Disclaimer: I do not own Wizards of Waverly Place or any characters from the show. Of course, this is a work of fiction.
This story is rated M due primarily language, violence and themes in the upcoming chapters.
What would happen if demons weren't always friendly? What if there is more sinister purpose behind the Wizard Competition. Why is magic regulated? This is going to be a longer story that considerably expands the plot, characters and environments, introducing new drama, elements, and challenges, exploring these questions and much more. Familiar characters meet a different and much darker world.
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Thanks again betas xX-Star Sapphire-Xx and FanFicGirl!
Prologue: Wizard Competition
"A full wizard, there can be but one!" Jerry Russo cries out loudly, his words echo and boom. Holding the wand with a raised arm, the words reverberate as the first blue-purple bolt sizzling with energy shoots straight up from the tip.
"All power to a daughter or son!" Three pairs of hands join their father's on the upright, black rod and three more bolts follow the first. "To an ancient battle transport these three!" By now the normally lazy, tranquil clouds moving across a soft blue are now dark gray and black with anger, spiraling quickly around the sudden intrusion. Lightning cackles and dances in the cacophony, dancing in rhythm with thunder to a horrible tune that is known only to its creator, intensifying dramatically as the terrifically powerful spell is complete with the utterance, "Where one will emerge in victory!"
In a puff of spirally smoke the four vanish, reappearing on an ancient arena. The ground is sacred, old beyond comprehension and built entirely by hand. Four walls of white stone form a perfect square, each side exactly three hundred feet long. At each corner where the walls intersect is a tower. Three are exact replicas of each other while the fourth is considerably larger, not only in height but width too. Each has one flagpole with a banner waving proudly in the wind, cumulatively displaying the four elements of all magic, fire, earth, wind and water. What may look to the uninitiated as deep scratches, gouges and meaningless scribbles is actually deliberate; careful etches in the antediluvian tongue. The number of people able to decipher its wisdom may be counted on one hand. Regardless, they form a complex and powerful web of enchantments that prevents the magic contained therein from either ripping apart the arena or killing those within it.
In this case, Justin, Alex and Max, each are standing on one of the castle-like ramparts. The fourth and largest is where Jerry, prepares to watch his children battle. In the center of all the stone and humanity is a meticulously prepared, lush courtyard, soon-to-be-arena of grass. Its length perfectly trimmed to the same length and not a strand of brown or dead grass in sight. Tall, black, obelisk-like structures made out of hard, translucent crystal sprout periodically throughout the courtyard in preparation of the ensuing conflict.
The air is almost cackling and not just because of the present gathering energies. The tension is palpable and with good reason. At long last, the Wizard Competition is upon them. The competition is a brutal contest of knowledge, skill, prowess, cunning, and even perhaps luck. It originates from a time long past, an era where magic went unregulated and had no boundaries. The result is ceaseless bloodshed, atrocities and chaos. Eventually the dust settled and the survivors among the destitute ruins slowly rebuilt to their former glory. To prevent history from repeating itself the Wizard Competition is devised. It serves as the test that dictates who deserves full wizard powers the most. The rule highest among all others is viciously straightforward, one full wizard per family per generation. The tragic and unfortunate consequence of this whole affair is the literal destruction of complete families. Torn apart not by magic or par se but by misunderstanding, jealousy, resentment and anger.
For the Russo's this is complicated slightly by the fact that Jerry, gave up his powers to his brother - their uncle Kelbo. For the time making a highly questionable and rare decision, to marry a normal human, his wife and their mother, Theresa (who knows about magic, tolerates and even occasionally condones its use). Nevertheless they too are not immune to the strife the competition too frequently creates. In the process Kelbo and Jerry break ties with their sister Megan, whom, after the competition, disowns her brothers.
