Winds of Magic Chapter 7

 

Chapter 7

School started in the fall like it always did. Rei and I commuted from our next-door houses and for the first couple of weeks performed all the perfunctory actions associated with the first weeks of college. One day a week after the first day I was approached by a very beautiful girl dressed in a modest long dress that was lined with lace. She had black hair down to her hips and bright blue eyes. She stopped me.

“York Dune,” she said, as if she already knew me.

“Hello,” I said.

She pointed to me aggressively. “I heard you scored highest on the written entrance exam. I won’t mince words. Join the student council.”

“This is a bit sudden,” I said.

“What other group will take you?” said the student council president. “You scored dead last in practicals. But I understand your value. You can be of great help to the student council.” She extended her hand. “The name’s Illya.”

“You already know my name,” I said, shaking her hand.

“Come with me,” said Illya.

“I promised I’d meet with a friend in half an hour,” I said.

“You’ll have time for that,” said Illya. Her badge indicated that she was a First. Of course she would be. She was the student council president, after all. “Come on.”

I followed her towards the student council government building, Flower Hall. As we walked, Illya spoke.

“I heard you and some friends foiled an attempt to awaken an A-class monster.”

“Yeah, I didn’t really do anything,” I said. “I was just there.”

“You were part of what happened. Don’t deny your involvement.”

I sighed. “Why do you want me, of all people, to join the student council?”

“Because I see a future in you,” said Illya. “I see that you will become someone special in the years to come. I want to be a part of that story.”

Could she possibly know about my work? I didn’t think so, but it might be trouble if she did.

I pushed the thought away and followed her into the student council building and then into their operational headquarters.

A bulky man with a badge that indicated he was a First stood up as soon as we entered. He had crop-cut hair and a thick chin that jutted out from under his mouth. His eyes were remarkably strong and his gaze was powerful.

“Why is a Third here?” he said.

Illya sat down at the head of a round meeting table. “This is York,” she said. “He’s going to be our treasurer.”

“Wait, you didn’t say anything about me joining you,” I said.

The bulky student waved at me. “Exactly!” he said. “It’s a break with tradition to let a Third onto the student council!”

Illya tapped her fingers on the table. “It’s my decision, whether or not either of you want to accept it.”

“I thought this was a college where student choice was respected,” I said.

“Do you want to argue about it?” said Illya.

The burly student waved at me. “He’s a Third!” he said. “What can he contribute?”

Illya frowned, her eyes glinting. “He scored ten points higher than anyone ever has on the entrance exam.”

The burly student seemed to consider this. “I don’t like it,” he said, “And neither will the student body.”

“Roy,” said Illya, “You have to understand. I’m looking to host a council that doesn’t look at superficial things like rank, but instead chooses its members based on merit and ability.” She looked at me. “Your childhood friend’s name is Rei, and she scored second on the practical exam, correct?”

“Um, yes,” I said.

“Bring her with you next time.”

“But,” I said, but was stopped mid-sentence.

“No. I get what I want when it comes to this. You’re going to be our treasurer and there’s nothing you can do about it, outside of a Kemigeki.”

Roy looked taken aback. “You’re suggesting a Third first year challenge you to a Kamigeki?”

“I don’t expect it to happen, but yes, that’s what we will call a worst-case scenario.”

“I won’t go that far,” I said. “Just give me a moment to think about it.”

“Good,” said Illya. “You can go. You said you have a meeting with your childhood friend?”

“Thanks,” I said. I turned away and left the building. I thought about the offer the entire walk to the cafeteria.

Rei was sitting and eating a plate of French fries. “Sit,” she said.

I sat down next to her.

“I’m going to join the curling team,” she said. “And I want you to be my auxiliary.”

“I don’t know if I can—”

“I know you can,” said Rei. “I know you better than you know yourself. You’re smart enough to win games.”

I sighed. “Okay. I’ll do it. For you. But if it gets too demanding I may have to bow out. I have a job, after all.”

“What, your blog?” said Rei. “What’s so great about it? Why don’t you give it up?”

“I’m sorry, I can’t.”

Rei looked apologetic. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I just got a bit worked up.”

“It’s fine,” I said. It really didn’t bother me. I was always deflecting her inquiries into my job. I still didn’t really know the reason for the secrecy but it was hardwired into my contracts so I couldn’t do anything about it.

“I’m not entirely sure what being an auxiliary would entail,” I said. I knew a lot about a lot of things, but magic sports really wasn’t my specialty.

“You’ll be formulating pillars and designing Siege Code for me to cast,” said Rei.

“Okay, I understand,” I said. “I’ll work with you.”

“I knew you would!” said Rei. She took my hand and held it. “We’re going to get onto the main team. Together.”

“Anyways, how are your classes going?” I said, without letting go of her hand.

“They’re going well,” said Rei. “It’s mostly been introductions and syllabuses.”

“Same here,” I said.

I let go of Rei’s hand and stood up to got some food from the food court, and then I headed back to where Rei was sitting. When I returned I found Tetra and Jade sitting at the table. Tetra was, as always, eating a gourmet meal. Jade had a simple sandwich.

“Hey!” said Tetra, upon my arrival. “I heard you got scouted by the student council.”

“How did you hear about that?” I said.

“I’ve been trying to get onto the council myself,” said Tetra. “I don’t know why they would let a Third onto the council, but if it had to be anyone I think you’re the best one to do it.” She covered her mouth as she chewed, and then swallowed. “In any case, I hope our friendship will allow you to put in a good word for me with the president.”

I nodded. “I will,” I said. I turned to Rei. “The president also requested you.”

Rei frowned. “But what if I don’t want to?” she said.

“Illya seems like the kind of person who will get what she wants no matter what other people think.”

Rei sighed. “Okay. But I have a condition.”

“I’m not the one you need to present that to,” I said.

Rei stood up, clearing her plate. “Let me put this away and I’ll come with you to the student council room.” She paused, turning to Tetra and Jade. They, as well, were almost finished with their meals.

“Tetra,” said Rei. “Come with me. Jade too if she wants.”

Tetra snapped her fingers and a butler appeared, taking away her plate, as well as Jade’s. She stood up and cleaned her hands off with an alcohol wipe. “Very well,” she said.

Jade nodded.

The four of us returned to the student council room. At the door, I heard people talking.

“What do you mean you won’t budge?” said a voice. “I refuse to let a Third be on this council.”

“I’m the president,” said Illya. “And you will do as I ask or I will be forced to bring you to a Kamigeki.”

“You know I can’t win that,” said the voice.

I chose that moment to push my way into the room. Illya and the student stopped.

The student who had been arguing was a First, about an inch shorter than me, wearing a blazer and modern suit. His eyes burned with intensity.

“This is Jack,” said Illya, pointing to the student. “He’s the student council secretary.” She paused. “I see you brought Rei,” she said. “As well as Ms. Pearlash.” She bowed.

Tetra curtsied back. “I am glad to be here,” she said.

Rei pointed to Tetra. “If you want me on the council, you’re going to have to take her too.”

“No problem,” said Illya. “There are plenty of jobs that need to be done.” She looked Tetra over with a discerning gaze. “You do look to be as capable as your bloodline would indicate. I think you’d do best helping York with the treasury business.”

“You’ve already decided his job?” said Jack, his eyes narrowed.

“Yes,” said Illya. “Anyone can do the job of treasurer. I simply want York around because I know he will be able to solve the problem.”

“Which problem?” asked Jack.

“The. Problem.” said Illya.

Jack sighed. “That one. I don’t even think it’s a problem if you’d ask me.”

“We need equality at this school,” said Illya. “And he’s the one who can make it happen.”

I sat down at the table. “I’d like to start my job,” I said.

“Well, I wasn’t expecting you to start until tomorrow,” said Illya.

I shook my head. “I’m going to need to look over your finances.”

Tetra sat down next to me. “Indeed. We’re going to audit you. You’re the ones who requested this.”

“Sure,” said Illya, sitting down at the head of the table. She held up her hands. “That’s why I scouted you.”

I spent the next hour going over paperwork regarding the school’s student-sponsored expenses. At Rockwell, the student council was given a budget that they distributed to clubs, events, and anything else a student council could do.

I began to notice small discrepancies in the figures after half an hour. I searched for their origin and finally traced them to a possible source of embezzlement. It was an account called “Forthier’s Club” that was draining small bits of money from at least fifty sources. It was very well hidden.

“Are you seeing this?” I said, presenting the documents to Tetra.

Tetra looked them over. “Indeed,” she said. “Your hunch is correct. I, too, have seen something going on with this Forthier’s Club.”

