Spirit Dreams (The Conclusion!)
Spirit Dreams
The Conclusion: Full-Circle Emotions

Within the safety of the cave where Angie and the injured Raven brothers took refuge from the dangerous storm, the torch light began to dim.
"We need some light," Angie whispered. She stood up and walked to where she had placed the torch. Finding another good stick for a makeshift torch, she used her powers to create a flame for the new light. Taking the burned out torch from the hole and replacing it, she sighed in relief. "There, that should keep all of us both warm and dry."
Michael, who had flown into the storm earlier to try to help his older brother Victor and Angie, sat up against the wall as he held his injured right arm, the result of being caught in a thunderstorm microburst. "Thanks, Angie…for saving both me and my brother."
Sitting down herself, the female magician said, "I'm just glad you're both all right. I hope I did okay trying to help Victor, though. The bleeding on his head seems to have stopped, but just in case, I'd better change bandages." Cupping her hands once more, she created another bandage. She then made the one she had used before disappear and quickly wrapped his head again. "There, a clean bandage should help against infection."
"You're great at first aid," noted Michael seriously. "Ever consider being a nurse or doctor?"
"No, not really. My hands aren't so steady, and if I see a whole lot of blood, I'm likely to faint. Besides, my parents always told me to pursue my own dreams, be something I want to be. I never expected being a magician to become my destiny."
"I understand. Some people can figure out destiny when they're young, others won't know until their lives end, and still others will learn by surprise, like you did."
"Yeah, really." She then looked at the opening of the cave. "I hope everyone back at the reservation is doing all right in this storm."
**Don't worry, Angie, they're fine,** Khenta thought to her. **I'm on my way out to where you are now.**
Khenta, please be careful. I don't want you to get yourself hurt trying to help us.
**I don't fear death that easily. What's more, Mike is hurt, Victor is seriously injured, and you'll need me to Heal their injuries. Just try to stay calm.**
Okay, but it won't be easy.
**I'll be there in a few minutes. Just stay where you are.**
Khenta, in her Phoenix true-form, continued flying in the hazardous weather conditions. She knew of the troubling situation with Angie and both Raven brothers, so she wasted no time in going as fast as she could to reach her friends. I'll reach them, no matter what it takes. If I can stay low enough to the ground, the lightning won't be able to get to me. As for the currents against me, they are forcing me to fly harder, but I can make it.
Back in the cave, Angie sat down next to Michael, her mind in intense thought.
The younger Raven brother had suspected something within Angie and tried to confront her about it. "Angie…are you kinda having feelings for Victor?"
"No, Michael, I am not," answered Angie in a seemingly straight manner. "I'm not capable of this concept. My family and my friends are first in terms of who I love, and that will be the end of the discussion."
"But—"
"Let's end the discussion, please," she insisted. "Right now I'm more concerned about Khenta getting here safely."
Angie closed her eyes to focus her inner energies, which helped her to keep calm in this harrowing situation.
Michael, though, was convinced she was hiding her true feelings for Victor. She does love him, but she won't admit it. Khenta was right; she's scared of this feeling.
Both Michael and Angie knew their only hope for Victor would be Khenta's Healing ability, so they looked carefully at the opening of the cave when Angie's sensitive ears picked up a squawking sound.
"It's Khenta," she whispered. "She made it!"
Into the cave entered a breath-taking bird with orange feathers and blue, white, and purple highlights on the outer feathers. It shook off the water 100 feet into the cave and soon converted into its human form, Khentura Fire Eagle.
She ran up to the others and was relieved to see them all basically safe. "Are you all right?"
"I'm okay," said Angie, "but Michael's right arm is injured, and Victor has a bad cut on the top of his head."
"Just leave this part to me, Angie."
Upon coming up to Michael, he said, "Do Victor first. His injury's more serious than mine."
"Okay. Just don't do anything sudden with that arm."
Khenta noticed the blood seeping through the bandage. "Vic's injury is pretty bad, but I should be able to Heal it. Unfortunately, it won't be well enough for him to be able to compete next month." She then removed the bandage from his head and placed her right hand on the bleeding area. Closing her eyes, she let her Power come forth. Her hand began to glow on top of the wound. "Stop the bleeding," she whispered softly to herself.
Soon, the cut closed up, which ended the blood loss. "Now, sleep a little longer." She helped him feel warm with her Power, and soon Victor rested very comfortably.
Khenta turned to Angie. "He'll be all right now."
"Good," the female magician said in subdued relief. "Now, what about Mike?"
