Arc 2; Friends on the Other Side: Chapter 10, Library and a Floating House

        I walked up and knocked on the door, blinking as Alex opened it. “Hello!”

        Alex blinked, “Hi...” He looked at James. “James, Amy, new girl.”

        Megan started twiddling with her braid again. “Um... It’s Megan...”

        “Nice to meet you.” He moved aside, “Come in.”

        We walked in and I turned to Alex, “So... I hear you can cast spells.”

        He nodded, “Aye.”

        I grinned, “So can I!”

        I heard a groan from behind. “I can smell the disaster already...”

        James looked over to Amy, “Smell?”

        Amy perked up and looked around a bit with a nervous smile. “I ment sense... yeah, that’s it.” James looked at her for a moment before he just shrugged.

        I looked at her for a second before turning back, “So! Ever hear of Ravenwood?”

        He blinked a couple times. “Wait... Did you know a boy named Alex Lightmask?”

        “Uh...” I looked over to see James and Megan looking at us in confusion. “Huh?”

        My eyes widened, “How do you know him!?”

        He chuckled a couple times. “Oh fuck me....”

        I don’t know how, but in an instant Megan was next to Alex and smacked him upside the head. “Language!”

        “Ow.” He looked at her deadpan, “Dragonfly’s hurt more.”

        She kept glaring at him. “Watch your language, there is a young girl right here in the room with you!”

        I piped up, “I’ve heard worse.”

        Megan stare shifted slowly from one of mild anger at Alex to one of shock at me. She started to glow slightly and mumbled something at Alex as she started bowing.

        I looked at Alex again, “Care to answer?”

        He blinked but nodded, “Um... Let’s just say that this is going to blow all of your minds.”

        Amy raised an eyebrow. “Like this hasn’t already? I’m in a world full of talking ponies with completely crazy people and my ex boyfriend. I doubt it will.”

        James sighed. “She just had to say it, didn’t she?”

        Alex sighed and sat down in a chair, “In 2008 a brand new gaming company called Kingsisle decided to create a game for kids. It would be an MMORPG that focused on a card based combat system, that would also be good for kids and adults alike.”

        James started grinning. “I think I see where this is going.”

        Alex looked at him blankly, “Anyways, the game was designed to be based around magic and saving a fictional reality from a necromancer.”

        ‘He can’t possibly mean...’

        He sighed, “The game was called Wizard101 and was based in The Spiral a you made a character belonging to one of seven schools of magic taught at the Ravenwood school of Magical Arts.” He looked at me sadly, “In 2009 I made a Balance wizard named Alex Lightmask and got him to level 50.”

        James raised his arms in the air. “Called it!”

        Amy stared at Alex. “You’re kidding... You’re kidding, right?”

        He shook his head, “No... While I was playing I helped another player in Dragonspyre named-”

        “Paige Ravenbreeze.” I looked at him in shock, “I remember that, I was cornered by giant spiders and he came and helped me.” I started to back away. “Y-you mean to tell me my whole life was a game!” I hit the wall and slid down to the floor, “No. No no no no nononononononono!”

        Megan walked over and pulled me into a small hug. “Don’t think that. You lived every moment of it. So just because others were able to help through a game does not mean you were on a set path. I am sure, that if you had made one other decision while on your adventure the ‘game’ that the others played would have changed too.”

        I didn’t notice James and Amy staring wide eyed at her.

        I looked at her, “You weren’t there! I was literally ripped from my home! And now I learn that it was a game that was being played by others!” I looked at Alex in tears, “I wasn’t the only one! Every other student there that I knew was kidnaped, Alex said he was from Chinook, Montana!”

        He leaned back in shock, “O-oh god.”

        Megan was looking at me sadly. “I know I wasn’t there... I never liked games that did that kind of thing... Now I see why.” She tightened the hug. “No one should have to go through that.”

        James looked like he was in a state of shock and slight rage. “I... am going to beat the fuck out of that Headmaster... and apologize to Sam... once I find him.”

        I looked at him, “Lightninggem?” He nodded slowly. “He’s from California. He was the one that helped me through all this.”

        Amy looked at James. “It’s not like you knew...”

        James sighed sadly. “Doesn’t change that I was somewhat responsible...”

