The 7th Warrior Trilogy12 The Beginning - Part 1 of the 7th Warrior Trilogy
Chapter 12

******

Mrs. MacKenzie raised an eyebrow.

" But, Stanton, I really must protest." She argued vehemently," The children are barely level 19. They only know the bare minimals of being a mage. As far as they're concerned, its only a duty. They're taking it like a job opportunity, Stanton! They don't understand! They don't take it seriously."
" I understand your concerns," Mr. Terada remained calm throughout her outburst," And I have a theory. You have been a wonderful teacher, but its not enough. A mage can not gain experience simply by learning the lessons. He needs to be confronted with everyday situations."
" Stanton, be reasonable. These are not everyday situations."
" Stella, I understand your concerns." Mr. Terada repeated," But I believe that the students are carrying the right attitude. In a sense, this can be mirrored with a job opportunity. And like the apprentices they are, I believe they should go out, and experience the world of magic on their own. They need to learn from their mistakes."
" Stanton, the students that we normally 'churn out' so to speak, have a minimal of a level 17 mage. They're barely 19. Most of them squeak by, by only one spell."
" One spell, can make the difference, wouldn't you agree?"
" Isn't there something else they can do, that will allow them to gain experience, under our supervision."
" Stella...as long as they know we're nearby to assist in their troubles, they won't take it seriously. You must understand, if they know we're here to simply drag them out of every situation, they'll never learn to be cautious of danger. That's what we're trying to teach them."
" Stanton. Wait. Can't we give them a different test? Besides the Route?"
" Stella, are you suggesting that we throw off 200 years of tradition?" Mr. Terada turned sternly.
" No, I just think that they're not ready."
" The Route of Cosoli will show us, if they're ready."
" Mr. Terada!!"
" Mrs. MacKenzie, I suggest you return to your meditations. You've been neglecting them, and the effects are apparent."

With that, Mr. Terada opened the huge mahogany doors of his office and left, closing them softly. Mrs. MacKenzie sighed.

" Maybe, you should take up meditating," She whispered," Perhaps, then, you'll see the danger of this."

******

" Oh, this will be very exciting! We're going to take the Route of Cosoli!" Tomoyo murmurred.
" I heard it would be tough."
" Don't worry, we're all going together."
" I know, but from my research this route is made for more experienced Magi." Bertina whispered.
" Don't worry, Bert," This was the group's affectionate name for her," You'll be okay."
" I'm still worried..."
" Maybe we're just doing better then the 'more experienced Magi'."
" Even the most experienced of the Mage had trouble in the Route of Cosoli."
" Don't worry." Syaoran repeated again," Sheesh, you're going to get white hair before your time."
" Come on, Bert. Calm down. Mr. Terada would never intentionally hurt us." Cameron smiled.

[She's always worrying.] Syaoran complained to Sakura.
[ Syaoran! You have to admit, that she's not exactly built for combat. Not to mention her past history wasn't exactly a fun-filled childhood. Give her some slack.]
[ I know, Sakura, but sometimes...]
[ Syaoran, she may not be strong, but she's smart. Her instincts have never gotten her wrong.]
[ Well...]
[ If it weren't for her, I wouldn't be standing here right now.]

Syaoran couldn't argue with that. He was still bitter of the fact that Bert had saved Sakura instead of him doing it. But, he had to admit the awful truth, that yes, that girl's instincts tended to be more finely attuned then his. Bert looked up, and he noticed the absolute terror in her eyes. She was truely afraid of that course. He flashed her a glare that said plainly, don't worry. Despite the mistakeable interpretation, she picked it up and relaxed.

[ Syaoran.]

Syaoran looked at Sakura. She was smiling at him fondly. She knew what he'd done. She was proud of him! Well, that was moving one step in the right direction.

" So, what do we do in the mean time?" Eriol interrupted.
" Nothing. Eat, sleep, relax." Cameron murmurred.
" That's it? What about all that sitting up planning what we do first?"
" It's going to be a surprise to the very end. So, there's no point in worrying our heads off."
" Hey, where's Meilin?"

That was the first time people had noticed she was gone. Suddenly, Tomoyo piped up.

" She's not taking the test."
" Why not?" Despite their distaste for her, they still regarded her as part of the group.
" It seems," Tomoyo started slowly," That you need to be partnered to enter this exam."

