September 29, 2004
"I think I'm going to join the Shadow Elementals," said Coralis to Frank over dinner.
"You sure about that? Thought we agreed it was best if you just lay low for a bit and help packs with their wards."
"I still want to keep doing that, but it's like waiting for trouble to happen and you know more will come for me. I'm getting an uneasy feeling about playing defensively instead of going after those who want us down. You know, make a move when they don't see me coming before they come for me and harm you in the process."
"Can't argue with your logic there," said Frank.
He didn't like her joining what seemed to him a militant group. He agreed with their ideology and understood why she wanted to join them, but he didn't like to know Coralis was going to the frontlines of danger, where he thought she'd be more likely to get killed or captured.
"While the world is distracted going after the wrong ones, I think I should help them go after those who should be taken down and eradicate radical movements from the ground."
"If you join them, does that mean you'll often have to travel to India?" said Frank as he collected the empty plates.
"I don't know about that. From my understanding, it would be only for training and meetings, but Alejandro didn't tell me how often they meet. Honestly, the idea of receiving training and learning stealth from 300-something-year-old elementals is very appealing to me."
"All right, but please, promise me that Sebastian won't end up having to call me because of emergency protocol," said Frank, standing behind her and bending over her to pass his arms around her shoulders and kiss her neck.
"I can only promise you that as far as the actions I'll take to stay alive, but I don't have control over other people's actions," said Coralis, leaning toward him and enjoying his lips on her skin.
She reached out to Alejandro an hour later.
"I will join the Shadow Elementals if the offer is still there."
"I'm happy to hear that. Yes, of course, it is, Milkya is delighted at the idea of training you."
"Milkya? As in 2nd? Is she the 300-something-year-old trainer you were talking about in Brazil?"
"Yes, that Milkya. Most of the elementals affiliated with the Shadow Elementals are former and current agents from just about every enforcement institution that we have. The top 5 from the Most Wanted Witches list are with us."
"Oh wow! I mean, we knew that the Most Wanted Witches list was a big fat lie. A lot of people, including my brother, said that if governments ever managed to kill all of the names on that list, we'd be doomed. I don't think they fully realized how right they were," said Frank.
"Indeed. We're technically an underground group. Many people have heard of us, but don't know who is a part of our group. We want to keep it that way."
Frank looked at Coralis. Knowing that the top 5 wanted witches were part of their group reassured him. He knew she'd be in good hands.
"How often will I need to travel to India?"
"About once a week, more or less. We don't hold meetings and training at fixed occurrence and location, to make it harder for us to be found. We have a compound in India and that's where you'll meet with us next week, but we also have a meeting place in Japan."
"All right, just tell me where and when, and I'll be there."
October 3, 2004
"Let me know how it goes. I'm aware the Shadow Elementals thrive in secrecy and I understand why, but please, don't shut me out, no matter what," said Frank, his hands on her shoulders and his forehead against hers, thinking about what happened the previous year on that date.
"I will let you know, don't worry. We're way past that point," said Coralis, understanding where his mind went. "At this point, it's best if you know about what I'm up to, anyway. I don't know when I'll be able to call you or when I'll be on my way home, but I'll find a moment to talk to you. As usual, if someone comes looking for me, send them my way."
"And I will warn you before they get to you. I love you."
They kissed, and she was gone.
She arrived at the Shadow Elementals compound in the middle of the night.
"Blue Thunder! I haven't seen you in a very long time!" said someone behind her when her feet touched the ground.
"Agent Matasia Sarali?" said Coralis as she turned around to see who was talking to her.
"Nuh-uh! I'm no EBEE agent no more, no, but yes, I'm that French agent you met… 10 years ago?"
"Not an EBEE agent anymore? You too? Damn, what happened after I got away from them?"
"We have a lot of catching up to do, it seems. I deserted, along with many others. Zaria is still there, to feed us with information. I was so glad to see you standing against the radicals, unlike your father," said Matasia as a male mage and a female fay approached them.
"Blue Thunder! I'm so glad you decided to join us. I'm Whazk," said the male mage.
"Whazk? The Whazk we learned about in our elemental history classes?" said Coralis.
"Yes that one, but I believe that the younger generation of elementals now learns about you too at school."
In the corner of her eyes, she saw Alejandro approaching. Coralis couldn't believe she just met Whazk, who ranked 3rd as a most wanted witch.
"I'm Milkya," said the female fay next to him. "It will be a pleasure training you on stealthy combat."
"The honour to be trained by you is mine," said Coralis.
"Didn't I tell you the current top 5 was with us? You'll meet with Riwik tomorrow. He will be the one to give you your branding, black light tattoo and mind-link," said Alejandro, raising a hand to point at the branding inside of Coralis' left arm. "This branding on your arm, as far as I'm concerned, and I'm sure Matasia will agree, represents why we're here. We've been betrayed by our people, not by humans."
"Riwik, as the elf listed globally as 1st most wanted?" said Coralis, focusing on the name without registering what Alejandro said past that.
"Yes!" the four members she spoke with said at the same time.
They took her to a small cabin, consisting of one large room and a bunk bed in the corner the furthest from the entry door.
"You will share the cabin with me when we're at that compound if it's okay with you," said Matasia.
At dawn, Alejandro knocked at her door. It was time for her to meet with Riwik and the rest of the members. She didn't sleep, as she spent the remainder of the night chatting with Matasia.
Alejandro led her to the central point of the compound. Riwik stood in the middle. Behind him, was a fountain spewing lava instead of water.
"Blue Thunder, I heard so much about you. More than I should, considering how young you are. You are making many people angry," said Riwik, closing his eyes for a moment. "I sensed someone like you before, but I can't remember from where. Your energy signature is a lot more potent than the one I remember. Glad to see you standing with us."
"You knew my dad?"
"I don't believe so. If I ever remember the name, I will let you know and you could then tell me your relation to him. Ready to receive your branding that will make you officially part of the Shadow Elementals?" said Riwik, preparing for branding over the lava fountain.