        Alex sighed, “Think what would have happened if he didn’t take the kids.”

        James looked at him. “I know... If he hadn’t then the entirety of existence would have been utterly doomed.”

        Alex nodded, “It still is.” He looked at me, “Last I remember my character was in the world Celestia, and Morganthe was revealed.”

        I nodded, “She’s planning on rewriting the multiverse. She also brought Malistaire back from the dead, and he’s floating around The Spiral.”

        Amy glowered at the wall. “If I ever see that...” She didn’t finish the sentence as she grumbled under her breath. James nodded and Megan was still hugging me.

        I hugged her back, crying a little bit. “Nice to know I’m back...” I pulled away, “Wait, my sister’s coming!”

        James blinked. “Your sister’s here? Geez, how many of us are going to have relatives pop out of the woodwork?! First it’s me with Amy, then it’s Sarah and a spontaneous twin, and now you too?”

        I was about to speak up but I heard someone calling from outside, “Paige! Paige where are you!”

        Megan smiled warmly as she looked down at me. “I think there’s someone outside you need to go and see.”

        I got up and ran to the door, barely kicking it open in time. I saw my sister looking right at me, “P-Paige?”

        I smiled and ran up, hugging her. “SIS!”

        She started crying in my shoulder, “W-we thought you were dead! Oh god... Paige.”

        “I’m back sis,” I cried into her shoulder, “I’m back....”

        She hugged me tighter, “I swear I won’t let anyone take you again.” She looked me in the eyes. “I will kill whoever did this to you.”

        I frowned a little, “Sis...” I sighed, “Okay.”

        She looked over my shoulder and glowed, I turned and saw the others watching. “O-oh um....” James was starting to glow with a small trail of blood running out of his nose.

        Amy wasn’t paying any attention to him and was trying not to cry. “I-I’m not crying... I just... got something in my eye.”

        Megan was smiling with tears in her eyes. “It... was just like a movie...” she suddenly went wide eyed and glowed before twiddling with her braid again. “If... that’s okay... I mean... oh....”

        My sister stood up and looked at them, “H-hello... Who are you.”

        Amy jumped forward and offered her hand. “My name’s Amy.”

        “I-I’m Kate...”

        Amy grinned. “Wow, you’re acting just like Meg.”

        Megan walked up next and was glaring at Amy. “Hey, I’m right here!” She looked at Kate and started to glow slightly. “Oh!... um... I’m Megan.”

        Kate smiled softly, “Nice to meet you.” She looked back at James, “Who’s he?”

        Amy looked over and walked up to James. “You going to introduce yourself?” He just kept staring without blinking. Amy started waving in front of his face. “Hello~ Earth to James!~” She got no reaction and kicked him in the shin. “WAKE UP!”

        James jumped and grabbed his leg. “OW!! What was that for?”

        Amy pointed over to Kate. “You were staring like an idiot. Now go introduce yourself.”

        James looked over and started glowing again. He walked up and offered a hand. “Uh... h-hi... I’m James...”

        Kate glowed softly, “H-hi, I’m Kate... Nice to meet you.”

        He started to stammer slightly. “Uh... y-yeah... you too.” Amy looked at him confused before she grinned. She was about to say something until Megan started glaring at her.

        I looked at both of them and grinned, “Kate and James, sitting in a tree~”

        James and Kate started to flare brightly as Amy leaned down next to me and continued. “K. I. S. S. I. N. G~”

        Alex appeared next to them, “Now, you may kiss the bride.” James fell backwards as a glowing ball of sunlight and passed out. A small pool of blood was forming under where his head should have been along with a small fountain where his nose was. Kate promptly joined him, with less blood.

        Amy laughed as the glow faded away, revealing James with a massive amount of blood coming from his nose and a twitchy leg. “That was HILARIOUS!!” She started grabbing her sides and rolling on the ground. Megan was looking at James to check if he was still alive from the blood loss.

        I laughed a little and looked at Alex, “Heh, good job.”

        Alex chuckled, “Of course.”

        Megan looked up as she finished stuffing James’ nose with tissues. “Um.. Could one of you help me carry them inside?” Amy had finally stopped laughing and got up to help lift James.

        Alex sighed and lifted both of them up on his shoulders. “Yeah. Come on.”

