Whoever said dying felt like falling asleep needs to be shot. Multiple times. I, James Emrys, died because some fucking retard co-worker of mine thought it was a good idea to mess with the local gang. The gang then went and shot up my workplace, killing several people, I'm included in that number. Now I'm in this dark void just floating, bored as fuck.
"Hmm, how... interesting." Said a voice that seemed to echo all around the void. I looked around wildly, or as best as I could in the inky blackness.
"Who's there?!" I yelled still looking around in vain.
"Tell me boyo. What is your name?" The voice inquired curiously.
"...James Emrys" I replied with some hesitance because in some instances names hold power.
"Emrys, hmm. Tell you what, what if I revived you-" Was all the voice got out before I cut it off.
"Nope! Not happening. My life was boring as fuck, I'm not going back to it."
"-In another world. A world filled with...Magic?" The voice continued as if I hadn't said a thing. I was slightly miffed about that but my curiosity over the being's offer overshadowed that.
"What is the price of your... generous offer?" I asked suspiciously.
"Price?" The voice said baffled as if the word wasn't even in its vocabulary.
"Yes price, everything cost something, nothing is free. In almost every single story I've read that had magic in it, magic had a price or limitation or both." I answered somewhat annoyed.
"Very well, if you want a price I will give you one. My price is to... have fun." The voice acquiesced before naming its price. I was dumbfounded but still suspicious.
"What is your name?" I questioned the being.
"I have been called many names but I prefer... Great Red."
"A-as in Great Red the Infinite Dragon of Dreams? That Great Red?" I spluttered.
"Haha! Indeed. Now your answer?" The voi-Great Red asked laughing.
I gathered myself before answering.
"I accept your offer."
"Good, good. I'll give you a little gift in this world you're going to in reward for giving me a good laugh." I could tell he was grinning even if I couldn't see him.
A light flashed and I could finally see the dragon in his entirety before everything went dark again.
Storybrooke, Maine
"-r! Sir, are you okay?! Sir!" A male voice with an Irish accent called to me, accompanied by a few shakes. I opened my eyes and saw a handsome face above mine.
"I hope you're not planning on kissing me," I said still somewhat out of it. The man barked out a laugh before offering me a hand up. With his help, I picked myself up from the cold, hard, and slightly damp street in the middle of a town in front of a clock tower. I pushed the feeling of something being wrong away.
"Thank you and not to be rude but who are you?" I asked after letting go of his hand and checking myself over.
He chuckled and said." I should be asking you that stranger but my name is Graham-" He asked something but my mind was occupied by information that just seemed to appear.
Graham the Huntsman serves Regina, the Evil Queen, unwillingly and unknowingly because she stole his heart, literally. Status: Untrustworthy. The recommended course of action based on personal morals: Make him forget.
And the knowledge on how to do that also appeared so I concentrated for a moment and waved my hand in front of Graham's face, his eyes went glassy, he turned around, got in his cop car and drove away.
"The hell was that!?" I asked not expecting an answer but got one anyway while remembering the tingle that went through my hand when I waved it in front of the Huntsman's face.
Hello, I'm am your sacred gear known as Archive. I was created and implanted into your soul by the Dragon of Dreams.
I absorbed the information Archive provided me with before asking what a sacred gear was.
The originally created sacred gears were gifts from the biblical god to help humanity protect themselves from the supernatural. I was, as stated before, created by the Great Red for the sole purpose of helping you.
"Okay... what can you do?" I asked looking around the center of the town I had appeared in before a thought came to me.
"And what did you mean 'Graham the Huntsman' and 'Regina the Evil Queen'?" I questioned picking a random direction and started walking.
To answer your first question I work much like archive magic in Fairy Tail, to your second question in this world Storybook characters, such as Prince Charming and Ursula, are real. Twenty-seven years ago Regina cast a curse that brought a lot of storybook characters to this world and trapped them in this town without their memories, only a few know of this fact.
"...Why did she cast the curse and who are the few?" I asked after a moment noting the approach of the beginning of a forest as I waited for the answer.
Because she wanted to ruin the happy endings for the heroes, particularly Snow White and Prince Charming while achieving her own and yes you can leave the town you were not affected by the curse so you're not forced to stay. It is however not recommended if you want to pay the Dragon's price. Those few that know include Regina, Mr. Gold or Rumplestiltskin, Henry Mills, Jefferson or the Mad Hatter, August or Pinocchio, Neal or Baelfire, and now you.
