The Beginning!
"This isn't over, He-Man!" I woke with a start. The TV was still on from last night and a show I hadn't seen in a REALLY long time was on.
"Its the sorceress you boob..." I said to my self. It had been a while since I had seen that show. It only comes on at early times of the morning now. At least I know mattel is still trying to squeeze every cent out of the muscle-man as they can, it means I can still watch every once in a while.
Getting up from the oh-so comfortable spot on the couch, I thought to myself, Maybe its time to get an actual bed, a couch is no spot for such a person as I! Remembering the small country my friends and I created as kids I thought again, The high court of poleslavakia will have a heyday when they find out that their illustrious king was sleeping on an old couch! Those were the good old days. Walking towards the bathroom, I looked in the mirror. Still same person as yesterday, thank god. Getting my toothbrush, I started to scrub my visible skeleton. Who's the real Skeletor Now, Eh? NYAAAHHHH! Getting a comb, I brushed my hair and started towards the kitchen. I reached for the Bland-Io's in the cupboard, "My favorite..." After getting some breakfast I got dressed in some decent clothes. My usual blue under-robe and my Starry Cape. I may look like a dork with a cape and the equivalent of wizard undies on but I wasn't done getting dressed yet. Over that I put some regular clothes on. A nice green shirt and a pair of dark blue jeans. Adjusting until the clothes underneath weren't visible, I grabbed the Wand I keep on my desk and shoved it in my sleeve. A small holster like ouch was in there to keep it in place. I am a wizard but I don't want other people knowing. Taking ahold of the Rosewood staff, I put it in my backpack. The backpack of course enchanted. Where else would I put a staff? I could put down the side of my body in my clothes but I wouldn't be able to move a leg on that side and it would poke through the top. A whole lot of good that would do me. Reaching for the final piece of the setup, I grabbed the Wind Talisman. I bought it last year and it has saved me from a lot of situations. I dont know all of its secrets, but it did have a lot of mana in it, and allows me to slightly control the wind, only lightly though. With every I needed for the day, I went to my parents room, and left a note.
"Sorry I fell asleep on the couch, and didn't say good night, went to school early today to practice for the concert tonight. Took the scooter! Sorry, you shouldn't leave the keys out in the open, Love you! Sincerely, Michael"
Doing just as I wrote, I grabbed the scooter's keys off the counter in the kitchen and booked for the garage. I tried to open it quietly, opting to do it myself rather then let the garage door opener do it. It would just screech and wake them up. It would be nice to hear their voice, but them waking the neighbors is a big possibility. I got on the scooter and wheeled it outside the garage. Closing the garage door, I got on the scooter and started it up. It sounded weak but it would do, for now. Riding to school was uneventful and I parked the thing right outside the band room. Getting the lock and chain, I secured it to the chainlink fence and walked in.
Mr.Chandler was there already which surprised me but it explained that the lights were on and I didn't have to disarm the alarm. I was a huge teacher's pet and he knew. He often poked fun at me for stupid stuff and I did the same to him but it was a mutual trust we shared. I often came in to practice early, and ever since he told me the alarm code, it has made life a whole lot easier. The door was never locked because all the expensive stuff had its own locked door, and nobody except the band kids ever came down here, so I guess he assumed that no one else really knew where all the expensive stuff was. Getting out my Tuba, I said a good morning to him and sat down in a chair. I did the scales and arpeggios, the lip slurs and runs, ran over the music and focused on the parts that needed attention. My lips started to go numb so I took a break. High School Band is stupid hard compared to the stuff we did in middle school, but it was so much more fun. This year for the big closer we were going to do the The Star Wars Suite, a piece that took elements from the Force Awakens Soundtrack and make a seven minute version. The Tuba part was easy for that one, but it was the next piece that really kicked my hiney. Prelude, Siciliano, and Rondo, The most difficult music I had seen to date. It sucked playing it but it was fun. The rest of the band had started to pour in, I hadn't realized how long I had been in there.
