Chasing Shadows - chapter three

Previously: 

Ara, her brother Connor, and Daniel have been chosen as the Moonbranch representatives in the Arcane Items quest. After a week or preparing, they arrived at the Commons to hear from the Headmasters and Headmistresses of their enemy schools. Now the competition has begun, and Moonbranch has decided every man for himself. The first item to find has appeared, and now the fighting begins.

----------------------------------------

Chapter Three - wizard city

1) A silver pocket watch with a diamond pattern

My eyes widened. Not only was the item given, but special requirements too!? Plus, a pocket watch could be hidden anywhere!

I folded up the paper and placed it securely on the inside of my uniform jacket. So much for my plan of hiding. I looked around - the others had already fanned out, searching homes, and moving into other areas of Wizard City. Only a couple people had immediately started dueling one another.

I paused. No, hiding was still my best option. I could make it work.

Though it was broad daylight, some parts of Wizard City were dark. The Shopping District was pretty much constantly shadowed, and the Dark Cave, the Haunted Cave, and Nightside were pitch black. I would search those places first, then come nightfall I could search elsewhere.

Moving towards the shop area, I kept an eye lookout everywhere, turning around once in awhile, and looking from side to side.

Wizard City suddenly seemed like a ghost town. No one was in the Shopping District, so I ducked into the amulet shop first. Empty. I searched around the counter, the jewelry stands, and storage unit.

No pocket watches.

After checking the other stores, I concluded that there was nothing here. I moved onto Olde Town.

The day continued much like this. Checking the caves and street houses along the way. Around eventide I moved to check Ravenwood, having originally forgotten that this place was also shadowed. However, there was nothing there either.

Finally, the sun vanished over the rooftops and I was alone in the dark... and also hungry. I should’ve searched for my safe house more.

The only positive thing I got out of the day was that now everyone else would be in their safe houses, eating, sleeping, and planning. I had all night to search around.

The places I hadn’t gone were Colossus Boulevard, Unicorn Way, and a full search of Triton Avenue.

I decided to make my way to Unicorn Way.

After an hour of searching there, I came up empty. Again.

Deciding to go to Triton Avenue second, I searched Olde Town again before entering the street.

I instantly decided that this place was a lot creepier at night. The storm themed street glowed eerily in the rising moonlight, and the echo of the river below was almost deafening.

But there was more than just that sound.

Pausing and listening in the unusual silence, I try to make out the sound that didn’t quite fit. A sort of deep, gurgling sound. As I looked around, I deducted that it was coming from the river.

Following the sound down both ramps, it shifted to my left. Walking along the cliff I came to what looked like a giant rope hanging down into the river.

“What the…?” I said aloud. I bent down next to it and looked down. Was… was that a rooftop? Giant bubbles gurgled up from it, making the sound I had heard earlier.

I glanced behind and around me. No one seemed to be here. Quickly changing into more appropriate swim attire and concealing my backpack behind a tree, I climbed down the rope into the lukewarm river. Once in the water, I took a deep breath and dived.

Underwater was surprisingly clear. I swam deeper into what appeared to be an underwater, ruined town.

Of course! I though victoriously. This must be the rumored Crab Alley!

Just like everywhere else, the place was empty: no fish, no crabs, and no street monsters.

To keep myself from floating back up, I clung to the edge of a roof and peered around. There were a lot of houses, and I didn’t have enough air to search all of them. On the plus side it wasn’t a very big street.

I rose to the surface, and gasped in breath. My wet head instantly began to chill.

Again, I dived down, swimming faster and to the right. I quickly came to a wall with a giant crack in it. Debris was scattered all around, and within was only darkness.

Again rising to the surface, I paused. Where would one hide a pocket watch underwater? Well, the same place one might above water as well. I had seen what looked like a palace - maybe I could try there first.

Taking my biggest breath yet, I swam downward to the palace and worked to wrench open the door with great difficulty. Quickly, my lungs began to burn. Then, with what felt like a huge suction of air, I was pulled into the building and deposited on the floor.

Breathing.

I looked around. Inside was not filled water, instead it was filled with stale air and I could breathe normally. I gave a little laugh, as though mocking death, and then looked around.

It was a throne room for sure. A long, red carpet led up to a small, padded throne that looked like it could only seat a child. Stone pillars lined the side, and water-logged, potted plants sat on pedestals along the wall.

A desk was to the right. It looked small in the high-ceilinged room. Figures, everything looked small in this room. The desk was piled with papers written in an odd, cryptic language.

Curious about this language, I picked up a book at random, and upon opening it, was more than surprised when I found the inside had been carved out and on a little velvet cushion was a silver pocket watch with a diamond pattern.

A smile broke out over my entire face. Filled with sudden euphoria, I wondered if I was the first to find it. On day one too! I grabbed the silver pocket watch, which fit comfortably in the palm of my hand and was hanging from a matching silver chain, and slung it over my neck. I took a moment to admire the delicately crafted surface: there was one large diamond in the center, and then from there diamonds were snuggled against one another in all possible spaces.

Once done observing, I skipped almost giddily back to the door. Taking a breath, I opened it. The same suction of air pulled me out, and I instantly bobbed to the surface.

Following the gentle current of the river, I grabbed the rope hanging over the edge and painfully climbed, the entire time cursing my weak upper body strength.

Once sitting safely on the edge of the bank, I took out my list to see what the second item was. It hadn’t gotten a single drop of water on it. Magic was weird sometimes.

1) A silver pocket watch with a diamond pattern

2) A silver pocket watch with a rose pattern

Another watch!?

Whatever, I thought. If the first had been in a castle, then the second might also be in such a place. The only other palace I could think of was Gobblestone Castle on Colossus Boulevard, a place I had yet to search.

Jumping up and gathering my stuff, changing back into my more comfortable, and dry, uniform, I quickly made my way out of Triton Avenue. As I did, a shiver settled on my spine, and I paused a moment as a shudder shook my shoulders. I looked behind me and to my right, down the lane that led to that skeleton dude’s tower - what was his name? Rattlebones? Oh, I didn’t know.

