Chapter 9 - The Psionics Session
After a couple of gate jumps and a portal jump, Anthony's group found themselves in the basement of the Mushroom Kingdom palace. Anthony then led them out towards an open courtyard where the Mario Brothers, Princess Peach Toadstool, and another princess were waiting.
"Hi there, Peach," Anthony said. "Is that Princess Daisy?"
"Yes, it is," Daisy said, approaching Anthony. "I'm honored to finally meet you face to face. My sister has told me much about you."
"So, I've guessed..." Anthony said, then motioning for Jenna and Lars to step forward. "These are my fellow clansmen, Jenna Larson and Lars Olson, descendants of Sir Eric."
"The honor is ours, your highness," Jenna said, bowing towards Peach.
"Please, call me Peach," Peach said. "Relatives of Anthony are friends to us."
"With the a exception of whoever a used that Pokéball as a test object," Mario said, still bitter.
"Bro...you have a GOT to get over a that!" Luigi said. "So what if a Pokémon has such a following! Blame a the popularity of anime!"
"Hmmf...I'd a rather blame Game Freak..." Mario said, still bitter.
Luigi sighed, and walked up to Jenna and Lars. "Never a mind him. I'm a Luigi. It's a nice to a meet both of you."
"Same here," Lars said, "and congratulations on getting your own game on Earth!"
"Thank, but I a had nothing to do with a that," Luigi said. "It's a too bad Wario and a Waluigi aren't a here, they'd a probably want to a meet you."
"Probably on some treasure hunt again," Anthony said. "Anyway, let's get to unlocking Jenna's and Lars's powers. Peach, what do you need done?"
"Jenna, Lars," Peach said, getting the two's attention, "if you would follow Daisy and I, we'll take you to our medical wing. You can lie down comfortably there while we perform the necessary incantations."
Jenna and Lars followed the two princesses into the castle. As they walked inside, Anthony turned towards Sasha and Amy.
"Alright, while they're getting their powers unlocked, I'll teach you two a couple of advanced telepathic techniques..."
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Jenna and Lars were looking in amazement at their surroundings. As they were walking, were finding their entire situation harder to believe.
"I can't believe I'm really here!" Lars said. "The Mushroom Kingdom...the palace..."
"I know what you mean, Lars," Jenna said. "To think we're actually in the world of what we first thought was just a video game..."
"You'll get used to it," Daisy said. "After all, the two of you will be able to visit the worlds on a regular basis now. Anthony actually felt the same way when he first came to our world as well, but he got used to it. Ah...we're here..."
The four of them entered the medical wing of the palace and Peach and Daisy directed Jenna and Lars to two of the beds. After they lied down on the beds, Peach said, "Now just relax...the incantation won't take long. You might feel lightheaded afterwards, but you'll also have knowledge you've never known you had before. Are you ready?"
"We're ready," Jenna and Lars said in unison.
Peach and Daisy began to chant the incantation, and a slight glow appeared over both of the Larson Clan members. After a while, the incantation was ended and the glow subsided.
"It's done," Peach said. "How do you two feel?"
Jenna and Lars sat up and looked around. They then saw a shelf with various bottles and vials. The two of them outstretched their hands, and then two of the bottles floated into them.
"Wow," Jenna said, "I feel incredible."
"As do I..." Lars said. "So these are the powers Anthony has..."
"Yes, indeed," Daisy said. "Come...let's get you back outside for the rest of your training."
Jenna and Lars nodded, and followed the two princesses back outside. As they walked, Lars thought, "So it begins..."
"So what begins, Lars?" Jenna asked.
Lars looked at Jenna said, "I accidentally said that telepathically, didn't I?"
"Yep," Jenna answered.
Lars then shook his head and said, "Something tells me we're going to need a lot of practice..."
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"Mario, are you alright?"
Anthony was busy helping Mario up from the ground. He had agreed to help with the training by becoming a "target" for the powers.
"I'm a alright," Mario said, "but, what a was that power Amy a used on me?"