Mr.Chandler heard them enter and made his way up to the front. "Good Morning everyone! I hope you all had a terrific weekend. The ECOBDA auditions are coming up and dont forget about OkMEA which is also rearing its head around the corner. I hope you all do well. We finally got the award shipped to us! The second place trophy for the Marching Show is in! You guys did great this year! Lets hope we have another one again at next years OBA competition! Now, if you would all take out your practice sheets and turn to page... " And that is where the usual school day always turns into a blur for me.
School was almost over now, Mr.Burnette was giving a lecture on the meaning of The Lord Of The Flies and how it correlates to our next book, Cry, the Beloved Country. "EEEEEEEEHHHHHHHH!" The bell just went off and I was heading to the band room to pick up my scooter. I got there, unlocked it, and got on. Right before I left I heard my friend Lucas come up to me. "Hey! Dickle! Are you doing anything tomorrow?"
"I don't think so, Why?"
"I got the new book! It finally came in! The Rithmatist 2! The Aztlanian! It arrived yesterday and I wanted you to come by so we could read together. No Homo ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°). (No kidding, he said lenny face). "
"I should be able to! See ya tomorrow!" I got on the scooter and rode off, I stopped at a very particular alley and went to the back. Taking out my wand, I tapped the wall and waited... Nothing. I guess the whole harry potter alley shop business still isn't a thing. I got back on the scooter and went down the street a little farther. I got out and went in. The shopkeeper was behind the counter, I remembered his old rag face from anywhere, Bofur. Walking up to the counter, he spotted me behind his half-moon spectacles and looked me in the eyes.
"Well! Aren't ye back a wee early? You were only in a couple 'o days ago. What? You already use all 'yer reagents?"
"No, You know me better than that! I was wondering if you have any more tomes?"
"Maybe... What's the password? Possible a fake you could be!"
"Wow! That hurts in the spot that matters! The Belly! Also the password is 'ButterScotch'." He led me to the back of the store and took out a long gnarly wooden key. He lifted a hole in the wall and stuck the key in. After turning it, an audible crack and click could be heard. We went into the back of the long aisle laid out before us and took a right. The dust had already begun to settle from when I was last in here, and that was only a couple of days ago! The bookshelves were all lined with thick leather bound books. Some tall and skinny. Some fat and thick. Some even curved and some smoked! One looked as though it had just come out of the arctic ice. These were the Tomes. They held vast knowledge of all things magic. We kept walking down the long aisle until we came to a dead stop in the center.
"What are you looking for exactly?"
"I was thinking something along the line of Lightning or storm thaumaturgy? Maybe a diviners book? I am also looking for something that'll tell me more about the Talisman? Is there even such a book?"
"'O! Of course! I can help you on all fronts! Jus give me lift and I have a book about the talisman around here somewhere." He said, reaching to his far left, he pulled a small book, more like a pamphlet out of the bookcase. "Here you go! A nice wee book to sate your hunger on a Talisman!" He paced the section of books until he pointed upwards toward the top. "Giv me a lift right up to there" I got up under him and raised him. He was old and wiry, so there was no trouble there. I lowered him back down with a book in his hand. He looked a little worriedly at me and spoke in a hush tone, "This book has some very nasty things in it... But it also has the power to do great, wonderful things. I trust you with this... Don't fail me. On another note, follow me." He hurried down a little farther and stopped when he got to a certain section. These all had the feeling of immense knowledge. "These books are for people like you. You're trying your hardest to become better at this whole magic thing, and it's obvious. These here are learning tomes. These will teach to better harness the power of your surroundings.. Controlling your mana and being able to sharpen your skills in all sorts of manners, becoming better in everything you do. These, however, are Very hard to understand and you will spend many nights awake with the knowledge bugging you. Once you start on this journey to becoming a full mage, not anymore just a youngling wizard with a twinkle in his eye, you will expect work tirelessly, almost non stop even. Do you think you are ready to start this quest of yours? If so, I would be happy to give you one on the house. I've seen you grow for quite some time, and I know you'll be able to do great things. Whether those are great for good or great for bad, just know that I support you." He dropped the two other books into my hand and started to reach for one of the knowledge tomes while looking me in the eye. "Well, are you ready?"