"His injury won't be a problem." She placed her hand on the injured arm.
Feeling warm in that area, Michael felt the pain disappear. Able to move his arm seconds later, he happily said, "Thanks, pal. I owe you one."
"No, you don't, but why did you fly out into the storm? You knew how dangerous the conditions were."
"Victor and Angie were both in trouble, so I had to do something."
"You worried both Ananda and Grandmother, and I wouldn't be surprised if Vic gets on your case, too."
"Khenta, I couldn't just leave my brother seriously injured! I—"
"Hold it," Angie interrupted. Her sensitive hearing started picking up a rumbling sound. "What's that noise?"
Michael also listened carefully for the noise and realized what it was. "It's water. Flash flood's approaching rapidly!"
"Too much rain has fallen," Khenta said worriedly. "This cave is not high enough to keep water from coming in. We'll drown."
"Oh, no, we won't," stated Angie, quickly getting to her feet. "Khenta, you and the others stay here. I'll handle this." She then ran towards the opening of the cave.
"Angie, wait!" Michael shouted. "It's too dangerous trying to stop the flood with your magic."
She ignored his warning. There's no time to lose now. The Magic Force is my only chance of stopping the flood from harming all of us.
Coming to the cave's mouth, she pulled up and went into a spin while her body glowed in her light-blue aura. "Magic Force, reveal the power within!"
Emerging in her special crimefighting costume, she put her arms forward. "I've got to stop the water from getting in. Let my heart guide my power!"
Creating a barrier around the opening, she saw the rushing water approaching very quickly. Just as the barrier was completed, the floodwaters crashed into it, immediately causing a severe mental strain on Angie. This is too much for me to handle by myself, she realized. I'm gonna need Ace's help on this. I just hope he isn't mad at me for keeping that memory from him.
Reaching out with heart and soul, she tried to contact the Magician telepathically.

In the living room of the Magic Express, Ace and Cosmo discussed Angie's strange situation.
"Something in her past has made her frightened about falling in love," Ace said in concern, "but she's blocked that memory from me. I didn't want to force it out of her, so I withdrew my thoughts to give her some space."
"Poor Angie. I never thought I could find someone scared of having a crush on a guy."
"I know. Maybe the way she was treated during her school days is a factor as to—AHHHHHH!" Ace suddenly felt a sharp pain within his mind and clutched his head. "Angie…is in serious danger! I can sense it!"
"What's happenin' to her?" Cosmo asked in distress.
"I don't know." He then closed his eyes to communicate with his younger parallel. Kindred sister, what's wrong?
In his mind he heard from Angie, I'm trying to stop a flash flood but the water pressure's taking its toll on my powers. I can't do this alone. I just hope you're not mad at me about that—
Envisioning what she was doing, he became very anxious. Angie, I'm not angry with you for blocking that memory. I understand why you want to keep this recollection inside, but right now we need to concentrate on stopping the flood before it's too late for all of you.
He stood up and went into a spin. Glowing in violet, he quickly yelled, "Magic Force, reveal the power within!"
Cosmo was stunned to see Ace in his superheroic outfit. "Whoa, is it that serious?"
"Yes, it is," said a still luminating Ace. "Angie's trying to stop a flood from drowning herself, the Raven brothers, and Khenta. If I don't help, it'll be too late for all of them."
"How can you help her from over 200 miles away? You can't just magically go there."
"No, but I can try something we actually did once before. It's never been done from such a distance, but to help Angie I'm willing to go for it."
He then contacted Angie mind-to-mind. Angie, listen to me very carefully. I'm going to attempt something you did for me once before when we dealt with that rogue magician back in Lazaro City.
You mean, power transference?
Yes. You did it for me then, and I'm going to do it for you now, even though the distance this time is greater than before. Keep concentrating on the cave opening with all you have.
The Magician closed his eyes once more and put his arms out to the sides to concentrate. "Magic Force, please hear my plea. My kindred sister desperately needs help in her situation and cannot stop the flood alone. Although we are many miles apart, our bond of friendship is as strong—no, stronger than ever. Give some of my power to her!"
He then began glowing even brighter in violet and silently prayed the power transference would get to Angie in time.

Back at the cave opening, Angie felt the exertion of keeping the flash flood waters from penetrating her barrier.
She literally pushed herself to the limit when she suddenly felt a new surge of power. "It must be Ace," she whispered. She then yelled out, "May the power of Ace's heart give me the strength…to fight on!"