Everyone went silent. Oh oh, time for a change of subject. Bert got up with a rustle of her white uniform.

" Well, I'm going back to studying."
" You're always studying," teased Cameron.
" You're always at the gym." She countered.
" How's that the same?"
" You're saying I have an obsession. I'm saying you have one too."
" I do not! Working out isn't an obsession."
" It is when you stay there 24 hours straight."
" Well, what about studying..I'm sure no one else is obsessed with it as you."
" That's not true. I am," Eriol reprimanded.
" And me." Sakura smiled slyly.

Cameron found himself outnumbered three to one. Well, three to two.

" I like the gym!" Syaoran shouted.

Everyone turned to Tomoyo. She would either make it a tie, or push all the odds to Bert's defense...

" Oh, no! You guys aren't going to drag me into this too." She backed off.
" Well, I don't have an obsession. I just like to stay fit."
" Well, I don't have one either, I just like to stay informed."
" Then we're all in agreement."

Bert continued towards the library, and Cameron, after a moments paused followed. In the end, everyone went to the library.

[ You ever wonder if she manipulates people?]
[ Syaoran!]

Sakura was glaring, and Syaoran was grinning. Tomoyo couldn't help, but notice.

[ Ever wonder what they're thinking about?] Tomoyo asked.
[ Nope.]
[ Not even a little?]
[ Not even a little.]
[ Aw, come on, Eriol.]

Eriol smiled.

[ Best not get involved, dear.]
[ Dear? You make it sound like we're an old married couple.]

Tomoyo blushed as she realized what she'd just said. Eriol only smiled.

[ What's there to wonder when our thoughts are so much more interesting?]

******

" Master, the plans have been laid out as ordered. Shall I proceed?"
" Patience, my loyal servant. You have done well. Patience, we will strike when the time comes."

In the darkness, a shadowed figure bowed down before the orb where Master's face was glowing.

" As you wish."

*****

" Today's the day." Sakura murmurred as the 6 of them stood before a huge metal door.
" Yep." Cameron answered.
" So, why do I feel like I'm about to take a step into a pool with no bottom?"
" It's just butterflies in your stomach."
" Well, they're pretty big butterflies, I feel like I could throw up."

[ Sakura, you all right?"]
[ I'll be fine.]
[ Now remember, don't use your healing powers too much in front of them.]
[ What?!]
[ I don't think they know about the curse, but we're not going to confirm it if they do.]
[ Syaoran, I think we should share it with them.]
[ Hey, weren't you the one that said that we should keep it as secret?]
[ From Mr. Terada.]
[ So why tell it to them?]
[ Syaoran, they've been our friends for a long time. I trust them more.]
[ Well, its your call. Though I think later would be a better time.]

Sakura tried to calm down as Mr. Terada stepped up.

" You'll all be embarking on a quest of determination, teamwork, and character. Yes, in this course, your true colors will become apparent. Please, step forward."

All six of them stepped forward, and Mr. Terada pushed a buttom. Suddenly, the huged doors creaked as they slowly receded into the walls. Sakura felt momentarily blinded, by a white light. Then, it was normal again, and they found themselves looking at a huge wasteland. Just as they stepped in, Sakura heard a scream of warning, before the doors slammed shut behind them. She raced back, and pounded on the doors, but it was too late. Suddenly, everything around them began to fade. The wasteland disappeared, and in its place, a small mirror.

" You children have come to be tested. To tread in the footsteps of the great Cosoli." The voice sounded like water.
" Yes!"
" Very well. Step closer then. Come. The doorway to your destiny is through me..."

******

" Stop, let them back out!" Mr. Terada called to Mrs. MacKenzie from where she stood. Her eyes only glittered malevolently.

" Why should I? You wish them to take the route. Now here they are taking it."
" Not this route. You've changed it! They can't take it! It'll be suicide!"
" They, of course, don't know that." Mrs. MacKenzie hissed.
" Why are you doing this? You were so adament against the the test."
" I was. And still am. But, my Master believes that this test is perfect to fulfill the prophecy."
" It is not time for the Cleansing!"
" Oh, but it is...You saw it as well as I...the poem/prophecy says it all. You found the first part of it...and I am only fulfilling the rest..."
" The Bringer must die...for one life to save..." Mr. Terada whispered hoarsely.
" Yes!!! And we all know who the Bringer is..."

******