EDIT: Le chapter 1 revision, now a complete 4000 words (yay me XD) :D Old readers, prepare for a whole different beginning to the story cause the way I just went all out in the prologue means I gotta do A LOT of changing and reflecting in this chapter. New readers, this will probably be better than my old chapter 1, so you're lucky in a way XD As I said A LOT WILL BE CONFUSING UNTIL ALL CHAPTERS HAVE BEEN REVISED (and a 9 year jump don't help any I reckon. Don't worry-what I don't squeeze into reflections I'll do my best to bring out either later or in another story) Anyways, do enjoy the new-and-improved chapter (minus the crappy chapter title xP) :D
Chapter 1: Clean-Up
9 YEARS LATER
"C'mon Rosie, don't get beat by this girl!"
"Do you think I'm trying to lose?"
"Yes! You're so sloppy with strategy these days!"
Snickering I leaned back against the seat in the Arena viewing area as Rosie continuously complained to me in chuchoters. While she was excellent in combat - almost a match for her sister Michelle - she was distracted by her longing for the PvP Commander Robe, making her near-blind. Instead of shielding like she normally did, she was lashing out with non-stop Storm attacks. To the simple everyday duelist in practice matches, they would've blown the opponent away in a matter of a few rounds, but the ranked system was a whole different story. Everyone wanted to become a respected Commander or even a Warlord, so everyone was on their toes. As it just so happened to be, the duelist Rosie was fighting was Alura Nightspear, a Pyromancer who was known to be a quick-witted and powerful opponent, properly shielding and boosting before doing what was often a one-hit K.O. This bout was no different.
Just as Rosie told me she was finally going to shield, it was too late. I watched as Alura placed a silent Colossal onto one of her spells and cast a powerful Helephant. The three blades that danced around her snapped away as a glowing orb suddenly formed around her, and the large brute's stone-cold eyes lit up with even more energy, feeling triple the strength the normal spell would've done. Not only did the attack critical, but all of Alura's planning made for a clean one-hit K.O. The red-colored elephant bellowed before slashing his flaming sword down on Rosie, the immense power shattering her magical barrier. Rosie's breath was knocked out of her at the tremendous force, forcing her to lean heavily on her staff as the magical duel came to an abrupt end. Alura calmly placed her deck into a small, specially made pocket on her belt before approaching her defeated enemy, resting a firm hand on her shoulder.
"Good game." Her raspy voice echoed in the large Dragonspyre-influenced arena.
"Yeah," Rosie muttered, straightening up to meet the victor eye to eye. "Good game." and with that Alura nodded and made her way over the Arena Watch, receiving a handful of tickets and a new badge. Two stars shimmered beside a red and yellow winged-sword, telling me the powerful combatant had effectively reached the rank of Commander, and judging by how many tickets she earned, she had enough to purchase the robe from Diego. Smirking at Rosie's scowl of annoyance, I stood to meet her by the Arena Watch. He handed her only a measly two-ticket chain and informed her she had gone back down to the rank of Captain. Tipping his hat in farewell, he quickly took his leave before the sure-to-be-angry redhead could respond. My friend stood there, gaping, as the two tickets in her hand slowly began to crinkle in her hand.
"Captain? I was dropped back down to Captain?" She spluttered, staring wide-eyed at nothing in particular. I bit my lip to stop myself from chuckling.
"I told you this match was going to be important. Alura's one of the best Pyromancer's out there, not to mention she's a bloody good combatant." I told her, a smirk threatening to pull at my lips. Rosie glared at me but said nothing, shoving the tickets into a pocket and removing her badge.
"I'm done for the day. That was to crushing." She muttered, glaring at her staff as if it was the source of her loss. "I thought Goldshard said this thing was good!"
"It is!" I couldn't hold back a chuckle this time. "The Celestian Trident isn't the best out there, but it's better than the crappy staffs Elik sells. It was purchased at the Crown Shop after all."
