From the Spiral - Prologue
"From the Spiral" is a story revolving around a Balance wizard's struggle as he tries to balance his social life, his duty, and his secrets as he and his two brothers try to stop Malistaire before it's too late.
BALANCE - Tip Apprentice
FIRE - Brooke Summersong
ICE - Neil Frost
STORM - Grace Stormraven
LIFE - Calem Lifearrow
MYTH - Ivan Mythblade
DEATH - Samantha Nightspear
KNIGHT - Gizmo Apprentice
THIEF - Garrett Apprentice
This story is inspired by my wonderful friends, who have helped me through the toughest of times.
What if you could create new, powerful life?
"Such godly powers should be reserved to the gods", some may say. But should it really…? Others may question this statement, depending on the situation…
A debate would surely break out. Should you accept a power like that? To be able to create new life?
This debate broke out one week ago, between members of the Ravenwood Academy facility. Terrible events had recently unfolded… With Malistaire gone and the Spiral in danger, the teachers and staff from the most prestigious academy in all the Spiral found themselves in a unique predicament.
Ten figures stood in a large laboratory. Machinery sparked and potions bubbled within the somewhat dim room; the lead scientist smirked, standing on top of his desk and leaning on his wooden cane, tipping his purple hat.
Yes, Professor Balestrom was quite proud of his lab, which he had built under the Storm School. It was fit for an eccentric genius such as himself! And it was this eccentric genius who brought up the topic that was under debate at this very moment. He had found a way to solve all their problems.
However…
"This is foolish. If we utilize this power now to stop Malistaire, we are only opening ourselves up to more problems." Cyrus Drake objected. "Another 'source of almighty power' will only lure in more evil to this academy."
"Well do you have any other ideas?" Malorn Thorn, one of the best necromancers the school had now that Malistaire was out of the picture, scoffed. He wasn't afraid of Cyrus, despite the Myth teacher's reputation as the strictest of the facility. "I don't think we have a choice here!"
"We only have enough resources to go through three trials." Mr. Lincoln clarified, his feathery head nodding as he examined his clipboard. "So long as we burn any trace of this 'experiment' after it's over… Nobody could replicate it."
"But we would know how it works." Cyrus hissed. "Any one of us could become the next Malistaire with this new power!"
"Ohohoho!" Professor Balestrom grinned, tipping his top hat cooly. "That is where you are wrong, my fine fellow!"
He hopped off his desk, pointing at the Myth teacher with his cane. "The proof is in the pudding! You see-"
"Dude, you aren't Sherlock Bones." Malorn deadpanned, interrupting Balestrom, who seemed a little disgruntled at the objection.
"I-I was just trying to sound 'cool'..." Balestrom sighed, receiving a 'tsk' from Lydia Greyrose, the fairy which was floating near the exit of the room.
"If that was an Ice pun, dearie, it wasn't funny." She smirked, giggling to herself. Dalia Falmea, who was standing next to Lydia, giggled as well, enjoying a moment of silliness amongst all the serious fighting. Balestrom sighed, adjusting his top hat.
"Anyway… Point is, we only have enough stardust for three trials, as Mr. Lincoln pointed out." Balestrom nodded. "Technically, we have enough for six, but… We'll need the extra stardust to keep the first three subjects alive. And you do remember how hard it is to get stardust, don't you, Cyrus?"
The Myth teacher scoffed, crossing his arms. "So difficult that only the horned fool knows how to collect it, yes?"
"Exactly!" Diego, the Arena Master, grinned, injecting himself into the conversation. "I never even told Balestrom where I found the source! I'm the only one who knows! I, the great Diego, am the sole holder of-"
"So this plan won't have any dangerous side effects, will it?" Moolinda Wu, the new Life school teacher, worriedly questioned the professor. "It would be absolutely horrible if we created wizards with illnesses, o-or disabilities that they have to live the rest of their life with, or-"
"Don't worry, this is sure to work perfectly!" Balestorm grinned while Diego sulked in the background. "No terrible disabilities to live with, no illnesses, and best of all, it doesn't harm the environment!"
