Chapter 40 - A change of mind

Thomas woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside his window. As he looked around his room, everything seemed familiar but strange at the same time. It had been four months since he had last slept in his own bed, and everything looked different. The posters on the wall, the toys on the shelves, and even the sunlight streaming in from the window felt foreign to him.

He sat up and rubbed his eyes, feeling a wave of homesickness wash over him. He missed Hogwarts and his friends already, but he knew he had to make the most of his time at home. As he got out of bed and stretched, he realized that he had forgotten how comfortable his own bed was. He smiled to himself, feeling grateful for his loving family and the warmth of his home.

When he went downstairs to the kitchen, he was greeted by the smell of bacon and eggs cooking on the stove. His mother was standing at the counter, wearing her apron and humming a tune. She turned around as she heard him enter the room and smiled at him.

"Good morning, Thomas. Did you sleep well?" she signed, using her hands to communicate with him.

Thomas nodded, feeling a lump form in his throat. He still wasn't used to seeing his mother struggle to speak, even though it's been two years since that incident. He hugged her tightly, feeling grateful for her love and care.

"Good morning, Mum. The smell of breakfast is amazing," Thomas said, smiling at her.

Just then, his father, entered the kitchen, looking happy to see his son.

"Good morning, champ! Did you sleep well?" he asked, ruffling Thomas's hair.

Thomas nodded, still feeling a bit strange. He sat down at the table, feeling a mix of emotions. He was happy to be home, but he missed his friends and the excitement of Hogwarts. Not to mention his daily Quidditch training.

As he began eating his breakfast, Thomas's parents watched him intently, eager to hear all about his first term at Hogwarts. "You told us yesterday a little bit about your school, but how was your first term at Hogwarts, Tom?" his father asked.

"It was amazing!" Thomas exclaimed. "I made some great friends, learned a lot of new spells, and even played Quidditch!"

"Quidditch? What's that?" Thomas's mother signed.

"It's a sport we play on broomsticks," Thomas explained. "There are seven players on each team, and we have to try and score goals with a ball called a Quaffle while the other team tries to stop us. It's really exciting!"

"I see," his father said, nodding. "And how did your team do?"

"We won both of our games!" Thomas said proudly. "I played as the Seeker, which means I had to catch this little golden ball called the Snitch. It was really hard, but I managed to catch it both times!"

"That's great, Thomas!" his mother signed, smiling. "I'm so proud of you."

"We are proud of you too, son," his father said, patting him on the back.

Thomas beamed with pride at his father's words. "Thanks, Dad. I'm really looking forward to the rest of my time at Hogwarts."

As they continue to eat their breakfast, Thomas thought about his time at Hogwarts and all the adventures he had been on with Hermione, James, Adam, Michael, Ron, and Harry. He missed the challenges, the spells, and the thrill of uncovering secrets and mysteries.

After breakfast, Thomas went for a walk in the nearby park, trying to clear his head. He enjoyed the fresh air and the quietness of the park. He walked past the playground, where he used to play as a child, and remembered all the happy memories he had of playing with his friends.

While he strolled along the path, Thomas noticed a man sitting on a bench nearby. He felt a sense of unease as if he was being watched. The man looked up and made eye contact with Thomas, causing him to quicken his pace and continue walking.

As he turned a corner, Thomas heard footsteps behind him. He looked back and saw the man from the bench following him. Thomas felt a sense of panic rising in his chest. He didn't know what to do or who this man was.

Suddenly, a memory flashed in Thomas's mind. It was the memory of the doctor who had treated him after he fell at Latia's house. The doctor had come for him in the middle of the night, and Thomas had felt just as scared and alone then as he did now.

Thomas turned and started running, hoping to lose the man in the winding paths of the park. But the man was faster, and soon he was right behind Thomas. Thomas's heart was pounding, and he felt like he was going to pass out.

Just then, a familiar voice called out from behind him. "Thomas! Is everything okay?"

It was his neighbor, Mr. Johnson. Thomas had known him since he was a little boy, and he felt relieved to see a friendly face. "No, I don't think so," Thomas said, turning to face the man who had been following him.

The man looked startled and quickly turned and ran away. Thomas let out a sigh of relief and turned back to Mr. Johnson, thanking him for his help.