“What’s Forthier’s Club?” I asked Illya.

She looked up from her work. “Excuse me?” she said. “I do not recognize the name.” She looked at Jack.

Jack shook his head. So did Roy, who had entered the room a while ago.

“The documentation points to Forthier’s Club being a hybrid fraternity.” Tetra showed Illya some documents. “They’re the guarantor on a number of transactions that seem suspicious. There’s a serious discrepancy in the numbers, and this club seems to be the source.”

“Let me look over the documents,” said Illya. She took the papers and downloaded the electronic documents to her tablet. It took her ten minutes of silence to look them over. “Yes, I see it,” she said. “I don’t remember our club advisory board approving a club with this name.”

“So what do you think?” said Rei.

“I think you’re going to have to do your job,” said Illya, to Rei.

“Excuse me?” said Rei. “You haven’t told me what my job will be yet.”

“You’re going to be the campus sheriff,” said Illya. “Rockwell is a magic academy, and as such many magicians have powers that would become troublesome if misused. Our previous sheriff graduated last year and we’ve been looking for a replacement.”

“So you want me to police the campus?” said Rei. “I don’t know if I’m up to the task. I also plan on joining the curling team with York as my auxiliary.”

“Don’t worry,” said Illya. “The sheriff doesn’t actually spend that much time doing campus police work. That’s what the searchers are for.”

“We call the people who do the actual police work searchers,” said Roy.

Rei sighed. “Okay. I’ll do that. My first job is to look into Forthier’s Club.” She paused. “I’ll get to it as soon as possible. For now the deadline to apply for the curling team is today.” She turned to me. “York. Let’s go.”

I stood up. “If you will excuse me.”

We left the room to head to the Battle Tower.

Winds of Magic Chapter 6!

 

Chapter 6

The weeks passed without much fanfare. Then I got the letter. I had been accepted. I was now part of the Freshman class at Rockwell Magic Academy. My practical score had been dismal, but I had scored the highest of any of the test takers on the written exam.

But even so I was rated a “Third.” I did not know exactly what this meant, but I had no illusions about its connotation.

Rei, on the other hand, was listed as a “First.” She received a full scholarship, all expenses paid, and was the second-highest scorer on the practical exam. Her written exam results were nothing to scoff at either.

Rockwell was just within walking distance of our houses. The day of orientation arrived, and Rei woke me up early by knocking on my door.

I got dressed and went to the door. “Ready?” I said, once I opened it.

“Ready,” said Rei. We walked the fifteen minutes it took to get to the campus and arrived to see a great number of students who were gathered in the entrance square.

The academy was formed of silver and magic. Each building flowed through the air, hanging at strange, obtuse angles and sparkling with an electric brilliance. It resembled the “future land” models that one sees in pictures of what the fifties thought the future looked like. Not outdated, but a bit quaint in its sensibilities.

The biggest building was a fluted column that stood at least twenty stories tall, decorated with what appeared to be twinkling diamonds. That building rose out of the middle of the campus, surrounded by the other buildings, all of which complimented it.

There were over five hundred students arranged in the courtyard, with five sets of tables carrying nametags and attendance sheets.

Rei waved. She had spotted Tetra and Jade. Tetra waved back and approached us.

“Hum hum,” said Tetra, holding her hand luxuriously in front of her mouth. “I see you have both arrived.” She eyed me. “Mr. Miracle.”

That was Tetra’s nickname for me, as she considered my entrance into Rockwell to be a miracle. I couldn’t argue with the name as it appeared to be a term of endearment when coming from her. Her mind, as always, was a bit obtuse.

And so was Jade’s. She bowed, without saying anything. I saw the badge on her shirt.

“You’re a Second?” I said.

“And you’re a Third,” said Tetra, in place of Jade.

Tetra’s badge indicated that, like Rei, she was a First. Tetra, to her credit, did not boast about her placement rank. We looked at each other, and then Tetra chuckled. “Anyways, it’s time that we got signed in for orientation.” She paused. “I never did ask exactly what your major was.”

“Magical cyber engineering,” I said.

“Ooh, a tough one,” said Tetra. “I myself have joined the art conservatory.” She laughed. “And Jade is studying magic medicine.”

Jade nodded, though she did not speak.

I motioned towards Rei. “Rei is training to be a hyperspace engineer,” I said.

“Ah, hyperspace,” said Tetra. “Quite the strange subject.”

“Have you seen it before?” asked Rei.

“Once I saw it during a lab for my AP Spatial Manipulation class. It certainly gave me quite the surprise.”

“Yeah, hyperspace does that,” said Rei. “You get used to one kind and then they show you another and it boils your brain again.”

“Very few people can handle looking straight at hyperspace,” said a voice, approaching us.

It was a professor. She wore a mauve business suit and had on a name tag that identified her as “Dr. Simmons.” She couldn’t have been more than twenty-five years old. Quite a feat for a professor. She also held in her hand a poster with “Magical Engineering” written on it. She motioned towards the greeting tables. “I couldn’t help but hear that Rei Ward was in attendance.” She extended her hand. “Stacy Simmons. Dr. Stacy Simmons.”

Rei shook the professor’s hand. “Rei Ward,” she said, “Though I suppose my reputation precedes me.”

Dr. Simmons smiled. “Indeed. Your mastery of the hyperspace portion of the written exam was something to be seen.”

Rei laughed nervously. “Yeah, um, I spend a lot of time looking at it.”

“You don’t happen to be a natural, do you?” Dr Simmons paused. “Of course you are. No one who hasn’t delved deep into the hyperspace levels could answer like you did on the exam.”

A “natural” was someone who could see hyperspace without needing equipment. Rei was one of them. When she was a child, it really bothered her, but now that she had grown up she managed to keep control of it. Even so, some days the hyperspace took over her body and made her bedridden for a while. It hadn’t happened in some time but I was always standing by for an attack.

Not now though. Now we had to bathe in our success.

“Yes, I am a natural,” said Rei, a bit guarded. “Now, if you will excuse me.”

“Ah, one thing before you go,” said Dr. Simmons. “Say hello to Dr. Richardson when you can. He can help you in ways most professors can’t.”

We excused ourselves from Dr. Simmons and went to the sign in table. After waiting in line for a while we both received name tags that also displayed our chosen major. We were then told to gather around the Orientation Leaders who were holding the signs of our major.

I returned to Dr. Simmons, who appeared to be the only professor among the orientation leaders. I didn’t know what was going on there but I didn’t want to ask. About a hundred students gathered around her sign.

The groups split and began their tours of the campus. I got to see all the halls, each one unique in its twisting, graceful form. The windows reflected light as if encrusted with gems.

Hammard Hall was the location where most engineering students had their classes.

 We also saw the Battle Spire. That was the tall building at the center of the campus. It was, as its name implied, a tower for battling. Though it looked only twenty stories tall, it was actually over two hundred stories tall. City height limits kept the physical manifestation of the building short but, make no mistake, the place was huge.

“Battling is the foundation of Rockwell Academy,” said Dr. Simmons. “Believe it or not, our school is number two in our league when it comes to magic battles. Our team is called the Rockwell Angels.” She pumped her fist. “Go Angels!”

“Go angels!” echoed some of the more energetic students.

I, of course, couldn’t possibly compete in the magic “battle” system, given my poor practical results. But I wasn’t aiming to not be involved either. The field of “battling” was a great test bed for my inventions and programs. If I could worm my way into a position as a battle engineer, I could advance my projects at much quicker rates, and in the process help my school.

“There are three teams here at Rockwell,” said Dr. Simmons, standing on the steps of Battle Tower. “One. Curling. Two. Rockeye. Three. Bladestep.”

Curling was a magic sport where two magicians stood on opposite ends of a field containing twelve pillars. Each pillar was built beforehand with magic by the auxiliary team, and could be comprised of anything from bone to ice. The goal of the game was to destroy all your opponent’s pillars without letting yours get destroyed.

Rockeye was a game resembling magic paintball. Teams of three would run through terrain and fire off magic shots at enemies while hiding behind cover.

Bladestep was a game where one team created a trap-filled maze for the other team to traverse. The traversing team was equipped with magic shields. Scores were assigned based on how deep the team got into the maze before sustaining a “death,” where a player’s protective shielding was broken.

Dr. Simmons continued. “We also perform in the magic athlete’s festival each quarter. Training for that, as well, happens in Battle Tower.”

The magic athlete’s festival had ten sports, each one a test of skill for the player.

