Chapter 6: The Sorceress Within
It was dawn, and the sun could now be seen on the horizon. Cid was the first to awake. He looked around the tent, seeing that everyone else was still sound asleep. Picking up his bag, Cid exited the tent as quietly as possible and headed for the water stream. Once there, he freshened up and switched into his regular clothes. He decided to take a short stroll around the area as he secured his sword to his belt loop. When he looked up at the sky he saw a big, orange, bird/bear like creature. At first it seemed harmless, but when it made eye contact with Cid, it flew towards him in attack stance.
Cid cursed under his breath for not taking up fencing lessons when he was younger. Now he was standing with a sword, under attack, and had no idea how to use it. "I guess it's just slice and kill," he thought. Cid drew his sword and prepared for the incoming monster. The creature flew closer and closer, spreading out its massive claws. Cid raised his sword and sliced at the creatures' wings. It let out a loud 'squawk' and landed on the ground. It stood back up, now facing Cid. Cid and the monster were standing at the same height of six feet. 'Uh oh, I'm in trouble.' He swung at the bird/bear like creature again, but missed. The creature lifted its paw and batted at Cid, slicing his arm and drawing blood. "Ugh! Damn you!" he yelled.
"Dark Bomb!" screamed a voice coming from the tent area. Cid spun to face the tents. It was Magus. A huge black object came towards the creature, sucking it inside. Then there was a huge explosion, and with that, the creature disappeared. "Are you alright?" Magus asked, walking up to Cid.
"Did.did you cast that spell?" Cid asked, clutching his wound. "And yes, that.thing.got me on the arm."
Magus started a soft chant and placed his hand over Cid's wound. It was the same chant he used on Maria back at the cabin. Seconds later the wound was healed.
"Wow, you really got talent, Magus." He said to the young mage, still dressed in his attire from last night.
"Thanks, I think of my magic powers very highly." Magus said proudly.
"Oh, that's wonderful! I'm so glad you have great pride in your abilities. Hey, are the others up yet?"
"Um.Raushanna and Tidus are awake. But Maria, she's sound asleep.
Cid chuckled. "Yes, she's the late riser of the group."
" Oh I see. She's a very interesting young lady," Magus commented, "I don't think I've ever met anyone with her kind of spirit."
"Yea, she is different than the other kids." Cid responded. Just then Raushanna and Tidus appeared from the tent, already in their regular clothes.
"Good morning!" Raushanna called out to them. "Did everyone sleep well?"
"Yeah, I guess, though it took a while to get used to sleeping on the ground." Magus stated.
Tidus looked over to where Magus was standing. His eyes locked onto the pendant Magus wore. Many thoughts ran through his mind then. How did he get that pendant? It looks exactly like Maria's. Did he steal it? Did he take it while Maria was not looking? Maybe when they were talking last night he cast one of those sleeping spells and stole it. He erased her memory! I knew I couldn't trust him! He's just a thief that wants money.from Maria.the princess' He finally decided to ask the mysterious mage. "Hey! Where did you get that pendant of yours?"
Magus turned to face Tidus. Not wanting to tell the teenager about the true story of how he got the pendant, he made up the quickest and, hopefully, the most convincing lie. "Oh, this is Maria's, I'm wearing it because she was afraid that there might be robbers at night, and that they might try to steal it. So she said for me to protect it for the night." He stated and walked off to change into his regular outfit, which was now completely dry. "Hey, when do we leave this place, anyway?" he called out.
Cid glanced at this watch, which showed the time of 7:15 AM. He sighed. "As soon as Maria gets her lazy butt out of bed, we depart. Then we will stop at a restaurant for a quick breakfast, and continue, following your lead. I'm only using this map for the restaurant and hotel locations."
"I'll get her up! I'm gonna pull her out here myself as well!" Tidus announced and rushed towards the tent. The group turned and watched in surprise. Seconds later Tidus returned to where everyone else was standing, with face the color of bright red apples.
"Well.where is she?" Raushanna asked.
"Uh.she's awake." He responded.
"Well.where is she? You said you'd drag her out here." Magus said, repeating Raushanna's question. "And why is your face so red?"
"Um.she's.getting dressed.and.and.I'm.gonna go to the water stream." Tidus stuttered. The group laughed as Tidus hastily made his way towards the water stream. Magus turned around to face the tent. Tilting his head, he started heading for it.
"Oh no you don't!" Raushanna and Cid said simultaneously, each grabbing one of Magus' arms.
Seconds later Maria appeared from the tent, still looking half asleep. Dressed in a blue tank top and matching shorts, sword hanging by her side, she headed towards the water stream. In attempt to wake up, she dunked her head in the morning cold water. She took her head back out of the water and shook viciously back and forth. Her hair was now soaking wet.