Even though Jerry Russo may have given up his powers to his brother it does not prevent him from educating his three children in the proper usage of magic. While little prevents the competition from being invoked at any time, strict policy govern its completion. That is, when the youngest child turns eighteen they have one year from his or her birthday. Non-compliance leads to fast, severe results that are best left not to be discovered. In the Russo's case, all of them fully realize that as soon as Max turns eighteen all three of the trainee's magical abilities must be merged and a sole, full wizard determined before the year ceases. A fact that simplifies this process is that he graduates from high school the same year. By consensus the three – Justin, Alex and Max - agree that on the 31st of July they will compete. The date is not purely random; it is the same as their father's so many years ago. Even so all of them hope for a more positive outcome than that of their father, uncle and aunt.
This innate knowledge causes the tension to seemingly increase as the gentle, whisper-like wind begins to cease and whatever clouds remain abandon the cerulean sky. It is almost as if the elements themselves wish no part in the coming deluge. The bright sunlight happily shines, illuminating the purple jumpsuits each contestant is wearing. Justin and Max standing on the towers closest to their father while Alex is sandwiched between her brothers perched between them on the adjacent corner.
Justin, the oldest, is proud to be here. Excitement runs through his veins, as does the subtle undertone of nervousness and concern that has always made up a small, but critical component of his personality. The endless hours of preparation and mental exercises do not do justice to the barrage of emotions going through his mind. Although it is impossible to tell given the serene if determined expression on his face. He knows this is likely the single most influential moment of his life. He also feels that his family is stronger than whatever the outcome. Their relationship is different, much different then that of his father and uncle. And while this causes pause it does not generate the deep emotional level of concern or worry so characteristically displayed in other 'crisis' situations. He is confident in his own abilities and skills, but he knows without question that his biggest challenge, not to completely discount Max, is going to be Alex. The thoughts running through his head marks the beginning of a short but intense series of mental preparations he specifically designed for this moment. He turns his head and looks at his first challenge.
Where Max's aptitude line of attack is entirely confusing his opponents even as he performs reckless (grossly at times) risks to himself. If any irony exists in his talents then that more often than not, he succeeds. Albeit exactly how he did so was often just as much a puzzle as why he made the daring attempt. Justin still lacks a credible strategy to counter these antics effectively, but he realizes that Max's spell casting is likely the weakest of the trio. Therefore the threat is significantly mitigated. In contrast, the second challenger, Alex, whatever she may lack in (knowledge or skill), she more than compensates for with gambles, risk and pure unadulterated guile. Devilishly crafty and with a highly imaginative and creative mind, she is a force to be reckoned with, foolhardy and stupid to underestimate. He finishes the first stage of his preparations and begins the second.
Alex, the middle child, feels the excitement as her older brother that fuels the adrenalin pumping merrily through her veins, but she understands the uphill battle facing Max and her. She fathoms the challenge far more then anyone. It is she that knows first hand the incredible knowledge and range of spells that Justin has contained within his naïve, albeit brilliant mind. She turns her head to look at him and realizes that the two have always been rivals to say the least. The exception is that unlike most strife between siblings, Justin's and Alex's are friendly, even loving at times.
And then there is Max. At one point she calls him "Mini-Me" due to the seer amount of confusion and drama he is capable of creating. She smiles at the reflection. Even more amusing, and perhaps making the former much more noteworthy is that he does most of his antics without trying. His innocent, cheerful attitude, and simple way of looking at the world makes her realize just how easy it is to overlook how mature and grown up her younger brother has become. Her gaze shifts from Justin to Max, her eyes meeting both. Something inside twinges, almost painfully. This is out of the ordinary. Don't ask her how or why it is, but it is; her heart knows it.
In a similar manner as Justin, she too is worried about their family. Not so much due to her brothers but more so due to her own actions. She cannot and would not ever admit this to anyone, including her best friend Harper, but for almost the last year she is frequently feeling more and more distant from her brothers. This is especially true during the previous six months when training for the competition redoubled. Partly it's Justin's pure talent and raw intellect that cause this. Some might even label the emotion as jealousy, but in truth it is much more than simple resentment. As the emotions continue to gather like storm clouds overhead, she drives them aside and forces them deep under into a place within her soul that she cannot feel.
