The Inner Ring found themselves facing a rather mundane challenge – choosing what to order at a cafe. Thrust into the unfamiliar territory of civilian life, their honed skills for combat seemed utterly useless amidst the steamy lattes and tempting pastries.
Luna began "Lance, I don't think eavesdropping on people's coffee orders is the best strategy."
Kael responded "Yeah, we can't just waltz in and announce we're looking for a legendary warrior. It'll attract unwanted attention."
Lance puffed out his chest. "This is nothing. I'll charm the information right out of the first person I see."
Rylan scoffed. "Charm? You haven't even figured out how to order a drink yet."
Lance strutted towards the counter, snapping his fingers at the barista.
"Gimme the strongest coffee you got, double shot. And make it snappy"
The barista, a middle aged woman raised an eyebrow at him.
"Sir, this is a cafe, not a warzone. We don't condone snapping your fingers at people."
Lance, momentarily deflated, mumbled something about "unsatisfactory customer service" and retreated to his seat, grumbling about the inefficiency of Earthlings.
Rylan scoffed. "See, this is why I hate blending in. These people have no respect for true power."
Prism pointed excitedly at a brightly colored display of pastries.
"Ooh, can I have one of those sparkly muffins? They look like they have magic in them"
Luna chuckled. "I highly doubt these muffins possess any magical properties. They're probably just sugar and glitter."
The barista finally addressed the group. "So you guys gonna order?"
Kael stepped forward. "Yes, of course," he said, channeling his confidence.
"I'll have… uh… the… the…" He trailed off, his gaze darting back and forth between the menu and the barista.
Rylan muttered under his breath, "That idiot will probably end up ordering a magic potion by mistake."
Kael leaned in towards Rylan
"Do they have any...blades here?"
Rylan rolled his eyes. "Seriously? These people don't look like barbarians."
Seraphina smiled apologetically at the barista.
"Forgive us, dear. We're not familiar with your customs here. Could you, perhaps, recommend something?"
The barista asked. "Well, what do you like? Sweet? Bitter? Something creamy?"
Kael straightened his posture. "Something… powerful," he declared
The barista blinked, then burst into laughter. "If you're looking for something strong, I recommend the double espresso"
Kael nodded curtly. "Oh yes, double espresso. Perfect."
The barista grinned "Coming right up," she said, her voice filled with a warmth that put the entire group at ease.
Kael then sees a simple rectangular name tag rested on her chest, the word "Maya" written in neat black lettering.
"Thank you... uh, Maya,"
As Maya busied herself preparing the drinks, the Inner Ring gathered around a small table near the window.
Seraphina leaned in "Did anyone else sense that? That woman.. there's an energy about her"
Rylan scoffed. "Or maybe this caffeine you're all so hyped about is finally getting to your heads."
Seraphina added "Do you think she knows about Aethel? Or about us?"
Rylan responded "And what makes you think this random barista knows anything about some legendary warrior? Quit jumping at shadows."
Maya balanced a tray laden with steaming cups and plates of pastries towards the group's table.
As she carefully placed the drinks in front of each member, their eyes darted back and forth, a silent conversation transpiring in their gazes.
Across the table, Seraphina's eyes flitted between the group
Lance's playful swagger had dissipated, replaced by a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. He stole a glance at Maya, his mind processing.
Rylan remained uncharacteristically silent
Ion remained impassive. Yet his mind was racing. He analyzed every detail.
Maya's mannerisms, her interactions with the other customers, the way she carried herself – searching for any clues to confirm or deny the possibility that stared them in the face
Maya, caught in the unnerving silence "Is something wrong?" she asked
Kael forced a smile. "No, everything's fine," he said, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness. "Thank you, Maya."
Minutes ticked by in the cafe, punctuated by the rhythmic clinking of spoons against mugs and the murmur of conversations
Suddenly, the air was filled with a different kind of tension. A large, imposing man went up to the counter, his face contorted in a scowl.
He slammed his hands down, causing the nearby mugs to jump, and barked his order at Maya, his voice dripping with entitlement.
"Black coffee, and make it quick" he demanded, his eyes narrowed and his jaw set in a belligerent line.
Maya simply nodded and began preparing his drink. But the man wasn't finished yet. He leaned in, his voice low and threatening.
"And if it's not perfect, you'll be hearing from me," he growled
Maya's smile faltered for a fleeting moment, a flicker of sadness crossing her eyes. Yet, she maintained her composure, her voice calm and professional as she replied, "I'll do my best, sir."
The man scoffed, his eyes scanning the cafe before settling on the Inner Ring. He smirked and muttered something under his breath "freaks."
The group remained silent, their eyes glued to the exchange
Seraphina's eyes widened, her maternal instincts kicking in as she felt a pang of sympathy for Maya.
As she placed the mug on the counter, the man snatched it up without a word of thanks, leaving a trail of coins on the counter as he turned to leave.
Maya watched him go, her smile long gone.
A noticeable shift began to ripple through the cafe. The man's disrespect towards Maya, cast a dark cloud over the previously jovial atmosphere.
The customers, sensing the brewing tension, began to gather their belongings, their faces filled with unease.
Whispers filled the air, as people scurried towards the exit. Some stole apprehensive glances at the Inner Ring, their gazes lingering on the group of strangers with an air of foreignness about them
One by one, the customers left the cafe
As the man, having finished his coffee, slammed the empty mug on his table with a resounding thud. "Hey, you!" he bellowed, gesturing towards Maya.
"Come here."
Maya, replied, "I'm happy to help you, sir, but I can assist you from here if—"
The man cut her off with a dismissive wave. "No, I said get over here. Closer."