Her light blue aura soon took on a new shade as tints of violet shone through. Using the power from her kindred brother, she became stronger in heart and soul. Adding the love of herself, her family, and her friends, her heart became warmer than ever before.
"Mom, Dad," she whispered, "may your love guide me as well."
You can do it, Angie, said her mother Nancy. You have the power within your soul.
Believe in your power, Robert, her father, added. We are proud of you and always will be.
Then, she heard an unlikely voice in her heart. Hello, Angie.
She remembered the voice from so long ago. Mr. Whitefeather?
Yes, young one. Your heart is filled with love, kindness, spirit, and compassion. You have never forgotten about me.
I could never forget about a special friend like you, Mr. Whitefeather.
Your heart has the greatest strength of all. I know you can do this, young one. Feel the love of those closest to you in your life, and you can save yourself and your friends.
Angie's soul was as warm as the sun itself. I can do it. I know I can do it. I just have to hold it off until the water recedes.
At the back end of the cave, Khenta felt Angie's warm heart. "She feels love from all those she holds so dear to her heart. I can also feel the hearts of both magicians…beating in perfect sync. Ace is helping her with his own power, although he is back in Electro City."
"That's incredible," said Michael.
Victor slowly awakened from his sleep with a rather bad headache. "Oooohhhh," he groaned. "Man, my head hurts!"
Khenta looked at him and smiled. "You okay, Vic?"
"I…I think so. What happened to me? The last thing I remember was climbing up the mountain when Angie warned me about the storm, and a rock was coming at me a few moments later. The rest is a blank to me." He then noticed where he and the others were. "It's the cave? How did I end up here?"
When Michael explained the gist of the situation, including the current flash flood problem, Victor was worried about Angie. "Where is she?"
"She's trying to stop the flood from coming in here with her powers."
"Will she…be all right?"
"I hope so, bro. I honestly hope so."
Angie's powers, combined with Ace's transferred powers, continued to hold the water from breaking into the cave.
Finally, after about a minute, the flash flood began to diminish in its intensity. As soon as the flooding was down to just heel level, Angie put her arms back down and allowed the barrier to disappear.
She fell to her knees and breathed very heavily.
Are you all right, Angie? Ace thought to her.
Yes, I'm okay. A little weak, but not as weak as I have been in the past. Thanks for your help, kindred brother.
Glad I could be of assistance. Like I said before, if you ever need me, I'm just a thought away. Just one other thing. I know you do have feelings for Victor. Don't deny your own heart of these feelings.
Please, Ace, I don't want to get into this again. I can still block that memory from you, and I won't let you find out. I'm sorry I have to resort to this, but I am not capable of falling in love.
Angie, please. If you won't open to me, open to someone. You can't conceal these feelings forever.
The female magician soon got back on her feet and ran up to the others. "Are all of you okay?"
"Yeah," answered Michael, "we're fine, thanks to the combined magic you and Ace used."
Victor looked in surprise at the attire she was wearing. "Angie? Is that you?"
She quickly turned and was happy to see Victor all right. "Yeah, it's me. I kinda…well, share the same kind of magic as Ace, and in the dangerous situations, I'll look like this." She then began to blush. "I feel so embarrassed."
He smiled at her. "Don't be ashamed about it, Angie. You and Ace Cooper have the same Magic Force, which allows both of you to combine magic in extreme situations?"
"Mm-hmm, that's about the size of the matter."
Michael then asked, "Is it safe to come out now?"
"Yes," Khenta answered. "It's all right to leave the cave now."
Both Michael and Angie helped Victor to his feet. "Thanks, guys. Unfortunately, I think I won't be in the competition next month because of this. How embarrassing."
"Better to have you alive and not competing than dead," Angie added jokingly.
"True. Let's get out of here."
When they left the cave, all were surprised to find Ananda, on his steed Red Cloud, outside with the horses Shadow Wind, Soaring Eagle, and Lilyflower.
"Ananda?" Khenta said while stunned. "How did you—"
"The storms let up in town, so I took the horses and brought them out here. It'd be easier than trying to walk all the way back. Karen was very worried about all of you."
"I wouldn't blame her," Angie noted. "Come on, let's take the horses and get back. It's about dinner time anyway."
Khenta joined Angie on Lilyflower while the Raven brothers mounted on their steeds. In a matter of minutes, all four horses galloped rapidly to get back to the reservation in time for supper.

Karen waited anxiously in the living room when she saw all five individuals come in. "You're all okay!" she cheered. She then came up to her granddaughter and hugged her tightly. "I didn't think you would make it."