Max, the most carefree and laid back of the trio, is collected and calm. One might expect him to be spontaneous, except he too senses that this is no time to joke and play. He wears an expression that is nothing but seriousness and concentration. He may have invested extensively more time and effort into his studies in the year or so prior to this moment, nevertheless like his sister, feels the intense pressure; and not only from Justin, but from Alex too. She may have a well-earned reputation for being a professional procrastinator, avoider, and even a slacker, but she isn't stupid. For one trying to get out of any manner of work or type of education she is exceptionally well rounded and knowledgeable.
If Alex is educated then Justin is a proficient, living encyclopedia housing every spell that likely exists.
And, as does his sister, Max constantly harasses and torments Justin to no avail. In exchange, besides the occasional look or fight of disdain and frustration, Max only receives love and acceptance. He knew this day is coming for some time, but he never in his wildest dreams or nightmares could imagine the cacophony of emotions and tension filling his body as it does now. They fill him with an odd combination of dread and anticipation. The two inherently different feelings mold, swirl and build off each other until he can't help but smile. At last, he is going to be given the opportunity to prove himself worthy of being a full wizard! What isn't there to celebrate?
Jerry Russo gazes out over the courtyard and to each of his children. Each is just close enough to see each other's faces clearly without being so near to read the delicate expressions that betray a person's true thoughts and feelings. He stares at Justin, Alex and then Max, turning his head in a clockwise direction at each of them, letting them see the love and adoration in his eyes. He, having stood in their place so many years ago, knows what is going through their heads and hearts. It takes a moment for him to gather himself, taking a deep breathe of reassurance before the quiet is broken.
"Are you all ready?" Jerry's voice is clear to all and his children respond in kind with a yes, or in the case of Alex, a nod. "Raise your right arm, palm facing me," - they do. "Now close your eyes and try to relax."
As each do a tingling and warmth that begins in their toes quickly spreads to engulf the entire body. It is almost like standing under the jet of a hot shower. Max and Justin smile at the sensation, Alex can't help it and giggles.
"The rules are simple. The first one to touch the magic ball gets it all. There is no second or third place." With their eyes closed none except Jerry may see that they are glowing a soft yellow as the magic is literally escaping their bodies. The yellow coalesces into basketball-sized spheres above the siblings' heads for a second before zooming to the middle of the arena, combining into a larger ball over a small stone altar. Jerry continues, "Remember, you must try, all of you. If you do not, this will not work and you all lose. No powers, no full wizard, no reverting back to being potential hopefuls like you are now"
In each of their raised hands a black wand appears. This match is the last time the three will all have the ability to cast and conjure spells. "Any spell that uses the elements, air, wind, water, fire or earth is allowed." Jerry looks from child to child, focusing on Alex and then Max as he speaks. "The best wizards are those that know how to do the most with the least."
Max and Alex immediately catch the meaning, nodding in quiet agreement. Justin, however, inwardly feels the pang of regret and aggravation as he instantly detects the subtle hint of encouragement obviously aimed at his rivals, as he receives nothing in between.
At least I'm mature enough to take it! Internally though, he realizes an important piece. He wants me to win… Wait… no… that isn't quite right… He expects me to win. Thanks Dad! Justin thinks. Whether it is sarcastic or sincere Justin isn't sure, and there is not ample time to clarify his feelings.
Jerry stops to gather himself once more, swallowing. "Open your eyes." As soon as he catches sight of three pairs of eyes staring back at him he knows it is time. The carefully prepared speech he has been practicing comes out severely truncated but none for lack of conviction and honesty. The tone of his voices says that much. "Win or lose I'm proud of you all. I always have been and always will be. Each of you has earned the right to be here. I love you." For a moment his voice falters before regaining its strength as a look of resolve returns.
This is becoming much more difficult than I thought. The notion makes him swallow down the hard, raw, emotions. He loves his children. No matter the discord and chaos they may cause, it is without question they are his greatest pride and epitome of happiness.