There was no one there. I shifted my bag, deciding I was just cold from my swim in the river, then continued into the moonlit street of Olde Town and over to the Shopping District. The night was quite warm, and my boots treaded softly on the worn cobblestone.

The temperature dropped quite noticeably as I entered Colossus Boulevard. Snow drifts crunched beneath my feet as I hurried down the street, hoping no one else was here to hear me. It was also quite bright, as the moon reflected off the snow.

This street was, again, completely empty. Not a monster nor person in sight. For some reason that really irked me. I mean, there was always at least someone, if not something, in every street of every world. And now? No one.

Creepy.

When I reached the castle, I hurried across the bridge and eased the huge, stone doors open and slipped inside the grand hall. As I trotted down the hall, and heard the door bang shut behind me, again I felt the presence of someone watching me.

I spun around and glared around, but saw nothing different or out of the ordinary. Sighing, deciding it was only paranoia, I quickly started looking through the crates of food for a silver pocket watch with a rose pattern.

As I did, I wondered if all the items would be hidden similarly as the first pocket watch had been - in a carved out book. A book on a shelf is more than inconspicuous, and I bet a lot of people would overlook it.

With that thought in mind, I shifted my search to a side room, and sure enough there was a bookshelf teetering on rotten wooden legs, sagging under the hundreds of books stuffed on its thin shelves.

“A disgrace to literature,” I muttered aloud. Gingerly, I slipped one book out from the shelf, then jumped back as the entire thing came crashing down. My jaw dropped in shock and fear - shock that this had actually just happened, and in fear that someone had heard.

“You have got to be kidding me,” I sighed, flipping open the cover of the book I was holding. Nothing - just oily pages with illegible handwriting.

Fifteen books later, I still had no luck. Not to mention I found a flattened cupcake in one. Gross. Gross. Grossgrossgrossgross.

“Gobblers have no respect for literature. Books are not places to hold food. Wrong wrong wrong - on so many levels,” I groaned aloud. “And what is this? Macaroni in ‘The Seventh Headmaster’? How rude, that’s a classic so famous they make us read it.”

My OCD kicked in and I started organizing the books off to the side in alphabetical order by author last name. It was the least I could do. I would have to inform Headmistress Dame Senka-Cora about this abomination to history.

Upon picking up ‘Little Castle’ - a children’s chapter book with pictures - I notice it was lighter than the others. Halfway to ecstatic, I wrenched it open, and started beaming. Sitting on a blue velvet cloth was a silver pocket watch with a rose pattern. The pattern was similar to that of the diamond one, but rather than repeating roses, the space around the blooming flower was taken by by thorns and leaves.

“My luck is with me today,” I said happily. I took out the list to see what was next. Since it would be in Krokotopia, perhaps I would have to find an old Krokotopian tablet, or maybe even an old staff...

1) A silver pocket watch with a diamond pattern

2) A silver pocket watch with a rose pattern

3) A bronze pocket watch with a clover pattern

Another pocket watch.

Yeah, why would I think otherwise?

Sighing none too quietly, I slipped the list back in my pocket while bringing the second watch over my head. It rested heavily against my chest, clanking against the first. I groaned lightly in defeat, before shrugging my pack off my back and stuffing them in the bottom.

My body froze at the sound of hissing behind me. The blood rushing from my head, I turned, dream-like, to see a Thunder Snake eyeing me evilly from the room entrance - my way out.

Behind it stood a female wizard dressed in vicious looking Dragonspyre armor colored purple and yellow. I guessed she was from Dragonspyre Academy. Her eyes blazed a stunning violet, and that plus the Thunder Snake plus her clothing colors gave away that she was a Storm Wizard.

I raised my own wand and summoned an Air Spirit while at the same time adjusting my pack over one shoulder. The Air Spirit took her ghost-like form, floating between me and the snake.

The snake attacked first. I jumped to the side to dodge a lightning bolt as the Air Spirit swooped down and lifted the snake against the wall. The Storm girl muttered something under her breath, and then it started pelting rain. From the stone floor rose a rock, and standing on the rock was a massive Kraken.

“Aw man,” I groaned. I raised my own wand again, swirling it around to trace the Void symbol. From my wand spilled blinding white light. The Kraken roared and thrashed around. I took the opportunity to race to the wall and shove my wand through it. It sunk into the stone, and a moment later I was pulled with it.

However I completely forgot Gobblestone Castle was over a river.

I squeaked in surprise as the blue water came rushing up to me and submerged me in freezing coldness. Before I was washed over the edge, I teleported myself. My mind, however, was muddled with cold and adrenaline, and I landed on my hands and knees not in the Commons, but in what appeared to be behind some houses in the Shopping District. I was also sopping wet and shivering. Wonderful.

I coughed for a moment, trying to regain my breath, before standing to my feet. My knuckles were white from gripping my wand and my teeth were chattering. Achingly, I forced my hands to relax.

Once feeling more or less in control of my body, I feverishly ripped my backpack off my shoulder and searched through the mess of things. My heartbeat slowed and a sigh of relief escaped my lips when my fingers intertwined with two chains.

“Thank the Blind Goddess,” I muttered.

And then my skin prickled again.

Sick of the feeling that I was being watched and decided that I was being watched, without a thought I whipped around and cast Dove. Fifty white doves flew from my wand towards a tree. Now it sounded like a useless spell, but in truth -

“Argh!”

- it could be quite useful.

A boy with flaming red hair tumbled from behind the tree, fighting off doves. He rolled about on the ground until I had gotten a good laugh out of it and dismissed the spell.

He continued groaning, his hands covering his face. “Gah, I think they pecked my eye out.”

“Don’t confuse dove’s with pigeons,” I replied, snarkiness pulling at my voice. I kneeled down so I’m closer to him, wondering where he was from. His attire was not what I recognized - black slacks, bare feet, white quarter-sleeve shirt, and a dark silver-gray vest. He looked extremely non-magical. “Who’re you?”

The boy looked at me through cracked fingers. It took him a long time to answer. “Who wants to know?”

