Dragon Flames

Chapter 10

By: Malaca

"I guess the best way to describe English is kind of a code, rather than a language. Nothing is orderly about the language, but that is the beauty of it. I was one of the fortunate people to learn English as my first language. Unfortunately, your not, so I have to figure out the best way to show you how this fits together," Malaca muttered softly to Horo.

Horo listened intensely, or so it seemed.

'I don't know why I have to do this. Wait, she knows English as her first language? Isn't the chosen from America? Hmmm-?'

"What does this say?" Malaca asked showing him several words in his English book.

Horo peered seriously at the letters on the page.

"Do you have a piece of paper?" Horo recited.

"Good, are you sure that you don't know this?"

Horo shrugged, "I know most of it, but since I'm new they suggested that I get a tutor till they know how much I know."

Malaca nodded, "They tried that on me too, until I informed them that I was from England."

Horo chuckled softly to himself, 'An excellent lie on my part.'

"Well," Malaca said smiling, "since you already know this well enough, why don't we wrap this up for today?"

Horo looked up nervously not wanting to leave Ashira here with the chosen, who ever they were.

"Hey, Malaca!" shouted Sage.

Malaca looked up towards the hallway, "Yeah?"

"Want to go swimming with me, Kento, and Sai?"

"No thanks, have fun!" she shouted back.

Horo raised an eyebrow, "You have a pool?"

Malaca turned back to him, "No, Mia has a lake about a quarter mile away."

She blushed, "Sorry for my rudeness, do you want to go with them?"

"Sure?" Horo shrugged.

Malaca nodded, "I'm sure that Sage has something in your size. His room is upstairs the second door to the left."

Horo stood and bow, making a quick exit.

~Hey, Sage. Horo is coming to. He needs a swim suit, so I sent him up to your room~

~Okay~

~Thanks Sage~

~No problem~

Malaca sighed, breaking the link at the same time. She smiled vaguely out the window as she stood and stretched out her kinks. Something about Horo had bothered her. Something from her past. Malaca stood still for a brief second pondering the full meaning, but quickly dismissed Horo. If he was what she thought he was, there was no cause for worry right now. Worry was for later, when the others weren't around to be bothered by it. Mumbling softly to herself about nothing particular, Malaca made her way down to the kitchen. Dais, Sekhmet, and Kale, were watching Mia explain to them the new machines off the 21st century. Their puzzled faces caused Malaca to chuckle softly to herself.

Mia looked up startled, but seeing Malaca she smiled slightly. Dais raised an eyebrow towards the young girl. Malaca returned the look. She turned back to Mia.

"I don't suppose that Ryo told you about his idea?"

Mia nodded, "I thought it was a great idea, but I don't have the resources to make it exist and also to feed these piranhas."

Malaca gazed at her wide eyed, "You didn't truly think that you had to pay for all of this by yourself?"

"Well, yeah. I'm the only one with money here in the bank."

Malaca chuckled, "Really Mia, I have more than enough money to pay for the barn and training facilities."

"I can't expect you to do that," answered Mia.

"Mia, it's okay. I'll help out with the payments. It's not all that hard to help out once and awhile. I am staying here free of charge, and I might as well help out in some way."

Mia rolled her eyes, "Okay, but I am also paying part of it. End of discussion."

"But!"

"End of discussion."

Malaca sighed, "Your a hard bargainer Mia. Did you ever try going to the tables in Miami?"

"Miami, Florida?"

"Yeah Miami, Florida."

"Okay?"

"I've got to go anyway. I need to keep Quickstrike in shape."

Mia nodded in understanding. The warlords looked at her strangely as she left.

"What is this Qui..ck..st.rike?" Sekhmet stuttered at the pronunciation.

Mia sighed and shook her head.

'This is going to take a while'

Malaca jumped off the porch as swiftly as she stepped onto it. She took off running towards the field she normally trained with Quickstrike. Malaca stopped suddenly as a hand forced her backwards into the side of the house. A hand covered her mouth so she wouldn't let out any noise. Malaca looked up at her capture astonished. Horo stood over her with a serious look spread on to his face.

"If you don't scream, I'll let you free. Do you understand?" he asked softly.

Malaca nodded, but as soon as he let her go she had a hard time controlling her temper.

"Horo!" she whispered harshly, "What was that for?"

"Shhhhh!" he whispered loudly holding a finger over his lips.

"What is it?"

Horo sighed, "I don't know who to tell this to, but I know I have to tell this to someone."

"Tell, me what?"

"Just listen. Ashira isn't what she seems. She is a demon in disguise who is currently putting your friend Sage underneath her spell. Every male that she is around will do what she says. Only one with the right power to resist can stay away."

"What!"

"It's all true!"

"She's a spell caster!"

Horo looked confused, "Do you know about the spell casters?"

Malaca sighed, "Yes, I know of the spell casters. And what about you? Why is a Canadian Hunter doing over here?"

Horo widened his eyes, "Your Eclipse!"

"Shhh!"

Horo shushed.

"Yes, I am. Why?"

