Chapter six:
It's the last class of the day.
Ray is in Matt's potion class and Ryan is in Jeremy's familiar class.
Jeremy's class is outside today. "Ok class." He begins. "Today we will be working on working with your environment. If you find yourself in a fight your environment has the potential to help." He explains. "From using walls or large rocks to push yourself off of to using an ice cold lake and so much more. It is an important part of a fight. It could give you a big advantage. So let's start by testing out the environment here in the schools courtyard. Play around a little and get a feel of what different objects could be used for. In a fight you won't really have time to do this so it is good to have a basic idea of what could do what beforehand. Then to use them wisely. We must use the environment more than a witch will because of our magical difference. Having a basic knowledge also allows you to help plan with your witch in a fight. But you must do any planning swiftly because you won't actually have time to actually think in a fight. So let's begin. Stay in the courtyard and I will call you back when it is time."
The class fans out to begin testing out the environment. Some are trying to jump off of trees and some are even climbing said trees to try dropping from above.
Ryan notices a few transforming into the familiar forms to try the environment out in both forms. He makes his decision and takes a deep breath. He turns to Jeremy. "You know. Maybe I'll try it." He says. "I want to try to transform."
Jeremy smiles at the other. "I'm glad to hear that."
One the nearby familiar students hears this and gasps in excitement. "You're going to turn to your familiar form!?"
News spreads to the rest of the class and they gather but make sure to give Ryan room since they don't know what he is.
"Alright. When you are ready." Jeremy says to him.
Ryan nods then closes his eyes taking a quiet deep breath. He gets himself to transform and a cloud of grey smoke appears around him.
The class slightly holds their breath in anticipation of what they will see.
There is a slight growl and a red glowing eye is seen through the smoke.
The smoke begins to clear and the red eye fades to show Ryan's eyes but the iris is narrowed as well as the shape of his whole eyes have changed a little to fit what he has turned into.
The class all gasp as their eyes come to rest upon a dragon!
The color is a deep red with mahogany mixed in the color though the inside of his wings is black along with the two horns on his head being black and his tail holds six in total black spikes so there is three on each side. His claws look powerful and he is definitely very intimidating especially with his large size. He is most definitely powerful and could be very dangerous.
"Alright good job." Jeremy says as the class starts to back away a little in fear.
Ryan growls again and Jeremy takes a step back.
Jeremy's eyes widen when he realizes that Ryan is not in control and the other let's out a roar leaving the students frozen or cowering with a few having fallen to the ground like their legs stopped working in fear.
Matt has just brought his class out when by notice the commotion making them pause to look.
Ryan swipes at Jeremy who jumps out of the way to have it miss.
Matt hurries over to Jeremy's side. "What happened?!" He questions looking at the dragon.
"A transformation gone wrong. Our best bet is to wait it out. Wait until his transformation runs out." Jeremy responds keeping his eyes on Ryan. "Since he can't control it then it should turn him back at some point. Unlike if he was in control."
When a familiar is in control they can decide when to transform, but if they aren't in control then the amount of time for the transformation is limited; with the amount of time depending on the familiar.
"It's too dangerous." Matt responds as Ryan let's out a low rumble of a growl making him tense. "We need to restrain... Him? Her? Anyways we need to get some restraints on this familiar!"
Ray blinks as he feels like he knows just what to do. He knows that following your instincts especially with finding familiars is what is told. He just knows he has to do something and it is time for him to face this situation. He can do this. He knows he can. He keeps his head high and he begins to walk forward towards the dragon.
"Wait! Stop! It's too dangerous!" Matt yells at Ray who had just walked past them though Ray just keeps walking.
Ray stops in front of the dragon and looks up to the other who looks down to him.
Matt pulls out his wand getting ready to try some restraining spells but what Ray does makes him pause.
"It's okay." Ray speaks smiling and brings a hand up to about chest level with his palm facing the dragon like someone might to pet a creature. He waits as he keeps his gaze locked with the dragon that towers over his head.
Ryan, the dragon, lowers his head to be at the same level as Ray as their eyes remain locked.
Ray is still smiling as he waits for the other to make a move. He trusts his instincts on not pushing the other right now. He is running purely on instinct and surely that must be the answer.
Within Ryan…
Oh no. Not again! I'm not in control!
My vision is of course blurry images that is so bad that I can't make out anything along with some yellow tint to it as usual. I think I'm looking at something now but I can't tell what as it is too hard to see!
Oh please don't tell me I'm going to hurt someone!
Suddenly a feeling of warmth fills me and my vision begins to clear up a little slowly as well as return to normal.
This hasn't happened before! Usually it's like a light switch whenever I turn back to human form.
