Author Note:

Another chapter! Also sorry for the cheesy romance. Believe me, everything is deliberate :)

I am SO Daisy in the first part of the chapter!

PLEASE NOTE that I am taking liberties with Ziggy and his accent/language. I sadly know nothing of African languages, though I tried to do my best with research. I imagine his accent to be like that of T'Challa in Black Panther

Feel free to leave a review, and happy reading!

Chapter 3

A Love Story for the Ages

5 Months B.T.H

"You were so scared."

"I was not!"

She shot her companion a skeptical look.

"I wasn't so scared I was just... a tiny bit scared," he admitted reluctantly. She let out a light laugh and grabbed his hand.

"Don't worry," she assured him with a warm smile, "I'll protect you."

"My hero," he said affectionately, batting his eyelashes at her playfully. He leaned down to her, and she rose on her tiptoes in order to-

"Oh my gods, you guys are gross!"

They paused and shot their third wheel friend a glare over their shoulders. Daisy raised her brows, unfazed by their look. She rolled her eyes at Daisy, and quickly gave him a peck on the lips.

"Sorry, Daise. Can't stop true love," she shrugged.

"I don't want to stop it. I just don't want to see it. Or hear about it. Or have anything to do with it."

"Is that all?" Noah asked jokingly.

"Yes, loverboy, that's all," Daisy replied mockingly.

Her and Noah shared a look and chuckled as the three friends turned to leave the movie theatre. The three of them, since Daisy and her had met Noah nearly two years ago, had made a pact to see a movie every Thursday night. This week's film choice featured demons, exorcisms, and grisly murders.

Daisy loved these movies.

Noah hated them.

She was indifferent.

But it was never really about the movies themselves. Their friendship, and her and Noah's relationship, had blossomed during this tradition. A relationship, it seemed, that Daisy was tiring of. Was she just exaggerating to be funny? Or was it really bothering her? She peeked over at her best friend, feeling somewhat guilty. Daisy and her previous boyfriends never subjected her to the sickly-sweet romance like she and Noah had been doing.

"You know," she started, wrapping her arm around Daisy's shoulder, "you could always bring a date to movie night. That way you can distract yourself with your own loverboy while we're being gross."

"But then how would I able to protect the masses from you two? I act as a buffer for the benefit of the public, for the common good!" Daisy exclaimed, gesturing towards the others leaving the theatre.

"Ah, yes, there's her famous altruism," Noah observed wryly.

"Exactly! I'm as selfless as they come," Daisy said with a wide grin on her lips.

She relaxed at seeing her friend's smile. It appeared she was only joking. She made a mental note to follow up with her about this another time.

"Yes, yes you are," she added honestly.

They had reached the parking lot by now. The couple waved goodbye to their friend as Daisy headed towards her car. Hand-in-hand, her and Noah strolled to his car parked on the other side of the lot. Once they reached the car, Noah, with an exaggerated sweeping bow, opened the passenger side door of his car for her. She rolled her eyes and climbed into her seat. She buckled herself in, and turned to him as he opened his door and sat in the driver's seat.

"Maybe we should cool it with the whole 'lovey-dovey' thing in front of her."

"She was only joking," Noah responded.

"Yeah, but she does have a point," she said with a sigh. She stared out the windshield as she added, "We are kind of gross."

"Yes, we kind of are," he agreed as he put the key in the ignition and started the car. He reached over and lightly gripped her chin, turning her towards him. His thumb caressed her cheek, and he smiled warmly at her. "But I love you, and I want to show it. I'm proud to be yours."

Her heart melted at his declaration. She and Daisy had met Noah two years ago when he moved back to America. Noah was a member of an elite international Magi force, known as the Gray. The Gray was a faction of highly skilled Magi. They traveled the globe for a variety of reasons: protecting non-magics, investigating sorcerer crimes, and hunting down ancient magical relics. The Gray received their name from the fact that they often used a blend of both light and dark magic in their work. They were often a source of controversy within the Magi community.

Some believed that they were no better than the Augur.

Others praised them for their ability to balance magic.

She wasn't exactly sure where she stood.

Immediately after his initial Magi training, which he was able to finish two years earlier than most, he was selected to join the Gray. He had spent three years abroad before he returned to America. He didn't like to talk about it; from what little he had told her, he did things he wasn't necessarily proud of in order to fulfill his duty for the Gray. After a particularly grueling assignment in Africa, he requested to return to America.

She smiled as she remembered the first time they met. She had been training with Ziggy, not quite being able to master a simple protection spell.

Two years ago

"Concentrate," Ziggy's smooth, accented voice commanded for what seemed like the hundredth time that session. Sweat slid down her temple. Though her eyes were closed, she could feel Ziggy's gaze burning a hole through her back. She exhaled and moved her hands in the choreography meant for a protection spell.

Right hand down

Left hand arc to right side

Right hand sweep diagonal

PUSH

She let out soft grunt as she felt the magic pulse from her hands. She opened an eye to see her handiwork.

Nothing.

She swore under her breath and ran a hand through her damp hair.

