"Can anyone tell me what's the most important skill needed in a speeder?"

Evelyn stood erect at the firm tone, flexing her entire body. Every student paid close attention. The wind blew softly and quickly in the open field, sending a tingle of ebullience through her fingertips.

The owner of the commanding voice nodded towards a young boy as he raised his arm, confidence shining in his eyes.

"Agility."

Evelyn's teacher shook her head, the fierce look remaining in her eyes. A frown came on the boy's face as he retreated his hand with uncertainty, wavering for a moment before he returned to his firm position. A similar bewilderment came on most of the children's faces as they believed it to be the answer, too.

"Anyone else?"

Her braided hair moved with the wind, though it stayed completely out of her keen eye as she observed her students' expressions. Evelyn thought it's red colour was far too illuminating in an absurd way, and she made the mistake of narrowing her eyes at it with a smile.

"Yes, Evelyn? What might be the answer?"

Evelyn's eyes returned to their normal expression, though hesitation was on her face.

"Huh..? Um, a decisive nature?"

"Why do you sound doubtful of your answer?"

I'm always doubtful of my answers, Evelyn thought as she gulped discreetly as Akilah stared into her eyes intensely before facing the crowd again, a small smile possibly coming on her face.

"I'm surprised to hear this from one with an impulsive nature, but that's right."

Evelyn let out a sigh, allowing a smile to come on her face. She figured the answer since it was a trait she thought herself to be lacking the most. Recently, though, she began doubting it after her friends Conrad and Elek insisted that she was decisive enough.

"The reason I ask you all this question after four years is that our training together is to come to an end the next year. You've all been my students since the age of ten, and some even younger than that. Though I understand the reasoning behind your answer, I can't help but be disappointed at the large number of trappers who think the same."

Akilah sighed, closing her eyes for a brief moment. The strain in her eyes burned, but she forced them to open anyway.

"Agility is indeed important, but it isn't the most important. Do not think the preconceived thought that super speed is merely a physical ability. Throughout our training, I'm sure you must've noticed other perks of the ability. Anyone?"

A thin, short girl raised her arm shyly, though an eager smile was on her face. Akilah gave her a firm nod, raising her face as if particularly interested in her answer.

"Since speeding involves the conversion of mass into energy, we can use this extra energy to affect our opponent in different ways. For example, sound energy to rattle their minds like how super strength can use shock waves or vibrations. Converting the energy also uses up personal energy, though."

Akilah nodded in a satisfied fashion, and the girl sighed in relief, looking happy. Evelyn wasn't very keen about all of this high-science stuff, but she knew if Elek were here, he would be hyperventilating.

"And do you know why such techniques aren't used often?"

A dark look shadowed on the girl's face as a few other students turned their heads towards the ground. Those who were surprised with the previous information were further confused, though Evelyn didn't understand why such strong emotions were on everyone's faces.

"Because it is simply dangerous," Akilah said in a plain tone, not waiting for anyone to answer. Evelyn felt a little shiver at that tone, the serious vibe getting to her carefree nature.

"Speeders rely on physical strength and not scientific means since their power might greatly affect their system and their surroundings in a way against our principles."

Evelyn didn't understand what Akilah meant by that, but she figured the reason for starting this topic. It wasn't for teaching the students anything. It was for showing them their boundaries.

"The last thing we're going to work on for today is acceleration. Everyone, please stand in a straight line, and keep a distance of at least one foot between the ones next to you."

Evelyn walked in her lively demeanour, standing still with a firm smile. She turned her head towards the sides, widening her eyes at the number of students. There were around twenty, but seeing them all standing in one line seemed to increase their number.

A large, empty field of grass was spread in front of her, inviting the students to run across it. The sun shone bright and Evelyn felt her energy escalate as the wind ran through her hair, tangling the few loose strands in the process. Her head felt light and free, and Evelyn eagerly waited for her teacher's instructions.

"As you run to and fro, picture your body evaporate until nothing other than a ball of light is left. Do not attempt to increase your speed; you will only hinder the process if you do so. Do not be careless or too cautious, you simply have to feel free and weightless. However, if at any point you feel that your body exists no more, you will have to stop accelerating. Everything has its limit."

Akilah's tone was both caring and stern, reaching the depths of every student's mind. Evelyn gulped as she gave them the mark to take their position.