I watch in shock then as my vision returns to normal I see Ray is in front of me smiling with one hand raised.
Ray...
…
Ryan blinks and his eyes are no longer narrowed. He moves forward and gets Rays hand to rest on the end of his snout as he closes his eyes softly.
Ray smiles more and the others watch on in shock as even Matt lowers his wand. He begins moving his hand gently side to side feeling the smoothness of his scales while the other who he's petting let's out a low pleasant sounding rumble.
Ryan seems to relax and the spikes on his tail retract as he relaxes. He then moves his head forward nudging Ray up so he is lying against his snout with his legs up off the ground.
Ray chuckles and moves himself more onto Ryan letting himself lay slightly on his side across the others snout. He reaches up and gently pets with a gentle side to side motion on Ryan's head between his horns. "There we go." He says as neither of them really seem to notice the still surprised audience watching them. He pats the others head gently then moves back clambering off of him. He stands in front of him again and brings his arms around his face, snout mainly, as best as he can.
There is a blast of smoke and when it clears Ryan, who is slightly slouched as if he had lowered himself to a low point and leaned against Ray, is being held by Ray who has his arms wrapped around him.
Ryan's head is resting on Rays shoulder. "Thank you." He speaks gratefully though the two words are a little quiet.
"Don't worry about it." Ray assures him with a gentle tone of voice. "So you're a dragon huh?"
Ryan blinks feeling a wave of shock run down his spine. "A dragon?"
"Yup." Ray confirms even adding a nod so Ryan can know he heard right.
"Wow." Ryan gasps in surprise suddenly understanding why the others were afraid of him. "It really does explain a lot." He admits slightly moving some hair behind his ear, the ear facing away from Ray. He feels like he finally has answers to the questions that have plagued him for so long. He swears that it is like some kind of weight has been taken off his shoulders. He suddenly feels as light as a cloud from it happening.
Matt and Jeremy share a knowing smile before they move forward towards the two.
The two hear them approach and turn to them.
"So you've now found your witch." Jeremy states smiling as he is glad that this has finally happened for the familiar.
The two pull apart to stand side by side instead of kind of cuddling together.
"Yeah. This is Ray." Ryan confirms beaming at being able to introduce the other as his witch partner.
Jeremy curiously raises an eyebrow. "Oh? You're already acquainted huh?"
Ryan nods his confirmation still smiling. He had been hoping that there would be more signs that he and Ray were meant to be partners indeed. "We've been partners for a few days."
"Well that is good." Jeremy is clearly glad to hear it and his own smile appears on his face. "I think with you two working together you can be a very powerful pair."
Ryan smiles more than before at this. He agrees that him being a dragon definitely will make the two of them a force to be reckoned with.
"Thank you." Ray speaks in gratitude then he turns sharing a pleased smile with Ryan.
"Well. It's still class time. So let's get back to it." Matt clears his throat giving a serious look trying to hide his own smile.
The classes do so and with one final hug Ray and Ryan part ways for now, as Ryan makes sure that he is standing again.
"I must say that was impressive." Jeremy turns to Ryan truly showing how impressed he is on his face. He is also pleased that at least Ryan has a witch now to make this journey with him. "You are a powerful familiar Ryan." He claps an assuring hand on the others shoulder.
"I just can't control it." Ryan's hands clench into fists as he remembers that part of the whole thing. He can't help but feel some of the wight returning to his shoulders though it isn't as heavy as it was before. "I didn't have long for control. When I first transformed I had no control at all."
"It's a part of a learning experience." Jeremy tells him with an assuring tone. He then he glances to where he can see Ray to remind himself that the other is a part of this now. "But don't beat yourself up about it. You should know as well as I that just holding it in like that won't do any good. It'll end up doing more harm than good." He turns his attention back to Ryan. "Besides. Things are different now."
Ryan slightly turns to Jeremy raising an eyebrow in curiosity. "Different?" He has a feeling about where Jeremy is going with this though he wants confirmation.
Jeremy smiles at this knowing that this is just a reminder of what has changed for the other. "You have your witch with you now. You're not alone. If things go sour while you try to learn you can always turn to your witch for help. We can do some practicing and have Ray nearby. It should also make you feel better to have him nearby."
Ryan looks away to look to Ray who is softly smiling to himself. "But what if I hurt him?" His somber and fearful question is understandable as he cares about the other. He knows how important a witch and familiar are to each other. He can feel it even though they haven't been partners for long.
"Do you really doubt how things are between you that much? Do you doubt your partners abilities?" Jeremy questions watching Ray as well but with his hands linked behind his back.
Ryan turns his head almost glaring at Jeremy.
