I continued to practice magic and read tomes to learn every spell I could, even ones that wouldn’t help in battle. I specialized in untamed magic, like Morgyn, but I wanted to know everything, from my first untamed spell to my final potion. I needed to know everything. Morgyn still came to supervise, and taught me more spells and potion recipes, but further training couldn’t really be done. As far as tactics and tricks of the trade went, I knew it all. A true sage in all of my glory, despite not being one.
My biggest accomplishments we’re learning the practical magic spells of Copypasto and Transportale. Transportale allowed me to teleport anywhere I wanted to go, so I was able to get away from danger quickly or sneak up on enemies. Copypasto was just in case I wanted something copied, but didn’t want to go through the effort of getting it again. I didn’t see it helping me in any war, but it was fun.
A few days had passed, and as I was out with Morgyn one day, he got a call. We stopped and he answered. He barely got out a “hello” before he was cut off by the caller. As the caller spoke, Morgyn’s eyes widened in panic.
“Yes, she’s with me,” he said.
My heart stopped for a moment.
“We’ll be right there,” he nodded, hanging up the phone. He turned to me, still panicked. “We have to go.”
“Did I do–” I was cut off as Morgyn touched my shoulder and teleported us to the realm using his glimmerstone.
“Something wrong?” I continued as we appeared in the realm.
“No,” Morgyn shook his head. “We are under attack.”
We both looked around and saw a large dragon flying around the realm, destroying buildings on Caster’s Alley and circling around, looking for stray spellcasters.
“Let’s get inside,” Morgyn said. He grabbed my hand and we ran in.
“This one isn’t as dangerous as Darryl’s would be,” we heard. Simeon and L were talking about the dragon. “She is still somewhat tame. She’s just following orders.”
Morgyn and I walked up. “Whose dragon is this?” He asked.
Simeon sighed. “Grace Anasi.”
Morgyn nodded. “I see. What’s the plan?”
“Sages only at first. We can’t have casualties,” Simeon responded.
“I’d like Jade there as well,” Morgyn said.
“Sages only,” Simeon gritted his teeth.
L looked at me, then at Simeon. “Morgyn’s right,” she said. “Jade is far more powerful than any of us. If anyone will slay this thing, it’s her.”
“Now’s not the time for our pride to stand in the way,” Morgyn glared at Simeon. “She is my successor, so a future sage.”
“Semantics,” Simeon growled.
“I will resign right now if it means she can help you two slay the dragon!” Morgyn snapped.
Simeon stepped back, and I put my hands up in protest.
“No!” I looked at Morgyn, frantic. “I won’t let you do that!”
Morgyn waved his hand in dismissal.
“Fine, she can join us,” Simeon sighed. He looked like his pride took a hit, but he didn’t want Morgyn to leave his position.
Morgyn pulled me aside. “I’ll do whatever necessary.”
“I can’t fight out there without you,” I shook my head.
He smiled and placed his hand on my shoulder. “You don’t have to.”
I nodded.
“Shields?” Simeon asked.
We all surrounded ourselves with shields.
“Great,” he nodded. “Let’s go.”
We headed out. I was nervous. This is what I had been trained for. It was finally happening, but I didn’t know what to expect.
“Stand together,” Morgyn said. We stood in a line, with Morgyn and I in the middle.
“If we need Jade’s power for anything, please give her proper warning,” Morgyn said. “We don’t want her blindsided by a power drain.”
I nodded in agreement. That would be detrimental to our situation.
The dragon circled around and caught sight of us. She immediately shot a fireball at us, but it wasn’t fire. It was magic.
Morgyn counteracted it with his own magic, while I used my power to keep his shield active.
Simeon and L stood at the ready to the front and sides of us, ready to apply their magic if needed.
The dragon moved in closer to us, ready to use her body strength to weaken us. I refused to allow her to hurt the sages, so I jumped in front, activating a shield around all of us and producing a knock back power. I shot it with my wand. She was only pushed back a little, and I stood back, shocked for a moment. I created a stronger one and fired it. She was pushed back higher, so as she came toward us, she flew above us.
I exhaled deeply. That was close.
Morgyn smiled at me. I smiled back, nodding a little. He was clearly proud of me.
She came back down from behind, and while I tried to react with knock back, we were all completely blindsided. She came down at an angle, and Simeon and L were swept away by her wing.
I gasped and chased her, Morgyn following close behind. Her wing dragged them to the edge, leaving them dangling into the vortex. Morgyn and I ran to them. I grabbed L, and he grabbed Simeon, pulling them up.
I glanced angrily at her. I created a large fireball and shot it at her. She dropped so she was level with the island, trying to stay airborne. Morgyn attacked, shooting a beam at her, while Simeon and L teamed up to do the same.
“The four of us should do that together,” Morgyn said. “It’ll be stronger and should subdue her.”