All students kneeled as they put their hands forward. Excitement surged through her being as she prepared herself mentally for what was to come; she couldn't anticipate it, and neither did she want to. She simply wished to enjoy it.

"Go."

Evelyn tore through the wind as the word left Akilah, its sound now feeling a million light years away. Her hair flew behind her as it came undone and she truly felt free, as if she were nothing but water flowing from a great height to the ground. The feeling that shivered through her body was unreal and much appreciated, leaving her mind in chaotic ecstasy.

Evelyn didn't dare to close her eyes, staring at the sky. She willed herself to feel as light as a bird, gliding through the sky swiftly. The thought imbued a sensation of absolute independence within her, intensifying her weightless thoughts.

Her lithe movement could now easily been mistaken for an unnatural creature. Evelyn truly felt her mass thin down and her energy further elated, entering a state of euphoria. The world was a blur of colours, Nature's touch greeting her at every step. Before she knew it, she spotted Akilah and a few others, realising her final point had arrived.

Evelyn was disappointed as she gradually came to stop, the mundane feel of her limbs returning to her. However, Akilah's proud smile lifted her mood again, and she stood patiently as everyone returned. As she looked up, the orange shone brightly in her brown eyes, perfectly accompanying her huge grin. Her skin was still tingling as the vibrations moved through her body, though her breaths attempted to calm her excited state.

"Well done, everyone! Most of you reached a speed that is thousand kilometres less than the limit, which is great for your age. All these years of training would've definitely helped, but the fact that you all picked up on my instructions so quickly shows your understanding and capability. You've done good."

A friendly cheer erupted through the crowd of children and Akilah gave them a sweet smile. Evelyn couldn't help but think if relief accompanied this pride, but she was happy at the moment.

The students left the ground and Evelyn headed home with her head raised to the sky. The sun began to sink further and further, though the palette of the red-shifted light was a blessing to her sight. She was now determined to perfect her acceleration, deciding to discuss with Elek about how the ability really worked. After a long time was she this excited about something, and she aimed to treasure the feeling.

-----

"Evelyn slow down! You're going to rip my arm off!"

"Slow? What's that?"

Elek rolled his eyes, stumbling as Evelyn tugged on his hand harder. His eyes narrowed towards its target, decisively creating his saviour.

"Ow!'

Evelyn stopped abruptly and left Elek's hand, attending to the impact created on her forehead by a thin stick. Elek had been expecting the exact reaction and hit his leg to the ground, preventing Evelyn's force from throwing him forward.

"This is a nice place!"

Evelyn's eyes lit up at the open space she now stood in, sturdy trees surrounding her. She pushed Elek to the centre of the area, hitting him on the head sternly.

"What was that for?"

"You gotta stand here. Don't move. Stay absolutely still. Record the time."

Elek chuckled, shaking his head at Evelyn's controlled excitement. She shot him a glare that felt like an infant's attempt at being furious.

"Alright. I'm ready. Are you?"

Evelyn said nothing, flashing a smirk as she stood to Elek's left. Elek confirmed that there was no one at that moment in the vicinity. Evelyn's eyes travelled a full circle around Elek, imprinting her trajectory in her mind. She took a deep breath, smiling as she exhaled.

Her legs kicked the ground as she was propelled forward, her surroundings blurring into an absolute line of green, though what spun on the top was blue. Exhilaration flowed within her circuit, the kinetic energy contributing to her own. She didn't know what it was that she felt, but the whispering of the wind, that tingling sensation of a mysterious phenomenon was recognised and greatly appreciated by her. Somehow, her eyes could focus on the boy that stood in the centre, a smile appearing on her face as she looked at his wide eyes. Something bright glinted in his eyes, as if a small star were staring at him with great vigour.

She faced the sky, raising her arms behind her. She'd always wanted to soar the skies on her own free will and envied Trina for having that liberty. She realised this experience was on an equal footing as she wanted to be free of wings, too. An obscure dream, probably, but her ability allowed her to feel this enthralled. This weightlessness, this limitless energy... she was forever grateful.

Suddenly, she noticed Elek's eyes follow her frantically as he muttered a few words. Evelyn smiled as she slowed her speed, understanding her friend.

The afternoon sun was surprisingly light on her as she came to a stop. Despite that titillation, Evelyn oddly felt at peace, the sound of the air whistling through the leaves putting her mind at ease. Any stress of the future, of her training, of her life's conf-

"Evelyn!" Elek whispered strictly and Evelyn frowned at him for disturbing her moment, but dropped the expression at his concern.