“And finally,” said Dr. Simmons, “We have Kamigeki, which translates to individual combat. Our school is one of the five in the nation that still upholds the values of Kamigeki. If you wish to challenge someone to a Kamige, you must put forth equal wagers and bring a judging panel of three teachers. A challenge made through Kamigeki is sacred. Do not take one on lightly. At worst, you may lose a limb or even die.”

A student raised her hand. “So you’re saying people can get seriously hurt like this?”

“Isn’t that what I just said?” said Dr. Simmons. “Without risk, the Kamige system doesn’t mean anything. Like I said, it’s sacred. Our school has been performing it for three hundred years.” She paused. “Now on to Peter’s Hall. We’ve been here long enough.”

I had been interested in Kamigeki since I had learned of Rockwell. This practice was a holdover from the days before magic casting devices made it so that more people could use magic. Before that, magicians were more marginalized in society. They used Kamigeki to solve disputes between themselves without the interference of a non-magic governing body. Now that there was an official magical regulations board, however, only select places still practiced it, all of them grandfathered in through the regulations against it.

We came to Peter’s Hall. It was a magnificent structure, even considering all the other crazy architecture on campus. Its flanged facets rotated through the rising cone of its silhouette. Multiple colors of window ran up along the angles and twisted magnanimously.

We entered through a grand crystal door. The inside was wide, huge, a hall like no other. The stage was small as seen from the entrance point. This auditorium looked like it could hold five thousand people.

“And this is the interior,” said Dr. Simmons, her voice echoing. “It was remodeled several years ago by the famous architect Joseph Siycamore.” She motioned. “If you’re successful here, you may get a chance to perform on that stage.” Dr. Simmons then took us out of the building and gave us a further tour of the campus. There was the Elephant Fountain and there was a piece of the Berlin Wall, as well as many modern art sculptures.

We finished our tour in the cafeteria, where the other groups were filing in as well.

I waved to Rei. She came over to me and tilted her head.

“I want to join the curling team,” she said, almost instantly. “I want you to be one of my auxiliaries.”

“A bit quick much?” said Tetra, approaching from the other direction. She snapped her fingers and five chefs in white kitchen garb came through the door pushing serving carts. The whole cafeteria turned to look.

Tetra motioned. “You can eat with me if you want.”

“Of course!” said Rei, before I could say anything. She lifted the cap off of one of the dishes. “Oh wow, lobster,” she said. “It’s been a while.”

“Take as you may,” said Tetra.

“Thanks,” I said, as I received a platter filled with sumptuous baked potatoes.

As the rest of the cafeteria watched, we sat down at a table near the edge and were waited on hand and foot by the chefs. Tetra spent the whole time talking about her major and the classes she was going to take and the artists she had studied and the actual works of theirs she had hanging in her house.

So we spent the rest of orientation.

Winds of Magic Chapter 5

 

Chapter 5

One week later I left the house and met up with Rei to take our written exams for Rockwell Magic Academy. They were known to be one of the toughest exams in the magic world, but I had been preparing for this moment for years.

We filed into a large lecture hall with at least a hundred other students, where we were placed at least six feet apart from each other. Even so the hall held us all with room to spare.

A professor began to hand out test booklets.

“Do not open them until I give you the go ahead,” said the professor, continuing to hand out the booklets. “You can find pencils underneath your desk.”

I didn’t need to look, as I had brought four of my own, all nicely sharpened. It was a good luck charm in some ways and a reassurance in others. I was a test-taker at heart and I needed to score high on this exam to compensate for my poor practical score.

The questions were on magic theory, including an amount on Siege Code. I flew through the questions and was the first one to turn in my exam.

I waited outside for Rei. She took another half hour, and was the fifth person to leave the room. When she walked out of the doorway, I greeted her.

“So?” I said. “How do you think you did?”

“Good enough,” said Rei. “Even if I didn’t do as good as I could have, my practical score should shore me up in the selection process.”

I sighed. “Well, you and me are both in this to win.”

“I’m looking to get a scholarship,” said Rei. She frowned. “Though I don’t know about your chances.”

“We’ve been over this,” I said. “I make enough money with my blog to support even an expensive school like Rockwell. I won’t have to take out loans.”

“How does your blog generate so much money?” said Rei.

“It’s best if you don’t ask,” I said.

I, of course, did not operate a popular and profitable blog. I was simply paid lots of money to do Siege Code and other development as Regius Alnum. Part of my contract, during high school, was to keep my identity a secret. I wasn’t that worried about being known to be a famous magical engineer, but the companies I worked for, and the government, seemed to want to keep my identity under wraps. I was smart enough not to dig too deep into that one. There had to be some sort of reason for it but I hadn’t asked and didn’t want to.

We walked together, silent, until we reached our two houses. Rei stopped at her door.

“See you tomorrow,” she said, hesitating for a moment.

“See you then,” I said, turning around and walking to my own door.

“Hey,” said Rei.

I turned to look at her. She paused.

“Good luck,” she said.

“Thanks,” I said. I opened my door and entered.

Now that I had some free time, I decided it would be productive to finish some of the work I had been contracted to do. Again, I was working on Project Canal, a government funded initiative to create tracking modules that were easier to use than the ones currently in production. I was on the Siege Code wing of the development and was senior design engineer. I had a lot of code to look through, compile, and debug before the project could be declared finished. I spent the rest of the night doing some of that.

I was alone in my house but I felt someone watching me. I turned around in my chair and looked at the doorway to my office.

A shadow stood in between the door frames.

“Agnis?” I said, tilting my head.

The shadow approached me. “York,” it said.

The shadow was an apparition named Agnis who worked for the government and occasionally came to me with requests. He was not a reaper, though he was of the same magical genus. His shadowy form had no boundaries and it was hard to see where his body ended and his aura began.

“What do you need from me?” I said.

“Don’t go to Rockwell,” Agnis said. “You don’t need to. You make twice as much money as any graduate from the academy.”

“It’s not about the money, Agnis,” I said. “There are things that I can learn there that I can’t anywhere else.”

“You intend to use your status as a student at Rockwell to access the Grimoires?” said Agnis.

“Yes,” I said. “Rockwell has three specific grimoires that I need to get my hands on.”

Agnis sighed, which was a deep sound that puffed through his shadowy form. “You do not need to know those things,” he said.

“Did you come here just to tell me that?” I asked.

Agnis shook his black, misty head. Smoke swirled around his neck. “I came here to warn you. You are going to find that being a student at Rockwell will be more difficult than you expect.”

“I’m prepared for academic difficulty,” I said.

“Not that,” said Agnis. “A different kind.”

“Then tell me about it,” I said.

Agnis shook his head again. “No. I can’t.” His form began to shimmer. “I need to go now.”

“Has Crystal said anything?” I said.

Agnis was about to disappear. “No,” he said, his voice fading. “She expects you to continue work no matter the circumstances.” And then he dissolved into mist.

I turned back to my computer. Agnis had a small amount of precognitive ability, and so I needed to take his warning more seriously than if it had come from someone else. Rockwell was dangerous? And the reapers. What did they want with me? I had the feeling that I was peeking into a deeper conspiracy.

I pushed those thoughts away and continued my work on the computer.

I noticed another presence behind me about ten minutes later. “Rei,” I said, without looking.

“York,” said Rei. I turned to look at her. She was in her underwear, but it was not something that surprised me.

“You need your devices calibrated?” I said. This was a normal routine between us that happened about twice a month. The only question I had was why she picked today.

Clothing had the effect of dampening psionic waves, but we did have to maintain a modicum of modesty. As such, Rei wore as little as possible to keep her pride intact while allowing for good readings.

I pressed a button on my console. The walls folded in and a padded operation table rose from the ground. The whole room turned into a medical theater.

Rei walked to the table and got onto it. I took off her dual casting devices and plugged them into my console. A stream of data flowed across the multiple screens. I did some typing and option selecting and then turned to Rei.

“You’ve been experiencing breakage?” I said, not really as a question.

“A little,” said Rei. She turned her head away.

“Hm,” I said. “It shouldn’t be that bad, according to my readouts.”

“I want to be in the best shape I can be,” said Rei. “I have a feeling I’ll need to precision soon.”

“Have you been visited by any apparitions?” I said.

Rei was silent for a good long while. “Maybe,” she said. “I just have the feeling that I’m going to need my casting ability at some point in the near future.”

I thought about it for a minute and then turned to my console. “Stay still,” I said, as I initiated the scanning process. I took out the handheld scanner and walked over to where Rei was laying. Using the device, I scanned her entire body, making sure to keep my motions regular so that I covered all of the necessary points.

“Hm,” I said. “You seem to have a little bit more energy coming from your second psionic node.”