“You know, I could bring the Doves back - ”

“No no no, I’m good.” He struggled to sit up, and I don’t help him. I stared into a well tanned face with wide, golden eyes, a rare yet very captivating eye color. “Uh, I’m called Robi.”

“Like... short for Robert?”

He raised a longer finger at me. “No, that’s pronounced rob-ee. I’m just robe-ee.”

I put my hands up and smirked. “Right.”

“Who’re you?” Robi asked.

“Anonymous.”

He rolled his eyes. “Never mind.”

“What are you doing here?” I went on, getting down to business. “I don’t remember seeing you in the Commons.”

A nervous smile creeped onto his face. “Ok. You got me, but if anyone asks, I’m from Trollpetal.” Trollpetal was a small-scale school located somewhere in Celestia... I think.

“Yeah. Right,” I replied disbelieving. “So what are you doing here then?”

“Searching for someone.” His reply was instantaneous, and confusion crossed his face quickly before vanishing. “Um...”

“Searching for who?”

He shrugged. “Don’t know. I’m following a magical trail from Moonbranch, it’s one of those three people that I’m searching for, and I’m supposed to figure out who it is and - ” He cut short. “Hang on a second, why am I telling - ?”

“Because I asked and I’m nice,” I interrupted, but I frowned slightly nonetheless. This Robi dude was looking for either Daniel, Connor, or myself, but why? “Why do you want to find this specific individual?” I inquired.

“So I can protect them from - ” He cut short again and face palmed himself. “Ugh, I did it again!”

“Did what again?” I asked in the same voice as him.

“Answer your question without thought. And look! It just happened again!”

My brow creased and I folded my arms. “You are not making any sense.”

“You mean you don’t realize it?”

“Realize what!?”

“You’re - !” Robi seemed at a loss of words, as though he couldn’t decide how to explain it, or if he should explain it all. Finally he took a deep breath, and asked, “What school are you from?”

“Use your eyes, dimwit,” I retorted, motioning to my uniform where the symbol of Moonbranch, a leafless tree in front of a full moon, was clearly stitched on the front. Robi’s eyes fell on it and widened.

“Oh.”

“Yeah.”

“But it can’t be you.”

“Can’t be me what and why not?” I demanded.

“You’re weak,” he replied, then slapped a hand over his mouth.

I scowled at him. “Either you did that because you just insulted me, or it’s because of earlier superstition. Which is it?”

“Superstition,” he mumbled through his hand, then slapped his other hand over his mouth as well.

I threw my hands in the air. “What is your problem!?” I exclaimed.

“I keep answering your questions!” he replied desperately.

“Is that so bad?”

“Yes!”

“Why!?”

“Because - !”

“Shut up!” I interrupted suddenly, throwing him to the ground behind the house as footsteps came running.

“What - ” he began, but I slapped my hand over his two hands over his mouth.

“Shut up,” I hissed at him again, then looked up, trying to determine where the footsteps were now.

“I heard voices!” someone, a male voiced, announced. “Somewhere over here.”

“We’re wasting our time, Roland,” said a female voice. “There’s no one here.”

“I know I heard voices. Some sort of argument.”

“Then maybe two people met, they argued, fought, someone lost, and now the victor has moved on,” reasoned the girl.

I sneaked a peek around the corner, making sure Robi remained immobile. The three Ravenwood kids were standing in the middle of the street. The girl, a pink-haired Pyromancer called Evane, had her hands on her hips as the lead boy, Roland formerly nicknamed Blondie, scanned narrowed eyes around each tree and cobblestone house. The last boy, brown-haired Ian, was leaning nonchalantly against a house, seemingly bored.

I ducked back behind the house, looking into the golden eyes of Robi again. Indeed, they were very captivating, and it took a lot of my willpower to pull myself away.

Roland ‘tch’-ed and said, “Come on then. Apparently there was some commotion at Colossus Boulevard.” The sound of three pairs of feet moved down the street and soon vanished. I breathed a sigh of relief and backed away from Robi, suddenly ‘no business’ again.

“So what are you doing here? Why do you want to find someone from Moonbranch?” I demanded quietly.

Robi sighed, leaning against the house. “Well, it was a task for my former master.”

“Former?”

“Yes. He wanted me to kill this person, but once I found out the truth I changed my... tactics. Now I must protect them.”

“Now noble,” I replied sarcastically. “Anyway, that’s interesting, so the person you’re looking for is either me, my brother, or Daniel?”

“Exactly.” Before I could say more, Robi asked, “What are you last names?”

My eyes widened and I reeled back in mock horror. “Stalker!”

“It’s a normal question!”

“Not from you!”

“Why not!?”

“You’re suspicious!”

“Am not!”

“Oh come on, you’re following me around,” I said firmly, crossing my arms.

“And you keep making me answer your questions,” Robi retorted.

I raised an eyebrow. “I did? So, what, I have some sort of magical power?” I laughed as he smiled nervously. He didn’t answer that question, but maybe that was because he didn’t have an answer to it.

“I had better go...” he said at last.

I shrugged. “Okay. If you find a pocket watch, tell me.”

He smiled and half saluted. “Will do.” Then he vanished in a quick puff of red smoke, like a snuffed out candle. Standing still, I stared at the spot where he had been a second ago, his white teeth and glowing eyes imprinted in the front of my mind.

----------------------------------------

Okay, so apparently you can't read this on your mobile device >_> Sorry guys, formatting is what calls, but I'll see if I can do anything about it.

In any case, how was that? Introduced a new, neat character. And sorry this chapter was so long, but I didn't want it to seem rushed -_- The next chapter won't be nearly as long, so don't worry. So basically I'm unintentionally spoiling some stuff for you, great :p

Laterz!
~Emma

Hello, World

(This is short and sweet, believe me.)

Well, haven't seen you guys in a while :D

Goal: post more.

In case you haven't noticed - and it would be sad if you haven't - I've started up with my fanfic trilogy again. I'm very happy with this because I had forgotten how proud of that plot line I was ;) I hope to keep regularly updating that.

However -

"THERE'S ALWAYS A "HOWEVER.""

