed but liked to have an extra slave around. Don't know why but when thinking about it now... It seems that the whole family was in on it. When I'd find something neat like a book to read, uncle would take it away. If not, it would be the others in the family. They would take the books or scrolls, anything I find to uncle so he could sell them to make a profit. I managed to learn some things from them but I didn't have them long enough to finish them. So, there are lots of information that I have that isn't complete."

  To hear Asaki talk about his family like this is a bit disheartening. The ideal home is where family and friends liked and loved each other. They even give each other warmth, especially during the sad and tough times. What Asaki is saying is that not a single ounce of love is shared and is replaced by a single being's greed. Salnia, Cadmus, and the head master have seen documents of Asaki Chrome. There is proof that he has gone to school before but later on, he had stopped going. If what Asaki is saying is true then that means that the reason Asaki stopped going to school was the result of his sorry and greedy uncle.

 Asaki:"... I say all of that but in truth, I'm actually having issues with my memory."

   Asaki noticed a familiar look on the three who's been listening to him this whole time and sighed again. He wondered just how curious were these people.

Asaki:" There's actually a bunch of hazy spots if I try to remember certain events that happened in the past. There's not many, but the important parts are either missing or hazy to me. Sure, memory is supposed to be fickle but this is a bit too weird."

  Cadmus:" That sounds odd to me. I don't think memories are supposed to be like that at all. Unless you've been in an accident that might have hit your head? Is what I'd like to say but I'm not sure."

  Asaki:" Well, it's fine. Thanks for the concern."

  Salnia:" No worries~"

    Salnia replied to Asaki for Cadmus. Cadmus looked at Salnia with a questionable look. Salnia looked back at Cadmus with a smiling face and waved her hand before her face as if saying don't worry about it. Before anyone had realized it, the door had opened and Hedya walked in along with Kallai. Oddly, the posse isn't here. Maybe something came up or Hedya decided to leave them at home? These are the thoughts Asaki wondered as he looked at Hedya with curious eyes. The atmosphere around Hedya wasn't like normal and it was more like the time when Asaki had first met Hedya at the stadium.

   Hedya and Kallai both bowed to the Guild members then took a sit in the fancy looking chairs. This whole time Asaki wasn't sitting anywhere and was standing. When the boy looked at the sitting Hedya, the angel placed his hand on his thigh then pat it several times beckoning Asaki to sit there. Asaki's face twitched as he stares at the angel with a sighed and tired look. The boy can't believe that even here he's acting like this. Well, maybe not completely. When Asaki didn't do as motioned to do, Hedya gave the boy a death glare which made Asaki's body whole body flinch. The young soul beast almost immediately parked his behind on Hedya's thigh while being stiff. He wondered if all this time he was messing around with a tiger, no... a dragon all this time.

   Seeing this made Kallai chuckle and try to hold in his urge to laugh. The confused young soul beast continued to sit there stiff when Hedya's hand was placed on the boy's head and was slightly stroking his head. As the boy felt his head being petted and stroked, his body loosened. This action slightly confused the boy and he tilted his head to look at Hedya. He can feel that Hedya's action was calming him down. It was actually a little soothing the way Hedya was stroking his head and was very gentle. It felt like his head was being messaged. Before getting carried away with the soothing feeling, Asaki snapped himself out of it by shaking his head. One could hear the ID tag on his collar shake and make a small jingle sound. The boy questioned himself inside his head as to why that pat on the head felt the way it did.

   The others who were watching the scene were smiling while having an odd feeling. Kallai seems to be engrossed with the scene in front of him and kept on smiling while leaning his face on his prompt arm. To the three who weren't used to seeing this kind of thing, it was odd and at the same time, they noticed the changes to Asaki. Now that Hedya is here with him, they can see that he's a lot calmer than before despite that whole stiffness scene. Judging the way Asaki had reacted to Hedya's glare, it was probably a first considering all the rumors the two have heard. Salnia sighed then looked at Cadmus with a look as if to say, 'what now?' Cadmus just shrugged his shoulders while the head master sits there smiling at them with an 'it can't be helped' look. Salnia clapped her hands together and Cadmus cleared his throat, both were trying to bring everyone back to reality.

