《Fools Paradise》


 1 Fools Paradise Ch 1- Enter Wittorf!

    It was a chilly mid afternoon as rain poured from the skies. The orphanage just outside of town was dull and worn out from age and neglect. A sign hung from the top of the door that was chipped the words faded said Lana''s Orphanage."


    Windson, wearing a black velvet cloak was impressed with how well this place was doing considering the fact that it was about to be demolished 15 years ago. He admired the thin paint job and nailed in planks that patched up the holes in the walls and ceiling. Even the once eloquently made sign now faded with time.


    One thing he did not appreciate was the rain. He would rather wait inside then continue admiring the building. He wandered inside and looked at the scene before him.


    It was Wittorfs birthday and there he was sitting at the table front and center surrounded by a few other younger children with a small cake in front of him. The candles looked like they were just lit recently.


    The young mythril haired boy gazed at the cake with his crystal blue eyes in amazement as he waited impatiently for his foster mother to give him permission to blow it out.


    Lana who was standing behind him with her hands on his shoulder looked up and noticed the hooded figure enter her building. Concerned at first she gave a questioning glance before taking a step forward.


    It was not until Windson removed his hood and revealed his smiling face that she calmed down and returned the smile.


    "It''s great to see you Windson. You arrived just in time to watch Wittorf blow out his candles."


    "Perfect timing then, I hope he wishes for something grand this year."


    Fidgeting in his seat Wittorf looks at Windson and glows with excitement as he waves to the older man.


    "I know exactly why you''re here Windson!" exclaimed Wittorf who was about to knock over his seat from the shaking.


    "You''re here to see if I have the potential for magic!"


    "Exactly right young man, today you turn 14 which means you should start showing signs."


    "I know what my wish is going to be Lana; I wanna blow out the candles now!"


    Patting Wittorf on the head Lana giggles and gives him the okay. Windson walks up beside Wittorf and watches him curiously. Taking in a deep breath Wittorf focuses all his might into expelling as much air out as possible to make sure each and every candle was blown out.


    The smoke from the candles raised into the air with great volume and Windson smiled. The smoke began to slowly fall down towards Wittorf who was looking at Windson with a big grin.


    Suddenly the smoke began to swirl around Wittorf slowly until it was covering him in a thin layer of smoke. It quickly burst and dissipated.


    Clapping his hands Windson laughed a little.


    "If that wasn''t a sign I don''t know what else to tell you."


    "You mean?" Bouncing his chair up and down not even trying to control his actions anymore.


    "That I''m a mage?" His chair was now vibrating as his shaking grew to comical levels.


    "It would appear so young Wittorf. With that said the real test starts at the academy."


    Jumping out of his chair and running around the table he shouts with his fists in the air.


    "I knew it! I knew it! I''m finally a mage!"


    The kids sitting at the table all look amused at the antics Wittorf is displaying and start giggling. Lana is laughing to herself and shaking her head.


    "You need to calm down Wittorf. The headmaster of the school came here to tell you something else."


    Stopping in place but still vibrating a little Wittorf looks at Windson and cocks his head a little.


    "What else is there to say? I''m a mage!"


    Walking up to Wittorf and kneeling to be face to face with the boy Windson gave him a more serious expression.


    "Magic is not something to treat lightly. You need to be ready for hard work and determination if you are truly going to be a mage."


    "I am ready for anything!"


    Nodding his head the headmaster responds. "I understand you feel on top of the world right now but once you calm down I think you should really consider what you think a mage really is."


    "What a mage really is?"


    "Look around you and think to yourself why do you want to seek after power?"


    "Why I want power?"


    "I will be back tomorrow to take you to the academy. While I am gone I want you to come up with an answer on your own."


    While standing back up Windson, the headmaster of the Grand Academy waves to Lana before departing.


    "I''ll be back in the morning. Please take care Lana."


    "Very well Windson. I hope you have a safe trip back."


    Windson exits the orphanage and waves one last time as he turns away. Lana looks at Wittorf who is standing there thinking hard.


    "Why I want to be a mage and wield power."


    "Why don''t you eat some cake while you think about it."


    Nodding his head he sits back down and begins mindlessly eating cake while focused on something else.


    The rest of the day goes by and Wittorf is pacing in his room. He knew this was important for becoming a mage but he did not know how to answer it.


    Wittorf looks over at his bookshelf and notices one book that is more worn than the others. He flips it open and realizes it''s the same book Lana read to him growing up.


    Flipping through the pages he smiles.


    "The Fool''s Paradise, a myth to most but a destination all mages find themselves drawn to."


    Continuing to flip through the book he remembers the story of how people believe the Fool''s Paradise started. Some believed it was created by master mages as a training place for the best. Others think it''s a gateway to Eden the realm of the monsters.


    He hoped it was a place where any wish could come true.


    "It''s possible; I mean no one has even seen this place."


    He puts the book away and looks at the picture frame that has Lana and the original kids that started the orphanage. 15 years ago. He was not in that picture but he loved it because it had Lana in it.


    The woman who raised him and taught him how to be confident and how to stand up for himself. The woman who constantly praised his good deeds and scolded his bad behavior but never yelled at him. The person who would always hold a special place in his heart.


    "I think I know the answer now."


    Lying in his bed he dreams of all the adventures he will go on as a mage and all the people he will meet. Grand adventures worthy of a book. Good and bad people who need saving or who need stopping.


    His young mind was full of creativity he could imagine just about anything he wanted. The night went on peacefully and the next morning arrived. Wittorf jumped out of bed and ran down the stairs.


    Lana was making breakfast when he just about ran into her. He stopped just in time to see a startled Lana balancing a large plate of eggs, bacon and pancakes.


    "Hello my little spell caster. Did you get some good sleep?


    "Good morning Lana, I did! Is Windson here yet?"


    "I haven''t seen him yet, why don''t you get something in your stomach?"


    His stomach was in knots he just wanted to go to the academy already and start his life as a mage. He was also nervous at the idea of leaving Lana behind for so long. He knew he had to but it still didn''t make it feel any better.


    Knocking on the door startled Wittorf as he jumped up. Nerves on end he turns around and bolted for the door. Just as Windson was opening the door Wittorf was slamming it open with force just about knocking Windson into him.


    Regaining his balance he looked at the young mage to be and smiled.


    "Have you thought about what I said?"


    "I did sir and I think I have my answer"


    "Do you now? That was quick."


    He gathered up his nerves and took a deep breath in to calm himself.


    "I want to protect those who are dear to me. I want to explore far off lands and meet new people. I want to learn as much about this world as I possibly can. But most importantly I want the power to make Lana smile forever."


    "Well put little one. If that is the case we can begin your training immediately."


    Letting out a relieved sigh Wittorf is surprised by a hand being placed on his head. He turns around to see Lana there smiling with tears forming in her eyes.


    "It looks like you''ll be leaving then."


    "I''ll be back, I promise."


    "I know you will, you''re my little spell caster after all."


    He could feel tears forming in his eyes now and tried everything he could to hold them back. He turns around and places his face in her apron and cries silently. Doing his best not to show it.


    Lana wipes a tear away and holds him there for a good moment. She knew this day might come. It was the first time one of her own finally left the mothers coop. She thought she was prepared for the goodbye but even she is human.


    "Promise me you''ll stay safe."


    "I promise Lana."


    "Always eat your vegetables and change your clothing."


    "I will Lana."


    She breaks down a little and her voice cracks. "Play nice with all the kids and listen to your teachers."


    "I love you Lana."


    "I love you too little man."


    They break from the embrace and both wipe tears away quickly while laughing a little. It was not like he was going to be gone forever. But it still hurt. She turns around and grabs some suitcases and hands them to Wittorf.


    "I have everything you might need in these cases."


    Grabbing the suitcase he could feel their weight and the love that was placed in them. Windson nods and turns to leave the building.


    "Shall we be off then young mage?"


    Nodding and following after him Lana watches as her little spell caster starts his new journey away from her.


    ***


    Walking down a cement path far away from the orphanage Wittorf skips a little as he struggles to keep hold of both suitcases. Windson laughs as they make their way to the academy. In the distance the tall beautiful light blue towers shine.


    Not much longer and they arrive at the front gates. Waiting for them is a young raven haired boy with a sharp look in his eyes. He looks Wittorf up and down and scoffs.


    "Head master, why are you walking along side such garbage?"


    Taken aback by the rudeness of the new kid Wittorf didn''t know what to say except perhaps two very rude words which he kept to himself.


    Windson laughs and puts his hand on Wittorf''s shoulder. "This is a new student Caiman, please be kind and treat him with respect."


    Caiman snorts a little as he looks Wittorf up and down.


    "I think you''ve gotten this one wrong Headmaster, this one looks weak."


    The Headmaster continues to walk past Caiman.


    "I think you better watch out, or this young man will pass you by."


    Caiman spits on the ground and frowns in distaste.


    "If you think for a second I would let that happen, then your further gone than I thought."


    Caiman creates a ball of energy in his hand. Power arks out here and there, he hides his struggle to maintain it directed right at Wittorf.

 2 CH 2- Magic Abound!

    Wittorf''s eyes light up with fascination and appreciation for magic. "That is so cool; you''re definitely going to have to teach me how you did that!"


    The young noble laughs. "If you can''t even muster something like this then you''re pathetic."


    The Headmaster chimes in from the stairs. "He is only just beginning, give him time."


    The orb in Caimans hand dissipates but his glare remains the same. "I''m a direct descendant to a powerful bloodline, don''t forget your place." The raven haired noble turns around and walks into the academy.


    Windson is waiting at the entrance a warm smile on his face. He beckons Wittorf to join him. "Don''t mind Caiman too much, He is prideful but he has to be for someone with so much riding on his little shoulders."


    Wittorf runs up the stairs to Windson. "Will I be able to cast magic like that boy did!?"


    The Headmaster chuckles "Oh, I believe you will be doing just that, very soon little one."


    The Headmaster and young student enter the building, Wittorf skipping alongside him as he notices students casting advanced spells in the courtyard on test dummies ice barriers, fire bolts and darkness entangling the straw foes as commands are barked left and right.


    The novice mage stares in wonder and drools a little. "Magic, Magic, MAGIC!" Wittorf jumped up and down with an unnatural amount of energy. This was more than he could of imagined. He slows down his pace as he was mesmerized by the spell casting all around him.


    Suddenly without warning the young boy slammed himself into a soft object and bounced off hitting his butt on the ground. He was not sure what it was but he knew he liked the feeling.


    "Huh?"


    He looks up to see a young woman in her late 20s, a purple robe with red lining adorns her body and a wooden wand carved to look like a tear drop is in her left hand.


    She looks down at the young boy with a soft and kind expression. "Are you alright young man?"


    Wittorf blushes as he realized what happened. "I''m sorry, I just couldn''t take my eyes off them!"


    The older woman blushes and guards herself. "What did you say?"


    Wittorf stutters and waves his hands in the air flustered by the notion of what he just said. "The mages are amazing; I can''t stop watching them."


    The Woman releases her guard as she giggles to herself. She was worried the young boy was another pervert but realized he was genuinely interested in the magic around him. She could tell that he was a going to be a good student.


    She realized the Headmaster was with the young man and quickly jumps to attention. "My apologies Headmaster, I was not aware you would be visiting us today!"


    Windson raises his hands and smiles at the young lady. "It''s quite alright Senya, you can relax. I am just here to introduce a new pupil to the academy."


    The older man picks Wittorf up off the ground and dusts him off. "This is Wittorf, he''ll be studying with the first years, and I think I''ll place him in Steels class."


    Senya looks shocked she knew what this meant and seeing how frail the young boy looked she pulled the headmaster aside. "But he''s so frail looking; do you really think he could survive a year with Steel?"


    Windson tries to wave Senya''s worries away. He knew Wittorf was young and soft but he also knew the ambition and determination that grew in this young boys heart. "He''s a lot stronger than he looks, I think he''ll do great."


    The Headmaster turns back to Wittorf and motions to Senya. "Senya here will escort you to your new sleeping quarters. Class is already dismissed for the day so why don''t you get comfortable and maybe grab something to eat while you''re at it. I''m sure Senya won''t mind showing you around."


    Senya goes back to attention. Even if the Headmaster was being kind she was still on her best behavior around him. "Of course Headmaster, I will escort him to his room and show him to the cafeteria."


    Windson nods and heads down towards his office.


    Senya beckons to Wittorf as she begins to walk ahead. "Did the headmaster tell you which room you will be staying in?"


    Wittorf shakes his head. "No ma''am."


    Senya laughs as she realizes this will be harder than she anticipated and shakes her head. "No need to call me Ma''am, please call me Mrs. Batel. It''s typical of him to assign me a job and not give me all the information. I guess I have no choice but to use my magic to find it."


    Wittorf looks excited but also confused. What was she going to do? Was it a scrying spell or some kind of location thing. "How are you going to use magic to find my room?"


    Senya closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. "Easily, I will call upon my familiar to help locate it."


    Wittorf reverts back to being mesmerized at the words. "What''s a familiar?!"


    "A familiar is a creature from the plain of Eden, contracted by us mages to assist in many matters. Mine happens to be a monstrous familiar known as a Droll Hound, a darkness element familiar with a strong sense of smell."


    Senya raises her hands up "Come to me Druise, I need your assistance!" A circular shadow appears around Senya as paws claw their way out of it slowly revealing a dog made of black smoke with red eyes.


    "You called mistress?" The dog grumbles.


    "This boy does not know where his room is. Could you locate it for him?"


    The shadow beast looks at Senya then towards Wittorf. He walks towards the young boy leaving dark liquid imprints on the ground with each step. Taking a few sniffs of the boys clothing the creature quickly lifts its head up. "It''s not far from here, follow me." Druise begins to briskly walk around the corner. After about 15 minutes of chasing after him the three find themselves in front of a large wooden door with Wittorfs name on the side.


    Wittorf looks at the plaque confused. He had only just become a mage and yet the Headmaster had a plaque ready for him. Was he a mind reader? "How could he of made one for me so quickly?"


    Senya opens the door and reveals a beautiful unfurnished room aside from a queen sized bed, a dresser and a chest at the foot of the bed.


    "Easily, he knew you would be coming sooner than you did." Senya responds with a matter of fact tone.


    "How could he, was it magic?" Wittorf asked in pure curiosity.


    Senya nods slightly and points to the room. "Get yourself well acquainted with your room and when you are ready come see me and we can grab something to eat."


    Wittorf quickly shakes his head and jumps on the bed. Moments after hitting the soft blankets he passes out.


    Senya smiles and closes the doors. "He must have been exhausted after all the excitement. I''ll let him sleep it off, and maybe go catch some Z''s as well." She laughs quietly to herself and she sneaks off.

 3 Ch 3- Steel yourself.

    Wittorf wakes up and notices he''s in a comfortable bed. He turns over to face the window and sees that''s it bright out. Realizing he must of slept the last day away he quickly stumbles out of bed in his clothes from before and straightens his short.


    he then walks out the door into the hallway scratching the back of his head. As he looks around he notices kids in white robes, some with stripes of color wandering the halls quickly going to different rooms. Wittorf wonders how they keep the robes so clean. Most likely magic or a really good laundry room.


    He begins to head towards the rest of the kids and spots Senya who is holding a clipboard and watching the students carefully. Wittorf quickly walks up to Senya.


    "Good morning Mrs. Batel, where is my class today?"


    "Morning Wittorf I hope your sleep went well, Lets have a look."


    Senya looks through her clipboard and after flipping through a few pages spots his name. "Oh that''s right you will be with Mr. Steel starting today. I would be careful he is very keen on first impressions and being late to his class would really put him in a bad mood. You can follow this hallway down to the end and his room will be on the left."


    "You''re the best Mrs. Batel, also when will I get my robes?"


    "It''s your first day so you should be getting your robes soon. Steel can explain it more when you get there. Hurry along now."


    "Thanks Mrs. Batel!"


    Wittorf runs off towards Steels classroom. He stops right at the door and can hear kids inside laughing and goofing off. He opens the door slowly and the room goes silent. All six kids stop what they are doing to look at the new student. Out of them, Caiman, is there and with a sigh he resumes reading his book.


    Wittorf was anxious with all the eyes on him. He noticed a young boy with messy blond hair and freckles looks at him with a grin, a sword is resting by his desk. "That is odd" he thought to himself. "Why would a mage carry a sword around." The young man got up and began to head towards the newcomer.


    "Welcome, you must be the new kid we heard about. The names Loat, if there''s anything you need help with don''t be afraid to ask!"


    As Loat walks towards Wittorf he trips over his sword and begins to stumble towards the young boy. Wittorf winced as they quickly found themselves on the ground in a pile of limbs. One of the two girls, a young, long, blue haired girl with a robe a bit higher up than it probably should have been starts to giggle.


    What appears to be her sister a short haired red head with a proper robe and beautiful red eyes looks worried as she stutters "A-are you two alright?"


    Another boy, a brown haired boy with green eyes and a glowing smile quickly comes to their aid, extending his hand out to Wittorf.


    "I, Diel, Will help you up. Please miss, may I have your name?"


    Wittorf takes Diels hand and smiles. He had never been mistaken for a girl before but it makes sense with his long hair tied up in a pony tail and his soft features. He was surprised he was not mistaken more often now that he thought about it. "I appreciate the help but I''m a boy."


    Diel quickly releases his grip on Wittorf and swings his arm up towards his head in a dramatic pose. Wittorf goes tumbling back into a recovering Loat.


    "How could I have been fooled like that?"


    Another boy with long smooth black hair and blue eyes comes up next to him with a deadpan expression. He puts his hand on Diels shoulder.


    "It''s alright Diel, I won''t tell anyone you hit on boys now."


    Diel cries silently to himself. Playing up the victim complex perfectly "Thanks Sedian what would I do without you."


    Wittorf and Loat pick themselves up and dust themselves off. The young blue haired girl walks up to the dusty Mithril haired boy and gives him a flirty smile. He could tell that she was trouble but what kind he could not tell.


    "Where did you come from?"


    "I, uh, came from the orphanage, Lana''s Orphanage."


    The red headed girl speaks with a quiet mumble. Wittorf almost could not make out what she was saying at first.


    "It''s nice to meet you, my name is Sai and this is my sister Kai." Sai points to the flirty girl next to her.


    Kai looks Wittorf up and down and smiles. "Do you know any magic?"


    Wittorf shakes his head no. It''s his first year of course he doesn''t know any magic.


    Caiman chimes in from his seat without looking up from his book. "Of course he doesn''t know any magic, he''s a lowly commoner."


    Wittorf walks over to Caiman and stops just in front of him.


    Caiman looks up from his book with a smug grin. What could this rat possibly do to him. "Am I wrong?"


    Wittorf feels anger well up inside of himself. Caiman had been a thorn in his side since he first met him earlier. He goes to speak but is cut off by the opening of the classroom door. The older muscular man wears his short black hair in a high and tight, his white streak easily visible to everyone, his white tank top and camo pants in perfect condition.


    "Everyone, in your seats, class is about to start."


    Everyone shuffles around to their seats and gets quiet quickly. Wittorf can be seen shaking his leg up and down as he waits for Steel to begin his lecture. This was his first day in class and he was excited to finally start. But before that could start Steel had a plan.


    "Before we begin, I need Wittorf to come front and center!"

 4 Ch 4- The start of something grand.

    Wittorf perks up at the mention of his name from such a harsh sounding teacher. He wonders if this is how the man normally talks. If so he did not like it. He runs up to the front of the classroom and spins around to stand at attention.


    The students begin to whisper back and forth to each other as Steel Swiftly slams his fist on the desk leaving a little dust in the air as he does it. The room gets silent as Steel turns to Wittorf. His expression not changing since he entered the room. Wittorf could feel the nerves as all the students watched what his next move was going to be.


    "My name is Steel, I am your teacher from this point forward. You will now introduce yourself."


    "Hello everyone my name is Wittorf and I will be joining your class starting today."


    The students all raise their hands eagerly as they wait to be called on. Steel nods to Wittorf and allows him to answer any questions they might have about him.


    Diel starts. "Why aren''t you a girl?"


    Flustered Wittorf quickly said the first thing that came to mind"Genetics?"


    Caiman retorts "Why are you still here?" Wittorf ignore him. The last thing he needed was to start a fight with someone on his first day of school.


    Loat asks. "What made you want to be a mage?"


    Wittorf replies with excitement in his eyes. He had known this answer his entire life "Ever since I could remember I''ve wanted to be a mage and seek out the forgotten land of the Fool''s Paradise. Only those brave enough to risk it all can make it."


    Caiman chimes in "Or stupid enough."


    Loat smiles "You want to find the Fool''s Paradise?"


    Wittorf nods quickly and begins gushing "You can have your wish granted, or learn all about the strongest of magic''s, or meet the creator of magic themselves. I want to find it and see what it really is!"


    Steel slams the desk in front of him and everyone jumps a little. A vein is pulsing from his head he looks serious "Enough story time, let''s begin today''s lesson. He pulls out a piece of paper. "Today we will be practicing meditation, the first step towards becoming mages."


    Caiman complains "Why am I subjected to learning something so basic?"


    Steel looks at Caiman with a serious expression. The room grows still as Steel explains himself "The foundations are important for a mage, noble or not."


    Steel walks to the door leading out of the classroom. "We will be doing this in the courtyard today. He leaves and the rest of the students look confused. Were they to follow him now? A few moments pass and he returns to the door gripping it so tightly that it breaks a little. "I said follow me!"


    The students jump to attention and glance at each other. In unison they respond. "But he didn''t¡­" They all leave the room and meet him in the courtyard.


    ***


    The students are all sitting in a half circle around their teacher. Steel closes his eyes and takes a deep breath in. Waiting for a bit he continues to breathe in and then out. After about 15 seconds Steel opens his eyes scanning the students who are waiting patiently and without movement aside from Wittorf who is shaking his leg almost violently. It was a nervous tick at this point and he just couldn''t control it.


    Steel frowns before continuing "In order to meditate you need to stay still and let your mind focus on your center. He takes another deep breathe in. "Your center is where you gather all the mana needed for casting." Steel Exhales "Repeat after me."


    The students all copy him, In then out. In then out Wittorf cannot contain his excitement as his whole body shakes. This was it he was finally going to be casting spells like a real mage.


    A bolt of energy forms from Steels index finder and pings straight into Wittorf''s forehead


    "Quit shaking."


    "Yes sir!"


    Steel stands up. "Everyone practice meditating for the rest of this class period."


    He creates a ball of energy that arks around the students slowly increasing and decreasing in size as


    it floats towards the center of the students hovering at head height. "If you aren''t focusing hard enough, this will give you a little encouragement."


    Wittorf can''t help it he tries everything he can to contain himself but he begins to shake a little and the ball of energy shoots out a bolt of electricity towards him hitting him in the chest. He lets out a puff of smoke from his mouth. This was not going to be a fun class.


    "What was that for?"


    "I told you to stop shaking in my class!"


    The class laughs at him aside from Caiman who is focused on breathing and the ball of energy begins to glow again menacingly before zapping all but Caiman.


    Steel laughs a little to himself. "I told you to focus on meditation."


