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 help packs with their wards for now and try to lay low."
"I still want to keep doing that, but it's like waiting for trouble to happen and you know that trouble 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."
"Sadly, I 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 would be going again 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 the Shadow Elementals go after those who should be taken down and eradicate the radical movement 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 combat 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. I don't have control over other people's actions, and you know that I can get captured anywhere," 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 was 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 our kinds have. The top 3 from the Most Wanted Witches list are leading us."
"Oh wow! I mean, we knew that the Most Wanted Witches list was a big fat lie. 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 he realized how right he was," said Frank.
"We're technically an underground group. Many people have heard of us, but don't know who is a member. We want to keep it that way."
Frank looked at Coralis. Knowing that the top 3 wanted witches were the heads of that group reassured him.
"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 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 what I'm up to with them 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.