        Amy helped lay James on the table that was in the middle of the room after removing the bust. “He won’t mind. I’ve found him sleeping in weirder places before.”

        Megan looked over. “Um... you have?”

        Amy nodded “Yep.”

        I looked at Kate in confusion, “Strange... Kate’s shy, but not that much.”

        Amy grinned. “And James is normally a nutball. I think they were both suffering from a ‘Feels’ overload.”

        Alex nodded, “Yeah... Wait what the hell does ‘Feels’ mean?”

        Amy stared at him before facepalming. “Think emotion, you feel emotions, so a ‘Feels’ overload is when you have too much of one emotion.”

        Alex blinked and nodded in understanding, “That makes sense... And don’t judge me, I’ve been dead for two years.”

        Amy nodded her head. “Okay, you got a point.”

        Megan was rubbing James back. “James, wake up.”

        James groaned and rolled slightly. “No... School sucks.” Megan looked at him before she started to stifle a laugh.

        She walked up and leaned down to meet me at eye level. “Do you know any water spells?”

        I grinned, “Stand back.” Megan walked over to Amy and Alex leaving James on the table in the middle of the room and Kate sitting on the couch.

        I pulled out my cutlass and closed my eyes, calling the ambient magic in the air before moving the sword in a symbol. I finished and pierced it, causing a crack of thunder to echo as I felt a wave of storm magic pass through me.

        I grinned as a drop of water hit my nose before it started raining harder. James sputtered awake and fell backwards off the table as the spell died down.

        His soaking wet head popped over the edge and glared at everyone in the room “Okay, who did that?” Amy busted out laughing again and was starting to slip down the wall she was leaning against. “I will get you back for this Amy!”

        I chuckled, “Wrong person James.”

        He turned to me. “Oh Really? Who’s idea was it then?” Megan was having a really hard time trying not to laugh.

        I grinned, “She only asked if I knew water spells, not storm.”

        He glared at me before turning to the wall and started to rub his chin. His face cracked with a grin before he started laughing as well. “Fine. But don’t think you’re off the hook. This prank will be countered eventually!”

        Alex grinned, “I see.”

        James jumped from the table and posed as he pointed at Alex. “YOU! DO YOU CHOSE TO JOIN ME IN THIS GLORIOUS ENDEAVOR!”

        Alex shook his head, “Nah, I’m good.”

        James arm fell slightly as he looked down. “Darn.”

        Amy patted James on the back. “Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll find someone to help.” She turned his head to the couch where Kate was laying. “Maybe... her?”

        James started to glow again and was flapping his jaws uselessly. “Uh... I... um... uh....”

        I giggled, “I must admit... You two would be a cute couple.” James was frozen in place again and had blood starting to leak out his nose.

        Megan was chuckling slightly and started leading him to the door. “I think it’s time we start heading back to Appleloosa.”

        Amy stood and smiled. “Yeah, we’ve been here for quite a while and it’s getting kinda late. Let’s head for the Inn and leave in the morning.” Megan nodded and they walked out the door leading the somewhat braindead James. “Later!”

        I looked at Alex, "So... Want to trade spells?"

        It had been about twenty minutes since James and the others left. Me and Alex were sitting in the corner comparing spells, and writing down ones that we liked. I managed to find a couple of interesting healing spells and Alex was looking at balance magic.

        I turned and looked at him, “So... When we finish writing the new spells down. Want to go and practice them?”

        He sighed, “Yeah... We need to find a place where we won’t harm anyone. Say... A lake.”

        “Well I don’t know about any lakes near here.” I wrote down another spell, “Huh... Moonfire?”

        “Oh no need... I know just the place.” He wrote down something, “My god... Sandstorm looks cool.”

        I smirked, “It is cool... Also nearly unblockable, unless you have resistance.” I wrote down another, “What in the... Faerie Fire?”

        He grimaced, “Be careful with that one...” He hummed. “Judgement... I swear that’s an angel of justice.”

        I winced a little, “That one gains power based on how much power you have... I remember getting hit by one of those.” I shivered. “I couldn’t use my left arm for a month.”

        He looked at me and closed the book, “I swear I didn’t mean to-”

        “It’s fine.” I cut him off, “You had no idea... No one did.”

