Elemental Genesis

***

Chapter Twenty-Five: The Hellfire Inferno

"The place was decimated," said Elphias Doge, a wheezy-voiced wizard with silver hair. "Utterly and totally demolished."

Such was how the next meeting of the Order of the Phoenix began at 12 Grimmauld Place. There was no need to ask what Doge had meant. He, of course, was referring to Diagon Alley. Just the day before, the popular and bustling wizarding center was destroyed. Many people died in the attack, either from the disasters that occurred or from being trampled by the panicking crowd. The Daily Prophet wouldn't be able to print for another day or so according to their two spies in the newspaper: Ciara Corbin and Max Waring. The building of the famed wizarding newspaper was located in Diagon Alley.

But what caused the entire tragedy was what puzzled the group. According to assembled Aurors who arrived all too late, there were only four people there. Those cloaked strangers vanished, but not without mocking them.

"Emmeline," Albus Dumbledore said. "You work in the law-enforcement agencies of Ministry. How was it affected?"

A stately witch wearing a green shawl spoke. "The Ministry all took shelter in a special warded room near the Department of Mysteries." She sniffed disdainfully. "Not in it, so don't anyone ask."

Dumbledore nodded. "Arthur?"

"The Department of Magical Catastrophes is in a huge mess," Arthur Weasley replied. "They're having a hard time clearing the rubble. Every time we send a spell at debris, it is either reflected back or neutralized. So, they have to do it manually, which they're upset about. What's really troubling them is the Gringotts caverns: there are some people trapped down there and the goblins are putting a lot of pressure on the top officials." The sympathy and confusion that laced his words were clearly shown in his expression. But Arthur was nevertheless relieved. Bill had not been anywhere near the calamity. Arthur was now beginning to wonder if that Wyvern Irving was psychic: the Slytherin graduate had called Bill a few hours before saying that they needed to talk. When Bill called later Arthur, complaining that he'd have to apologize to his superiors, he was shocked to hear about what happened. For when Bill got to where Wyvern said to meet, there was nothing to be said. Wyvern just nodded and left.

Hestia Jones put in, "The whole ministry is in disarray. Worse is that the muggles detected the disturbances." Waving her hand at the perplexed looks directed to her, "It was on their news. The smoke was visible for miles. They sent out...those noisy things...fire trucks? Well, they sent those things out since they thought it was a fire." She shook her head. "They couldn't find it fortunately. But it is a major concern."

"You're wrong," Moody interjected. "I saw a woman there looking over the damage. She didn't seem to surprised."

"She could've been a witch," countered Hestia.

Moody shook his head. "No, she definitely wasn't a witch. I couldn't interrogate her though."

"Why not?" Dumbledore asked.

Snapping his gnarled fingers, the Auror replied, "Gone. She walked off once she saw that she was noticed. Disappeared after she turned a corner. And no, there was no trace of her."

"Well, what do we do now?" This was asked by the seemingly youngest of the group, Nymphadora Tonks. As a metamorphmagus, she could change her appearance at will. The young Auror looked quite out of place with short and violently bright purple hair.

"We find out who these people are," growled Moody. "That's obvious."

"I believe Severus has some answers to that," answered Dumbledore neutrally. "Severus?" When the potions master didn't reply immediately, he said a bit louder, "Severus?"

The aforementioned spy jumped slightly in his seat before putting on his trademark scowl. He was evidently lost in thought. This caused some amusement in those present. Severus Snape was one never known to be easily surprised. But it was only slight. This new threat otherwise dampened the mood.

"The Dark Lord called them 'elementals'. He said that they were able to control magic and the forces of nature by channeling the elements." Snape then sneered. "Judging from what was witnessed, I see that he's right."

"Elementals?" Remus Lupin turned to Dumbledore. "I've never heard of them or of that kind of magic." Other voices in the room claimed that this as well. Dumbledore seemed to be pondering something before returning to the conversation.

"Neither have I, but this can be important," he replied. "These elementals have allied themselves with Voldemort?" As usual, he missed how nearly all of the room's occupants flinched at the name.

"Correct, sir," responded Snape.

"I see...we will have to strategize with extreme caution now. If they are able to control the elements, then what else can they do?"

Molly Weasley sighed audibly. All turned to look at the matron. "This is getting so large," she answered to the unspoken questions. "Voldemort is revived, Diagon Alley is destroyed, and...Harry is still missing." She was clearly upset at the last part.

"That may be, but we have to do our duty. Am I correct in assuming there has been nothing found on Harry as of late?"

"Not a thing," began Kingsley Shacklebolt, but Sirius Black interrupted.

"Yes," said the former convict. "I saw him on a street in London." Groans and piteous sighs pervaded the room. "It is true."

"Right, Black," Snape scoffed. "And did you or Lupin find anything? I remember you coming back here with nothing."

"As I said before," Sirius tightly said. "He was with a dark-haired woman who evidently vanished with him. She looked muggle, but I don't think she was."

"Knowing you, you're just looking for a date. And maybe Potter's right to stay where he is. If we don't know where he is, what are the chances of the Dark Lord from knowing?"

"For all we know, he's in more danger! We have to find him!"