"Or..." Jeremy turns to meet his eye with confidence in his gaze. "Do you doubt yourself?"
Ryan blinks in surprise then turns away slightly sad looking down with half open eyes. "I..."
"When we doubt ourselves we tend to not want to do something about. We want to avoid it because as a part of humanity we dislike the unknown." Jeremy begins and he turns to face straight ahead again this time just staring in the general direction. "It holds us back and makes us lose confidence in ourselves." He continues and Ryan's eyes slip closed gently. "But in order to make anything progress we must run the risk of staring into the unknown. We must be prepared to walk through the darkness just to see where we will end up. Each path leads us through a forest from time to time. We can try to avoid it but the forest will grow thicker each time we take a route around. The forest is the unknown and it is doubt."
Ryan smiles softly and lets out a soft chuckle. "I never took you for being a philosopher." He comments.
Jeremy closes his eyes smiling to himself and lets out a breathy chuckle. "I suppose I picked up on it a bit during teaching." He responds. "Come. We have work to do." He begins heading to check on the class.
Ryan stands where he is for a bit longer contemplating everything. "... Maybe... Maybe he's right..." He then heads to join the class again.
In what feels like no time the classes are drawing to a close.
Jeremy and Matt bring their classes together again.
"As you all should remember the annual festival to celebrate humans and those of magic being in peace." Jeremy reminds the class. "And we hope that you remember that it is not too far off. Preparations will begin soon with it approaching."
"But you all should get ready as well." Matt adds. "As students here participate as a part of the festival. This will range from friendly duels to even races. Both with and without your familiar mostly depending on what the event is. Now you do not need to sign up for all of the events but you need to sign up for at least one each." He looks around at the students. "So keep that in mind. Though we will also only have so many slots for each event. Because of this it's first come first serve. And don't even think about not showing up after signing up. When you sign up you have a responsibility. Understood?"
"Understood." The class confirms.
"Okay. Watch for signup sheets on the notice bulletin board." Jeremy says and class comes to an end. "That will be all." He dismisses them.
"We will see you all tomorrow." Matt says also dismissing the classes though mainly his class just like Jeremy with his.
Ryan heads to Ray. "Hey."
Ray turns to him. "Hey." He greets.
"Do you think that we could maybe practice on my familiar form?" Ryan inquires.
Ray smiles. "Of course we can." He agrees in which Ryan smiles.
"Thanks." Ryan thanks him glad to hear it.
The others in the class leave while the two stay.
Jeremy and Matt notice so Jeremy moves over to them.
"Everything alright?" He asks causing the two to turn to him.
"Yeah. We are just going to do some practice." Ray responds.
Jeremy nods. "Alright. Good luck." He and Matt seem to leave but they move to watch the two out of a nearby open window on the first floor of the building.
Ryan and Ray turn back to each other as the two leave.
"Let's try this." Ray says in which Ryan nods.
Ryan closes his eyes then he transforms into his familiar form. He feels a flash of panic when he realizes he is out of control again.
Ray is still calm as he smiles up at his familiar. "Ryan." He speaks and the other looks to him instead of the sky. "I know you can do it."
Ryan lowers his head to be level with Ray as Ray follows the movement watching.
Ray raises a hand up offering for Ryan to push his snout against his hand. He waits for Ryan to move right now instead of reaching towards the other.
There are a few moments of silence then finally Ryan moves.
Ryan bares his teeth with a growl even though he had moved closer.
Ray keeps up with what he is doing. "Come now Ryan." He encourages gently. "Show me that it's you. I know you're there."
Ryan blows smoke in a huff out of his nostrils but Ray doesn't back off a little glad that the smoke didn't hit his face as it instead swept around his body so he isn't coughing allowing him to continue.
"I know you wouldn't purposefully hurt me." Ray assures him. "I trust you."
There are a few moments of tense silence before Ryan puts the end of his snout against Ray's hand.
Ray grins. "I knew it. I knew it all along." He says gently rubbing his hand back and forth to pet Ryan's snout between his nostrils. "You'll be just fine."
Jeremy turns away with a smile and he closes his eyes softly as he turns away. "Those two are really something." He comments.
Matt breathily chuckles. "If anyone can tame such a powerful beast then it has to be Ray. He knows what he's doing." He moves away from where he was viewing the scene. "I highly doubt we have any reason to worry about them. They'll be just fine as long as they can work together. That much has been proven." He begins to walk away. "Come Jeremy. We have some business to attend to."
Jeremy moves to follow Matt after one last look to Ray and Ryan.
The two head off deeper into the school.
Meanwhile...
