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