“Ah,” said Rei. “I’ve been practicing heating things instead of just cooling them.”

“Well, it’s showing results,” I said. I continued to scan her. “Anyways, you don’t seem to be that off the mark.” I shut off the scanner. “Give me a moment.”

Rei sat up on the table and covered herself with her hands. She paused there, not doing anything.

“You should put your clothes back on,” I said.

“Okay,” said Rei, pausing for a moment. She then got off the table and took a step towards me. She appeared to think for a minute and then turned around and retrieved her clothes.

Today she was wearing a long white skirt with a lace covering and a frilled top. It wasn’t the most practical of outfits but I did think it suited her form well. She walked up behind me and watched as I coded into her devices the new calibrated data.

It took about fifteen minutes. When I was done I handed the devices back to her.

“It should hold for two weeks,” I said. “After that come back.” I pressed another button on my console and the exam room disappeared.

The room was, actually, not intended for my use. My father was a medical magic researcher and used this office to test the various magic beasts he acquired on his journeys. I had repurposed it for calibration of casting devices, but its original purpose was to provide information for my father’s research. My father was, in fact, one of the most famous xenobiology experts in the field. He and my mother both did great research that contributed a large amount to our knowledge of magic and how it interacted with living creatures.

Rei took her two casting devices and smiled at me before turning around and leaving the office. I returned to my work and spent the rest of the night trying to find a specific bug in the Project Canal code.

The next morning I woke up to the smell of breakfast. It was Rei, of course, and it was normal for her to cook breakfast for us in the morning.

I walked into the kitchen. I stopped.

“Tetra?” I said. “Jade?”

Tetra and Jade turned to look at me from where they were sitting at the table.

“Hello there,” said Tetra, with a slight grin.

“Rei invited us over,” said Jade, tilting her head.

“But you live on the other side of town,” I said.

“It is not often that I get to eat food cooked by a friend,” said Tetra.

Jade nodded.

“Okay, then,” I said. “The more the merrier, I guess.”

“Jade and I have our written exam today,” said Tetra. “It would do us well to start the day off with a wholesome meal.”

“Well,” I said, “Eating does send more blood from the brain to the stomach,” I said.

“Ah, posh,” said Tetra. She waved her hand dismissively. “I have always had good luck on exams after eating well.” She held out an empty bowl. “More please!”

“Coming right up,” said Rei, filling the bowl with rice and egg.

Tetra tucked in to her seconds. I sat down at the table and examined the two. Jade appeared to be off in her own world of thought. Tetra’s eyes, on the other hand, were surreptitiously examining every inch of our living and dining room.

“Quite quaint, isn’t it?” said Tetra, after a pause. “I never do understand the decoration habits of commoners.”

“We’re not in the fifteenth century,” I said, just meaning to poke at her.

“Ah,” said Tetra, “But social hierarchies still exist. And they are a good thing that must be respected. The rich improve the plight of the poor, of the masses, and so must receive their reward.”

“I don’t know if I’d buy that,” said Rei, handing me a bowl of rice. “I think being rich has its merits, but often times people don’t get rich by doing good things.”

“Pollycock,” said Tetra. She waved her spoon with a delicate touch. “Someone has to be on top.”

“We can have this argument later,” said Rei, sitting down to her own meal. “In the meantime, eat up.”

And so we began our day.

Winds of Magic Chapter 4

 

Chapter 4

“I didn’t want to,” said Malcom, walking towards the stairs, his hand on the hand rail. His cloak flowed behind him. “I had no true desire to team up with that idiot Galmor. But Almog has to be awakened. Terrible things are about to happen in the future and I am going to stop them.”

“And for that you need to sacrifice my friend?” said Jade, her eyes becoming intense.

“Not sacrifice,” said Malcom. “Offer her to the god.”

“Almog destroyed the city the last time he was released,” said Tetra. “He was an A class disaster.”

“And reviving him will prevent an S class,” said Malcom. He began to walk down the grand staircase. “You know that only a monster can fight another monster. Who cares if the city burns, if the world is saved?”

“There has to be another way,” said Rei. “There has to be another option besides dooming this city to destruction.”

Malcom reached the ground floor. “And how are you going to stop me?” he asked.

“Like this,” said Tetra, holding out her hand. A blue laser erupted from her palm and aimed for Malcom.

A barrier shot up and blocked the shot. Another figure appeared on the balcony, running out of the hall.

“Galmor,” said Malcom.

“You called me an idiot,” said Galmor, his face twisted. “You’re going to pay for that.”

“After we deal with these meddling kids,” said Malcom. He began typing into his casting device. Balls of electricity popped into existence around him and danced through the air. They encircled us and closed in, hemming us into a circle.

Jade threw up as many barriers as she could, but could not stop the electric balls’ approach. Each barrier she put up shattered in turn.

Rei fired off icicles towards the two enemy magicians. They dodged with quick motions, and not a single ice missile hit its mark.

Malcom typed a complicated code into his device and rose into the air on a cushion of ionized energy. He swept his hand and an explosion of white sprayed across the room, cracking and damaging the statues along the walls.

“Hey!” yelled Tetra, preparing to cast another spell. “Those were Renaissance originals!” She fired off another laser that cut through the bannisters along the balcony of the second floor. Wood splinters flew everywhere.

Galmor ducked to avoid the shrapnel. A wave of material rose beneath him, controlled by Jade. The wave tossed Galmor off the balcony where he fell onto Malcom. The two tangled for a moment before they could regain their composure.

Rei formed a shield of solid ice that surrounded them. Jade also formed her own barrier of energy to bolster the first shield.

Malcom tried to break the barrier with a blast of his energy weapon, but couldn’t. He sat down with a dazed expression on his face.

“We’re reporting you to the authorities,” said Tetra, approaching the trapped wizards. “If you tell us where Tally is, we’ll make sure they treat you better.”

“Hah,” said Galmor. “You think we’re going to tell you where she is?”

“She’s gone,” said Malcom. “Swallowed by the Signet.”

“What do you mean, Signet?” said Tetra.

“It’s gone now,” said Galmor. “We lost our window of opportunity. You’ll never be able to find it again.”

“We failed,” said Malcom, “But that doesn’t mean Almog isn’t going to awaken.”

“The Signet,” said Tetra. “To find Tally, we’re going to have to find this Signet?”

Malcom coughed. “And you never will.”

Police sirens wailed, coming closer. Six cars pulled into the mansion’s driveway and a dozen officers came out, backed up by five magicians. They entered the mansion foyer and surrounded the two men.

Galmor chuckled. “You’re too late, officers,” he said. “Nothing will remain for you to find.”

A man in a suit and a fedora approached us. “You’re high schoolers, aren’t you?” he said.

“Yes,” I said. “We came to try and save our friend.”

“I would chastise you for putting yourself in danger like this,” said the detective, “But you did manage to beat them without getting harmed.” He paused. “I recognize one of you.” He nodded at Rei. “You scored in the top five in the entire country on your physical exam.”

“This is my childhood friend,” Rei said, pointing to me. “He is the one who made this possible.”

“I’ll remember that,” said the detective. He extended his hand. “Detective Laymon. At your service.”

As the police took down the barriers and put Malcom and Galmor into restraints, Detective Laymon brought us out into the garden. “Lady Tetra,” he said, bowing towards Tetra. “I do hope your family will find it in their good graces to forget how slow we were to respond.”

“It’s fine, officer,” said Tetra, waving her hand. “This place is insured.” Even so, she appeared pained.

“Even thought it’s condemned?” said Rei.

“Our family is nothing if not cautious,” said Tetra. She frowned. “And we still haven’t found Tally.”

“The Signet,” I said. “That’s where she is.”

Detective Laymon’s eyes narrowed and his expression soured. “Where did you hear about the Signet?” he said.

“From those two bozos,” said Tetra.

“Do not mention this to anyone,” said Detective Laymon. “Nothing. Not a word. This is a government level secret. You do not have the clearance to know about it. Even I know nothing more than that its name is a black stain on the world of magic.” He paused. “Are all of you applying to Rockwell Magic Academy?”

“Yes,” said Tetra.

“Yes,” I said.

“Of course,” said Rei.

Jade nodded, her eyes piercing.

“I’ll make sure to give you all an official recommendation. You did good today, kids.”

“We’re not really kids anymore,” said Rei.

Detective Laymon chuckled. “To me you are. Anyways, you’re going to be minor heroes after this incident. It’s not often that four high schoolers—or barely out of high school students—beat two top class mages without taking any losses.”

“Thanks,” said Tetra.