    They all sit still and continue meditating. Wittorf closes his eyes and focuses on his center. "Just stay still Wittorf, you''ve got this. In and out, In and out. His mind goes blank and all he sees is a black and white space with a silhouette of his person. What was this feeling, it was like something had awakened inside of him at his very center he could see a small white glow. The white space slowly began to take shape. Moving into a puddle like form. His center begins to drip a white glowing substance. Is this the mana his teacher was talking about? Why had he not felt this before. Wittorf opens his eyes in surprise. Steel looks over at him and nods approvingly. He knew exactly what Wittorf had felt. It was the beginning steps towards mage hood.


    "Teacher, I felt it!"


    "Very good Wittorf, continue practicing in silence while I am gone." Steel wanders away from the courtyard and the students continue their practice in silence. The orb floating around them.

 5 Ch 5- Lanterns?

    Wittorf is sitting up in his bed, legs crossed and eyes closed meditating. Deep breaths in and exhales out as he focuses on his center. Drip, drip, drip. Wittorf is suddenly made aware of his surroundings as a knock is heard from his door. He turns his head to see who it is and Loat pops his head in.


    "Hey Wittorf, I was wondering if you wanted to practice together?"


    "Sure I was just meditating."


    Loat pulls out his sword and Wittorf looks at it confused. He had never seen a mage with a sword before. He figured it was about time to get to the bottom of it. The curiosity was killing him.


    "What''s with the sword?"


    "I want to be a spell-sword one day."


    "Spell-sword?"


    Loat raises his sword in triumph "A person who can use magic and a sword gracefully." He swings the sword. "I want to stand out when I apply for the elite mage society."


    Wittorf has a light bulb moment. "Oh, you''re trying to get into the military mage division."


    Loat smiles and rubs the back of his head. "My brother is the captain and I figured I would join him when my day comes."


    "Sounds like a plan."


    Both the boys begin to meditate. Wittorf was glad that he was not doing this alone anymore. While he was not having any trouble meditating it was always nice to have a friend nearby to motivate each other. Wittorf returns to his cross legged position and Loat holds his sword out in front of him as squints at the blade focusing on the center of it.


    "Let''s spend this week practicing together." Wittorf nod and smiles before opening an eye to look at Loat, Loat looks back and they laugh together. Wittorf closes his eye and takes a deep breath in. his center returns and the dripping begins moments later he feels a sharp jolt of pain and opens his eyes to find he is shaking his leg. What was that? Was the movement interrupting his flow? He needed to get that under control or he could seriously hurt himself. Or worse, fall behind!


    The students are in class in their normal assigned seats Kai and Sai are in the back row. Diel and Sedian in front of them and Caiman by himself in the third row and in the front row is Loat and Wittorf. Steel is standing at the front of the class scanning the room. His eyes bore into each student as if he were looking straight through them. "Yesterday we learned about meditation, today we will be studying mana manipulation." Wittorf begins to shake in his chair as he gets excited hearing the news. A zapping sound could be heard coming from Steels finger. He knew what this meant but he could not dodge it in time. He was about to taste the ball of electricity from Steel again.


    Steel has his hand pointed like a gun directly towards Wittorfs head a little smoke coming off the tip. What did I say Wittorf!"


    Wittorf rubs his head. "Sorry teacher."


    Steel pulls out an unlit lantern and begins to focus energy into it as it lights up. Wittorf looks surprised and can''t wait to try it out himself. Day two and he will be casting spells! "This is the first step. Light a magic lantern. Start small and work your way up to something bright."


    Loat raises his hand. He was confused at the vague command "Any tips aside from just imagination?"


    Steel looks at him and puts his hand towards his stomach and slowly raises it to his arm until he is touching the lantern again. "Take that dripping feeling in your center and guide it to your hand."


    Loat nods his head that was great advice simple and clean. Steel begins to head for the door. He scans the room before exiting "I will return with more lanterns."


    Caiman laughs. As only an annoying stuck up nobleman''s son could. "If none of you can do a simple task like light a lantern then you are pathetic."


    Kai retorts back. She was starting to get tired of Caimans comments "Just because you''re royalty and get training earlier than us doesn''t make you better."


    Caiman smirks. He knew better, as far as he was concerned he was the only important person in this room the only person who could compare to him was perhaps Sedian but even then he was a minor noble nothing to write home about. "It does and I can prove it." He points to Wittorf. "I doubt that orphan can muster anything close to passing before the end of the week." With a matter of a fact look he continues. "A sewer rat cannot compare to noble blood."


    Loat boots in. He had finally had it and was ready to voice his opinion "I bet he''ll master it and create a light brighter than yours in a week easily."


    Wittorf tries to stop Loat but Caiman butts in. This was getting dangerous and Wittorf wished he could of said something sooner.


    "Very well Wittorf, bring it on, if you really have what it takes I will gladly accept your challenge." A ball of energy floats in front of Wittorf and he looks at it confused. This was never a good sign and he figured he knew what was coming next. The ball begins to ark lightning before hitting everyone in the classroom. Wittorf lets out a cough as smoke comes out of it.


    Steel laughs as he enters the room again holding lanterns. His laugh was a little sinister as he made his way to the front. Lanterns pouring out of his arms and onto the desk. "I''m glad you''re all taking this serious but class hasn''t ended yet." He slams his fist on the desk. "So everyone shut up!" The class all run to their seats and sits in them quietly. Caiman smirks as he leans back in his seat.

 6 Ch 6- Challenge

    Wittorf and Loat are sitting in Wittorf''s room with two lanterns lying on the bed next to them. They both want to start but are to eager to begin right away. Loat finally breaks the silence.


    "Alright, so what''s the plan?"


    "This was your plan to begin with I have no clue!"


    "Well I guess we should give it a shot and see where it goes."


    Wittorf grabs a lantern and begins to try channeling energy into it. He squints hard and imagines the lantern lighting up. Moments pass and nothing happens. He struggles a little harder, focusing intently on the lantern He finally stops and tosses it back onto the bed.


    "Nothing."


    "Let me give it a shot."


    Loat squeeze the lantern hard and even tries rubbing it a little. Wittorf looked amused by the whole thing. After a few minutes pass with no success Loat tosses the lantern next to the other one and sighs. "I wonder what the trick it?"


    Wittorf has a moment of eureka. "Perhaps we need to meditate and hold the objects. The dripping feeling should come to us easier that way and then we can try channeling it into the lantern."


    Loat smiles and nods. They both grab the lanterns and get in their normal meditative stances. Wittorf is sitting cross legged and Loat is holding his sword in front of him tip pointed up. Taking deep breaths and exhaling at the same time the dripping feeling begins to form. Taking that feeling Wittorf and Loat focus on the lantern trying to guide the dripping feeling towards it. Success! The liquid drops shoot up their arms and into the lantern before fading away but for a moment the lantern glows. Wittorf winces and opens his eyes to see Loat grinning.


    "I felt it!"


    The day slowly fades to night as the two continue to meditate. Wittorf is in a trance, the energy flowing from his center up his arm and into his palm. Flowing like water out of his hand. Loat has his sword in his hands pointing towards the ceiling still as can be, energy flowing through it running up and down the blade.


    Wittorf opens his eyes slowly and wipes the sweat off his forehead. "It''s like working out, you have to keep at it and it will get easier."


    Loat smiles and puts his sword down. "We have this in the bag, Caiman won''t know what hit him." He stands up and stretches. "It''s about time I head back to my room, we have a long day ahead of us." Loat opens the door and stops. "If it is like exercise you shouldn''t over do it."


    Wittorf nods "Just a little longer and then I will head to bed."


    Loat waves as he leaves the room. Wittorf looks at his hands and squeezes them into a fist. He has a flashback of his interaction with Caiman. "A sewer rat will never beat noble blood" Wittorf grits his teeth "I will beat you Caiman, just you wait." The young orphan closes his eyes and continues to meditate. What seems like moments pass and he opens his eyes again due to the harsh rays seeping through his eyelids.


    Loat knocks on the door and enters, seeing Wittorf in his meditative position.


    "You didn''t meditate all night did you?"


    "It would seem so."


    "Are you going to be alright?"


    "I''ll be fine I just wanted to show Caiman up that''s all."


    Loat laughs. "Alright well, let''s see how we do after one day of practice." He grabs a lantern and hands it to Wittorf. The young mage takes a deep breath in and concentrates. Eyes closed he draws the energy from his center to his arm like he has been all night. With ease he feels it flow.


    Loat exhales loudly with excitement. "It worked!"


    Wittorf opens his eyes to see a dim light form in the lantern. He smiles and it goes out. "Well it''s a start at least."


    Days go by as Wittorf and Loat are meditating together. Each day that passes Wittorf looks more and more worn out. The lantern is glowing brighter with each attempt. The nights go by and Wittorf is actively not getting any sleep, instead focusing on improving his power. The day arrives when he must be tested in front of the class and the young orphan looks ragged tired. "I can beat him." Wittorf whispers to himself. He stands up to prepare for the day and stumbles forward as his vision fades in and out. Wittorf gathers his composure and Loat comes barging in excited as can be.


    "Wittorf, today we are going to show that noble just who''s boss!"


    "We got this."


    ****************


    Wittorf and the rest of the students are sitting in their assigned seats. Caiman smirks and looks at Wittorf with his head tilted to the side. "Looks like we finally get to see just how weak you really are." Wittorf, tired beyond belief ignores Caiman. He is focused on one thing, passing this test.


    Steel enters the classroom and stands at the front. "Today is the day kids, you better not have been slacking off this entire week."The teacher pulls a lantern out from under the desk and begins to channel energy into it. Slowly it begins to glow until it is as bright as a light bulb. "I want everyone to be able to at least do this much to pass."


    Steel passes the lantern around starting with Caiman who easily gets the lantern to glow to the required brightness. It continues to be passed around and reaches Loat who struggles a little but manages to pass. Finally it is given to Wittorf. Everyone is watching him closely anticipating his action.


    "I can do this." Wittorf thinks to himself. "I''ve been practicing all week."


    He grabs the lantern and takes a deep breath. A tinge of pain can be felt as he closes his eyes. "Fight through the pain Wittorf." He exhales and the dripping begins to flow up his arm. With it more pain. "Almost there, just a little more." Wittorf squints through the pain as the lantern begins to glow. Dimly at first but growing with intensity until it is twice as bright as required. Gasps can be heard in the classroom as Loat cheers. Suddenly everything goes black as Wittorf wobbles a little before hitting the ground.


    "Wittorf!" Steel yells but its drowned out by the pain that is coursing through the young mages body.

 7 Ch 7- Hospital visi

    The infirmary was bleak and uninviting. Not like the warm worn down bedroom of Lana''s. Wittorf was unconscious and lying in a bed. Steel was sitting in a chair next to him while a nurse took the boys temperature. She turns to face the Teacher.


    "Thanks for bringing him in Mr. Steel. It''s exactly as you suspected." The nurse looks back at Wittorf and puts her hand on his. "He over worked his core and now he has mana sickness."


    Steel looks at Wittorf with a solemn expression. Wittorf''s eyes flutter a little as he wakes up slowly. He noticed the room he was in was not one he was familiar with. What had happened to him. Last he knew he was standing in front of the class about to show Caiman up and now he''s waking up here?


    Steels expression changes to one of a serious teacher. "How are you feeling Wittorf?"


    "I''m fine just a little tired is all."


    "You''re more than tired Wittorf, you have Mana Sickness."


    "Mana Sickness?"


    Steel grabs some meds and water from the night stand and hands them to the boy. He knew it was partly his fault for not watching Wittorf closer while he was in class. "When a mage over extends themselves too much they get sick in a way only mages can." Steel continues "Think of it like a strained muscle. You''re going to be out of commission for a few weeks while you recover."


    Wittorf takes the meds and finishes the water then comes to a realization.


    "What about my studies?"


    "Don''t worry about that I have you covered."


    Steel pulls out a piece of paper that has the words ''Chill the F out'' on them. Steel hands it to the kid. "You need to practice meditation while you are sick." Steel puts a finger up. "Along with everything else on that list."


    Wittorf nods and looks at the paper with determination as Steel begins to head out of the room. "Alright let''s get right to it!"


    Steel pokes his head back into the room with bloodshot eyes. "What did I just say about taking it easy!"


    ***


    Loat is walking out of class and heading to his locker. Another day completed but this time Wittorf was not in class. Loat was worried but he tried not to show it. Diel and Sedian walk up behind him. Diel looked concerned and Sedian looks deadpan like he normally does.


    "Hey Loat, where''s Wittorf?" Diel asks in his usual classy voice.


    Loat shrugs "I heard he is in bed for the next few weeks while he recovers."


    Sedian chimes in with his monotone voice. "Kai and Sai wanted to hang out after class was over and was wondering if you and Wittorf wanted to join us?"


    Loat grins. He had been asked a few times in the past to join them but he was always busy practicing for the entrance exams. He decided today was going to be different. "Well Wittorf can''t leave his room but I don''t mind tagging along!"


    Diel wraps his arm around Loat and boasts with confidence. "Today I Diel, will finally get Kai to go out with me!"


    Sedian reminds Diel. "Or she will knock you out again for asking."


    Loat smiles "It''s good to have goals in life." They all head out towards the entrance to the academy. Waiting for them are Kai and Sai. Kai walks up to Loat and asks with a coy smile.


    "So where''s the cute one?"


    Diel replies "I''m here my love ready and waiting!"


    Kai promptly punches him into a wall without even looking. Sai winces and smiles with a concerned expression.


    Loat shakes his head. "It''s always Wittorf this, Wittorf that. What about Loat?"


    Sai pipes in quietly. "I''m glad you''re coming with us Loat."


    Loat nods "Thanks Sai."


    Diel returns with renewed strength! "So what are we doing today my beautiful blue rose?


    Kai elbows Diel in the gut promptly removing all the oxygen from his lungs as he gasps. "Today I figured we could all go to the mall and have some fun."


    Sedian nods "Sounds good to me I need more tools."


    Loat looks a little uncomfortable. "You mean more traps to set for unsuspecting victims."


    Sedian looks blank faced. No one really knew what he was thinking ever. "Yes."


    Diel starts to walk ahead of everyone "Let''s do this, everyone aboard the party train!"


    The group walks down to the mall and quickly disperses into groups Diel follows Kai and Sai while Loat and Sedian head their own way. As the day goes by the number of bags Diel is holding grows quickly. Kai loves the expressions Diel is making and every smile and laugh she gives motivates Diel to keep on pushing forward. Kai makes a pit stop at the lingerie store with Sai who looks very uncomfortable. Shoving different undergarments in front of Sai who quickly blushes and looks away. Sai loves her sister but wishes she would stop teasing her. Diel is oblivious due to the amount of bags blocking his view. He just waits by the store entrance like a good little bell hop.


    On the other end of things Loat and Sedian are buying mysterious supplies from what looks like the back ally of the mall? Loat is not even sure where this area came from but he knows for certain he does not want to be here anymore. After Sedian buys his tools they stop at a toy grabbing machine and tries his luck. Unfortunately luck was not on his side today. As he struggled to even get the toys off the ground.


    The group finally ended their day at the burger shop. Kai is walking with a clearly flustered Sai and a worn out Diel. Sedian has his normal blank expression and Loat looks overly sad at his loss of coins. They all sit down for some burgers and recount their days exploits. Kai starts it off.


    "That was a lot of fun. I''ve never been able to shop that much on my own. Perhaps I should bring Diel with me more often."


    Diel moans "I can''t feel my arms."


    Sedian nods. "Today was a success then."


    The day fades into night as the group all decide to head back to their dorms. As Loat walks past Wittorf''s door he can hear him scream.


    "This sucks!"

 8 Ch 8- Master Coda

    The classroom is full except for the absence of Wittorf. Everyone can feel the awkward tension after what happened the other day. Steel begins the period with a few words.


    "Today we will begin the practical application of mana into objects."


    Loat raises his hand and waits to be called on. Concern plastered across his face. "What about Wittorf, is he going to be alright?"


    "He will be just fine, he just needs some rest. I hope that once he returns you will all help him catch up."


    The entire class chimes in "Yes sir!"


    Steel extends his hand out and begins to form a ball of energy. Using a little effort he then forms it into a spear. "You will focus your mana into a physical object. Concentrate hard on what you are trying to create and it will take shape." The spear dissipates into dust and Steel points to Caiman. "Caiman try it first."


    Caiman smirks if all he had to do was create an object then he would ace it. He was practicing this to begin with before he even joined the academy. "Should be easy." Caiman extends his hand out and focuses a small ball of energy. It slowly gets bigger and then takes shape into a knife. For those looking close enough you could see a bead of sweat start to form on his brow before the knife quickly disperses. "Like I said, easy."


    The rest of the class sigh. Steel claps his hands once. "Good job, everyone else I would like you to practice this for the next two weeks and create some kind of weapon." He then slams his fist on the desk and everyone straightens to attention. "Don''t tell Wittorf about this assignment until he is healed up, class dismissed."


    Loat runs out of the classroom and heads straight towards Wittorfs room. Excited to see how his recovery is doing and also curious to see what his punishment was. When he enters the room he finds Wittorf is meditating while standing on one foot. Deep in thought Wittorf does not even notice Loat is standing 10 feet away from him. Loat looks relieved to see Wittorf doing well.


    "So how are you doing?"


    Wittorf smiles and opens his eyes to see him new best friend then he grabs his arm as he flexes. "Fit as a fiddle."


    Loat smiles back and teases him. "So what''s your punishment?"


    Wittorf pulls out a piece of paper "I have to meditate for two weeks straight while I recover." He looks questioningly at Loat. "So what was the assignment for this week?"


    "I''m not supposed to tell you."


    "What do you mean; does he want me to fall behind?"


    "You are recovering from what looked pretty serious."


    "I feel fine now, I just needed to sleep a little that''s all."


    "Are you sure your alright?"


    "Of course!"


    "Alright, he wanted us to practice giving shape to mana we create."


    Wittorf looks really excited and begins shaking. "How do we do that?"


    Loat shrugs. "I''m not really sure but Caiman already knows how to do it."


    "I need to start practicing right away so I don''t fall behind!"


    "You need your rest first!"


    Wittorf waves his worry away. "I''ll be fine." He stands up and extends his hand out. Wittorf begins to channel mana into his arm. "See I feel fine, what''s the next step?"


    Loat rubs the back of his arm. "You have to imagine a ball."


    Wittorf grins as a small ball appears in his hand. He looks at Loat with confidence. Suddenly the ball bursts into a liquid mess and drips to the ground as Wittorf follows.


    Wittorf is lying in a bed once again. This time he is awake and alone. He fiddles with his thumbs as he stares off into space. He really messed up this time. Steel was going to punish him extra hard for this. Or so he thought.


    The Headmaster walks in and gives Wittorf a stern look. "Wittorf, it''s only been 2 weeks and this is your second trip to the infirmary for mana sickness." He shakes his head. "I have no choice but to punish you for your behavior. You are working yourself sick and it is causing trouble for you and those around you. You understand that right?"


    Wittorf is wounded by the Headmasters words. He knew what he had done was reckless but all he could think about was Caiman "I''m sorry Headmaster; I just wanted to keep up with Caiman."


    "How are you going to do that when you''re in a hospital bed?" he places his hand on the young boys shoulder. "You''re lucky that nothing serious happened to you when you attempted magic during your recovery period.


    Steel bursts in the room. "Wittorf what did I say about using magic!"


    "That I should only focus on meditation for now while I recover."


    "So you did hear me. I thought you might be deaf for a second."


    The Headmaster looks at Steel with a serious expression. "Steel, you were supposed to watch over Wittorf while he recovered. You are just as guilty for his condition."


    Steel straightens up. He knew the Headmaster was right but he also knew how kids like Wittorf acted "I cannot watch him all hours of the day. It was just a matter of time before he did this."


    The headmaster looks back at Wittorf. "I will be leaving now. Your punishment will be one month of remedial classes. The headmaster looks stern. "If you miss even one day you will be expelled." The Headmaster continues. "If you do not follow his instructions to a tee, you will be expelled."


    The Headmaster walks out of the room and Steel looks at Wittorf with iron in his glare. "You heard the man. Starting today you will be taking remedial classes."


    Wittorf nods slowly. Remedial classes did not sound too bad. Perhaps he could even learn some cool things while he was in them. "Yes sir, when do we begin?"


    Steel smirks. "WE do not begin anything; your teacher will be him."


    A small older with a hobble to his step His balding white hair is long almost as long as his nose. His eyes hidden under tired bags of skin too worn out to hold much shape walks into the room on cue and smiles. Steel bows his head. "Master."


    Wittorf looks confused. Master, This guy must be important if he is getting Steel to bow to him. "Who are you?"


    Steel hits Wittorf upside the head for his lack of etiquette "This is Master Coda."


    Wittorf extends his hand out for a shake and awkwardly smiles. "Thank you for teaching me."


    Coda returns his shake and one eye lifts up from the bags. A grin appearing on his face "Oh but you are confused, I will not be teaching you anything."

 9 Ch 9- Irritation

    The room was sparse aside from a small coffee table and some mats. Wittorf is sitting across from Coda who is sitting very still and seemingly spacing off. Wittorf awkwardly smiles towards Master Coda.


    "what are we learning today?"


    Coda smiles but says nothing. It was frustrating, They told him this old man was going to train him for a month and so far all he''s done is say the opposite and stare off into space. He had better places to be than to baby sit a senile old man. Suddenly Coda stands up and begins walking into the kitchen. Wittorf follows his movements with his eyes confused as to what is going on.


    Was he finally ready to train him. Or did he just need to go take a leak? Did he want him to follow him or wait here. The unknown used to fascinate Wittorf but right now all it did was irritate him.


    "Did you want me to follow you?"


    The room fills with silence and Wittorf begins to twitch. "Whatever I guess I''ll follow him." Wittorf stands up or begins to but halfway towards standing Master Coda walks back into the room holding a platter with a tea kettle and two cups. Was he planning on having a tea party? What''s up with this old man.


    The young mage decides to sit back down as Coda places the platter down on the table. He then grabs the kettle and begins to pour Wittorf a cup of tea. Was this supposed to be part of the training? Why won''t he answer any of my questions and why was he smiling the entire time. Is this my punishment? The silent treatment was getting old. Coda finally says something and it was just as confusing as the silence.


    "What is the first thing a teacher and student learn together?"


    Was this some kind of riddle or a test? What''s with the vague question all of a sudden. Should I answer or should I stay quiet. What does this old man want from me. Coda could see the struggle happening on Wittorf face. It was clear as day that his question really bothered the young mage. After moments of silence Wittorf spoke up.


    "Meditation?"


    Coda smiles and pours himself a cup of tea. Was it the right answer? What was with that smirk, why can''t he just answer the riddle for him? So many questions keep swirling Wittorfs mind but all he could focus on was that smug smile.


    "What is it?"


    Coda does not respond but instead places the kettle down gently on the table. Coda places Wittorfs cup of tea in front of him. And returns to his seat. Wittorf eyes the tea suspiciously. Was he supposed to drink it if so was there a way to do it?


    Each question bothered Wittorf even more to the point where he decided enough was enough. If this old man wasn''t going to teach him then he is wasting his time. Wittorf stood up and began to walk towards the door.


    "If you''re not going to teach me anything, I''m going back to my room."


    "Leave this room and you will be expelled."


    Wittorf stops before touching the door handle. He spins around with a furious look plastered on his face. This was a remedial class not some tea party and he was going to learn something from this Master Coda even if it killed him. Wittorf stomps over to the table and stares hard at Coda who quietly smiles back towards him.