"I was sent here to warn you. The rest of the leaders of Eclipse are dead. They are seeking the last one out, you, to destroy you. Ashira and her brother Korin are on the demon's side!"

Malaca was silent, "Thank you for the warning, brother. I think you should continue on like this never happened. Capish?"

"Capish," Horo sighed.

"Good, have fun swimming," Malaca said cheerfully over her shoulder.

Horo stood speechless behind her, 'They said she was unique, but this much? Geez, she acts like it's no big deal.'

He then shrugged, 'Americans.'

Malaca ran forward again to meet Quickstrike at the meadow about a half mile to the north of the house. Nobody knew that is where she often disappeared to, and Malaca preferred it that way. She leapt from branch to branch at top speed, enjoying the feel of the wind in her hair.

'I wonder where Revenge is hiding out at. Probably waiting for me in the meadow. I have to explain to him about Ashira so he doesn't attack her without me. I just wish I could warn Sage about her, but he is the warrior of light so maybe her spell won't work on him.'

Malaca reached the meadow and looked around like always admiring her handiwork. The meadow was about a football field length, and just as wide. At the end was crossed over by a small brook. A lento was against a large oak near the brook. It's thatched roof hanging neatly over the small frame. Quickstrike was there, eating something. Malaca looked around for Revenge.

~Hey, Revenge, where are you?~

~Right behind you~

Malaca jumped up in time to miss Revenge's leap. Malaca turned to him.

~Nice try, but you've got to be better than that to get me~

Revenge snorted~Your not that hard to sneak up on you know~

Malaca rolled her eyes, "Whatever."

~What are you going to do today?~

"Just going to work with Quickstrike a little bit. The Ronins want me to lay off the fighting for a while," Malaca told Revenge pointing to the splinted wrist.

Revenge nodded~Good, your not slacking~

"Be slacking? Why would I do a thing like that?"

~Just saddle up, before I shove something in that mouth of yours~

"Hey, Quickstrike! How you doing buddy?" Malaca asked walking over to the lento.

Quickstrike looked up with bits of hay clinging to his muzzle~Just fine thank you, Dragon.~

"You can call me Malaca, Quickstrike. I don't know how many times I've told you."

~I know~

"Come on over here," sighed Malaca pulling a saddle and bridle from underneath the lento.

Quickstrike finished what he was eating and walked over to the Dragon. He waited patiently as Malaca saddled up the trick saddle and bridle. He pulled back his ears when Malaca tried to put the bit in his mouth.

~You know I hate that thing!~ he exclaimed.

Malaca huffed, "I know, but you've got to get used to it anyways."

~Whatever you say~ he muttered.

Malaca proceeded in putting the bit in his mouth.

"To make it better, I'll give you a good brush down after this, okay?"

Quickstrike raised up~Agreed~

"Animals," Malaca muttered.

Revenge looked up~I heard that~

Malaca shrugged in answer, not really caring that he had heard what she had said. She pulled herself in the saddle with mainly her left hand and right foot. Her wrist was banged slightly, but Malaca ignored the pain. Malaca adjusted the reins and looked over at Revenge, who was muttering something darkly about Dragons.

"I'm going now, see ya at the house tonight. Just come and get me when it's time to eat."

~What am I, your messanger?~

"Yep," Malaca smirked before kicking Quickstrike into an easy canter.

Quickstrike obliged, following the brook's decent through the forest. Malaca relaxed for the first time in a long time. She just let the wind brush against her face as she followed the rhythm of Quickstrike's hooves. The pounding crescendo kicked the ground, leaving hoof prints in their wake. Malaca pulled Quickstrike up at the slightest sound to her left. She circled the horse around in a tight circle. Her eyes darted around taking in the full range of camouflage. She waited for something to spring.

"How do you do it?" a voice echoed through the trees.

Malaca relaxed, "Ryo, is that you?"

"That would be a roger."

Malaca looked up to see Ryo perched up in a branch over her saddle. She gave him a wide grin, which Ryo returned happily. He looked like a canary that had swallowed a cat, and she told him so. Ryo again returned a sappy looking smile.

"Okay, what is wrong with you, and how can I solve your problem?" Malaca joked.

Ryo shrugged, "Nothing is wrong. At least I don't think so."

Malaca raised an eyebrow, showing that she didn't believe a word he said.

"Surrree," she drawled, "what is it that you want from me?"

Ryo smiled foolishly, "Help me set up Sage with Ashira."

Malaca's jaw dropped to the ground. How was she going to prevent this? After all, Ashira was a demon worker, but she couldn't tell the guys that without telling them her fears, her past. Ryo noticed her discomfort, and swung down to the ground next to Quickstrike's hooves.

"What's wrong?"

Malaca smiled sadly, "Nothing, I just don't think that they would make a good couple, it wouldn't last."

Ryo nodded, not fully understanding.

"Besides," Malaca started with a smile, "since, when did Sage need any help with women?"

Ryo smiled, "I guess your right, Malaca. Do you want some company?"

Malaca frowned thinking. Ryo took this as no.

"I guess that would be a-"

"Sure, there is room on this saddle," she smiled patting the saddle behind her.