        “Still... To know that Ambrose took those kids.” He balled his hand into a fist, “It’s not right... But he had to do it....” He sighed and looked at the ceiling, “Ye done looking for spells?”

        I flipped through the book a little before closing it, “Yep... Shall we go now?”

        He nodded, “Yeah, just need to do something.” He stood up and over to a desk before reaching into a drawer and pulling out a piece of parchment. He wrote something on it before walking over to Michael and sticking it on his face.

        I stood up and handed him his book as he returned mine, “Smart thinking.”

        He nodded, “The lake is near a forest populated by monsters... It’s best to be prepared.” He placed a hand on my shoulder, “Hold your breath.”

        I took a deep breath and closed my eyes as I felt like I was getting pulled into a small hole the size of a pea. After a second I felt a rush of air and we landed on solid ground. I opened my eyes and was greeted with a still lake surface with some trees on the other side.

        I blinked and looked around, “Seems peaceful.”

        He chuckled, “Yeah...”

        I sighed and looked up noticing that the sky above was completely clear. I remembered that we needed a house of our own if we were going to stay here. I just got a stupid idea that might work....

        I looked at Alex, “Say... Anyone ever fly over this lake?”

        He turned to me and shook his head, “No.... Why?”

        I grinned, “Perfect.”

        “Why is that perfect?”

        I grinned and pulled out a small rotating puzzle box with a small button on one side, “Well... I can put my house here.” before he could speak I pressed the button and threw it as far as I could. The box got somewhere near the center of the lake before it started to unfold itself outwards, simply floating there as it worked its magic.

        After a few seconds it had almost folded itself out completely, I grinned as the water began to fall. “And done! Voila, my house!”

        Alex looked at it and twitched, “The... Hell?”

        I rubbed the back of my head with a sheepish grin, “It’s magic...”

(Michael’s POV)

        I groaned a little as light poured onto my face. Sitting up I blinked as some voices came from the main room.

        “-’m just saying.” Spoke a young woman with an Italian accent.

        A man’s voice spoke up, “Well you’re saying nonsense. I’d rather not go out and scare the inhabitants of the town without waiting for him.”

        I stood up from where I was and pulled a piece of paper off my face, it read.

Michael, went to Saddle Lake with Paige to practice magic. If we aren’t back by the time you read this then come and get us.

-Alex

        I sighed and crumbled up the paper before walking into the other room. Standing there was a young woman who was a few inches taller then me with ankle length hair. Her hand tugged on a corner of her red T-Shirt, and she shuffled a little. She turned to me and stared through black sunglasses, “Oh good, you’re awake.”

        Another person stepped out from the side. He had was a few inches taller than the woman and stared boredly at me with orange eyes that were blocked by glasses and a brown baseball cap. He was wearing a white winter coat over a black T-Shirt and had denim jeans on. “Are you Michael Fritz?”

        I nodded slowly, blinking as I thought I saw the girl’s hair move. “Yeah... Who are you two?”

        The guy walked forward and held out a hand, “Dr. Kondraki.”

        I shook his hand as the girl stepped forward, “Hi the name’s Gwendolyn. Gwendolyn Pietra, a pleasure to meet you.”

        I nodded, “Same here.” I heard a noise from behind me and blinked when I saw another girl step out from the other room.

        She looked at us and blinked, “Um... Who are you, and where’s Paige?”

        I stepped forward, “My name’s Michael, the people behind me are Dr. Kondraki and Gwendolyn.”

        The girl nodded, “H-hi, my name’s Kate....”

        I nodded, “A pleasure.” Kondraki forced a cough and I glared at him. Turning back I smiled, “And if you’re wondering, Paige is with Alex at Saddle Lake.”

        Kate smiled, “Oh good... How do you know Paige?”

        I sighed, “Death is making me with training her in being a wraith.”

        She blinked a couple of times, “Oh... Well I’m her sister.” she stepped forward and held out a hand, “A pleasure to meet you.”

        I grasped her hand, “Same.” I cleared my throat and stepped back a little, “Anyways.... We should go make sure Alex doesn’t blow up the lake.”

        Kate nodded as Gwendolyn looked at me, “Who’s Alex?”