    "ENOUGH!"


    Wittorf pulls his leg back aggressively and swings it towards the tea as it flies off the table and spills over Coda and the floor. Take that he thought to himself. Maybe now you''ll say something more to me. With anger choking up his voice he tried to yell.


    "I''m finally becoming something. I can finally catch up to Caiman. So why, why me. Why am I the only one being left behind?"


    Coda continues to smile quietly as he wipes the tea off his clothes slowly and methodically. Wittorf was not done throwing his tantrum yet.


    "Is it because magic does not want to cooperate with me, because I''m no good, because everyone leaves me eventually."


    The young mage was choking back tears with those last words. Coda stood up and retrieved the cup from the ground before walking back into the kitchen. Wittorf stood there in silence staring at the stain in the carpet from where the tea spilt. Shame rushing into him as he realized what he was doing.


    Coda enters the room once again and places a clean cup on the table before going to the spill to mop it up gently. Wittorf looked at Coda like a hurt puppy. His eyes betrayed his frown. He was no longer mad just ashamed for his outburst.


    "Aren''t you going to scold me?"


    The Master does not respond he just continues to clean the spill. Once he finishes he returns to the table and begins to pour another cup of tea before placing it in front of Wittorf again. He then extends his arm out towards the mat in front of him. Wittorf sits down quietly and looks down at the ground. Coda takes a deep breath in and exhales slowly.


    "Do you want to grow?"


    Wittorf wipes a tear from his eye before nodding. Coda pushes the tea closer to Wittorf and his reflection can be seen in the tea. It was the reflection of someone who was not worthy to learn magic. The reflections of a child who still needed to grow up. It was Wittorfs reflection.


    He no longer cared what Coda was thinking all he could focus on now was the guilt he felt. Coda smiled and took a sip from his cup and quietly placed it back on the table. Wittorf kept glancing his way trying to see what the Master would do next but He did nothing for a very long time.

 10 Ch 10- The answer

    The sun was shining through the windows of the barren room. Wittorf and Coda sat silently drinking tea. The young boy noticed that while this room was sparse is was very clean and kind of homey. He felt he could relax here. While he admired the room he also reminded himself he was here for a task. He was going to get Coda to teach him something, anything.


    Wittorf looked at Coda with a somber expression. His guilt for throwing a fit still had not left him. Coda just gave him his usual smile. One that at first looked to be mocking him but after he calmed down he realized it was not anything other than a welcoming smile.


    "This is some good tea"


    "When are we going to learn something?"


    "What do you think we''ve been doing this entire time?"


    Wittorf had no clue what he was talking about but that was starting to become common place. All they had done was argue and drink tea. What was there to learn from that. No magic involved no skills nothing but yelling and tea throwing.


    Sipping on his tea Coda could tell Wittorf was confused and that was alright for him. He wanted Wittorf to learn the importance of one simple thing before they could continue. Once he figured it out they could finally continue. While he could easily tell him the important lesson it was very critical that the young boy figure it out on his own. If he wanted to be a true mage he absolutely needed this.


    "I don''t know about you but I''ve learned a lot already."


    "But you''ve barely said anything."


    Sighing Wittorf looks defeated. He hasn''t learned a single thing yet and the day was almost over. Coda stands up and walks out of the room while Wittorf finishes his tea. He was frustrated but his emotions were better in check now.


    Coda was trying to teach him something but what. He asked an important question in those few words he spoke to me. What was it again, what is the first thing a student and teacher learn together? He wracked his brain for some answer. Was it something they were doing already? What did they do so far? They fought or more honestly he fought with Coda who did nothing. Not necessarily lets break it down even further what did he do in response? He cleaned himself off and poured another cup of tea. Was that significant?


    Wittorf stood up and began pacing around the room. Circling it repeatedly speeding up until he was fast walking. Something happened during their interactions but what was it. What do a student and teacher learn together first?


    Coda is watching Wittorf from the other room as he looks for something. Smiling the entire time.


    "He''s started."


    Wittorf is breathing hard now as he slows his pace a little. His train of thought was not leading him anywhere. He needed to think of something else. What else could possibly have been learned today. What was Coda doing this entire time. Nothing, he was doing absolutely nothing. Just sitting there and smiling and drinking tea. Was that the answer? Nothing? But that doesn''t make sense. He said he learned a great deal from me. Was it something I did? I acted like a fool I was the one throwing the fit I was the impatient one.


    "Hold on a second."


    Coda nods with approval. He saw the lightbulb click in Wittorfs head. He knew that the answer had been found and that he could finally move onto the next step with him. He was surprised honestly, for most students it would take weeks to figure this out. For Wittorf to realize it in just one afternoon showed that he was taking this seriously. Coda grabbed a egg shaped object and walked back into the room.


    Wittorf looked at him. He was excited to give him a definite answer to his vague question but as he began to speak Coda interrupted him by extending the ''egg'' towards him. He was confused at the sight. An egg? Was it time for dinner or something?


    "What is this?"


    "From this moment forward, it''s yours."


    "What am I supposed to do with an egg?"


    "What does one normally do with an egg?"


    "Do you want me to raise it?"


    "Do what you must."


    "Are you going to give me a straight answer?"


    Coda smiles as he sits back down on his mat. Pouring himself another cup of tea, cooling it off with his breath and holding it with care. He looks at Wittorf who is holding the ''egg'' and staring at it.


    "You wanted me to learn patience wasn''t it?"


    "It''s not a want."


    "You think this egg with help me?"


    "Do you require help?"


    "I just want some guidance."


    "Are you unable to think for yourself?"


    This was getting him nowhere. Wittorf stops talking and sits down with the ''egg'' in his lap. He stares at it harder and touches it. It''s warm to the touch. If Master Coda wanted to teach him patience with this egg then he would do it if it means he can finally learn some magic afterwards. Wittorf looks back towards Master Coda.


    "Can I leave now?"


    Waving him off Coda nods. He knew there was a lot on the young boys mind and knew when it was time to let the thoughts brew into a proper idea. He liked this boy. While still very rough around the edges he could feel that the knowledge of a mage was deep inside Wittorf.


    Coda decided to finish his tea and put the rest of the set away. Cleaning them carefully and with care. He was aware of the value of everything he touched and everyone he met. But he couldn''t help feel uneasy around the boy. He saw potential in him but he also saw something sad, something unfortunate. The boy was set up for something great but not without cost.

 11 Ch 11- Egg

    Sitting on his bed Wittorf studying the ''egg'' carefully. It was not like any egg he had seen before. Did a legendary creature live inside it? Would it hatch only for the chosen mage and lead him to the Fools Paradise. Alright so a boy can dream a little. But He knew that he had to take care of this thing from now on.


    "Alright Wittorf, you''re a parent now¡­"


    "But I''m too young for this kind of responsibility!"


    "Breath a little its not that serious. Is it?"


    Knocking is heard on the door and immediately Wittorf tucks the egg under his pillow. He had no way to explain the egg to Loat and felt a little awkward explaining that he was now taking care of an egg. Loat poked his head in to see a frantic Wittorf and smiled.


    "Hey Wittorf, I heard they gave you remedial classes with Master Coda."


    Laughing nervously Wittorf nodded his head. Loat was confused at his unusual behavior but continued towards his bed anyways. Noticing the large bump under his friends pillow peaked his curiosity even further.


    "What are you doing?"


    "It''s not what it looks like!"


    "I don''t get it."


    Sighing Wittorf grabs the ''egg'' and places it in front of him. He knew he was going to have to tell Loat eventually might as well tell him now.


    "I have to look over it until it hatches. That''s my job from Master Coda."


    "But that''s¡­ never mind."


    Walking back out of the room Loat shakes his head. He could tell right away that the ''egg'' Wittorf was holding was just a rock. What kind of sick joke was Master Coda playing on him? Whatever as long as Wittorf is not working himself sick he was fine with anything.


    ***


    Sitting in the barren training room Wittorf has the ''egg'' in a makeshift harness around his chest as he is rubbing it gently. He was not sure what it was going to hatch into, but he knew that when it did, he would be there to see it. Growing attached to the ''egg'' he began fantasizing about what name he would give it when it hatched. Laura for a girl maybe or perhaps Dynasto for a Boy. Oh, the ideas would not stop coming to him. Is this how a mother feels when they are pregnant?


    Coda walks into the room and notices Wittorf is cradling the egg in his arms. He was glad to see him taking it seriously but was a little concerned with how attached he was to the rock. Perhaps he should tell him what it really is. But that would ruin the learning experience. Above all he did not want to stunt the boy''s growth. Plus, it was kind of funny to watch him cradle a rock.


    "I see you have grown attached to it."


    "If this is all I have to do to get through remedial class then I will do it!"


    "Today we will meditate."


    "But I already know that part. What about the next step?"


    "Do you really know how to meditate?"


    "It was the first thing we learned in class."


    "Then show me."


    Waving him to continue Coda watched as Wittorf sat down and took his meditative stance. Taking a deep breath in and then out he focused his concentration on his center. It was almost like clockwork to him now. He could easily tap into the core of his being and feel that dripping effect. Drip, Drip, Drip. He stops meditating and looks towards Coda with a told you so grin.


    Knowing full well Wittorf knew the first step of meditating but not the next one Coda decided to ask him the question.


    "Are you going to show me or do you need more time?"


    "What do you mean, I just did it."


    "Did you see anything?"


    "I don''t know what you mean."


    "Continue meditating and tell me what you see."


    He closes his eyes and continues to meditate but he does not see anything aside from the slight light that comes out from his eyelids. He takes a deep breath in and concentrates harder. Focusing his mind to his core. Drip, Drip, Drip. He felt the dripping again but he did not see anything.


    "I feel a dripping feeling, but I don''t see anything."


    "Search for that feeling, once you''ve found it tell me what it looks like."


    He concentrates on the dripping feeling. It almost felt like it was pulling him towards it now. Each drip brought him one step closer to a light. Small at first that eventually grew into something almost blinding. He was afraid to continue but he knew he had to. If he wanted to become a mage he needed to face his fears.


    He continued to follow the light as it guided him to a large constantly changing door. It looked odd like a Rorschach that would not stop changing shape. Constantly revealing a new image to him for a brief moment before changing into something else. Every time he thought he could make out an image it would switch to something else. Focusing on it was difficult for him and eventually it gave him a headache.


    "I found something."


    "What do you see?"


    "It''s some kind of door."


    "That is the center of yourself as a mage."


    It was beautiful in a strange way. He could not keep his eyes off it. Almost as if it was beckoning to him. Something wanted him to open the door. He was realizing that he was inching closer and closer to the door and stopped himself. He was not sure if Master Coda wanted him to enter it or not. What would be on the other side? His curiosity was peaked and that usually got him in trouble.


    "Like the infinite Rorschach you see in front of you, the potential inside you is limitless. In order to grow as a mage, you need to flesh out your vessel. It''s time to find what drives you."


    Almost as if on cue the door opened and pulled a struggling Wittorf inside before closing once again.

 12 Ch 12- The center of being

    A room of pure white is where Wittorf found himself. Only a chair and a door decorated this room. It was oddly quiet and unnerving. His heartbeat was all he heard for the longest time. He wandered around the room. Where was he, and what was he doing here? He continued to wander around the room for what seemed like hours. He went to open the door, but it would not budge. He sat in the chair and waited for something. For some reason he could not remember how he got here but he knew he was searching for something. Moments later a young girl no older than six with brown ponytails and green eyes pops her head in to watch him. Wittorf calls out to the girl.


    "Who are you?"


    Leaving the chair Wittorf walks towards the girl but before he could get to her she closes the door and footsteps can be heard leaving. He had to find this girl. Perhaps she could tell him where he was. He grabs the door handle and this time it turns for him. He opens the door and a brilliant white light flashes and everything fades.


    Crying can be heard. Who was it? Oh, it was me. Wittorf is sobbing in a forest. Trees tall and rich with color. Birds chirping in the distance and the smell of rain on the horizon. Why was he crying all of a sudden? More importantly why can he see himself crying? It took Wittorf a second to adjust to his surroundings. He was looking at himself from a bird''s eye view. He was even more confused now. Why was this happening to him? He looked down at himself to find that he was floating in the air just below the tree line. This was too weird he did not want to be here anymore. But something kept calling out to him. He was still searching for something and perhaps this other Wittorf could help him find it.


    "Why am I crying again?"


    The crying Wittorf stands up and wipes his tears away. It was so weird seeing himself move


    "I need to get home before Lana gets mad."


    Wandering off further into the forest Floating Wittorf decides to give chase. He was not sure where he was still, but he knew that he needed to watch over himself. He had a gut feeling something bad was about to happen, but he did not know what.


    It starts to get darker as the sun fades and night sets in. crying Wittorf is wandering around seemingly lost. Stumbling a little as he goes. Never stopping his tears which only helped blind the kid futher.


    "You''re lost aren''t you?" Wittorf could tell by now this other Wittorf had no clue where he was going.


    "I think it''s over there." The crying Wittorf said out loud.


    Wandering through some bushes crying Wittorf feels the sting of the branches and spines of the bush cut into him. Floating Wittorf looks towards the other side of the bush line. It was a terrifying site. Large wolves were waiting there. It looked like a pack had picked that spot to rest for the night. Wittorf was walking into a trap and needed to be warned!"


    "Don''t go that way!"


    Stumbling out of the bushes the three wolves get up and start growling. Teeth bare and saliva dripping. Floating Wittorf knew the boy would not be able to fend off that attack so he needed to do something and fast. Without even thinking he rushed to get in between the wolves and his other self. The wolves don''t even seem to notice him. They are still focused on the other Wittorf.


    What was he supposed to do in this situation? Suddenly a bright light appeared in front of the crying Wittorf. It slowly formed itself into Master Coda. Time seemed to stop after he appeared the only ones able to move are Coda and the floating Wittorf.


    "Weren''t you here to find something?"


    "I need to save him!"


    "You can''t save the past."


    What did he mean the past? He never dealt with giant wolves before. If he did, he would have remembered this. How did he manage to get out of this one? Looking at the scene of the wolves frozen in mid air about to maul Wittorf.


    "If this is the past then how am I still alive?"


    "Do you not remember what happened?"


    Looking back at the scene time starts up again and the wolves continue their decent onto Wittorf. Crying Wittorf falls to the ground scared out of his mind before a bolt of energy comes out of nowhere and hits into the wolf as it slams into a tree. The other two wolves growl and disperse. An older man with a black cloak on, long dark hair and eyes as red as wine walks up to the crying Wittorf.


    He was in awe; he had never seen magic before in his life, but he knew it when he saw it. This man was a mage. The man stops in front of the young boy and extends his hand out. It began to glow and surround Wittorf head. For a moment Wittorf could feel his core being examined. He was not sure what the man was doing but he didn''t like it. The light fades away and the older man looks disgusted.


    "This was a mistake. I should have left you to the wolves."


    Those words cut like a knife. His savior who just risked his life to save him just tossed him aside and called him worthless. The memory pauses and Coda stands there looking at Wittorf but this time he is not smiling. This was very uncommon for Coda who always seemed to have a smile on his face. Wittorf remember this day. It was a day he had tried to forget and for the longest time it would seem he did. It was the day he decided to become a mage and the day he lost his self-worth. Coda put his hand on Wittorfs shoulder.


    "What did this mean to you?"


    "It meant everything."

 13 Ch 13- Return to the real world

    It was a horrible experience but Wittorf and Coda appear in the white room again. This time a table and two chairs are there along with the door. It was almost as if the room knew he needed to sit down. Since the chair moved to be sat in. Wittorf and Coda both take a seat and Coda looks to Wittorf.


    "What purpose did the memory serve you?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Something as insignificant as a fleeting thought can trigger an emotion." Coda waves his hand and some tea cups appear in front of them. It''s human to fear your mortality." He waves his hand again and a tea kettle appears in his hand. "It''s traumatic to be rejected by your savior." He pours the tea slowly and carefully. "But there was something more to it, wasn''t there?"


    Recounting back to what the stranger said to him. Wittorf could feel the mixed emotions he was feeling. Anger, Sadness, frustration. He stared into the tea his reflection returning a somber expression. He wanted so badly to go back and tell that man off but he knew he was not strong enough emotionally. He hid that memory deep down and did everything in his powers to keep it there. Coda could see the frustration in Wittorfs eyes.


    "Words of power that hold you down. Coda looks deep into Wittorfs eyes. "What did you see in those eyes?"


    Wittorf returns the gaze with somber eyes. "A lack of empathy, of pity. He looked at me as if I were nothing. He clenches his fist. "I wanted to scream out, to tell him I''m not a mistake." He releases his grip and takes a deep breath. "To say anything at all. All I could do was watch him go."


    It was good to hear his true feelings not hidden behind a mask but bare and vulnerable. His master appreciated the honesty of his pupil. He nods and grips Wittorfs hand. "It would seem he left something important behind that day." He tightens his grip and gives him a serious look. He needed to hear these words now.


    "The embers of determination." Coda releases his grip takes a sip of tea before relaxing back. "There is still much I have to teach you before you are ready to find your vessel." He stands up and waves the tea set away. "But we have a starting point.


    Wittorf and Coda appear back into the real world. The rest of it fading like a bad dream. Wittorf opens his eyes and wipes the tears from his eyes. When he removes his arm from his face, he reveals a determined look. He was going to face this trial head on, and he was going to win.


    Returning to his room Wittorf had more to think about than he ever had. This remedial month was going to be tougher than he anticipated. He was here to learn about magic, but he was not prepared for all of the self-reflection that followed.


    That night was a rough one. Turning constantly in his sleep and waking from time to time. The memory fresh in his mind constantly repeating itself. The next morning Wittorf was tired but still focused on making the most of the day.


    He returned to the training room to see Master Coda sitting down meditating. He decided to follow suit and sit next to his new teacher. Coda smiles without opening his eyes. Time passes and Wittorf and Coda sit in silence. Days continue like this until a week goes by. Wittorf returns to the room to find Coda is not meditating but instead is standing in the center of the room.


    "It would seem your meditation is getting better."


    "I remembered why I became a mage."


    "It''s good to return to your roots." Coda sits down and waves his hand towards the other mat. "It''s been a week since we delved into your center. We are going to do the light test once again to see where you stand." Coda calls out to what was seemingly the air. "Xillix could you get the lamp from my office."


    "Yes Master" A young cute looking girl with bat wings and a horn appears holding a lamp. Wittorf had never seen this girl before but could tell that she was not human. She was cute and he found himself kind of attracted to her. She looked to be about his age, but something told him she was older than he was. Coda laughed a little noticing Wittorfs expression which was obvious one of curiosity.


    "This is Xillix my familiar, one day you too will receive one."


    Xillix looks at Wittorf with a blank expression. She seemed to act almost as a maid. Standing in place waiting for her next command. Coda nods and she disappears into thin air without any warning. Coda hands Wittorf the lamp.


    "Go ahead and release your mana into the lamp."


    A little concerned Wittorf takes a deep breath in and closes his eyes. He exhales and releases the mana into the lamp. It seems almost too easy the flow was steady and strong. When he opened his eyes he notice the lamp was glowing brighter than it ever had. Coda smiles and claps his hands once.


    "Congratulations on passing your first test."


    He was severely confused. He was still recovering from mana sickness shouldn''t this have knocked him out by now. His conflicted expression was clear to Coda. That was something Coda appreciated about Wittorf. He never hid his feelings and that was genuine. Coda smiled and continued.


    "If you tried pushing yourself you would have passed out. Right now, you are in control.


    He was excited to hear this news. He was advancing but he did not feel very different. Putting the lamp down he gave Coda a huge grin and raised his fist in the air. His excitement was over abundant, and he could not help but give Master Coda a hug. Surprised but content with the outcome Coda could not help but feel the excitement infect himself. Laughing loudly Coda pushes Wittorf away and looks at him in the eye. Wittorf''s eyes are glowing with determination.


    "I think I''m ready for the next lesson master."

 14 Ch 14- Happy thoughts

    Another day in the training hall and Wittorf is meditating next to a standing Master Coda. The day seems to be pretty average to Wittorf except for the fact that he has been given permission to delve into his center once more. Excited and nervous as to what he might find there he decides to take precautions this time.


    He knew that what he thought would interfere with where he showed up in his mind. So he was prepared. He was going to make sure the location was on his terms and by his hands. He closed his eyes and began to meditate. Coda could see the determination in his eyes and was proud to see the development he had made in just a couple weeks.


    "My center, the Rorschach that defines me as a mage."


    "Let''s continue with where we left off."


    Delving into his core he returned to the giant constantly changing doors that was his being. He thought of the best place he could possibly be at. Lana''s Orphanage, the place he grew up in, the place where he felt safest at. He thought long and hard about Lana, her hair and her gentle voice. The way she would welcome him home after a long day of exploring the wilderness outside the orphanage. The way the kids would always play with him and even the time he got really ill just after meeting with the strange man in the woods.


    "No I can''t think about him right now I need to focus on Lana."


    What happened that night when he returned to the orphanage? He got a cold and had to be bed ridden for a week. That''s right and Lana was there to take care of him the entire time. The Rorschach pulled him in closer and closer until it engulfed him completely.


    When he awoke he was lying in a bed with a sweat soaked rag on his forehead. He felt deathly ill and could barely focus on anything else.


    "Wittorf, how are you feeling?"


    Her voice was unmistakable, It was Lana. Wittorf cranked his head to the side with all his strength and saw her. As beautiful as she had always been. It might have been the fact that he was a little delusional but she looked more beautiful than before. Like an angel almost. Codas voice echoes in to the dream.


    "Where are you now?"


    "I''m with Lana at the orphanage. The time in the woods caused me to catch a fever."


    Her voice is gentle as the wind but sprinkled with worry. She knew how bad a fever could get for someone so young and she was doing everything in her power to keep it down. She could tell he was not fighting it well and wondered if perhaps he was not feeling well emotionally as well.


    "Wittorf, you really shouldn''t wander so far off into the woods."


    "Am I useless?"


    "Why would you say something so ridiculous?"


    "No one wants me, even the man who saved me said it was pointless."


    Her scowl was hotter than his fever. She gathered some soup in her spoon and lifted Wittorfs head to feed him.


    "Don''t you ever think that you are not wanted. If I didn''t want you do you think I would be feeding you soup right now?"


    "I''m sorry."


    Her scowl softens and she puts the soup on the table next to her. She then stands up and walks over to the bookshelf. Looking through a couple books she pulled out a rather large book and dusted it off.


    "Let me tell you the story about of a young man who thought he was useless."


    She sits down and opens the book while giving Wittorf a bright smile. She takes a deep breath in exaggerating her motions as she starts up. Wittorf laughs a little and then coughs a bit before settling down.


    "It began with a young boy named Quin."


    She pulled the book over to show Wittorf the pictures. A young peasant and his friend are sitting in a bedroom. The friend is jumping up and down with hearts in his eyes and the young peasant is smacking his face.


    "Quin was a young boy who lived in a big city." The page turns and reveals the two boys in light plate armor with a blond captain leading them. "One day he was given a heavy burden." Flips the page to show the boy protecting a small child from a giant monster. "A young boy who was abandoned by everyone except his friend."