“So,” said Rei. “York and I were planning on doing some karaoke. How’s about you guys join us?”

“You sure?” I said, to Rei.

“They’re our friends now,” said Rei, smiling at Tetra and Jade.

“Ahaha,” said Tetra, holding her hand in a high-class manner. “I wouldn’t mind doing something crass like karaoke if it’s with you.”

“She means, gladly,” said Jade.

“Yeah, I got that,” I said.

We looked at each other.

“We’ve got this handled,” said Detective Laymon. “The ritual magic specialists are on their way. Go have some fun. You’ve earned it.”

“Come on, let’s go,” said Rei, motioning.

Tetra took out her cell phone. “Mark? Yes, please. Have the limo here in ten minutes.”

“Limo?” said Rei. “Isn’t that a bit much for an outing with friends?”

“Ahaha,” said Tetra. “I’d like to thank you. Please, accept this.”

“Okay, sure,” I said, grabbing Rei’s hand. She looked at me and sighed.

“Sure, like York said,” said Rei.

We walked to the mansion’s gate and waited for the limousine to arrive.

“Your magic is very pretty,” said Tetra, to Rei. “Where did you learn to cast like that?”

“York is very good with Siege Code,” said Rei. “He programs all my magic spells for me.”

“Hm?” said Tetra, looking at me as if she had just realized I was worth something. “You are?”

“Yeah, I do Siege programming on the side,” I said.

“I work as a Siege programmer as well,” said Jade. She did not appear to be boasting about it.

“Who do you work for?” said Rei.

“Asmodeus,” I said.

“Asmodeus,” said Jade.

Jade and I looked at each other.

“Perhaps, do I know you?” said Jade.

“I doubt it,” I said, sensing that I should keep a cap on my identity for a bit longer. “It’s a big company that employs a lot of programmers.”

“Your Siege code is very beautiful, if you’re the one who designed Rei’s magic,” said Jade. She seemed to suspect something, but did not speak up about it.

The limousine pulled up at that moment.

“Please, get in,” said Tetra. A man in a suave suit stepped out of the driver’s seat and opened the door for her. Tetra motioned to us.

We got in. The limo was amazingly plush on the inside. Tetra opened a refrigerator and took out some expensive-looking beverage bottles.

“I apologize that I cannot offer you a sample of my whisky collection, but we are minors, after all.”

“Whiskey?” said Rei.

“Indeed,” said Tetra. “My father is keen in his eye for quality when it comes to spirits. We have on our staff a world-renowned sommelier.” She handed me a bottle of what appeared to be orange soda. “This will do for now. Orangica.”

“I’ve heard of that!” said Rei.

I paused, searching in my pocket for what I knew was there. The flash drive I recovered from the bottom of the lake.

That would have to be dealt with. But, for now, I had to enjoy the time I had with friends.

We pulled up next to a karaoke shop and the driver let us out. We entered the building.

The man behind the counter had pimples and wore a tacky hat and uniform. He looked up and eyed us with a bored expression on his face.

“For four?” he said.

“Four,” said Tetra, putting down a credit card.

“Hey,” said Rei. “I was going to pay.”

“I’m the one with a net worth of over a million dollars,” said Tetra. “Let me do this.”

Rei backed up. “Sure, sure. Thanks.”

The clerk signed us up in room five, giving us a key. We went down the hall and entered our room.

The karaoke room was just like every other, with sofas surrounding a table and a TV at the room’s end.

Tetra sat down and began entering songs into the song selection device. “What do you want to sing?” said Tetra. “Does anyone want to do a duet with me? How about ordering something to eat?”

“You’ve obviously been here before,” said Rei, sitting down.

“Ah, yeah,” said Tetra.

“She comes here alone,” said Jade, sitting down next to Tetra.

“Ahaha …” said Tetra. “Not alone, just … Um … Independently.” She grinned. “But not anymore. Come on. Order something, I’ll pay for it.”

We spent the rest of the night playing and singing. When we were done Tetra dropped Rei and I off at our houses.

“I will hope to see you when school starts,” said Tetra, as the limo pulled away. “I do believe I know a good magician, or magicians, when I see one.” She rolled the window up.

“Well that was fun,” said Rei, as we headed into my house. We stopped at the threshold. Rei seemed to be holding back something she wanted to say.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” I said.

Rei looked like she was about to say something. Then she pulled away. “Okay,” she said. She turned around and went to her house next door.

I watched her for a moment and then entered my own home. The lights were out and it was dark. I sighed, cleaned myself up, and then studied a bit before going to bed.

Winds of Magic Chapter 3

Chapter 3

The three of us went through alleyways in the downtown area until we came to a recently emptied lot marked by a construction company’s sign. Jade pointed to the empty space.

“This is where she was kidnapped,” she said.

I walked into the center of the field. “I can feel some leftover resonating angles that tell me your friend went …” I pointed. “That way. Up. Over the rooftops. Surprisingly fast.”

“How can you tell?” said Jade.

“York has a knack with these things,” said Rei. “He’s the best magical tracker in the city.”

“And yet you scored so low on Rockwell practical exam?” said Jade.

“Where did you hear that?” I said.

“I have my ways,” said Jade. She started walking in the direction that I had pointed. When she reached the wall of the adjacent building, she slammed her foot into the ground and flew up onto the rooftop, which was three stories high.

Rei was about to do the same when she caught herself and looked at me. With a sideways glance, she held out her hand.

“I’ll leave this to you,” I said. I took hold of her offered hand.

We jumped onto the rooftops, propelled by a blast of frozen air, landing with a graceful flourish. We then ran along the roofs of the downtown buildings until I sensed that the trail changed direction.

We returned to street level with another leap. The trail led to a park in the middle of the downtown area that was jeweled with a lake that had a dozen swan-shaped love boats on it. I stopped at the bank.

“Beneath the water,” I said. “There seems to be a disturbance in the ether at the bottom of the lake.”

Jade held up her hand and a blast of air swirled around her arm. “I can make us a breathable pocket of air,” she said.

A laugh echoed from behind us, filled with high-born nosiness, like a princess. I looked towards the source of the sound to see a girl with bright blonde hair that was permed into ringlets. She held her hand near her mouth as she laughed. Her dress was very high quality, of a brand that probably cost ten times what I earned in a month. She approached us.

“What do I see here?” she said, stopping before Jade.

“Tetra,” said Jade, without much emotion.

Tetra gave a small curtsy. “I did not expect to see you here, my rival,” she said, her voice haughty.

“I don’t care who you are,” said Rei, “But we’re looking for Jade’s friend. Please don’t interrupt us.”

“What if I had news for you?” said Tetra, the back of her hand facing her cheek. “News that could change everything.”

“Tell me,” said Jade, not seeming to be affected by Tetra’s obvious prodding.

“Your friend is not under the lake,” said Tetra. “I followed her to a mansion in the outskirts of town.”

Jade looked over at me. “Then what is under the lake?” she said. “I believe York.”

“York?” said Tetra. She looked at me with a haughty expression on her face. “That’s your name? A mere commoner like you has the ability to track signatures?”

“Commoner?” said Rei, under her breath. “Where are we, eighteenth century London?”

Tetra put the back of her hand against her mouth. “You are standing before Terta Pearlash, daughter of Morian Pearlash, CEO of Peak Industries.”

“Peak—” said Rei, with obvious surprise.

“So you’re a rich girl,” I said.

“Of course I am,” said Tetra. “How else would someone like me look so elegant?”

For some reason everyone appeared to take her statement seriously. I, however, couldn’t help but chuckle a bit.

“What?” said Tetra. “Do you not believe me?”

Rei put her hand on my shoulder. I understood what she meant. The girl was, despite her obtuse manner, the daughter of a very powerful person. It would be unwise to make her unhappy. I sighed.

“I believe you,” I said. “Can you help us, then, with your knowledge?”

Tetra seemed vindicated as her smile curled upwards. “There’s something else that you don’t know about underneath the lake, that I suggest you do not disturb.”

“And how do you know this?” said Rei.

“Because my father has people who work on this,” said Tetra. She covered her mouth with the back of her hand. “I can be of much assistance to you.”

“I’m still going to check what’s under there,” I said. I turned to Rei. “Give me that bubble of air.”

Rei formed a bubble of ice that surrounded me. She could not manipulate air exactly, but by aiming certain facets of her magic at precise places between molecules she could compress an amount of air inside a localized position.

I dove into the lake. The water, pressed away by the field around me, did not touch my clothes. I could see quite far through the liquid surrounding me.