A solemn "Yes" left my mouth. With that, he grabbed a medium sized one off the shelf. It seemed to electrify the air around it. The smell of ozone slithered in my nose and the hair on my arms stood on end. This was it. The reason wizards become wizards. To have this kind of knowledge. Bofur trusted me with this knowledge. He was one of the few people I was scared of. He knew it. I knew it. And he TRUSTED ME. He gently laid the book on top of the others in my hands and told me to follow him. We exited the archive and he instantly returned to the old fart I knew.
"The talisman manual and the thaumaturgy book add up to $15.36 and would you like that in a bag?"
Handing him the money and putting the things in my bag, I shook my head and gave a "No, thank you". He handed me the receipt and a firm handshake to confirm the transaction and with a smile and a wave I left. Hopping back on the scooter, I started it and went off. Bofur was one of the few people that knew I was wizard. Him, my parents, and Mr.Chandler were the only ones I could think of that knew the whole truth. Lucas kinda knew, but he didn't want to know the full story. He kinda got lost to easily and didn't want to get too confused.
On my way home, I stopped at the grocery store to pick up some eggs. We were almost out and I wanted some french toast tomorrow for breakfast. I bought the eggs and exited the store. The scooter was fortunately still there. I hopped on and left. While going home, I saw a convoy of black limousines driving by.
All of a sudden a thunderous 'Craahck' rocked the earth itself. The middle car was spontaneously engulfed in massive flames and everyone started to run. Tall men in the other cars got out and started to reach for fire extinguishers hidden within the trunks of the other cars. It was then that I had realized that what I just witnessed was the kings murder. Frozen with fear, I couldn't move. Sirens started to become audible from all directions. All people had fled the scene but I was unable to due to fear. I sat on the scooter, one leg on the ground to not fall over, and a stunned look on my face. One of the men in black broke off from the others and started to walk towards me. A stern, judgemental look plastered on his face, he started to reach for his holster. They must think that I did it. Nobody else stayed. Maybe I had caused the explosion, and stayed behind to make sure he was truly dead. It made sense. The country was under massive threat from many enemies, and many had already infiltrated the country. Me being the only one at the scene would make me a prime suspect. The man started walking towards me faster, his look changing to one of pure rage. 'I had just killed the one man he had sworn to protect,' at least that's how he saw it. All I saw was a mad secret security officer with the cry of revenge in his eyes. He started yelling at me, "Do you know what you've just done?!" I did nothing but he didn't know that. He broke out into a full sprint and I legged it, The scooter toppled to the ground and I booked it in the opposite direction. I was fast, but he was faster. There was no way I was going to get out of this.
He lunged and I ducked, but not low enough. He caught me by the backpack and we fell. I struggled to get away but he was trained for this kinda thing. I would never escape his death grip. He started to demand that I tell him all of the details. His massive hands took a hold of mine and pulled them behind my backpack. The feeling of cold metal met my hands as handcuffs were squeezed on. He picked me up and dragged my back to the convoy. All the other men noticed his return and whispered to each other. He spoke to them, "Any sign of the king?" One of them walked forward with a singed robe and a warm crown that had already started to lose its luster. He looked me in the eyes, "Look at what you have done!" I couldn't bear myself to look and tears started to spring from my eyes. Without anything else to say, he shoved my towards a police cruiser. I calmly got in and tried not to cry. There I fell asleep from pure exhaustion.