"Sirius," cautioned Dumbledore. "Please calm yourself-"

But Dumbledore was soon distracted and several of those present screamed. The curtains were ablaze and fast crumbling into ash. A couple of potted plants and vases exploded with bright bursts of flame. Formally dressed portrait occupants fled their frames as their canvases browned and burned. Some of the Order members, including Dumbledore, found their robes or belongings on fire. They hastened to put out the flames, but nothing seemed to put them out. Only Severus Snape seemed unharmed and only his water spells seemed to have some affect on the fires, but not much. Sirius stood up and left the room angrily.

"Well! I never thought I see him do that again." A clever looking wizard wearing Slytherin colors was speaking to the Order from his unharmed portrait. By looking at him, one could tell he was cunning and did not think too highly of the assembly. On the frame, the name 'Phineas Nigellus' was inscribed in an elegant script on a decorative scroll.

"What do you mean by that, Phineas?" asked Dumbledore.

"Oh, he used to do that a lot before, especially when he got mad or stressed," answered Phineas offhandedly. "In particular to his parents or his cousins. I found it rather funny."

"You said before."

"Yes, before. It stopped happening after he went to Hogwarts. Pity, really."

<><><>

Night stumbled as Trina proceeded to drag him down the street, Bran close behind wearing an amused expression. They were now on the Rekka-Ki's main street, Ignatius Street. Much like Sky Lane, it was busy with all sorts of shoppers and buyers. There was, though, a particular trend among the establishments here...

Almost all of them were cafés or hangouts. Night even thought he saw a nightclub and a few bars hidden away behind invisibility shields powered by the wind element. Looking up he saw that lanterns full of different colored flames were hung up on posts. They would make quite a sight when it was evening. It was poles apart from Sky Lane's lighting, which used a certain kind of fog in orbs that glowed.

Night had never seen so many people before. Well, none who were around his age. Teenagers were everywhere: sitting on benches, walking, eating, and talking, among other things. What interested him most was that not everyone was part of the Arashi-Tenku. He saw many with tiger and falcon tattoos mixed with those of who wore the chimera or the unicorn. Another striking feature of the street was how everyone seemed to know each other quite well, even if they were from other clans. Night was reminded of how Gran and Derek Montague-Hillary spoke to each other. He guessed that the same went for Zylle and her peers. There were other age groups present, but not in such abundance as the teenagers.

"I can walk on my own, Trina," Night insisted.

The earth elemental didn't pay him any mind and continued to forcibly lead him down the street. Bran just laughed. "I must say it's good having a third person in our little group. My chances of being dragged down the street by an overzealous female have been cut in half."

"Boys! C'mon!" They were attracting quite a bit of attention. Night, however, was unsure whether it was because of his identity (word had gotten around) or if it was just the ridiculous sight of him being hauled to some unknown destination. He thought he saw Pierce Rowan literally howling in laughter with two boys from the Seijaku-Shinrin Tigers.

He nearly ran into Trina when she abruptly stopped. "Here we are," she said cheerily.

It was, like most of the stores on the main streets, made of warm red brick. Glass windows sparkled in the light of the noonday sun. There were two levels, but it was clear only one was in use. Night's nose picked up the smell of food wafting out of the establishment, tantalizing both his sense of smell and his stomach. The sign, in forest green and gold, proclaimed:

THE RODRIGUEZ CANTEEN

He had only time to note these little things before once again, his hand was taken and he found himself once more led by Trina. A clear bell rang as they entered the building.

The ambience was a mix of both home charm and Spanish vivacious allure. There were small and elaborately detailed metal tables with plenty of space around them surrounded cushioned chairs. Near the walls were larger tables with the seats built into the wall. Bright colors pervaded the color scheme: blues, greens, yellows, peaches, beiges, almost every type of color were represented with style and taste. There was hardly anything made out of wood besides the wooden paneling: metal was obviously the material of choice. Kids around his age wearing uniforms walked in and out of a pair of double doors in the back, some carrying empty plates and others full. In the center of everything was a large floor area with a stereo system and stage nearby. At the moment, a black boy with the Eikou-Taiyou tattoo was singing a good song. Several people were dancing to the beat.

Within moments, he was sitting at a table. He blinked before turning to Bran seated on his right. "How does she do that?"

"I don't know, but let's just be thankful we aren't dragged someplace horribly. Like a girl store or something of that nature."

Trina smirked at the redhead. "Are you suggesting that I do?" She then laughed when she saw the looks of horror on the faces of the two males. "You want to go that badly?" she added sarcastically. Night was going to reply when he was interrupted by a woman's voice.

"Triana Smythe! I'm surprised at you! Two boys at one time?" A jovial looking woman stopped by their table, though her tone was more of enjoyment than scolding. She looked slightly older than Zylle did, but the faint lines on her face made her look more friendly than old. Her dark features pointed out Spanish descent. Pinned on the lapel of her short sleeved blouse was a pin with the writing "Owner / Manager". Her left arm had the chimera tattoo, colored in green.