"Ready!" Jerry shouts. Justin tenses and moves from a standing position into more of a crouch. "Set!" Alex, eyeballing her older brother, mimics him. As soon as she is able, she too is going to pounce. Max, on the other hand, remains posture unchanged. "MAGIC!"
Justin runs to the edge of the tower and jumps over the side. Gravity takes hold and instantly drags him towards the ground, a move that ordinarily would be fatal. However, just before hitting the grass a loud whoosh is heard as a mass of swirling, cushioning air mitigates the crushing speed into something survivable. Landing on his feet he begins to run towards the altar unchallenged. Almost a third of the way there he is forced to skid to a stop as a wall of flames suddenly appears in his path.
"Flames? Gotta do better than that Alex!" exclaims Justin, a strange mix of boredom and intrigue crossing his face. It doesn't matter that searing flames obscure his ability to see past them, he still knows Alex is the one who cast it.
Justin effortlessly squelches the fire by turning his wand into a makeshift fire hose. Water erupts from the end forcing the inferno to dissipate. Despite the blaze being out he isn't content and twirls his wand in narrow circles for a moment. The water that moments ago is being used to put out the fire is now a whirlpool, a light blue vortex that surrounds his entire body. It comes just in time as another flame wall appears. Alex, refusing to allow Justin to get the upper hand, casts another fiery wall, this time much closer to Justin than the first. Magic fights magic in a spectacular dazzle of white and orange sparks and unable to make up its mind as to a victor, spontaneously cancels each other out. The protective water vortex and fire wall shimmering into nothingness.
Suitably impressed with herself Alex cannot help but taunt her brother, "Is that good enough for you?" Justin merely glares at his sister when movement in his peripheral vision catches his interest.
Having suspected that this is how the battle is going to be Max is content to allow his older siblings merrily fight each other. Instead of directly opposing either he conjures his favorite spell. Instantly he dematerializes into a puddle of water; a puddle that now happens to be quickly falling downward from the starting tower and on to the grass, flowing across it.
Justin may preoccupy Alex but his watchful eyes spots the hard-to-see gleam of water as it reflects the sunlight. It is a dead giveaway.
"Sorry, Max, that isn't going to work," says Justin as Max, nearing his prize, feels suddenly cold, very, very cold, and it quickly becomes impossible to move. Powerless to even shift his eyes around he is unable to see that his puddle form is now a perfect, solid and quite frozen sphere.
How could I forget about Max! That was brilliant Alex, just BRILLIANT! Understanding flashes in Alex's eyes and furious at the thought of being outdone. She mentally curses herself out before seconding her brothers' notion to permanently stop Max. As she runs the ground cracks and groans, a pillar bursting forth in a rush of sand and mud. It carries the still frozen Max skyward until he is sky-high and overlooking the arena.
Initially they may have seemed like sufficient measures to eliminate Max as a potential threat, unfortunately the new height allows him to have an entirely new perspective on the battle – literally. At first he swears at his luck only to pleasantly discover it is actually helping.
You're always one for risk taking Max, it's now or never! Might as well do it with a bang! If he could, he would have grinned.
With the pillar rumbling to a stop Max finds himself able to use the sudden vibration and occasional jolts to get him rolling. In this case, plainly, right off the top of the pillar. He arrives on the solid ground with enough force to shatter, pieces of ice breaking everywhere. What may be fatal outside the arena is instantly countered by the protective enchantments and the spell is undone. Max, reappearing as a human, his mind about as effective at functioning as swimming through caramel. Very dizzy and confused he stumbles. Of course, he could not have known this in advance, hence why the movement is such a risk.
The timing could not have been better as a lightning bolt passes right over Max and slams into the opposite wall. Several more follow as Justin attempts to slow down his sister. From the haze Max is pleasantly enjoying being able to hear Justin scream at Alex in frustration.