"Yeah well," Rosie sniffed contemptibly. "I'll stick to busting heads open and hope they have a good enough weapon." I rolled my eyes in reply as I fell in step beside her. Rosie certainly hasn't changed over the years. Somehow she had managed to keep the name of "Hot-head Rosebud" in the nine years I've known her. She's definitely matured, that much was true, but she was still so impatient and quick to anger that refusing to comply with her would lead to some sort of "promise". And she never broke "promises".
Rosie's style of clothing hadn't even changed through the years. She still preferred her old red and blue dyes and wore whatever was in style, whereas I had effectively switched my colors several times and wore whatever suit best. It was mainly her stylish needs that urged her so strongly to get the Commanders Robe. I was perfectly content with my Guardians Outfit.
"I can't believe I'm back down to Captain, now I have to get my rank up and score enough tickets." Rosie was still muttering about her loss by the time we reached our hangout spot in the Commons. Sighing in unison we both leaned against the lamppost, staring at the pond and the few wizards that littered the area. There weren't as many around the Commons these days, everyone off to help with the clean up. Malistaire had left a big impact not just on Wizard City, but on a lot of other worlds.
I cringed at the memory of my would-be uncle. While it was no excuse to go off and cause so much damage, I couldn't help but feel pity for the man. Sylvia had meant the world to him, and when she had passed on he simply didn't know how to handle the grief. All he wanted was to bring her back, and I couldn't blame him. The lady was like a mother to me, always laughing and making the day brighter no matter what. I couldn't simply hate Malistaire like a lot of wizards did, there were too many reasons not to; he wasn't just my family, or my professor. He was one of my saviors.
Unconsciously I ran a finger down the hilt of my sword. The Deadlock Cutlass - respectfully given its name by Ambrose - was a powerful weapon, possibly one of the best of Necromancy make if not out of all the magics. Once I was powerful enough to wield it Malistaire had made me swear to use it honorably and to never lose or break it. I have yet to break that promise.
"Wish I had a weapon like that..." Rosie muttered, glancing at my sword. Frowning she rolled her shoulders and looked to the sky, thinking. "It's been nine years since you came here, right?" I nodded. "How in the name of the Titans did you put up with Cyrus all these years?"
"Well he is a father to me." I commented without looking at her. While it took a good long year until he actually considered me a daughter, and another three for him to actually be proud of it, we had a good, strong relationship. I always thought it was because of my nightmares I used to have, or my formality, but the man was hard to comprehend. For one reason or another, he cared for me like I really was his daughter. "He's not that bad a guy."
"Easy for you to say." Rosie sniffed and casting an incredulous glance at me. "Sylvia always said he was decent when you got on his good side, but seeing as you managed to find his adoring, loving side, he must treat you dang good. He's not an easy guy to get along with Heat, especially since Sylvia's death."
I grimaced. That much was true. Sylvia's passing hit everyone hard, but none more so than the Drake brothers. All three had been good friends for a long time, and it was only when Sylvia was struck with illness that the trio really began to separate. While Cyrus was no where near as close to her as Malistaire was, the death had damaged him emotionally; it didn't take an expert to see that. Not only did he become even crueler to the students, but he simply didn't care for them anymore, not even for their education. Secretly I thought that I weren't under his care, he would've followed his brother on the quest for power. Then again, Malistaire's own daughter wasn't enough for him to hold back
"Maybe it's good he cares so much about me." I murmured aloud, trying to think of what the probability would be. Rosie raised an eyebrow at me, bewildered. I returned her gaze levelly. "If he didn't have something else to distract him, it's likely he would've joined his brother. Not even my cousin and her group of friends would be a match for their combined power."
Rosie muttered something that could've been doubt or a conceding agreement before looking at me again. "Why do you think he cares so much?"
"I honestly couldn't tell ya." I confessed. "It might just be in his character that he cares for family, or what could pass as family. I remember Sylvia and Ambrose always teasing him and Malistaire about a deal they made. Something about raising kids."
Rosie sniggered and tapped her trident on the ground a few times. "Heat are you suggesting the Drakes were family guys?"