    The next page shows a young girl glowing white extending her hand out to the fallen hero. "The girl offered him power beyond his wildest dreams. A power that would save him and his friend from this monster." Another page turn and it reveals the boy is much stronger now and stepping on the monster while lifting his arm in the air victorious.


    "He took that power and with it the burden of being a hero. You see the boy was special." She looks at Wittorf and pokes his snot covered nose. "Just like you are." She goes to the next page. It shows five friends including the hero and his first friend sitting in a bar laughing to each other. One of them was a strong woman with fiery red hair the other was a beautiful elven woman with a bow then a strong man and the hero and first friend. "Not because of the power bestowed upon him but because of the friends he acquired along his journey."


    The next page turns to reveal the 5 heroes fighting off more monsters. "It was because of these strong bonds that he was able to grow into the hero he was meant to be." The boy is by himself surrounded in darkness and lurking eyes. "He felt alone at times., consumed by the dark power that was given to him." The next page has the boy in a sphere of white with his friends surrounding him. "But for as long as he had friends he would never succumb to the loneliness."


    It was a fun story but it made the sick Wittorf just feel sadder. He had no one like that. He felt even more alone. He looked at Lana with tears in his eyes.


    "But I don''t have anyone like that."


    "What am I swiss cheese?"


    "Do you think I could ever make friends like that one day?"


    "You can do anything you put your mind to because you are Wittorf!"


    A smile crept across his face slowly as his mood seemed to of lightened up. He knew she was trying her best for him and he had to do the same for her. He remembered that it was from this moment forward he would do anything he could to support this woman. He would dedicate his life to make her happy.


    "Keep smiling like that and you will win over anyone''s heart."


    Time pauses and Coda appears behind Lana smiling.


    "It would seem this is a fond memory of yours."


    "Lana was always there for me and I wanted to be there for her."


    "Perhaps you will find your vessel there."


    Vessel? That word had been brought up a couple times but what did he mean by that. Is that what he was searching for this whole time?


    "What do you mean by vessel?"


    Waving towards Lana Coda smiles "For your last few weeks I would like you to return to the orphanage and spend time with Lana."


    "It''s been almost a month since I''ve seen her!"


    "When you return tell me what precious thing you find."

 15 Ch 15- Back home

    It''s a bright and beautiful morning as Wittorf is walking alongside the country road. A couple squirrels cross his path to look at him. His beaming smile lit himself up like a firework. The squirrels continued their grand journey to fight the nut stealer as Wittorf made his way to the orphanage. He was going to see Lana who he had not seen in almost a month.


    "I wonder if she would be amazed at all my new magical talents."


    What were those talents again? Oh yea he can create a ball of energy in his hand. It was not much but it was far more than any of the other kids could manage and he was going to wow them. He makes his way up to the front doors of the orphanage.


    A new sign had replaced the old decrepit one and it looked like it was hand crafted by 10-year olds. It was not the prettiest sign but it did the job and it looked like it was made with love. Who cares that Lana is not spelt with a Y those kids did their darndest and he was not going to ruin their hard work.


    He opens the door and looks into the living room to see a bunch of kids surrounding a table. It looks like he came in right as they were playing a board game.


    "I''m home!" he shouts from the door and immediately all of kids turn their heads in anticipation. They knew that voice anywhere. It was their friend Wittorf. The boy who was lucky enough to leave as a mage. He had finally returned home and they were excited to see him.


    "Wittorf!" shouts a young scrawny boy no older than 10. His name was Sonny he was a nice young boy who always looked up to Wittorf. The boy smiled at him knowingly and asked. "So you''re a mage now, huh?"


    "You betcha Sonny!"


    As he answers that Lana comes out of the kitchen with an apron on and a curious look on her face. She notices Wittorf is surrounded by the kids and runs over to greet him.


    "Welcome home Wittorf."


    "Thanks Lana I will be here for the next few weeks if that''s alright with you?"


    "Of course, Wittorf you don''t even need to ask that question. There will always be a home for you here."


    A short chubby kid named Bix scoffs at Wittorf. He was never very friendly with Wittorf and he always tried to one up him but today there was no way he could not be in awe of the power that is a mage!


    "If you''re a mage then show us some magic!"


    It was his time to shine. His moment in the limelight. He was going to wow the kids and cement his rank as the coolest kid in the orphanage. He grins and extends his hand out and concentrates. Making funny expressions as he does so. The kids laugh at his theatrics and that just fuels his need to show off. A small ball of light appears in his hand as he closes his eyes and wipes some sweat off his forehead. Wittorf knew this was the moment he was waiting for. He was going to see the surprised and amazed expressions of all the kids around him. He opens his eyes and looks around.


    What was going on. No one was in awe. Everyone was just staring at him with blank faces. Was this not the coolest thing ever. He can make light appear in his hand!


    Bix starts to yawn dramatically "Is that all?"


    Is that all he asks? I would like to see him do better. Why weren''t they impressed? Did they suddenly become mages too? Are they able to do more grandiose spells? What was boring them so much.


    "What do you mean is that all?"


    Without missing a beat Bix points his finger behind him towards a young girl in the corner of the room. She was hidden out of view for the longest time until Bix pointed her out. She wore a hood but that did not hide her beautiful long pink hair and clear green eyes. She held a shy expression under that hood that Wittorf could see from here. Bix laughs "She can do that trick already, we wanna see something else."


    "Who is she, is she new?"


    Walking up slowly to Wittorf the girl looks at him. One of her eyes covered by her hair the other beaming with shy curiosity. She extends her hand outwards slowly.


    "My names Ersa" She creates a ball of energy the same size as Wittorfs with seemingly no effort. It then splits into three orbs of the same size and begins swirling in her hands. Finally it ends with them all exploding into little bursts of yellow light.


    That was the coolest thing he had ever seen. She needed to show him how to do that right now! He quickly grabbed her hand with both of his and looked deep into her eyes.


    "You have to show me how you did that!"


    The girl blushes uncontrollably and rips her hand from his grasp with a little ''Eeek'' and runs out the door in a panic. Wittorf did not know what to do. A girl had never done that to him before. What was she so nervous about? Lana looks at Wittorf and smiles.


    "I think it would be best if you went looking for her. It''s already pretty late and she is still new to this area."


    "Yes ma''am right away!"


    Running out the door he ran down the road towards the town where he assumed, she left for. Wandering around town Wittorf calls out her name but he gets no response from her. Searching all the stores and stands he finds no hire nor hair of her. The day starts to fade into night as an exhausted Wittorf is waiting by a stand eating an apple.


    A young man approaches him. "Are you looking for a young girl about yay tall with pink hair?" Wittorf knew immediately that was her. The man continues. "I saw her head into the forest just outside of town she looked panicked."


    Thanking him for his help Wittorf bolted down the path towards the forest and started yelling her name once again. It''s dark now and the animals are out and about.


    "This is not scary." He thinks to himself. "I am totally not scared right now." As he says that an owl hoots nearby and Wittorf jumps nearly smacking into a branch. He looks up to see the owl and laughs nervously. "Ahh it was just an owl. Nothing to be scared of."


    A scream can be heard in the forest closer to the center and Wittorf tells it''s the scream of a young girl. He quickly runs to the location he heard the scream and sees a large menacing boar cornering Ersa.

 16 Ch 16- Survival

    The forest is silent except for the grunting of the giant boar about to attack the young girl. Wittorf was worried about how he could get to her in time and what he was going to do but he knew no matter what he had to do something. That girl is in this mess because of him.


    "Get away from her you stupid boar!"


    Was that the best he could come up with on the spot? Well it seemed to work because the boar changed his attention to the new potential threat with irritation. It took a few kicks and started charging for Wittorf.


    He leapt out of the way and rolled to the side to try and regain his bearings. Who knew he would be risking his life moments after returning to his old home. The boar continues his charge into a tree and hits it head on. It looked stunned which was more than enough for Wittorf.


    Quickly he runs towards her trying to clear the distance as quickly as possible. He knew they needed to come up with a plan while the creature was recovering.


    "Are you okay?"


    "Y-yea I think so."


    "You need to get out of here."


    "What about you?"


    "I''m a mage now I can handle something small like this."


    He was not so confident in his words but he tried to hid his concern. Ersa looked at Wittorf and shook her head.


    "No you can''t take this animal on your own."


    "This is not time to argue just get out of here!"


    Time was running out the boar looked like it was about ready to start charging again. Ersa hadn''t moved an inch and Wittorf was running out of ideas.


    "Very well Ersa, what should we do then?"


    "I think I can take it out but I will need time to prepare."


    Prepare, what? He did not care as long as it was something better than this. Wittorf nodded to Ersa. She stood up and raised her hand up.


    "Occupy the creature for a minute while I get this spell ready."


    Occupy it? That was going to be tougher than it sounded. Wittorf ran to the opposite end of the open area and grabbed a few rocks off the ground. He began pelting the boar with them.


    "Hey ugly, I''m over here!"


    That was enough to gets its attention now it was really mad. It started huffing even harder as it started its charge. Wittorf ducked out of the way again and grabbed some more rocks. Sliding a little Wittorf regained his footing and continued to try keeping the boars attention.


    This time the boar did not hit any trees it was able to stop itself just in time to veer off course and redirect its momentum towards Wittorf who had only just regained his footing. The boar charged Wittorf and grazed him on his way around. Wittorf could feel the sting as one of the tusks bruised his side.


    Meanwhile Ersa was creating a ball of energy in her hand. It looked like it took a lot of concentration this time to get it started. She was stressed out and that made it harder to focus on the task at hand. But she managed it.


    The ball split into three slowly and began spinning in her hand. One ball at the tips of her finger the other two on each side of her palm forming a triangle. It was almost ready when she saw Wittorf take a hit from the creature.


    "Just a little longer Wittorf!"


    "I''ve got all day don''t worry about me!"


    Grabbing his side and breathing deeper Wittorf was not actually sure how much longer he could keep this up. He had never really been hurt before. This was his first time in actual combat and instead of scaring him it actually excited him.


    He knew he should be terrified of what could happen but right now he couldn''t help but smile. He got to his feet and coughed a little. The pain was almost nonexistent now. Adrenaline must have kicked in he felt on top of the world.


    He picked up some rocks and began running once more trying to circle the creature and keep it out of Ersas way. He did not know what else to do but he was feeling a little cocky so he decided to try something new.


    Dropping the rocks he raised his own hand up. Running and dodging out of the boars way he focused energy into his hand. Wobbly at first he managed something small. Bright but small. He figured if he was going to get any combat experience as a mage he might as well start now.


    The ball grew a larger until it was the size of a cue ball. That should be good enough right? He had no clue he had never tried using it for combat before. The ball was made but how was he going to actually use it. He wracked his brain for an idea.


    If it is all about focus perhaps he could focus on shooting it off like Steel always did. How did he do that though? Was it all just imagination or was there something more to it? He dived out of the way of the on coming boar once more and decided enough was enough he was going to just go for it and not think to hard.


    Clenching his hand into a ball he grasped the energy and extended his pointing finger the energy coursed through his hand and arced lightening as he focused his mind on the target the energy began to form at his fingertip. It was like a shoddy version of the one Steel had used on him so many times in the past.


    The boar charged at Wittorf and he thought to himself.


    "Now!"


    The ball shot from his finger and hit the boar square in the face washing over it and fading away. It shrugged it off and continued its charge. Wittorf had to quickly dodge out of the way but he didn''t have much time left.


    He jumped out of the way as best as he could but it was not fast enough the boar got another hit in on him. This time it was more than a graze. Blood was dripping from Wittorfs chest as the boar had scratched him pretty badly.


    This was bad. He knew he would not be able to take another hit like that. He could feel the air knocked out of him as he gasped for breath.


    Ersa was finishing up her preparations. The balls now had a thread of magic though them the center of the triangle began to glow and she grasped the thread closest to her and pulled it back.


    "Get it in front of me!"


    "What are you planning on doing to it? My spell barely had any effect on it!"


    "I want to capture it."


    Capture, what kind of magic did this girl know? She was the same age as he was, wasn''t she? How could she be so far ahead of him in skills?


    Wittorf gathered his composure and stood up. This time he could feel the pain. he stumbled over in her direction and continued calling out to the boar.


    "I''m not done with you yet!"


    The boar turned around to face Wittorf and began charging. It had been in enough fights to know when its prey was almost finished. To it this was the end. It let out a loud squeal as it charged Wittorf one last time.


    Ersa lined up the shot with the boars legs using the tip of the triangle as a guiding point. Wittorf was in the way still but she had time. He saw what she was doing and as she nodded he dove for cover as best as he could while the boar continued its charge directly for Ersa.


    Releasing the string the triangle bent and flung itself with great speed towards the giant beasts feet. Entangling themselves around it like a bolo would. The beast let out another squeal as it stumbled head first sliding towards Ersa who quickly got out of the way.


    Slamming into the tree with full force the boar was finally unconscious. Wittorf couldn''t help but let out a victory cry.


    "We did it!"


    "TH-thank you Wittorf."


    "For what you were the one who took the beast down I just kept running around like a fool."


    She took a deep breath and fell to the ground out of exhaustion. Wittorf ran up to her and extended his hand out towards her. It was about time for a proper introduction. He owed her that much.


    "I''m sorry about earlier. My name is Wittorf."


    "I''m sorry for running away like I did. My name is Ersa."


    Extending her hand out shyly she grabs his and he lifts her up to her feet. It was already pretty late out and they needed to get home quickly before anything else decided to attack them. But they had a brilliant idea.

 17 Ch 17- A new spell!?

    It is midnight now as the two kids make it to the entrance to the orphanage. The entire time walking through the town they were getting weird looks from anyone who was still out and about.


    They did not care they were victorious over a beast of the forest and they were going to show Lana. As they are about to walk up the stairs Lana opens the door and notices them.


    Worry first then confusion then horror as she realizes that they have a giant boar behind them being dragged by both of them. She gasps and covers her mouth before looking over Wittorf whose clothes is a little dirty and slightly blood soaked.


    "What happened to you two and why is there a giant boar behind you?"


    "I found Ersa and we fought a giant boar."


    "How could you two be so reckless?"


    Grabbing the back of his head and rubbing it Wittorf couldn''t help but feel a little embarrassed by the scolding they were getting but at the same time he was ecstatic by the victory and close call they had that night.


    Lana cleaned up Wittorfs wounds and they killed the boar and turned it into quality chunks for stew for the next few days. She was worried out of her mind but was just happy the two kids were back and safe in her home.


    Wittorf and Ersa were still up that night talking in the living room. Lana wanted to tell them to get to bed but she had never seen Ersa talk so much since she arrived and thought it better for her to make a friend.


    Ersa and Wittorf were sitting at the table Ersa was looking at the bandages on Wittorfs chest and side and looked guilty.


    "I''m sorry you got so banged up because of me."


    "It''s no big deal it''s a mages job to protect others."


    "Thank you."


    "More importantly what was that spell you casted?"


    Holding her hand out she created a ball of energy. It began to split into three balls before being connected by a string of light. They then formed into a triangle. She was proud of this spell. It was the only real one she knew.


    "My dad said I would need to learn entangle spells to help keep me safe."


    "Entangle spells huh?"


    "I learned it about a month ago when I was traveling with him."


    "Where is he now?"


    She tightens up and goes silent for a moment. The memories flood back into her mind of that day. Wittorf could see her change in attitude right away and had an idea of what might of happened.


    "He left one day after teaching me this spell. I don''t know where he is now."


    "Do you know why he left?"


    "He said there was a new threat out there and that he needed to stop it before it got any bigger."


    "Why would he leave you behind like that?"


    "He brought me to Lana''s thinking I would be safe here."


    She tears up a little and Wittorf wipes the tears away. She looks up at him with puppy dog eyes. He could tell she was hurt by this conversation so he decided to switch it up.


    "Could you maybe teach me that spell?"


    "It''s a difficult one to learn but we can try."


    Her mood cheered up a little and she raised her hand again.


    "First create the ball of magic in your hand."


    Raising his hand he focused his mana into the palm of his hand and easily created a ball of energy.


    "Next imagine it splitting into three."


    Shrugging he looked at the ball and imagined what it would look like as it split into three parts. He struggled a bit as the ball wobbled back and forth before vibrating and splitting half way into two balls and then fading away.


    "It harder than I thought it would be."


    "That''s alright try again."


    Taking a deep breath Wittorf created the ball of energy in his palm once more.


    "Good now do the same thing you just did but imagine multiple balls."


    Exhaling slowly he looked at his hand and imagined creating more balls this time instead of splitting them. Another ball began to warp into view slowly before fading away the first ball also dissipated.


    "I don''t think I have enough mana right now to do that."


    "Let''s try the other step."


    She creates a ball and pokes it with her finger. When she raises it a string of light comes out of the ball and she releases it to float to the bottom. She grabs the string and swings the ball around a little.


    "Try imagining a thread attached to the ball. It does not have to be a large thread just something thin to get you started."


    "Alright sounds like a plan."


    Taking another deep breath in and out Wittorf creates the ball of energy, the easy part. Now he imagines a thread coming out of his hand to touch the ball. Deep breath in, deep breath out.


    "Take your time and focus."


    The mana flowing out of his palm began to stand on end very slowly creating a pin point. He focused on that pin point and imagined it stretching to meet the ball. Little by little it inched its way up and up until it connected with the ball.


    Shocked at the outcome Wittorf looks at Ersa who is smiling now. She was happy to see him progress so quickly even if it was just a thread.


    "What did you imagine?"


    "I wanted it to stretch to reach the ball."


    "Stretching? I want you to try something."


    She grabs his hand that has the ball in it and slowly turns the palm to face the floor. As she does this the ball attached to his hand begins to descend to the floor before promptly bouncing back up into his hand.


    "I knew it!"


    "What just happened?"


    "You created your first spell."


    Looking at the ball bouncing up and down like a yoyo he could not help but make a yelp of excitement. He had cast his first spell. It was exhilarating he didn''t even realize he was doing it. He thought it was just a step towards a different spell. But how did he do it what was there to it that counted it as a spell?


    "I don''t get it how is this considered a spell?"


    "Easy, you took two ideas and combined them into one using a connection word."


    "What''s a connection word?"


    "It''s something my dad taught me. If you imagine a descriptive word when making a spell it will take on that shape. For you it was stretching."


    "Does any descriptive word work?"


    "Usually but the closer the word is to your being the easier it will be to cast."


    "Closer to my being?"


    "It means words that describe you. You must be a flexible mage if stretching was easy for you."


    "There is so much new information coming at me I don''t know what to do with it."


    She backed away; shy with how much talking she just did so suddenly. She was not used to talking to someone so freely before. She began to get flustered and turn away. Wittorf was looking at the ball in his hand and wondered what other magic he could cast with this new information.


    "I-I think I need to go to bed now!" Ersa yelps as she quickly runs out of the living room and up the stairs.


    Staring at her with excitement and confusion Wittorf continues to bounce the ball on the string. It felt so amazing to have his own spell.


    Breaking his concentration Lana comes out of her room and looks at Wittorf. She smiled but he could tell there was something wrong. She always gave away her emotions with her eyes. It was something Wittorf accidentally picked up from her.


    He let the ball and string dissipate and walked over to greet his foster mother. She embraced him and began to rub his hair. He smiled and retuned the hug.


    "Your finally a mage now aren''t you my little spell caster?"


    "That''s right Lana, my first dream came true."


    "You''re on your way to great things I can tell already."


    She pulled away from Wittorf who was smiling from ear to ear. Even if she was feeling down he was going to do everything in his power to cheer her up. That was his job after all.


    Lana opened her door and invited Wittorf inside. She knew it was time to give him something. She did not want it to happen yet but she made a promise long ago and had to keep it.


    "Wittorf, I have something for you. It''s from your parents."

 18 Ch 18- Finding your center

    Sitting by a cozy fireplace in Lana''s room, Wittorf is rocking back and forth slowly. Contemplating what Lana had just said. She has something of my parents? What could that possibly be? His mind was racing as tons of ideas came to his mind. Were they rich nobles about to give him an inheritance? Or maybe something special that only he could use.


    What if he''s actually from a powerful sorcery bloodline and is next in line for the throne somewhere. These ideas did play in his mind from time to time but now they might actually be real!


    Lana wanders to her nightstand and grabs a small box that is faded and wrapped. It looks like it had not been moved in years.


    Wittorf looked at the box as more ideas came to his mind. It''s so small maybe a wand?


    "Are you nervous to find out about your parents?"


    "I never really knew them so I''m not sure."


    Wiping the dust off the box gently she looks at it carefully.


    "This alongside a note was left with you when you were dropped off here as a baby."


    "A note?"


    "It asked me to take care of you and should you ever decide to pursue magic that you would need this."


    His mind was in overload. His parents wanted him to have something to help with his magic? That sounded awesome but more questions arrived with them.


    Why did they get rid of him in the first place and why haven''t he had any contact with them? Honestly he did not care that much until this moment.


    He had barely even thought about why they left him here. He was happy with Lana and to him that is all he needed.


    Lana handed the box to Wittorf who carefully placed it in his lap, looking at it as if it were a valuable treasure.


    Taking a deep breath he slowly unwraps the packaging which crumbled a little in his hands revealing a beautiful yellow box. Opening the box revealed a small ruby pendant in the shape of a crown.


    He was right, it must mean royalty it''s a crown! A small one but still the significance of it had to mean something but what?


    "What do you think they would give me this?"


    "Perhaps it''s magical?"


    Holding the pendant in his hand he slowly focuses and channels mana into it. It begins to glow a little surprised by this Wittorf breaks his concentration. It was definitely magical in nature but as for what it did he had no clue.


    ***


    Sitting on his bed Wittorf is meditating the pendant clearly around his neck. The ''egg'' strapped to his chest once again.


    "Search for my center."


    Delving deeper and deeper into his core he appears where the Rorschach door is and looks at it. His only thoughts are of Lana again. He was not nervous or scared anymore.


    This time he was content. He knew what he wanted and he knew where to find her. Wittorf walked towards the door and instead of sucking him in it opened for him revealing the barren white room he was in before.


    Standing there was Lana in all her glory. She glowed like the light of the sun and her smile was warm and inviting. He slowly walked into the room and smiled back to Lana.


    "I will always be here for you my little spell caster."


    Wittorf was hugging her now as she returned the embrace. She felt warm to the touch and comfortable. He felt like he could stay like this forever.


    It was after a few moments that she pushed him away gently and placed her hand on his chest. He felt something inside of him wanting to come out. He had never felt this before. She took her hand and pushed it into his chest a white glow surrounding it as she did.


    A second later she pulled it back out slowly and revealed the ''egg'' that was strapped to his chest.


    "I will always support you."


    Angelic wings sprout from Lana''s back and raise in the light her form glowing brighter as she lifts the egg into the air. Blue liquid can be seen coming from the center of the room and dripping down onto the egg as it glows.


    She looks at Wittorf and he is washed with a felling of ease.


    "Let me be your strength in the darkness."


    Blinding light fills the room as Wittorf awakes from his meditative stance. Tears streaming down his face a smile on his face.


    Ersa is looking at him from the door to his room with her arms crossed and a affirmative look in her eyes.


    "It looks like you found what you were looking for."


    "Turns out it was something I had all along."


    She walks into the hallway and Wittorf stands up wiping the tears away. It had been a few weeks now since he had arrived here and he was ready to head back to the academy.


    Walking down the stairs Lana already had breakfast ready for him.