I nodded, and we all stood together. The dragon regained her strength and charged again.
Morgyn watched her, calculating her moves. “3…2…1…”
We all shot a beam together, larger and stronger, directed at her heart. I glanced over and saw Grace watching from the window, her hands over her mouth in shock. I looked away, down at the ground. The thought that I was hurting her pet got to me.
The dragon fell in front of us, shaking the ground and bringing me down with her, stopping the beam.
Morgyn’s eyes widened, and he quickly grabbed me, pulling me up.
I stood up, but not as tall and confident. I glanced up to see Grace walk away from the window sadly. I clenched my fist. I cast a spell to shrink the dragon and walked over to her.
Morgyn watched me, but didn’t say a word.
“What are you doing?” Simeon demanded.
Morgyn held up his hand. “Shh.”
I crouched down beside her, patting her head, tears filling my eyes. She may have been the dragon that attacked us, but in her heart, she was someone’s familiar. She was a pet.
I was shocked when she opened her eyes. She peered up at me, weakened and confused.
“Hey there,” I smiled as my tears fell. “You’re safe now. No more orders, okay?”
She nodded slowly.
“May I pick you up?” I asked. “It’s time you went back home.”
She tried to stand.
“No, no,” I picked her up slowly. “I’ve got you.”
“What are you doing?” Simeon stepped forward. Once again, Morgyn stopped him.
“Be still,” he said.
“I’ll get Grace,” L said, jogging toward the building.
I held the dragon, petting her head gently. “You’re okay,” I said quietly.
She closed her eyes, nuzzling her head into the pocket my elbow created.
L came out with Grace, who ran over to me.
“Gemma!” She cried.
Gemma opened her eyes and lifted her head, happy to see Grace. I gently handed her back to Grace, who held her happily.
“Thank you,” she smiled.
Morgyn walked up behind me. “It’s best if we keep our dragon familiars dismissed for now,” he said. “So this doesn’t happen again.”
Grace nodded.
I wiped the tears from my face as Grace, L and Simeon went back into the building.
Morgyn faced me. “We may not be able to save them all,” he said.
“I know,” I looked down, blinking back more tears.
Morgyn brushed a tear from my cheek, gazing at me. “That was pretty incredible,” he smiled.
I shook my head. “I saw how distraught Grace was. I couldn’t do that to her.” I looked up at the building. “Simeon is pretty upset with me, eh?”
Morgyn laughed quietly. “He’s very serious,” he said. “And stuck in tradition. I’m sure he’s fine with you. Just give him time.”
I nodded.
“This was just the beginning,” Morgyn reminded me. “A practice run.”
“I know that too,” I said.
“I just want you to be ready.” He sighed.
I didn’t say anything. I just gazed up into the vortex. I felt Morgyn’s eyes on me, and glanced back at him.
“I’m sorry,” he said, looking away.
I smiled. “It’s okay.” I placed my hands on his shoulders. As he looked at me, I hugged him tightly.
He smiled and hugged me back, burying his head in my shoulder. “You know,” he said, as we pulled away. “I’m so proud to say you’ve become one of my best friends.”
I smiled, blushing a little. “Same, Morgyn.”
“I’m lucky to have met you,” Morgyn nodded. “Truly.”
“You’re making me blush with your sweet talk,” I winked.
He laughed. “Oh, that’s certainly not sweet talk,” he teased flirtatiously.
My heart fluttered. “Oh?”
He grinned. “Nope!”
“Fair enough,” I winked, acting disinterested. Deep down, I wanted him to show me what he thought sweet talk was. I stopped myself.
Morgyn mocked being offended, then laughed. I laughed with him.
We went back into the building and sat down, watching two spellcasters duel. We were silent, as if we had so much to say, but didn’t know how to say it. I played out various scenarios of all the times we had the opportunity to confess feelings but didn’t. I shook my head, trying not to think about it. I couldn’t help it as images of me finally revealing how I felt led to various scenarios.
“You okay?” He snapped me from my thoughts.
“Yeah,” I smiled. “Yeah, I’m alright.”
He looked at me, skeptical. “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” I nodded decisively. I didn’t know how long I could put off the way I felt. It had to be obvious to Morgyn, right?
He stood up and took my hand. “Let’s take a walk.”
I blushed. “Where?”
“Anywhere,” he smiled.
My heart fluttered. I followed him to the portal to the gardens. Once there we sat in the grass.
“You’ve been acting strange,” he said, facing me.
That’s an understatement. “Yeah, I know,” I nodded, looking at the ground.
“What’s going on?” He asked, a worried expression on his face.
“I can’t explain it.” I sighed.
He nodded. “I understand,” he said. “I just don’t like seeing you so unsure.”
I smiled slightly. “There’s a lot on my mind. I’m focused. Driven.”