"I call it 'Insight Flash'," Anthony said. "It directly attacks the neurons and can cause any number of effects, including temporary blindness, temporary amnesia...or in your case, unconsciousness."
"I'm sorry, Mario," Amy said. "I guess I don't know my own strength!"
"Nothing to do with strength, Amy," Anthony said. "Sasha could be considered the stronger of the two of you, and yet all she managed to do to Luigi was temporarily blind him."
"Speaking of a which," Luigi said, still squinting his eyes, "canna someone cure me?"
"Will, do, Weege," Anthony said, and then he placed his hand over Luigi's eyes and used a Purge power to remove the blindness.
"Thanks, Anthony," Luigi said. AT that point, the entire group saw Peach and Daisy lead out a very bewildered Lars and Jenna.
"How do you two feel?" Anthony said.
"My God, cousin..." Jenna said. "I can't believe the powers I know now. Can all of Sir Eric's line learn these powers?"
"Yes...and no doubt Alec is learning them as well," Anthony said, and then turned towards Peach and Daisy. "Are the targets ready for kinetics practice?"
"Yep," Peach said, and then cast a spell towards the nearby field, causing several wooden targets to appear.
"Alright," Anthony said, and then turned towards Jenna and Lars. "Okay...what these targets are going to be used for are to practice with your kinetic powers..."
"You mean like this?" Lars asked, and then launched a Force Blast power towards one of the targets, reducing it to splinters.
"Er, yes, Lars," Anthony said, "but you must learn to use your powers for more than just fighting." Anthony then motioned for Jenna and Lars to come towards him. "Come, I'll show you what I mean..."
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As the lessons were taking place on Gardenia, on Earth, Alec found himself learning more about his own powers, and was surprised at how easily he was beginning to manage them. He was even practicing something new...kinetic flight...allowing him to fly using his kinetic power. As he landed from another practice flight, Sharpe came into his training area.
"Alec," Sharpe said, getting the attention of the soldier.
Alec immediately snapped to attention. "Sir!"
"At ease, soldier," Sharpe said. "I'm just here to monitor your progress." As Alec took a more relaxed pose, Sharpe said, "How are you progressing?"
"Very well, Sir," Alec answered. "I've even learned how to fly using my powers now."
"Excellent," Sharpe said. "Have you felt any side effects from your treatments?"
"Not yet, Sir," Alec answered, "and hopefully I won't."
"Good," Sharpe said. "Anything else to report?"
"Well, Sir," Alec said, "I was curious to know when I would start sword training. After all, if I can use Anthony's powers, I'll need to know how to use the Sword of the Gamemaster."
"Soon," Sharpe said, and then looked at his watch. "In the meantime, looks like it's time for your next treatment. Report to the medical wing."
"Yes, Sir," Alec said, saluted, and then walked off towards the medical wing.
As Sharpe was walking back to his office, he saw T-Bone looking at Alec's departure and walked up to him. "Something on your mind, soldier?"
T-Bone snapped to attention and said, "Just curious to see how he was doing, Sir. I'm surprised that he's managing to use powers that Anth can't."
"Yes, it is interesting," Sharpe said. "Alec even told me that the techniques he used were more powerful than the Gamemaster's."
"Doesn't that worry you, Sir?" T-Bone asked. "I mean...Alec may want to take over..."
"I doubt it," Sharpe said. "Alec may have the power, but Mr. Bault still has the experience. Besides, Alec's duties will limit him to Earth, while Mr. Bault will be travelling through all six worlds."
"I see..." T-Bone said. "Sir, with your permission, I'd like to give Anth an update on his progress."
"Of course," Sharpe said. "In fact, I'm putting you in charge of giving Mr. Bault regular reports on his progress. I believe he's at the Mushroom Kingdom palace giving his students their psionics lessons, if the tentative schedule he gave me was accurate."
"Alright, Sir, I'll report to him immediately," T-Bone said. He then saluted and headed towards the portal room.
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"Blast it...why can't I AIM with this power?!?"
Jenna, like Lars before her, was having trouble hitting a target with an Electrokinesis power. Several of the other targets were scorched, frozen, and knocked down from use.