...However, I've also taken on a challenge to experience the draining life of an AP student. My friend is in two AP classes and she stays up repeatedly till 2am every night... well, I want to see if I could take that. So it's going to be some late nights for me :)

However, since I don't have homework to do at that hour, it leaves me with one option: games.

Which could possibly mean some lame updates for you guys.

I mean, seriously, I'm in Celestia.

I thought Dragonspyre was a ghost town, Celestia is worse -_-

Because of that, I'll most likely be on P101 during these nights, pretending I care about questing. Honestly, I'm a horrible quester... hey, I just got an idea for a post. Well that's always good!

That's basically all I wanted to say! And, well, a thanks to those of you who have stuck with me through all my ramblings and sporadic postings :) You're all awesome.

~Emma


P.S.
I updated the template a bit to make the next on the sidebar more readable. So... Good? Bad? Is the white text too bright still (on the post)? Thoughts please!! :)

Chasing Shadows -- chapter two

Previously: 

Ara, our hard-headed protagonist, her brother Connor, and a strange classmate named Daniel were chosen to represent Moonbranch Academy in a strange Spiral quest called the Arcane Items. Because of their three, different fighting styles, their Headmistress proclaimed them "a perfect team." However discovering how to work like one is looking to be impossible.

----------------------------------------

Chapter Two – starting point

One week went by fast. It was hard not telling my best friend, Angela Greene, about the Arcane Items quest thing (not that I even knew how to begin to describe it). By the time the week was over, Moonbranch Academy was buzzing with excitement about the upcoming no-questing month, which was when the Arcane Items quest would happen. The month in which I would have to find ten hidden items, and battle against other schools.

Other schools namely Ravenwood.

Myself - Ara Soulstone - my brother Connor, and, the last of us, Daniel Lionsheart, were chosen to participate in this quest. As soon as the week was over, were teleported to the Commons. So now we’re standing in the empty area, and three representative of Ravenwood, Dragonspyre Academy, Pigswick, and other schools that I’d never even heard of, stood facing the row of Headmasters and Headmistresses, who regarded us with glares.

The three from Ravenwood looked powerful in their exotic gear and scornful expressions. Their fingers played with glowing wands in the shapes of deadly looking swords, and large bags sat on the ground besides them.

“This is the Arcane Items Quest,” said Headmaster Merle Ambrose in a booming voice. “You will have thirty-one days, one month, to find ten items. Two items from each of the first five worlds.” A blank sheet of paper popped in front of us and hovered in midair. Once everyone grabbed theirs it lost it’s weightlessness. “One item will appear at a time, only when that item is found shall the next appear. A safe house as been set for each of you in each world. On the matter of where it is…Well…” He grinned mischievously. “Let’s just say it’s one more thing you have to find.”

Our Headmistress, Dame Senka-Cora, stepped forward. “The first item on your list will appear in one hour. Prepare yourselves until then, that’s when the quest starts.”

Suddenly all the teachers vanished in the crack like pop of teleportation. All of us, twenty-seven total, a sum of nine schools, were silent. We gazed around, observing our competition.

To me, everyone looked like fair competition, but Connor thought differently.

“We need to take out Ravenwood as soon as possible,” he whispered to Daniel and I. “That’ll make this deal a whole lot easier.”

“We? Weren’t you the one who said we shouldn’t work as a team?” I retorted.

“That was before I–”

“No, save the excuses. You said you could do it on your own, so on your own you shall do it.”

I turned, ready to leave, and practically run into one of the Ravenwood kids. All three of them had migrated over: two boys and a girl. All of them were practically a head taller than I was, so I had to crane my neck up with the front guy standing so close.

The front one had sandy blonde hair and was dressed in long robes of blue and yellow, signifying he was of the Myth School. The second boy was dressed in black and red, making it hard to tell whether he was a Necromancer or a Pyromancer (maybe both?), and had light brown hair. The girl had bright pink hair, glasses, a haughty expression, and dressed in red and orange. She was probably a Pyromancer.

“So you’re the batch of Moonbranch kids this year, huh?” said the blonde guy.

Connor came forward and pushed me aside. “Yeah. You got something to say about that?”

Blondie smirked devilishly. “Not at all. My comrades and I were merely wondering how… long you would last.”

“Longer than you will,” Connor retorted confidently.

The brown haired boy snickered. With a glare from his blonde-haired friend he fell silent.

“Enough said. We’re done here. Let’s go Ian, Evane.” They marched away. Connor was frowning fiercely, glaring at their backs.

I, too, was frustrated with them, though I was doing my best to hide it. Daniel seemed to be the only one with no emotion. Speaking of Daniel, I don’t think I’ve heard a single word from him since we had met…

I concentrated on the ground, thinking about what my plan would be. This would take place over the period of a month, so I would need food and a place to sleep. That meant while I looked for the first item, I should also keep an eye out for my safe house. The item might also affect where it’s hidden. If it were a book, the best place to look would be a library. If it were a magical item, the shops in the Shopping District would have the best chance. Then again, it could be a simple stone sunk to the bottom of a pond...

But staying alive was my first priority. Which meant avoiding the other participants, and finding food and shelter, even if that wasn’t the safe house.

After getting bored of thinking this over, I decided to observe my competition. Clearly Ravenwood would be the school to avoid. Pigswick students were cheaters, so I had to stay away from them as well. The other schools would be harder to gauge since I had never had any contact with them. It was always Ravenwood this and Ravenwood that.

Most of the others had taken seats on the soft grass and were looking over maps, books, items, or conversing with their team. My own team was scattered, Conner a ways to my left and Daniel a ways to my right. I sighed, corporation would be impossible. I took a seat and dug out a novel I had brought along, deciding to pass the time by reading. It wasn’t like I had anything better to do...

Deep into the story, I was more than surprised when a loud bell rang, signaling the start of the search. I quickly shoved the book back in my bag, and grabbed the paper that would have the list on it. Sure enough, the first item had appeared at the top:

1) A silver pocket watch with a diamond pattern

----------------------------------------

:D I got a post up! This chapter was short. As a heads up, the chapters are organized by the world being searched in, so chapter 3 will be Ara's entire search and successful finding of the items in Wizard City. Same goes for Krokotopia, Marleybone, and Mooshu. Things get a little whacky in Dragonspyre, though ;)

Laterz!
~Emma

Chasing Shadows -- chapter one

Chapter One – rules and regulations

I awoke with a start, covered in a cold sweat, my nerves jumping out of my skin. I looked around frantically, wondering, thinking, confused.