"Hey Maria, your hair's wet." Tidus stated.
"Thank you.Caption Obvious!" Maria said sarcastically. She then lay down on the grass, staring up at the lightly clouded sky. Magus, Raushanna and Cid walked over to the water stream.
"Okay, Maria's up, so.we're going to go now, right?" Magus said impatiently and playfully. "I'm hungry!"
"Oh stop whining, you little baby!" Raushanna scolded. Magus gave a pout that amused everyone.
"Yeah, when are we going to go anyways?" Maria asked Cid, who seemingly became the person who makes all the important decisions.
"Well, as soon as your hair's dry, we depart." Cid answered.
Magus grunted. He then walked over towards Maria and placed his hands over her hair. "Magus.what are you doing?" Maria asked him.
"I'm going to dry your hair so we can leave." Magus stated and started to chant. A small heat wave started to appear from his hand.
"Wait, Freeze!" Maria ordered, placing her hand in front of Magus'. Suddenly a crystal blue mist came from the palm of Maria's hand and wrapped around the heat wave, which turned into ice. The heat wave vanished, along with the icicle.
"What the.?" Raushanna said.
"Huh?" Cid exclaimed, confused.
"Whoa!" Tidus jumped in surprise.
"Humph!" Magus let out has he got up and stood, staring at the shocked Princess. "You countered my magic."
"What-what.What the hell did I just do!?" Maria yelled out.
"What? You don't know what you just did?" Magus asked in surprise.
"Yeah! Of course I don't I'm not a sorceress! I'm not even from this blasted time era!" Maria screamed, now shaking.
"WHAT did you say? Not from this era! Nonsense, there is no such thing as time travel! You are Princess Maria Alexandra Leifoh Cortes, the young SORCERESS OF BEVELLE! Do NOT tell me you didn't know you were a sorceress! It's in your royal blood!" Magus said in an angered tone. Maria sobbed.
"Hey Magus! Cool it! Don't go yelling at her for not knowing one thing! She's young, and still learning things!" Cid said in defense of his student.
Magus just then realized what he had done. He had hurt this young princess' feelings; almost scaring her to death by screaming at her when she just found out she had magic powers. "I'm sorry.I guess, through my stupidity, I should of known something was different about you." He paused for a brief second. "Look, I understand completely now. You are not Maria Alexandra Leifoh Cortes. I thought you were, but you're not. I don't know who you are now. I overreacted when you said you didn't know what you just did. I had a hunch you were an imposter-"
"I am not an imposter!" Maria interrupted, now standing up to face Magus. "Look, I don't even know what happened to me.to all of us.me and MY friends. All I know is that somehow we were warped here from OUR time period. And you want to know something? We're from the year 2005! I don't know what the hell time period we are in, but we must have been summoned here for a reason! I don't think we came here from out of the blue. You want to know what I think? I think we were summoned here to complete something. Like, a.job or something. When you told me about that story about the past princess, my mind was starting to work last night about all this. Now, I may not be brave or strong.or.or smart, but you listen here Magus! I think something happened in Zanarkand, three years ago, that other Princess Maria and YOU were supposed to do, but failed! I think we were summoned here to fulfill that duty! Now, no matter what you say Magus, we are going to finish this with or without you! I suggest that your attitude lighten up with me because I don't know what's going on around here. You're our only hope, our guide that tells us what's going on. Do you understand me Magus? Do you?" Maria let out, then collapsing to her knees, bursting into tears.
Everyone started in surprise at the angered, scared, and lost, Maria. Raushanna rushed to her side, comforting her, and gave Magus a "how could you?" look. Tidus then walked over to Magus.
"I think it's time for you to leave." Tidus stated.
"Fine then, if you all want to get yourselves killed, and lose Maria. Leave me behind then, see if I give a damn." Magus said angrily.
"Wait! Magus." Maria's faint voice called out. Magus turned to face her. He started to turn away, but couldn't.
'Those eyes.' he thought, 'Those.very same eyes. Pleading eyes, forgiving eyes. How can I turn away from her? How.why do I have this feeling once again? The feeling to give in to her.protect her.' "Yes, your majesty?" Magus said, kneeling next to her.
"If.if you go.who is going to give me magic lessons? I.I need to learn how to control my magic. And from whom else then the most powerful warlock I've ever known than you.Magus. Promise you'll always be there for me. And most importantly.promise me that you'll-"
"-Protect me." Magus completed her sentence. "I promise."
"Thank you." Maria said, giving Magus a hug.
"Well now that that's over, lets go eat! I'm starving!" Tidus announced.
"I'm up for that!" Raushanna agreed.
"Alright, there's a restaurant about five minutes from here." Cid informed. "Lets grab our bags and get going!"