"Anthony," Jenna asked, "why does this power act so erratically?"
"It's electricity," Anthony said, "and if you've ever seen a thunderbolt, you know how erratic IT acts!"
"He's got a point," Lars said. "So, what's next?"
"Telepathic powers practice," Anthony said, and then turned towards Sasha and Amy. "In fact...I'd like all four of you to practice together. Amy, Sasha...you might consider this your final exam."
"Cool!" Amy said, and then joined the rest.
"Alright," Anthony said, addressing all of his students, "you've all got knowledge of how all the telepathic powers work, since I've just taught Amy and Sasha the last of them, and now you're going to practice in a series of what are called Mental Duels. Basically, you use your powers to both try to immobilize your opponent, as well as protect yourself from their telepathic attacks. For attacks, you will only be using the Hypnosis, Amnesia, and Insight Flash attacks, no Kinetic attacks at all. I'll let you pair up for this..."
As the four students paired up, Anthony noticed T-Bone approaching him coming from the portal area. Anthony walked up to him. "What's up, T-Bone?"
"Just giving you a report on Alec's progress," T-Bone said, "which I'll be doing from now on."
"Cool! How's Alec doing?"
"Pretty good! I just saw him flying before coming here, so it looks like he's progressing quickly!"
"Excellent!" Anthony said. "Any news on his weaponry training?"
"Soon, that's all Sharpe said," T-Bone said.
Anthony then noticed a look of concern on T-Bone's face. "What's wrong?"
"Anth, I'm worried," T-Bone said. "Alec looks like he's becoming more powerful than you..."
"...but still lacks Arcadian experience," Anthony pointed out. "Besides, he's being trained for Earth security...Arcadia's still my beat, and will soon be my students' beats too..." It was then that Anthony noticed something. "Oh no...what the hell happened?!?"
All four of Anthony's students were on the ground, and appeared to be sleeping. Mario and Luigi, who were watching the event couldn't help but laugh. "Well..." Mario said, "it a seems that they started without preparing themselves, and all used a Hypnosis a power on each other..."
"So I see..." Anthony said, and then turned back towards T-Bone, who was on the verge of laughing. "Not one word outta you, Wolfman Jack..."
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That evening, after a long psionics session, Anthony and his students returned to the Larson Clan homestead to rest. Since it had gotten cold, Lars walked over to the fireplace in the sitting room to build a fire, using a Pyrokinesis power to get it started. All four of Anthony's students looked exhausted.
"By Odin, Anthony," Lars said, "I've never felt so tired..."
"Well, you've expended a lot of psi energy today, Lars," Anthony explained. "With practice you will eventually be able to use your psionics without tiring as easily. Don't be surprised if you sleep for a longer period this evening."
As soon as the group started to get comfortable, Olaf and Mary came into the room to greet the group. Mary even walked up to her daughter and gave her a hug.
"So, how was your lessons today?" Mary asked the group, Amy in particular.
"Pretty good," Amy said, stifling a slight yawn. "Anthony even said Sasha and I are done with our lessons and passed."
"Really?" Mary asked, surprised.
"Yes, indeed," Anthony said, and then addressed the group. "I must say, you all performed wonderfully today. Especially you, Amy and Sasha, despite the fact you had to be taught from the ground up instead of having your powers unlocked."
"Thank you, Anthony," Sasha said.
"Well, this will be interesting," Olaf said. "I'll have to get used to a building full of psionicists now."
"Hopefully, in time, you'll have to get used to a planet of them, Great Uncle," Jenna said. It was then that she noticed Amy shivering and rubbing her arms, even though she was right near the fire. "Amy? Are you alright?"
"Just a little cold," Amy said. "Mobotropolis is in a warmer climate than this...I guess I'm just used to that."
"It is a bit drafty in here, too," Anthony noticed. "Anyone know...?"
"Already on it, cousin," Jenna said, using a Telekinesis power to grab a blanket from a nearby cupboard. Mary took it from her and wrapped Amy in it.