"It's all right, Grandmother, I understand. We almost didn't make it at all. A flash flood nearly took us, but Angie saved us with her powers."
Karen came up to the young magician and hugged her with happy tears. "Angie, thank you for saving them and my granddaughter. You have proven yourself a friend of our culture by your talented playing and then risking your life to save the others. I have learned that I need to judge each person by the heart, not by the whole group."
After Angie released the hug, she stated, "And I have learned that disagreements among friends are normal. I just have to make sure I take the problem calmly instead of getting all worked up about it." Then, her stomach growled like a bear. "Um, let's eat before I faint from all the excitement and hunger in my stomach."
Everyone laughed but loved the idea, seeing dinner was the perfect way to put the perilous situation behind them all.
Ananda and Karen had cooked supper this time, and everyone enjoyed it.
Karen then stood up and said, "I would like to salute our new friend Angela Jacobs, a kindhearted soul who possesses love, compassion, and spirit, even for those who are not the same as her. She is one person who will make a big difference in the world some day in her lifetime."
Angie blushed somewhat. "Aw, geez. I'm just trying to do the best I can as a person. I don't think I'm that special."
"Yes, you are," Khenta said. "Don't be so modest all the time."
"Okay, I won't, but don't expect me to brag about it, either."
"Say, how about we have a comfortable chat out on the porch soon after dinner?" suggested Ananda.
"Sure."

A short time after dinner, Angie had already taken her place on the porch and looked at the sky.
Just then, Michael came out to join her. "Angie and Victor sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g. First comes love, then comes—"
"Will you stop that?" Angie asked while feeling annoyed. "There is no love anywhere."
"Oh, really? You've been asking about Victor so much lately. How can you not have feelings for him?"
Angie then snapped at the younger Raven. "Look, Michael, I'm going to say this just one more time, so get this in your head right now. I am not falling in love with anyone! Why won't you leave me alone about it?" Angie walked to the other side of the porch and tried to fight away tears.
Just then, Victor came along to join them.
"Nutcase," grumbled Michael, slumping down in his chair.
"Me?" demanded Victor. "Who went out in the middle of a rainstorm and almost got killed?! I'm surprised Mr. Greyleaf didn't do more than ground you for breaking your promise about wind-riding."
"I only did that because you were in danger," shot the younger of the brothers. "Not the dumbest thing I've ever done either, and if Khenta hadn't hunted for us, you'd still be out like a power-surged string of Christmas lights!"
"Couldn't you have just told someone? You don't think straight, Mike!"
"You know, Vic, despite me sometimes absolutely hating your guts, I'm still your brother, so no. I would still come after you."
There was silence after that exchange.
"Boys," sighed Khenta, who came out with Ananda, half amused. "Very rare to find them so companionable. . ." She then noticed Angie alone on the other side.
When the Phoenix approached, Angie became curious about one thing. "Um, Khenta, why is Michael being grounded? I mean, he's 20 years old, not a teenager."
"Grounded for a shifter doesn't mean the same thing as for other people. For us, grounding means 'to center,' to realign. When Michael went out and injured himself, it was sheer will that kept him human; what tends to happen is erratic shifting, which is extremely painful for most of us. Grounding, which can take anywhere from three days to a month, brings our gift back under our control."
"Okay, I guess."
"Well, Angie, how did today go?"
"It was going fine until the insanity of this afternoon. I—Ace thinks I'm falling in love with a certain Raven brother, but I—"
"Can't be? Don't want to?"
"I'm not able to fall in love with anyone."
Ananda was concerned about her. "Young one, why do you think you can't fall in love?"
"Because there's something in the past that will always remind me I can't love anyone outside friends and family. That one little area of my heart is cold and hard because of that incident."
"What do you mean?" Michael wanted to know. "How can someone have a part of the heart be cold?"
"There is such a thing," Khenta noted. "She's used to having love of those closest to her, family and friends. Angie, please tell us. What happened to make you believe that part of your heart was cold?"
"It happened in my senior year of high school, a week before the Homecoming Dance…"

Angie was on her way to her next class for the day when she suddenly heard the nasty laugh of someone familiar to her.
For the last couple of months, she seemed to have noticed a change in the one boy who always picked on her, Bobby Riggins. He had not acted up on her, not trying to cause problems for her. In a strange way, she actually started finding him more interesting.
Passing by the hallway just before her class, she noticed Bobby with his old gang. "I don't get it. I thought he changed."
Her sensitive ears picked up the conversation.
