Chapter 19: A Lesson Learned
And so, after their adventure into the Dwarfs' Mine, retrieve the magestone, and have two new friends, everyone returns through the Dark Mirror and into the Mirror Chamber. They all land on their feet in the mirror chamber.
"Yay. We're back," Sereia happily says.
"I'm tired," Grim says, tired.
"Don't worry, we'll get some sleep after we talk to the headmage," Briar says.
"Yeah. I'm ready to get this over with," Ace says.
Suddenly, they hear someone say, "I see you've returned."
The group turns their heads to see Crolwey walking towards them.
"We're back safe and sound," Briar says.
"And we brought back the magestone," Decue says.
Then Sereia takes one out of the bag and presents it to Crowley.
Crowley is surprised, "Pardon?! You're telling me you actually went into the Dwarfs' mine in search of the magestone?
"Uh…?" Yes?" The group says, looking confused.
Crowley says, a little surprised, "I didn't expect that you'd seriously do it. And never in my wildest imaginings did I think you would actually return with a magestone! And here I spent all evening preparing your expulsion document."
This comes as a shock for those who know about it. It's like Crowley expects them to do nothing, or didn't expect them to actually try and find one.
Grim is the first to express his frustration, "Are you serious?! While we were fightin' some crazy monster for you, you were expelling us?!"
"'Monster'...?" Crowley says, confused.
"Yes! There was a big monster in the mine!" Sereia says.
"A big nasty one. It nearly killed us!" Ace says.
Then Jasper says, "But we were able to stop it."
"And Briar really saved us," Tanzanite adds.
Crowley turns to the two boys, "And who are you two?"
"These are the twins, Jasper and Tanzanite. They were in the mines looking for some stones when they were trapped in the cave by the monster," Briar says.
Then Decue says, "But we were able to save them and stop the monster, especially Briar."
"Yeah. Briar really does have magic, and was able to defeat it as well," Ace says.
Curious, Crowley asks, "Would you kindly relate this story in full?"
Sometime later, the group arrives in Crowley's office. It has a long purple carpet, with a desk on the other side. There are purple curtains with green stars and crescent moon designs on it. There are also seven photographs of the Great Seven floating in the air.
There, Briar and the others explain to them everything that has happened in the cafe. From finding the mine and running into the ghost and monster. How they worked together to distract the monster, meet and rescue the twins, and are able to escape. Then goes explaining how they try to battle it, and how Briar is able to use magic to defeat it.
Hearing the story, Crowley replies, "Hmmm. So a mysterious monster was living in the mines. And the eight of you worked together to destroy it. Then, Briar was able to use magic as well. And then, you all brought its magestone back to me?"
"I don't know that I'd call it 'working together.'" Ace replies.
Then Deuce says, "It was more like we just happen to share the same goal at the same time…"
"Oh, gracious… Ohhh… Ohhhhhhhhh!" Crowley soon begins sobbing.
Everyone grows confused.
Grim is the first to ask, "What is this guy's deal?! Burstin' into tears in public? At his age?!"
Crowley continues to sob and says, "In all the decades I've worked at this school… The day has finally come when the students of Night Raven College have joined hands together to defeat a common foe!"
Deuce reacts to it, "Whoa! No! No way would I join hands with that guy!"
Okay, one, there was no joining hands. Gross. And two, exactly HOW old are you, Headmage?" Ace questions, dumbfounded.
The headmage continues, "At this moment, I am moved beyond words. This incident has proven my hopes were justified."
"Huh?!" Everyone says, confused.
Then Crowley turns to Briar, "Briar, my doubts are allayed! For you… you possess the talents of a beastmaster!"
"A beastmaster?!" Briar says, confused.
"My students have all been selected by the Dark Mirror for their exceptional talents and potential. But great talent begets great pride and big egos. Most are so self-reliant and self-centered that they never even consider cooperating with others," Crowley explains.
Grim crosses his arms, "You make it sound like a bad thing."
"But you, Briar, have magic sealed within you. Yet in spite of that, or perhaps because of it, you were able to convince those who CAN use magic to work together for a common goal. The everyday humdrum mundanity you possess may be exactly what Night Raven College needs!"
Ace says, confused and surprised, "But… none of those words are good things?"
Then Crowley says, "Briar… I am convinced that people like you are necessary for the future of this school. And to help fully awaken the magic you have within you. My educator's intuition tells me so."