"There," Mary said, after making sure her daughter was snug. "Better?"
"Yeah," Amy said, and sat down next to the fireplace.
"Hmmm...I think some hot chocolate is called for," Olaf remarked. "Have you eaten yet?"
"We had dinner at the palace," Anthony said. "Princess Peach Toadstool insisted."
"Dinner? Cousin, that was a FEAST!!!" Lars said.
"Hey...pays to have friends in high places, Lars," Anthony said.
"I'll go get the hot chocolate," Olaf said, and left to allow the rest of the group to talk.
As the group began to talk about their lessons, Anthony noticed that Amy was doing nothing more than looking in the fire. Anthony could also sense that Amy was thinking about something.
"Amy?" Anthony said, sitting next to her. "What's up? You seem...distant."
"Anthony..." Amy said, almost with a curious voice, "am I done being your apprentice?"
"Well, technically yes, since you are done with your lessons," Anthony explained, and then realized what Amy was getting at. "You were hoping to be with me as I continued to teach the others?"
"Well...yeah," Amy said sheepishly.
"Who says you can't?" Anthony said. "You and Sasha are more than welcome to join me as I give Jenna and Lars the rest of their training."
"Really?" Amy asked, looking at Anthony.
"Of course," Anthony said. "Heck, I was expecting you to join me anyway. As my apprentice, you might learn something from observing their training...even though you can't become a Gamemaster."
"I guess..." Amy said. She then began to slump forward from fatigue, and Anthony allowed her to lean onto him.
"I think you should go to bed, Amy," Anthony said.
"I'll be fine..." Amy said drowsily.
"Yeah, right..." Anthony said, and then turned towards Mary. "Mary, should I bring Amy up to bed? She's close to out cold now..."
"She should be fine," Mary said, noticing Olaf walk in with a tray with six steaming mugs of cocoa, "especially now that the cocoa has arrived."
"So I see," Anthony said, grabbing two of the mugs and handing one to Amy. "Here you go, Ames."
"Alright, I need this," Amy said, perking up and taking the mug happily.
After a couple of gate jumps and a portal jump, Anthony's group found themselves in the basement of the Mushroom Kingdom palace. Anthony then led them out towards an open courtyard where the Mario Brothers, Princess Peach Toadstool, and another princess were waiting.
"Hi there, Peach," Anthony said. "Is that Princess Daisy?"
"Yes, it is," Daisy said, approaching Anthony. "I'm honored to finally meet you face to face. My sister has told me much about you."
"So, I've guessed..." Anthony said, then motioning for Jenna and Lars to step forward. "These are my fellow clansmen, Jenna Larson and Lars Olson, descendants of Sir Eric."
"The honor is ours, your highness," Jenna said, bowing towards Peach.
"Please, call me Peach," Peach said. "Relatives of Anthony are friends to us."
"With the a exception of whoever a used that Pokéball as a test object," Mario said, still bitter.
"Bro...you have a GOT to get over a that!" Luigi said. "So what if a Pokémon has such a following! Blame a the popularity of anime!"
"Hmmf...I'd a rather blame Game Freak..." Mario said, still bitter.
Luigi sighed, and walked up to Jenna and Lars. "Never a mind him. I'm a Luigi. It's a nice to a meet both of you."
"Same here," Lars said, "and congratulations on getting your own game on Earth!"
"Thank, but I a had nothing to do with a that," Luigi said. "It's a too bad Wario and a Waluigi aren't a here, they'd a probably want to a meet you."
"Probably on some treasure hunt again," Anthony said. "Anyway, let's get to unlocking Jenna's and Lars's powers. Peach, what do you need done?"
"Jenna, Lars," Peach said, getting the two's attention, "if you would follow Daisy and I, we'll take you to our medical wing. You can lie down comfortably there while we perform the necessary incantations."
Jenna and Lars followed the two princesses into the castle. As they walked inside, Anthony turned towards Sasha and Amy.
"Alright, while they're getting their powers unlocked, I'll teach you two a couple of advanced telepathic techniques..."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jenna and Lars were looking in amazement at their surroundings. As they were walking, were finding their entire situation harder to believe.