        I sighed, “An insane mage.” Gwendo-- Fuck it she’s Gwen now! Gwen balled her hand into a fist as Kondraki’s eyes narrowed. I moved to the door and looked at the others, “Shall we?”

        They nodded and we were on our way out the door. We waved and asked ponies where Saddle Lake was. Kondraki kept muttering something about ‘Wellington G. Wonderhorse’s home.’ and ‘Bright having a field day here.’ Whatever and whoever that is....

        We eventually reached the lake and, “What the fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck!” There was a fucking floating island over the lake!

        Paige looked over the edge and waved, “Hey Michael! Hey sis!”

        Kate’s jaw was nearly touching the ground along with Gwen’s as Kondraki laughed. I sighed and waved back, “Hey Paige!”

        Kate looked at her, “What are you doing up there!?”

        Paige rubbed the back of her head, “Um... It’s my house....”

        ‘Wut....’

        Kate’s eye twitched, “You... You have a house?”

        Paige grinned, “Yeah! Wanna see!?”

        I shrugged, “Sure.... How do we get up there?”

        She disappeared and came back with a rope, she threw it over the edge and waved us up. “Come on!”

        We looked at each other before I sighed and stepped forward. Grabbing the rope I started climbing my way up, grunting as I did so. Within a couple minutes I pulled myself over the edge and laid on the grass. “I did it! Come on up guys!”

        I stood up and blinked at the house that was... really quaint. There was a small wooded area down a path and was even a small river and waterfall. Paige was standing next to me, “So... What do you think?”

        I grinned as Kate came up, “It’s nice.” I stood up. "You bought this by yourself?"

        She grinned wider, "Yep! The whole thing cost 8000 gold total. And it was worth, every. Single. Cent."

        Kate walked up and hugged her, "You bought this for 8000 gold.... How'd you get that much?"

        Paige rubbed her arm, “Well... I sold a lot of things at the auction house.”

        I blinked, and noticed that Gwen had just pulled herself over. “Wait... How did you get that much from an auction house!?”

        She looked at me, “Would you believe me if I said pet food and moss?”

        My eye twitched, “Moss... and pet food?” I barely noticed Kondraki climb up and stand next to Gwen.

        Paige shrugged, “People love their pets... And the moss is used in crafting and alchemy.”

        “I hate to interrupt your little conversation...” We all turned and saw Death standing by the small river, “But I have a job for you and your group Michael.”

        I nodded, “Alright. What do you need us to do?”

        Death pulled out a piece of paper, “I’ve detected some sentiment activity in the ruins to the south. I need you to deal with the problem as soon as possible.”

        I nodded and grabbed the paper, “Alright then. Who am I taking?”

        He smiled, “You’ll be taking Paige, Kondraki, and Gwendolyn with you. Beth and Johnny will stay here.” he turned to Gwen. “I trust you’ll keep them safe?”

        She smiled, “Yes sir!”

        He nodded, “Good.”

        “Alright then,” I put the paper in my pocket, “we just need to get supplies. Any suggestio-” I paused as soon as I detected a lack of Grim Reaper in the area. “Nevermind.” I clapped my hands, “So! Lets gather supplies and we’ll head out!”

        Gwen nodded, “Sounds good.”

        Kondraki smiled, “For the first time in years I have to agree.”

        Paige looked confused, “Gwendolyn... Why did Death say to protect us?”

        Gwen grinned, “I’ve actually worked with him for about three years now....”

        I looked at her, “So you already have your powers?”

        She nodded and made a small orb of blue and black energy in her hand, “Yep, Also fought my sentiment again.”

        “Wait...Again?” I have a bad feeling about this...

        She blinked, “You didn’t know? Sooner or later you’ll have to fight you sentiment again, it should be stronger.”

        I blinked a couple times before groaning, “Great!”

        She giggled, “It’s not that bad... Mine was a hundred year old astronaut.”

        I sighed, “Nevermind... He said sentiments are at the ruins and that means that you,” I pointed at Paige. “And you,” I pointed at Kondraki, “Can get your powers.”

        Kondraki raised his hands in mock joy, “Oh goody... I’m turning into a reality bender with every minute that passes.”

        I stared at him blankly, “Let’s just get the supplies.” They nodded as we began to climb down the rope.

        Let’s just hope this goes smoothly.