She is having none of Justin's antics and using a form of levitation is able to easily bypass him. Nearing the altar and her goal. She reaches out to touch the glowing yellow, ball but it abruptly zooms straight away in the opposite direction. Justin may have been at the wrong angle to counter Alex, but Max, having had the few needed moments to recover, is not. The wind spell is perfect and does exactly what he wanted. The spell propels the magic ball directly away from them, forcing both to turn sharply. Both siblings look at Max incredulously before racing towards the new location. Alex thoughtfully summoning a mud pit for Justin, and he obliges by falling into the sloppy mess.
Once more Alex nears the yellow sphere, and Justin, as he scrambles around in the muck for his lost wand, is helpless to stop her. Regretfully for Alex, her victory does not come as easily as she thought. She shrieks at the abrupt tornado appearing in front of her. The magic ball being carried aloft caught by its currents. The windstorm howls and moans piously as Max skillfully commands its direction. He smirks, as the center of the tornado twists into a sharp curve. The yellow sphere having reached the top is spit out the other end. Propelled by the winds its aim is perfect, directly at Max.
Alex watches in dismay, as the summoned earth wall doesn't rise quickly enough. "Come on! Come on! Move you damn wall. MOVE!" she swears in disbelief. Max is going to win and all because of a bit of wind?
Her mind goes to mush and despite searching for a remedy, cannot find one. All of a sudden ice falls. Small at first, it quickly begins to grow in both size and ferocity, but they aren't aimed at her. No, they seem to be assaulting Max's tornado. Max's creation falters, the swirling masses of air torn and ripped, bent and violated out of place. It loses strength and with a final last howl disappears from existence leaving a very perplexed and startled Max to figure out why the magic ball is laying fifteen feet in front of him.
Justin does not allow Max or Alex the luxury of time to contemplate the change of circumstances. Acting rapidly he performs a multitude of spells, one after another. First comes the thick, rolling fog. Covering the entire area like a thick blanket it conceals the heaving ground directly below as it sinks to form two raging rivers, one either side of the magic ball. To further ensure that neither may reach the magic sphere blue-white hot flames roar to life to form a protective dome over it. The third and final challenge is the lightning that merrily cackles all about, striking anything it pleases.
Alex cannot help but stare in quiet amazement and dread.
Damn you Justin. Damn you! She inwardly swears. Never did she comprehend such an inventive and brutal obstacle course. Keep it up; when I win my victory will be all the sweeter! Alex sneers. He's going down.
Max seems to be sharing the sentiment. He utters a single word, "Wow." The sight literally robs him of breath. It taking a moment to fathom exactly what Justin has conjured. Being honest with himself he still isn't sure what it exactly is. What he does know is that he needs to get through it. The pair, despite not being able to see each other, immediately tests Justin's spells.
The earth bridge Max forms makes about halfway across the river when lightning comes crashing down. One bolt, two bolts, and then three, all of them in quick succession in purposely the same spot. The bridge collapses and vanishes into the river waves. Alex is discovering that her effort to disperse the fog is just as futile. Summoning a violent windstorm may move the fog but it feeds the flames just beyond. Already burning hot flames turn hotter still and merrily backtrack along the gusts. Her own windstorm turns into a fiery inferno. Thinking quickly Alex shifts the air current so it goes lower, much lower, barely skimming the ground. Instantly scorching, hot fire meets crisp, cool water. Not satisfied Alex forces it to go even lower. The river erupts in a furious cacophony, steam and smoke bursting into the air. It has the desired effect, the river is evaporating and quickly.
Max has revealed a creative tactic of his own. He continues to produce earth bridges, the lightning destroying them one after another, but all that rubble has to go somewhere and it ends up in the river. Quickly it accumulates and forms a makeshift dam. Ignoring the danger that the lightning possesses Max confidently runs across his fill-dam. On the other side Alex does the same as she runs through the now solid ground and on to the other side.
Occupied by the series of spells Justin has skillfully positioned, neither Alex nor Max is aware of the sky growing darker or the eerie blue-green glow emanating from the ground directly beneath their brother.