"I can't believe I'm really here!" Lars said. "The Mushroom Kingdom...the palace..."
"I know what you mean, Lars," Jenna said. "To think we're actually in the world of what we first thought was just a video game..."
"You'll get used to it," Daisy said. "After all, the two of you will be able to visit the worlds on a regular basis now. Anthony actually felt the same way when he first came to our world as well, but he got used to it. Ah...we're here..."
The four of them entered the medical wing of the palace and Peach and Daisy directed Jenna and Lars to two of the beds. After they lied down on the beds, Peach said, "Now just relax...the incantation won't take long. You might feel lightheaded afterwards, but you'll also have knowledge you've never known you had before. Are you ready?"
"We're ready," Jenna and Lars said in unison.
Peach and Daisy began to chant the incantation, and a slight glow appeared over both of the Larson Clan members. After a while, the incantation was ended and the glow subsided.
"It's done," Peach said. "How do you two feel?"
Jenna and Lars sat up and looked around. They then saw a shelf with various bottles and vials. The two of them outstretched their hands, and then two of the bottles floated into them.
"Wow," Jenna said, "I feel incredible."
"As do I..." Lars said. "So these are the powers Anthony has..."
"Yes, indeed," Daisy said. "Come...let's get you back outside for the rest of your training."
Jenna and Lars nodded, and followed the two princesses back outside. As they walked, Lars thought, "So it begins..."
"So what begins, Lars?" Jenna asked.
Lars looked at Jenna said, "I accidentally said that telepathically, didn't I?"
"Yep," Jenna answered.
Lars then shook his head and said, "Something tells me we're going to need a lot of practice..."
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"Mario, are you alright?"
Anthony was busy helping Mario up from the ground. He had agreed to help with the training by becoming a "target" for the powers.
"I'm a alright," Mario said, "but, what a was that power Amy a used on me?"
"I call it 'Insight Flash'," Anthony said. "It directly attacks the neurons and can cause any number of effects, including temporary blindness, temporary amnesia...or in your case, unconsciousness."
"I'm sorry, Mario," Amy said. "I guess I don't know my own strength!"
"Nothing to do with strength, Amy," Anthony said. "Sasha could be considered the stronger of the two of you, and yet all she managed to do to Luigi was temporarily blind him."
"Speaking of a which," Luigi said, still squinting his eyes, "canna someone cure me?"
"Will, do, Weege," Anthony said, and then he placed his hand over Luigi's eyes and used a Purge power to remove the blindness.
"Thanks, Anthony," Luigi said. AT that point, the entire group saw Peach and Daisy lead out a very bewildered Lars and Jenna.
"How do you two feel?" Anthony said.
"My God, cousin..." Jenna said. "I can't believe the powers I know now. Can all of Sir Eric's line learn these powers?"
"Yes...and no doubt Alec is learning them as well," Anthony said, and then turned towards Peach and Daisy. "Are the targets ready for kinetics practice?"
"Yep," Peach said, and then cast a spell towards the nearby field, causing several wooden targets to appear.
"Alright," Anthony said, and then turned towards Jenna and Lars. "Okay...what these targets are going to be used for are to practice with your kinetic powers..."
"You mean like this?" Lars asked, and then launched a Force Blast power towards one of the targets, reducing it to splinters.
"Er, yes, Lars," Anthony said, "but you must learn to use your powers for more than just fighting." Anthony then motioned for Jenna and Lars to come towards him. "Come, I'll show you what I mean..."
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As the lessons were taking place on Gardenia, on Earth, Alec found himself learning more about his own powers, and was surprised at how easily he was beginning to manage them. He was even practicing something new...kinetic flight...allowing him to fly using his kinetic power. As he landed from another practice flight, Sharpe came into his training area.
"Alec," Sharpe said, getting the attention of the soldier.
Alec immediately snapped to attention. "Sir!"
"At ease, soldier," Sharpe said. "I'm just here to monitor your progress." As Alec took a more relaxed pose, Sharpe said, "How are you progressing?"