"Okay, what was that hand wavy thing I did back there to Graham?" I lept over a fallen log, made my way into a small clearing before stopping and sat down on a tree stump.
A simple memory spell that erases memories gained within the last ten minutes.
"So you have knowledge on how to use magic?" I asked excitedly.
Yes of this world, the Dragon's world, and of FTL.
"This world and what is FTL?"
Yes, this world has magic and other supernatural creatures. FTL means Fairy tale land, it's the place that the book characters are from.
"What types of magic exist in FTL and this world?" I asked as I gazed into the stars above.
In FTL exist Light and Dark magic. Light magic is based on positive feelings and vice versa for Dark magic. In this world, many forms of magic exist, Traditional, Ancestral, Sacrificial, and several others. This world's magic comes from nature and nature will punish any who abuses its gift.
"What are the limits or prices of both world's magic?"
FTL magic always comes with a price, the more powerful the magic the steeper the price. Nature's magic comes with a physical toll, you risk your health every time you use it and every type of this world's magic has other limits depending on what kind of magic you're using.
"Can you provide an example?"
The price Regina paid to enact her curse required the heart of the one she loved most. Those that practice ancestral magic can only use magic near a place where their ancestors were buried.
"Which magic from all three worlds would best fit me and why?" I asked curiously plans flying through my head.
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Light magic from FTL because it is potent, it has a purifying effect and it won't corrupt you, unlike Dark magic. Traditional because depending on the ancestors you choose to channel you can obtain a lot of power with few restrictions. Dream magic because of your brief exposure to the Dragon you have absorbed some of its infinite power.
"Dream magic?" I already had an idea on what it did but I wanted to be sure.
Dream magic allows the user to manipulate dreams. Powerful and skilled users of this magic can allow dreams to become reality and reality to become dreams. A widespread example of this would be Neverland, the land of dreams where all you have to do is wish it and it becomes real.
"And the differences between Ancestral Magic and Traditional Magic?" I looked past the trees as the moon set, the stars disappeared and the sun rose.
To practice Ancestral magic you have to be near where your ancestors were buried but you have full control of the magic your using, Traditional magic you channel the magic of your ancestors using something they had in life but they can control what you do with their magic. I recommended Traditional magic because depending on the ancestor you choose to channel you can have a lot of power and few restrictions.
"Which of my ancestors do you recommend?" I asked.
Merlin Emrys. He practiced all forms of magic and believed that magic shouldn't be restricted.
"Ok shelve that for later. How would I go about using Dream magic?"
All you have to do is reach for your magic and wish for something you've dreamed of.
"Ok." I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and used my metaphysical hands reached for that ever-present warmth that has flowed through me since I've woken up. The warmth left for my hands like an excited puppy and suddenly I did have a transparent and flickering Black Labrador with mismatched eyes running around me.
I looked at the dream dog with a sad smile. The dog barked and dissipated into a mist, which spiraled down and disappeared.
"...Sam." A single tear rolled down my face which I wiped away as suddenly as it appeared. I summoned her again, she was no longer flickering but was still transparent. For the next day and night, I explored the forest practicing until my illusions looked and sounded real. They were still immaterial but I was working on it. I found several twenties in the wallet that was in my jacket so I decided to go into town as I was starving.
I passed many people on my way through, many threw curious glances my way but ultimately ignored me. I asked a red-haired nun, who introduced herself as Mother Superior, where I could get something to eat, she gave me directions to a diner named Granny's. Curious.
When I was about to ask her if there was an inn or something in this town, Archive intervened.
The Dragon has taken it upon itself and has acquired you a residence.
I thanked Mother Superior and followed the directions she gave me to the diner.
'Red is being quite generous.' I thought back suspicious passing by an increasing amount of people.
Why wouldn't it be? It has nothing to lose and everything to gain from helping you.
'And what does it have to gain?' Finally finding the diner and entering it.
... Your arrival in this world has strengthened its foothold it had established years ago.
"Welcome! What can I get you?" A woman with red streaks in her hair and wearing rather... skimpy clothing asked me as I slid in an empty booth.
"What do you have?" I asked in reply. The waitress listed a few breakfasts items, some drinks, and some desserts.
"Ok. I'll take three eggs, sunny side, three pieces of bacon, and some orange juice." I listed everything I wanted. She wrote it down and said.
"Got it! It'll be ready in a few minutes, I'll be right back with your drink."