"Elementum of Unda," Justin mutters. "Sanctimonialis ut Ventus. Tribuo of Vita"
Energy begins to gather. Ancient symbols flash on the ground in a tight circle as each line of the incantation is spoken. Unable to hear the words himself Justin speaks up
"Ego precor vestri tutela."
Water begins to bubble up around Justin, his voice louder yet.
"Ego quaeso vestri vires!"
It meets the twirling air and mists, small droplets covering him in a fine sheen as he shouts the last line.
"Exhibeo mihi via ut Victoria!"
The invocation is antiquated, practically forgotten due to the courses of time. It finds birth and popularity in a war an eon ago. Many variations exist, but they all do the same function. If successfully performed, the spell turns the caster into a mighty elemental. The caster also inherit all its' astonishing abilities. Still, the duration of the spell is dictated by the hardiness and skill of the wizard. According to some legends the most gifted of those whom have long since passed are able stay in these forms for days, able to bring about tremendous destruction and suffering in their wake. Justin, for certain, has no such inclination or adeptness. Commandeering such forces demands terrific concentration and stamina. Elementals do not have a physical form in the manner a human does. Instead they reside as colorful, swirling and twirling energetic beings that are expansive and free ranging. In battles this is a fabulous advantage, leaving them impervious to many weapons - knaves, knives, swords and even bullets - that would otherwise cause great harm. Unfortunately if the wizard is not dreadfully attentive, the benefit often comes with a terrific price: death.
Once Justin morphs into the watery entity, he immediately begins to feel the strain. The conjured spirit of the elemental is not pleased to discover it is entering a human. The bi-pedal primates are far too limited, restrictive and confining. Justin is a way-too-small cage for all it cares, and it is all too happy to beat, pry and push against the bars – his body and mind. It is as if he is being pulled and stretched in opposite directions all over his body at once. The sensation isn't painful, but it's not comfortable either. Justin already has a killer headache. Should he lose his focus or will he risks being torn apart in a mass of energy. Whatever he does must be done swiftly as he realizes that both of his siblings are overcoming his obstacles more quickly than he anticipated.
The fire dome is proving to be a lot more trouble then Alex first anticipated. Water and fire cancel each other out. If either is present in sufficient overwhelming quantities, then the other force dies. Simple logic, but the flames refuse to cooperate. They also seemingly have intelligence. Every time they detect water they turn from a gentle yellow orange to an angry, intensely hot blue-white. The incredible amounts of steam do not help. It merely dampens her clothes, makes her hot and plasters her dark hair to her face and neck in a most uncomfortable fashion. As a result Alex hurriedly adjusts her strategy.
Oblivious to her sister's quandary Max is having a blast too, quite literally. He and water spells never get along. He is able to successfully cast them about as often as he is happy with the end results. As a substitute of trying to over power the fire dome he decides to burrow underneath it. The tip of his wand brightens as the magic is set forth. At the aimed spot the ground begins to buckle and yield, collapsing at the start then rearranging itself into a hollow tube. Everything seems to be going as he expects. Grinning in satisfaction he dives gleefully into the shallow tunnel, crawling forward on his hands and knees. As he progresses he notices that the walls are weeping water. Small drops turn into larger ones, the drops into trickles, streams and suddenly a torrent. Max discovers himself drenched and sputtering for breath as water, seemingly from everywhere does its best to drown its guest. Max, his mouth barely above the rapidly raising stream yells out a transportation spell. It does its job, and he is transported back to where he started. The timing could not have been better as the last few air pockets disappear in the raging deluge that seconds before were dry. Justin seems to have won this round for the moment.
