Mitch was ecstatic at the news of a new adventure and a new friend. He seemed cheerful and friendly, but Ian assured him that he was a fierce fighter. Turns out Mitch's other best friend lived in another city, keeping things under control and Mitch had continued traveling until meeting Ian. They'd been staying in this city for the past week.

  Now the trio broke free of the noises and buildings, finally reaching the trees surrounding the city walls. It was a relief to be rid of the filth that accompanied cities, and Sky could once again feel the cool breeze on his face.

  "Where to next?" Ian wondered aloud, then after a moment, said "No, that's stupid."

  "Ian, stop talking to yourself." Mitch smacked the back of his friend's head.

  "You can't tell me what to do!"

  "Girls, girls, quiet down," Sky smirked at them.

  —

  Deadlox was disgusted. The three that he had been tracking were exerting such childish behavior. A true team needed structure and a leader. This rag-tag trio of people had neither of those things.

  The one called Ian didn't look very strong and probably wasn't a good fighter. Mitch was another story, and his diamond axe hung at his side. Now that Deadlox thought about it, all three carried weapons. No big threat, though. Unlikely that Mitch could throw the axe very well, so long-range was fine.

  He only needed time to do one spell, anyways. Just to test his theory. If it was incorrect, well....

  He shrugged. What was one more charred body in the wilderness?

  —

  Ian and Mitch were wrestling, shouting insults at each other and tripping the other. Sky couldn't help laughing at their behavior, especially since it was so casual, like they did this all the time.

  One second was filled with happiness, and the next carried terror with it as purple-black fire exploded from the trees, rocketing towards Sky. He barely had time to blink before it was upon him, and he braced himself for death.

  But death never came.

  He opened his eyes to see his amulet glowing, sucking in the fire before it could touch his skin. Ian and Mitch stated with shocked expressions equal to his own. When the fire was gone, everyone was silent except for Sky's panicked breathing.

  "What was that?" Ian asked quietly, clenching and unclenching his fists. "What the crap was that?"

  "I-I don't-" Sky fell silent in the middle of admitting his confusion, seeing a figure in the trees. It was hard to see, especially through the lenses of the sunglasses, but he could sense that it was the boy with red eyes. Anger welled up inside of him. Why couldn't he just leave him alone?

  The boy turned, as if to walk away, but Sky was already running after him. The red-eyed boy glanced back once and his eyes widened in surprise as Sky barreled into him at top speed, causing the smaller boy to going flying back onto the ground. Before he could pick himself up off of the ground, Sky was pinning him to the forest floor with punch after punch, his sudden rage fueling his strength.

  "What is your obsession with me?" he shouted. "Why can't you just leave me alone!" There was no reply, and Sky stopped punching and sat down on his knees on the ground next to the boy.
 
  His red eyes gazed uncertainly at Sky and he spat out blood.

  "Why?" he laughed hoarsely. "I hope you know, I'm not obsessed with you. In fact, I hate you. The problem is, you're the only person that I can find that's like me."

  "I am nothing like you!" Sky shouted at him, his voice breaking and faintly aware of Ian and Mitch watching with wide eyes. His cheeks turned red with embarrassment. What had come over him?

  The boy seemed to hear his thoughts and waved his hand. "Your emotions will go crazy when your amulet absorbs enemy magic."

  "Why do we have to be enemies?" Curiosity drowned out his anger.

  He scoffed. "Because I can't stand you." He gestured at Sky. "You're just...ugh. Chaotic. Never think about anything." He sniffed disdainfully. "In addition, you're a Brine and I am an End Demon."

  "A what and a do-what now?"

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1st order of business: I'm so sorry for taking FOREVER to write this chapter oml
2nd order of business: I'm sorry that this chapter is short oml
3rd order of business: oml thank you guys so much! •o• You've been commenting and voting and reading and that makes me so happy! •u• Thank you all!