I stood by Red's side as the man zipped up his pants. She was gripping my arm tight enough to stop blood flow. I might have to stop holding her back with Simon in our labour if she's this stong. "Great…" He drawled out "...now you wake up." Is this guy really serious? It's like he wants me to hit him. In fact, the only thing holding me back was the fact that there would be serious consequences. "Are you going to take us soon or are you just going to fumble around with your pants?" I asked him. He looked straight at me with narrowed eyes and a scrunched up nose. He was about to say something but held his tongue back. Instead, he walked past us. I moved around so Red was always had me in between the two of them. "From now on, we stay in pairs." I started as the other three stared at me. "It may not do much but it's better than nothing. Sorry, Rob but-" "Don't worry about it, Akira. I may not look it but remember that I was a mage so I can handle myself." Rob said as he held a determined fist. In a red flash, I found my arm had finally gotten the circulation it needed. Little Red had found herself before Rob. She grabbed one of his hands with her own and pulled them close. "You're a mage?" She asked. Simon joined her soon after. They were both vibrating with energy as they heard his words. Even if I couldn't see their expressions to the fullest, they had the wide eye awe that a lot of children in their younger years. "Yes, I am. I was even part of a guild." Rob stated. He smiled at the two of them as they jumped up and down with joy. I don't know what he was thinking about but it seemed to put him in a good mood. "I knew you were a mage but I didn't know you were part of a guild." Jellal cut into the conversation. "What was it?" "Oh, My guild? I was a part of-" The sounds of someone coming cut us off. Jellal gestured everyone to be quiet and follow him. I guess he didn't want anyone to know what we doing. I not sure. I nodded and followed after him, the others following swiftly. Rob had taken his spot at the back of the group in order to look over us. If anything happened, he would be one of the first to know. Jellal was at the front. I would usually beside him watching for the best places to work without being interrupted. Not surprised at the amount of fighting that goes on in this place. Simon had taken my place beside Jellal. I already told him my criteria so I could leave it to him. He was curious about why we went to different areas when we could choose the closer ones. Usually, Red would behind the two of us with Simon, however, today she was beside me today. Jellal had his game face on and stared down any other children that had gotten to close. Speaking about Jellal, he was much smarter than those at his age. He knew what to do and when. My assumption is that he's been here longer than all of us. It was honestly scary what he could become when he gets older. Hopefully, I can make sure he doesn't use that intellect on me. How knows what might happen here? Where My Demons Lie "Bend at the knees and grab the rock from underneath." I instructed Red as we cleaned out the area. We were again alone. I had to thank Simon as this was perfect for us. The other kids in this place were staying away from us, they usually do, but it was more noticeable today. There were a few glances but I ignored them. I could also see Asshole talking to that man before. It was clear from here that the new man was chewed out by him, cringing as Asshole got close. Even from this far away, it was easy to see the differences between the two. The new man actually cared about his hygiene, if the trimmed hair and clean clothing was anything to go by. His blond hair, blue eyes and handsome face made him look like he belonged anywhere but here. "N-Now what?" Red asked as she stood there in a weird position. "Pull it up now, but instead of your back, push up with your knees." I continued. She was confused at first so I had to show her. Luckily that strength wasn't a fluke as she picked up a boulder bigger than what her size would suggest, however, she did need my help as it proved to be too much for her. Though it was clear that she hasn't done any major labour at all. It was most likely her parents that did the work for her. It was understandable. No actually, that was the norm. What was strange was the rate that Simon worked. While he may not be working at the same rate as Jellal and I, he was impressive for his age. It was honestly weird to see a child like him pull up boulders as big as his torso without stopping. I could see the pain in his eyes as we went on. Not only him but everyone. Everyone had put their everything into today and we cleared the area in record time. I took a seat with my back resting on a rock and laid there as my arms throbbed their usual pain. It was hard to see but I was improving. Slowly but surely, I was improving. Had it not of been Jellal sitting beside me, I may have fallen asleep. "I was awake Akira…" Jellal started to my confusion. "...I know you have magic." So what was he awake- Ah, when I asked Rob for magic. "Is that how you knew Rob had magic?" I asked getting a nod from him. "What are you going to do about it?" "I can't do anything, I not strong enough to do it." Jellal gritted out. "Not yet anyway." "Why do you ask anyway?" "Look there." He stated, pointing towards where Goon#1 and Goon #2 was standing. They had not touched their pile of work, barely even making a dent. They were frequently looking at us. It wasn't even hard to tell they were trying to spy on us with their glares. I also noticed how the other kids had moved towards the other side of the room, away from our two groups. I leaned over to Jellal "Keep them in your sight, I'm going to tell Rob about this." "Whatever." Getting up, wincing as pain flared up my leg, I walked over to where the others were resting. As much as I believe that we could beat them. I didn't want to risk it. Five heads are better than two I suppose. "Hey, Rob." I called out as soon as I was in shouting distance. He had his back to me while the other two were watching his dramatic display with wide-eyed wonder. His hair was swishing around with gusto as he made weird poses. Hmmm, that's