It was dawn, and the sun could now be seen on the horizon. Cid was the first to awake. He looked around the tent, seeing that everyone else was still sound asleep. Picking up his bag, Cid exited the tent as quietly as possible and headed for the water stream. Once there, he freshened up and switched into his regular clothes. He decided to take a short stroll around the area as he secured his sword to his belt loop. When he looked up at the sky he saw a big, orange, bird/bear like creature. At first it seemed harmless, but when it made eye contact with Cid, it flew towards him in attack stance.
Cid cursed under his breath for not taking up fencing lessons when he was younger. Now he was standing with a sword, under attack, and had no idea how to use it. "I guess it's just slice and kill," he thought. Cid drew his sword and prepared for the incoming monster. The creature flew closer and closer, spreading out its massive claws. Cid raised his sword and sliced at the creatures' wings. It let out a loud 'squawk' and landed on the ground. It stood back up, now facing Cid. Cid and the monster were standing at the same height of six feet. 'Uh oh, I'm in trouble.' He swung at the bird/bear like creature again, but missed. The creature lifted its paw and batted at Cid, slicing his arm and drawing blood. "Ugh! Damn you!" he yelled.
"Dark Bomb!" screamed a voice coming from the tent area. Cid spun to face the tents. It was Magus. A huge black object came towards the creature, sucking it inside. Then there was a huge explosion, and with that, the creature disappeared. "Are you alright?" Magus asked, walking up to Cid.
"Did.did you cast that spell?" Cid asked, clutching his wound. "And yes, that.thing.got me on the arm."
Magus started a soft chant and placed his hand over Cid's wound. It was the same chant he used on Maria back at the cabin. Seconds later the wound was healed.
"Wow, you really got talent, Magus." He said to the young mage, still dressed in his attire from last night.
"Thanks, I think of my magic powers very highly." Magus said proudly.
"Oh, that's wonderful! I'm so glad you have great pride in your abilities. Hey, are the others up yet?"
"Um.Raushanna and Tidus are awake. But Maria, she's sound asleep.
Cid chuckled. "Yes, she's the late riser of the group."
" Oh I see. She's a very interesting young lady," Magus commented, "I don't think I've ever met anyone with her kind of spirit."
"Yea, she is different than the other kids." Cid responded. Just then Raushanna and Tidus appeared from the tent, already in their regular clothes.
"Good morning!" Raushanna called out to them. "Did everyone sleep well?"
"Yeah, I guess, though it took a while to get used to sleeping on the ground." Magus stated.
Tidus looked over to where Magus was standing. His eyes locked onto the pendant Magus wore. Many thoughts ran through his mind then. How did he get that pendant? It looks exactly like Maria's. Did he steal it? Did he take it while Maria was not looking? Maybe when they were talking last night he cast one of those sleeping spells and stole it. He erased her memory! I knew I couldn't trust him! He's just a thief that wants money.from Maria.the princess' He finally decided to ask the mysterious mage. "Hey! Where did you get that pendant of yours?"
Magus turned to face Tidus. Not wanting to tell the teenager about the true story of how he got the pendant, he made up the quickest and, hopefully, the most convincing lie. "Oh, this is Maria's, I'm wearing it because she was afraid that there might be robbers at night, and that they might try to steal it. So she said for me to protect it for the night." He stated and walked off to change into his regular outfit, which was now completely dry. "Hey, when do we leave this place, anyway?" he called out.
Cid glanced at this watch, which showed the time of 7:15 AM. He sighed. "As soon as Maria gets her lazy butt out of bed, we depart. Then we will stop at a restaurant for a quick breakfast, and continue, following your lead. I'm only using this map for the restaurant and hotel locations."
"I'll get her up! I'm gonna pull her out here myself as well!" Tidus announced and rushed towards the tent. The group turned and watched in surprise. Seconds later Tidus returned to where everyone else was standing, with face the color of bright red apples.
"Well.where is she?" Raushanna asked.
"Uh.she's awake." He responded.
"Well.where is she? You said you'd drag her out here." Magus said, repeating Raushanna's question. "And why is your face so red?"
"Um.she's.getting dressed.and.and.I'm.gonna go to the water stream." Tidus stuttered. The group laughed as Tidus hastily made his way towards the water stream. Magus turned around to face the tent. Tilting his head, he started heading for it.
"Oh no you don't!" Raushanna and Cid said simultaneously, each grabbing one of Magus' arms.
Seconds later Maria appeared from the tent, still looking half asleep. Dressed in a blue tank top and matching shorts, sword hanging by her side, she headed towards the water stream. In attempt to wake up, she dunked her head in the morning cold water. She took her head back out of the water and shook viciously back and forth. Her hair was now soaking wet.