Ryo grinned, and reached up. Malaca grasped his hand, and helped him into the saddle behind her. Quickstrike reared up with the double weight. Ryo grabbed onto Malaca's waist and the saddle beneath him to stay on. Malaca froze with the feeling on her waist. She hastily shoved Quickstrike back down. The horse snorted and looked up confused. Ryo gave a similar look as he released his death hold on her waist. Malaca bit her lower lip to stay in control so she didn't run away.

"Are you okay?"

Malaca nodded speechless, but then kicked Quickstrike into a gallop, letting the wind sweep away her troubles. Ryo was silent for a couple minutes to let Malaca run her heart out. Something was wrong, but he couldn't do anything until she was ready to talk about it. Ryo noted to himself that it all started with the talk about Ashira. Malaca was silent still as the trees began to blur in speed, and the miles began to count up. She gradually pulled Quickstrike to a stop with the horse foaming at the bit.

~What is wrong little Dragon?~

~Nothing Quickstrike, just a pain of the future~

~All right, you might want to discuss it with the fiery one; he might help.~

~He is the problem~

"Malaca?" Ryo asked.

Malaca swung her right leg over the front of the saddle horn and dropped to the ground. She grabbed Quickstrikes reins; leaning into his sweaty shoulder. Ryo sat motionless in the saddle. After a few minutes he swung down next to her.

"Malaca?"

"Where are the warlords?" Malaca asked eager to change the subject.

Ryo sighed knowing the time to talk was over with, "They went shopping with Mia to get more suitable clothes."

"Kayura too?"

"Kayura too. I think Mia's going to pick up some materials to start building."

Malaca nodded and pulled the reins over Quickstrike's head. She walked away leading the black horse behind her. Ryo didn't follow. Malaca looked back.

"Are you coming? It's a long walk back to the house."

Ryo frowned, and walked back silently next to her, consoling himself with only a thought.

'Maybe Rowen can figure out what that was all about.'

Malaca kept her back to Ryo, 'Damn, I almost lost it back there. I thought I've conquered my fears of them, but I guess I was wrong. SHIT! What did he do to me!'

Unnoticed by Malaca, a single tear ran down her face leaving trails of glistening, salty liquid.

Hey guys-

How goes the front in Miami? Are you being kept safe by the Hunters? I'm sorry that I left you guys hanging in the middle of these wars, but I didn't know what else to do. Evil is rising over here, and I fear that it will soon explode. When that will happen, I don't know. The Ronins have adjusted well over here in addition to me taking up there extra space. I'm sure that's a good thing. There former enemies of the last battle with Talpa have teamed up with them in response to them being kicked out of the Nether Realm. The surprising thing is that they each have a Ronin armor. As far as I know, there are nine Elemental Ronin armors, and I am not one of them. What do you say? I say that I am not an Elemental Ronin. Mia and I were researching these files, and we discovered that I am a Mystic Ronin armor. There are others like me as well. Five more to me exact, where they are? Who knows, or even if they are still alive.

On a positive note, Ryo suggested we do something to unite the group so to better fight in the coming battles. We came up with building a barn. Then barn is already built, and with Mia's and mine money we are able to equip it with training for fights. Could you get in contact with those buyers of that equipment that they are always bothering with us? I have a deal I want to propose to them. Now, don't laugh. I'm a pretty good bargainer when I wish to be.

On the subject of my powers, they are growing indefiently. I even am able to shift shapes easily. One day I'll come and visit you in animal form, but not until there is a null in the storm. The bad thing that I must tell you is that my fear has become stronger, and I'm not sure what to do. Only a few know of this fear, and I am afraid to inform the Ronins of it. I know it will be my downfall one of these days, but I don't know what to do about it.

Sorry about having such a down note at the end. I knew you would want to know about this because it tells us that he still is around. Be careful, I wouldn't want anything to happen to you guys. Tell the Hunters hi for me, and the same to the others. I love you guys so much!

Niccole

a.k.a.- Malaca/Eclipse

Malaca sighed, folding the letter in fours. Her window opened, and the hawk entered watching her uncertainly. She stood up and walked to the window, handing the hawk the letter and some food for thanks. The hawk thanked her profusely, and flew off towards the East. Malaca sat down on the window seat, and was silent. So much was happening so fast.

She looked up towards the moon. It was full this night of the wolf. Malaca shuttered.

'It's my responsibility, but I don't want this to hurt them. Not that I mind being a Hunter, actually I can't run away from it so I make the best of it.'

Malaca stood up again, pulling her heavy cloak more firmly around herself. She patted her sword comfortably as she raised a knee even to the open window. She jumped out, landing roughly from the two story jump. She ran quickly towards the forest, and leapt onto Quickstrike's running back.

'This is my job, and by God, I'm going to do it the best way I know how!'

Unknown to Malaca, a shadow followed her running back, 'Where is she going?'

Hey Peeps,

Malaca here, just writing to let you know this is going to be a long chapter in my Mystic Journeys Epic. Much more will be written about Malaca herself and her friends. I will be soon introducing Malaca's fellow Mystics, so stay tuned!

Malaca