"Oh, wonderful!" Moolinda Wu praised, pleased. Malorn held back a groan of disgust at the cow's insistence upon the project's safety.
"Whatever, if it's gonna help, let's do it!" The former Death student grinned. "Everyone's in favor now, right?"
"I don't believe this will end well." Cyrus spoke dryly, still skeptical. "... But it seems we have no choice."
"Why don't we ask the most important person here?" Dalia suggested, smirking. "What say you, Headmaster Ambrose…?"
All eyes focused on the oldest person in the room. He was using a large, wooden cane to hold himself up straight, and was running a hand through his long, white beard. The headmaster of Ravenwood, Merle Ambrose, had the final say on this project. He opened his eyes slowly, prepared to give judgement upon the issue.
Did they even have the right to make new life?
Even if the situation was grim, was this the right way out? They had many bright minds at Ravenwood, perhaps they could send them on this mission…
...
"Project 101 may begin." Headmaster Ambrose decided. "If we can create powerful wizards through this to help defend the Spiral… If we have even the smallest chance of going about this without risking our students' lives… We must take it."
Professor Balestrom's eyes lit up.
Cyrus Drake scowled.
Diego waved his lance around like a goofball.
Project 101 began.
Project 101 was an attempt at creating new life. But not any ordinary new life… Project 101 would create masters of magic. These masters would, hopefully, be able to trump Malistaire and save the Spiral… And, perhaps, they could lead normal lives afterwards…
Plus, it'd be like having children for the leader of the experiment, right?
Professor Balestrom had no interest in romance; so it was only natural that he didn't have a spouse at this time, nor did he feel he ever would. But he always did want children. Kids that would listen to him all the time, who he could give wise advice to, and who could help him with his experiments.
The 'listen' part was the most important; Balestorm always wanted an excuse to talk someone's ear off for hours and hours… He had a lot to say, after all!
So this experiment excited him not only because he may save the Spiral with it, but also because it would grant him one of his more sentimental wishes. The frog grinned, tipping his top hat as he kept as his work in his lab, now alone…
But he wouldn't be alone for long.
Oh, no. Soon, he would be joined by three others…
At present time, the experiment had already succeeded. Three new lives had been brought into the Spiral, and, surprisingly, the facility had managed to hide this fact rather well. Moolinda Wu and Balestrom were terrible liars, and Lydia gossiped far too much to her favorite students; it seemed almost impossible to keep a secret between all of the facility members, but, somehow, they had pulled through. And now, it was time for an evaluation of the students they had created…
Balestrom had insisted they pick their own first names, but their last names were his idea. 'Apprentice', he felt, was a genius family name; after all, they were all going to be apprentices of certain schools of magic!
Everyone else questioned Balestrom's creativity.
Anyway, as they were allowed to pick their own names, the three came to the arena prepared with their answers. Being led by the Storm teacher himself, the students glanced around Wizard City's grand arena with glittering curiosity. The first student was very tall, seemingly above six feet, with a thin yet strong physique. He wore mostly white wizard's clothing, having white skin and emerald eyes to match his attire. He had short, white hair, which was more than likely dyed. He had a white, hooded cloak, a white shirt, white pants, and white shoes with a long, wooden staff; he looked like a literal 'white mage' of sorts. He smiled softly, seeming the kind, courageous type.
The second student was drastically different. With short, black hair and mostly black wizard's attire, it was clear this man was the 'Yin' to the first student's 'Yang'. He had a black robe, hood down, with yellow buttons and threads to outline the outfit. He also had long, black pants and black boots. Instead of a long staff, he brought a black rod with a blue crystal at the tip. He was tall, but not as tall as the first student... He was grinning, confident, yet seeming somewhat mischievous…
The final student was much shorter than the other two. He was only a few inches over five feet, and he seemed to be a little younger than the other students. He gripped onto his metal staff cautiously, overwhelmed by the large arena. He had short, light brown hair that was covered with his pointed, tan wizard's hat. He, too, had emerald eyes, which almost looked like they were going to water with how nervous he was. However, he kept strong, marching onwards in his tan boots with tan pants and a tan wizard's coat with a white shirt.
