*CHAPTER 3*

There were hundreds of eyes on me. It was like one of those dreams where you're standing in public in nothing but your underwear. I could think of nothing to say to ease the shock that these people have no doubt endured. "Arrest!" said a strong voice behind me. Thick wires of golden light shot from the ground and bound themselves around my limbs. My arms and legs were instantly tied together. I lost my balance and toppled over sideways into the dirt. I knew this spell, I ran it in my deck; I was all too familiar with it's effect. But who would cast it on me?

Gideon walked to my side and stood over me, casting a slight shadow. "I will take the girl into custody," he announced to the crowd. "There will be a communion in the next few hours, as to decide our course of action regarding her fate."

What!

Gideon knelt down next to me, and in one movement, picked me up and slung me over his shoulder. With my limbs bound there was nothing I could do as he carried me through the crowd. I trusted Gideon, why would he do this to me? I tried to avoid the passing eyes of the city folk as I bounced uncomfortably on Gideon's armored shoulder. He carried me back the way he came, I'm pretty sure I knew where he was headed. And sure enough, he swung open a heavy metal door and descended down a flight of stone steps. He opened the door to the cell and stepped inside. He gently set me down on my back and snapped his fingers. The golden ropes binding me were released and I stood up.

"Okay, you wanna tell me what all that was about!" I said sorely.

"I deeply apologize, Angell. But I had to make your arrest convincing." Gideon said. He really sounded sincere too.

"You suck…" I pouted. I did a small three-sixty in the center of the gray room. "This is just like every RPG I've ever played. I keep ending up in jail somehow." Gideon obviously had no response to that. I turned to him sharply. "What of this 'communion' your going to have about me. Is it going to be like a trial or something."

"Of sorts," Gideon said quietly. "The people will decide if you are to be imprisoned for your natural lifetime… or executed."

"Terrific…" This was starting to feel like a dream again. How could this possibly have happened? It felt like just hours ago that my two biggest concerns in life were passing my final exams and getting and getting an Elesh Norn to finish off my deck. Now here I was all set to be put on trial by a group of people who's lives I just saved. I was suddenly hit by a huge wave of ' I want to go home'.

It was just then that I started to feel something else. I couldn't quite place it; it tingled the back of my mind and made me feel somewhat uneasy. I don't know how or why, but I felt as though I knew this feeling. It was strange…but familiar. I turned around and came face to face with a cloaked and hooded figure. I shrieked and fell backwards on my butt.

"Impressive," the figure purred in a deep and amused voice. "The girl could sense my presence before I even arrived."

"Jace Beleren, of the blue order," Gideon said.

"Jura," Jace said with inclination. He turned his head towards me. He stood cockily with his arms folded close to his chest. I could see nothing of his eyes, but I'm sure he was staring a hole strait through me.

"What is it that you are here for, Jace," Gideon said. "You do not normally show yourself, 'less you've business here."

Jace ignored him and continued staring at me. I guess when you could freely mess with people's minds, you didn't need to take them too seriously. Now might be a good time to mention that this guy always scared the hell out of me. "I'm here because I need…confirmation." he said at last.

"Regarding what?" Gideon's patience was running thin.

Jace again ignored him. He lifted his head and I finally saw his eyes. They were alive with mana. They glowed an intense blue-white and bore right into my brain. Suddenly my body felt weightless. My mind was replaced with a white haze as I lost control over my thoughts. I saw images. I saw home; I saw my room; I saw mom; I even saw Saints. And then I saw something else. The image seemed far off and out of focus, but it looked like a person; a man. His back was turned to me and I saw a mane of wild hair that blew in the wind. In his right hand he held a blazing sword. He turned his head and spoke something to me; his mouth forming words that I couldn't hear. And then it was over. My vision returned and immediately went blurry. I swayed a little and then fell over. Luckily, Gideon caught me before I fell. "As I suspected," The mind mage said quietly.

"Suspected what?" Gideon said furiously. "There is nothing that could give you the grounds to assault a civilian's mind like that!"

"She is no civilian," Jace said coolly. "She is not of this plane, isn't that right, Angell?"

The fact that he suddenly knew my name didn't surprise me in the least. I wonder what else he learned while he was brain- raping me. "No, I'm not," I said, releasing myself from Gideon's arms and standing up strait. "What of it?"

Jace remained silent as he sized me up with his mana-infused gaze. I suddenly found myself avoiding eye contact with him. "Dammit, Jace! If you know something then spill it! We've no time for your secrecy!" Gideon's normally even personality was brought to a boil by Jace's calm indifference.