He also smiled. “Good.” He placed his hand on my shoulder. I shivered. He paused and looked at me, then continued. “I really appreciate you and how fast you grew and adapted.”
I nodded happily. “Thank you.” I realized he had gotten closer to me. We gazed at each other for a moment, before I looked away to distract myself.
“I should get home,” I said.
Morgyn nodded as we stood up. “Thank you for your help,” he hugged me. “You did great, and I know Grace is happy with you too.”
I smiled. “So is Gemma.”
He nodded. “Yes.”
I pulled out my wand and waved. “I’ll see you soon.”
He waved back. “See you soon.”
I teleported away and into my apartment. I flopped down on my bed and called Caleb, asking him to come over. Thanks to his supernatural speed, he was at my door in record time. I allowed him to just walk in whenever.
He came in, but I was asleep in the bed, lying on my belly. He smiled and got onto the bed slowly, lying beside me.
I opened my eyes a little, meeting his gaze with mine. I smiled.
“Hey,” I said quietly.
“Hey,” he smiled back. “You seemed off when you called. Is everything alright?”
I nodded. “Yeah, long day.” I moved so I was on my side and resting my head on his chest.
He stroked my hair. “What happened?”
I explained everything that happened in the realm. His eyes widened.
“And it’s not over yet,” I said, hanging my head. “A full on war is inevitable.”
He sighed. “Are you prepared?”
“Yes,” I nodded. “No. I mean, I am, but I’m scared.”
“Why?” He asked, worried.
“I let my guard down when I really thought about the fact that Gemma was Grace’s pet.” I sighed. “What will it be like when we need to face several of them? Morgyn even said we can’t save them all.”
“But you saved Gemma,” Caleb said. “Maybe you could use her on your side.”
I lifted my head and just stared at him for a moment. “That’s a brilliant idea!” I exclaimed. I threw my arms around him. “I’ll suggest that to Morgyn tomorrow!” I kissed him sweetly.
He grinned and kissed me back, slowly, wrapping his arms around me.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss that,” he said, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear.
I giggled. “It’s only been a couple days.”
“Too long,” he said, pulling me in for another kiss.
I giggled and kissed him back.
“I’ve been thinking,” he said, after we broke the kiss. “And call me crazy, but what about a polyamorous relationship?”
I laughed a little until I realized he was serious. I blushed, partially from being embarrassed and partially because of his suggestion.
“Well, I…” I stopped. “I mean, Morgyn doesn’t even know how I feel. And you don’t know that he told me about your past. So I shouldn’t know about you two either.” I winked.
His eyes widened a little, but then relaxed. “I figured he would,” he smiled. “And I don’t mind. Our relationship wasn’t secret.”
“Why did it end?” I asked.
“Because it wasn’t secret,” Caleb held up his hands in an awkward shrug. “Morgyn is older than he looks. When we dated, it was a different time. Not as acceptable.”
I nodded. Even today, if you asked some people, it wasn’t acceptable. I growled a little in frustration.
“That’s a shame,” was the only thought that popped into my head that I was willing to speak aloud, as it was the only one not laced with expletives against ignorance.
Caleb sat up, and I sat with him, leaning my head on his chest.
“It’s alright,” he smiled. “We said we would always have each other’s hearts.”
“Oh, my, gosh,” I paused after each word. “That is adorable.” I looked up at him. “But you stopped seeing each other.”
“I met Ruby,” Caleb said.
“That explains the pain in his eye when she is mentioned,” I thought aloud.
“Yes,” Caleb nodded. “He approved and was happy for us, or so he said. He and Ruby actually got along really well. But I saw the unhappiness in his eyes, so I decided to be a little too busy to stop by and say hi anymore.”
I furrowed my brow. “It’s a tough situation.”
“Yes,” he gazed lovingly at me. “It was.”
“I don’t know if he would agree to something like that,” I digressed to our original topic. “Again, he doesn’t know that I have these unexplained feelings for him.”
“Yes he does,” Caleb laughed.
“What?” I looked at him. “How can you tell?”
“The other day, when he was here, I could see it in his eyes. He looks at you like he’s just waiting for you to spill the beans.” Caleb teased my hair with his hand, shuffling it around my head. “So spill the beans!”
“Hey!” I pulled away from him. “I’ll tell him when I’m ready.”
“Mhmm,” he nodded like he didn’t believe me.
I took his hand. Looking at him seriously, I nodded decisively. “I will. I just don’t know how.”
“Just kiss him out of nowhere,” Caleb grinned. “It worked for you with me.”
I leaned in closer. “To be fair, Caleb, you already had feelings for me.” I kissed him slowly and deeply.
He laughed and pulled away. Keeping his face close, he did the same to me. “So does he.”
“No!” I exclaimed. “I don’t see it,” I looked away. Or did I actually see it and deny it?