Smiling at him in a warm manner, she said, "Mercedes Rodriguez, Green Chimera of the Rekka-Ki and the owner of this place." She then asked, "So, you're Zylle's boy, aren't you?" Before Night could reply, she then said, "And here Crowley thought that there wouldn't be a Hawking leading the Arashi-Tenku for once."

Night's green eyes, disguised as gray, narrowed and darkened. He most certainly did not like David Crowley. "He really didn't hide his thoughts on that."

Mercedes shrugged. "I'm not surprised. He is a good fighter - I'll give him that - but he isn't worth salt as a leader. It's why the Rekka-Ki mostly relies on Ivan, Jeanne, or myself. Though Ivan less since he's in Russia right now." She looked down at their empty table. "What you haven't been served?! Esperanza!" After calling out this name, she picked a spoon from off the table. It was dented in several places, but it looked as if it were a fine piece of work before. With a quick wave of her hand, the spoon became perfect once more. Giving a small wave, Mercedes bustled off to another table.

Night started, "How did she-"

"Mercedes is a metal elemental," Trina explained. "She can manipulate anything metal."

"Yeah," Bran added. "See how everything is metal here? Before, her mother ran the place. Everything was wood since Viviana Rodriguez was an earth elemental. Here comes Esperanza - she's Mercedes' daughter."

Sure enough, a girl approached them. She carried a pad and a pencil with her, evidently to take down orders. Unlike the others who made rounds at the tables, she added in her own accessories to the uniform. But Night wondered how she managed to walk around all day in those clunky knee-highs. Esperanza strongly resembled her mother. Night recognized her as a fire elemental and quite powerful. Her dark brown eyes flashed with the inner fire.

"Hello, people," Esperanza said cheerfully. "Order anything you want. But I suggest the Japanese or the American food today." Grinning, she pointed with her pencil to the kitchens. "Genji is cooking today."

At these words, Trina and Bran brightened considerably.

"Hamburger and a side of fries."

"Sushi with wasabi."

"How can you eat that?!"

"I'm a fire elemental. I can take a little hot sauce."

As the two began to discuss their positions on the subject of wasabi, Esperanza turned to him. "Guess you have to deal with that now? What's your name? You new? And what will you take?"

"Yes, actually." Esperanza seemed like the kind of person who liked to talk. Much like her mother. "I'm Nuitari Hawking. Just call me 'Night'. It's easier. And...I'll have fish and chips."

"Nice choice. You're the Hawking kid?" She shook her head. "Better just spread it quietly, I think. Or else you'd be mobbed. Word of advice: avoid the Gwendolyn Hopkirks of the Kiri-Kaminari."

Confused, Night asked, "Why?"

"Trust me," Esperanza said. "You won't like her. Besides, she always goes for the cute ones." Winking at him, she walked towards the kitchens, hips swaying. Night was shocked. He was cute?

A deep voice, new to his ears, laughed heartily. "Well. She's direct." Looking up, he saw the black boy that was singing before. His ebony hair was cut short to head and he was quite tall. He was literally wearing only logos. Night got the impression that he liked brand-name clothing from that. When he saw that Night noticed that, he plucked at his Nike jacket in pride. "Official Nike. I love brand name threads." With a resigned expression, he said, "Lord knows that I didn't get any before. You're Night Hawking?"

"You know who I am?" This was going a little far...

"Of course, everyone knows about you," the stranger replied. "I'm also adopted, though it was a long time ago. Julian Wavers, water elemental of the Eikou-Taiyou, former street urchin and thief."

Night raised an eyebrow. "You were a thief?"

Julian nodded. "Yep. I guess I did pretty well then as one. The docks were the easiest." He then explained, "I tried stealing from this archaeologist who just came back from South America. Name was Aldric Barron." Night nodded. The guy had his own television show on the LBN. "He was shipping Mayan artifacts to the museum. The guy was an earth elemental and caught me before I had a chance to try anything. It turned out that he was Red Unicorn of the Eikou-Taiyou. Things happened and now I'm part of clan." His unicorn tattoo was like Night's dragon one: only a gray outline.

The other two seemed to have concluded their argument. No one seemed to have won it. "Hey Julian," Trina said, Bran looking slightly uncomfortable. Night grinned him. He knew that Bran didn't want to be caught arguing over something like that.

"Hello, you two-"

"Oy, Julian! Give us another!" The crowd, given a chance to take a break, now seemed eager to have Julian back on the stage.

Julian just laughed. "It seems I'm in demand," he said. "I better go. Ah...mi public." All four laughed before Julian rushed off to go back on stage. Night decided he liked this place.

<><><>

It was eight o'clock in the evening. And Number 14 Zephyrus Drive was filled with people. The house was used to this. Over its many years, similar councils have occurred in its parlor room. But the house was oddly reminiscent of a time not too long ago in its terms. It remembered when fifty years ago, and for the thirteen years that followed, when these were commonplace. Several of those who sat in those meetings were among those present in this one. But there were only five, when before six were represented.

All the leaders of the each clan were there; ready to discuss these new turns of events. The Phantom Elementals' return would only mean danger to Grey Tower.