"Thank you." She nodded.
"I'm Ruby by the way." She introduced herself with a small flourish.
"James. Nice to meet you." I introduce myself, offering my hand. She clasped it with her on and shook it before going over to an older woman and handing her my order.
'Now where is this residence that the Dragon had so graciously given me?' I inquired with a bit of sarcasm as I patiently waited for my food and drink.
In the town square, five buildings down on the left from the clocktower.
The answer was prompt, crisp, and precise. The waitress, Ruby, approach the table which held my food and drink. She put it down, I thanked her, and she left to attend to another customer.
I dug in. I ate in relative silence, the only noise was the murmured conversations of the other patrons and the occasional opening of the door. A feeling of warmth- of pure magic- sweeping through the diner distracted me from my nearly finished breakfast. I casually looked toward the open door and saw a 10-11-year-old. I could sense the magic coming off the kid, it seemed kinda like my dream magic but different. The kid looked around before locking eyes with me. His face brightened before he made his way over to me and sat down on the opposite end of the booth.
"Hi! I'm Henry Mills!" The kid introduced himself to me excitedly.
"Hello, James Emrys," I told him my full name in return. If possible the kid brightened even further not at all put off by my short answers.
"As in Merlin Emrys?!" Henry asked me.
"Indeed," I answered his excited question calmly taking a sip of my juice.
"Does that mean you have magic? Merlin was the most powerful mage there ever was." Henry inquired.
"I do but then again so do you."
"I do?!"
"Yeah, it kinda announces your presence to those that can feel it. It's why I looked at you when you came in."
"Can you show me? Magic, I mean." The boy asked pleadingly. I simply gestured to my right. Henry squeaked when he looked and saw a huge lion suddenly there. He looked back at me and I simply put a finger in front of my lips telling him to be quiet. I wiggled the finger and the lion became a Pomeranian dog. Henry looked on in awe.
"Can you teach me? You said I had magic!" I thought about for a moment before coming to a decision.
"Sure it could be fun to have an apprentice. But! Shouldn't you be in school, it's Wednesday." I confirmed then chided gently. The boy at least had the decency to look sheepish before he thanked me and hurried out the diner's door. I waved Ruby over for my bill which she gave and I promptly paid for.
In the town square, several minutes later.
I found the residence fairly easily, it stood out. It was a two-story building, the outside consisted of red bricks and a dark roof.
The keys are in your breast pocket of your jacket.
I confirmed that by patting my chest, easily finding the key. I slipped it into the lock, turned and went inside. An open-concept layout greeted me. Deep red walls, white ceiling, and white window sills. Dark Oak furniture occupied much of the open space, silvery curtains covered the large windows. Expanding my search from the living room revealed a dining room, a kitchen, a restroom, and two rooms. The first was a guest bedroom with a small attached bathroom. The second was a washer and dryer room.
The upstairs was a big bedroom with a spacious, attached bathroom and a small walk-in closet which held quite a bit of clothes. So with that, I headed to the bathroom to have a much-needed shower.
With that, a Mage had settled.
Three Months Later...
"Are you sure you want me to do this, Henry?" I questioned the boy as I got everything I needed. He nodded strongly.
"I want to find my birth mother." He said resolutely, determination shining through. Really the boy had come a long way from the overly excited, lonely boy he was three months ago from when I met him. He's still excitable over certain things- magic being one of them- but he has mellowed out and focused that excitement and enthusiasm into his practice of magic.
It took him a month of trial and error to first access his magic, of which time I spent furthering my own knowledge and ability of my chosen fields and obtaining a general knowledge of all the others and what was needed for the various forms of magic.
In between and after his attempts at accessing his magic I taught him the uses of various plants and materials. After he managed to use his magic for the first time I taught him simple spells, spells that he could protect himself with, spells that weren't overly flashy. He got the hang of them pretty quickly.
He has taken a liking to healing spells, protection spells, and dream magic.
"What do I need for the spell I'm doing?" I questioned Henry. He answered immediately.
"A map, candles, and a personal item of the one you're trying to find, however, my blood will do for the item." He listed the materials needed.
I spread the map over my dining room table and placed the candles in there needed places, with a twitch of my finger, the five candles were lit. I gestured for his hand which he gave with little hesitance. With a small application of my magic, a cut appeared on his finger.
"Testor maiorum invenire Unum peto.
Testor maiorum invenire Unum peto.