Out of breath and panting Max stops. Crouching over with his hands on his knees for a few seconds, he begins ponder his options. Unable to see Alex he is still able to view her apparently futile attempts from the barrage of flashes against the dome. He then turns to look at Justin. It takes a moment for his mind to gather that something is not right. Justin is not where he was before. Max's vision is filled with a swirling, twirling, blue-ish thing that is halfway between a whirlpool and a tornado. It is impossible to tell from the loud howls it is emitting. An epiphany hits his mind like a ton of bricks. That swirling, twirling chaotic monster IS Justin. He visibly blanches; he doesn't even recognize WHAT Justin has turned into. All Max does know is that it, or rather he, must be stopped.
"Nice try, Justin, but you can't get past me!" Max says as he spins his wand once, then twice, and several more times after. In the sky a small red dot appears, quickly growing in size after each subsequent rotation. Max points his wand at Justin, who is now slowly approaching. As the ball nears Justin feels its heat. It's a variation of the fire dome spell he is so effectively utilizing. If Justin could smile he would. Max is quite predictable and Justin is thoroughly prepared. Normal fire might be sufficient against normal water or even ice, but not an elemental.
The unfortunate truth is that elements have their own internal rivalries. Fire and water, just like earth and air, are one of them. As the fireball nears the Justin-now-the-elemental the elemental becomes furious. Holding an outstretched hand a water ball of equal size quickly forms and cascades into the fire. The two explode in a burst of energy so violent that Max and even Alex have to turn away. The elemental is pleased. It does not care that Justin is teetering. It also does not care that the energy expended to cast the spell comes from Justin too. Even as Justin staggers, it becoming much more difficult for him to stay upright, but he continues to move forward, closing the distance between Alex, Max and himself.
The abrupt flash and loud bang gets Alex's attention, and her eyes widen in horror at the creature Justin has turned himself into. Unlike Max she has some recollection of the transformation. From the depths of her mind she retrieves one word, and she whispers it incredulously, "Elemental." However that doesn't mean she is aware of exactly how to counter the thing. Her first instinct is to do exactly what Max tried. Obviously that plan won't work.
"So fire doesn't work but how about… this!" Alex aims her wand in front of Justin and an earthen wall appears, grass dotting the top. Much to her dismay this merely slows him down for another moment or two before a torrent of water bursts forth in a concentrated stream. It tears into the center of the barricade like a buzz saw. The highly pressurized water quickly shreds away the dirt and sod until a hole is formed directly through the middle. Another few seconds pass as Alex, in shock, fathoms that she, and likely Max too, simply lack the skill set to stop such a behemoth. The only remaining alternative is an all out assault on the fire dome.
"Max! Use air! I'll use water. We have to work together!" She may not be able to see him, but she can damn well talk!
"Ok… Ok! I'm ready. GO!" Max doesn't enjoy the thought of working with Alex. Actually he probably loathes the notion more than she does. He also isn't ignorant enough to comprehend that unless the two cooperate they lose any hope of becoming full wizards.
Max's first rush of air hits the flames instantly they flare and grow larger. A second, stronger blast hits the dome causing it to concave inward. Alex, having correctly assumed Max would choose something other than water chooses the latter and uses it. The rain appears as a huge torrent and as the tiny drops catch the wind gain velocity and drive themselves against the inferno. The combined assault is having an effect and although the flames fight valiantly they begin to show signs of disappearing.
Justin, meanwhile, continues to press forward. If he was at one hundred percent this would be no contest, but he is far from it. The elemental is sapping his strength quickly. He cannot maintain spell casting and this form at the same time, but he also cannot sacrifice the sole obstacle preventing a win. He compromises, the fog and lightning disappear giving both of his opponent's clear view at what they are confronting. It also allows Justin a glimpse at their faces, and they show panic and great concern.
Justin is far closer than either of them previously thought. Max decides his brother is too close, and another fireball is sent towards him. As before they blow up in illustrious displays of light and sound, but they do offer more time. A few more seconds each. They also force Justin to stop and gather his senses. The dome is faltering; it is about halfway lowered under the twin battering.