The Rekka-Ki's leaders: there was not a Freely among them. It was a shame as that family had managed the Rekka-Ki in as much of a dynastic way as the Hawkings did in the Arashi-Tenku. Alas, Neron's Disaster ruined the family. Now there was David Crowley, who in the house's mind would never take a place among the Hawkings. The Russian with the pale hair and strong features was Ivan Peterson, Blue Chimera and a far better leader. He had traveled from his home country, where he was vacationing, to attend this meeting. Like the Lady Sarah, he was born into a Phantom-allied family. Jeanne Flynn was also present, leaving her veterinary office early for once and bearing her famous daggers. Mercedes Rodriguez was no surprise. The house assumed that the Rodriguez women would always be the same in each generation, strong but very friendly. Also among them was Derek Montague-Hillary, jeweler extraordinaire and veteran of the Phantom Wars.

Sabrina Gordon thankfully did attract the paparazzi that normally mobbed her. The Red Tiger of the Seijaku-Shinrin had to find it annoying. But she was a famous actress after all. The same went of Kareem Hussein, the Green Tiger and a diplomat for the government. It was quite brave of him to leave his job to attend when the government was in need of his services at the moment. But Kareem most likely assumed that he was doing his job. The government did after all want him to help in investigating the explosions and smoke that was no doubt caused by the Phantom Elementals. The last two were related. Rosalinda Rivera, the Blue Tiger, was a Spanish woman who worked for a travel agency. Her cousin, Nicodemus Alberts, now owned several successful clothing stores. The Black Tiger had done well for himself.

Holly McGonagall-Dorran was also present, even if she was slightly older than the rest. She was a strong woman of strict morals who nearly always abided by the rules. The house doubted that she ever told her older sister Minerva, a witch, about who she was because of the secrecy rule. Serena Arlen, like those before her, was strong in her defensive water spells, but not much of an attacker. Shy like her uncle, she was evidently nervous. It was a pleasure having Aldric Barron inside though. The loud and cheerful archaeologist was the foil to Serena's introverted nature. Then there was Amity Rouge. It could naturally be assumed from the pencil still behind her ear that she still worked in the London Times and the Grey Tower Tribune.

If the house could smile, it would have. Two Diamantes, both doctors of renown and ability, were present. The two were quite alike. Anastasius Diamante and his father both wore the mark of the Blue Falcon of the Kiri-Kaminari. Cassius Diamante seemed to be getting old since he now needed a cane, but he still held the look of wisdom that he always possessed. Lily Tennebaum, the Red Falcon, still carried with her the exotic scents of her floral shop. Sylvester Morrel, despite being the Green Falcon, was a member of the Arlen family through cousinship. He was an environmentalist and was greatly involved in preservations in Africa and South America. Lastly, there was Katherine Langley. The Black Falcon traveled from Greece, where she lived with her husband and where she was beginning to train various elementals of the region.

Finally, there were the Arashi-Tenku Dragons. The house would only cater to those of that specific clan. Hawkings had always been Dragons and always lived in number 14 Zephyrus Court. Jonathan Smythe, the Green Dragon, stood admiring a watercolor painting that one of the Hawkings had brought back from a trip to China. Then there was Mirai Alucard the Red Dragon and the veritable queen of vampires. Someone had to take charge since her grandfather Vlad was taking a small break. She was glancing nervously at the ever-icy Lavinia Coulter, the Blue Dragon. Finally was the lady of the house herself, Zylle Hawking. She looked as if she wanted to kill David Crowley right then and there. Sarah, the former Black Dragon, seemed to share this view. Shadow, that strange cat that the master was allowed to keep was sitting beside the Black Dragon. It was watching the company with intelligent and alert green eyes. The owl, another strange animal, was perched on the back of Zylle's chair. Like Shadow, Hedwig too seemed to be nervous about tonight's company. Every now and then, the avian flapped her large white wings in agitation. Hans Clayborne, the past Blue Dragon, seemed far from his usual jolly self, for he was staring out the window distractedly.

Yes, it was going to be quite a meeting.

Lavinia Coulter then spoke, condescending as usual. "Are we just going to sit here or are we going to get something done? I have a potion brewing at home that I want to return to."

Zylle sighed. "Vinny, I think we all have things to do."

"I'm sure. Don't call me 'Vinny'."

"Moving on," Holly said in a stern tone. "How do we know the Phantoms are truly back?"

"I saw the damage at the wizard alley firsthand," replied Zylle.

Mirai shook her head. "I passed by on my way from work. Only elementals could have done that damage. And we aren't the type to just attack wizards out of nowhere."

"They're Phantoms alright," Cassius interjected. "Same type of aura, same type of technique. They're back."

Crowley then said mockingly, "So? We know that. Do you think it's Grindelwald again? What do you think, Hans?"

Several objections to this question came from the assembly. Hans just scowled. "Adlar is dead, youngster. And if you mention that ever again, I'll show you how I claimed the position of Blue Dragon."

"I figured that you might considering that you were-"

Ivan Peterson said with a slight Russian accent, "That is enough, David." At the glares of all those present, Crowley backed down. And no one wanted to anger Ivan Peterson, who though had amazing self-control, wasn't one to be trifled with.

"It's obvious what we have to do, isn't it?" Kareem said.

"Of course," Katherine responded. "We have to take out the threat. Simple."