Once he felt safe again, Thomas made his way back to his house. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched, and he couldn't stop thinking about the man who had been following him. Just then Thomas heard a familiar hissing sound. He turned around and saw his friend slithering towards him.

"Thomas, It's good to see you back," Mars hissed. "Sadly, there is danger nearby."

"What danger?" Thomas asked, surprised.

"The man that was following you smells like a devil," Mars warned. "I don't know what he wants, but considering your past altercation with a devil from the main Astaroth family, I'd say they are after you once more."

Thomas was taken aback by Mars' words. "A devil? But it's been four months. I thought they gave up."

"They live thousands of years, fool. A few months are nothing for them" Mars replied. "Be on your guard, Tom. And be careful."

Just then, Thomas felt a strange sensation coming from his hand. He looked down and saw Bahamut, his sacred gear, glowing faintly. "What is it, Bahamut?" Thomas asked.

[Rerek's right. There is more than one devil around the park, observing you. Five of them are blocking your escape route as we speak, while another three are closing following you. You will have to fight, kid, and this time without your dagger.] Bahamut replied in a deep voice.

Thomas' heart raced as he looked around, trying to spot the devils. He couldn't see them, but he knew they were there. He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself, focusing on his sacred gear.

"What do I do, Bahamut, Mars? I'm not exactly trained to fight against more than one opponent, not to mention that I'm lacking my dagger ." Thomas said, feeling scared and overwhelmed.

[Don't worry, kid. I'll lend you my power. With me by your side, your spells will be stronger, and you'll be able to take them down one way or another, just use all of the offensive spells you know, while Rerek will be supporting you.] Bahamut said, his voice reassuring.

Thomas nodded, feeling a surge of confidence. He closed his eyes, focusing on his sacred gear and feeling its power flowing through him. He opened his eyes and saw the devils approaching.

"Expelliarmus!" Thomas shouted, pointing his wand at the first devil. The spell hit its target, making the devil's sword fly out of its hand.

The other devils charged at Thomas, but he was ready. He dodged their attacks and cast spells, one after another. With Bahamut's power, his spells were stronger than ever before.

"Petrificus Totalus!" Thomas yelled, immobilizing another devil. "Stupefy!" he shouted, stunning a third one.

The devils were getting closer, but Thomas didn't give up. He kept casting spells, his wand moving quickly and precisely.

"Sectumsempra!" Thomas shouted, casting a spell that made one of the devils bleed.

Meanwhile, Mars hissed, baring his fangs as he slithered toward two devils that had been following Thomas. He lunged forward, striking one of them on the leg with his venomous bite. The devil let out a shriek of pain as Mars quickly slithered around his other leg, tripping him up and sending him crashing to the ground.

The other devil lunged toward Mars with a sharp blade, but Mars was too fast. He dodged the attack and coiled around the devil's arm, biting him on the wrist. The devil let out a curse as he dropped the blade, trying to pry Mars off with his other hand.

Mars tightened his grip, injecting more venom into the devil's bloodstream. The devil's struggles became weaker and weaker, until finally, he fell to the ground, unconscious.

Mars hissed triumphantly as he slithered back towards Thomas. "That's two down, kid. But there's still more out there. We need to move."

Thomas nodded, his heart racing with adrenaline. He quickly pocketed his wand and turned to run, but he was stopped in his tracks by the sight of three more devils blocking his path. They had emerged from the bushes, their eyes fixed on Thomas and Mars.

Thomas took a deep breath, knowing he had no choice but to face them. He held out his hand, feeling the power of Bahamut flowing through him once again.

"Reducto!" Thomas shouted, aiming at the first devil. The spell hit its target, sending the devil flying back several feet.

The other two devils charged at Thomas, their eyes glowing with malice. But Thomas was ready for them. He dodged their attacks and cast spells, his movements quick and precise.

"Expelliarmus!" Thomas yelled, disarming one of the devils.

Mars hissed and slithered towards the other devil, striking him with his venomous bite. The devil let out a scream of pain as he stumbled backward, trying to shake Mars off.

Thomas saw his opportunity and cast a spell. "Incarcerous!" he shouted, causing ropes to wrap around the devil, binding him tightly.

The remaining devil looked around, realizing he was outnumbered. He took one last look at Thomas and Mars before turning and fleeing into the woods.