Laughing I gave a tiny shrug of my shoulders. "Hey it's possible." Silence fell over us as our laughing died down. Unable to think of something to talk about, I focused on the other conversations that took place between the few other wizards dotting the area. Two boys were leaning against their swords in the shade of the tree, both looking to be the rank of Grandmaster.
"So, what all is happening in Krokotopia?"
"Not much; clean up is slow but it's progressing. The Kroks are weak now and the manders are finally getting some courage of their own. "
I grunted; typical of high-rankers to talk about current jobs, though at the moment I couldn't blame them. Rosie and I had only just finished doing our part in what could be done Dragonspyre, and it had been a hot topic at the time. I averted my attention to a group of girls who had their feet in the water, all of them ranging from Initiates to Adepts.
"Hey Amy, I dare you to ask one of those guys out."
"No way!"
"What, scared they'll chop your head off?"
I shook my head and smirked. Girls these days; never a care in the world. The guys had obviously heard them too, sparing each other a glance before swiftly walking over to Ravenwood. I assumed they were returning to Krokotopia to help with clean up. Rosie grunted in barely suppressed amusement at the girls' dismayed groans and sighs. There was only one other group; two Apprentices sitting in the grass in front of us were counting up their gold, a boy and a girl in yet-to-be-properly-dyed clothes.
"What pet are we gonna get?"
"I don't know...a fire cat maybe?"
"Nah...what about a dragon?"
"Hey Heat." I glanced at Rosie as she started talking again. "Where's Lord Shadow?"
"He's helping Kiley and Cori with the clean up." I told her. "I wanted him to keep an eye on them so I can get a report on their progress, and I wanted to be sure Cori didn't try anything stupid. A damaged arm isn't going to stop her from becoming the next trouble maker." I smiled as I thought of the duo. Both of them made for quick recovery since the storm and had just reached the Journeyman rank. Neither remained unscathed though. Cori had permanent damage to her left arm, bending the elbow forward and making it almost completely useless, after supposedly hitting it on a rock, and Kiley had suffered minor heart and spinal problems. The shock of the lightning was supposed to paralyze her, but she was saved in a way, only suffering a minor limp and having to take special Theurgy-Divination medicine to keep her heart in check. I was injured as well though not nearly as bad as the younger girls; I only had back pains from time to time.
"Trust you to put a pet in charge." Rosie sniggered. Sighing she waved a hand in the air dismissively. "Wish my pets were as good. Unintelligent brats..."
"Lord Shadow's a bit stubborn for my liking, but you're right, he is very smart, especially for a pet." Lord Shadow was a dragon of a different kind. Supposedly a mix between a Tricky and regular Dragon, cold flecks would shimmer in his black and purple scales whenever the sun struck him, and his ice blue gaze was always watchful and inquiring. He was probably the most defiant of my pets, which often sparked heated arguments, but we were close nonetheless. His only magical benefit was that he could cast Dragon blade both in physical and Magic Blade form, making him weak compared to other specially trained pets - who often casted Sprite and provided boosts - but it was enough for me.
As if called upon, the two girls and my pet suddenly appeared from the Shopping District tunnel, smiling and laughing about one thing or another. Both were slightly messy, but they weren't injured. Rosie waved a hand over and they bolted over, Kiley staggering a little by her limp. Lord Shadow followed more slowly, muttering something under his breath as he trotted behind them.
"Hey girls!" I greeted warmly, examining them from head to toe. Cori's long black hair was pulled back in a loose bun, her minty green eyes sparkling as she skidded to a halt in front of Rosie, whereas Kiley kept hers down, her normally snow white hair stained an ashy black from being hard at work. Her bangs swept over tired blue eyes as she leaned heavily on her staff.
"How's the clean up going?"
"Pretty good if I do say so myself!" Cori huffed expertly. Even in the presence of her teachers, Professor's Greyrose and Balestrom, she had this haughty attitude. I always assumed it was because everyone doubted she suffice as a good wizard, and it was her way of proving them wrong. She glanced at her partner, who was much more mellow. Kiley nodded in agreement.