Where am I?

What just happened?

Who am I?

I snapped bolt up right. I appeared to be in a bed. The window next to me was open, letting in chilly morning air, and I instantly began to shiver from the cold. A comforter was thrown over my legs and I was dressed in a nightgown. Odd, I didn’t remember being in a nightgown.

Something beside me stirred and I jolted away. A blonde head popped out from underneath the covers and looked at me with blue eyes. It was a young boy, my age maybe. He smiled sleepily. “Why are you awake so early, Ara?”

I looked away, an odd calm suddenly falling over me. My name was Ara. Yes, I remembered that much. I was in my home. But the more I looked around, the more alien this place looked, but I remembered it all the same.

There was the painting, called Two Trees, that this boy, my brother, had knocked down two years ago. Out the door in the hallway was where his friend had run into the wall and chipped a tooth. Downstairs mother had once over boiled the pasta and spilled it all over the floor.

I shook my head. No, those weren’t my memories.

Yet I could see it all, remember it all crystal clear.

“Ara?” asked the boy. I turned to him again. His name was Connor, how could I forget? “Well, I suppose we can get up anyway. It’s your birthday.”

For what felt like the first time in my life, I spoke. “Birthday?”

“Yes. You’re turning nine today. Happy birthday!”

†††

Three years later

The wind raged over the ocean, churning the waters, froth flying high into the sky. Spray could be mistaken for rain. The dark, gray clouds rolled onwards, pouring white hail that flared momentarily in the lightning, and rain that seemed to beat to the rhythm of thunder. Even under the freezing blue water the bass noise pulsed through the ocean like a second heart.

There was no such thing as silence.

The uncontrollable forces of nature clashed in a raging enmity. Lightning flashed like broken bones, cracked and white, empty and only there for a moment. Crashes of thunder followed in suit, vibrating the water and dispersing the other noises in the air.

One man was watching all of this. He gazed from a large window, streaked with rain, in a room on the second floor of a grand house. The house was white, and around it was a beautiful garden and pond. Within was decorated with paintings, vases, ornate carpets, and warmly lit by many candles and chandeliers.

The man himself, no more than twenty years of age, was dressed very nicely, with a pressed, black suit, shiny black shoes, fancy white hand gloves with two brass buttons on each, and an eyeglass chain hung from the coat pocket. His left hand rested on a tall ebony cane with a glittering diamond on top.

Beside him, on a short table, also made of ebony, its only decoration a white lace dolly, sat a tall top hat. It glimmered, showing the care and tenderness it received. This hat was the mans life.

The door opened behind him and he turned. Standing on the threshold was a servant who bowed. “He was brought as you wished my master.” He left the room, and another man entered. He was younger, but he hid his features under a large traveling coat, dripping wet with rain.

“Quite the storm out there, isn’t it?” said the man with the cane.

“Indeed,” replied the other.

“I hope your travel was safe.”

“It was for the most part. What would you like to speak about?”

“I wanted to ask you about that… little thing you promised me.” Another servant came in, carrying a silver tray. It held a matching teapot, two cups and saucers, milk, sugar, and a small plate of crumbling tarts. The man helped himself. “Sugar?” he offered the other.

The cloaked man shook his head. “It’s confusing. I think I found them, but something keeps getting in the way. It’s hard to tell which one is the right one.”

“Come now. It can’t be that hard to find a simple little runaway.”

“It may have been more than a runaway. Sir, they switched dimensions. Anything could’ve happened. Ageing, disabilities, memory loss–”

“And I’m sure your capable self will find them.”

The cloaked man glared, his amber-red eyes gleaming in the flickering candlelight. “Perhaps if I knew more, details you haven’t told me, I might be able to do the job faster.”

“I don’t care what time it takes you. Take all the time you need. I just want them found. That is all I ask, and I believe I am paying you more than enough to do this one, little job.”

“If it’s so simple, why not do it yourself.”

The man laughed, holding his teacup away from him as to not spill its contents on his suit. “My life is in danger as long as that person is missing. Not imminent danger, but danger all the same.” He suddenly turned serious. “Find them, or you can forget about your reward.”

The cloaked man stiffened, but nodded. “As you wish. I shall work harder from now on. Have no worries, I will get the job done.” He turned and left the room, his boots squeaking on the wet wood.

The man, now alone, the only sound the drumming of the rain, grinned evilly into his teacup. I have no worries, he thought. It is you who hesitates. Just remember our deal, and it will all work out just fine.

†††

Four years later

I dashed through the dark halls of the school. The thick, blue carpet with elaborate embroidery cushioned my footsteps and made the sound practically inaudible. The only light was the moon that poured through the stained glass windows in pools of red, green, and blue.

The stonewalls emitted a cool temperature. I paused and slowed my breathing, trying to heighten my senses, listening for anyone following me. Upon hearing nothing, I took the right hand corridor and walked quietly, my entire body on alert for any noise made not by me.

There was no rug in this hallway, and was made entirely of stone. Paintings hung up and down the hall, torches were mounted between each one. Some of the paintings were beautiful, splashes of color that showed a garden, a café, or a busy street. They showed the enjoyment and happiness in life. However every now and then you saw a blank canvas of darkness, barely making out a sacrifice altar, dripping blood, or severed body parts.

Coming across one, I grimaced and turned my head away. The decorator of this place must’ve had a weird taste in art.

At the end of the hallway I looked both ways. It was a toss up, I could find someone at either end, and that wasn’t really what I wanted right now: fighting. Gingerly taking a step to the right, I held back a surprised shriek as the rock next to my head exploded.

I whirled around to face a boy, maybe a year or two younger than I, charging at me, wand held high. My own wand instantly whipped out and traced a symbol in the air. Activating it, a shimmering transparent wall appeared between us, and the boy’s spell bounced off.