Bobby said, "I think Angie's fallen for the trick. I'm gonna make sure she gets hers at the Homecoming Dance next Friday night. When we win Homecoming King and Queen, and we get the first dance in the middle of the auditorium, I'll signal for you guys to spill water all over her, and the dress she wears will be ruined! I can't wait to see the embarrassed look on her face when we make a fool out of her!"
Angie became extremely embittered by what she heard. "Why that jerk! His change was nothing more than an act. Well, I'll show him. When he asks me to the dance, I'll expose his plan."
A couple of hours later, as Angie was changing books at her locker, Bobby came up to her and acted innocent. "Hello, Angie."
"Hello, Bobby," she said, trying to play along.
"You know, I don't have a date for the Homecoming Dance next Friday, and I was wondering if you would come to the dance with me?"
Turning to face him, she smirked in saying, "Why, so you and your friends can dump water on me if we win the Homecoming King and Queen titles? I thought you had changed, Bobby. I sincerely thought you were becoming a better person, but now I know you're still the same jerk you've always been."
"But, Angie, baby—"
"Don't you dare call me 'baby'! That is reserved for an infant, which is exactly what you act like. I overheard everything you said to your friends, and I refuse to be a victim for one of your foolish pranks!" After slamming her locker door she added, "The next time you want to do something rotten to someone, you'd better make sure your intended victim does not have sensitive hearing." She then walked off to get to her next class while other students stared at Bobby.
Bobby became enraged enough to clench his fist and hit the locker next to Angie's. "That girl is gonna pay for this! Everything's ruined!"
The next day at school, Angie was trying to reach her Calculus class when Bobby and his friends literally had her surrounded.
"What do you want now, Bobby?" she asked, growing very nervous.
"What do you think, loser? You ruined everything for the plan I had, and now you're gonna pay! My friends and I are not going to let you get to your precious Calculus class."
Suddenly, a deep male voice said, "Do anything to this young lady, Mr. Riggins, and you will not stay here long enough to even get to the Homecoming Dance."
Angie noticed it was the principal. "Mr. Parsons."
"Bobby, you and your friends can wait in my office…now."
"But, I didn't—"
"No arguments, young man. NOW! In addition to that, you are now out of contention for Homecoming King. I will see to that part personally."
Bobby and his friends sulked off toward the principal's office.
Mr. Parsons turned to Angie, who was breathing heavily and had a look of fear on her face. "Are you all right?"
"Yes, sir. I'm okay. I'm so grateful you showed up. I thought Bobby had really changed."
"I thought so, too, Angie, but I guess some things never change. I'll walk you to your class."
"Thank you."
Mr. Parsons escorted Angie safely to her Calculus class, where he explained to her teacher the situation which caused her to be late.
Ashley noticed how shook up her best friend was. "You okay?"
"Yeah, I think so." As she took her seat, she angrily thought to herself, If all boys are going to be like this, then maybe it's better off if I never have a boyfriend in my lifetime.

In tears Angie stated, "I dropped out of contention for Homecoming Queen because I thought all the other boys were going to try the same thing. I let that part of my heart become cold and hard because after what Bobby had planned to do, I never thought I could have a man to love in my lifetime. I was so devoted to my studies afterward that having a boyfriend was completely out of the question."
Khenta shook her head in sadness. "Angie, having someone to love is nothing to be afraid of. As Ace told you, this is truly one of the most special feelings you can have. Has this been a contributing factor to all your stress as well?"
"Well, this and one other reason."
Victor wanted to step away from the scene and back into the house.
When Michael noticed, he quickly followed his older brother. "Vic, what's going on? Why did you walk away for?"
"Because I can't stand seeing Angie feeling hurt."
"You mean…you honestly have feelings for her, too?"
"Yes, I do. She's a famous person, yet she doesn't want to act like one. She'd rather be herself, a friendly person with a kindhearted soul. Ever since she arrived, I have felt my heart to be warm around her. She's a down-to-earth individual. I think…I really am falling in love with Angie."
"Vic," Michael said as he patted his older brother's shoulder. "She's in love with you, too, but she doesn't want to believe it."
"I know, and after the story she told, I can understand why she feels this way."
Outside, Khenta, Ananda, and Angie sat down on a porch sofa and continued their conversation.
Ananda asked, "What is the cause of your stress of the last few weeks, which resulted in your explosion on your friend Cosmo?"