"We have to go back. Now."

Evelyn looked puzzled. "Why? It's great here."

"I'll tell you later, but we will be in trouble if someone spots us."

Evelyn opened her mouth in confusion but closed it quickly at the sight of the tall lady. The expression demanded some serious mitigation from the innocent girl, though her inferiority prevented her from thinking of anything smart to say. Not that she understood the situation.

"Ma'am..." Evelyn muttered humbly, anxiousness rising in her mind. Akilah's stern look sent a wave of agitation through Evelyn's senses and she moved closer to Elek. His thoughts were distant, though his deep concern for his friend remained prominent in his mind. His gaze bore into the dark bark of the trees, a grim look settling in his eyes momentarily.

Elek shook his head, taking a deep breath. It was as if life was intent on making his close ones break the rules of time.

"You crossed the limit, didn't you?"

Akilah's tone wasn't questioning, her vision narrowed towards the girl. Evelyn's eyes widened in realisation as the rate of her circuit increased, her heart beating rapidly.

Evelyn nodded her head slowly, unable to say anything. Akilah sighed, shaking her head in disapproval. Her hardened look pierced through the ground beneath her food before she finally face the two children.

"Evelyn's friend. Judging by the look on your face, I assume that you know of the consequences?"

Elek nodded, gripping Evelyn's palm to assure her.

"As your mass is converted to energy which here is nothing but photons, you come closer and closer to reaching the speed of light."

Elek hesitated to speak further, warily lifting his eyes towards Akilah. A nonchalant expression was on her face, but she nodded slowly, consoling the boy. Evelyn's emotions escalated as she observed this exchange, her posture as still as a statue.

"According to a theory, you experienced something known as 'time dilation'. Just now, how long do you think you were running for?"

"Fifteen minutes..." The girl's tone was low, now able to predict what would come next.

Elek turned his stopwatch towards Evelyn and her eyes widened at the glowing number before her, ridiculing her naivety.

"It's been twenty-three for me."

Evelyn couldn't believe it. Her surroundings went blurred and the number was all she saw, biting away at her sanity. She felt stupidly ignorant, narrowing her eyes with regret.

Truth and Time. She disrespected their ideals.

Akilah sighed, shaking her head. "I know what you're thinking, Evelyn, that you've defied our principles, our laws. Always keep in mind that Truth and Time go hand in hand. You were unaware of the phenomenon, so you are excused this time. But please, do not be reckless. I have observed this behaviour of yours repeatedly."

Evelyn's head hung in shame, a furiously reserved expression settling in her eyes, something very unusual for the buoyant girl. Akilah took a deep breath, readying herself to take her leave.

"You have great potential as a speeder, Evelyn. However, you are far too impulsive, careless, and just like your friend here, over-confident. If you ever hope to be a good shadow-trapper, you must amend these flaws. You do not want to repeat your father's mistake."

Evelyn fought her tears, a defiant expression settling on her face, her forehead wrinkled intensively. She took off within seconds, running away from the place of shame, her head bowed to the ground as her chest ached.

Evelyn could understand her flaws, but why did she have to bring her friend and her father in this? It was utterly unfair of her to say such things.

Elek turned towards Evelyn as she left, reaching out to stop her but knew that it was in vain. His expression hardened and his sense of respect vanished momentarily, replaced by pure concern.

"Why would you say that?"

Akilah remained blithely gentle at the boy's harsh tone, understanding his emotions.

"I admit that was harsh... but the girl needs to have a sense of reality."

"She does have a sense of reality! She's just too nice to show what she feels."

Elek sighed, looking towards the ground. His hands curled into a loose fist, his leg fidgeting to go after his friend.

"Give her some space, and I am sure that she will be fine. She may be impulsive, but I know that she is not going to put herself in danger. You can put yourself at ease."

Elek nodded slowly, raising his eyes towards the woman's face. An odd glow of wisdom seemed to propagate around her and Elek realised that Akilah wanted to prepare Evelyn for the harsh world.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. That was very rude of me."

Akilah gave a smile, her long hair swaying in the quiet breeze. "It is alright. I understand that you wanted to defend your friend. Thank you for that."