that tattoo from earlier. It had some weird looking head and three extrusions coming out the back of it, another extending towards the front. Funny enough, it kinda looks like the Fairy Tail symbol. Where My Demons Lie He stared at me for a second before blossoming with a smile "My name is Jellal Fernandes. Nice to meet you." Where My Demons Lie "Ahh, Nice to meet you both. My name is Rob.". Where My Demons Lie "I believe that you have unlocked your magic. You're currently feeling the ethernano enter you magic container." Where My Demons Lie "Holy Fuck, That is the Fairy Tail symbol." I cried out, ignoring as the three of them turned at me. This whole time… This whole Fucking time I've had the clues laid out to me as if I was a child. A Fucking child. Even then I couldn't see that I hadn't just been kidnapped and de-aged. I had been kidnapped, de-aged and Isekai'd. It must have been because of me saying that I hate Isekais but that doesn't mean I want to be in one. Does that also mean that…"I can't go home." I whispered to myself aloud. Rob had been standing behind me trying to calm me down. I didn't know what he was saying- correction, I knew exactly what he was saying but I ignored him. I ignored him completely. The only person I had was myself in my mind. Not Rob, Not Pride and certainly not the other kids. I was alone here. I could never go home. Where My Demons Lie "Listen to me." Mom said as she walked out of the car. I caught up beside her as she strode off. "Something I learnt from your father when I just met him." Dad? Why are we talking about him all of a sudden? She hated when someone brought him up. Not that she hated him or anything but she always feels down when she remembers him after...everything. "There are only a few people you can rely on in this world, baring your parents." She started as we walked down the street. I opted to let her speak in case she stopped talking about him. "Until you can find those people, you are the only one who can be relied upon." "So he was kind of an asshole-OWW." I exclaimed as she hit my head. "No shit talking your father, that's my job." She shot back ignoring those around us. "And while he might have been a bit rude, he excelled in what he did. He got good grades, got an amazing job and found the best wife." "The best wife?" I deadpanned. "A wife that hits her son in broad daylight." "That's right." As if a switch was flicked, she gained a more sombre expression. "You remind me of him so much." "Of course, I'm too amazing to not be." She snorted as a smirk etched on her face "If only you would get an amazing wife like me and you'd be the spitting-" "Blah, Blah, Blah. Can't hear you. My fingers have suddenly found themselves in their ears and I can't take them out." I cried out, speeding up away from her. "You defiantly get your dry humour from him too." Where My Demons Lie Just like dad used to do. Rely upon myself and get out of here alive. Only then will I find a way home. For the time being, this is my home. Where My Demons Lie "I've told you already, he isn't here anymore." Jellal stated as the two of them circled him. Jellal noticed that they were acting strange. Without Jason, they would be timid and wait till he was there to call the shots. They reminded him of Erza and how she had latched onto Akira when they first met. It was understandable. They both seemed to be in control and knew what to do. Where Jason leads with his might, Akira leads with his wit. Jellal doesn't like how smart Akira is. He seems friendly but what happens when that changes? He doubts that Erza and Simon would leave Akria's side to join him. He can tell how scared they both look but he doesn't know how to help them. But Akira does. He doesn't know how to lead them with his sharp mind and fake smiles. But Akira does. He doesn't have enough strength to defend them should anything attack them. But Akira does. He doesn't have magic, magic that could help them escape. But Akira does. "Why do want him anyway?" Jellal cried out as the two of them tried to look around. "I'm right here." They both stopped to look at him with amused expressions. They snickered as they looked at his trembling legs. Their laughter only grew as saw his serious expression. Jellal gripped the shaft of his pickaxe as his eyes shadowed in anger. His teeth gnashed together as stood to hold back the insults that made it to his tongue. The knuckles of his hands grew white as they slowly calmed down. *Tap* *Tap* *Tap* His slow steps didn't reach their ears. They laid on the floor with content expressions. Faces stretched out with their smiles. Breath heavy from lack of air. *Tap* *Tap* *Tap* Raising his pickaxe high, he noted something to himself. It's a Predator vs Prey world in this tower… and Jellal… *Squelch* ...is sick of being the Prey. Where My Demons Lie Rob rubbed Akira's backs as he had his panic attack. He reckoned he finally broke down. All those times he had come back with scars around his body and his magic completely drained. Not only that but he had to deal with little Erza and Simon as they both looked upon him for help in their situation. A lot of the time, Rob wasn't awake when Akira was as he healed him as much as he could. He didn't want the boy to remember the scars when he woke up. He's seen what it could do to someone, especially a child, when they have to remember something like that. It was clear that Akira didn't remember anything though. It must have taken place after his ethernano extraction. Most likely some sick bastards enjoyment. It didn't help that his magic increased after each one. Using the magic container is like using a muscle. Every time they force it to work, it would break down and come back stronger. Doubly so for children as they were more malleable. He is a prized collection and only gets more sought after as he goes on. Ron only wished he could get him home. It was clear that he at least had a mother to go to if his mutters were anything to go by. "A-Akira? Where are you going?" Rob stared into the eyes of Akira as he turned back. He could swear that he saw something flash behind his usual colours. "Apparently, Jellal needs my help. So I'm going to save his dumbass before he gets himself killed."