I awoke in a small dark cell. The smell of mold and mildew pounded my nose. I don't know why, but they had left all my clothes and belongings on me. I tried to look around the small dark room, but the absence of all forms of light made that task darn near impossible. Reaching within my sleeve, I took ahold of my wand and did a quick wave. A small point of light hung in the middle of the room now and the air felt noticeably warmer, a side effect of the spell. There seem to be no exit out of the room and no ventilation. Only the best of the most luxurious suite for the famed king killer. I pulled the book of Knowledge out of my backpack and looked at the front cover. The old, cracked leather seemed to be alive with mana. The amount of power I could feel off of it was immense and it almost hurt to touch it. Almost. Flipping the cover over, I nearly gasped from the pure awe I had. The first page alone felt like it belonged in a museum. I quickly closed the book, barely overcoming the feeling to throw it out of pure shock. I quickly put it in my bag for safekeeping. Bofur wasn't kidding. That was some knowledge. I got up and start pacing the room in thought. I had to think of a way out of here. I stowed my wand away to think more clearly. I thought it was cool to hold it in my hand but it often distracted me from the task at hand. I thought for at least a good ten minutes before it struck me. Teleportation!
Teleportation was a fickle thing, it was only supposed to set you a little distance off from where you currently was, and I had only ever read that passage once. It may only set you a few feet forward, but the possibility of getting out of here was worth that chance. I just need to get past these walls, then I could make a run for it. I had to remember the spell, and I was only 13 at the time as well, that was three years ago. I barely remember the first sentence, let alone the actual spell. I have to remember that spell if I want to get out of here. I sat racking my brain for a while. What was it! What was it? What was it... Preavehordemeo? Conmedopreavor? Peter Piper Picked? Um... I think it is Conmeopreadevoher. It was really long and latin sounding. No actual spells are in latin, they just have latin sounding roots and sounds. Might as well try! I took out my staff from my bag. The wand was for low level spells and everyday use. The staff is for more complicated and powerful spells. The kind that could kill you if you get it wrong, like this one. The Rosewood staff had been passed down my Mother's bloodline for over 200 years and was made from the last Rosewood tree in the Ravenwood Forest. The staff itself had many mythril embellishments and grips for the amplifying of magical power and stability, and it looked cool. The top of the staff was adorned with a massive Starlite gem, the likes of which was forged millennia ago in the old dwarven mountains in the fire of a dragon and given to my mothers family as a gift of gratitude for curing the dwarves of a disastrous plague. I got it as a gift the day I found out I was a wizard, my 12th birthday. The staff held immense power and was often by my side when I needed it most. Fortunately, now was one of those times.
I held the 7 foot staff beside me as I remembered the incantation. I took a wide stance and with the staff in my right hands, I began channeling my mana through it. The staff already had a massive store of mana in it but I knew that the spell would more than likely need much more. With my legs shoulder length apart and my arms raised I began to whisper the spell under my breath. The amount of concentration needed was huge and anything might screw it up. If I remember correctly, I have to think of where I want to go. If I didn't, I could end up anywhere. With my mind set I slowly started getting louder until I was almost to a shout. I felt as though I had lifted off of the ground and was slowly rising. I felt the wind pick up in the room. A small vortex of pure energy formed around my person. I heard a grinding and what sounding like shouting. I tried to concentrate as hard as I could but I lost it all when I heard, "Holy S**t! Start firing! Dont let him escape." I accidently opened my eyes and realized that I was indeed floating and someone had suddenly opened a hidden door in the wall. My eyes burned from the mana trying to escape my body in any way possible. I unconsciously kept saying the words and soon I had collected enough mana and... BOOM!
All I saw was pure nothingness, just nothingness. This must be death. They must have shot me or I screwed up the spell, for all I knew I could've been inside of a wall, suffocating, and this was what it felt like. I should've been concentrating more. Luckily, I still felt the staff in my hands and all my belongings on my back.
A small hum started to worm its way into my ears. It sounded like the sound here from electric equipment, the kind you here from generators or transformers. It was starting to raise in volume. A slight breeze also became evident. The feeling of it rushing past my ears met my senses. The wind also began to increase its intensity. Slowly color filled my vision as the humming subsided. The wind became more tangible, and the color became more real. Details about the world become more clear. Blades of grass filled my vision and small yellow flowers dotted my field of view. The beauty was almost unrivaled, the site of rolling hills and greenery everyone made me fall to my knees as the realization of places untouched by mortal hands still existed on earth. "Where am I..."
