AN: I deleted the first version of this story and decided to write this Version because I like it better.
Chapter 1
Mildred raced down the Hallways of Cackles academy. It was morning, and a long line at the bathroom had her running late again. Once again though, with a little luck, and a lot of sprinting she managed to make it on time to breakfast by the skin of her teeth.
Elsewhere in the fifth dimension, Merlin stood watching the girl as she skidded to a halt next to Enid and Maud. The look on his face was a mixture of amusement, pride and a hint of sadness. Just then a portal opened behind him and deposited a tall dark-haired boy of about 15 on the ground behind him.
The boy had deep blue eyes and a kind smile. Unlike Merlin who was dressed in a deep red hooded cloak the boy was dressed in Jean's Motocross boots a black T-shirt and a White leather biker jacket.
Merlin turned and smiled at the boy.
"Matthias," he said, "I'm glad you're here."
"I came as soon as I got your message, Dad," he said, with an American accent "What's up?"
"My son," said Merlin, he paused and for once Matthias wondered if his father was losing his nerve, "I-I need a favor."
"Name it." Said Matthias. Matthias Blackstone was the son of Merlin himself. Merlin had been traveling in the Central United States years ago and had fallen in love with a young woman. Amy Blackstone. Matthias was the product of that love. Soon after Matt was born however it became apparent to Merlin and Amy that he would have to leave whether he wanted to or not. As much as he wanted to stay Merlin knew that too much time in one place would soon reveal his agelessness. Merlin had kept in close contact and paid may secret visits to Matt and his mother Amy over the years. They had even remained friends after Amy had married Matt's stepfather. Matthias didn't resent his father for what had happened he understood it.
As Matt grew older it became increasingly apparent that Matt was as gifted as his father. From time to time Merlin would call Matt to assist him with Missions to help and safeguard the magical world. But what his father wanted him for now I couldn't quite make out.
Merlin motioned Matt over to where he could see the Large floating mystic viewer. the time and place the viewer had tuned into had changed slightly in it Matt could see a young girl around twelve or thirteen with long braided pigtails. She was wearing a Cackles academy uniform and was trying to mix a laughter potion with mixed results.
"Who is she?" he asked, "Does the favor you need have something to do with her?" Merlin nodded.
"Her name is Mildred Hubble," he said, then in a quieter voice he added, "She's your half-sister."
Matt's mouth dropped open.
"She's my what?!" he said not sure he had heard right.
"She's your half-sister," said Merlin, "She's three years younger than you. I met her mother Julie Hubble, about the time your mother was getting married. Julie reminded me so much of Amy, she has the same warm loving nature combined with a strong independent streak."
"How much does Mildred know," Asked Matthias still half shocked by what he had just learned.
"She's knows that I'm her father, she and her mother keep that a secret." said Merlin, "But neither she nor Julie know about you."
"Why didn't you tell me about my sister before now?' asked Matthias. Merlin sighed, and for once Matt could see the burdens of the centuries weighing on him.
"In all honesty," said Merlin, "Because I was scared. I love both of my children very, very much, and the last thing I want is for either of you to hate me."
Matt put his arm around his father.
"I could never hate you," he said, "especially not for giving me a little sister. You know that after I was born mom found out that she wouldn't be able to have anymore kids. I don't think she'd be mad either. Now, what is the favor?"
"My sources tell me that The Brotherhood, the descendants of Lord Mordred, have been operating in the area near Cackles. If they find out about your sister believe me they wouldn't hesitate to use her against me." Replied Merlin
"I get it," said Matthias, "You want me around in case The Brotherhood gets wise and tries something."
"Right," said Merlin, "I'm too well known in the area, if I showed up there they would know something's up."
"But I'm another story," said Matthias nodding in understanding
"Yes," said Merlin, "Besides I know that you ride motocross, and are in the international championship. I've arranged for it to be held in Lunsford downs just down the valley from the school. It should be a perfect cover."
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Mildred was just coming out of her potions class. She stepped outside the building and was walking across the courtyard. She looked up at the sky and grimaced. Dark clouds were overshadowing the sky in every direction. And the wind was rapidly picking up
"This has the makings of a very bad storm," she said.
"Well why don't we do something about it?" asked Enid trying to keep from losing her notepad.
"Two reasons," cried Maud over the wind, "one, we're not powerful enough for that kind of magic yet, and two, neither witches or wizards like to fool around with the planets weather patterns when it's not absolutely necessary. It's too dangerous."