Testor maiorum invenire Unum peto.
Testor maiorum invenire Unum peto.
Ostende mihi, quid quaeris."
This locator spell was supposed to find the person who owned the item you used however if you substitute blood in place of the item the spell finds people who share the person's blood.
With each repetition of the chant the blood that landed on the map flowed and split into five parts, three of those parts circled around where Storybrooke should be before stopping. One part went towards and stopped at New York, while the last part halted at a small town in Virginia. I grabbed a piece of paper and then used another spell to reveal who was who.
"Mihi revelare suam identitatem.
Mihi revelare suam identitatem
Mihi revelare suam identitatem."
Their identities and locations were revealed to us.
David Nolan{Prince Charming}(Incapacitated)-Storybrooke, Maine.
Maternal Grandfather.
Mary Margaret Blanchard{Snow White}(Alive)-StoryBrooke, Maine.
Maternal Grandmother.
Mr. Gold{Rumplestiltskin}(Alive)-Storybrooke, Maine.
Paternal Grandfather.
Neal Cassidy{Baelfire}(Alive)-NYC, New York.
Father.
Emma Swan(Alive)-Mystic Falls, Virginia.
Mother.
"It seems you do have some blood family in town and nearby at least," I said to the silent boy who seemed to be in deep thought. I let him have his silence as I healed his forgotten hand. I had put out the candles, thrown the map away and cleaned up the spilled blood when he finally spoke.
"Is there a way to observe them before I actually meet them?" Henry questioned. I hummed noncommittally, absentmindedly praising him in my mind for not just trying to hop on a bus, show up at their homes unannounced and declare himself their son. That route had a lot of variables to account for.
"There are ... some ways," I replied. His look prompted me to continue.
"We could observe them from a dreamcatcher." He looked curious so I explained.
"A dreamcatcher when used can show the viewer the past, present, and future. A powerful artifact when used right. Normally dreamcatchers could only show the past but there are ways around that limitation." I nodded and went to get one of my dreamcatchers.
"Ok, past, present, or future?" I asked Henry, he thought for a bit before ultimately deciding on the past.
"Ok, is there a scene you specifically want to see?" He immediately answered.
"When my parents met." I simply nodded.
I waved my hand over the dreamcatcher. The dreamcatcher seemed to quiver before a purple mist rose up and solidified into an image. The image showed a pretty blonde woman hurrying toward a little, yellow car and breaking into it. It also showed a man popping up from under a blanket in the back seat and asking the girl out for drinks. She denied him telling him he might be a pervert. A cop pulls them over and Neal lied to the cop telling he was teaching his girlfriend how to drive stick. The cop lets them off with a warning. After that, the memory ends.
"...So my parents were thieves?" Henry asked in disbelief. I chortled to myself.
"It seems to run in the family," I referenced Snow White's banditry from his book to him after my laughing slowed. He pouted for a bit before he decided he wanted to see what his mother was currently doing. I waved a hand over the dreamcatcher again.
The image showed this time was Henry's mother out on a date with a rather arrogant looking guy. Henry pulled a face but settled in to watch. Emma and her date made small talk and got to know each other. I honestly zoned out only zoning back in when Henry shook me and gestured excitedly to the image. It showed the guy running panicked and Emma walking casually after him. The guy got in his car and tried to drive away not realizing that there was a boot on his back wheel. By the time the guy figured that out Emma was right next to him. Before he could even think of running again Emma grabbed him and slammed his head on the steering wheel knocking him out.
"Ahhh! She's a bounty hunter. Huh, a that's a couple of steps up from a thief." I said in realization after the image dissolved into a fading mist. Henry rolled his eyes seemingly not fazed at all by his birth mother's new occupation. He seemed pensive for a moment before he asked a question I had expected him to ask.
"Can you take me to Virginia to meet her?" He asked me. I simply nodded because had I refused he would have gone by himself and I didn't want him to get in danger. I asked him if he wanted to go now. He shook his head and explained to me that he wanted to prepare and to attempt to create an alibi about his whereabouts to the mayor. I nodded and told him I would meet him at Granny's diner in the morning. He thanked me, gathered his things and told me 'Until we meet again, my friend' in Latin.
Silence pervaded the room after his departure. I moved from my sitting position by the table and walked upstairs to get ready myself because my magic shifted in palpable excitement of the events it senses is to come.
So with that, the young Warlock braced itself for the events to come.