"But it can't be that easy," persisted Zylle.

Sabrina nodded, "They would not have attacked like this without knowing we were try to intervene. There has to be a reason."

Sarah then said, "Well, there was Grindelwald before..."

"Yes...they must have a new wizard backing them up," concurred Derek. "I bet it's that Lord Volde-whosits that the wizards have been scared of."

"Do we have a back-up plan of our own?" asked Mercedes.

"When do we ever?" sneered Lavinia. Zylle gave her a warning glare while Mirai rolled her eyes.

"Then let's move up the tournament." Everyone turned to Jonathan Smythe when he proclaimed this. The artist was still scrutinizing the Chinese watercolor, but seemed quite alert to the meeting. "If we move up the tournament, then the younger kids could get used to their leaders ahead of time. If war does arise, then not only would the leaders be ready, but also the others."

"We'll be breaking tradition, though," Serena added cautiously. "We've never had an early tournament in the history of the elemental clans. Some of the members might not agree to this."

"Then let them be upset," Sarah said violently. "If they had enough sense, they have not left their training to the last minute. I bet Nuitari could beat plenty of them in a duel and he's only had a few weeks!"

"That one month could make all the difference," put in Hans.

"We'll vote on it," Jeanne decided. "Majority wins."

The house was amused, yet nervous all the same. War. It hated war. And it felt that the young master was in the center of it. It started to pay attention again as the babble started up again.

"14 out of 20 for the tournament."

"When will it be held though?"

"Next week."

"You can't be serious!"

"It makes sense!"

"No! At least two weeks!"

"Fine! Another vote!"

There was a small pause.

"11 out of 20 for next week."

"Oh, wait 'til everyone hears about this..."

The house had to agree.

<><><>

Night raised an eyebrow. "You lost me."

"I figured that. You were giving me this look that reminded me of a startled rabbit," replied Tom crisply.

"You've seen a startled rabbit?"

"Yep," Tom said gravely. "It was in my second-year Charms class. The professor was making fun of muggle magicians and their illusion tricks. To make fun of them - yes, he did not like muggles too much, head of Slytherin actually - we had to pretend to pull a rabbit out of our hats."

"And..."

"I succeeded in pulling up out of my hat by the ears, a very surprised rabbit." Tom scowled from his position in the mirror. "A week's detention for supposedly mocking the teacher. No points lost though."

Night was talking to Tom via the mirror, though it was enlarged. As usual, he was sitting on the bed, wand to the side, listing to the lecture and theory first. Thankfully, Tom did not bore him with tons of facts. Only the important parts were covered. If Night wanted to know more, then he would ask after the main lesson. He found it easy to remember when Tom taught him. The man wasn't particularly hard and gave hints to how to remember certain spells.

It helped that Zylle and Gran were distracted tonight. He could go to sleep at a decent time. But he couldn't help but be curious. Zylle did explain to him what happened: a wizarding area had been annihilated by what were obviously elementals. From what she knew, Zylle thought that the Phantom Elementals were back. She wasn't sure, but there was no other explanation of what happened. No clan of Grey Tower, or even of the remote ones in other areas of England or the world, would do that.

"But I didn't think wizarding magic and elemental magic could-"

"Understandable. If wizarding magic did hit elemental magic, then it would most likely be neutralized or reflected. Elemental magic is power directly coming from nature itself while wizarding magic is indirect. It is possible for you to use both, since you are both wizard and elemental."

"How did I end up like this?!" Night threw himself backwards onto the bed. "It isn't normal!"

Tom chuckled. "Of course, it isn't! We have it tougher than everyone else. It's basic survival of the fittest. A principle that muggles discovered but some wizards can comprehend. We need to live, so we adapt." He then turned thoughtful. "I do know a little of your parents...but not much."

Night lifted himself into a sitting position once more. He asked, "Really?"

"Yes, but as I said, not much. Your parents were strong wizards. Both had elemental ability - powerful strength - but they never used it. They never knew actually. Your mother was a fire elemental while your father was a wind."

"No wonder. Can elemental magic be neutralized or reflected?"

"Yes," Tom answered. "It's really quite difficult. All the types of magic have a weakness in some areas. I'll give you a brief overview later. Now, for this again..."

"Listening. Again."

"It's creating a shield of wizarding magic."

"Tom, I don't think I'll be needing that here in Grey Tower."

"I'll explain later. Stand up and just cast the spell. Aegis magus."

"Aegis magus." He picked up the wand and did the required wand movement. A dome of silver magic surrounded him. If Night looked carefully, he thought he could see little streaks of green and black in its makeup. He tapped it with his finger experimentally, but it went through. "I don't think it worked."

"It did. This shield spell is much more powerful than the normal kind. Nothing can go in, but things can go out. That's where your elemental magic comes in. Use your elemental magic to add more strength to it. Not much though. Water and fire tend to make great shields by themselves, though wind and earth ones do suffice. But we aren't talking about that"

Night complied and the shield took on a reddish hue from the fire magic. In truth, it looked like it might burn anything it came in contact with. He thought he heard the slight humming that signified a large concentration of magic. "I assume this will shield me from elemental attacks while I can retaliate with my own elemental magic."