  Hedya, Asaki and Kallai's attention were now focused on Salnia and Cadmus. Seeing that they had grabbed their attention, Salnia and Cadmus were relieved.

 Salnia:" Okay, now that we are back on track. Sir Hedya? We have come in search for you so we can propose a request to assist you in protecting the Living Soul Beast. Asaki Chrome."

 Hedya's eyes had become sharper and it seems as if he's glaring at them.

 Hedya:" Why do you want to assist me in protecting the soul beast I own?" He resumes patting and rubbing Asaki's head, who's doing his best to endure Hedya's weird affection. " Do you think that I cannot keep him safe?"

 Cadmus:" That's not it. We have just recently gotten some information pertaining to the secret organization. It seems that they are on the move and might be targeting Asaki. We don't know how or when they'll strike but we want to be safe just in case. We did come here to get your permission, Lord Hedya."

   Hedya sighed through his nose and looked at the two with a piercing gaze. He didn't like the idea of how he needed help to protect Asaki and even though he has a lot of power, it does not necessarily mean that he's confident enough to protect the boy without a scratch. After all, there's no guarantee that one would be able to protect everything and anything. You can try your best to predict the enemy's thoughts and movements but there's always something that you don't know. Without giving it much thought, Hedya replied.

 Hedya:" In all honesty, I think I'll allow only a handful of you to help protect this soul beast. If I went with my pride and refused your request, then there's a possible chance that I'll be dooming myself from possible help. This enemy organization has been a thorn in everyone's side for quite a while now. I think it's best to defeat them as swiftly as possible so that we don't have to worry about them anymore. We can also keep everyone safe by doing this as well. Kallai, what do you think?"

   Hedya looked over to his demon brother as Asaki looked over at Kallai as well. Kallai looked at his angel brother and smiled.

 Kallai:" You should know what my answer is Hedya. I'll go along with anything you do, depending on the situation. So far, there hasn't been anything that you've done that I didn't go along with. Hedya, just do what you've got to do.~"

  Both Salnia and Cadmus looked at each other with a smile. This could have taken a different turn, but it didn't. Asking Hedya to help protect Asaki was the right choice. Now they can go back and tell the other members at the Guild Association that their mission was successful. The duo was about to leave when the woman stopped and looked towards Hedya's direction, more specifically, at Asaki. She looked as if she was thinking of something then gave a pouting expression. Cadmus stopped himself from leaving the room and looked at his partner. He understood what she wanted and faced Hedya and Asaki.

 Cadmus:" I'm sorry but is it alright to show us your salamander form? You see, Salnia here had become fascinated by that form when she saw it on the magic device back at the Guild. Lord Hedya, is it alright for us to see Asaki's salamander form?"

 Hedya looked at the two swordsmen then sighed. He wondered if it was alright for these people to see Asaki in his salamander form. The boy had already shown the form several times before, and Hedya knew it would not be the last time. There's only one thing that bothered the angel, that is it's possible that these two were enemies. Before the duo could move or say anything, he gave the two another piercing glare that was like daggers. Asaki looked at the Seraphim Angel and asked if it was okay or not to show the two his form. After looking at Asaki, Hedya scratched his cheek with his fingernail then looked back at the two to give a nod. Hedya had accepted their request which caused Salnia's face to brighten. Cadmus was very happy for her that she got what she wanted. The truth is, he too wanted to see Asaki's salamander form.