The spiraling, whirling mass of a demon she calls a brother is almost at the fire dome. Ice is a derivative of water, it should stop Justin; her eyes brighten with realization. The ice spell is the most powerful of the select few she does know. The tiny spindles of magic touch the elemental and freeze the outermost layers, covering it in frost, but to her astonishment it disappears a second later. Her logic is straight on, although she does not know that elementals may draw on sources of familiar power. When her spell touched the watery layers happily accepted and greeted their brother magic and incorporated it into itself. It allows Justin feels stronger, faster, and overall better, but it lasts for the briefest of moments. The influx of magic rips into his mind like another spike. Once more the elemental shows its displeasure at being confined. He would scream if he could, except instead he is forced to handle the pain in his own private hell.
So close, so close! Unable to keep up the fire dome it comes down with a last final roar and flash before vanishing from existence. Not now. PLEASE NOT NOW! Justin feels his control slipping. A FEW MORE SECONDS! NOT NOW! I NEED MORE TIME!
He uses his last bits of strength, pleading with the elemental to stay for a few more seconds. Finding endurance from some forgotten reserve of energy to make a final rush. Time is measured in milliseconds, moment to painfully moment, step by agony-laced step. There is no second chance. His body can take no more.
Max and Alex forget about the spells they are using, seeing instantly that their last wall is down. All three race for the magic sphere in a mad scramble. There is no time for magic or spells. It is pure instinct, drive and speed. The pair meets at the same moment, one on either side of their now normal, older brother Justin. He is glowing, literally, yellow as the magic once more becomes part of his body. Whatever weariness any of them feel is lost as the implications sink deeply into each of them.
Justin won. Justin won.
"I… I did it. I'm a full wizard! I'm dreaming. I must be dreaming! Someone tell me I'm dreaming!" Justin stammers, still in disbelief. His brain is racing a million thoughts a second, having trouble comprehending his accomplishment.
"No, you're not dreaming. You're very much awake," a crestfallen Alex says. To prove her point she pinches Justin's shoulder in a move that is harsher than she intends. He yelps and smacks her hand away.
"Alex! What was that for?" Justin frowns as he rubs the sore spot.
"I think she is trying to prove that you're conscious, Justin," Max says. Grinning he mimics his sister and pinches Justin's other shoulder, enjoying the similar exclamation of pain. It was all great fun.
That was a lot of fun, the youngest thinks, remembering the battle that just ended between he and his siblings. Too bad I can't do it again! Of course, I would win then!
"Congratulations, you're a full wizard now." Max extends his hand to which Justin eagerly accepts, the two shaking before engulfing each other in a hug.
Justin breaking it after a minute and sees the look on Alex's face: a mixture of sadness, regret, and loss. It is obvious she is not taking his win as easily as Max.
"Good for you, Justin," Alex says emotionlessly. "You're the new wizard in the family. I hope –" She is cutoff by the arrival of their father.
"Justin! You did it! You did it! You're the newest wizard!" Jerry talks excitedly. "I can hardly believe it! It seems like just yesterday you were changing bricks into rabbits! I'm so proud of you!" He engulfs Justin in a hug like Max did. Alex stands awestruck, the scowl on her face that she is so admirably concealing finally making its presence known. Jerry stops the hug and turns to Alex and Max.
"I've never been a prouder father then I am now. You both did amazing. And… and the way your handling a life with no powers just proves that you're all the mature, responsible and loving adults that I was hoping you'd all become! I love you all very, very much!" Grinning he turns back to his eldest son. "Now Justin, take us home. I'm sure your mother is looking forward to seeing all of us again." Justin and Max smile. To Alex, though, the words offered as sincere encouragement and a pledge of eternal love for his children feels like sandpaper, rough and abrasive against her heart.
Jerry, with Justin on his right and Max on his left clasps his arms about their shoulders, the trio unable to see cascade of emotions racing across Alex's face as she trails behind them happy to be ignored and forgotten.
English Translation of Justin's Elemental Spell
Element of Water
Sister to Wind
Giver of Life
I invoke your protection
I ask for your strength
To show me the way to victory