"The truth is," Angie started sadly, "I have a fear that I will fail them. I'm afraid I'll let them down somehow. It's this awful fear I've carried for a long time. I'm letting this fear get to me. I assumed Ace and Cosmo would throw me off the team because I'm not living up to the expectations. It's not guilt I have, but—"
"You're scared about making sure you're doing everything right," Khenta completed. "Angie, you are a human being. You can't expect yourself to live up to Ace's expectations. You have to make your own expectations. What do you expect from yourself?"
"I expect myself to do my best."
"Right. That's all anyone can ask out of one person. Everyone has a path to pursue, but you should not compare yourself to others. If you spend your life doing that, you'll never be happy with yourself."
Khenta's right, Angie, Ace said in thought. You've been pushing yourself too hard because you thought you were failing us. The only person you can fail is yourself. Don't worry about trying to meet someone else's expectations. You have to be the one to set your own. You're no failure in our eyes, Angie. Believe me, when you put too much pressure on yourself, things will go wrong. If you take things just one step at a time and not worry about trying to do it right, you'll get it right.
You think that might be it? Angie thought back.
Yes, that and this feeling you're denying, the feeling you're falling in love with Victor. I saw the story you told to Khenta and Mike.
I don't know if I can face that feeling.
Angie, I know you do have love for Victor. Don't be afraid of loving someone outside family and friends.
Hearing Ace's thoughts to Angie, Khenta then asked, "What is the biggest concern you have if you do fall in love?"
"I'm afraid I'll forget my family and friends," she replied. "I don't want to lose sight of those closest to me."
Kindred sister, it's okay. You have a close circle of family and friends within your heart, but it's all right to open your heart and feelings to another. Fear not of your feelings toward Victor, for I have sensed how warm your heart has become since meeting him. You can tell him the truth. You have my support.
"I support you, too," Khenta added. "Don't reject how you feel."
The two Raven brothers then came back out.
Michael thought to Khenta, ^I think we need to leave them alone for now.^
**Agreed, Raven. Let's leave them by themselves for now.**
After Khenta signaled to Ananda what was happening, the three people soon left Angie and Victor alone on the porch.
Angie got up from the sofa and walked to the balcony area, where Victor soon joined her.
The two friends stared at the red sky as the sun was setting on this day.
Silence stood between them for nearly a minute.
"Angie," Victor started as he finally broke the silence, "I really want to thank you for saving my life at that rock formation today. I thought I knew what I was doing when I was climbing, but you really came through. In addition to that, you rescued my brother before he could get hurt worse in the storm, and then you kept all of us safe from the flood waters with your powers. We're all grateful to you for what you did."
"It was nothing," Angie said nervously. "That's what…friends are for." She then turned away from him.
"You okay?" he asked worriedly. "What's wrong?"
The female magician started to shed tears. "Victor, I don't know how to say this, but…but…"
"You can tell me, Angie." He then put his hand on her shoulder. "You don't have to be afraid of me."
She turned to face him sadly. "Victor, I…I…I have feelings for you. I've never had this happen to me before, and I'm really scared."
"There's no way I can say, 'I know how you feel,' because it's not the right thing to say in this case. However, I can understand why you feel scared because of that story you told about what happened to you in high school. Khenta also told me you're not accustomed to having someone to love outside of family and friends. You're worried you'll forget your family and friends if you do fall in love with someone. I'll tell you right now that is not true. Those closest to you will always be first in your life, but it is okay to be able to care for someone on the outside, too."
He then took his hand to her chin, making her look up at him. "There is something I have to confess. In all honesty…I have had feelings of love for you, too, Angie."
Her eyes widened in astonishment. "Really?"
"Yes, and it's not because of your powers, either. It's your heart, a heart filled with love, kindness, and compassion; one that truly deserves to possess the power of the Magic Force. When you do perform, you're basically one of Ace Cooper's protégés. Away from the stage, though, you like to be just plain Angie Jacobs, fun and friendly person. You don't like to boast about being with Ace, possessing magical powers, anything of the sort. That's the biggest reason my heart has become warmer, and I have had feelings toward you. Your true magic has always been within your heart from the beginning. I'll always admire you for that."
"Victor, I…"
The two closed their eyes and came closer until their lips eventually came together in a warm kiss. The kiss lasted for only 10 seconds, but it felt much longer to both of them.
When they finally released from each other, Angie looked at him and calmly said, "I…love you. I honestly and truly love you. I never thought I could ever say that in my lifetime."
"I can understand that," he said with a smile to her. "What you've been through in your life has made it very difficult to have feelings of love outside that special circle of friends and family." He then took a hold of her hand, which was a little shaky. "It's okay, Angie. I'm not going to bite."