I think his name was Matthew.

Casting an attack spell, my spell went threw the wall and hit him in the chest. His eyes widen in surprise before he fell to the ground. After a second he vanished in an array of light and sparkles.

I heaved a sigh of relief. I wasn’t the best dueler, but unlike my brother liked to think, I could defend myself if I needed to.

I paused for a moment. How long had I been here? A couple hours at least. I should go back to the Atrium and check up on how many people were left. The sooner this was over the better.

Cautiously making my way back down the corridor, I soon came to a large, round room. Ledges on the second floor wound around above, bridges going over the gap to the center where a thick column housed a multitude of books.

Darting forward to put my back to a thin pillar, I slid a book from the shelf and opened it up randomly. In the center of the page, in curly ink handwriting, was a single number.

9

Closing it swiftly and putting it back, I glanced around. No one in sight. I darted down a different hallway, this one a little wider with bare walls made of gray stone. Bursts of light illuminated the end of the hall where it turned in a corner. By the shouting and sounds of spell casting, I assumed people must be fighting. I shouldn’t go any closer, I should turn around and go back while I had the chance. However, truth be told, I was bored. Edging closer, I peeked around the corner.

Two boys were locked in combat. One I recognized, the ever-popular Connor Soulstone. Yellow and bright white spells flew from his wand at his opponent, a boy about the same age. I think his name was Caleb…

With one final spell, Caleb fell to the ground, and soon after he vanished in a shower of sparkling light.

Now that the fight was over I decided I should get away, far away, before Connor rounded the corner and saw me.

As I turned to leave I swallowed a gasp to find another boy behind me, his name was James Holm. He smiled evilly. “Hey there, Ara.”

I backed against the wall; Connor was sure to have heard. Sure enough, he rounded the corner, a curious look on his face. He grinned when he saw James and me. “Well look who we have here.” He walked forward confidently. “Hey there James. Ara. How have you guys been doing? I see you’re still here.” He motioned at me. I said nothing. “Just checked back at the Atrium. Ten left huh? After poor Caleb I guess there’s only nine.”

“Eight, actually,” I corrected, not showing any emotion. “I saw nine before you defeated Caleb. There are eight of us left.” My hand behind my back, I started to trace a small symbol on the wall.

James glared. “Like we need your opinion miss – ”

“Now that is useful information,” interrupted Connor. “And after this there will only be six.” He glared at James who stiffened and swallowed nervously. Connor grinned, knowing he was the most powerful one here.

But not the smartest.

Just keep up the monologue, I silently pleaded. I need only a few more seconds…

“Well, it’s not like you don’t need my help or anything,” James was saying nervously. “Teamwork is a category assessed here.”

“Yeah, but I don’t need a team,” Connor sneered. His hand flew forward as James backed away and I pressed my hand against the symbol.

The room went pitch black and both boys exclaimed in surprise. Taking the opportunity I had created, I pressed myself against the wall, feeling the chilling sensation as I passed through the wall into the adjacent hallway. I stood still, breathing hard, my palms gripping the cold stone has I heard loud booms and yelling from the other side.

Seven left, I thought.

This hallway was darker than the others, I must be on the other side of the school where the moon wasn’t shining through the windows. I took a few steps and shoved myself into the indent in the wall where a wooden door on ornate iron hinges was. In my already dark blue uniform, I should be practically invisible. I knew Connor was coming after me.

Sure enough, not a minute later, I heard footsteps, but not Connor’s. These were light and tiny. The next moment a small girl with flying blonde hair was running past me, panting. Probably running from Connor.

But something was wrong. This place was small, I knew practically everyone, however I didn’t recognize her.

Curious, I cautiously pried myself out of the nook and stared after he as she disappeared down the next corridor. Jogging a little to keep up, I chased after her.

I always seemed to be just too far behind her, barely catching a glimpse of her before she vanished down the next hallway. Finally, I knew she was going to be trapped, as she turned left. That was a dead end. Even so, when I turned I found the hallway empty. I knew there were no other hallways down here, and going into a classroom was against the rules.

Malicious laughter echoed behind me.

I spun around to face Connor, again walking confidently towards me. “I knew your curiosity would get the better of you, Ara,” he said. I glared and backed against the wall, pressing my hand against it. Connor’s eyes widen and he put his hand up. “Oh no! You can’t do that again.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a brilliantly shining crystal.

My mouth dropped open. “You have a…?”

“Indeed I do. Rare aren’t they?” He looked at it, almost affectionately. “A trapped star, nothing can darken it’s light.” He looked over at me. “I guess your little trick won’t work again.”

But my mind was already coming up with a plan on how get by him. As I said before: he’s not the smartest guy.

“Oh shoot, you got me,” I said sarcastically. “Guess it’ll be down to six then.”

“Yup. And then five, then four, then three, finally two…” He smiled. “And at last one.”

“How many times have you won? Fifteen? Twenty?”

“Well, every single time except the time you won. I got beat by that Kevin guy. And you managed to run the entire time.”

I snickered. “And I still am.” My wand whipped out and started tracing a symbol in the air. “Sorry about this, brother,” I said with devilish sweetness.

He smiled, not expecting much from the spell. Oh how wrong he would be. “Nothing to apologize about. Sister.”

The room filled with sudden light. Not as bright as the star, but bright enough still to blind anyone around it. Startling him as I shoved him in the shoulder so he collapsed to the ground, but not hurt, I ran as fast as I could down the hallway and back the way I had come.

It went on like this for another hour or so: me, running, and listening with a beating heart as the explosive sounds of spell casting echoed around the school. Finally, it went into overtime and everyone left was teleported to the outside grounds. Only three were there: Connor, a boy named Daniel, and me.

†††

My name is Ara Soulstone, and I attend Moonbranch Academy, a school built on a large spit of floating land. Unlike Ravenwood, which is nestled in the heart of Wizard City, Moonbranch remains its own world. I came here with my fraternal twin brother, Connor, four years ago to learn magic.

They teach a slightly different type of magic here than they do at Ravenwood School and Dragonspyre Academy. For one, learn four classes of magic rather than seven: Thorn, Leaf, Wind, and Void.