"We helped Mr. Raveneye with the mill before helping Duncan clear out a good number of fodders and minions." She smiled. While Kiley was easy to impress and hard to be mad at, she was completely honest and often matched me in formality. Still, to make sure their words were sincere, I turned to regard my pet. Lord Shadow, now perched on my shoulder, grunted, but seeing as he wasn't giving them a lashing I allowed myself to believe them.
"Ole' Duncan let you help out? He ain't exactly the kind who likes lower ranks." Rosie commented as she casually examined her trident. Kiley and Cori giggled; everyone knew of the uncooperative behavior of Duncan Grimwater, possibly the most stereotypical Necromancer out there.
"How about your studies?" I asked them. While the Ice and Life schools weren't especially difficult, they - especially Cori - managed to find ways to get out of their studies. Cori often liked to linger in the powers of Storm instead of studying for her main school, while Kiley was just simply dragged around by her best friend. Even now the two girls were glancing at each other, trying to think of what to say while making a simultaneous "uhhhhhh".
"Guys," I frowned. "I know helping out is important, especially since Malistaire's incident, but you shouldn't be falling back on your studies. You're old enough to know that."
"We're only fourteen!" Cori countered hotly, glaring at me defiantly. I leaned down slightly to meet her gaze.
"You're old enough. Now go visit your teachers for some work, and I expect it to be done." I lowered my voice to a cool, collected warning tone. Cori's eyes glistened angrily for a moment, but unable to hold my gaze she lowered her head and departed, muttering darkly under her breath. Kiley muttered a quick apology and hurried after her friend, her limp hardly noticeable as she scurried into Ravenwood. Rosie smirked slightly.
"I taught you well, my young pupil." She said smartly, a wicked glint in her eyes and she bowed in mock respect. Smiling I turned to Lord Shadow.
"I suppose you want me to watch over the kiddies...again." He grunted, his deep voice odd for such a small species of dragon. I nodded apologetically.
"Next time I'll get Ginger to watch over them."
"Ginger can hardly watch himself." The grumpy dragon muttered before flying off my shoulder and quickly making his way toward Ravenwood. I frowned and crossed my arms.
"I'm gonna have to talk to Ambrose about getting them some proper guardians. I can't keep one eye on them and another on the struggle." I told Rosie, watching as Lord Shadow departed into the main school area.
"Didn't he find some?"
"Only older wizards." I explained, leaning back against the post. "And considering the current events, even the veterans are helping out. I want them to have legit parents who can make sure they study."
Rosie opened her mouth as if to ask another question, but shaking her head she closed it again. "Was gonna ask why they just can't study themselves, then I realized how stupid that sounded. We are complaining about them not studying after all."
I smirked and nodded my head in agreement. "I thought that by the time they were teenagers they would be mature enough to know the responsibilities of being wizard, but obviously I was wrong."
Chuckling Rosie shook her head. "They aren't you Heat. You were practically raised to study and be smart. Those girls were hardly raised." She had a point, but I didn't think it was a well enough answer. Studying was important, especially with something as complex as wizardry.
"I just want them to be safe is all. You know the life of a wizard is hard and can be...damaging." Rosie grimaced and didn't respond. While I didn't know exactly what happened to her, something terrible happened while I was away from her and she never told me what it was. All I knew is that it had affected her greatly. I stayed silent and allowed he a moment to dwell, pulling out my sword and whetstone to begin sharpening the blade; it was something to do but was completely unnecessary.
After a long period of silence Rosie seemed to have recovered and began talking again. "You still have nightmares?"
Shocked my whetstone stopped there at the end of the blade. Slowly I slid down on the ground and laid the items on my lap, turning to steadily meet her gaze. "Why ask now?"