"Very well, Sir," Alec answered. "I've even learned how to fly using my powers now."
"Excellent," Sharpe said. "Have you felt any side effects from your treatments?"
"Not yet, Sir," Alec answered, "and hopefully I won't."
"Good," Sharpe said. "Anything else to report?"
"Well, Sir," Alec said, "I was curious to know when I would start sword training. After all, if I can use Anthony's powers, I'll need to know how to use the Sword of the Gamemaster."
"Soon," Sharpe said, and then looked at his watch. "In the meantime, looks like it's time for your next treatment. Report to the medical wing."
"Yes, Sir," Alec said, saluted, and then walked off towards the medical wing.
As Sharpe was walking back to his office, he saw T-Bone looking at Alec's departure and walked up to him. "Something on your mind, soldier?"
T-Bone snapped to attention and said, "Just curious to see how he was doing, Sir. I'm surprised that he's managing to use powers that Anth can't."
"Yes, it is interesting," Sharpe said. "Alec even told me that the techniques he used were more powerful than the Gamemaster's."
"Doesn't that worry you, Sir?" T-Bone asked. "I mean...Alec may want to take over..."
"I doubt it," Sharpe said. "Alec may have the power, but Mr. Bault still has the experience. Besides, Alec's duties will limit him to Earth, while Mr. Bault will be travelling through all six worlds."
"I see..." T-Bone said. "Sir, with your permission, I'd like to give Anth an update on his progress."
"Of course," Sharpe said. "In fact, I'm putting you in charge of giving Mr. Bault regular reports on his progress. I believe he's at the Mushroom Kingdom palace giving his students their psionics lessons, if the tentative schedule he gave me was accurate."
"Alright, Sir, I'll report to him immediately," T-Bone said. He then saluted and headed towards the portal room.
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"Blast it...why can't I AIM with this power?!?"
Jenna, like Lars before her, was having trouble hitting a target with an Electrokinesis power. Several of the other targets were scorched, frozen, and knocked down from use.
"Anthony," Jenna asked, "why does this power act so erratically?"
"It's electricity," Anthony said, "and if you've ever seen a thunderbolt, you know how erratic IT acts!"
"He's got a point," Lars said. "So, what's next?"
"Telepathic powers practice," Anthony said, and then turned towards Sasha and Amy. "In fact...I'd like all four of you to practice together. Amy, Sasha...you might consider this your final exam."
"Cool!" Amy said, and then joined the rest.
"Alright," Anthony said, addressing all of his students, "you've all got knowledge of how all the telepathic powers work, since I've just taught Amy and Sasha the last of them, and now you're going to practice in a series of what are called Mental Duels. Basically, you use your powers to both try to immobilize your opponent, as well as protect yourself from their telepathic attacks. For attacks, you will only be using the Hypnosis, Amnesia, and Insight Flash attacks, no Kinetic attacks at all. I'll let you pair up for this..."
As the four students paired up, Anthony noticed T-Bone approaching him coming from the portal area. Anthony walked up to him. "What's up, T-Bone?"
"Just giving you a report on Alec's progress," T-Bone said, "which I'll be doing from now on."
"Cool! How's Alec doing?"
"Pretty good! I just saw him flying before coming here, so it looks like he's progressing quickly!"
"Excellent!" Anthony said. "Any news on his weaponry training?"
"Soon, that's all Sharpe said," T-Bone said.
Anthony then noticed a look of concern on T-Bone's face. "What's wrong?"
"Anth, I'm worried," T-Bone said. "Alec looks like he's becoming more powerful than you..."
"...but still lacks Arcadian experience," Anthony pointed out. "Besides, he's being trained for Earth security...Arcadia's still my beat, and will soon be my students' beats too..." It was then that Anthony noticed something. "Oh no...what the hell happened?!?"
All four of Anthony's students were on the ground, and appeared to be sleeping. Mario and Luigi, who were watching the event couldn't help but laugh. "Well..." Mario said, "it a seems that they started without preparing themselves, and all used a Hypnosis a power on each other..."
