Mission: The Human Warbeast

"Talia said that when you touch people, Nifla, they can come out of this hypnotic state."

Nifla's eye raised, her body still large and her voice still deep. Icarus walked close to her, holding his arm as they looked toward the crowd of people standing before them.

"Talia? Who's that?"

Beo put his hand on Nifla's shoulder.

"Long story."

Beo began scanning through the crowd as Nifla touched them, taking them out of their trance.

"I was hoping to find him. We might have a problem."

Nifla responded.

"Find who?"

Tip interrupted as he walked through the crowd, scanning through the people present.

"Preacher... You're right about the severity of this situatio--"

Tip stopped speaking as people began to chatter, the spell being released one-by-one. The civilians crowded around Nifla, holding her hand and touching her body as they congratulated her.

"Thank you! Thank you so much, ma'am!"

Humble, Nifla tried backing away, unsure how to react to such praise

"No problem. It's my job."

As they began surrounding her, their voices meshed together, and the remaining mercenaries watched as they threw praises toward her.

"She's so pretty and really tall too."

All Nifla could do was nervously laugh as she released the last few remaining citizens from the spell. Tip yelled, filling the entire room and gathering everyone's attention.

"Please, everyone gather around!"

Everyone joined hands and were transported to the entrance of the facility. Headmaster Krewe, the female Warbeast, and Talia stood awaiting their return. Krewe sped toward Bo and Icarus.

"We need to talk. Now."

He immediately transported them to a secluded part of the woods, and he seemed on edge, uncharacteristic of him. Beo and Icarus picked this up, but Beo feared asking why.

"I see you've also brought a hostage? Why is he still alive, Beo? Icarus?"

"We struck a deal for information. We thought you could handle it."

"If I were able to handle everything, what would be the use of putting you on the missions?!"

They both paused. The pressure around them was so great that both of them found themselves fighting to stay upright, but Icarus didn't hesitate to speak.

"Mission complete, Headmaster Krewe."

Headmaster Krewe stopped himself. The pressure around them ceased, and he put his hand over his face, disappointed with himself.

"I-I apologize, Icarus. Beo. I-I just... have a lot on my plate."

The duo became curious.

"What's ailing you, Mr. Krewe?"

Krewe sighed.

"Miya has become ill-- Ill with a disease that is unknown to man, including myself. I-I need your help."

"That's fine. B-"

"I'm not done…I've figured out the true reason for their attack."

Beo's attention was caught while Icarus played with a butterfly. Krewe's face grew pale as he spoke.

"They're looking for a citizen of this city… with the ability, Insta-kill."

They sat there in silence. Beo looked almost mummified as Icarus had stopped, looking directly in Krewe's direction.

"What does insta-kill mean?!"

"Exactly as it sounds."

Beo lashed out at Krewe, furious.

"That makes zero sense, Lykus! Since when did someone with the ability to kill someone instantly exist in Hinansho?! Tell me!"

Headmaster ignored Bo's disrespect and answered him bluntly.

"For a while. Twenty-one years, in fact."

Beo was talking through his teeth.

"And when were you planning on telling us something like that?"

Krewe was silent. Beo looked over to Icarus; his silence made Beo feel betrayed.

"You knew someone like this existed too, Icarus?"

"Yes."

"Don't you realize! This could effect the entire outcome of the oper-"

Krewe interrupted Beo with a gesture, and he knew not to speak more.

"We don't speak about that verbally, Beo. Watch your tongue or I'll get rid of you myself."

Beo snapped back at Krewe, knowing full well that he was right.

"You can't live without me, bitch. Neither will the op-"

Krewe appeared behind him and, with a single smack, Beo hit the grass. He looked toward Icarus.

"You have to deal with this loud-mouthed idiot on a daily basis?"

"Yes."

"You poor sou-"

His speech was interrupted by Nifla and Tip, who had just teleported to them. Nifla wiped sweat from her brow, and she'd returned to her original size.

"I've transported everyone to the central plaza of the city. What do you want us to do now, Mr. Krewe?"

Krewe turned his attention toward Nifla.

"Nothing for now. I'll inform Owen of the situation and how it should be dealt with. You two are dismissed for the day. Expect a school day tomorrow."

"You're calling Owen in for this? Are you sure it's necessary?"

"Yes. I don't know what we'll be able to do without calling him in."

"Ok, sir."

Nifla teleported away with Tip, and Krewe returned his attention to Icarus.

"Come with me. We need to take care of Miya's condition before it's too late."

"Right."