"I'm sorry, I'm just not used to this yet."
"That's fine. If we are meant to be together, let's just take this one step at a time. I don't want to rush anything on you. Is that okay?"
"Yes, yes, it is okay." She hugged him with tears of happiness and joy. "Thank you, Victor. You've been able to help me warm that one part of my heart that has remained cold for so long. My heart has never been this warm in my life."
"That's what love is supposed to be, a feeling. Most people make the mistake about 'love at first sight'. In our case, it's been love at first feeling. I love your down-to-earth demeanor, your personality, and you as a person. You're so spirited in what you do. That's why I love you."
"I guess I felt warmer around you because you were sensible and understanding. You're a patient person who really deserves a chance to open that riding school."
He then put out his hand. "May I escort you into the house?"
Angie took up on the offer. "I would be honored, Victor."
The two walked into the house and were immediately surprised by Khenta, Ananda, Michael, and Karen. "Congratulations!" they yelled at the same time.
Angie started to shy away when Khenta thought to her, **Angie, don't. We're all happy you're not afraid of falling in love anymore.**
Thanks, Khenta. I'm happier than I've ever been before, and I think Ace can feel it, too.
You're right, Angie, the Magician thought to her. I am absolutely thrilled for you. In the process of learning the source of your stress, you ended up finding your first true love. Khenta, thank you so much for helping her.
**Glad I could be of help, Ace. You can bet this news will spread rapidly, but let's just hope Paparazzo doesn't find out yet.**
Agreed, Ace stated. Besides, Angie will be "performing" tomorrow night. Angie, would you like to stay out there for a couple of more days, just to play it safe?
Not a bad idea. This way, I really can be in two places at the same time. Thank you, Ace. For the first time ever in my life, I am truly at my happiest point. Good luck tomorrow night.
Thanks, kindred sister.
Karen came up to Angie and hugged the young magician. "I'm happy for you, too, young one. You are a person who is truly worthy of having someone to love. I just hope things will work out okay for both of you."
"We're going to take this very slowly," noted Victor, "have time to figure out our true feelings. Besides, you have to remember that Angie is a performing magician and crimefighter herself while I still have to work on getting the license to open that riding school."
"True relationships are built on patience and trust," commented Karen. "You two are very patient individuals. You'll know soon enough if you were truly meant to be."
Angie smiled. "Thank you, Mrs. Swallowtail. Um, would it be okay if I could stay here for a couple of days more? I mean, I really like it out here."
"Of course you can stay here. Give your soul some more time to be at peace before you return to your friends."
"Yeah, and play a major trick on the audience and Paparazzo. They'll think I'm there performing with Ace, when I'm really here."
Everybody was surprised.
"Hologram, I assume?" Michael asked jokingly.
"Of course. Ace, Cosmo, and Angel have made vast improvements on the holographic program ever since that Raptor XII problem, so this should work perfectly."
"I can't wait to see the show!" Ananda exclaimed. "This should be really fun."
When all went to sleep that night, Angie in her room, heard the voice of her special friend again. I am happy for you, young one.
Thank you, Mr. Whitefeather. I'll never forget this trip, my new friends, or you. Thanks for being there for me.
I am within your heart, like your parents, family, and friends. I know you are at peace within yourself, and you have also discovered true love. May your soul continue to be content and happy.
Thank you…friend.
She slept peacefully with a smile on her face.

The next night, all in the house had gathered around the television set to watch Ace Cooper's latest act.
On television were Ace and "Angie," the hologram.
"And now," said Ace, "for our grand finale act of this evening, I will make Angie and the box she will be standing in disappear completely. Where she'll end up is not known even to me at this point, so if you don't see her in the theater for the rest of the evening, don't worry about her. She'll be fine, right, Angie?"
"You know it, Ace. Let's get started."
The real Angie could not help but laughing at herself. "Man, they really did a number on me, and I think the plan will work out okay."
"Sure it will," said Victor, holding Angie's hand. "Ace really knows how to do things when it comes to fooling people."
"Agreed," added Ananda. "We'll keep this a secret, too. After all, magicians—and their friends—can't reveal secrets."
Everyone laughed heartily at his joke.
On TV, Ace motioned for Angie to step into the box. "You'll be okay in there, right?"
"Don't worry, Ace. I'll be okay." After stepping into the box, however, the hologram immediately vanished.
Ace was ready to make this trick work flawlessly. "Okay, here we go."
Pulling the cape over the box, he steadily moved his hands all around the front of the box. "This is it, folks! Time for Angie to vanish without a trace!"