Elek gave a small smile, shyly holding his hands behind his back. He turned towards the direction in which Evelyn had gone, a concerned look in his eyes.

He decided to wait there.

- - - - -

Evelyn sat at a smooth boulder, her slender hands resting on her thighs as a frustrated look shone in her eyes. It amused her, how only minutes ago she was exhilarated about flying, but was now much more than uncertain.

Minutes... what even were they?

She'd respected time her entire life but never really took the time to try and understand it. What did that mean... she didn't respect time? Or was it simply another unknown that bound the world by some limit?

Evelyn sighed. She didn't want to think of such things. All she could understand were waves, may it be of the wind, the water, of an object, or a photon. Just waves.

Suddenly, Evelyn's eyes narrowed as the sound of movement disturbed the tranquillity. She stood up immediately, her stance alerting her of all angles while protecting herself as she crouched, trying to make out what caused her prudence.

Within a second, Evelyn travelled towards the position of disruption, successfully locating her target, though her vigilant mind remained courteous enough to not threaten the person in any manner.

A little girl emerged from behind a bush and Evelyn's expression immediately melted into a smile. The tangled, dark strands of the girl's hair waved innocently, making the girl appear to be more lost than she probably was.

"Hey there."

The girl slowly lifted her dark gaze towards Evelyn, the orange of the sky appearing to be the only colour that reflected in her eyes. For a moment, uncertainty washed over Evelyn, but she quickly dismissed it. The innocence that propagated from the girl was unmistakable.

"Where are you going?"

Evelyn's tone was soft, though her lively touch accompanied the sound, diminishing the girl's fear.

"I'm just... wandering."

The girl was barely audible, her eyes focusing on a distant point in the horizon. Evelyn kneeled to reach her height, putting on a wide grin but remaining cautious to keep her distance.

"I'm Evelyn! What's your name?"

The girl moved a step back, causing Evelyn to lower the energy displayed on her expression. After a moment's hesitation, she replied in a louder tone, though the strong wind made suppressed it further.

"Karuli."

Evelyn stood up slowly, a contemplative smile on her face. She stretched her hand gently, hoping for Karuli to take it.

"Where do you want me to go?"

Evelyn was slightly disheartened as she detected little fear in the voice, though she hoped that it was only her imagination. She considered going to the headquarters, but decided that she needed more time. Perhaps the little one needed to be away, too.

"Anywhere you wish."

Karuli's lips curved enough for Evelyn to notice, elevating her hopes. She stared at the thin palm for a long moment, before taking it slowly, her cold touch sending a pleasant shiver through Evelyn.

The girl began to walk instinctively though her movement was laden with uncertainty. Evelyn followed the girl's lead, a blind trust forming in her mind. They soon neared a clearing, an alleviating aura filling her mind. The open sky comforted her, the bright shine of moonlight graciously lighting the atmosphere.

The girl's grasp grew firmer on Evelyn's hand, her smile widening ever so slightly. Evelyn was delighted, focusing on her energy as she attempted to warm the girl.

"Do you like humans?"

Evelyn frowned with a smile, confused at the question.

"Yeah, kind of. I don't actually like or dislike them, but they deserve good."

"Even if they perform bad deeds?"

The girl's serious and doubting tone reminded Evelyn of Conrad, though her innocence was like nothing else she'd ever seen. At first she had found it unsettling, but now, she was drawn to the aura. She longed to spend time without worry of... time. Without regarding her morals. She felt guilty to think of such a thing, but she couldn't help it.

Her childhood's innocence was freedom. Being a Shadow meant you had to come out of it at the age of ten at the latest.

Time was such a funny thing.

"If they perform bad deeds, the universe will give them what they deserve. If there is one thing I know about life, it's that it is neither lenient nor harsh; it is fair."

The girl bowed her head in hesitation, sighing softly.

"Is it really? Why are the demonic creatures treated so harshly?"

Evelyn sensed the fear in the girl's dim voice, smiling in an attempt to comfort her.

"That's something I don't know the answer to, I'm sorry. But I don't believe they're bad There must be a reason that we still need to understand."

The girl seemed somewhat relieved as she faced Evelyn. Her eyes suddenly lit up, though what colour they were remained unknown. She once again took Evelyn's hand, gesturing for her to close her eyes. Evelyn complied, though was hesitant at first.