"Behind the curve as always, Jura," he said slowly. "The white order is really losing it's touch." he looked to me and then said. "It just so happens, that Angell here, is going to save this world."

I was gonna do what now?

"Tell us what you know," Gideon seethed. "That is not a request."

Jace regarded Gideon for a moment before continuing. "There is a legend in this plane; a prophecy you could call it. Every living soul on Terra-Fausta knows it; save for present company."

"Will you just cut to the chase already?" He was really starting to piss me off.

"The legend goes like this," Jace said quietly.

"After the hero's triumph

Two moons will fall.

One; an angel bearing two towers

The other; a saint burdened by darkness.

The last children of the zenith

Will part the world

When one has fallen

Judgment will follow."

The small room was silent for a length of time. I ran what Jace just said through my mind; processing it for clues. Needless to say I came up empty.

"Quite the catchy poem, is it not?" Jace hummed.

"When did you come across this information, Beleren?" Gideon fumed.

"Not but a short while ago. I have Angell here to thank for that."

What? Me? How could I have possibly known such a thing? I looked to Gideon, who looked back to me with the same puzzlement. "How did I…" I couldn't find the words.

"I've no further business on this plane," Jace said with finality. "But one last word of advice, child. Do not let old bonds cloud your judgment, when the moment arrives, strike." And without another word, he turned on the spot and disappeared from sight.

I walked slowly to the spot that Jace had occupied not just a few moments ago. I looked to Gideon and said, "So, uh… does he always make such a dramatic exit?"

Gideon's face remained stoic as he said, "Everything he said was true."

I stared at him. "C'mon, what's the punch line?" I said nervously.

"The day after Carnivalium, a child who is not of this plane suddenly appears. Your name is of no coincidence; you bear the two towers."

I always hated the way my name was spelled.

Gideon paced the cell in deep thought. "You cannot stay here. You have a great undertaking ahead of you."

"Yeah, but your little communion might have something to say about that," I countered.

"If it comes to it, I will take you from the city myself."

"But wouldn't that make you an enemy of the government or something?"

Gideon looked to me with a stony intensity. "You are the last child of the white sun's zenith. If your safety means becoming an enemy of the government, so be it."

This was becoming too much. Suddenly I was supposed to some legendary hero? I thought this coming of age destiny crap only happened in animes and stuff? I looked to Gideon and then around the room. I was trapped. I wanted to be out of here. And that's when it came to me. I was a planeswalker! I could pull a Jace and totally teleport out of here! I was almost sorry to do this to Gideon…almost. This was not my world, I didn't belong here. These people would have to find some one else to be their hero.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Standing there in that spot it suddenly occurred to me…I didn't know how to planeswalk. What was I supposed to do? Was it as easy as clicking my heels together and saying 'There's no place like home!' I decided to focus on my destination. I thought of home; I thought of my school; my friends; my mom. I took a step…and ran smack into a brick wall. I found myself on the floor again. Man, I was spending a lot of time on my rear end.

Gideon ran to me. "What was that? Are you alright?"

I looked up to him shakily. "I-I tried to planeswalk, but I got rejected or something."

He helped me to my feet and looked me over. "Perhaps this is just further evidence of the legend. Your place is here." he said.

I looked him in the eye…his deep brown eyes set with conviction. I was still holding his hand from when he helped me off the floor. I found myself unwilling to let go of it. "Okay," I said. "But I have to know one thing. You'll come with me right?"

"It would be an honor to accompany the angel who saves the world," he said honestly.

I guess that was it, we were set. Suddenly the door swung open and a lone figure entered. It was one of Gavis's jailer partners, though I didn't know is name. He bade a hearty salute to Gideon and said, "Sir, the citizens have gathered in the square and are awaiting your audience."

"Thank you. I will be there shortly." Was Gideon's curt reply. The jailer looked up from his salute and left the room, but not without a quick look to me. There was something in his eyes that I couldn't quite place. It seemed like a mixture of sympathy…and respect. Gideon walked to the door and said, "Let us go."

Gulp.

Gideon lead me on the familiar trip up the stairs and out of the prison's door. We walked along the main street of Lu-Dirra. On my first trip this street was busy, absolutely packed with activity. Now it was completely empty. Every living soul seemingly vanished. Of course I knew everyone was at the communion; there to witness the possible execution of a mage. Yikes.