    "I know today''s your last day so I wanted to have everything ready for when you left."


    "Thanks Lana."


    "For what?"


    "For everything."


    All the kids come downstairs and run up to hug Wittorf except for Bix and Ersa who are waiting by the stairs. They all sit down to eat breakfast and Wittorf and Ersa recount once again how they took down the beast of the forest.


    The kids all groan after hearing it for two weeks Lana laughs and the morning goes by smoothly. Lana was happy to have Wittorf here even if it was a short visit. She could tell that he had grown quite a bit since he left here.


    Wittorf is being waved off by Lana and the rest of the kids. Lana calls out


    "Good luck with your studies and make sure to eat properly."


    "I will!"


    Ersa yells out in a shy and cute voice.


    "Don''t forget what I taught you!"


    "I''ll blow them away!"


    Wittorf is out of sight of the kids. A huge grin plastered on his face as the pendant sways back and forth on his chest. He felt lighter today than usual as if a heavy burden had been lifted. He arrives at the entrance to the academy and pumps his fist in the air.


    "Time to show them what I''m made of!"

 19 Ch 19- The end of remedial.

    Entering the school gates Wittorf spots Caiman walking to his dorm. The last person he would want to see. But he wasn''t going to ruin his day. No not today. Not the day he finally gets to test out his new spell.


    "While you were off goofing around, I learned something useful." Caiman smirks


    "That''s awesome; you''ll have to show me it later." Wittorf responds with a huge smile.


    "What''s got you in such a good mood?"


    Walking past Caiman, Wittorf replies happily. "I''ve learned something new as well."


    Wittorf skips up the steps while Caiman watches him scowling the entire time. Caiman knew he was better than some loser who keeps hurting himself. He was going to prove it time and time again if he had to.


    Night sets in and Wittorf is sitting in his room looking at his hand.


    "Alright let''s get this on the road."


    He raises his palm up and focuses mana into it. The mana seems to pool into it much easier than before. Was this because he found his center? He would need to ask Coda about that when he saw him next. Either way he was going to work on this spell some more.


    A small ball of light appears in his hand. This was easy the next step would be tough. He works to split the ball in two. It wobbles a bit before slowly splitting into two. It takes a second to stabilize but he keeps them there.


    "It worked!"


    All he had to do was continue adding to it right now it was just two of the same things. Focusing his palm, a small thread began to appear. After some time, the threads connect to the first ball. The second ball however does not quite reach before it all fades away.


    "Looks like I am a little closer at least. Let''s focus on my strengths then."


    He creates another ball and attaches a thread to it. Ersa said that he was a flexible made. So stretchy stuff is good. He wanted to test out the capabilities of his new spell, but it was already so late. He just recovered from mana sickness would it really be wise to push himself right now?


    ***


    Wittorf is standing outside in the training yard in the dark holding his magic yoyo. He knew he shouldn''t push himself so he agreed that he would only practice for a few hours. He grabs a couple of cans from his room and sets them up on the dummies.


    Returning a good distance away from them he winds up his yoyo and throws it. It whirls right past the can and lands in the ground on the other side before bouncing back and returning to his hand.


    "Alright let''s try this again."


    He winds up the yoyo again and throws it. This time it curves a little but still misses the can. However, the thread attached bends a little and knocks over all the cans as the yoyo wraps around the last dummy.


    "interesting."


    Wittorf releases the spell and goes to pick up the cans. As he does, he is stopped by Caiman who is looking at him from the window.


    "What are you doing making so much noise while I''m trying to sleep!"


    Caiman looks at the bottles on the ground and in Wittorfs hands.


    "Practice is not going to make you any better. You might as well give up and go home."


    Closing the windows Caiman returns back to bed. Wittorf places the bottles back on the dummies and smiles.


    "Just a matter of time."


    After a few hours of practicing Wittorf is worn out and looks at the large clocktower on the center of the building in front of him.


    "Might as well make good on my promise and get some sleep."


    He makes his way to his room and promptly falls asleep. The exhaustion from the last few weeks catching up to him. Deep restful slumber as he dreams of taking down Caiman and for some reason also dreams of Ersa.


    When he awoke he was blushing to himself. Getting ready for his last few days with Coda he ran to the training room. He was excited to tell his Master of all that he learned while away. When he entered the training room, he noticed there was no one there.


    Where could Master Coda be? He looked in the kitchen and then again outside, but he wasn''t there. Well if he wasn''t there might as well wait for him. Meditating on his mat was relaxing. He felt at home here. It was saddening to know his time with Coda would be ending soon.


    Hours pass and the door opens finally. Coda enters the room and notices Wittorf. Smiling he sits down quietly next to him and begins his meditation. Another hour passes before Wittorf opens his eyes to see Coda sitting next to him.


    "Whaaaa"


    "How are you doing today?"


    "When were you going to tell me you were here?"


    "I didn''t want to interrupt such a peaceful session.


    Quickly getting to his knees Wittorf scrambles towards Coda with a huge grin on his face.


    "I found it!"


    "Tell me what that was."


    "It was a beautiful angel holding the egg you gave me."


    Nodding in acknowledgment Coda pats Wittorf on the head.


    "A guardian angel is at your center. An egg of new beginnings in her hand. A pure light surrounding her. It would seem you are destined for something grand my young mage."


    Eyes beaming Wittorf could not help but love hearing those words. What was his destiny? Was it grand, did it involve major fights and saving princesses? He noticed Coda smiling like he normally does but something seemed different. His eyes seemed sad.


    "What''s wrong master?"


    "This will be our last day together, I was just thinking of the time we spent together."


    Feeling a little sad himself, Wittorf decided to give Coda a big hug. He gladly accepted it.


    "What will we be learning today?"


    "How to enjoy ourselves."


    Coda walks into the kitchen and returns minutes later with a large plate of cookies and tea.


    "How about it, care to join me?"


    Wittorf and Coda spend their last day together before heading back to their normal lives. It''s not like they won''t see each other again but it wont quite be the same.

 20 Ch 20- Elementals?

    Sitting in his normal assigned seat for the first time in a month Loat is happy to see Wittorf feeling better. Like always the intimidating Steel is beginning class at the front by his desk.


    "Today we will be having some fun with our mana."


    Extending his hand out Steel creates a large ball of energy.


    "We will be manipulating mana to create spells."


    Jackpot! He already knew how to do this, kind of, so he was totally going to ace this section of the test. All he had to do was think of an interesting connection word."


    "First create the ball of energy like you''ve been doing,"


    Squinting his eyes he takes a deep breath and shouts


    "Blade of light!"


    The ball in Steel''s hand begins to wobble a little before taking the shape of a blade. What the heck was going on this is not what he was taught to do.


    "We will be casting spells using incantations."


    Incantations? What was that I thought we had to use connection words and focus on them when making a spell. Wittorf raises his hand impatiently.


    "Wittorf."


    "Sir what about connection words?"


    "Excuse me?"


    "Aren''t we supposed to imagine the image we want and attach a connection word to it in order to create a spell?"


    "You must be talking about the Connectors way of casting magic. But you bring up a good point."


    The sword dissipates into dust as Steel pulls out some chalk and begins writing on the chalk board.


    "Magic is a very finicky thing. We don''t quite understand how it works but we created academies like this in order to study it and learn how to manipulate it."


    Steel continues tapping away on the chalk board with haste as he writes down words like connection, Incantation, Gestures and focus along with a list of other words


    "As you can see there are many theories on how magic is casted. Some mages use connection words like Wittorf mentioned. Others, like this academy study using incantations and focus''."


    Steel puts down the chalk and returns to the front of the desk.


    "For now, let''s continue with the task at hand. Everyone focus on what you want to create and some kind of incantation that goes with it. The more intricate the incantation the clearer the spell you create."


    Everyone begins practicing right away. Wittorf is sitting in his chair still confused. Does he use incantations, or does he use connection words? Which one was the right way? He could not come to a conclusion at that moment, so he decided to continue the lesson but trying an incantation.


    But what word or words does he use to make an image appear? Well what image did he want to appear first. Sword of light seemed like an easy go to, but he wanted to try something else on his own.


    Wracking his brain until the gears in them started smoking he put his head down on the table in defeat. Loat noticed his friend struggling and decided to scoot closer to him.


    "Hey Wittorf, you think of an incantation yet?"


    "Not yet, this is harder than I thought it would be."


    "What about ball of light?"


    "But isn''t that what we already create?"


    "Yea its brilliant right? We just say that and poof the exam is over."


    "I don''t think he''ll fall for that."


    "Yea I didn''t think so either."


    Loat puts his head down next to Wittorf in defeat. Caiman walks up to both of them and laughs.


    "What, is this too hard for you? Maybe you should just back out now."


    Loat raises his head and looks irritated.


    "Yea, where''s your incantation?"


    "Sword of Light!"


    A blade of light appears in caimans hand. That was so predictable it even made Wittorf groan.


    "Is copying the teacher all you can do?"


    Frustrated Caiman raises his new sword in the air to strike at Wittorf. Quickly and seemingly out of nowhere the sword shattered into dust as a bolt of energy slammed into it.


    "Caiman, to the headmasters office."


    Huffing Caiman walks out of the room. Wittorf and Loat give each other high fives as they laugh to each other.


    "How about something simple like a dagger?"


    "Sounds easy enough but what kind dagger, do we just do a dagger of light like the sword?"


    "No that is copying the teacher too much lets each find a fun descriptive word to give our blades."


    They both grasp hands in a manly arm-wrestling pose and look each other in the eyes. No way was he going to lose this one. He had special training now!


    "Sounds like a competition, I will win this one!"


    "In your dreams Wittorf!"


    Scooting his desk away from Wittorf, Loat turned away and began whispering words to himself and shaking his head at each one.


    No way was he going to give him a head start! Quick think of something cool and interesting. But what, everything that came to mind was too similar to Steels example. Beam dagger, light dagger, holy dagger, aura dagger.


    None of these sounded cool enough we need something better! Mega, ultra, massive, dagger of pure


    energy! Perfect we can beat him now!


    "Mega, ultra, massive, dagger of pure energy!"


    Wittorfs hand begins to flash and the ball of energy turns into a wobbly dagger like noodle.


    "What the?"


    Steel slaps his face and waves the dagger away.


    "Take this serious Wittorf."


    "I''m trying teacher but this is harder than I thought."


    "Just use a single descriptive word starting out. The more focused the word is the easier it will be."


    "Yes sir!"


    Fine I will stick to one word then. What''s a good starting word. How about flaming? That could be cool.


    "Flaming Dagger!"


    The ball in his hand forms a dagger that has a white flame like appearance. It is not hot to the touch or anything and does not seem to do anything else except look cool. Loat looks at that and squints.


    "I win!"


    "But you haven''t done anything yet."


    "Ice dagger!"


    The orb in Loats hand forms into a crystal shaped dagger made of pure energy it looks more stable than Wittorfs but again does not produce any cold.


    "No I win!"


    "Nope mine is clearly cooler!"


    "Will both of you shut up!" Steel shouts as he slams his fist on the desk. "You both must have learned something from this experiment."


    Learned something from it? Of course, he found out that if he yelled his command his magic would follow his orders. That seemed like a pretty big thing actually. Steel looks at both of their daggers and breaks them with his hand.


    "You should of learned that elemental magic is not something you can just conjure up on your own."


    "Elemental magic?"


    "Using the elements to imbue into your mana to create fire or ice or anything else."


    That was news to him, but it was also exciting it was another new piece of the puzzle to becoming a mage.


    "How do we do elemental magic?" Loat asked quizzically.


    "You first need to make a pack with an elemental."


    "Elemental?"

 21 Ch 21- Friendly spar

    Class is focused on Steel as he begins his explanation into the mysteries of Elementals. Wittorf was fascinated he had never heard this word before and wondered what it could be.


    "Elementals are small creatures that are formed from the world. They are naked to the human eye unless they want to be seen."


    Invisibility that was cool. He wondered if perhaps he could learn an invisibility spell one day. That could come in a lot of handy.


    "When you find one and make a pact with it you will be allowed to borrow its power when casting your spells."


    "How do we find one?" Wittorf shouted with anticipation. He could barely contain his excitement now. He wanted to find one quickly and learn cool new magic!


    "There are signs that show when one is near, but only a mage can sense it. Don''t worry in time you will each get a chance to make a pact with one."


    Organizing his papers on his desk Steel looks back towards the class.


    "There will be no class for a week. While this is happening take time to practice your incantations. Your going to need them when you return."


    He just returned to class and already he''s on his own for another week. Well better spend that time wisely he needed to get stronger so he could show Caiman up.


    Loat would be a great friend to practice with some more. Might as well ask him. Turning to Loat who was grabbing his sword and preparing to leave. Wittorf tapped his shoulder lightly.


    "Hey Loat, wanna practice today?


    "Sure, sounds like fun, but this time I will definitely win"


    "Of course you won''t, you''re challenging me."


    They laugh and head out the classroom. It was good to have a friend like that to joke around with. It reminded him of his home and all the kids there.


    They started walking back to the training hall to practice their incantations. Loat would not stop talking about fun or cool words to use in his incantations and they also mused about the idea of what elemental they would want.


    The day goes by as they train for hours. Little by little they pick up on words that could potentially show some results. Words such as Sharp and Sturdy.


    Days go by and the two decide its time to spar with each other. Loat''s idea of course. How else were they going to get better if they didn''t practice what they were learning?


    "How shall we decide who wins?" Loat questioned.


    "How about first one to draw blood?"


    "Sounds a bit harsh why don''t we use staves this time and see who admits defeat first."


    "Alright that works."


    They take their stances on each end of the training grounds and prepare themselves. They both create a ball of energy and call out an incantation. Confident in his choice of words Wittorf goes first.


    "Sturdy Staff!"


    Focusing on his energy ball Wittorf takes a deep breath and imagines Stretching as a connection word. Perhaps if he combined the two he could create an interesting combination.


    It worked the staff was formed and he could tell by holding it that it had the ability to extend and shrink on command. Loat had no chance against his master plan!


    "Chain Staff!"


    Loat creates what appears to be a regular staff as well no chains or anything attached to it. Did he fail in his incantation? If so, this meant an easy victory for Wittorf.


    They took their stances and slowly advanced towards each other. Circling around Wittorf smiles and raises his staff. For now, he will keep it like a normal staff. He wouldn''t want to give away his ace in the hole just yet.


    They locked staves and stayed connected. Circling to keep in pace with each other. Loat pushes forward and shouts.


    "Disconnect!"


    Loats staff seems to split at the top revealing a chain connecting the two parts. It moves towards Wittorf with more speed than he was expecting.


    Taking a step back Wittorf keeps his distance. This was going to be interesting it looked like Wittorf wasn''t the only one with a trick up his sleeve. But it looks like he drew his too early.


    Wittorf takes another step back. He may know the trick now but how was he going to combat it? Loat was smiling now he saw Wittorf contemplating his next step, but he wasn''t going to give him a chance to figure it out.


    Loat rushes forward and spins the connected piece around like a flail. That was kind of unfair it was like it wasn''t a staff anymore. But no time to complain he had to think of something fast. He decided to rush forward as well and block the attack.


    The staffs collided and the extra part on Loats staff hit home with Wittorfs back. He lunges forward in pain and his staff slides down to the ground. Loat goes to take a step back and as if it were shouting at him Wittorf knew what to do.


    "Extend!"


    The staff shoot forward doubling in length as Loat tried to take a step back he quickly found that there was something blocking his foot.


    Losing balance Loat falls to the ground. It was time to finish this!


    "Shrink!"


    The staff returned to normal size and Wittorf swung it around to rest at Loats head. Pausing it just before it landed a blow. Loat was unable to move from his spot on the ground and raised his hands in defeat.


    "Very well Wittorf you win this one."


    "That was exciting. We should definitely do that more often."


    "Your right, practice makes perfect. By the way how did you get your staff to work like that. I don''t remember you using an incantation for that."


    "That''s just my little secret."


    "No fair!"


    They head back to their dorm rooms for the night and relax. Worn out from the few days of constant training. Wittorf decides perhaps its best to enjoy a day out for once.

 22 Ch 22- Sais helper

    It''s the last day of the break and Wittorf decided to wander around town. He had a little spending money from Lana who sends him what money she can from time to time and he had been saving it up until now.


    Walking just ahead of him is Sai who seems to be in a bit of a daze. Perhaps she was day dreaming. He was known to do that often. He noticed she was headed straight for a pillar.


    Deciding to approach her Wittorf tapped her on the shoulder and she jumped.


    "What!"


    She looks over to see Wittorf and starts to blush.


    "Don''t you know it''s impolite to touch a girl without her permission?"


    "Sorry you looked like you were in a daze and I didn''t want you running into that pillar."


    She looks over to see the pillar just in front of her face and she jumps again.


    "When did that get there?"


    "You seem a little on edge, is everything alright?"


    "No¡­not really." Sai says as she quietly looks to the ground.


    He only just noticed but Sai was kind of cute. Her short red hair seemed to shine in the light and her pink eyes glistened when she looked at him. Her white robes were also clean and pristine.


    Which reminded Wittorf ever since he went to remedial class, they never gave him any robes. He should investigate that if he remembers.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "I have to clean to rooms today with Kai but she already left to go home. She always does this."


    Oh, was that it? He had the day off and nothing to do perhaps he could help her.


    "Why don''t I help you out then?"


    "Oh no, there''s no need it''s not your job."


    "I''ve got nothing else going on today I don''t mind."


    She glances at Wittorf a couple times and back to the floor.


    "A-alright."


    Wittorf and Sai are in Steel''s classroom dusting and sweeping. Sai is doing her best to stay away from Wittorf and only gives him passing looks occasionally. Silence fills the room for most of the time. He felt like he should say something. But he did not know at all what to talk about. What did she like? He realized he did not know much about any of the students save for Loat.


    "Sai?"


    With the silence broken Sai jumps a little as she dusts the window. "Yes?"


    "So what kinds of things do you enjoy doing?"


    "Oh, uh I like to¡­"


    She paused for a moment while she thought. Her eyes darting to the floor and back to Wittorf. She had never been asked what she likes from a boy before. In fact, she had never been alone in another room with a boy. She was nervous and couldn''t help but stutter in her response.


    "I-I uh like to R-read."


    "Reading huh, anything in particular?"


    She turned around to continue dusting and also to avoid eye contact from Wittorf. She was actually having a conversation with another boy. This was exciting but also nerve wracking.


    She started laughing to herself quietly as she picked up the pace of dusting until a dust cloud was formed around her.


    Coughing she batted the dust away and saw Wittorf was in front of her now. He had a bottle of water in his hand.


    "Here drink this, it will help with the dust."


    Sai turned red and nodded her head quickly. She was being offered his drink. Did he drink from it or was it a new bottle? She couldn''t tell from the looks of it. Quickly grabbing the bottle she opened it and started drinking from it slowly.


    Wittorf was smiling he was having fun spending time with Sai even if they were just cleaning rooms. She was a little on edge, but he figured that was just how she was.


    "My favorite books are fairytales." Wittorf said with a little bit of a nervous laugh. He was worried she might think he was childish for liking something so simple.


    "Me too."


    "Which ones do you like? I enjoy stories about powerful mages and exciting quests."


    "I like the ones with the cute animals in them."


    That sounded about right to him. He figured she might be into cute stuff. He tried to think of any fairytales he read growing up that had cute animals. One story came to mind that kind of fit the description.


    "Have you heard the story of the raccoon snake?"


    "Raccoon snake?"


    "It was a story of a lonely raccoon snake who was said to have had a human best friend that died in a war and left him behind. The snake would travel from town to town searching for his friend and eventually he found himself in a desert and died of dehydration."


    "Poor raccoon snake."


    "It''s alright some say he actually found his way back to his home and his master was waiting for him there. At least that is what Lana told me."


    "Who''s Lana?"


    Wittorf smiles and rests his head on the top of the broom.


    "She is my foster mother."


    "Oh, is she nice?"


    "The nicest woman I''ve ever met. She is the reason I wanted to become a mage."


    "It''s nice to have people like that in your life."


    "Why did you want to become a mage?"


    She gets a little nervous again and twiddles her thumb.


    "No reason in particular."


    "Really?"


    She rubs her arm and looks away responding quietly.


    "I uh, wanted to make more friends."


    "Wanted to what?"


    Wittorf leans in to try to hear her


    "Nothing¡­"


    She quickly walks over to the other side of the room and begins dusting. Wittorf was so persistent she thought. He was very close to her too and that made her nervous. She was not use to people talking to her like this. Most of the time they only talked to her older sister.


    The room was finished being cleaned and Wittorf returned the tools back to the closet. Sai was happy that someone aside from her sister talked to her today. She was going to journal about this tonight.

 23 CH 23- Mock battles!

    Standing outside on the track the classroom is circled around Steel. It was a beautiful day out the wind was just right and the sunbathed everyone in warm rays. The smell of freshly cut grass wafted through everyone''s noses as Steel spoke.


    "Alright everyone, you have had time to get use to wielding magic."


    Creating an energy flare Steel looks at the class he has been teaching for over a month now and smiles. He was finally going to see if any of them were really paying attention to him during this time.


    "It''s now time for you to test it on each other through mock battles."


    Everyone looks excited especially Wittorf who is bouncing up and down. Steel points his flare at Wittorf and smiles.


    "What did I say about that?"


    Stopping in place Wittorf stiffens like a plank and smiles back.


    "Yes sir!"


    "for the first match I would like to see Diel and Kai up front. Everyone else head to the benches and watch."


    The rest of the students retreat to the benches leaving just Kai and Diel with Steel who has motioned them to their starting spots. Standing off the track but in between the two Steel raises his flare.


    "This will be a quick duel to determine how much you have learned. The first person to land a blow on the other''s chest will be victorious, remember this is a mock battle so no lethal attack."


    Firing the flare into the air signaled the beginning of the match. Diel was in a panic right from the start. How could he possibly lay a finger on the woman he loved. Oh, how fate was cruel to someone like him.


    Kai was not thinking the same thing in the slightest. Raising her hand, she called upon her mana reserve and summoned a whip in her hand. Rushing towards Diel she quickly began smacking it on the ground as she went for effect.


    Diel was startled, how could she be so cruel to him. Did she not feel any connection between them? He had to put up some kind of fight. He raised his hand up and called mana forth.


    "Sticky Shield!"


    A round shield formed around Diels arm with what looked like a large sticky mouse trap coating the entire outside of it. He raised it to block the whip as he did, the whip stuck to it. Trying to free it from the entangle she cursed his quick response and dispelled it.


    Using the time Diel raised his other hand and called mana forth once more.


    "Sticky net!"


    Diel shot a net towards Kai who barely dodged it before it stuck to the ground. Dang he didn''t want to hurt her, but he needed to win this to prove his love to her.


    Sliding to regain her balance Kai shot forward and raised her hand towards Diel.


    "Flash bang"


    A ball shot towards Diel and hit him square in the chest bursting into a bright light that blinded him. Trying to shake it off Diel turned around and took a few steps back he raised his hands together.


    "Energy field!"


    A wall of energy shot forward about 5 feet and extended around him in a large dome shape. Kai could not tell how to get around it. She was surprised that he had such skill for such a jokester. She was impressed but she knew something that big must of taken a lot out of him.


    If she could find a way past it, she could claim victory. Kai raised her hand towards he barrier and shouted a command.