Thomas, panting and covered in sweat. He and Mars had defeated the devils, but they knew it was only a matter of time before more came after them. As he caught his breath, he glanced over at the dead devils that lay on the ground. He had never seen anything like it before. The sight of their lifeless bodies made him feel sick to his stomach.

"Mars, what do we do with them?" Thomas asked, gesturing towards the devils.

"We leave them here," Mars replied. "Let the other devils know that we mean business. That we won't go down without a fight. Not to mention that the wizards that are living or watching the city would notice the barrier sooner or later and would take care of the bodies."

Thomas nodded, understanding the message they were sending. He tried to ignore the images of the dead devils as they began to walk away from the scene of the battle. "Mars, do you think the devils will come after us again?" Thomas asked, fear creeping into his voice.

"They will, kid" Mars replied, his tone serious. "For some reason, you have made enemies with the main Astaroth family, and they won't let that go easily. But we'll be ready for them. We'll fight together. Besides the old lizard that resides in your sacred gear would help."

[Thomas,] Bahamut spoke up, his deep voice resonating in the air. [You have shown great potential, but you need more training and knowledge if you're going to face those devils and their allies.]

Thomas looked over at his sacred, surprised at his sudden appearance. "What do you mean?" he asked, curious.

[I mean that you need to learn more about the supernatural world and its inhabitants,] Bahamut replied. [You need to understand their strengths and weaknesses, their powers and abilities. And you need to train to improve your own skills and magic.]

Thomas nodded, understanding the importance of what Bahamut was saying. "But how do I do that? I have school, I'm not exactly swimming in books about tactics, spells, or supernatural biology" he asked.

[I can teach you,] Bahamut said. [I have vast knowledge and experience in the supernatural world, despite being most likely outdated by some millenniums. Nevertheless, with my help, you can become stronger and better prepared for whatever challenges may come your way.]

Thomas looked down at Bahamut, feeling a sense of gratitude. "Thank you, Bahamut. I'd be honored to learn from you. And you too Mars, it's great that I'm not alone in this."

Mars nodded in agreement. "We're always here for you, kid. And speaking of support, have you thought about telling Latia what's been going on with her main family? She deserves to know, especially if they're coming after you."

Thomas hesitated. He had been avoiding telling Latia about the supernatural world and the danger they were facing. He didn't want to drag her into something that could potentially harm her. "I don't know, Mars," Thomas said, uncertainty in his voice. "I don't want to put her in danger."

Mars coiled around Thomas's leg. "I understand your concern, kid. But your friend is part of the branch family, and she deserves to know the truth. She might even be able to help us. Don't underestimate that young devil, she's stronger than she looks."

Thomas thought about it for a moment. He knew Mars was right. Latia had a right to know what was going on with her family, and maybe she could help them in some way. "Okay, I'll tell her," Thomas said, determination in his voice.

"Good choice, kid. Maybe, that would actually help you and who knows, if we are lucky those bastards would stop coming after you."

A few minutes later, Thomas walked into his house, trying to act as casually as possible. He knew his mother was in the kitchen, but he didn't want her to see him like this, covered in sweat and dirt. He tried to wipe himself off as he walked past the kitchen and into his room.

He closed the door behind him and let out a deep breath. He had just fought against devils, something that he never imagined he would do. And yet, he had to pretend like nothing had happened. He couldn't tell his parents, especially his mother who couldn't speak, about what had happened. They wouldn't understand.

Thomas changed his clothes and tried to shake off the memories of the battle. He sat down at his desk and tried to focus on his homework, but his mind kept wandering. He couldn't stop thinking about the dead devils, and how human they looked, almost as if there was almost nothing different between them and him.

Suddenly, he heard a knock on his door and quickly closed his textbook. "Come in," he said, trying to sound as normal as possible.

His father walked into the room, looking at him with a smile. "Hey, champ. How was your walk?"

Thomas smiled back, trying to hide the fear in his eyes. "It was good, Dad. Nothing too different from before thought I would have preferred if the weather was better."

His father nodded. "Well, you know what they say. No pain, no gain. After all, what's a little bit of bad weather when you try to stay in form right?"

Thomas forced a laugh, but inside he felt like he was going to be sick. He couldn't keep this up forever. He had to find a way to tell someone about what was happening, especially if it meant protecting his family and friends.

But for now, he had to pretend like nothing had happened. He had to act like a normal eleven-year-old boy, even though his world had been turned upside down.

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