We waked in silence…literally. The only sound came from our footfalls on the dirt road. We reached the outskirts of the square and I began to hear the hum of humanity; the collective voices of too many people crowded into one place. The crowd parted as we entered the square. Gideon walked boldly with his head held high. I cowered behind him and stared at the ground. This feeling of so many eyes on me; not friendly ones either. I'm sure I knew what all these people were thinking, and it wasn't pretty.

A wooden platform had been erected in the center of the square, obviously the stage for this particular show. Gideon climbed the short stairway and beckoned me to follow. I didn't think I could. My legs refused to work. Knowing this stage could be for my potential execution was too much to bear. Gideon walked back down the stairs and extended his hand to me. "It's alright, I will get you out of this," he whispered. That made me feel better. For about three seconds.

I climbed the stairs onto the platform and found myself staring into the eyes of every soul in Lu-Dirra. It was not a comfortable feeling.

Gideon immediately took charge and walked boldly to the front of the stage. He surveyed the crowd before him and then spoke in a strong clear voice. "Citizens of Lu-Dirra, we have gathered here on this day to debate what shall become of this young girl," he turned to me, as though for emphasis. "She is a newcomer to this city, she goes by the name of Angell."

The effect that simple statement had on the crowd was immense. Every last one of them suddenly dropped to their knees, I have never seen anything like it before. I shuffled up to Gideon. "What's going on?"

"Exactly what I hoped would happen," he answered with a small smile.

An elderly man suddenly rose from the crowd and made his way to the font. From his new position he looked me strait in the eye as he said, "We knew this day would come. The prophecy had told us of angel that would come to this world from parts unknown to deliver us from evil. Creatures of the black order have been slowly gaining power over the last few months. Your amazing display of white mana arts all but solidified the fact that the chosen day is finally upon us." he dropped into a deep bow. "May the zenith grant strength to you and us all."

The crowed erupted into a roar and I fell to my knees. Part of it was relief, the other part was…I'm not too sure what it was. Knowing now that I had the support and admiration of all these people was too much to think about. Gideon turned to me with a broad smile, "I said I would get you out of this," he said. I nodded in stunned, but appreciative silence. "Come, we've much to do." He lead me off the stage and back through the crowd. This time, they did not part the way, everyone closed in on us in a raucous crush of joy. Every person wanted to get a look at me, or touch a piece of my clothing, or shout some blessing or prayer. It was like I had become the president or something.

Once we got to the head of the crowd, they fanned out behind us like an enormous arrow head. Gideon lead the way through the streets with the entire city at our backs. I still couldn't get my head on strait. So much has happened in the last few hours, it still felt like a dream to me. Gideon took a very different route this time, leading me away from the prison compound. The buildings suddenly began to seem much bigger, much more richly crafted. "We'll be staying in my home for the night," Gideon explained. "I'm sure you have tired of that prison cell by now."

"Like you wouldn't believe," I said back. We arrived at a particularly lavish house on the end of the cobbled street and Gideon walked up to the front door. So these were his digs, awesome. He swung open the oak door and stood aside for me. I walked to the doorway but stopped just before entering. I turned to face the mass of humanity that had followed us on this little trip. I knew now that every one of them had their hopes and dreams of this land on me. It was an empowering feeling. I didn't exactly have a speech prepared, so I did what suddenly came to me at the moment. I put my right fist to my heart and tipped the upper half of my body into a deep bow. The crowed went crazy. I bowed once more and finally stepped through the door. The solid oak did nothing to keep out the noise of the overjoyed people.

Gideon put a hand on my shoulder and smiled. "Quite the feeling, isn't it?" he said. I could only grin in response. "But remember, times won't always be like this. We've many a hardship, and twice as many dangers to face along the path to salvation. Things won't always be easy."

"I understand," I said.

"Come, let us get settled. We will leave in the morning." Gideon lead me through his amazing house, which was pretty much the real multiverse equivalent of my old room. Every inch seemed to hold artifact. Shields, swords, and other weaponry. Magical treasures that I have only seen until now through the trading card game I played at home. One artifact in particular got my attention. "Is that a quicksilver amulet?" I said pointing to a beautifully carved silver pendant with a ruby in it's center.

"Indeed it is," Gideon said. "It was gift from…a friend."

"Whom, may I ask?"