She once again followed the girl's movements, despite not knowing where she went. With every step the ambience of her surroundings lightened, as if the solid touch of the forest were leaving her feet and she were climbing the invisible molecules, standing on air. An elysian feel clouded her mind as she breathed the cool air. She didn't believe that anything could overcome the elation she felt as she ran, but this was far beyond her senses.

She felt as if she were flying.

The touch of feathers startled Evelyn, prompting her to open her eyes. What met her eyes horrified her.

Dark mist poured out of the girl's eyes, her right palm moving away as if an invisible force held Evelyn's arm, though the touch was oddly sweet. Her ravenous wing was outstretched, a dubious yet genuine smile on her face.

"Don't worry, I won't hurt you. I simply wish to fulfil your desire."

The innocence that propagated from her did not bode well with that hoarse voice. An acute sensation shot through Evelyn's mind, stemming from her confusion. Karuli began to lose her sanity, her eyes widening in despair. She realised her gamble was not in her favour. She couldn't hope to affect a Shadow-Trapper positively when she couldn't even do so for a human.

As the wind hastened the girl's body transformed further, a beak emerging from her facial structure. Evelyn stared in dread as the girl was no more recognizable, looking humane no more.

She was a demonic creature.

Evelyn couldn't believe what a fool she was. How could she have missed such an important detail? Was she truly that ignorant? An yet something far deeper pulled at her thoughts. No, her emotions.

All she wanted to do was help.

Karuli screeched, yet she lay Evelyn on the ground as gently as she could.

"Please..."

Her breathing was ragged and furious tears rolled down Evelyn's cheek.

She saw no devil.

"I did not want to hurt you, I promise."

All emotions left Evelyn's face at the cautiously pacified words, draining the life out of her.

She saw no devil.

"I request you... purify me."

Everything stopped. Evelyn shook her head slowly but surely, then quickening her pace.

"No. No, you can come out of it."

The girl shook her head slowly, closing her eyes. Evelyn felt as if Karuli had asked a soft breeze to blow to comfort her senses.

"Now that I've come to know the truth, I cannot go back."

Evelyn shook with fear, her hands shivering. She held both her hands, attempting to steady herself, but all she did was intensify her panic.

"It's alright."

Evelyn slowly lifted her gaze. The orange sparkle was now all she saw, a kind aura propagating from the beholder, ignoring all other conditions. Suddenly, another shriek pierced the atmosphere, rattling Evelyn's senses.

Hesitantly, yet on instinct, Evelyn reached for her blade. Her impulse screamed at her to stop with all her might, yet something distant compelled her to do the work. Her conscience battled her fears, and her eyes shook with chaos. If she didn't soon make a decision, she would lose her reasoning, her sanity.

"Please."

Evelyn's hand pulled her blade at the plead of the rough tone, swinging her arm to meet the girl's collarbone. She took rapid and deep breaths, her tears falling uncontrollably.

Karuli's innocent figure returned as the demonic creature vanished. Her smile was benevolent, her arm reaching towards her collarbone as she enveloped the fist in her gentle grasp.

Evelyn held the sight for as long as she could before the girl's existence disintegrated, the black specks carried gracefully by the wind. The innocent sat up, the last tear leaving her cheek as she followed the path of her forbidden friend.

As time passed her mind emptied, her senses calm but hollow. Her head suddenly hung loosely to her side, no emotion in her eyes.

She saw no devil.

She was the devil.

Evelyn noticed a tall figure jog towards her, approaching her carefully. His thin arms carefully wrapped her in its embrace, the kind look in his eyes sending an odd wave of comfort through her. Her mind suddenly eased, the illusionary eyes her last sight before she fell unconscious.

The incident had now been buried within her subconsciousness by the power of an entity, never surfacing her memories yet forever embedded in her principles.

----- -------

Audrey's eyes were wide with disbelief.

It now made sense to her, why Evelyn was so fond of Holly. Despite her best friend's uncertainty of the demons, despite what happened to her best mentor, Conrad's brother, she always firmly expressed her acceptance of demons.

Yet she remembered nothing because of him. Audrey didn't understand why he did such a thing. Was it because of someone else's wish? Possibly Clay's? But why would he listen to anyone?

Why did Vlad help Evelyn?

As a few moments of contemplative silence passed, a small smile came on her face. All of this proved that she was right. Despite his actions, what she felt at their encounter was true.

Vlad was no devil.