At the bottom of the lake was a bubble of shining material. I landed on the silt floor and walked towards it. There, inside of it, was a flash drive on top of a strangely positioned wooden desk. I walked through the bubble with no problem and picked up the drive. I swam back up to the surface.

When I popped out of the water, Rei rushed to me.

“What did you find?” she said.

I showed her the flash drive.

“Is this it?” she said. “That’s all you found?”

I shook my head. “It was strange. I didn’t sense anything besides the marker I saw before.”

Rei took the flash drive and slid it into her pocket. “Tetra knows where Jade’s friend went,” she said. “This flash drive may prove useful, but we need to see what’s inside it first. For now let’s focus on the urgent matter at hand.”

I nodded. The four of us walked through the downtown and to a mansion that was at the outskirts of the developed area. It was large, crested with an iron gate and walls that separated it from the outside world.

“This place has been abandoned for ten years,” said Tetra, as she punched a code into the panel at the gate’s edge. “Our family owns it, but ever since a high level of radon was detected inside of it it’s been condemned. The only reason why it hasn’t been demolished is because my grandmother doesn’t want it gone.” She pouted a bit. “It’s been at the edge of the law for a while now.”

The gate opened. Tetra paused. “Now do you understand how much use I can be of to you?”

Rei made a face. “Yeah. I appreciate it.”

Jade said nothing, her grey eyes watching the gate open. We stepped onto the grounds, which were still meticulously maintained. Walking up the path that led to the house proper, we passed statues and fountains that were still running.

“How did the kidnapper gain access to this place when it was closed off?” said Rei. “They can’t possibly have just jumped the gate.”

“That’s exactly what happened,” said a voice, coming from behind a wall. A figure stepped out from behind it. He held out his hand.

He was burly, with a bald head and thick mustache. A gigantic scar ran down his cheek and across his neck. His eyebrows were tiny. His eyes contained a deadly glint. The casting device attached to his arm was of a top model, one that had just been released.

The bald man began activating his casting device.

Rei beat him to the punch, sending off a blast of cold air and sharp icicles. The bald man dove, rolling across the ground to avoid the attack. He then managed to finish his casting sequence and sprayed poison across his field of vision.

Jade threw up a barrier using her own casting device and the poison splattered against it.

The bald man rolled to the side and fired off several poison-tipped arrows from out of his palm. They punched through Jade’s barrier.

Jade hit the floor and the arrows whizzed over her head. She twisted around and slammed the earth with her fist, sending an undulating wave of dirt and rock towards the enemy.

The bald man typed furiously into his casting device and the wave of dirt froze in place. Rei charged the bald man with a sword made of ice. A shield appeared out of nowhere in the bald man’s hand and blocked the charge. Rei flew backwards as if shocked by electricity.

Tetra fired off a beam of intense laser energy that sliced through the background as it aimed towards the bald man. The bald man blocked it with his shield for a few seconds, until the beam of light began to burn through it.

The bald man backed away from us, his shield melding in his hand. As soon as Tetra’s magic faltered, he jumped two stories into the air and headed for the mansion.

Rei copied him and flew up into the sky. She threw a lasso of cold water at the bald man and caught him, bringing him smashing down onto the pavement, where he stayed, beaten.

I approached the bald man. Rei held an ice blade at his throat.

“Who are you?” she asked. “Why are you here?”

“And where is Tally?” said Jade, also holding a blade in her hand, this time formed out of pure barrier energy.

The man coughed up blood. “I won’t tell you anything,” he said.

“Then we’ll turn you into the authorities,” said Rei.

“Ahahaha,” said Tetra, laughing like a princess. “I’ll handle this.” She walked up to him and put her palm on his forehead. “If you don’t say anything, I’ll draw your memories out of your head for you. I’ll tell you now, it won’t be pleasant. It won’t kill you, but it might leave you with a permanent, I’ll call it, intellectual disability.” Her grin was almost maniacal. “Tally is my friend too.”

The bald man seemed to give up. “Fine,” he said. “I was tasked with guarding the ceremony. Your friend—” he spit this word out—”Is going to have the pleasure of being a sacrifice to awaken Almog.”

“And?” said Tetra. “Where is she?”

“Inside the mansion,” said the bald man. “On the second floor. The ballroom. That’s where they’re performing the ceremony.”

“And who is leading it?” said Tetra.

“Galmor,” said the bald man.

“Good,” said Tetra. “You behaved. Sleep.” The man’s eyes rolled back into his head and he was out. Tetra stretched her arms above her head. “What are we waiting for?” she said. “Let’s save Tally.”

The four of us crept towards the mansion’s entrance.

“I can’t promise there won’t be booby traps,” said Tetra. “It’s been a while since anyone but the gardener was here.”

“I can detect some of them,” said Jade, her voice as calm as ever. “My magic has a sensory function.”

“Good,” said Tetra. “Keep it on.”

“There,” said Jade, pointing. “A booby trap. Looks like a wire activated flechette round.”

“I’ll take care of it,” said Rei. She typed into her casting device and the whole wall froze solid in an instant. It cracked from inside and disintegrated into pieces. “That ought to do it.”

“Let me remind you that this is my family’s property,” said Tetra, appearing a bit miffed. “Even if it is condemned, any damage to this house will be an affront to my grandmother.”

“Fine, fine,” said Rei. “Come on. Let’s go in.”

We entered the foyer, which was decorated with a gigantic chandelier. Statues lined the walls, along with paintings that were probably worth millions. The place had a feeling of old dust.

“Watch out!” yelled Tetra, and a ball of energy slammed into the space where I had just been a moment before.

“Who do we have here?” said a voice, coming from the second floor balcony. A man in a deep purple robe appeared from out of a hallway.

“Malcom,” said Jade.

“I knew it would be you,” said Tetra. “You’ve teamed up with Galmor, haven’t you?”

Malcom held out his hand and a fireball appeared in it. “Well, now that you know, I’m going to have to kill you. And I don’t believe in clean killing.”

We prepared for another battle.

Winds of Magic Chapter 2

 

Chapter 2

“Reginus Alnum,” said the reaper, whose only body part I could see was its finger. “You have something my master requires.”

“And what is that?” I said.

Jade pushed me away. “I will handle this,” she said. She held up her hand and a pulsing ball of green energy formed inside of it. “You will leave this place or I will force you to,” she said. Her face held a fury that I had not expected from such a cool beauty.

The finger disappeared. “Very well,” said the reaper. “I will be back for you. My master will not be pleased that I am being kept from my goal from a lowly apprentice onmyouji.”

The reaper’s presence disappeared. Jade relaxed.

“You’re an onmyouji?” I said, tilting my head in curiosity.

“Just an apprentice, like the reaper said,” said Jade. She didn’t appear in the least bit embarrassed. Her eyes were, again, made of ice. She turned away. “I hope to see you during the entrance ceremony.”

I nodded as I watched her leave. Well, she had definitely made an impression on me. I cracked a small smile before turning away.

Rei was standing in front of her house, right next door to mine, sitting in a lawn chair and reading a book. When I turned the corner she stood up and closed it with a snap.

“You’re back,” she said.

“I am,” I said.

“How did you do?”

“As expected.”

“Well, then have you given up on going?”

“No,” I said. “I want to see what happens after they receive my test score. The test is in two days and I plan to ace it.”

“I don’t doubt you will,” said Rei, sitting back down. “In any case, sit here.” She motioned to an adjacent chair and showed me what was on her tablet. “There was a reaper attack juts a few hours ago in the downtown area. The reporters said that the demons were looking for Regius Alnum.”

“Well,” I said, hiding my surprise, “I doubt they’ll find him.”

“He is very secretive, after all,” said Rei. She turned to face me. “But you know something. You’re acting like you know something.”

“Um, no,” I said. “I don’t know anything.”

Rei frowned, her expression telling me that she didn’t believe me. “You’re always so secretive,” she said.

“And for a good reason. If I told you my secrets I’d have to kill you.”

“Hah,” said Rei. “That joke again.”

I shrugged. It was, mostly, a joke. A little bit of it was still true though.

Rei continued to tap at her tablet. “My parents extended their business trips,” she said. “They said they wouldn’t make it in time to say goodbye when I move into the dorms at Rockwell.”

“We don’t know if you’ve made it yet,” I said.

“I have, for sure,” said Rei. “I scored almost perfect on the physical exam.”

“You may not do the same on the knowledge exam,” I said.

Rei’s lips curled up. “We’ll see,” she said. Her expression turned different. “There’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you …” She paused. “Never mind. We’ll see if you get into Rockwell.”

“I’ll be there to listen,” I said. I stood up. “I think it’s my turn to make dinner.”