"First order of business after this: new outfits." Dalia was the first to comment as soon as the three subjects were led into the grassy arena. "Professor, don't you think this is a little plain…?"
"What? I let them pick a color!" Balestrom defend himself, hopping over to the other eight members of the Ravenwood facility. Cyrus Drake refused to participate in this, so that left the other six teachers, the headmaster, the registrar, and the arena master.
Diego grinned, leaving the Storm and Fire teachers to bicker over clothing as he walked towards the three young men. "Wizards! Give me your names!"
The rest of the arena became silent. Diego might've been made fun of quite a bit by most of… Everyone… But everyone had to admit that he had a mastery over his voice, especially when in the arena. He could command legions of wizards, some speculated…But those legion of wizards would be doomed, because they'd be under Diego's command, and Diego wasn't viewed as the most competent guy around.
"Gizmo Apprentice." The student garbed in white responded with a smile. "Happy to be here, sir."
Gizmo was probably the most excited out of the three creations to be here, actually. He felt that becoming a wizard that may save the Spiral would be a great honor… Even if he didn't understand most of that stuff yet. But, hey, it was exciting! Gizmo was going to be a part of a grand adventure! The very thought of such a thing made him smile with joy.
"Garrett." The second shrugged. "Don't forget it, guy; I'm not saying it twice."
Garrett grinned. He wasn't as excited as his brother, but, hey, the whole 'saving the Spiral thing' sounded like it might be interesting. Maybe. Honestly, he didn't care; Garrett had only been around for about four days now, so he didn't really have a huge handle on things yet. All he knew was that apparently he owed his existence to some annoying frog and, to repay the favor, he had to kick some ass.
Garrett was ready to kick some ass, by the way. Very ready.
"T-Tip, sir!" The third announced, seeming as if he was hiding behind his staff. He was a bit scared of all these people… He didn't know any of them, besides Mr. Balestrom…
"Tip? Erm…. That isn't a name." Malorn pointed out, raising an eyebrow.
"I-It isn't…? B-but I thought it sounded nice…" Tip frowned, glancing downwards. He seemed a little dejected. Gizmo smiled softly, walking over to him and patting his head, causing the boy to look up and smile back, feeling a little better.
"I think it's a wonderful name." The white mage defended. "Just as fine as Gizmo or Garrett."
"Nah, my name's definitely the best. But you two are cool, too." Garrett laughed.
"Th-thank you…" Tip Apprentice beamed happily. Professor Albert and Moolinda Wu, who were sitting next to each other, exchanged a glance.
"Balance?" Wu asked.
"Balance." Albert responded with a smile. "No doubt about it."
"So Gizmo's probably Fire and Garrett might be Death." Malorn observed. "Right?"
"We'll see!" Lydia smiled. "Gizmo seems more like Ice to me!"
While the teachers theorised, Diego got to work."Wonderful! Now that you three have names, we will focus on the next important thing! Your schools!"
"Now, normally, we would use the Book of Secrets for this… But we believe it will not resonate with you. Instead, we will discover what spells you hold deep within your hearts!" Diego smiled. "These spells come from the school you are destined to master… Gizmo, why don't you go first?"
"Of course, sir." Gizmo smiled, taking a step forward. Diego swiftly noticed that the boy was holding his staff like a sword, and that his posture was almost perfectly identical to that of a swordsman's… But that may just be a coincidence. This boy was supposed to be a wizard, after all.
"Let us begin!"
"Nothing?" Dalia's eyes widened.
"Absolutely nothing at all?" Mr. Lincoln stood, shocked.
"Gizmo and Garrett show no signs of being magically talented at all." Diego reported once again, shaking his head. "However… There is hope! I've discovered something even better than magic within them!"
"And what's that?" Malorn asked.
"Swordsmanship and archery!" Diego grinned. "You should have seen Gizmo! A master of the sword and shield, I tell you, and he's only existed for three days! He may even be able to best me in a tournament! And Garrett's accuracy with a crossbow is beyond comprehension! The two are ridiculously talented!... Just not in magic."