"Exactly. No stress on your elemental magic. It's a good trick. I wouldn't recommend it during the tournament though."

"Why?"

Tom looked sort of sheepish. "Elementals, as you know, really don't have too high of a regard for wizarding magic. And the tournament is meant to weed out the strongest of each clan to be leaders. That means elemental magic only, kiddo."

"That sucks. Really sucks."

"No kidding. But you mastered that anyway. Could come in handy during sometime or the other."

"I'm sure." Night ended the spell and sat back down on the green coverlet once more. "You were talking about other types of magic."

"There are plenty of types," Tom said. "I think there are nine: muggle, wizarding, elemental, purity, spiritual, blood, command, dark, and chaotic. All most all of them have their own type of user in the world."

"Go back to muggles. They have magic."

"I did say almost all of them," Tom responded. "They really don't have that many users. You could say that they adapted to it. They only use it during emergencies. I believe that they call it 'adrenaline', but I'm not too sure."

Tom then stiffened before looking to the side. Night couldn't hear what the other was saying but Tom evidently didn't like it. "Fine," grumbled the older wizard. "I have go. Apparently, the Lady wishes to see me. Can't deny that." He snapped his fingers and a piece of paper fluttered out of midair to land next to him. "If you want to know more about the types of magic. Read that. Very informative." With that and a final wave, Tom vanished. The mirror shrunk to the size of his palm before floating and then landing on the soft bed. Shrugging, Night picked up the paper and began to read. He had nothing else to do.

<><><>

Types of Magic: Centuries ago, the goddess of magic divided up the different types to make things both simpler and less likely that a magic user could be atrophied.

-Atrophy- the condition in which certain kinds of magic when practiced by one person could devour them. Very few individuals do not suffer from atrophy, those including descendants of gods.

Often these types are divided further into more specific sects within them. Some, but not all, of which are listed.

1. Muggle- Muggles cannot access this directly. Due to evolution and conditions around them, they can only use this during extreme events or emergencies. It is often shown as an increase in the person's reactions, thought, and physical ability. Other practioners can access it, but muggles by far surpass this in usage. Muggle scientists have classified it as 'adrenaline'. They are kept mostly in the dark by the magical community, but they do sometimes have marry and have children containing magic.

2. Wizarding- This power is gained by accessing the magic energy of a substance and focusing it to do a task. The tool is usually a wand, where the magic energy is stored. Users must, however, use a bit of their own magic to access and direct it. It is looked down upon by other practioners because of its limitations. As such, wizards tend not to know of the other kinds of magic. Sects: wizards, witches, and sorcerers.

3. Elemental- This type grants power to its users through nature. Those who possess it often have power over one or two elements specifically. It is through nature that all their magic is accomplished: from battle to transfiguration (called metamorphosis). Both the magic of nature and the natural magic of the person are accessed and are used in balance. Werewolves are classified under this because they react to the magic of the moon, a part of nature. Sects: elementals, adepts, Calystrian monks, elves, and werewolves.

4. Purity- This magic can only be used for healing purposes. It involves using good intentions and the will for something to live to heal. This could work on either live or nonliving things. Users of this type usually have a love of learning and often go out into the world to help those in need. Sects: healers, revivers, aesclepians, the priestesses of Amaterasu.

5. Spiritual- A type of magic that could be practiced by all magic users. It involves using magic and power derived from the body and soul to influence the environment. It is characterized by a white-blue energy, but spirit energy could also be used to gain access to other types of magic. Often those who possessed this can see auras and sense presences. Demons use the magic a lot. Some elementals with the gift manage to see the future by combining it with their own elemental magic. Sects: demons, spiritualists, psychics, mediums, seers, and diviners.

6. Blood- The purest form of magic of all living creatures. In a twist of irony, it is most often those who are not living who can use it to its full potential. Inside the blood flows the magic and life of a being. This contains great power. Those who can use it often have increased physical and magical abilities. However, blood magic is viewed with caution as many dark wizards use it in their ceremonies. Sects: vampires, ritualists, and blood mages.

7. Command- This is to be used with the greatest of caution. Command magic is using the power of both will and the soul to control and command things. It could be to appear as someone else or to control a person. Sometimes wizards see those with a slight gift in this as 'wandless magic'. In its true form, a command magic user could hold sway over everything in his or her immediate area. It is very difficult to master and is not widely known. Sects: masters, shamans, and war mages.

8. Dark- Widely misunderstood by the other types, dark magic is not as so-called 'dark wizards' paint it out to be. Those wizards use their magic to hurt, but it is still classified as wizarding. True dark magic is controlling the darkness, shadows, and the power of the dead. Not many practice this type, as the risk of atrophy is higher than in the others. But those who do master it are quite powerful. Sects: necromancers, Reapers, hecatians, the Order of Assassins* (information on another page), and dark justices.

9. Chaotic- The strongest type of magic out of all nine. Most cannot even attain the level needed to practice it. Chaotic magic can only be accessed by one who truly knows who he or she is. When it is accessed, the power is incredible. Often, it is called the 'magic of the gods'. But the gods usually use a much higher and potent form of it. Sects: Chaos Sorcerers and Soulseekers.