He then took the cape back and wowed the crowd with the complete disappearance of Angie and the box.
"Now, if you'll take a look at the screen…"
A giant screen lowered onto the stage, and it showed the holographic Angie asleep on the sofa in the living room.
"As you can see, my partner is doing just fine and sleeping comfortably."
The show ended in a thunderous applause as Ace exited from the stage.
Everyone went to bed smiling because they had seen another spectacular act by the greatest magician in the world, Ace Cooper.

Two days later, Angie packed her luggage, loaded it into Khenta's car, and was ready to return home to Electro City. "Everyone, I had such a wonderful time here, and I will never forget this experience."
Karen smiled at her. "Angie, if you ever need to get away from the city for some peace, you are more than welcome to come here."
"Thank you, Mrs. Swallowtail. I learned so much being here, and you can bet I will be back again."
Ananda came up to her and gave her a special necklace. "Have this as a physical memento of your spiritual journey. We were so glad we could help you deal with your stress, even if temporarily."
"It was still helpful to me. The rest of the solution is up to me at this point. I have to remember not to worry about living up to someone else's standards, not worry about failing my friends, and…not be afraid of falling in love."
"I understand," said Victor. "I'm happy for you, too."
The two came together in a kiss once more.
Lasting for ten seconds again, their hearts were truly warm.
After coming apart once more but still holding hands, Victor calmly said, "I love you, Angie."
"I love you, too, Victor. I know I'll see you again."
"Yeah. Mike and I will be back in Electro City in a few weeks. When we do get back, what do you want to do?"
"Invite you to dinner at the Magic Express. I'll be cooking."
He agreed to the idea with a hearty laugh.
Khenta then stepped into the driver's seat. "We need to go if you're going to be back there in time."
"Oh, yeah. So long, Victor." She then stepped into the car. "I'll see you again."
"I will see you again as well. Pleasant journey to you."
As the car left the reservation, and all waved goodbye to the female magician, everyone had special memories which would last a lifetime.

When Angie and Khenta arrived at the Magic Express hours later, they were both welcomed by Ace, Cosmo, Zina, Angel, Vega, Ms. LeSage, and Mona Malone.
"Hey, what's the occasion?" Angie asked curiously.
"Just welcoming you back," answered a happy Ms. LeSage. "And we heard about you having someone to love yourself."
Khenta stepped out of her car. "So, Ace, you told your closest friends, huh?"
"Yeah, I did," the Magician answered embarrassingly. "Hope you're not upset, Angie."
"Of course not, Ace. At least it's all of you, and no Paparazzo!"
Everyone laughed very hard and helped unload the luggage.
A few minutes later, Angie noticed Khenta going back into her car. "Khenta, thank you so much for letting me go to the reservation. It's been a true spiritual trip, and I hope I can do it again."
"As Grandmother said, if you ever feel you need to be there, you're welcome any time."
"If any situation warrants me to do so, I'll let you know immediately. Now, you'd better get going before your grandmother worries about you again."
The Phoenix left in her car as Angie waved goodbye.
After Angie came in, she wanted to say something. "Cosmo, I'm really sorry for blowing up on you before. I guess I was concentrating so much on trying not to fail my friends that I just applied too much pressure on myself to succeed."
The experienced apprentice came up and gave her a hug. "Aw, that's okay. Just remember, disagreements among friends is normal, and if we have one, we'll talk about the problem instead of blowing it out of proportion."
Ace then stood up and gave her a hug. "We're all happy for you, able to figure out what caused your stress…and finding your first real love. I know your heart is completely warm."
"I want to apologize for holding that bad memory back from you. I didn't mean to, but I was scared."
"It's all right, Angie. The important thing now is that your soul is at peace, and you now have warmth in every part of your heart."
"I'm just happy I have the best friends anyone could ever hope for," she said happily, knowing that she had the love of all her friends and family, living and deceased, all within her heart to give her comfort for any situation.

This was the surprise I had planned for Angie…to fall in love with someone! In my humble opinion, I believe love is more of a feeling than what is seen. I myself do NOT have a boyfriend because, like Casey Toh explained as to why she created John Iron, I am slightly afraid of falling in love.

I would like to thank Frances Marshall for allowing me to use some of her characters, and a very special thanks goes to Nina for helping both of us with getting Karen Swallowtail properly represented. Stereotyping is a serious issue, and this story brought the issue to light. Nina, Frances and I appreciate the assistance you gave us, and the lesson we all learned.