Then turns to Decue and Ace, "Trappola, Spade - I hereby revoke your pending expulsions!"
Then Sereia, and the others cheer, "Yay!"
Then turns to Briar, "Furthermore, Yu… I am granting you the qualifications necessary to attend school at Night Raven College!"
"WHAT?!" Everyone exclaim in shock
"Me?! An actual student?!" Briar says, shocked. "I mean… I don't really…"
But Crowley interrupts her, "Of course. This is extraordinarily kind of me. However, there are a couple of conditions. You just awakened your own magic, and were inexperienced with magic, for a mage, unacceptable. You might or might not be able to adequately pursue the school's curriculum!"
Then turns to the others, "As for you, Grim… Sereia… Your actions today have made it clear that you possess sufficient talent to become mages. In light of the total sum of your respective circumstances, you both and Briar share a single enrollment at Night Raven College."
Then turns to Jasper and Tanzanite, "And you two are willing to accept, you two can enroll at the Night Raven College as well."
"Myah!" Grim says, surprised.
"Really?!" Sereia asks, surprised and yet happy.
"We get to go to the school, too?" Jasper asks, surprised.
Tanzanite happily says, "We would like that a lot."
"Yes. We would," Jasper replies with a nod.
Then Grim asks, "I… I'll get to go to this school…?" As an actual student? Not a janitor?!"
"Correct. However! There must be no further incidents like the one that occurred today. Are we clear?" Crowley adds.
Soon Grim begins tearing up, "Myah… Myah… Briar, gruys, I…I finally…"
"We're so happy for you, Grim," Briar happily says.
"Hooray. We're all going to go to school together," Sereia happily says.
Grim happily cheers, "MYAAAAA! I FINALLY DID IT!"
"Accordingly, I will now present to you all the magestone that are issued to every student here," Crowley says.
Crowley then waves his hand and performs a magic spell. With that, a purple gemstone appears around Grim's neck. Then Briar, Sereia, Jasper, and Tanzanite are given magic pens similar to Ace and Deuce, but the same purple color as Grim's. Trinket looks at the stone and is interested and smiles with a nod.
Grim is surprised, "Heh! A magestone, eh?!"
"It is typically attached to the 'magic pen' that each student uses. But I suspect your paws cannot handle implements. Therefore, I have a custom solution for you," Crowley says.
Then adds with a smile, "Is it possible that I am, in fact, too kind."
"Aw, sweet! I look awesome! A magestone collar, to be worn only by the legendary archmage, Grim!" Grim cheers with happiness.
"You're not listening to anything I say, are you?" Crowley asks himself.
Then turns to Briar, "Briar. As you can plainly see, Grim remains oblivious to the custom of human society. You are to keep a tight rein on Grim, and ensure there are no further incidents! And to make sure to watch over the others since they'll be staying in the storm alongside you.
"I'll do my best," Briar happily says.
Ace says, amazed, "Wow, that's quite the promotion. From janitor to student to perfect, all in the span of a day."
"Oh, I see. So if your dorm is just you five…" Deuce says.
Then Trinket gives her response.
"I mean, six… And the headmage is putting you in charge of the others, that makes you… the dorm perfect," Deuce says.
"Well, that's gotta be a Night Raven first! A barely magic perfect? But sure, why not? Whatever works!" Ace replies.
Sereia asks, "What does dorm perfect mean?"
"The drom perfect, or house warden, or dorm leader, is in charge of the supervision of the dorm. They're in charge of the dorm and watch over the students living there," Deuce says.
"In that case, I think Briar is perfect for the job," Sereia says.
Jasper, Tanzanite, and Trinket nod their heads in reply.
Grim crosses his arms and admits, "Well I want to be the one in charge, but I suppose Briar is a good leader. Since he helped Sereia and I deal with the ghost."
"Well, I'll do my best to take care of all of you, and to help get the dorm fixed up," Briar says.
"Yay!" Everyone cheers.
Ace chuckles, "Heh heh heh. Good luck to you, Perfect Briar."
Then Decue says, "Good luck to you, Perfect. Let's see that same spirit you showed us in the Dwarf's Mine!"
Briar blushes, "Oh my."
"Ah. Yes. I suppose that does make you a perfect," Crowley comments.
Then says, "I just so happen to have a job for you, and that title will make it all the easier to foist… er, I mean, congratulations!"