"Woo! We're awesome!" Garrett cheered, grinning as he held a wooden crossbow packed with training bolts in his right hand. He was wearing an entirely new outfit now. He had a black cloak on with a dark green tunic and dark green pants. He had dark black shoes and black gloves. He also had a glint in his yellow eyes as he held his crossbow, clearly proud of his talent.
"I would enjoy that spar sometime, Diego!" Gizmo offered, just as happy. He was wielding a long, steel sword in his right hand with a steel square shield in his left hand. He had light, white steel armor with iron gauntlets. Although lacking in quite a bit of armor, as he was traveling light, it seemed his offensive capabilities were something to be feared…
Now if only such skills could actually help in a Wizard's Dueling Circle.
"The only boy remaining is Tip!" Diego smiled.
"He has to be Storm, Fire, Myth, or Death… He has to be. Anything else, and I don't think we have a chance." Albert grimaced. "Gizmo and Garrett surely can't help, can they?"
"Let's just wait and see." Balestrom eyed Diego seriously, waiting patiently for what he had to say next.
"I will say this: I have never felt more powerful in my life!" Diego laughed. "I bet that, with that boy by my side, I could even beat one of you in a magical duel!"
"Balance." Moolinda Wu caught on quickly.
"Correct!" The arena master smirked. "And with an affinity for Ice and Life magic, too!"
Unfortunately, a Balance student was not what everyone was hoping for. With two out of three of the subjects not being able to fight within a WDC, and the last only excelling in support-related schools of magic… The future looked bleak.
Tip, Gizmo, and Garrett stood in the middle of the arena, however, looking a little proud of each other. Gizmo pat Tip's head again, making him feel a little more confident, although not too much. Garrett also did well in keeping their spirits high, joking about the teachers as they discussed the issue. The three did indeed act like brothers, even if they weren't truly related in any way.
"So now what?" Malorn sighed. "We're doomed. We lost the luck of the draw."
"Not yet." Headmaster Ambrose finally spoke up, smiling lightly. "I'd say we won the lottery."
"What?" Dalia blinked. "How? Two of them can't even help fight…"
"Ohohoho! That's where you're wrong-" Balestrom was about to go on another one of his Sherlock rambles, but he was quickly interrupted by none other than Diego.
"Athames!" The unicorn proclaimed.
"Athames?" Moolinda Wu blinked.
"Athames." Headmaster Ambrose nodded. "I hand those out every day to new guards. They're made to combat the Wizard's Dueling Circles…"
"So, basically… Tip can activate a Wizard's Dueling Circle with an enemy, and then Gizmo and Garrett can just attack from outside the circle with Athames?" Malorn deduced.
"Exactly!" Balestrom piped up. "The day is not lost, ladies and gentlemen! Malistaire will be defeated before the end of the week!"
"I will order the best athames I can for them." Headmaster Ambrose offered. "But in the meanwhile… Mr. Lincoln, for Tip, can you have him registered as an official student in Ravenwood?"
"Of course!" Mr. Lincoln perked up, having been taking notes this whole time. "It will be easy! He will be in classes tomorrow!"
"Wonderful. Do we have a dorm open for three students?" The Headmaster asked. The registrar began flipping through his clipboard.
"Why, yes, we do!" The crane replied happily.
"Gizmo and Garrett should come here to train every day with me while Tip is having classes." Diego suggested. "After a week of honing their skills, they should be ready."
"Don't forget, they should make lots of friends!" Lydia smiled, floating around the other teachers. "We can't have them locked away in their dorm the entire evening!"
"As long as those friends don't get involved, I'm cool with that." Malorn grinned. The facility were filled a sense of hope and dedication to their newfound plan. They just had to hone the three wizard's skills and send them off…
… Sadly enough, however, it may not be as simple as that anymore. As soon as Lydia Greyrose mentioned 'friends', Headmaster Ambrose had a feeling that, perhaps, this adventure would not be as simple as they may want it to be.
Other students, as he feared, may end up getting involved…
But there was nothing more he could do to prevent such a fate. For now, all the Headmaster could ask for was the safety of the Spiral. Because as the three brothers bonded in the arena, six others, destined to become intertwined with this adventure, happily ate lunch together without a single clue about what was in store.
This was the beginning of a grand adventure, shared by nine young souls.