    "Penetrating energy shot!"


    Shooting a small bolt from her hand hitting the barrier and cracking it she knew a few more and it would crumble. Diel was seeing stars and blinking as much as possible to remove them. Seeing her chip away at his barrier he had to think fast. He had an idea.


    The barrier kept taking shots until finally she got through as it crumbled into dust a command was heard.


    "Sticky net!"


    A net flew out of the dust cloud towards Kai who did not see it coming. Ducking to lay flat on the ground it flew past her as she then used all four of her limbs to jump back up forward towards Diel who took another step back and suddenly felt as if he could not move his legs.


    He looked down and noticed that his own sticky web was still on the ground. He had walked straight into it and Kai was not slowing her assent towards him.


    He quickly tried to dispel the entangle but it was too late. Kai was in front of him and her hand was on his chest. It was game over.


    "Match, Kai!"


    Shouted Steel as he raised and lowered his hand like a referee. Diel sighed as he walked to his best friend Sedian. Kai jumped up and down and stuck a victory pose.


    Looking at his notes Steel calls out two more names.


    "Sai, Sedian, you''re up next!"


    Shocked Sai jumped to attention and slowly walked awkwardly towards the field. Sedian with his usual emotionless stare walked to the field. Diel was cheering him on.


    "You got this man, just go easy on her like I did, she is a girl after all!"


    "She is my enemy now, which means no mercy."


    Making a yelp Sai was certain she was going to lose. She had been practicing all week, but she knew that Sedian must have practiced harder.


    Sedian and Sai take their positions and Steel says the same thing to them as before. He raises the flare in the air and fires it.


    Sedian takes no pause as he raises both hands and points them at Sai.


    "Frivolous bolts."


    Bolts shoot from Sedians hands like a machine gun towards Sai who is frozen. She knew it, Sedian was just stronger than she was. She couldn''t handle something like that. She raised her shaking hands up and mumbled a few words.


    "Stretchy energy field."


    A large field formed 5 feet in front of her as bolts began hitting them, they all stretched in the shield before repelling and redirecting themselves at Sedian.


    "That was not calculated¡­"


    Sedian tried side stepping his own bolts but was not fast enough. A few hit him in the right arm and leg but none managed to tag his chest.


    Grabbing his arm, he grunts as they sting him.


    "Magnet web."


    A spider like web of energy shoots from Sedians hand towards Sai who quickly jumps out of the way and lands on her butt.


    "Ouch!"


    She quickly tries to get back up as the web comes back towards her. Sai rolls away from it and is breathing heavy now. The web was not giving up chase.


    She could not act fast enough it was bound to get her. Sai sits down and looks at the ground in defeat as the web flings back towards her.


    "Don''t give up yet!"


    Shouting from the stands Wittorf is gripping the bar hard his knuckles white with anticipation. Sai looks at him and snaps back into reality.


    Did he really call out to her? Did he really believe in her? What was she supposed to do the web was going to get her any second now.


    Sai raised her hands up towards the net and called out the only thing she could think of.


    "Sturdy energy pole!"


    A large pole appeared in front of her and the net connected with it wrapping around and falling to the ground.


    Relieved she looked over to Wittorf to see his approval but all she saw was him yelling at her.


    What was he saying this time, Look out? Sai quickly turned back to Sedian who had his hands up once more.


    "Frivolous Bolts."


    She could not react in time she still needed to get up and get out of there or they would all hit her. She turned around and covered her head. The bolts made connection with her back and she let out a cry of pain.


    Furious Diel called out to Sedian.


    "What kind of monster does that to a girl!"


    "The kind that does not let his guard down."


    Sai looks up at the stands and notices Wittorf is still watching her. He looks concerned, what was this feeling. She felt as if she had to continue fighting. To prove to Wittorf that she could do it.


    Sai stumbles up and turns around. Panting hard. She takes a deep breath in and raises her hands with confidence this time.


    Sedian noticed her change in attitude and raised his hands to meet hers. They both shouted at the same time.


    "Frivolous Bolts!"


    A volley of bolts shot from both of their hands and slammed into each other bursting into smoke. The dust was heavy in the air as both parties were blocked from sight.


    The dust began to settle and standing by themselves was Sai. Sedian was on the ground a scratch on his chest from where a bolt had landed.


    "Match- Sai!"


    The crowd goes wild as Wittorf runs up to Sai who is limping towards the stands. He quickly goes to help her, and she blushes. He was touching her again and that made her feel funny.


    "Th-thank you."


    "I didn''t do anything; it was all you."


    They make it to the stands. Sedian is being dragged by a very angry Diel back to their side. Scolding him for his rough treatment of his love''s sister.


    The next match was about to be called. Steel looks at the three-remaining people. Loat, Caiman and Wittorf.


    "Very good, I would like Caiman and Wittorf to come up front next!"

 24 Ch 24- Rivals

    Anticipation arose as the two challenger''s names were called. The class was waiting to see what would happen between the two rivals. Looking at each other Wittorf and Caiman started making their way to the field.


    Wittorf was excited; he was hoping he would be matched up with Caiman. Things were going to be different this time. He had new tricks up his sleeve. He wasn''t going to pass out like their last competition.


    Taking his spot on the field Wittorf readied his hands. He was going to need to be quick with this. He knew that Caiman had also been practicing for this. He also knew the raven haired boy was not going to go easy on him.


    Raising the flare in the air the teacher gave them the same speech as before and fired it.


    Taking no time at all Caiman shouted his command first.


    "Energy lance!"


    A beam of light formed in his hand and in the same motion he launched it at Wittorf. Reacting quickly Wittorf jumped out of the way and began running. He tried to think about a word to use but Caiman was already there with another lance to throw at him.


    Wittorf dodged and weaved the incoming barrage of spears headed his way. It was just like with the boar. He had no time to react at all. All he could do was run. This was getting on his nerves. Why was he so slow to respond?


    He needed a second to think. But how was he going to find it? The barrages were endless unlike his stamina. Running took a lot out of him and he knew he was going to need to be on the offensive soon.


    "This is too easy! I told you a commoner like you was nothing."


    Mocking him Caiman continued to throw the lances. He could tell Wittorf was slowing down which meant it was just a matter of time before one of them struck him.


    He was not worried one bit. This lowly commoner was just another obstacle for him to overcome. Like so many in the past Caiman was going to blow through this. He could feel a little fatigue from throwing so many lances but he did not let that slow him down.


    "Energy bolt!"


    Wittorf managed a small bolt but it did not land anywhere close to Caiman who laughed at the futile attempt.


    "Multiple energy darts!"


    Small shards of energy shot from Wittorf''s hands towards Caiman who swiftly dodged them and chucked another lance. Caiman was able to dodge both his attacks with ease and continues the offensive.


    Was this really all Wittorf could do? Just throw small attacks at Caiman in hopes that it would land. He needed to be cautious. He did not want to expend all his mana too quickly. There was no saying how much he actually had available.


    It seemed to him as if Caiman had an unlimited source of mana. Where was he getting it all from? Was he really just that much better than Wittorf? Did lineage really play a part in success?


    He quickly shook those thoughts away as he continued running. Looking around for a place to hide Wittorf noticed the large tree on the other side of the track.


    Thinking quickly he rushed over to land behind it, bolts of energy slamming into the tree shaking it as he took a few deep breaths.


    Incantations are too instantiations he needed something more long term. The Connection words took a second to produce but lasted much longer than an incantation word. Perhaps he could use his new spell.


    Taking a deep breath in he concentrated on his palm. A ball appeared in it. He then focused hard on the thread appearing from the center of it connecting to the ball. Lances struck into the tree shaking it further. Wittorf tried his best to ignore them as he focused on the goal at hand.


    "Focus on the connection word, Stretching, Stretching. Make it as stretchy as possible."


    What about a second connection word? It was gutsy but it just might work. What else could be attributed to Wittorf? Ersa said he was a flexible mage. What did flexible mean, adaptable? Was he able to adapt to his environment?


    "It''s worth a shot."


    He thought of a second word, one that was used in one of the last fights as an incantation. One that seemed to last longer.


    "Stretchy, Sticky, Make the ball stick to whatever I wanted it to. Make it continue without breaking."


    The thread connected to the ball which was slowly turning into a rubbery like texture. It looked different than before. It looked ready.


    "Piercing energy lance!"


    A bolt of energy slammed into the tree shredding through it like paper a hole in the trunk of the tree revealed the other side. Steel was worried at first that the bolt went straight through Wittorf but there was no accompanying scream that followed.


    Diving out of the tree Wittorf was dashing towards Caiman with intent. He had his spell ready now he just needed to use it properly. He had trained for a week with it so he was a little more accurate and he knew better how to use it.


    This sticky attribute was going to be interesting to test out. Thinking hard on what to use it on Wittorf quickly swung his arms around and the yoyo followed whipping around him towards Caiman who smirked.


    "That isn''t going to do anything to me!"


    Caiman raised his hands up and called a new command.


    "Energy shield!"


    A round shield forms in Caimans right arm and he raises it to deflect the oncoming attack. Perfect! The attack connected and Caiman lowered his guard as he laughed.


    "That was all you managed to do with all that time? Pathetic."


    There was more to it Caiman raised his left arm to throw another spear and from Wittorfs other hand hid another yoyo!


    Flinging it towards Caimans hand as he lifted it he smirked and raised his shield arm to block. But it was not cooperating with him. What was going on? Caiman looked down at his shield to see the yoyo was still stuck to it and being dragged to the side to force his arm down.


    Looking at Wittorf, Caiman grunted as he tried to force his shield arm up. Wittorf did everything in his power to keep it down.


    Connection! The second yoyo found its mark on Caimans hand, wrapping around and sticking to the forearm.


    Snarling Caiman barks at Wittorf.


    "This isn''t going to stop me!"


    Running forward with his arms outstretched Wittorf kept Caimans arms on lock down. Struggling to move his arms inward Wittorf decided it was best to let him do just that. By quickly swinging his own arms inwards the momentum of the movement caused Caiman to jerk his arms faster than he anticipated.


    Wrapping his arms together the threads bound Caiman to himself. Struggling to break free Wittorf released both threads from his grasp and called on one last command.


    "Dull energy blast!"


    A dim bolt of energy shot forward from his hand and struck Caiman directly in the chest. The match was over and the crowd cheers as Wittorf falls to the ground on his butt. Exhausted from it all, Loat runs up and helps him back to his feet.


    "You did a great job Wittorf; you really showed that pompous noble what''s what."


    Smiling Wittorf stood up and patted the dust off himself. He looked around to see the rest of the group giving him thumbs up and calling for him. They both continued towards the stands when Steel called out the next match.


    "Loat since you are the only one left you will be facing me."


    Loat froze in place.

 25 Ch 25- Loats determination

    Loat was frozen in place with fear. He was just told he had to face the teacher on his own. How could he possibly defeat the teacher in a mock battle?


    "Don''t worry Loat I will only use what we have learned in class so far against you."


    That did not make him feel any better. He knew from his brothers teachings that experience beats out skills any day.


    Wittorf slaps Loat on the back and knocks him back into reality. He saw that his good friend was panicking and had to remind him of the goal at hand.


    "Don''t think of him as the teacher, think of his as your next step towards the Military Mage Division."


    Loat gave Wittorf a smirk and nodded. That''s right, all he had to do was focus on the task at hand and don''t let anything get in his way.


    He grabbed his training sword from his belt and drew it. It was dulled on purpose. He promised himself he would never draw a sharp blade until the day he entered in the Division.


    Steel gave a determined look and called out.


    "Alice, come count down for us!"


    An older well endowed woman who took the shape of a serpent from the waist down and the appearance of a school teacher from the waist up appeared out of thin air.


    "You called for me Steel?"


    "I will be conducting a match with this student. Please count down for us and keep score of who lands a direct hit to the chest."


    "Yes master, as you command."


    The snake woman raises her hand and out comes green flames. The flames shoot up into the air before bursting into small fireworks.


    Loat focuses his energy into his sword and readies it.


    "Energy slash!"


    A wave of energy slices out of the sword towards Steel who just stands there.


    Raising his arms in a power stance Steel calls out.


    "Energy Shroud!"


    Energy begins pouring out of his hands and covering his body in a layer of energy. He extends his hands out to block the incoming attack.


    The attack lands in his hands and he grasps it before shattering it into dust. Loat is surprised at his abilities but also understands that he''s going to have to work harder than that to win.


    Steel still does not move. Loat takes this time rush forward and slash two more times creating slicing waves towards Steel.


    "Gauge your opponent before running in recklessly."


    Steel raises his hands and goes to grab both attacks. Loat takes that time to swing once more directly in the center.


    Steel looks at the third one and smiles.


    "Did you think having my hands full would stop me from blocking your attacks?"


    Raising his foot in the air he kicks the third attack away from him. Loat stops for a moment. If those aren''t going to work what was he supposed to do, what else could he think to do with his sword?


    Breaking the other two attacks in his hands Steel rushes forward towards Loat. Distance was closed instantly as Steel seemed to sprint unnaturally fast towards Loat. He swung an arm around to land at Loats chest.


    Loat did everything in his power to block the attack with his sword and was pushed away by the mere force of the blow.


    Sliding away Loat kept his footing and began running away from Steel.


    "Never turn your back on your opponent!"


    Running towards Loat, Steel raised his hand and called out a command.


    "Dull energy blast!"


    A bolt of energy slams into Loats back and he coughs up some spit as he lunges forward onto his knees. Trying to get back up Loat notices a shadow appear in front of him. He looked up to see Steel directly in front of him now.


    "If you don''t do something fast you aren''t going to win this."


    He was no match against a teacher, what made him even think he stood a chance? Loat grips his sword and prepares for the finishing blow.


    "What are you doing Loat, are you giving up that quickly?"


    Shouted Wittorf from the stands, more students started cheering as well supporting the young spell-sword.


    Loat could hear their words of encouragement but what could he do against someone who was stronger and faster than he was?


    "That''s it!"


    Raising his leg back Steel prepared to kick Loat square in the chest.


    "Energy shroud!"


    Energy envelops Loat as he raises his sword to block the incoming blow. The kick connects with the sword and instead of being pushed back like before. Loat is able to hold it off even push him back a little.


    "Ah so you see where my power comes from and decided to try and mimic it?"


    Jumping back Steel prepares for the next attack.


    "Unless you know how to control the flow of your mana, that ability will drain you quickly."


    He could feel it too. The shroud of energy was quickly sapping his strength. If he was going to do something he needed to do it quickly.


    Close combat seemed like his only option so he decided to close the distance between him and Steel as quickly as he could. The boost in speed he gained from the shroud surprised him a little but he quickly adjusted to it.


    Swinging his sword with skill Loat tried to land a blow on Steel but he was dodging just as easily. It was tough to keep this up. Loat needed to use his trump card now.


    "Energy flash!"


    Loats sword began to glow bright as it blinded Steel who was not prepared for it. Using the time he had Loat swung his sword to land on Steel chest but was suddenly out of air as Steels fist slammed into his chest.


    Loat went flying and rolled on the ground a few times before stopping. The shroud disappeared and he slowly got back up. Steel walked up towards him and extended his hand.


    "Your brother would be proud of what you did today."


    Grabbing his teachers hand Loat looked up surprised at the words that came out of Steels mouth. He knew about his brother and about his goals?


    The class all gathered around Steel who smiled at them all.


    "Some of you won today and some of you lost, but I hope you all learned more about yourselves today."


    The students look at each other and smile. Steel beckons Alice over who promptly slithers over.


    "This is Alice, my familiar. As mages you will all require a familiar to help guide you in your studies. "


    Bowing, Alice looks over all the students, her sharp gaze almost petrifying as she speaks.


    "Soon it will be your turn to make a contract with one of my kind. Do not take it so lightly."


    He was excited now. Wittorf did not know when but he knew someday he would get his very own Familiar and that would be the start of his adventure. Reading fairy tales in the past he had heard about the first time a human made a contract with a Familiar.


    It was long ago before people even knew about magic. Ever since that day mages began sprouting up left and right. He was going to be one of those mages soon.


    "Everyone your assignment for today is to find something precious to you and bring it class tomorrow."


    Something precious? Wittorf didn''t have many precious things in his life aside from Lana. He was certain he was not allowed to bring her to class. So it looks like he will have a long day ahead of him.

 26 Ch 26- Something precious

    Sitting in his room contemplating what is precious to him. Wittorf stares off into space as he thinks. He did not have very many things to his name. He only brought with him some clothes and snacks and his photo of Lana. He was a little embarrassed to bring something like that to class.


    He looked at the pendant around his neck and thought about it. While it did come from his parents and was the only thing he had that connected him to these people. He only just received it and did not feel too attached to it.


    Why did Steel need them to do this? What was the importance of bringing something precious to school? Why couldn''t it be something simple like something he liked or something cool. He could probably figure something out then.


    Deciding that sitting around his room was not going to get him anywhere he stood up and began walking around the school. Perhaps some exercise would help jolt some ideas.


    Wandering around the building aimlessly Wittorf stumbles across Diel and Sedian who are hanging out in the cafeteria. They spot Wittorf and Diel calls out to him.


    "Hey Wittorf, what are you up to?"


    "Not much just thinking about our homework."


    "Oh, you mean the precious thing. Did you come up with anything?"


    "Not yet I can''t think of anything, what about you guys?"


    Laughing to himself Diel pulls out a wooden comb and reveals it with confidence. Wittorf had no clue what it meant to him. It looked old and small. Perhaps something you would give to a child to practice combing their hair.


    "This comb was the first thing I was ever given by my mother. She knew how beautiful I would be and wanted me to prepare myself for that day."


    Wittorf smiled warmly and looked at the comb again. It held meaning to Diel because it was a gift from his mother, that made sense. Looking at Sedian he wondered what item Sedian thought was precious to him.


    As if reading his mind Sedian pulled out some small triangles. They looked like small building blocks. Sedian looked at them with his deadpan expression and commented.


    "These were my first traps. Simple caltrops."


    Looking at what looked like harmless building blocks he could see the damage they would cause if stepped on. He shivered a little at the idea. Watching both of his class mates stare at their items Wittorf wondered if maybe he had something like that.


    "Try not to think to hard about it." Diel recommended "You will know what''s precious when you see it."


    Wittorf continued walking on as he thought about Diels words. He looked back down at his pendant and wondered if that was really the precious item of his. It might have been his actual parents, but it was given to him by his foster mother, the one woman who he loved the most.


    "Watch out!"


    Wittorf stopped in his tracks moments before running into a pillar. It was the same pillar that Sai almost ran into while she was day dreaming. Perhaps they shouldn''t of put that pillar there. It seemed like a bad place.


    Turning around to see who warned him he noticed Sai and Kai watching him. Kai was frowning and looked disappointed while Sai had her arm out. He could tell it was Sai who warned him.


    "Oh, come on it would have been funny to watch him hit the pillar Sai."


    "That''s not funny sister."


    Kai and Sai walk up to Wittorf and Kai smiles his way. Hiding behind her sister, Sai nervously smiles a well. She was as cute as ever. Her sister now that he had a chance to look her over was also very beautiful.


    She was definitely more filled out than her sister, but her confidence was so much more noticeable. Her blue hair and light blue eyes were fierce. Her smile was playful but also seemed dangerous. He was not sure if he wanted to be around her for long. An idea popped into his head.


    "Did you figure out what you were going to bring tomorrow?"


    Gently caressing a hair clip on her head Kai smiles.


    "I did, it was the first gift given to me my by sister."


    Blushing Sai looks to the ground and pulls out a worn bookmark.


    "this was also given to me by my sister."


    Looking at both girls showing their items off Wittorf wishes he had a sibling to give him something. Kai grabs Sais hand and drags her away.


    "Sorry Wittorf, we have cleaning to do today so we can''t hang around."


    It seemed like they always got put on cleaning duty. It was good to at least see Kai not skipping out this time. He continues his walk and thinks back to the four students who all had something simple yet valuable to them.


    Perhaps the picture of Lana was all he needed. It was precious to him indeed and it meant a lot to him. He made his way outside and sat down on a bench to relax and absorb in everything.


    Looking over to the field he noticed Loat training with his sword. He had not talked to Loat yet. Wondering what he was going to bring Wittorf decided to make his way over there.


    Loat was swinging his sword repeatedly. Wittorf noticed a weight was on the blade of Loats sword and Loat was sweating profusely. He also noticed a very thin line formed around Loat. It looked like the energy shroud that was used in the previous fight but much thinner.


    "Hey Loat, how is training?"


    Stopping his action, the shroud dissipated, and Loat looked at his best friend. Smiling he grabs a rag from the dummy near him and wipes his face.


    "Going good so far, what about you?"


    "I''m trying to figure out what personal item I want to bring to class tomorrow."


    "What about your pendant?"


    "I''m not sure if it would count since its such a new item for me."


    Loat smacks Wittorfs back and laughs.


    "Of course, it could count. Wasn''t it something your parents passed down to you?"


    "Yea but I never knew them."


    "That''s not a big deal it was an item passed down to someone they loved."


    "You think so?"


    "I do!"


    He decided that Loat was right. It was great to have such a good friend who would help him in times of trouble. Loat grabbed some water and drank it. He felt refreshed and ready to continue training. To him, his body was just as important as his mind. So, he made sure to train every day this way.


    Wittorf decided that maybe its time he got some training in today as well. He decided he would use the pendant tomorrow and now that it was off his mind, he could focus on something else.


    The next day arrived and everyone was eagerly awaiting to show off their item and share the memories. Steel entered the room and everyone went silent. He walked to the front of the classroom and looked over everyone.


    Beaming in their seats except for Caiman who was sitting there with a slight frown on his face. The class was filled with excited energy.


    "I assume you all followed my instructions and brought something valuable to class today?"


    The entire class shouts "Yes, Sir!"


    "Good, I would like each of you to come up to the front of the class and talk about the importance of your item."


    Kai went first she walked up to the front of the class and turned around slowly while tilting her head so everyone could see the elaborate hair pin she was wearing. She giggled and Diel melted in his seat.


    "This was a gift given to me by Sai when we were five. She went out with dad and picked it out during our birthday. Ever since that day I''ve worn it on special occasions. Today is an exception!"


    Kai goes to sit back down, Sai goes next. She wanders up slowly and turns around and quickly begins to blush as the students all look at her.


    Mumbling Sai quickly explains that the bookmark was also given to her on her 5th birthday by Kai and that she has used it to keep track of all her books since then.


    Each of the students all take their turns talking about their items and it gets to Loat who reveals a beautiful antique sword. He explained that it was passed down from his family for generations and that it holds power in it for anyone of his bloodline.


    Wittorf takes his turn and when he goes to explain the pendant, he realizes he still does not feel right about using it.


    "This was a pendant given to me by my foster mother. It was a present from my real parents. I never knew them and still don''t. This is all I have left of them."


    Caiman stands up and walks to the front of the class and smirks. He knew what this was all about or at least he had a really good idea. He pulled out a pouch of something and showed it to the class.


    "This is bone dust from a dragon bone. It has not value to me other than the fact that it will help me create a powerful familiar."


    What was he talking about, summoning a familiar, is this what we were going to be doing with these objects? If everyone knew that would that of changed what kind of items they would use?


    Steel waves Caiman back to his seat and walks back up to the front of the class.