"Come, you will stay in the guest room," Gideon said hurriedly, obviously avoiding the question. I chose not to press and followed him upstairs. Gideon lead me to the end of the thickly carpeted hallway and opened the door there. "Your quarters, my lady," he said smoothly. I stepped onto the room and did a three-sixty. Man it was amazing! The walls were made of solid red oak, the carpet I was standing on was thick enough to sleep on. The large square windows let in the last of the fading sunlight. It was a beautiful place. Too bad I'd only get to spend one night here. "Please, rest well. Our journey begins at daybreak," Gideon said.

I nodded. "Thank you, for everything," I said. Gideon smiled slightly and closed the door. I was alone, in a strange world, and in a strange room. The first thing I did was take a bath. The tub was made of ivory and was absolutely enormous, I could have swam laps in the thing! After I dried off I lay down on the guest bed. It was twice the size of the bed I had at home. Man…I've got to stop comparing thing here to things at home, it was making me miss…home.

I lay down on my side and gazed out of the perfectly bed-leveled window. It was full-on nighttime now and the moon had just begun to crest over the rooftops of the city. I gazed at that moon for longer than I can remember, running everything that had happened through my head that had happened since my arrival here. It was impossible to think that something like this could even exist, or happen to me for that matter. But it wasn't impossible to imagine, that's what magic the gathering had taught me; about worlds and people and adventures on worlds beyond our own. As incredibly terrifying as a quest to save the world from evil sounded, part of me wanted it. Somewhere deep inside, (very deep inside) this felt right to me. I was going to write my own chapter in this worlds history. I liked the feeling.

I didn't remember falling asleep.

…

I had a dream. I saw someone, but the image was kind of hazy; out of focus. It looked like a man. He had his back turned to me and his long untamed hair blew in the wind. He held a blazing magic sword in his right hand. He turned his head halfway around and spoke to me. I couldn't hear the words. And then he began to walk away. I tried to follow, but something was holding me back. I reached out my hand…and then I woke up. Gideon was sitting over me. "It's time for us to go," he said simply. I rose from the bed, all remnants of sleep suddenly gone. "Here, this is for you." Gideon held up a bundle of clothing. I slept in my dress as I had no other clothes to my name. Gideon handed me the clothing and left the room to give me privacy. I slipped my old tunic and skirt off and changed into the new clothing. It was a one- piece cotton dress suited for travel. The material was thick, but it was comfortable. It came to my knees and allotted plenty of room around my legs. It fit and flowed easily. There was even a pair of matching black gloves. I pulled them on and looked myself over in the mirror. I looked like a real mage-adventurer now. I would definitely blend into the culture of Terra-Fausta wearing this.

I exited the room, but not without one last slow look around. This was the home of a planeswalker, I hoped I could see more of them. I climbed down the stairs and found Gideon waiting for me at the front door. "I'm glad the clothing fits you. I actually had to take a guess as to your actual size."

I was glad to know Gideon was such a great judge of girl's figures. I smiled, mostly from nervousness and said, "Okay, let's go."

Gideon stepped aside and allowed me to open the door first. I was hit with an incredible wave of noise that could have easily forced it closed again. The people of Lu-Dirra were gathered in front of the house, just as they were last night. Cheers and blessings went up from each and every one of them. "These are but a small number of the people we are fighting for," Gideon said at my side. "Our quest will be long, with many a trial to endure. But with me and the zenith as our guide, we will prevail."

The zenith. The white sun's zenith. That was our ultimate goal. With it's power, we would be able to smite the rise of the black order and bring peace to all of Terra-Fausta. It was time to get moving.

I lead the way down the stairs and through the joyful riot that was the streets. We were headed for the city gate; leaving this city and into parts unknown. The gate was wide open, leading into a vast green expanse of plains and wilderness. Me and Gideon turned to face the gathered crowd. Many cries of "Good luck!" and "May the zenith grant you strength!" rose from the ranks. It was an absolutely incredible scene. "I won't let them down, Gideon," I said to my planeswalker companion. "I'll find the zenith, and I'll crush the black order, just like I do at home."

"Then let us depart. We've a long journey ahead," he said back.

Me and Gideon bade one last salute to the people of Lu-Dirra, and left the city with the roar of hopeful support ringing in our ears.

So this was it. My new reality. I was prepared. I was drawn to magic the gathering for a reason, and this was why. I was destined to become great. I knew there was nothing ahead that I couldn't handle, I knew every spell and creature that could possibly come my way. This was magic the gathering…for real.

It all begins from here.

*End of Chapter 3*

-A/N

So far so good. I'll try to keep updating on a weekly basis. Thank you guys who have shown interest in my story and were kind enough to leave a positive review. Your words give me the confidence to keep this going.