  Asaki got up from Hedya's lap then moved to a position where there was room so that the swordsmen duo can see him clearly. Right before everyone's eyes, Asaki swiftly changed his form into Salamander. A humanoid Salamander is currently standing before them with his firey eyes and black scaled body. The scales would have red at their tips and glisten when the light hits them. There's also red scales under his jaw, down the neck and if one would see underneath his battle suit, on his chest, stomach, and underneath the tail. His golden-yellow hair changed color to red as small flames of ember seep out of the ends of Asaki's hair, it also seems to glow thanks to the flames, and would sway about just like fire in the air. If the boy opens his mouth, you can see his fangs, his hands and feet grew claws as well. His hands and feet were webbed but not completely, and his nails were pearl-white.

  His ears moved closer to his head and grew tiny thorn-like horns on the ridges of the ears. If one would feel his back, it'd feel rigged and slightly rough yet smooth, it felt like tiny hills going downwards while feeling like sharp sand paper going upwards. Those rigged scales on Asaki's back end in the middle of his tail. The young soul beast looked at the two visitors with his flame colored eyes, and they noticed that his pupils were slit and when he blinks, a thin third eyelid can be seen but only when one is up close to see it. Seeing Asaki's salamander form, up close and personal made the two go in awe, even the head master was in awe as well. He had never seen Asaki in this form before and thought it was beautiful along with Salnia and Cadmus.

  Cadmus:" To think that this form was this amazing..."

  Salnia:" Isn't it?"

   Head Master:" Even I'm speechless... I have no other words to describe that form, but beautiful while embodying power with that appearance."

   The three agreed while nodding. Cadmus also has scales like Asaki, but they don't cover his whole body and while they do have a sheen to them, it's mainly when he's attacking with his lightning power. Cadmus also does not have such pressure and thus felt defeated. The two left the Academy satisfied as Asaki looked at the twins who have yet left the room. He asked if he should head back to class since there's still time but Hedya said no. Before leaving the school, Asaki went back to the classroom to grab his notes, the booklet that one of the teachers had given him.

   Upon doing so, the rest of the class along with the teachers stared silently at the boy. Asaki was still in his salamander form as he came in and out of the class to grab his booklet filled with notes. It's not uncommon for a soul beast to stay in a certain form for a period of time. It's just, they weren't expecting the power coming from the boy along with how beautiful he looked. Asaki didn't notice the staring awed people at the time and when he closed the door to the classroom, sudden loud chatter can be heard. Though this confused him, he wasn't curious enough to go back inside and thus left with Hedya and Kallai. The trio arrived at the mansion and Asaki noticed in one of the mirrors in the bedroom that he was still in salamander form. He reverted and changed back to his human form, but the twins were disappointed that he was no longer in salamander form.

    Last night, Asaki had once again managed to give Hedya the slip and had slept somewhere else. He was thinking about what to do for tonight when he got grabbed from behind. This startled him and from reflex, he looked back to see Hedya smiling. The day had already gone by and is already dusk, so the time to hit the sack was creeping closer. Hedya was determined to drag Asaki to bed, but the boy didn't want any of that and struggled to break free. Lazial was nearby and spotted the scene and came over. After hearing the two's conversation, he thought it over and came to the conclusion of getting Asaki a futon bed. Lazial was also in disagreement for Asaki to sleep in the same bed as the twins and had helped out. The Cherubim Angel came back with a futon and pillow. In Asaki's original world, this kind of futon is what the Japanese would use. Asaki felt that it was odd to even have something like that in this world, but it's no different from using warm blankets and a fluffy pillow to use to sleep on the floor.

   Happy, Asaki quickly got ready and changed into his pajamas. He then got into the futon that Lazial gave him and swiftly fell asleep on the floor next to the bed. As the night goes by, it didn't take long for Hedya to pick up Asaki out of his bed and place him in between himself and Kallai in their large bed. Kallai thought it was both cute and funny how stubborn the two of them were then decided to go back to sleep. When morning came, the young soul beast found out that he was back in a familiar bed with a red canopy. His morning face clearly showed that he was not happy, yet he was still dazed and half awake while staring at the bed's canopy.