Rei waved her hand. “Go do that,” she said. “I’ll be out here for a little while longer.”

I returned to my house and put together a quick meal using my considerable cooking skills, at least considering the fact that I’m a guy. Fish was on the menu tonight, as well as a salad of tolerable greens like spinach and celery. Rei loved salad, and I wasn’t particularly fond of it myself, but she made me put it in every meal I made. Maybe she thought it would be good for me.

I set the table and leaned outside to tell Rei that dinner was ready. I blinked several times in surprise. She was gone.

“Rei?” I said, looking around the front yards of her house and my house. “Where did you go?”

Her tablet was sitting on the chair she had been using. I went outside and picked it up. It was unlocked. This meant that she had dropped it very recently. I had no psychometric ability, so I couldn’t divine anything from touching the device. I looked around for footprints.

A shadow materialized in front of me. It was a reaper.

“What do you want?” I asked, holding my spatula like a weapon in front of me.

“I want you to cooperate with me,” said the reaper. “I know you want to get into Rockwell Magic Academy.”

“You know a lot, fiend,” I said.

“I’m less of a fiend and more of a drone,” said the reaper. I still couldn’t make out much more than a shadowy humanoid outline. It lifted its right arm and pointed at me. “My master can help you, as long as you help it.”

“You’re saying you can get me into Rockwell?” I said. “What will it cost me?” I paused. “And where the hell is Rei?”

“She is safe,” said the reaper. “Do not worry. We would not hurt any of the friends or family of the great Regius Alnum.”

“Okay,” I said. “What’s the catch?”

“You will have to help awaken my master,” said the reaper.

“I won’t do that unless I know I won’t be causing a Godzilla or some Lovecraftian god to awaken.”

“You have my word that nothing will happen to you, your friends, or your society. Our goal is more … Spectral than anything you can imagine.”

“Okay,” I said. “Let me think about it.”

“I will give you one fortnight to think,” said the reaper. “Until the night before entrance decisions are made for Rockwell Magic Academy.”

“So you’re saying you can get me in.”

“My master has pull,” said the reaper. Then it shimmered. “Think on it.”

The moment the reaper disappeared, Rei popped into existence sitting on her chair. I knew exactly what had happened: she had been sequestered into a mobile space. It was a harmless transition and a relatively common one at that. I slapped myself internally for not realizing that was the case.

“What?” said Rei, not seeming to notice anything as wrong. “Is dinner ready?”

“With salad, as always,” I said, turning towards the door. “Can you be a bit more careful?”

“About what?” said Rei.

“Never mind,” I said. This specific manifestation of the mobile space spell probably removed all traces of its activation from the mind of the target. Thankfully the reaper hadn’t wanted to hurt her. Which was strange, but I would think about it later. First I needed to figure out how the reaper broke through my defense mechanism. I had weaved hundreds of spells around Rei that were supposed to prevent things like this. Some with her knowledge, some without. After all, she was the childhood friend of Regulus Alnum. A very prime pressure point.

We sat down at the dinner table and started eating.

“What about your parents?” said Rei. “Are they going to come home soon?”

“No,” I said. “They’re still vacationing in the arctic.”

“I’ve said it before, but that’s a strange place to vacation.”

I shrugged. “They’re strange people,” I said. “It’s more of a research mission, but they talk about it like it’s a vacation.”

“Well, I mean, they are famous scientist magicians,” said Rei, thoughtfully putting some salad into her mouth.

“And I don’t fault them for it,” I said. “I just wish they would spend a little bit more time worrying about me.”

“Hah,” said Rei, putting her silverware down. “You don’t want your parents worrying about you all the time like mine do. They expect me to call in with them twice a day.”

“And yet they still leave you alone with your childhood friend for months at a time.”

Rei shrugged. “Who knows?” she said. “The mind of a parent is impermeable.”

I stood up from my chair. “Well, I’m going to go work on some homework.”

“You’re always studying,” said Rei. “Can’t you loosen up a bit and have some fun with me tonight?”

I thought about refusing, but then reconsidered. “What do you have in mind?” I asked.

“We can either do karaoke or go watch a movie,” said Rei.

“Just you and me?” I asked.

“Just you and me,” said Rei.

I rubbed my chin. “Well, okay then,” I said. “I suppose the entrance exams to a top magical college can suffer a day of relaxation.” I was only half joking, but I realized that later on I would want to have memoires like this.

“Your pick,” said Rei.

“How about karaoke,” I said.

“Great,” said Rei. “I know a place downtown that has the best songs.”

“I’m not a good singer,” I said.

“That’s the point of it,” said Rei. Her lips curled up. “You can’t sing too bad at a karaoke place.”

I cleared the table with Rei’s help.

“Thanks for humoring me,” said Rei, as she carried some dishes away. “I know you really want to make it into Rockwell.”

“I do,” I said, “But there are some things that are more important.”

“Thanks.”

There was a silence as we finished cleaning up after dinner. We tied everything up neatly and left the house, locking the door behind us. The evening sky was just coming towards sunset. We walked silently towards the center of town, where the karaoke place was.

I caught a sight out of the corner of my eye that I did not expect. A peculiar white-haired girl was looking at the window of a magic equipment shop. The moment my gaze lingered on her, she twirled around and made eye contact. She approached.

“Who’s that?” said Rei, as Jade stopped in front of us.

“I need your help,” she said, to me, ignoring Rei. Her voice was as monotone as ever. She tugged on my sleeve.

“Where?” I said. “I have something to do.”

Jade’s eyes darted towards Rei for only a moment. “I need your help,” Jade said, again.

“Okay, okay,” I said, “But I made a promise with my friend—”

Rei grabbed my hand. “Who is this girl?” she said.

“It’s just someone I met at the test,” I said, being pulled between the two girls.

“You didn’t tell me you had a girlfriend,” said Jade.

“The topic never came up,” I said.

Rei’s face went bright red. “G-g-girlfriend?” she said, her eyes almost swirling. She stepped away, both hands to her face.

“It’s fine,” I said, being pulled away by Jade. “Don’t worry.”

Rei’s eyes ignited with a real fire. “And who are you to York?” she said, to Jade.

Jade’s eyes showed a slight emotion. “A friend who needs help.” She continued to pull at my arm.

“Does this have to do with the reaper?” I said, a little too loudly.

“Reaper?” said Rei, her eyes growing wide. “You didn’t tell me you met a reaper.”

“It wasn’t anything special, really,” I said.

“You were trapped in a mobile space for a while and missed it,” said Jade.

“What?” said Rei. “I was –what?”

“Sorry I didn’t mention it,” I said. “I didn’t think it was relevant …”

Rei grabbed my arm again. “We’re going to karaoke. You don’t have to help her.”

“He has to,” said Jade, still pulling at me.

“Okay, okay,” I said. “Let’s compromise. Both Rei and I will help you, Jade, with whatever you need help with. Then we can all go to karaoke.”

Both girls appeared to think on it.

“Okay.”

“Sure. Fine. Whatever.”

The pulling stopped. “Thanks.” I turned to Jade. “What did you need help with?”

“I need to find someone,” said Jade. “A friend. She’s been abducted.”

“Then we’re all yours,” I said. I turned to Rei. “You in on this?”

“If you say so,” said Rei. She sighed. “And I’m not his girlfriend.”

Jade made a face that was uninterpretable and then turned around. “Follow me.”

Winds of Magic chapter 1

 

Chapter 1

“What’s that in your hands?” asked Rei, my childhood friend. She was my age and we had known each other since we were babies. Her hair, at the moment, was in a bob cut and she wore a dress that was serviceable and yet still slightly fashionable. Her cheeks always had a bit of a pout to them, which I didn’t mind. Her eyes were deep blue and a contrast to her nut-brown hair. She bent over my shoulder to look at what I was holding.

“I’m thinking about applying to Rockwell Magic Academy,” I said, flipping through the school’s catalog.

“With your casting speed?” said Rei, scoffing. “I don’t think you’d be able to make it.”

“I’m planning on getting a recommendation from the school for my academics,” I said. “Even if I can’t do magic, I can apply to their magic engineer program.”

“I know you’ve always looked up to Regius Alnum,” said Rei, “But to be honest, I don’t think you’d make it even if you were as good at engineering as he is.”

“So what do you suggest I do?” I said.

“Go to a non-magic school,” said Rei.

“But you’re going to a magic school, aren’t you?” I said.

“I haven’t picked one, but yes,” said Rei.

“Hm,” I said. “Well, we can think about this later.” I set down the catalog and turned to my computer station. “It looks like I have to update my blog.”

