Chapter 26 Shadows (1/2)

Deagan jumped at the chance to push Ariana out of the brothel as Lady Zula's voice could be heard throughout the building as she yelled at Sammie. ”Let's go find the pretty lady now.” Deagan said as he pushed her towards the door. ”Hey now! Who said you were the other one to be going with Ariana!” Clawdean hissed as she marched towards them. ”Easy, I got to her first.” Deagan said as they made their exit. ”Deagan!!!” Clawdean yelled as he slammed the door shut behind them.

Once they were outside he let out a deep sigh and looked down at Ariana's face but instead of feeling comfort he broke out into a heavy sweat. ”Ariana why are your little friends with us?” He asked awkwardly as a wall of chibis was built before him. ”They don't trust you.” Ariana said bluntly. ”Neither do I.” Cayden said as he started approaching them. ”Heh.” Deagan laughed awkwardly as he raised his hands into the air defensively. ”What can I do to prove my intentions are pure?”

Ariana stepped around her chibi wall and looked at Deagan. ”Find big sister Rin.” Deagan looked a little put off by the request and scratched the side of his nose. ”What if she doesn't want to be found?” Ariana stared at him, her gaze never waivered. ”Then, she can say it to my face that she wants to be alone.” Deagan froze for a second and looked at the young girl seriously. ”Your definitely different then what I thought.” He mumbled as he brought up his hands before him.

”Fine.” He said as he stretched out his arms towards the ground, his hands started to glow a silvery purple colour. Suddenly a violet coloured magic circle appeared on the ground. ”ʻAki” He said in a clear voice and soon multiple shadow people started to form from within the circle. Ariana's eyes grew wide as she looked at the people then to Deagan. ”What is your command Master.” A male voice said as all their eyes turned a bright magenta colour. ”Find...ah sorry little lady what was her name again?” Deagan asked as he turned to Ariana.

”Please find Rinera Bloom.” Ariana asked with confidence as she turned to the shadow people. There was an awkward silence for a moment before Deagan started to chuckle. ”Sorry they only listen-?!” Deagan started to say but the shadow people bowed to Ariana. ”As you command.” A tall male shadow said before they all dispersed. Deagan jaw dropped to the ground and Cayden smirked as she stepped beside her. ”Why don't we try looking too?” Cayden said as he slipped his hand into hers.

”Alright but I have faith in Adelram and the others.” She said as they started to walk forward. ”Wait!” Deagan asked as he narrowed his gaze at the two. ”How did you know his name?” Ariana stopped and looked back. She contemplated what she was going to say but then decided to stay silent. ”I will believe whatever you say just tell me how did you know his name.” Deagan asked coldly causing Ariana to sigh. ”This is why they listened to me.” She said as Deagan took a step back feeling a the air became somewhat oppressive. ”Adelram, Blamore, Claec, Duana and Hadria, they all pledged to help me whenever I am in need.”

”When? How? Even I only know Adelram's name and none of the others.” He said as fury started to take over him. ”Have you spoke to the others? Have you even given them the respect they deserve? As a shadow weaver you fail in the simple concept that your familiars are living beings. Maybe this will be an eye opener for you and you will take your role more seriously.” She said courtly and started to walk away. ”When did you....”

”Sorry I can't hear you, you will need to speak up.” Ariana announced in annoyed tone. A vein popped right above Deagan's right eyebrow and he stomped down the coblestone street only stopping right in front of Ariana and Cayden. He tried to reach out to grab her but Cayden stepped in front with a dagger in hand. Deagan paused and brought down his hand.

”When did you speak to them?” He asked through clenched teeth. Ariana tapped Cayden's shoulder and he stepped aside, sheathing his dagger back into his belt. ”I spoke to them right in front of you... Do you pay such little attention to your surroundings? 'Sigh' just like how your own shadow is trying to speak to you but you don't seem to realize or care to listen.” Ariana said as she pointed to Deagan shadow.

He looked down and saw that his shadow was not moving or speaking but he needed to make sure. He snapped his fingers and his shadow started to move its arms. Deagan became surprised as his shadow was signalling something but he had no idea what it wanted to say. ”It's alright I think I can help you.” Ariana said softly and soon the shadow peeled itself off the ground, took a solid form and stood in front of Deagan.

Ariana stepped beside the shadow and held out her hands. The shadow quickly took her hand and Deagan just stared. ”Just grab my hand.” She said as she opened and closed her hand. Deagan just grabbed it and was instantly connected. ”Finally! Moron! Don't get pissed off when someone is trying to help you understand your flaws!” A voice rang into Deagan's head causing him to let go of Ariana's hand. ”How did you do that?!” He shouted as he shivered. Ariana looked at him lazily and dropped her free hand to her side. ”I wasn't sure that would work.”

”So you experimented?!” He shouted and Ariana dropped her gaze to the ground as she let go of the shadow's hand. ”That's enough.” Cayden said as slipped his hand into hers again. ”Don't get upset when someone is trying to help you.” Cayden said as the shadow crossed his arms and nodded his head in agreement.

”This is insane.” He said in hysteria and Ariana flinched at his words. Cayden squeezed her hand and pulled her closer. ”If you don't like it go back to the brothel.” He said flatly and pulled Ariana down the street. Deagan started grinding his teeth as he stared at his shadow sensing it's disappointment in him. ”Who are you?!” He shouted as he chased after them. ”I don't know.” Ariana mumbled under her breath as they continued onwards.

After an hour of searching the three sat under a shady tree. ”She doesn't want to be found.” Deagan said in defeat. Ariana looked upwards absentmindedly as Cayden watched the Luma play. ”You haven't named them yet.” He said as he turned to Ariana. ”Your right!” She said happily. ”I thought you asked them for their names back at the brothel?” Deagan said as he stretched out his arms upwards. ”And they don't have any.” Ariana said bluntly. Deagan turned to look at the girl and Cayden shrugged. ”It seemed obvious.”

”Right... obvious. You know you two are quite the pair.” He said as he crossed his legs and stared. Cayden tried to brush off the statement but his smile was shaking immensely whilr Ariana seemed indifferent. ”Well let's start, Luma!” She called and her chibis stopped immediately and rushed to her side. ”Okay you all deserve a name, so who would like to go first?” She asked happily and the Luma huddled as they looked at one another.

The jellyfish was the first to go and the other formed a line. ”Oh! Okay give me a second.” She said as she brought her hand to her chin and closed her eyes. ”Why not name it according to their talents?” Cayden said as he watched her struggle. ”Great idea! Okay little one what do you do?... toxic, acid that can go through anything... multi-tasker, can make any antidote of a poison you've come into contact with and almost indestructible, let's see then how about Adonis.” She said and her little jellyfish swirled around in joy as it started to glow.

”Who's next?” She called and her purple fish Luma swam up. ”... alright so illusionist, voice mimicry ... oh claws, teeth, scales stronger than anything in this world and really?! Butdon't think I would want to eat that... Then my little siren of death you will be called Loralei.” The same thing happened again her purple Luma glowed and she happily swam to float beside Adonis.

”... fire, claws, conquer of all.... huh... yes that is good to know. Let's see my little tiger you will be Rahul.”