“Morgyn is easy to read,” Caleb explained. “I saw it the moment I sat between you two that day.” He gave me pouty eyes. “You’re really just going to make him wait like that?” He spoke with his bottom lip out, mocking sadness.
I playfully pushed him and stood up. “Yes, I’m going to make him wait. I can’t tell him right now, not with everything that’s going on. I mean, I just can’t do that to him. This whole dragon thing, and then me coming in, threatening his position as sage, but I’m like, ‘no! I would never do that to you!’ But, then a little bit later, I just pop in and say ‘hey, I think I like you!’ I mean…”
As I rambled, Caleb also stood up. He walked toward me without me noticing.
“But see, how would that be fair to him, you know? I can’t do that to him. Not right now. It’s rude, and selfish, and–”
I was cut off by a kiss. Without hesitation, I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him back.
As we pulled away, I stepped back and cleared my throat. “Excuse you, that was rude.”
He laughed. “You would have talked yourself to death.”
“But do you get where I’m coming from?” I asked, my eyes pleading.
“Yes, I do. Bad timing. I get it,” Caleb laughed again.
There was a knock at the door.
“Speaking of bad timing,” I made a finger gun and giggled. I walked away to answer the door. It was Morgyn.
“Oh, hey!” I smiled. “We were just talking about you! Well, I mean, not talking about you, like bad, or anything. I was just saying how much I–” I stopped myself and my eyes widened. “Appreciate all you’ve done.”
Morgyn gave me a blank stare, but a smile crept across his lips. “Well, thank you,” he said, smiling. “And I appreciate you as well.”
I smiled. Nice save, except not really. “Come in!”
He came in, and Caleb walked out of the bedroom. Morgyn stopped.
“I can co-”
“Nope!” I exclaimed. “You being here is totally fine.”
Morgyn laughed and looked at me. “Why are you so manic?”
Caleb grinned, and I glared at him.
“I’m not manic,” I protested. “Maybe hyper, but not manic.”
“Alright then, hyper,” Morgyn corrected. His face got serious. “I wanted to come by and give you some updates.”
I nodded and sat down. I gestured for Morgyn to sit as well. He obliged.
“Darryl has completely lost sight of his dragon,” Morgyn looked at the floor.
Any mania or hyper activity I had shattered in that moment. I looked at him.
“Simeon is weighing his options, but we are thinking this may be war,” Morgyn sighed.
“How many dragons have been affected?” I asked.
“Several,” Morgyn replied. “I’m unsure of the actual number. Some say five, some say eight, others say ten.”
My eyes widened again. “Why so many? Why wasn’t anyone informed?”
“Fear,” Morgyn growled. “Simeon has been much too rough in handling this. No one wants to talk to him about it, and so they don’t.”
“But what about you?” I asked.
“It still has to go back to Simeon,” Morgyn shrugged. “I have to tell him names and statistics and all of that. So he knows, and he stares them down, like it’s their fault.” He sighed. “Simeon really isn’t like this. This situation has him really uptight.”
I looked down. “How long until it’s considered war?”
“Knowing the numbers, it probably should have been days ago,” Morgyn replied. “I don’t think it’ll be much longer.”
“What will happen then?” I asked, worried.
“We will have to stay on alert,” Morgyn looked down as well. “I have seen this before, but I’ve never been the one to handle it.”
I nodded. “I’ll be there as much as soon as you need.”
Morgyn smiled. “I know. You are reliable. We are so lucky to have you.”
I blushed and glanced at Caleb, who was grinning.
Morgyn stood up. “I will keep you informed, so please be sure to check your phone regularly.”
I nodded and stood up with him. “I will.”
Caleb stopped him. “Will you accept outside help?”
Morgyn looked down. “Of course I would, Caleb, but I can’t speak for Simeon.”
“Threaten to resign as sage again,” I giggled.
Morgyn laughed. “Well, I suppose that does work.”
Caleb looked confused, but turned to Morgyn. “I’ll come, even if it means I’m sidelined.”
Morgyn smiled at him. “Thank you.” He hugged him tightly. “You always come through for me.”
“Of course,” Caleb nodded. “That’s what friends are for.”
“It means a lot,” Morgyn smiled sadly at Caleb.
Before Morgyn left, Caleb brought up his idea about Gemma fighting on our side.
Morgyn’s eyes widened. “That’s brilliant!” He echoed my sentiments. “I’ll talk to Grace about that.”
I looked down, feeling worried and unsure. Morgyn came over to me, gripping my shoulders with his hands.
“Jade,” he smiled. “You’ll do great.”
I nodded, trying to smile. I knew it wasn’t very convincing, but I did my best.
Morgyn hugged me. “Trust me.”
“I trust you,” I nodded.
He let go of me and walked toward the door. We said our goodbyes, and waving to us, he left.
“Bad timing,” I said to Caleb as I walked past him and back into my room.
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