“Yeah, you do that. I’ll prepare some food for us.”

“Are both of our parents gone again?” I said.

Rei sighed. “Yeah. Don’t worry, I won’t screw up the soup this time.”

I flicked on my compute workstation. Two jobs had been queued while I had been offline.

“Regius Alnum, can you fix this?” A message from my boss and partner, Crystal. I’d never seen them in person so I didn’t even know their gender, let alone what they looked like. All I knew is that they worked at the lab where my research was tested and published and was essentially my mouthpiece.

And, oh yeah, I was Regius Alnum, the famous engineer who solved the Resonant Five Paradox when I was eight years old. Even though I could run circles around anyone in theory, I had almost no physical ability to use that magic. Right now I was working on long-distance cast jamming and its effects on the battlefield.

The second message was from Mulberry, the CEO of one of the companies that I worked for.

“Alnum, can you send me a sit rep for project Canal?”

I sent her all my latest data and then turned to the problem Crystal wanted me to fix. It was a difficult one that took me about an hour and involved a couple simple oversights in the “Siege Code” that ran the jamming software we were developing for the military.

“Siege Code” was the way traditional magic had been mechanized over fifty years ago. Now all someone needed to do magic was a casting device and some software to run on it. It still drew from the caster’s innate power, but it was a lot easier than the old way of doing things.

I stood up and stretched my back, returning to the sofa and picking up the catalog for Rockwell again. It was a long shot to get in, even with my engineering credentials, but I was unable to tell anyone what I was working on anyways and all I had to prove that I was useful were my test scores.

Rei returned to the room, wearing an apron. “Come on,” she said. “Aren’t you going to eat?”

“I wasn’t aware that dinner was ready,” I said, standing up.

“I called you twice,” said Rei.

“Oh,” I said.

“Oh indeed,” said Rei, swinging a spatula at me. “Sit down.”

I sat at the table.

“I understand you want to go to Rockwell,” said Rei. “But I want to persuade you not to.”

“And?” I said.

“It’s just that I don’t think it would be a good fit for you. Your talents would be better used elsewhere.”

“I feel a calling,” I said. “I need to do something there, though I’m not sure what.”

“Fine,” said Rei. “Take the test. I won’t stop you. But don’t come crying to me when you don’t get in. Make sure you set up a second choice school.”

“Are you going to take the Rockwell entrance exam?” I said.

“Of course,” said Rei. “My advisors wouldn’t let me say no.”

Rei was, of all things, one of the most accomplished ice magicians in the country at her age. She could freeze things to absolute zero in under five seconds, matching the best of the best. However, her magic was very narrow in application and did not cross manifest. Such was the price of excellence.

Rei waved her spoon at me. “You’ll get crushed there,” she said.

“I can handle myself physically,” I said.

“I know,” said Rei. “That’s not what I was talking about. I mean, mentally. They’ll hate you there, even if you do get in. You’ll be a three for sure. Everyone will get better treatment than you.”

“I can handle it,” I said, wiping my mouth on my napkin. “And anyways, I’ve always been good at taking that kind of thing.”

Rei sighed, and continued to eat. “Well, I guess it wouldn’t hurt.”

“Good,” I said. “You’ll be taking the test with me, right?”

“Of course,” said Rei. She waved her spoon at me again, this time aggressively. “And I’ll do everything in my power to help you.”

“Thanks,” I said.

We finished dinner and I retired to my room. I took out my haptic gloves and opened my personal computer station. Now was the time to work on the project that I had been putting together for more than a year. Teleportation magic. It had never been achieved before, and most attempts to create it had ended in Lovecraftian flesh monsters. This time was different. I could not test it on a sentient being until it had been proven effective, but according to my research, I was going along the right path.

If teleportation magic was discovered, then it would change everything. Warfare and daily life would be drastically different, the same as when flying magic was discovered. Even now, flying magic took a lot of energy out of the user, which rendered it applicable only in certain conditions.

I worked through the night into the wee hours of the morning.

Two days later I stood in the testing chamber at Rockwell Academy. About two hundred other people were in the waiting room or lined up to receive their orders. I was number one-twenty-seven.

I sat down in a chair and tried my best to look inconspicuous. The numbers were called one by one and the people in the waiting room thinned.

This wasn’t the academic test. That would be held elsewhere. This was the physical ability test, where my magic potential would be measured through a series of benchmarks.

I knew for a fact that I would score low. Very low.

Rei had been called in yesterday’s block to do her testing then, so I was alone. Or, at least, I thought I was.

A girl sat down next to me. She had thick glasses that I could tell were not for eye correction, but for spirit sense dampening. Her prescription told me that she had a very acute sense of the spirit world.

Her eyes were deadpan. They looked at me and then looked away almost as quickly.

“Hello,” I said, trying to break down the obvious barrier between us.

“Hello,” said the girl, in a monotone.

“What’s your name?” I asked.

“Jade,” said the girl, still in a monotone. She wasn’t even looking at me.

“My name is York,” I said.

“Interesting,” said the girl, still looking away. “Your name is not common.”

“Um, yeah,” I said.

“Hello, York,” the girl said, finally looking at me. She stared at me for a good five seconds and then looked away.

“Good luck,” I said.

Jade’s eyes flickered back to me for a moment. “Okay,” she said.

“One twelve,” said the clerk.

Jade stood up, brushing off her pants.

Besides her glasses, Jade had more distinct traits. Her hair was almost pure white. I could tell that it hadn’t been dyed. Her eyes, as well, were piercing grey. She embodied the term “frosty,” which really matched her personality.

She disappeared behind the door to the testing chamber. I waited patiently for my turn at the testing chamber. When my number was called, I stood up and approached the door.

It opened and a man in a suit ushered me in. The room resembled a shooting range, with various lanes filled with specialized equipment.

“Did you bring a casting device?” said the man in the suit.

“Yes,” I said, pulling out my wrist-mounted super-caster. It was a Mulligan unit from thirty years ago, a vintage piece. I could tell from the reaction of the examiner that he recognized it. He did not, however, comment on it, merely selecting something on his tablet. He looked up.

“Please run the maximizer,” he said.

I walked up to the first lane. It contained a box that was magically elastic, and when filled, would expand to a certain size that was relative to the power of the caster’s ether.

I scored a two point five, which was about the worst that you could receive.

The next test was a slab of reactive material that slid across a floor with enhanced friction. This tested how mobile my magic was.

I scored just below average.

The third and last test was a series of moving balloons that would pop on contact with my ether. I scored, again, in the lower percentile. Overall my test results were just as I expected them to be. Terrible.

I sighed, and turned around, nodding at the examiner. I walked out of the room and into the waiting room, grabbing my backpack before I headed out.

Jade was standing at the doorway, staring out into the street. I looked at her.

“What’s wrong?” I said.

“A disturbance,” she said, her voice deadpan. “I can feel it.” She did not look at me.

“What do you see?” I said.

Jade took off her glasses. Without them, her eyes were fantastically piercing. “A darkness. The spirits are restless. Something is coming.”

I myself could not see much of the spirit world. Again, I was mostly a theorist. I shielded my eyes from the sun with my hand.

“It doesn’t look like anything’s wrong,” I said.

“I don’t expect you to see it,” said Jade. She looked at me, head tilted. “I may need your help.”

“You know I scored terribly on the benchmark tests, right?” I said.

Jade blinked but otherwise did not react. After a long pause she spoke. “Your aura is shining,” she said. Then she turned around, pointing to a small dark splotch in the sky. “They say that’s a reaper.”

I felt a chill go down my spine. “Reaper?” I said. A reaper was a rare type of spirit that grew from maliciousness and could account for a natural disaster-level disruption. “Why aren’t the onmyouji after it?”

“They do not see it,” said Jade. She started walking. I jogged after her, as she was surprisingly fast.

“Can I help?” I said.

“Don’t,” said Jade, not looking at me. “The reaper is not hostile.”

“But you know what they can do,” I said, still trying to keep up.

“I do not believe it will harm me,” said Jade. “I do not need your help.”

“I’m coming anyways,” I said.

Jade looked at me with a surprised expression, which was the most emotion she had showed me since I had met her. Then the expression was gone. “Very well then,” she said. “Don’t do anything stupid.”

“I won’t,” I said, as she stopped.

Jade pointed to a spot in front of me. “Reaper,” she said. “Why are you here?”

The reaper’s voice came out of nowhere. “Ah, he is here,” it said. “The man I was looking for.” I saw a finger materialize out of nowhere and point at me. “Regius Alnum.”