"Okay," Night said out loud to the other two occupants of the room. Hedwig was sitting on his shoulder and Shadow in his lap. Both animals wandered in while he was reading. They too seemed to be enthralled by the information on the paper. "Apparently, there's a lot magic in the world." Even he admitted it was a grave understatement.

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The early morning street was deserted. Night didn't know why he was outside. He just had the feeling that he had to be there. Throughout the entirety of last night, he felt it. The haunting feeling, a pulsing feeling, was of having to be somewhere and fast. Night struggled against it, but in the end relented to the tug. It was too strong.

So he had gotten dressed in the early hours and quietly exited the house. He, of course, left a note to Gran and Zylle just in case he was late. The sun cast a gray, bleak light. It was to be dismal day, judging from the color of the clouds and the way the winds blew. The air carried a cold that was definitely not something to have in late August. And Night doubted that it was a water elemental doing some early morning practice. Also, he wondered why it was so hard to move...it was as if something were holding him down...

There he stood, near the center of Aiken-Quincy Park, very close to the place where Zylle had found him unconscious. Night didn't even know why he dressed the way he did. He wasn't going to be training while he was out. Yet he pulled on comfortable black jeans, his sneakers, fighting gloves, and a green tanktop. Instead of glasses, he put in his gray contacts. In the dim dawn light, he could vaguely see the outline of the Arashi-Tenku dragon on his left arm. He was pleased to say his arm wasn't as skeletally thin as it was when he woke up. It looked like he was finally gaining a bit of muscle.

Hedwig and Shadow were nearby. He didn't know why they didn't come out like they usually would, but there were very close. And from what he could feel of their presence...angry at something.

"So, you showed up! I'm impressed! I thought that a Dragon, especially a Hawking, would have run for their lives!"

He glanced up sharply at the sound of the mocking voice. Already, he despised the individual. The speaker's - an obvious elemental - aura was a water one, powerfully bright blue. But it disgusted him. It felt wrong to him, dirty and unnatural. The quality was lost and was so twisted, that it no longer resembled the element. It was like comparing the most worthless iron to the purest gold.

Sitting by the fountain in the middle of the park, was someone who looked a few years his senior. His sneering face and slimy smile distorted his good-looking features into a visage of repugnance. His attire was almost exact to his, but where as Night had green and black, the stranger wore blue. Even the cloak the other wore was blue.

Night demanded, "Who are you? And what do you want?"

The stranger just smirked. "I'm Ian Harlan." Slowly, Ian showed his left arm, which was covered by the cloak. There was a tattoo: a panther, colored in black. "Black Panther of the Suiko-Tsuki."

"Phantom," Night replied contemptuously.

"Yes." The smarmy smile grew. "So you have heard of us!"

"I could tell by just looking at your aura," he accused. "I wonder how you can access your water element if its that corrupt."

Ian just laughed, reddish-brown hair falling into brown eyes. "Corrupt! It is power!"

"I really don't see it. I've felt stronger auras from muggles!"

He stopped laughing and scowled. "You'll pay for that." With a flash of blue light, Ian now held a blue broadsword in his hands. The weapon was not as it should be: it was a murky, almost muddy blue. Ian charged forward in what Night recognized as a slash attack. He prepared to jump and fly. If he were in the air, he'd have the advantage.

There it was, only a few inches away, his feet left the pavement...

But returned with a crash. And just in time for the slice of water blade. Night was flung backward hard into a tree. He was slightly dazed both from the impact and the force of the assault. What happened? Why couldn't I fly?

"I'm afraid you won't be getting into the air, Hawking," Ian derided. "It's a known fact that Hawkings tend to be wind elementals, so I made sure that you wouldn't get an advantage over me. It's too bad that you don't know any of the techniques of the Suiko-Tsuki. And your grandmother, the former Red Panther herself, was the master of the legendary Hellfire Inferno!" Night stood up groggily, the world still slightly spinning. He thought that the shining amber jewel in the ground had moved much faster than it should. And it shouldn't be moving. Wait...jewel?! He bent to pick it up, but it was far too heavy.

Ian laughed once more, an annoying laugh that rang in the ears and irritated all who had the misfortune of hearing it. "I've seen you found my helpers in this little duel! Those are concentrated jewels of concentrated earth magic. They've increased the gravity somewhat. Not to mention, they're suppressing the wind energy around us." Another smirk. "You won't be flying anytime soon. And now..." Ian charged again, blade brought up in the slashing position once more. Night had to think fast.

Blue struck red metal so hard that sparks flew. The crimson glaive that Night now held parried Ian's blue sword. It had taken him a bit of time, but Night had managed to get Gran to teach him how to summon fire weapons. Gran's technique, though versatile to any weapon, was best utilized with a staff. Better yet a glaive. The scarlet metal was streaked with orange and even white. The blade at the end was a colored gold, wickedly sharp in the gloom of the first light of day.

"So, you can use another element?!"

"I'm not just a wind elemental!" Both broke apart from their struggle of strength and jumped away from each other. Ian made a show of making an elaborate flip and then doing a complicated sword movement. Night just jumped back and brought his glaive up in the ready position that Gran had taught him.