"So I see..." Anthony said, and then turned back towards T-Bone, who was on the verge of laughing. "Not one word outta you, Wolfman Jack..."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That evening, after a long psionics session, Anthony and his students returned to the Larson Clan homestead to rest. Since it had gotten cold, Lars walked over to the fireplace in the sitting room to build a fire, using a Pyrokinesis power to get it started. All four of Anthony's students looked exhausted.
"By Odin, Anthony," Lars said, "I've never felt so tired..."
"Well, you've expended a lot of psi energy today, Lars," Anthony explained. "With practice you will eventually be able to use your psionics without tiring as easily. Don't be surprised if you sleep for a longer period this evening."
As soon as the group started to get comfortable, Olaf and Mary came into the room to greet the group. Mary even walked up to her daughter and gave her a hug.
"So, how was your lessons today?" Mary asked the group, Amy in particular.
"Pretty good," Amy said, stifling a slight yawn. "Anthony even said Sasha and I are done with our lessons and passed."
"Really?" Mary asked, surprised.
"Yes, indeed," Anthony said, and then addressed the group. "I must say, you all performed wonderfully today. Especially you, Amy and Sasha, despite the fact you had to be taught from the ground up instead of having your powers unlocked."
"Thank you, Anthony," Sasha said.
"Well, this will be interesting," Olaf said. "I'll have to get used to a building full of psionicists now."
"Hopefully, in time, you'll have to get used to a planet of them, Great Uncle," Jenna said. It was then that she noticed Amy shivering and rubbing her arms, even though she was right near the fire. "Amy? Are you alright?"
"Just a little cold," Amy said. "Mobotropolis is in a warmer climate than this...I guess I'm just used to that."
"It is a bit drafty in here, too," Anthony noticed. "Anyone know...?"
"Already on it, cousin," Jenna said, using a Telekinesis power to grab a blanket from a nearby cupboard. Mary took it from her and wrapped Amy in it.
"There," Mary said, after making sure her daughter was snug. "Better?"
"Yeah," Amy said, and sat down next to the fireplace.
"Hmmm...I think some hot chocolate is called for," Olaf remarked. "Have you eaten yet?"
"We had dinner at the palace," Anthony said. "Princess Peach Toadstool insisted."
"Dinner? Cousin, that was a FEAST!!!" Lars said.
"Hey...pays to have friends in high places, Lars," Anthony said.
"I'll go get the hot chocolate," Olaf said, and left to allow the rest of the group to talk.
As the group began to talk about their lessons, Anthony noticed that Amy was doing nothing more than looking in the fire. Anthony could also sense that Amy was thinking about something.
"Amy?" Anthony said, sitting next to her. "What's up? You seem...distant."
"Anthony..." Amy said, almost with a curious voice, "am I done being your apprentice?"
"Well, technically yes, since you are done with your lessons," Anthony explained, and then realized what Amy was getting at. "You were hoping to be with me as I continued to teach the others?"
"Well...yeah," Amy said sheepishly.
"Who says you can't?" Anthony said. "You and Sasha are more than welcome to join me as I give Jenna and Lars the rest of their training."
"Really?" Amy asked, looking at Anthony.
"Of course," Anthony said. "Heck, I was expecting you to join me anyway. As my apprentice, you might learn something from observing their training...even though you can't become a Gamemaster."
"I guess..." Amy said. She then began to slump forward from fatigue, and Anthony allowed her to lean onto him.
"I think you should go to bed, Amy," Anthony said.
"I'll be fine..." Amy said drowsily.
"Yeah, right..." Anthony said, and then turned towards Mary. "Mary, should I bring Amy up to bed? She's close to out cold now..."
"She should be fine," Mary said, noticing Olaf walk in with a tray with six steaming mugs of cocoa, "especially now that the cocoa has arrived."
"So I see," Anthony said, grabbing two of the mugs and handing one to Amy. "Here you go, Ames."
"Alright, I need this," Amy said, perking up and taking the mug happily.