    "Caiman is correct in one thing. Each of the items you brought with you will be used to help you create your contract with a familiar. The reason I had you bring something of value to you I wanted to make sure that the familiar you contract with fits your personality as close as possible."


    We were about to summon a familiar! He was about to have his own amazing partner!

 27 Ch 27- Secur

    Standing in a room the class has never entered before they see around them a dome shape room with intricate symbols carved into the wall itself dimly glowing. Inside the room is nothing aside from a slightly raised circular platform with a ritualistic circle in it.


    Steel waited on the other side of the circle for the class to finish entering the room. Amazed at what he saw Wittorf could not keep his composure. His eyes were darting around the room looking at all the carvings and marks that signified old magic.


    He had hoped one day that he could eventually learn to read magic script like that. Finished waiting Steel snapped his fingers and the door behind them shut on its own. He smiled as some of the students jumped.


    "Here is where you will all make your contract with your new partners. Remember that they are in fact partners and not tools."


    The kids nodded as they waited for him to continue. Caiman was not paying attention to his words. He was already feeling impatient he just wanted to get this over with and continue onto the next step.


    Wittorf on the other hand was impatient as well but he was soaking up every work his teacher said. He was excited to finally get to meet his first partner in the magical arts. What kind of familiar was it going to be?


    "Before we begin I need to explain the three types of familiars."


    There were three types? That was news to Wittorf. Quickly shaking his thoughts away he listened to what Steel had to say.


    "The first category is a humanoid familiar. They are meant to guide a young mage in their training. Helping them grow emotionally."


    He calls for Alice and she appears in front of him, her serpent body coiling around to make room next to him. Her firm demeanor washing over the class as they all froze in place. She was beautiful but something scared them.


    "The second type of familiar is monstrous. Like Alice here. They are meant to help protect their masters and are very good at combat."


    Steel raises three fingers and Wittorf is shaking with excitement.


    "The third type of familiar is an elemental one. They imbue their masters with strength, fusing with them to create stronger abilities and to overcome difficult obstacles."


    Looking at each student individually Steel smiles and lowers his hand.


    "I can''t wait to see who you pick."


    Pointing at Sedian, Steel waves him forward to stand at the front of the circle.


    "Place the item you chose yesterday in the center of the circle and call out to your familiar."


    Sedian takes the building blocks and places them exactly where he was told and pauses for a second. He was not exactly sure how to call out to a familiar. He wondered if perhaps he should start with a joke or maybe move onto more professional stuff.


    "I seek an audience with the king!"


    Silence filled the room as everyone waited to see what was going to happen. If this was a joke it was lost on everyone. Sedian continues to stare at the circle.


    Nothing happened for a good while Sedian was not really sure what to say next. He could try to joke again but maybe it wasn''t time for this. That quickly left his thought, for him every day was a good day to tell a joke. He decided to try again.


    "I want to speak to the king now!"


    His expression not changing one bit from his usual look, finally something spoke back.


    "Gimme."


    What was with that squeaky voice? Was this some kind of joke? If it was Sedian was not laughing. Although no one had ever seen him laugh so that was pretty normal.


    Sedian looked at the center of the circle and noticed that a small dark area appeared in the center and from it two small dark animal like hands were poking out of it reaching around the rim of the dark spot searching for something.


    "Gimme, Gimme"


    Was he looking for the blocks that he placed there? He wanted to see exactly what this creature was. Sedian walks up and moves the blocks to be out of reach of the hands. He thought it was funny the hands kept getting really close but not quite reaching the blocks.


    Slowly he was able to get the creature to come out of the dark hole. Out appeared a raccoon covered in a black mist, his eyes wide and looking around, his nose sniffing the air as he watched Sedian.


    "Mine now."


    The raccoon quickly swipes the blocks from out of Sedians hands and places them in his chest which seems to be made of the same black misty substance. They disappear and the Raccoon looks at Sedian with his large round eyes.


    Sedian is not sure what to do with this new information. There was a raccoon staring at him. It looked pretty cute considering it was a black misty raccoon.


    "Are you the king?"


    "I''m no king I am Secur, who are you?


    "Sedian, I am your new partner."


    "Sedian is Securs partner?"


    "It would appear so."


    Looking at Steel Sedian did not know what to say. He looks back at Secur who is just watching him looking over his person for anything that might be important to him. Secur wanted something shiny he could tell this boy had something he just couldn''t find it.


    Steel smiles and looks at Sedian. He was curious to see what Sedian would do with this familiar.


    "Looks like you have a monstrous familiar from the shadow family."


    Steel calls out to Secur. Secur jumps a little and looks at the large intimidating man. Looking for anything useful to him. Unfortunately this man also lacked cool stuff. What was wrong with these humans. Don''t they know shiny things have to be given to him?


    "You have something for this boy don''t you Secur?"


    The raccoons eyes dart from Steel and back at Sedian before reaching into his chest and pulling out a comically large book. He sniffs it all over and looks at Sedian before handing it to him.


    "Take, take!"


    Sedian looks at the book and back at Steel who waves him to take it. He does so and the raccoon begins speaking quickly.


    "The contract is complete now Secur and Sedian are united as one. You may now kiss the bride!"


    Sedian looks confused and looks at the raccoon whose lips are puckered in a funny fashion. The raccoon does not move at all Sedian bends down and picks up the raccoon who had one eye open now looking at Sedian with excitement.


    Sedian looks at the raccoon that is making a kissy face and just before it kisses him Secur smack Sedian in the face with its tiny raccoon paw and laughs.


    "You''re funny, Secur likes you."


    The class laughs at the act that is taking place and Wittorf wonders if he will get something weird like that one. Hopefully not, he wanted one that was cool.


    "Open the grimoire Sedian." Steel insists. "Inside, it''s past will open doors to your future."


    Raising the large grimoire Sedian opens it and inside he sees memories of his own past. Growing up with a lower noble family. Raised to become a proper gentleman in a boarding school that disciplined bad behavior with an iron fist.


    Tosses aside when his lack of emotions ruined his chances to marry up. Forgotten by a family that no longer had any use for him. Raising a second son to take his place. Sedian became a shadow in the light that was his family. Constantly playing tricks to be noticed by them and by those around him.


    Scolded when they worked. Sedians entire life was playing before his eyes. It did not phase him. At least from his outward appearance he did not appear that way.


    He also saw something better. He saw the light that came from a smile. A friend that brought him out of his own mind. Someone that focused on him and cared. A gentle hand that guided him to find more friends.


    No one could see what Sedian saw and that was good because he was not someone who liked to share his past. He wondered how this book knew so much about him. He wondered if perhaps this book really could tell the future.


    The book slowed down and eventually as he turns the page it becomes blank.


    "Is that it?" He thought he would see the future in this book. Sedian looks up at Steel and tilts his head. He was not sure what it meant.


    Steel just nodded; he knew Sedian would not understand at first. Sedian closed the book and Secur climbs on Sedians back. They walk back to the rest of the students.


    Steel looks at the students and points to Sai. She looks nervous and takes a step forward.

 28 Ch 28- Summoning part 1

    She was beyond nervous. The entire class was silently waiting to see what she summoned. She knew she had to produce something interesting or people would dislike her. Sai toon a nervous step forward until she was in front of the circle. She slowly places her bookmark in the center and quickly stepped back.


    "Call out to your new partner."


    Her eyes scanned the room as people waited in anticipation. Her eyes stop on Wittorf who looks really excited. She quickly looks back to the circle and gains a little confidence. She was not sure why but that boy encouraged her to be stronger.


    She took a deep breath in and as loud as she could which was just slightly more than a mumble she called out.


    "Familiar, come out please."


    A response was given instantly. It caused Sai to jump and cower a little at the strong voice that called back.


    "Yes, little miss."


    A man appears with sharp almost angry looking eyes staring at her. The man was wearing a butler suit and had his hands behind his back propping it up to have him standing tall. His greying hair was short and combed properly.


    Sai looked at the ground and started getting even more uncomfortable. She saw this new person and couldn''t look him in the eye. His gaze was scary.


    The butler looks slightly irritated as he takes a deep breath in. He then yells at her.


    "Lift your head young miss, stand tall and raise your voice!"


    Quickly standing tall and lifting her head to look at this man she quickly yelped out.


    "Yes sir!"


    "You are a proper mage and you should act like one young miss."


    This man was very adamant. His expression not changing at all. She felt as if he was staring straight through her. It made her dizzy to stare at him for so long. He takes a step forward and she cowers back a little. Pulling from his jacket a small journal he hands it too her.


    "This is yours now young miss."


    She focuses on the journal relieved she no longer needs to look at the intimidating figure. She grabs the journal and opens it.


    Revealing her past Sai could see her upbringing. Living in a small home with her mother and sister, her father coming home from work. His hands blistered and bleeding from hard work doing carpentry. Watching herself run to him every day hugging him and getting praise.


    She watched as her mother who worked at the library would read her books until she was old enough to read for herself and began delving into the world of fairytales. As he grew older she began to learn more about the world and about the situation her family was in. Both parents working unnatural hours every day to bring food on the table and to make them happy.


    She lamented the idea that her family was working so hard for her. Her determination filled heart switched from fairy tales to books on growth and science. Trying to learn everything she could to get ahead in life.


    She saw moments with her sister and how they would play together. Although her sister was always so rough and energetic. She loved her none the less. She saw images of them with other people and constantly found herself in the shadow of her sister.


    Never standing out of fitting in. People always ignored her when her sister was around. But she did not mind it all that much. Company always flustered her and people were always so loud. Although she did from time to time wish someone would talk to her instead.


    That is when memories of Wittorf appeared in the journal. The first time he talked to her and the time he helped her with cleaning. How he cheered her on during the fight.


    She blushed when she saw those memories. She was happy and content knowing there was at least one person who she could call a friend.


    The book closed and Sai was left there smiling. The butler looks at her and smiles back.


    "It would seem you have a very good life little miss."


    "I do and it''s thanks to everyone around me."


    "My name is Felt and from this day forward I will be your loyal servant."


    "My name is Sai, it''s nice to meet you Felt."


    "Likewise, little miss."


    Wittorf was amazed at the utter difference in appearance and attitude that the two Familiars had. He was very surprised that just like humans, Familiars also had a wide variety of personalities. He hoped that he would get a familiar closer to Sai''s.


    Walking back to the rest of the class. Felt waited behind Sai in a normal butler fashion. Sai was still not used to having someone at her beck and call, so she was kind of uncomfortable.


    Pointing to the next person Steel calls Kai forth who walks past Sai and smiles.


    "I''m going to get something really cool just you watch sister!"


    "Good luck!" Sai mumbles back to her.


    Kai steps forward and takes her hair clip out and places it in the center of the circle. She then stands back and calls out to her familiar.


    "Give me something cool alright? While you''re at it make it super cute!"


    A voice responds back to her.


    "I''ll give you cute, I''ll give you cool, because its me and I rule!"


    Vines begin to crawl their way out of the circle and from the center a flower rises and blooms and from the center appears a cute little girl made of plants and flowers.


    Her hair looks like cherry blossoms and her skin is a light green color. Her eyes are deep and brown, and her smile is innocent. Vines cover her and act as a dress.


    "You called for me I see."


    Kai smiles and looks excited she runs up and picks the small creature up. Lifting it in the air and squealing.


    "Oh, you''re so cute!"


    "Put me down before I frown."


    "Your rhymes are even cute!"


    The plant girl uses vines to wrap around Kai who is tickled by them. She lets go of the plant and it spins before landing back on the flower with a bow. Kai claps and jumps which seems to excite the Familiar.


    "I have a present for you!"


    The plant girl reaches into the vines and pulls out a green book with a leaf pattern. She summons a plant to bring the book to Kai''s height and she picks it up.


    Opening the book Kai is quickly ensnared in the mental images that followed.


    The days playing at her father''s work place. Helping him with his tasks and watching him smile, coming home to her loving mother who always had food on the table. She loved the stories told to her about the strong mages who always helped people in need. She wanted to be like that, a powerful mage who was liked by all.


    It wasn''t until they were both of age to be picked for potential that her dream really became a reality. Her sister looked confident that day and that made her happy. She saw images of them playing together and saw all the protesting and flustering she caused her sister. It was fun but she knew when to stop.


    When they went out to play with other kids she would always have to try pushing her sister out in front to introduce her and of course her sister would just struggle harder to hide behind her.


    She saw the struggle her family went through and did everything in her power to lighten that burden. Lighten it as much as a tiny child could. She was not afraid to get her hands dirty. In fact she loved it. She was kind of a tomboy.


    Realizing that it was who you knew that got you where you are. Kai would constantly befriend anyone she met. She never knew when someone would be able to help her and in return she would help them. While she understood that she also understood that there is always a give and take in a relationship.


    She see''s the images of boys constantly confessing to her and being rejected by her. She also see''s Diel, the boy who would never give up. That made her giggle. She liked him but did not want to tell that too his face. He still had some growing up to do before she would consider dating him.


    The book closes and the plant girl moves closer to her extending a vine to shake her hand.


    "My name is violet what''s yours?


    "It Kai, it''s so nice to meet you."


    "You too Kai, just like me you seem really cool too!"


    She picks up violet and holds her in her arms. She then walks back to the class and waits to see who goes next. Secur and Sedian are kind of goofing around and Felt is constantly forcing Sai to stand up straight.


    Kai was happy with this change of pace. It seemed that everyone had lightened up a bit more.


    "Diel your up next!"

 29 Ch 29- Summoning part 2

    It was his turn and he knew exactly what kind of familiar he wanted. He could picture it now, curvy, round, beautiful, with large eyes and a smile that would kill from a mile away. He wanted a beautiful humanoid familiar!


    Diel walked up to the summoning circle and placed his comb there gently and stood back. He was ready for this.


    "Come to me Familiar, bring to me your beauty and splendor! Show me what I most desire!"


    "Oh master!" A seductive voice called out


    Diel''s face quickly turns red as gains a little nose bleed.


    "It''s perfect already!"


    "Oh master!" another seductive voice calls out to him.


    His red face becomes even redder as his nose bleed just about knocks him out. He could not believe it. Was he getting two beautiful women? He tried his best to keep his composure but he couldn''t help but smirk like an idiot.


    "Hold on ladies, someone is calling me." A deep baritone voice calls out from the void.


    DIel takes a step back and looks severely confused. Where did that man''s voice come from? Was he about to get a third familiar? But he didn''t want a guy ruining anything. He calls out to the circle.


    "Oh no sir you can stay where you are."


    "Well make up your mind boy I have important guests to entertain."


    Boy, guests? Who was this guy talking to? He just wanted to hear the women''s voices again.


    "Please ladies, come to me!"


    "Sorry kid that''s against the rules. You summoned me and I will be the only one coming through that circle."


    No it can''t be he''s getting a man for a familiar. This was the worst case scenario! Diel couldn''t help but fall to the ground in defeat. His dreams of having a beautiful familiar was dashed before it even began.


    The circle opens up and out appears a muscular shirtless man with beautiful short black hair and goatee. His tight short shorts almost plastered to his legs. Posed like a muscle man. Diel is hopelessly crying now.


    The large man walks over to Diel and picks him up by his head and raises him to be standing again. He places the boy down and he wobbly stays up.


    "This is not the attitude of the master who summoned me!"


    "He''s so muscular¡­"


    Ah, yes I spend many years perfecting this form of mine. Do you agree it is flawless?"


    "He''s not a woman¡­"


    "Of course I am no woman I am 100% a manly man and given time I will show you how to become one as well tiny master!"


    Diel lowers his head. He has given up all hope of becoming a powerful mage now. All he wanted to do was go home and curl up in a ball.


    "Wow he looks so cool." Kai shouts from the back.


    Suddenly Diels head shoots up and looks at his new partner. He then turns around to see Kai looks impressed. Smiling Diel lifts his thumb up and gives a handsome smile.


    "Of course he is my love, he is my familiar after all!"


    Turning back to face the Familiar he notices that his Familiar is frowning now.


    "Tiny master, why do you change your attitude so quickly? You should not hide who you are just for someone else."


    "I''m not hiding anything good friend. What''s your name anyway?"


    "That''s a great question and here is a great answer!"


    He flexes and points his arms to the air before turning his head to face Diel.


    "It''s Amell!"


    Loat looks at him and nods his head.


    "Good it''s nice to meet you, Amell. My name is Diel and from this point forward you will be my second wingman!"


    "Only losers need a wingman. I am going to teach you how to win the ladies without the assistance of someone else!"


    Diel quickly grabs his hand and starts shaking it up and down frantically.


    "You are amazing master! I can''t wait to learn from you!"


    "Yes pupil I will teach you much!"


    Wittorf laughed a little. Wasn''t Diel supposed to be the master in this relationship? Who really cares as long as they get along. He hoped he would be as connected with his familiar as everyone else was with theirs.


    "Before we end this transaction pupil you must first read this."


    Amell flexes his pecks and from between them a flip book is revealed. He pulls it out and hands it to Diel. Quickly opening it Diel is barraged with images in his mind.


    Times of his growing up in poverty, his father going off into war never to return, his mother crying every day. The fact that he had to pick up jobs at a young age to maintain the household income.


    These images flooded his mind each day on the brink of exhaustion just to keep his depressed mom alive. It was not all bad though. He had found the silver lining in a friend. An emotionless and tricky friend but one none the less.


    Images of Diel and Sedian playing at a young age came to mind and he loved those days. Flirting with the girls and playing pranks on the boys and adults in his life. They would work together to get a job done and Sedian always gave his half to Diel who never once took him for granted.


    The day he was told about his talent for magic was the day he realized his mother would never need to worry again. Getting into the grand academy meant that the family of the kid enrolled would be looked after during their time in the academy.


    He could finally take a breather and enjoy his youth. The day he entered in to the Grand Academy was the day he met his true love. Hair as beautiful and shiny as the stars above. Eyes that pierced his heart every time she looked his way.


    He loved it here and better yet his best friend was here with him. He would not have known what to do if Sedian was not here. Together they learned how to manipulate magic and create their own spells. Training each day to improve.


    The book closes and Amell smiles and pats Diel hard on the back. Almost knocking him over.


    "Well boy it looks like you do have some integrity to you after all!"


    He starts laughing loudly as they walk back to their classmates. He stands next to Sedian and the Raccoon looks at Amell with wide eyes and the man pats it on the head.


    Steel calls out Loat next and he rushes towards the magic circle. He carefully places the sword in the circle and steps out of it. He looks up and calls out confidently.


    "For generations my family has called upon you. I now seek your assistance. Please come forward Wyrd!


    Wind blows from the center of the circle and out flies a large green bird with blue eyes and yellow streaks in his feathers. It flies in the air and lands on the circle tiling its head to look at Loat.


    "Another Steel guard huh."


    "Yes sir, my family requests your services once more."


    "Very well show me you have what it takes."


    "What it takes?"


    A book appears out of thin air and slowly floats down to Loats hands. He grabs it and it opens. Inside Loat can see the memories of his past.


    Admiration adorned his face as he watched his older brother casting spells left and right. Using grace and charm his brother was the epitome of class. Loat had always thought to himself that he would love to be like his brother.


    He would train everyday even though he possessed no magic, yet he was still training. He would carry a sword too big for his tiny body and swing it over and over again. His brother would supervise him and teach him how to swing it properly.


    His brother was so proud of his dedication to bettering himself. He would often take breaks and take him out to get ice cream or something sweet as a reward for working so hard. His parents were also proud of what he was going to become but that did not stop them from being a little too overbearing sometimes.


    Constantly scolding him if he did not get straight As and always making him train instead of goof off. If not for his bigger brother, he would not even know what goofing off was.


    Loat had big shoes to fill and he was a little nervous at trying to complete the task at hand but he knew he could do it, he wanted to do it.


    The book closes and the bird looks at Loat.


    "Very well Loat Steel guard, I shall accompany you on your journey."


    "I appreciate it Wyrd, you have always been loyal to my family. I promise not to let you down!"


    Loat and Wyrd head back to the classmates. It was just down to Caiman and Wittorf now. Wittorf looked at Caiman. He knew he had to do better than Caiman in this regard. He could not lose to him anymore.


    Steel called out the next name.


    "Caiman front and center!"

 30 CH 30- Who?

    Walking past the rest of the class, Caiman smirks and stops at the circle. He turns around and proclaims.


    "You all chose items close to you without realizing what this was all about."


    He pulls out a small sack from his coat and shows it off.


    "I on the other hand have chosen something that would bring me power."


    Turning back to the circle he places the sack in the center before stepping back. He had prepared for this for years. He knew exactly what item he would use. Dragon bone dust, a powerful conduit for summoning powerful Familiars. Pass down from his family since the beginning of his lineage.


    "Come to me Dea, I command you to appear before me!"


    "As you wish master." A delicate voice responds.


    From the circle the sack is opened and the dust inside swirls around to create a dark mist. The mist begins to form into a dress starting from the bottom up its black and white design slowly until it forms a young pale girl with long black wavy hair. In her hand is a large tome with black swirling mist mixed in the cover.


    She stares at the young man who summoned her expressionless and unmoving. Caiman walks up to her and grabs the book from her hand. She stares at him and smiles.


    "You understand the price that comes from my book do you not?"


    "I know that it holds the power I need and that is all that matters."


    "It holds more than that master."


    Opening the book Caiman''s eyes widen as images invade him. The book closes and Caiman is surprised for a moment. He stares at Dea and she gives him a blank expression.


    "Do you understand now?"


    "I will fight it."


    "You will succumb to the same fate as your kin then."


    Returning to his classmates Caiman ignores the looks his concerned classmates give him. They did not see what he saw. He knew this power came with a cost. He was willing to pay it.


    Steel claps his hands together and calls out to the class.


    "Wittorf, you''re last. Step forward and begin your contract."


    Taking a deep breath in Wittorf tries to calm himself. He is shaking from the anticipation. It was finally his turn. He wanted so badly to summon something cool, something interesting, something unique. But what words would he use? He was too excited to even think of anything.


    Stepping up to the circle he took his pendant off and placed it in the center. Stepping back Wittorf thought for a second just how he would call his new partner.


    "Welcome to-"


    The circle begins to glow suddenly. He had not even finished his incantation. What was going on? The circle glows and sparks shoot out. Voice call out in Wittorfs head back and forth.


    "Not yet I still have work to do!"


    "You sold our freedoms!"


    "You don''t understand a think Fargus!"


    "I know I''ll enjoy this!"


    Screaming can be heard as the circle sparks even more. The white sparks turn red and ominous. Out of nowhere a man appears on the floor in the circle and the sparks disappear. The man is wearing a brown trench coat and has grey hair. He struggles to his feet, Wittorf runs up to help him.


    "Are you okay?"


    "Where am I?"


    The man looks up at Wittorf and squints.


    "Who are you, what am I doing here?"


    The class is surprised at the outcome. This was kind of scary. But mostly it was concerning to Wittorf. Had he failed in his summoning? This familiar looked alright but why did he get summoned so violently? Steel walks up to the two and looks at the Familiar.


    "Do you know where you are?"


    "I-I don''t know¡­"


    "This is the grand academy in the land of humans."


    "Land of humans¡­ I had something I needed to do."


    He was worried now Wittorf could tell there was something wrong with this man. He seemed to have some kind of amnesia. This was certainly not something Wittorf was expecting.


    "What''s your name? Mine is Wittorf."