She said when he first started training with a normal one that it would be difficult for him. His light frame and strength would hinder him. But she said that he had to build his speed up while learning how to use what strength he had to his advantage. When he summoned his fire glaive for the first time, it was suited to him perfectly: weight and balance flawless. Gran herself had been impressed by it.

Ian once again sneered. "Don't think you can win. You may have some tricks, but they're no use against a water elemental! Aqua Blast!" With this last statement and a swing of his sword, a torrent of water came directly at him. Night quickly summoned a water shield, but it was difficult. The same element attacking each other was always hard to counter. But Night had no choice. Earth and fire would have a disadvantage and his wind magic was weakened. He leaned a bit on his glaive once the attack ended, slightly weakened.

"Still standing?"

Night yelled, "Of course I am, you moron!" He would have loved to use much more "appropriate" language. But he thought it a bit early to start screaming expletives.

"Well, then try this! AQUA CANNON!" Again, another water blast, but this time it was much stronger. It was too strong. His water shield wouldn't take it.

I need something to shield me without weakening my elemental magic!

Aegis magus...exactly...no stress on your elemental magic. It's a good trick...

His wand, the wand given to him by Tom, was in his back pocket. Night whipped it out and cast the spell that the wand's former owner taught him. "Aegis Magus!" He then added what little wind energy he had left. The water was coming ever closer...

It never hit him. The silver shield of wizarding magic with the tints of dark gray and blue of the wind held strong against the vicious assault. Dimly, through the clear water, he could see the look of shock that graced Ian's face. Night couldn't help but grin. Wasn't expecting that were we? Now, I just need an attack...

The Hellfire Inferno itself is the strongest attack the Hellfire Inferno technique has. If you try it out now, it won't be as strong as it could be. But it will nevertheless cause a great deal of damage to even a fully trained elemental of any type.

If Night were a cat like Shadow, he would have purred. Focusing all the fire energy he had into the glaive, he spinned it once. Already, a ball of powerful fire energy was forming at the tip of the gold metal. He brought it down sharply, the blade directly aimed for Ian. "Hellfire Inferno!"

The sphere went forward past the shield and right into the water. Instead of going out, the water evaporated into white steam as it came contact. As soon as all the water was gone, it burst, releasing the flames in a mass conflagration. All this at Ian Harlan. White and red flames surrounded the area, searing the cool air that Ian and the early morning had brought. Even Night blocked his vision from the onslaught. The light the fire gave was intense.

When it all ended, Ian collapsed to the ground. From what Night could see of the water elemental, his cloak and a majority of his clothing were charred. He even thought a bit of Ian's hair was singed. As he took a step towards his fallen opponent, a fireball stopped him in his tracks.

"I see you did quite well there." A man with a red cloak jumped in front of Ian from out of nowhere. Fire elemental, from what he could sense, with the same taint. But he was obviously older. Looking at his left arm, there was the same black panther tattoo that Ian had. Night couldn't see the older man's face, but could sense some sardonic humor from his tone of voice.

"Who are all you people?! What do you want?!"

"Keane Glynith-Vartar," answered the fire elemental. "Black Panther of Suiko-Tsuki Panthers. As for what we want, that is simple: the cleansing of the magical world and our revenge on the residents of Grey Tower. Your family especially."

"What?!"

"You don't know?" Keane tsked. "You should pay more attention to history, child. Hawking is it? Nuitari Hawking?"

"Don't lecture me," Night responded, anger barely veiled.

"No matter." Keane picked up Ian as if he were a rag doll and flung the unconscious teen over his shoulder. "Stupid child. He got beaten by a Dragon," he muttered. Turning his attention back to Night, he then said, "Give my regards to your grandmother, child. Tell her the Panthers have returned. There is no need to say the same to your mother. I believe that we will be meeting shortly. Goodbye, Nuitari." With that and a flash of flame, Keane and Ian were gone.

Night collapsed to the ground where he stood, looking at the spot where the two vanished. A flutter of wings landing at his shoulder and something furry rubbing against his hand brought him back to attention. Both Hedwig and Shadow were there, looking at him with concern. "I'm fine, you guys. Don't worry." The animals didn't seem to think so, but did not object. He gingerly got up and with his two familiars, made his way back to Number 14 Zephyrus Court. Hopefully, he would get in before Zylle or Gran was up. The fuss, they would make...

Ten minutes later...

A scream. Then, a shout of mixed anger and concern. "NUITARI HAWKING!"

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That was productive.

Sure it was. He got hurt. That's real productive.

Don't get smart with me. We could not prevent what happened. And he would have sustained worse injuries if we didn't intervene. You have much to learn, Kardis.

Right. You keep telling me that.

Because it is true.

Just because I'm not older than this planet...

Yes. Now silence. We need to be there for him.

And as I said before, White Owl, we failed right there.

No. He defended himself. We may feel obligated to protect him, but he must learn to defend himself from danger.

I have mixed feelings about that.

I'm sure you do.

Good side is, I killed that demon.

You could have been less...messy.

How so?

For one thing, not clawing his eyes out and slashing his throat would have been an excellent start.

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