My friend shrugged; the only sign she wasn't going to give a snappy or complete answer. I frowned and thought about it. Ever since the storm I've been riddled with odd nightmares, but they stopped shortly after Malistaire had started wreaking havoc, although I didn't exactly have a good night's rest during that time. Most, if not all of them consisted of three things: the Lightning Gaze storm, screaming, and a shadow with an ominous voice calling out to me, like a ghost on the wind. Sighing I gave my head a quick shake.
"I honestly don't know. They went away when Malistaire started his power-hungry journey, but it's almost a guarantee that's only because I've only managed maybe two hours of sleep then. Even when I'm worrying about something I get more sleep than that. I'm just gonna have to wait till tonight I suppose." Rosie shrugged again, and this time I knew something was troubling her. "What's wrong Rose?"
Just as she opened her mouth to respond, the gem on her outfit glistened, and she closed it again. I looked at her inquiringly. "Dreamy needs help. I'll see ya later." And with that my friend teleported in a cloud of Divination. Sighing I continued to sharpen my blade before placing it back it's scabbard. Standing I stretched my arms out until I heard a satisfying pop, rolled my shoulders a few times and continued over to Ambrose's. Better to take care of the kiddies sooner than later.
I glanced around Cyrus's home for a few moments. Its was late out now, the sun set long ago, but there was no sign of Cyrus. While it was nothing new, he was likely still at the school "preparing" for the next class. While he was starting to care more for the student's education, it was going to take a while for him to recover from his brother's death. I doubted he'd be doing a lot of actual teaching any time soon. Sighing I slung my bag onto the chair and slumped onto the couch, kicking my shoes off and splaying my legs across the couch. For the first time in what seemed like forever I felt completely relaxed.
My relaxation was only interrupted when Cyrus opened the door. He frowned at my position on the couch. "Whatever happened to your old formality?" He muttered before walking over to the bookshelf. I simply shrugged.
"You tend to pick up a lot of things when hanging out with Rosie for so long." Cyrus muttered something inaudible as he grabbed a red leather-bound book, coming over the couch and slapping my knees with it.
"Sit properly." Smiling I complied, sitting up straight and leaning over to look at his book.
"Swordstrike again?"
"It's a good novel. I don't see why you don't like it. Is Fallon managing to decrease your vocabulary making it so it's too hard to understand?" Smirking I shook my head, turning myself so that my back was against the arm of the couch.
"She's not that influential. I just don't like the plot is all. Too bland." I grabbed my sword and started examining it again, leaving Cyrus to his reading. After a few minutes - which was roughly about sixty pages in Cyrus's reading time - he addressed me again.
"Were you productive at all?" He asked, not looking up from his book.
"Today, not really. Rosie wanted to try and get enough tickets for the new robe Diego's handing out to Commander-ranked combatants, then later I went to Ambrose so that he could try and find some proper parents. They're falling back on their studies and I want someone who isn't me or Lord Shadow to look out for them." Cyrus glanced over at me.
"When did you get back from Dragonspyre?"
"Last night. We managed to drive back the Dragonspyrians enough for the locals to handle them, and Ambrose wanted us back so we could get some rest before out next quest. I stayed in Rosie's dorm for the night; only got two hours of sleep though."Cyrus grunted, sighed, and closed his book.
"Then you should be in bed young lady." He glared at me with the look of a concerned father; one of the few ways I knew he did care for me. "Run along, and put this away while your at it." Rolling my eyes and smirking, I grabbed his book and placed it back on the shelf before grabbing my own belongings and making my way up stairs.
"Goodnight Cyrus."
"Goodnight." I heard his voice echo as I closed the door behind me. Moonlight filtered it's way through the window, allowing Lord Shadow to be spotted on his specially made pillow on my bed, a faint glistening of gold shimmering briefly in the dark room. Smiling fondly at my pet I placed my bag on my desk before removing my Guardians robe, laying it across the chair before slipping into a comfortable nightgown. I laid my sword on the end table close to my bed and silently slipped under the covers, careful not to wake my exhausted dragon. I hugged my pillow and slowly closed my eyes, quickly succumbing to sleep.
I only woke to find myself in a familiar land of nightmares.