Suddenly Ryan pulls back and straightens his eyes locked with Ray.
"Ryan?" Ray questions. "What is it?"
Ryan emits a low growl.
"Ryan." Ray begins then suddenly he is knocked over onto his side. "Oof." He grunts as he hits the ground. He looks up noticing Ryan's tail moving back the spikes on it visible. "Ryan. Did the other side take you again?" He questions and he shifts getting up. He gasps in pain coming from his arm on the side that was hit but he gets up anyways. "It's okay. We can do this again." He encourages gently.
Then in a poof of smoke Ryan is human again.
Ryan looks up to Ray only to gasp. He rushes over to Ray. "Ray!" He reaches towards the other as he looks at the wound on Rays arm.
Ray brings a hand up to his arm. "Just a scratch or two." He assures Ryan. "Don't worry about it."
Ryan shuts his eyes tightly obviously upset with himself. "I hurt you."
"It's not your fault." Ray counters.
"But I dealt it!" Ryan counters back.
Ray raises his hand from his arm and places a finger on Ryan's lips getting him to open his eyes halfway though he won't look to Rays face. "Shush." He demands of Ryan. "I know you wouldn't hurt me."
Ryan opens his mouth to say something but Ray slams his hand over his mouth to stop him.
"Ry. I told you shush right now." Ray reminds him sternly. "You wouldn't hurt me intentionally. But you didn't know what you were doing."
Ryan looks away even more than before mostly looking down.
"You had no control. It wasn't you." Ray informs him. "Am I understood?"
There are a few moments of silence.
Ray removes his hand from Ryan's mouth. "Ryan. Please. You need to remember that it is why we are training."
Ryan closes his eyes sighing softly. "I'm sorry Ray." He tells him guiltily.
Ray places his hand on his own hip. "Stop blaming yourself." He slightly commands. "Weren't you listening?"
"I was." Ryan confirms opening his eyes half way.
"Then remember what I told you." Ray brings his hand from his hip to Ryan's arm. "It's only a start. There is bound to be some mishaps. It's just how it works. It's like learning a new spell." He pats Ryan's arm. "Okay? Don't go all blaming yourself on me."
Ryan slightly looks up.
"Ryan... Look me in the eyes." Rays hand drops to hang at his side.
Ryan doesn't do so.
"Ryan. Just look me in the eyes." Ray says almost pleadingly.
Finally Ryan hesitantly looks up enough to meet Ray's eyes.
Ray smiles. "That's better my dear partner." He is glad that Ryan did it.
"Ray." Ryan begins but pauses to close his eyes only to open them again with a determined look. "I'm going to get better. I'm going to work hard to gain full control. I promise that to you."
Ray almost grins upon hearing this. "Now that's great enthusiasm."
Ryan can't help but smile softly himself. He wants to get better so Ray isn't hurt again.
"Now come on. Let's take care of these wounds." Ray takes the lead as they head off to go get that done.
Later...
Ray is sitting his room as its getting late. He looks at his sweater and pokes his hand through the hole on the sleeve. "Well. It's garbage now." He says to himself. He tosses it towards the garbage can in his room. "I wonder where Ryan went."
As soon as Ray was healed by the nurse Ryan took off and Ray couldn't find him.
Ray hopes that it isn't going to blame himself in secret or something.
Suddenly there is a knock on the door making Ray turn to it.
Ray gets up and heads over to it opening the door only to find Ryan standing there hands behind his back. "Ry. Come in." He steps aside to let the other in.
Ryan comes in but refuses to let Ray see his hands.
Ray frowns in worry and closes the door behind him. "Is everything okay?" He asks turning to Ryan.
"Yeah. I just wanted to drop by and give you this." Ryan moves his hands into sight and shows a box.
On the top of the box it says To Ray, From your dear familiar.
Ray blinks but takes it wondering what's inside.
Ryan watches wanting to see his reaction and Ray opens it to find a purple sweater very identical to the one that got ripped.
Ray looks to Ryan who rubs the back of his head.
"Yeah. Sorry for ripping your old one." Ryan apologizes.
Ray smiles and places the box on his bed only to hug Ryan. "Thank you."
Ryan brings his arms down to hug him back. "No problem."
They stay like that for a bit before finally pulling away.
"See if it fits!" Ryan says smiling now.
"Ok." Ray chuckles and tries it on finding that it's a perfect fit. "Thanks."
Ryan pats Rays shoulder. "No problem."
They share a smile.
Though they need to part ways until tomorrow promising to see each other in the two classes that they share; The classes with Caleb and Kdin before lunch and after lunch. After all the partnership of a witch and familiar is very important.
...
Eyes open in darkness. "It's time."