For some reason, the Headmistress, Dame Senka-Cora, had a vendetta against Ravenwood, so we rival them in everything. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose, but nothing seems to dim the passion of hatred we have for them, nor them for us.

Moonbranch is one massive building. Mostly made out of gray stone, it always shone in the constant moonlight. All the windows are stained glass and carpets are in almost all hallways.

Unlike Ravenwood, here we had uniforms. For girls, it consisted of a long, dark blue tunic with three-fourths sleeves, a gold collar and belt, the academy symbol on the chest. The skirt was made of many folds and had a jagged edge, and came down to just above the knee. School shoes were simple blue flats, but when we were out questing we usually used tall boots. The boys uniform was generally the same, however they had full-length sleeves on a more coat-like tunic, and flared out trousers, and they wore boots all the time.

Each student, of course, has a set school like one does in Ravenwood, as well as a secondary. For example, I’m a Void Wizard taking second in Wind. Connor is also a Void Wizard, however he takes second in Thorn.

We were orphaned when we were young and grew up with our grandparents in Marlybone. When we were eleven we were told we had scholarships to Moonbranch, and thus we kissed goodbye to our Ravenwood friends. We see them sometimes when we’re out questing, but we must keep up our reputation of dislike. Like at the other schools, we quest in the same worlds of the Spiral, level, earn spells, and fight monsters.

During the school hours we have general classes: music, history, literature, and mathematics. After that we went to our wizardly classes: whichever two we’ve chosen. This was the only time I saw Connor, when we studied our Void magic.

Void was the magic of light and dark and color. When you begin you only start with spells of light, then moved on to spells of death, quickly becoming virtually unstoppable when they’re put together. Color came much later, and neither of us have learned it yet.

Wind was learning to control the changes in nature, and bending them to your pleasing. This was really only useful in areas that have dramatic changes in temperature, such as Wizard City, Krokotopia, and Dragonspyre. Using wind, snow, rain, and any other types of weather, Wind Wizards dispel attacks and add many defensive boosts.

Thorn was the magic of weakness, finding the faults in your opponents and using it against them. It was a very sly and sneaky way of attacking, so most Thorn Wizards liked the cover of darkness to aid to them.

Lastly, Leaf was the magic of helping allies, healing, giving them defensive or offensive boosts, as well as entwining enemies and placing powerful enchantments on them to render them unable to use magic, or incapable of moving.

We didn’t need the seven different schools like the other academies do. We were fine with only four, and so far we had not failed. Yes, we get taunted a lot about failing at any moment because we only have four types of magic, but I’m telling you we manage perfectly.

Like all other Wizards, we also have access to Astral School training, the magic of the Sun, Moon, and Stars. Connor and I aren’t there yet, but we’re looking forward to the polymorphs.

I room with a pretty brown-haired and green-eyed girl named Angela Greene, a Leaf Wizard taking second in Wind. She’s a year older, but she’s my closest friend. As you may have noticed, Connor and I don’t get along very well. It’s a brother-sister thing.

There were many things I loved about this school. The teachers were nice, the other students were tolerable, the spells were fun to show off with, and the history of the school was crazy.

The other thing I loved was sleep.

“Ara! Wake up! You’ve got half an hour! Lazy!” Angela smacked me with a pillow over and over.

I tried to pull the covers over my head. “Just a couple more minutes… Please… A little more…”

“The last time you said that and I allowed it, you went to class late! I heard Professor Galen was furious!” Galen was the professor of Void magic.

“So? He’s easy going…”

“But I’m not!”

The warm covers were suddenly yanked off and my legs were met by what seemed like freezing cold air.

“Nooo…” I moaned. “Give ‘em back!”

I sat up and shoved tangles of dark blue, black streaked hair out of my eyes, and rubbed the grit from them. I sleepily clawed at the covers, but Angela had already spread them out on the wooden floor.

“Mean,” I muttered. I stood, stretched, yawned, yawned some more, and washed my face in the bathroom. When I came back out, more refreshed, I looked around. “Where’s my quilt?”

Angela was grinning evilly next to an open window.

“Ugh! You jerk!” I quickly clambered into my uniform (I was not going out in my nightgown), untangled my hair as best as I could, then ran out of the room as Angela rolled around laughing on the floor.

Running outside, I quickly gathered up the blanket, thankfully there wasn’t any dew on the grass so it was dry, and sprinted back inside. Angela stood in front of the door, her book bag hanging from her shoulder, and mine cradled in her arms.

I tossed the blanket on the bed, yanked my bag from her, and stormed down the hallway, she following, still laughing and muttering, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I won’t do it again. I’m so sorry.”

“You owe me your strawberry pudding tonight.”

“Of course, of course. Anything,” she replied, still giggling.

We have our basic classes together, but part ways after; I making my way with the other Void students to Professor Galen’s room, she going with the other Leaf students to Professor Christine’s room.

Everyone took their seats as the second bell rang, me in the far left, Connor in the front right. Basically as far away from each other as possible. However, as I took my seat, I noticed he wasn’t present...

Once Void class was over I would go to Wind class. I didn’t know many people there. I mean, sure I knew them by name, but I wasn’t friends with them or anything.

However, I wasn’t sitting down for long. As soon as the had bell rung, Headmistress Dame Senka-Cora stepped into the room. Professor Galen looked up startled. “Headmistress,” he said, less of a statement and more of a question.

She gazed around the room, made eye contact with me, and looked back up at him. “I’m sorry, Professor, I have to borrow Miss Soulstone for a the time being. It’s an urgent matter, I’m sure you’ll understand.” She smiled, but it showed no emotion.

“But of course,” he responded instantly, stuttering. He was a nice man, dressed in a slightly oversized, brown tunic and long cape, head balding and face wrinkling, but his eyes always sparkled with passion.

The Headmistress nodded. “Come along dear, no dawdling.”