    Extending his hand towards the Familiar. The man takes the young boys hand and shakes it slowly while looking around confused.


    "Nil."


    Steel was not sure what to do but he needed to check something.


    "Do you have something for your master?"


    "Master?"


    "This young boy in front of you is your master now."


    Staring into Wittorfs eyes, Nil could see a connection between them. Something sparked in his mind and he realized he was supposed to give his master a book. Something to signify a contract. But where was this book?


    Searching his person, Nil could not find anything. He reached into his jacket and felt something paper like. Ah ha! He found it. He pulls it out and presents it to Wittorf with confidence!


    Wittorf and Steel were shocked. The young boy looked worked up and the teacher was irritated. He could not believe what the Familiar had pulled out. It was a magazine called "Pleasing my Master." On the cover was a scantily clad cat girl Familiar.


    Grabbing the magazine and throwing it on the ground Wittorf was flustered. This was his special day and he was finally meeting his partner, and this happens? Was he not meant to do anything unique? Was he really forced to fail in everything he did?


    He slowly regained his emotions as he looked at the scared and confused Familiar. It was not the Familiars fault that this happened. He was just summoned out of nowhere to serve some kid. He needed to see It from his perspective.


    "How are you feeling?"


    "I guess I feel alright."


    Class was over and Steel informed the class that they needed to get to know their Familiar. They needed to spend tomorrow with their new partners to learn all that they can.


    "Wittorf, I need you and Nil to come with me. We have to see the Headmaster."

 31 CH 31- What to do?

    A knock was heard on the door leading to the Headmasters room. Windson looked up from his work and replied.


    "Enter."


    Walking in was Steel followed by Wittorf and Nil. Apologizing for his interruption Steel quickly explained the situation to Windson. Who looked over Nil from his desk.


    "Interesting, so he has no memory of who he was and he also contains no grimoire?"


    "That is correct sir, I thought maybe you might be able to help."


    "I do know quite a bit about Familiars but this is brand new to me. It would see we will need to make a pseudo grimoire for the boy until Nil''s manifests."


    A pseudo grimoire? Wittorf had never heard of something like that before. What kind of book was it? Question after question plagued the young boys mind and it seemed as if no answers were going to be given any time soon.


    The Headmaster stood up from his desk and walked over to one of the many bookshelves that lined his office. He pulled out a plain white book with no defining marks on it and returned to his desk. Opening the book he turned it around and pushed it towards Wittorf.


    "Sign your name here and use this for now."


    There was a black line on the inside cover of the book that seemed to be the only thing on there. Wittorf grabbed a pen from off the desk and wrote his name in it. The book began to glow as his name disappeared from the line. Slowly the book began to take a new shape. A slightly blue cover with yellow pages.


    "From this point forward you will use this book to record your spells. Any spells you currently know will be inscribed in this book. Take good care of it and be sure not to lose it. A mages grimoire is his life and history."


    "Yes sir, thank you very much."


    "Now onto what to do about your Familiar, Nil was it?"


    "Yes."


    "You don''t remember anything at all?"


    "No, nothing."


    "For now I would like you to stay by Wittorfs side and work hard regain your memories. Maybe go for a walk. Fresh air always did me good when I was having troubles."


    Wittorf and Nil give a slight bow and head out of the room. Steel closes the door and turns to Windson.


    "Sir, This is unusual to say the least. What could this mean?"


    "Nil huh, so it seems he even forgot his real name."


    "Sir?"


    "Oh it''s nothing. I would keep a close eye on those two Steel. Keep him safe alright?"


    "Yes sir!"


    Walking down the hallways Wittorf and Nil are silent. This was new to him, he honestly did not know what to say to his new partner. Nil was looking around at all the classrooms they passed. Each one filled with students and some with familiars as well. He was amazed at all the different people and felt comfortable here. As if he had lived here before.


    Continuing to the front gates Nil spots two familiar faces. He smiles and waves to them. Wittorf looks disappointed. He was not sure why but he always seemed to find this guy waiting at the front gates. Was his specialty just annoying people? Caiman and Dea are walking in from the front gates.


    They notice Nil waving towards them and promptly ignore him as they continue walking by. Nil stops waving mid way as they pass him by. He looks at them confused and a little irritated. He looks at Wittorf who is walking way ahead of him now. Catching up to his master he is even more confused.


    "Wasn''t that one of your classmates?"


    "It was."


    "Why didn''t he wave back?"


    "Because he is pompous."


    "Oh, I didn''t know that."


    "Where are we headed?"


    "I was thinking we could go wander around town for a bit."


    "Oh that''s a wonderful idea, maybe it will help!"


    They leave the academy and make their way into the city. Nil is amazed by all the people walking around. Each one of them seemed like they had somewhere to be. The buildings were beautiful, their slightly worn bricks and the dirty wood planks gave them a feeling of being homey. He felt so comfortable here. Why was that? he had never been anywhere like this before as far as he knew.


    They continued walking around and after a few hours decided to rest at a cafe. Sitting down Wittorf ordered a simple lunch and Nil copied him. Not really knowing what he liked. As they ate Nil looked around the room and saw all kinds of people eating. Even saw some humanoid familiars eating with their partners. He looked over at Wittorf who seemed to be lost in thought.


    He knew it must be bothersome to have to help someone like him. He wished he could give some advice to his master. He felt it was almost an obligation to give advice. But what kind of advice could he give when he knew nothing?


    "Everything is going to be alright."


    "I know I just can''t stop thinking about what we could do to help you,"


    He continued to eat his lunch quietly. When suddenly something pinged his attention. He looked around to see what it was. He looked at Wittorf who did not seem to notice anything. What was this feeling of dread Nil felt. There was someone watching them but from where?


    Nil bent low and whispered to Wittorf.


    "Somethings wrong."


    "No, I am just thinking."


    "No, I mean someone is watching us."


    Looking concerned for Nil, Wittorf looks around and then back at Nil.


    "What do you mean? I don''t see anyone watching us."


    "I feel it, something is off."


    "Should we leave?"


    "It might be best if we do."


    They slowly get up, pay their tab and head out the door. Walking carefully as to not draw attention they start to make their way back to the academy. As they do so they both begin to feel an uneasy presence it takes them a second to realize that the world had stopped moving around them. The town was silent and the people were not moving. They looked around and saw a small hooded figure staring at them.

 32 Ch. 32- A fight for his life

    The air was thick with bad intentions. Wittorf could barely breath as he looked at this new person. Nil gritted his teeth and prepared for what looked like a fight.


    The small, hooded stranger did not move. They just stood there watching them. His gaze although hidden was terrifying. They could feel eyes piercing through them. Words were called out by the figure.


    "Bialog come forth."


    A huge creature appeared beside the figure. Its body the shape of a large buffalo with three bloodshot eyes. Its fur covered in what appeared to be solid chunks of earth. Bialog as the person called it snorted a few times and looked at the two with death in his step.


    The figure placed a hand on Bialog and lifted his hood. What appeared to be a boy not much older than Wittorf with short white hair and white pupils smiled at them. A mark on his cheek that was unfamiliar to them. It was a mark of a burning book.


    The young white haired boy tilted his head and asked a question.


    "Are you the son of sin?"


    That was the first time he had heard that name before. Who was the son of sin?


    "You must have me mistaken my name is Wittorf. I am not this son of sin person."


    "Then why do you have him with you?"


    The boy points to Nil and dawns an angry expression. He looked irritated beyond belief. If he were a normal child Wittorf would of assumed the boy was going to throw a fit at any moment.


    "I was told the son of sin appeared and now I have to destroy him for the sake of the Eyes of Bosoto."


    He had no clue what the boy was talking about. Nil was prepared for combat but at the same time he was struggling internally with the lack of knowledge he had. How many questions was he going to have before he understood anything.


    The white haired boy eyed the two and took a deep breath in. He exhaled slowly and mana began forming in his hands. He touched Bialog and the creature began to glow. It looked like a shroud of energy.


    Wittorf and Nil were on guard as they watched the giant buffalo take a charging stance. It was sudden and almost instant. The buffalo sprinted and took off faster than they could respond. Taking the brunt of the attack both Nil and Wittorf flew back and slammed into a building.


    Coughing they struggled to get back to their feet. It had just begun and they knew they were out matched. That Familiar of his was too fast and too strong to be dealt with easily. If they were going to survive they would need to get away from them. But how could they outrun them? Nil looked to Wittorf who was still shaking a little from the attack.


    "How are you holding up?"


    "I''m still alive, what about you?"


    "I''m good."


    "What should we do?"


    "We need to get away from that Familiar, I think I have an idea but I don''t know if I will have the time to prepare it at this rate."


    The white haired boy laughs and looks at the two struggling enemies and mocks them.


    "I thought you would be stronger Son of Sin, This is barely worth my time!"


    The buffalo returns to the kid and snorts as he turns around the face Wittorf and Nil. It''s three blood shot eyes staring them down with killer intent. It''s blood lust could be felt from across the field.


    Wittorf and Nil are side by side now prepared for the next attack. Whispering to Nil, Wittorf explains his plan.


    "We need to split up and find cover. Draw it''s attention away while I prepare a spell."


    "It''s fast but I will see what I can do."


    "On my count."


    The Bull takes it''s first shuffle of its foot back and Wittorf yells out.


    "Now!"


    They both bolt in opposite directions and the buffalo charges where they were. making it there in seconds but a second to slow to get to them. They both run as fast as they can away from it. Nil dives around a corner and Wittorf jumps through an open window of a passing building.


    The bull snorts in anger and looks around to make its decision. The young white haired boy laughs as he calls out.


    "Running away, Why is the order so scared of you?"


    The boy walks slowly towards his Familiar and pats its side.


    "There''s no escape from Bialog and me."


    He points towards Nil''s hiding spot and the buffalo prepares to charge towards it. The young boy then points a hand towards Wittorfs hiding spot and calls forth an incantation unusual to Wittorf.


    "Fir, elemental of fire, gather in my hand and burn a path forward for me!"


    Bialog charges towards Nil and as that happens a burst of fire shoots forth from the white haired boys hand straight towards the window Wittorf dove through. Singing some of the beautiful blue hair Wittorf had he could feel the heat as the attack blasted above him.


    Nil was hiding around the corner as the bull rushed past him. It''s eyes locating Nil as it went by. It stopped itself just before rushing head first into a building and began its slow preparations for it''s next charge.


    Wittorf was already at work preparing a spell. He may not have as much skill at this other boy but he was still going to give it his all. He created a ball in his hand and began working his way towards two more balls. It had been hard for him in the past to focus on more than two balls at once but during his training with Loat, he realized what he was lacking was the proper connection word.


    "Generate, generate, more, accumulate, multiply.


    Multiple connection words all similar to each other combined to create the three balls he needed. Now it was time to connect them. He needed to do it fast. He could tell the boy was not going to wait for him. He decided to combine a connection word with an incantation.


    He knew that the more descriptive the incantation the more concentrated the effect and he also knew the more closely related the connection words the stronger the effect. He thought to himself.


    "Instantiations, Swiftly, Without delay."


    As he thought those he recited an incantation he was working on.


    "Threads of energy weave your way through these orbs with haste!"


    The threads shot from his palm and connected to the balls as quickly as he had ever seen them. He focused hard to maintain the surge of power from his hand. The spell was complete now all he had to do was get the buffalo to come to him. It was similar to the boar he fought in the forest, all he had to do was trap it and the fight would even out.


    The young white haired boy laughed some more as he called forth his fire spell again. Wittorf was already by the door prepared to bolt out when it went off. He would use the smoke as cover to get away from there. The buffalo was preparing to charge a fleeing Nil when the fire spell went off.


    Wittorf took the time to open the door and bolt through the smoke towards the young fire wielding mage and pass him up. He called out to Nil.


    "Bring it closer to me!"


    Running past the young mage who was surprised at the sudden appearance of the enemy, jumped back a little and tried to reorient himself in Wittorfs direction.


    Nil ran around the corner again towards Wittorf who was now in direct line of sight with the Buffalo who was ready to charge again. Wittorf raised his hand to the beast and aimed for its legs. the Buffalo charged and at the same time Wittorf unleashed the attack.


    Whizzing past Nil the attack headed straight for the Familiar. Running right into it at full speed the attack connected with the monsters feet and...


    Broke away instantly. The spell had no effect with the monsters shroud in effect. Wittorf and Nil both were hit once again by the Buffalo as they went flying in opposite directions. The blow hurt like hell and they were on their last legs.


    Wittorf didn''t know what to do that was one of his best spells and it didn''t even phase the creature. It looked to him like this was the end. There was nothing he could do to stop it. Without even knowing why he was being targeted he was going to die. Without starting his career as a mage he was going to perish.


    The White haired mage looked at them and raised his hand towards Wittorf. Fire began to form in it. His smile lit up even more ominously by the flames.

 33 Ch 33- To the rescue

    He wondered what Lana was doing today. Was she making dinner by now? Were the kids behaving properly? For a moment he wished he was home enjoying a home cooked meal instead of where he was now.


    Wittorf was face to face with death but he was not afraid. All he could think about was Lana and the Orphanage.


    Fire was building in the white haired boy''s hand, licking his finger tips in anticipation to consume its prey. Raising his hand to finish off the two it suddenly jerked away as the young white haired mage was hit by something small.


    Looking around to see where the attack came from he spotted the intruder. Standing about 50 feet away from him was Steel. His hand extended pointing at the boy like a gun, smoke rising from it.


    "Hands off my student."


    The white haired boy pouts and turns to face the new enemy. Bialog starts huffing as well.


    "Anyone who protects the Son of Sin will have to be punished!"


    Steel takes a fighting stance and looks pissed off


    "Anyone who hurts my students will answer to me."


    The boy pats the buffalo and it begins charging Steel. Preparing himself Steel forms a shroud of energy and calls out to his familiar.


    "Alice, take care of the boy!"


    The serpent woman appeared behind Steel and began rushing towards the young white haired boy, moving with snake like speed.


    Bialog makes contact with Steel who takes the brunt of the attack and stops the beast in its tracks. The buffalo tries it''s hardest to push the teacher but he does not budge an inch. He begins to lift the creature slowly until he is able to throw it behind him into a building.


    It slams into it with a ton of force and lands on the ground stunned. Alice is rushing towards the young mage with venomous fangs revealed. The boy conjures flames to shoot at the Familiar but she swiftly dodges them all.


    Landing her fangs into the boys arms as he tries to block the attack he screams out in pain. The venom courses through his veins and he feels his body begin to slowly feel numb.


    "Bialog!"


    The large buffalo gets up and charges towards the white haired boy. He grabs onto it swinging around to land on its back as it continues charging away from the fight.


    The town begins to move again as time resumes around them. A few people scream as suddenly the wall where the buffalo hit along with the building fire was thrown in both explode.


    Steel runs up to Wittorf and Nil to check if they are alright and gives a sigh of relief as he realizes they are just a little banged up.


    "Can you move?"


    "Yea just a bruised is all."


    "Good, we need to tell the Headmaster about what just happened."


    "What about the damage?"


    "We will get mages focused on earth magic in to repair the buildings."


    He was saved for the time being but he was not entirely sure what to make of the fight that just happened. Where did this boy come from and why did he keep calling Nil the Son of Sin?


    Like with most things he knew he was not going to get an answer right away. Nil helped him up and they made their way back to the academy. Once there they went straight to the Headmaster and explained the situation to him.


    The Headmaster looked to Wittorf who was waiting for some kind of guidance. He knew Nil was special but he was not aware that he would be targeted like that in broad daylight. In order to keep them safe he had no other option.


    "From this moment forward you are not to leave the academy."


    "But I can take care of myself!"


    "After today''s incident I feel it is in everyone''s best interest if you do as I say."


    "Why was that boy after us?"


    "I do not know, but I will find out and when I do I will inform you."


    Grabbing Wittorfs shoulder Steel nodded to the Headmaster and left with the two behind him. Wittorf was not happy with this outcome. He was stuck in the academy now because some random kid decided to pick a fight with him.


    On their way back to his room they stopped at the nurses'' station to get patched up. It was not too serious looking but it was good to get a professional to look them over for any internal damage.


    Wittorf went back to his room to stew over the day''s events. Nil sat on the floor across from Wittorf and watched him. Nil had the same thing on his mind. Why was he attacked and what did the boy mean when he called him the Son of Sin?


    Nil had just as many questions as Wittorf. He felt the same way his master did. They wanted to get to the bottom of this and to do that they needed to get out of the academy.


    "What should we do?" Nil asked already expecting the answer


    "We need to get out of the academy without being noticed."


    "How do we do that?"


    "I don''t know yet."


    They both continued to ruminate over the ideas. This was a magical academy it was very likely to have some way to track their students while they were there. Perhaps they needed something to make them invisible or at least blind to any sensing magic. But they had no clue where to even begin with that level of magic.


    The day was over and Wittorf and Nil were no closer to figuring out who Nil really was. They decided to head to bed and plan out their mission in the morning. That night Nil had a nightmare. He was fighting against a swarm of people all cursing him and throwing rocks. He felt the pain course through his body with each stone. When he awoke he was sweating. The blank Grimoire glowing faintly beside Wittorfs bed.

 34 Ch 34- Moments

    His mind was hazy when he awoke. Nil could not remember anything from that night. The day begun as usual for the two, Wittorf was determined to figure out who these Eyes of Bosoto were. He just needed to determine the best way to get out of the academy.


    Having the day off was helpful it allowed them time to think without distractions. Nil offered a suggestion.


    "Perhaps we should get stronger before we start picking fights with people. That last kid nearly killed us."


    "It won''t happen again, this time we will have the upper hand."


    "How exactly?"


    "I don''t know yet but we''ll figure something out."


    This was tough for Wittorf. The one thing he hated most was unanswered questions. He needed to figure out why they were targeting Nil and who they were. An idea popped into Wittorfs head. Perhaps someone who likes to get into trouble could help them escape the academy.


    Thinking about someone in particular Wittorf headed for the door. Nil was confused since he never told him a plan.


    "What are we going to do?"


    "Were going to see Sedian."


    Nil still did not have the other students names down so he had no clue who Wittorf was talking about.


    ***


    It was Diels day off and he was going to spend it wisely. He was going to figure out the best way to ask Kai out. Amell was working on some weight lifting in Diels room when he noticed Diel was a little more excited today than before.


    "Tiny master do you have any plans to build your physique today?"


    "Not right now Amell, I have to figure out how to win Kai''s heart."


    "Is Kai the young miss from class?"


    "Yes and today feels like the day I finally win her over."


    "How did you figure that out?"


    "Fate told me!"


    Amell smiled and shook his head, returning to his weight lifting. He knew the way to a woman''s heart and he had so much to teach his tiny master.


    Diel wandered around the academy looking for his love. Physical pain would soon follow.


    ***


    "Stand up straight, Knees slightly bent as to not make yourself faint."


    Felt was for the 10th time today reminding Sai about proper etiquette and the day had only just begun. She did her best but it was so nerve wracking, she was not used to looking up and standing with confidence.


    "I-I''m trying."


    "Do not try, do."


    "Yes sir."


    This was going to be a long and exhausting day.


    ***


    He was swinging as fast as he could but Loat just could not manage to hit Wyrd to save his life. The bird was swift like the wind and it almost felt like he knew exactly what Loat was about to do. Loat did not give up though. That was one of his strengths. But at this rate he was getting nowhere and Wyrd could see that.


    "You need to stop thinking so hard about hitting me and just follow the flow."


    "I''m trying but it''s not working."


    "Try harder; your brother picked this up in no time."


    That was it; Loat could not take that from him. He closed his eyes and focused his mind, took a deep breath in and once he slowed his heart rate down a little he opened his eyes to face Wyrd.


    "Steady now, focus your eyes."


    He did not swing instead he watched the bird flutter around watching his patterns and waiting for the right time to strike. Wyrd could see he was determined this time. He had the same look in his eye that his brother had when he first tried this.


    Suddenly he swung his blade with as much speed at he could muster at the spot he thought the bird would be at. Finally! It landed home. Loat stumbled forward as his sword connected with the bird but went straight through it as if it were made of air.


    "Good we can finally start your training."


    "Start, what were we just doing?"


    "Warming up."


    ***


    Wandering around a shopping center Kai and Violet are shopping for cute clothes for Violet. Kai is beyond excited to spend the day shopping and Violet is a lot stronger than she looks. It was almost as if she did not need Diel around to carry her bags, although it was more amusing to have him do it.


    They continued to hit every shop and Violet was happy to see so many new things in the human world. Everything was colorful and smelled great. Violet did not mind carrying the bags as long as she got to try out all the yummy food.


    "What are we going to eat next?"


    "A proper woman has to watch out for what she eats or she will gain too much weight."


    "But I''m a familiar not a woman!"


    "That''s true you do seem to be able to eat and not gain weight, oh how I envy you!"


    "I want that!"


    Violet points to a hot dog cart as a vine whips towards a hotdog standing up in the heating wrack. A surprised vendor notices and as he is about to make a fuss Kai pulls out some money and pays the man and apologizes before moving on to the next cart.


    ***


    Caiman was pouring over the grimoire he acquired. Looking through each page for any clues on how to use it. Most of it talked about emotions and how to control them. He did not care about that he already had his emotions under control. He wanted to know how to cast powerful magic.


    "You''re not going to find it that easily if you don''t follow the instructions."


    "Shut up Dea, I don''t need your input."


    "Very well, master."


    The day went by quietly and uneventful as Caiman continued to delve into the secret arts of his lineages past.


    ***


    Searching the halls of the academy Wittorf and Nil found Sedian playing with Secur outside in the courtyard. They looked to be playing a game of tag. Secur was bouncing from shadow to shadow every time Sedian was close to getting him.


    Secur noticed Wittorf and Nil arrive and he hid away in the shadows. Sedian turned around to search for his next appearance and jumped back a little when he saw the two standing not too far from him.


    "I''m close to catching him; just need something to distract him with."


    "What are you guys doing?"


    "Practicing."


    "It looks like tag to me."


    "It''s very serious training. Secur said so."


    "I think he just wanted you to play with him."


    Sedian looks at both of them with his usual deadpan expression. It dawns on him that Wittorf might be right.


    "So what did you need?"


    "You''re good with traps and such right?"


    "I would say I dabble a little, why?"


    "Would you know about any traps set by the school?"


    "Aside from some of the traps they have set up for the students I don''t think so."


    "Are there any traps that would detect a student leaving the academy?"


    "Usually there is one for students leaving and entering. Are you trying to leave undetected for some reason?"


    Sedian looks at him with no expression and tilts his head a little. Wittorf could not really hide anything from this guy. He seemed to figure him out quick.


    "I just need to get out of the academy for a little bit without the teachers knowing. Would you be able to set that up?"


    "I don''t see why not but what''s in it for me?"


    That was what Wittorf was waiting for. He knew it would not come free. But what could Sedian want from him?


    "what would you want?"


    "Lab rats."


    "Lab rats?"


    "I would like you two to be my experiments for a few traps I have in mind in the future."


    That did not seem too bad they could manage a couple silly traps from Sedian. How harmful could they be?


    "Alright it''s a deal."


    "Good, I will need some time to plan this out. Give me a few weeks."


    "Sounds good let me know when you''re ready."


    Wittorf had a few weeks to prepare for this now. He was going to train as hard as he could so the next time he encountered that white haired boy he would not lose.