Just then the rain started. The girls broke into a run and bolted for the nearest door. Following the pathway, they didn't even remember that one part of the pathway when right under an overhanging oak limb. That is, they didn't remember until a bolt of lightning struck the limb shattering it away from the tree and sending it hurtling toward the ground just as Mildred ran under it. Enid and Maud screamed. Suddenly something or someone in white shot past them and with a diving tuck and roll swept Mildred out from under the limb.
Wiping the rain water out of there eyes Maud and Enid saw that the thing was actually a handsome young man in a white leather jacket. The move he pulled off landed him on his back with Mildred on his chest. Instantly he jumped to his feet and pulled Mildred up with him.
"Are you alright?" he asked as he helped them to the door. They stepped inside before Mildred Answered.
"Yes," she said, "Thanks to you, uh who are you anyway?"
"My name's Matthias Blackstone, but my friends call me Matt for short." He said flashing a smile through his soggy bangs. Enid put her hand behind her back and summoned some towels. She passed them out.
Matt gratefully took one and began to dry himself off.
"What brings you here?" asked Mildred, trying to ring the water out of her plaits.
"I was cutting cross country to Lunsford Downs for the International Motocross Championship when I got caught in the storm I came here to see if I could find a place to wait it out." Replied Matthias.
"Come on we'll have to ask Miss Cackle," said Mildred.
"Thanks," sad Matt.
Mildred grabbed his wrist and dragged him up the stairs to Miss Cackles office. Even in Miss Cackle's office you could still hear the storm raging outside. Hecate Hardbroom was standing by the window watching the storm and Ada Cackle was seated at her desk.
"This is one of the worst storms I believe I have ever seen," said Miss Hardbroom
"Indeed, it is," said Miss Cackle, "I'm almost tempted to wonder whether it's of natural origins."
Before Miss Hardbroom could answer there was a knock at the door.
"Come in," said Miss Cackle. The door opened and Miss Hardbroom's eyebrows moved slowly up her forehead when Mildred walked in pulling Matthias with her.
"Miss Cackle," said Mildred, "This is my new friend Matthias, He's in town for the Motocross Championship at Lunsford Downs, he just saved my life, and can he stay here until the storm passes."
Miss Cackle looked impressed. Mildred had just said all of that in one breath.
"I don't see why not," she said, "Especially since this storm shows no sign of letting up yet. It's time for lunch why don't you take your friend to the great hall."
A few minutes later Mildred, Maud, Enid, and their new friend Matthias were in the great hall. The lunch was tomato soup and crusty bread. They got their food and moved toward an empty table. They sat down and started to eat.
"What is he doing here," snapped a voice loudly. Inwardly Mildred groaned.
"Don't start Ethel," warned Maud, "This is Matthias, he's staying here until the storm passes, and yes he has Miss Cackle's permission."
"Fine," said Ethel disappointed that this was not an opportunity to get Mildred in trouble.
"I take it you have problems with her," said Matt as they watched Ethel walk away.
"You don't know the half of it," said Mildred
"No but I could guess," said Matt, "This isn't the only school that has her type in it."
"Oh, did you have to deal with an arrogant priss at your school?" asked Enid
"At first, I had to deal with pranks from a smug rich brat named Roger," his dad owned one of the biggest private banks in Wichita." Said Matt
"How did you deal with him?" asked Enid
"Well, let's just say that I convinced him that it would be a bad idea to bother me again." Replied Matt a little mysteriously.
The rest of the meal passed uneventfully. The one thing that didn't pass was the storm. Matt soon found himself alone in the great hall as all the girls went on to their next classes. It amused him that a bunch of girls and grown women what he knew full well were witches were being so careful to hide their magic from him. Of course, it was true they didn't know that he was a wizard himself.
Looking around one last time to make sure that he was alone. His face took on a look of concentration and his eyes began to glow. Instantly he was traveling mentally to an astral plane to meet with Merlin who was there waiting for him.
"How's it going." Said Merlin
"I've made contact with Mildred," said Matt, "Though not in the way I first intended."
"I know I saw," said Merlin, "Thanks by the way."
"I don't think the trouble is over yet," Said Matt, "When the storm first hit I felt_,"
"I know, "said Merlin, "I felt it too. The presence of dark magic."
"You know what that means, don't you," said Matt.
"Yeah, The Brotherhood knows I have a child at Cackles Academy, but they don't who she is," Merlin Replied, "So they're attacking the entire school at once!"
TBC….Let me know what you think.