"Hey Maria, your hair's wet." Tidus stated.
"Thank you.Caption Obvious!" Maria said sarcastically. She then lay down on the grass, staring up at the lightly clouded sky. Magus, Raushanna and Cid walked over to the water stream.
"Okay, Maria's up, so.we're going to go now, right?" Magus said impatiently and playfully. "I'm hungry!"
"Oh stop whining, you little baby!" Raushanna scolded. Magus gave a pout that amused everyone.
"Yeah, when are we going to go anyways?" Maria asked Cid, who seemingly became the person who makes all the important decisions.
"Well, as soon as your hair's dry, we depart." Cid answered.
Magus grunted. He then walked over towards Maria and placed his hands over her hair. "Magus.what are you doing?" Maria asked him.
"I'm going to dry your hair so we can leave." Magus stated and started to chant. A small heat wave started to appear from his hand.
"Wait, Freeze!" Maria ordered, placing her hand in front of Magus'. Suddenly a crystal blue mist came from the palm of Maria's hand and wrapped around the heat wave, which turned into ice. The heat wave vanished, along with the icicle.
"What the.?" Raushanna said.
"Huh?" Cid exclaimed, confused.
"Whoa!" Tidus jumped in surprise.
"Humph!" Magus let out has he got up and stood, staring at the shocked Princess. "You countered my magic."
"What-what.What the hell did I just do!?" Maria yelled out.
"What? You don't know what you just did?" Magus asked in surprise.
"Yeah! Of course I don't I'm not a sorceress! I'm not even from this blasted time era!" Maria screamed, now shaking.
"WHAT did you say? Not from this era! Nonsense, there is no such thing as time travel! You are Princess Maria Alexandra Leifoh Cortes, the young SORCERESS OF BEVELLE! Do NOT tell me you didn't know you were a sorceress! It's in your royal blood!" Magus said in an angered tone. Maria sobbed.
"Hey Magus! Cool it! Don't go yelling at her for not knowing one thing! She's young, and still learning things!" Cid said in defense of his student.
Magus just then realized what he had done. He had hurt this young princess' feelings; almost scaring her to death by screaming at her when she just found out she had magic powers. "I'm sorry.I guess, through my stupidity, I should of known something was different about you." He paused for a brief second. "Look, I understand completely now. You are not Maria Alexandra Leifoh Cortes. I thought you were, but you're not. I don't know who you are now. I overreacted when you said you didn't know what you just did. I had a hunch you were an imposter-"
"I am not an imposter!" Maria interrupted, now standing up to face Magus. "Look, I don't even know what happened to me.to all of us.me and MY friends. All I know is that somehow we were warped here from OUR time period. And you want to know something? We're from the year 2005! I don't know what the hell time period we are in, but we must have been summoned here for a reason! I don't think we came here from out of the blue. You want to know what I think? I think we were summoned here to complete something. Like, a.job or something. When you told me about that story about the past princess, my mind was starting to work last night about all this. Now, I may not be brave or strong.or.or smart, but you listen here Magus! I think something happened in Zanarkand, three years ago, that other Princess Maria and YOU were supposed to do, but failed! I think we were summoned here to fulfill that duty! Now, no matter what you say Magus, we are going to finish this with or without you! I suggest that your attitude lighten up with me because I don't know what's going on around here. You're our only hope, our guide that tells us what's going on. Do you understand me Magus? Do you?" Maria let out, then collapsing to her knees, bursting into tears.
Everyone started in surprise at the angered, scared, and lost, Maria. Raushanna rushed to her side, comforting her, and gave Magus a "how could you?" look. Tidus then walked over to Magus.
"I think it's time for you to leave." Tidus stated.
"Fine then, if you all want to get yourselves killed, and lose Maria. Leave me behind then, see if I give a damn." Magus said angrily.
"Wait! Magus." Maria's faint voice called out. Magus turned to face her. He started to turn away, but couldn't.
'Those eyes.' he thought, 'Those.very same eyes. Pleading eyes, forgiving eyes. How can I turn away from her? How.why do I have this feeling once again? The feeling to give in to her.protect her.' "Yes, your majesty?" Magus said, kneeling next to her.
"If.if you go.who is going to give me magic lessons? I.I need to learn how to control my magic. And from whom else then the most powerful warlock I've ever known than you.Magus. Promise you'll always be there for me. And most importantly.promise me that you'll-"
"-Protect me." Magus completed her sentence. "I promise."
"Thank you." Maria said, giving Magus a hug.
"Well now that that's over, lets go eat! I'm starving!" Tidus announced.
"I'm up for that!" Raushanna agreed.
"Alright, there's a restaurant about five minutes from here." Cid informed. "Lets grab our bags and get going!"