I shoved my books back into my back and stumbled after her out into the silent hallway. We say nothing as we walked in the direction of her study. She was a tall and imposing women, wearing a tight fitting, blue satin dress with black velvet gloves. Her brown hair streaked with gray was piled up fancily with a pin dotted with diamonds. The front of the dress was ruffled across the chest and down the front and covered in sparkling seedbeds. Her eyes were hard, cold, and unyielding.

We soon came to large, oak, double doors. The design was simple: a pattern of a full moon shining behind a bare branched tree, our school symbol. The doors swung open without her touching them, and we entered a large, round study room. Books lined every wall, and a large desk sat in the center. On the desk were many open books, stacks of parchment, inkwells, and quills. In a large window behind the desk, the full moon shone bright and silver. In front of the desk sat three wooden chairs with blue velvet cousins. My brother, Connor, and a boy I hardly knew, named Daniel Lionsheart, occupied two of the them.

“Take a seat,” said Dame Senka-Cora. I did, in the end chair next to Daniel. “Now, you three won the last game, am I right?” she said, taking a seat behind the desk.

The “game” she referred to was an all school event that lasted five hours within the school building. Classrooms were off limits, as was leaving the building. If you came across another student you fought them off with your spells. Whoever lost was teleported to the outside grounds with the others. Usually only one Wizard was left standing, otherwise overtime was instructed, like it had been the most recent time. Whoever was left in overtime won.

“Yes, of course I’m right.” She looked down at a sheet of paper. “Connor Soulstone, level forty-nine Void Wizard, taking second in Thorn magic, has attended for four years, and has won the majority of the games.” She looked up at him. “Specializes in hunting down the students to fight them, and usually comes out victorious.”

Connor smirked.

Again, she looked down at the paper. “Ara Soulstone, sister of Connor. Also a Void Wizard and level forty-nine, however taking second in Wind magic. Has attended for four years and plays the game by hiding and running. Has won once.” She looked up at me, her violet eyes demanding. “Complete opposites. Interesting.”

Without even looking down at the paper, she turned to Daniel. “Daniel Lionsheart, a level fifty… Leaf Wizard taking second in Thorn, an odd combination. As I recall, you walk the halls during the games reading a book. The first one you come across you let defeat you. Why?”

He shrugged. He had pale skin and dark, gray eyes, but brown hair, which was quite normal, unlike most here. Most people you saw had bright pink, blue, and orange, with green, black, or gold highlights, et cetera. “I don’t really think it’s worth it.”

“I see. Well, I do believe I have my perfect team.”

Our eyes widen. No one said anything until Connor piped up, “P-pardon?”

“You all know about the time once a year in which questing in canceled and we must all stay on school grounds? And if you disobey this rule you’re expelled?” the Headmistress asked. We all nodded. “Yes. Well, during this time is a Spiral quest called the Arcane Items. Using the first five worlds of the Spiral, two items are hidden in each, and three students from each school that wishes to participate must find them. It takes place over the course of a month, and a safe house in each world is provided for the participants. If you come across a wizard from another school you may chose to run” – she looked at me – “and hide, stay” – she looked at Connor – “and fight, or lastly watch” – she lastly turned her gaze to Daniel – “ and learn.”

“Pardon me Headmistress, but what happens if we don’t find the items in a month? Or we lose in a battle?” asked Daniel.

Dame Senka-Cora’s bright violet eyes widen. “Why, you are expelled of course! Would you expect anything less from Moonbranch?” She laughed. “We have yet to win. I have lost some very excellent students because of this. But, as the saying goes: rules are rules and they are made to be followed.”

I stiffened, but said nothing. Who knew our school motto would mean so much more outside the school. “And if we win?” I choked out. My voice sounded cracked and forced.

“You receive massive experience, much gold, as well unspoken bragging rights. This quest and information does not leave this room.” She glared at us each in turn. Man, did she just like… enjoy staring at people? “You have one week to prepare. You may bring anything you wish. Special gear, spell cards, or extra wands. Anything nonlethal that is.”

Now where’s the fun in that? I thought sarcastically to myself.

“Cram in as much training as you need. In one week you’re on your own. Whether you like it or not.”

Outside her office, we regarded each other. Mostly Connor and me observing Daniel, and Daniel observing us.

“So what’s the plan?” I finally asked.

Connor turned to me. “Plan? Every man for himself. You heard the Headmistress.”

“She also said she believed this was the perfect team.”

“And at the end she said we’re on our own.”

“But wouldn’t working as a team be easier? Easier fighting, easier searching, enough said?”

“I’m pretty sure I can handle those Ravenwood kids on my own.”

“Ravenwood isn’t going to be the only school there! They could have wizards of higher levels. We don’t know anything, and before we find anything out, power will have to trump skill,” I snapped.

“It’s no use. Those games we do? It’s like practice for this. It was all for this. I won those on my own.” Connor gave me a disbelieving look. “You should know that.” He turned and walked down the dark hallway.

After he’s gone, I turned to Daniel, who looked at me curiously. “Yeah, your plan sounds just perfect,” I sarcastically snapped. “Thanks for that opinion.” I brushed past him before he could say anything and made my way down the other side of the hallway, practically seething with anger. Stupid Connor. Stupid, stupid, stupid…

--------------------------------------------------

Oh my gosh guys, I AM SO SORRY. I haven't been, like, anywhere for months!! School and writing have been taking up ALL my time and I feel so bad about it -_- (Well, I say writing, but I mean writing and role playing...)

I've started reading through, editing, and continuing Chasing Shadows, the sequel to Shadow Rising (remember Suri and fighting the dragon?). It's looking to be a lot of fun, so I hope to stay on top of this!! (And you're all thinking: "like that's going to happen...")

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed chapter one :) Chapter two is a short one, and already written, so you can expect that one soon. Chapter three is half written but will take A LOT of editing. But the action and mystery gets going pretty quickly! I mean, it's technically already started, but you catch my drift.

If it's any consolation to you guys, I have been reading blogs every now and then :p I just have nothing to post!

ARGH I MISSED MY BLOGVERSARY (again)!!! >_< What is it... February 28th...? Something like that. Ugh, I give up. I have missed it every single year, I don't think anything is about to change.

Happy March, everyone!!
~Emma