Crowley then hands Briar what looks like an old camera, it's dark on the bottom and light on the top, and has a lens.
Crowley says, "Now, I have something for you. This is called a ghost camera."
"Ghost?" Briar says, confused.
"Camera?" Grim adds.
Ace looks at it and says, "Ooh, my grandma told me about those. Those are, like, super old magic items, right?"
"I would hardly consider them 'super old….' Ahem, "Crowley says. Then explains, "But it may indeed have been invented when your great or great-great grandmother was a child. It's a camera enchanted with a special kind of magic. It enables the user to photograph not just the subject's physical form, but part of their soul itself.
"Wait, that sounds sketchy, " Deuce replies with her arms crossed.
"They're called memories, "Crowley replies.
Then says, "Here's the thing: When the soulbond between photographer and subject deepens… The memories captured in this magic camera's photos come jumping out!"
"Soulbound? Jumping out?" Briar says, confused.
"When the photographer and subject grow closer, their photographs grow animated like videos… And sometimes the photographs take the corporeal form and slip out. Is that not what you youths would call 'wicked keen'?" Crowley says.
Sereia giggles, "Wicked keen?"
"That almost sounds like ghost photography!" Deuce says, confused.
"Very astute. Hence the name 'ghost camera.'" Crowley says. And says, "I understand it was developed as a more vivid way to capture moments in time in an age before video. As Spade observed, in days of yore, when people saw memories jumping out of photos, they would get spooked and yell 'Ghost!' I've heard many a tales of people who were deathly scared of being photographed by such cameras."
Ace sighs, "This tech sounds like way more trouble than it's worth."
Then Crowley turns to Briar, "Briar. I would like you to photograph Grim and the other students with this camera, and make a record of your campus life."
Grim happily says, "Myah ha haaa! Sounds like the perfect way to immortalize all my finest moments!"
"Don't forget the rest of us," Sereia calmly says, turning to Grim.
Crowley calmly says, "Ahem… make especially certain to capture the mischief caused by certain students who struggle with impulse control. Keeping a photograph journal sounds far less tedious than writing me lengthy reports, wouldn't you agree?"
"I suppose. But I'll still write some stuff anyway," Briar says.
Then Crowley says, "As a perfect, consider it your duty to maintain a sharp eye on your surroundings and record them. Note how generous I'm being in providing a rare magical item than even someone like yourself can use." and gives Briar the camera, "Is my kindness not beyond all reckoning?"
"Thank you sir," Briar says.
Before she forgets, Briar asks, "Sir, if you don't mind me asking. Did you learn anything about my medallion?"
"Hmm… aw yes. I actually did find something about it," Crowley says, and brings out her medallion, and it is still in perfect condition.
"After observing it, and doing a little research, I remember where I've seen it, at least the magestones, the star center and the smaller gems are made from," Crowley says.
"What do you mean?" Briar asks.
"The magestones that is made for the medallion are also known as a soul magestone. They can hold a little bit of magical abilities and essence of every mage, witch, wizard, and warlock that has ever worn it. They're extremely valuable, powerful, and very rare." Crowley explains.
This comes to a shock to everyone in the room.
"I heard of them. They're very hard to find now. Many believe they are just legends," Deuce says, surprised.
Grim says, amazed, "Wow Briar, you got a very powerful magical item."
"Indeed. What's more, they also protect its current caretaker with a bit of the magic essanges inside it," Crowley adds.
Ace soon realized, "So that's why Briar and Sereia didn't get burned. The medallion protected them from danger."
"Indeed. And it does fully come to my attention that you do indeed possess magical abilities, because the stone can only protect those with magical abilities. And Briar, you do possess magical powers that have begun to awake," Crowley says.
"But I don't know how I got it or even remember. Why would I have a powerful and rare item like this?"" Briar says.
"I'm sure you will in time. And this is the other condition, you must be careful while having the medallion and to use your magic. Since you just acquired it, it might be difficult for you to use it at first, so be very very careful. And make sure to hold onto your medallion. It's a very unique item, and I remember you saying how important it is to you," Crowley says.
"Thank you. And I'll take good care of it," Briar says.
She then takes the medallion and places it around her neck.
Then Crowley says, "The hour has grown late, so further details shall have to wait till the morrow. You are all dismissed. Return to your dorms.
"Good night, sir!" Everyone replies.