Maya hesitated for a moment, her body trembling slightly, before slowly approaching his table.
The man leaned back in his chair, a predatory grin twisting his lips.
Without warning, he tipped the mug, drenching Maya's uniform in the dark liquid
"There!" he roared, his laughter echoing through the near-empty cafe.
"Much better. Tasted like trash anyway."
A gasp escaped her lips, her eyes widening in shock and humiliation. The man roared with laughter, a cruel, grating sound that echoed in the empty cafe.
Kael interrupted,
"Picking on someone tinier than you is a pretty pathetic way to boost your ego" he drawled
The man scoffed, his eyes scanning the group. "And what are you gonna do about it?" he sneered
Kael smirked "Oh, we're not the ones who needs to prove anything here,"
"You seem to be doing a good enough job of making a fool of yourself all on your own."
Rylan leaned back, his gaze never leaving the man.
"Now, why don't you apologize to the lady and slink away with whatever shred of dignity you have left,"
The man slammed his hands on their table, making the remaining mugs wobble precariously. "You wanna fight?" he roared
Rylan simply raised an eyebrow
"But I wouldn't recommend it. You might just learn the meaning of the word 'pain' the hard way."
Before anyone in the cafe could react, the man lunged across the table, his fist hurtling towards Rylan with alarming speed.
It should have been a devastating blow, a strike that would easily floor a regular person.
"Is that all you've got?" Rylan taunted.
The man's punch, meant to shatter bones, had felt like little more than a buzzing mosquito.
"I've felt stronger tickles from a kitten."
"Look, since I'm in a good mood, I'll give you one chance to walk out of here with whatever dignity you have left. Take it."
Seraphina chimed in "We don't want any trouble. Please go before things escalate."
"Who are you to tell me what to do?. "The man swung again, this time aiming for Rylan's ribs. The blow landed squarely, but Rylan remained unmoved.
Rylan's patience, already stretched thin, snapped. His eyes flashed with a hint of the power he held in check, a power that could shatter steel.
However, unleashing it here, in this fragile cafe was not an option
With a simple flick of his wrist, the man crashed into the unoccupied tables at the back of the cafe, the wood splintering under his weight.
The man lay there, groaning in pain, his bravado and aggression utterly broken. His bones were undeniably bruised and fractured
"Consider this your final warning," Rylan said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"Leave. And never bother her again."
Maya's heart sank as she stared at the spreading coffee stain on her uniform.
Replacing her work clothes wasn't easy, and facing another customer like this was simply not an option
Ion held a hint of concern as his gaze fell on Maya, her uniform still stained with coffee. Ion focused his elemental abilities.
Unnoticed by Maya, her attention solely focused on the fight. Ion raised his hand, and a gentle force began to manifest.
Tiny droplets of water, seemingly pulled from the very air by an unseen hand, coalesced around Maya's uniform.
As the droplets gathered, they swirled and danced, forming a miniature water vortex that enveloped the stained area. Slowly, meticulously, the water cleansed the fabric, lifting the coffee residue without damaging the material
With a gentle flick of his wrist, Ion directed the vortex towards the sink behind the counter. As it neared the metal basin, the coffee separated from the fabric it clung to, cascading down the drain in a dark, swirling stream.
The fabric, miraculously dry and spotless, settled back onto Maya's uniform.
Maya blinked, her fingers brushing against the clean fabric. It was completely dry, as if the spill had never happened.
"What?" she murmured
Her eyes darted around, searching for an explanation, but the group seemed unfazed.
They continued their conversation as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.
She stared down at her uniform, her eyes widening in disbelief. The fabric was now miraculously clean, pristine as if never stained.
Maya reached up and touched the spot where the stain had been. Her fingers found nothing but smooth, dry fabric
"What... what just happened?" she stammered
Seraphina noticed Maya's confusion and offered a gentle smile.
"Don't worry, dear. Sometimes things get cleaned up on their own, right?" she said
Maya, still baffled, simply nodded
The Inner ring prepared to take their leave. The tension from the earlier confrontation had dissipated.
Kael approached Maya "We should get going," he said, his voice low and respectful.
"Thank you for the drink."
Maya, with a warmth spreading from her chest to her cheeks.
"Honestly, it's me who should be thanking you," she replied
"I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't been here."
Seraphina placed a gentle hand on Maya's shoulder. "We're glad we could help, truly."
Seraphina added. "You showed more remarkable strength today "
"Facing down someone like that, keeping your poise even when he tried to break you..."
"...that requires a different kind of bravery."
Maya's gaze lowering to the floor. "I didn't really have a choice," she admitted quietly. "And plus I don't even know what I just saw."
Luna stepped forward "Just a little... demonstration," she said
"Besides, Rylan here can always use a bit of a workout, right?" She nudged the hot-headed warrior with her elbow.
Rylan, a sheepish grin spreading across his face, rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.
Just then, the sound of sirens wailed in the distance, drawing closer. A pair of security guards rushed into the cafe.
One of the guards approached Rylan, who stood with a protective air near his friends. "Sir," he began, his voice surprisingly respectful,
"thank you for intervening. We understand you…defended the staff here from this individual."
Rylan simply nodded
As the guards began to question the man and gather witness statements, the Inner Ring quietly slipped out of the cafe.
At the same time, Aiden was on his way to the cafe to pay his mother a visit.
Just as Aiden spotted his mother behind the counter, his eyes caught the lingering figures of the Inner Ring exiting the cafe. Their gazes met for a fleeting moment, a silent exchange that sent a jolt through the group.
The Inner Ring felt an unbelievable surge emanating from Aiden, a power that resonated deep within their beings.