"How is it that I am able to perform a complex disarming hex, but I can't to do an easy protection spell?" she asked, frustration lacing her voice. She plopped down on the mat-covered floor of the practice room, laid on her back, and threw her arm over her eyes in an all-out pout.

"Despite what your brother may tell you," Ziggy said while he removed her arm from her eyes, his bronze face appearing in her vision,"you are not a perfect sorceress."

She sent a glare at him, but he merely smiled at her, his chocolate-colored eyes sparkling.

"I'm aware of that, Master. I just expected this to be easier," she glowered. "And my brother doesn't inflate my ego as much as you seem to think he does."

Her South African mentor merely chuckled and offered her his hand. She reluctantly grabbed it, and he helped her up off of the floor. He clapped his hand on her back as he leaned in to offer his advice.

"Your ego is not the problem, Sorceress. You are not-"

"Zuberi!"

Ziggy turned at the sound of someone calling his real name. His face broke out into a large smile when his eyes laid on the owner of the voice.

"Umhlobo," Ziggy responded fondly in his native Xhosa. Excusing himself to her, he met the interruptor in the middle of the room.

She eyed this new person warily. He walked with the confidence of a Magi official, and he called Ziggy by his first name - something no trainee would ever do. But he couldn't have been that much older than herself. She attempted to appear busy by working on basic forms, but she was actively listening to the two apparent friends.

"Sorry to interrupt your session here, buddy."

"Ah, pay it no mind. How long has it been, my friend?" Ziggy's soft voice asked.

"A year and a half?"

"Too long."

The stranger nodded in agreement. She attempted to check out study the stranger out of the corner of her eye. He was tall - at least a half a head taller than Ziggy. He had an alluring, bright smile that seemed even brighter by his tanned skin. He'd been abroad then? Somewhere sunny?

"How long are you expecting to remain in America?" Ziggy questioned.

"I'm actually back here for good. My transfer request was approved."

Transfer?

"Yes, I was informed about the incident in-" Ziggy started.

The Magi cleared his throat and glanced in her direction. She quickly averted her eyes and focused on her form. Ziggy seemed to get the hint and dropped the subject.

"I didn't just come in here to disrupt your teaching - Jeremiah wants to talk to you."

Ziggy let out a soft sigh.

"Did he mention what he wanted to discuss?"

"No, but he seemed more irritable than usual."

"I better go deal with him," Ziggy muttered. He now turned to her. "Keep practicing the protection spell. Perhaps my friend here can help you."

With that, her mentor gave her a nod and exited the room. The stranger sauntered over to her, his eyes giving her a once over.

"A protection spell, huh? What are you, a fourth echelon?" he asked, referring to her training rank.

"Fifth, actually." He raised a brow at that. She was halfway through her fifth echelon, the last tier of Magi trainees. She most certainly should have been able to perform a protection spell by now.

"A fifth echelon that can't do a protection spell?" he asked, seeming to be thinking along the same lines.

She huffed a breath of annoyance.

"Yeah, believe me, I'm not happy about it either," she said grumpily.

"Well, give it a whirl," he said, waving his hand and taking a step back.

A spike of anxiety rushed through her. What if she embarrassed herself in front of the hot Magi? Shaking her head slightly, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her brows furrowed tightly in concentration. She raised her hands as she again attempted to perform the protection spell.

Right hand down

Left hand arc to right side

Right hand sweep diagonal

PUSH

She opened her eyes to once again see that her spell had failed. She hung her head in defeat.

"You're thinking too much."

She raised her head and gave him a bewildered look.

"I'm thinking too much?"

"Yes. You're trying too hard," he said, nodding at her.

"Ah, how foolish of me. I'll be sure to put less effort into my training. Thanks for the tip," she snarked back. He let out a puff of laughter.

"I only mean," he said, stepping closer to her, "that you're getting trapped in your own head."

He made to step behind her, and she darted away.

"If you're about to do the thing where the guy steps behind the girl and wraps his arms around her to teach her how to do something, I will bite you," she threatened.

"Bite me?" he asked amused.

"Yes," she snapped.

"We'll save the biting for another time, shall we?" he asked, smirking suggestively. She felt her heart skip a beat and her face heat up. He went to move behind her again, more slowly this time. She side-eyed him but made no move to stop him. Once he was behind her, he placed both hands on top of her shoulders.

"Now," he murmured, "I want you to relax. Think of nothing. The best, most powerful magic isn't formed by thinking hard; it's done by feeling. Close your eyes." She complied, exhaling softly.

"I want you to find your magic, your sorcery. Can you feel it?"

She could feel it; that unmistakable flow of violet energy that was simultaneously a part of her and something completely foreign. She nodded, entranced by his soothing voice.

"Good, now release it."

She knew she was moving her hands for the spell, but it was distant, automatic. She felt the magic in her build, shaping to her whim. At the peak of its power, the end of the spell, she pushed.

"Open your eyes," he whispered in her ear.

Her eyes fluttered open. She let out a laugh of disbelief as she looked around her.

A protection spell. And a damn good one.

She turned to look at him, a huge grin on her face. He looked back at her with an expression of pride.

"See? Don't think too hard."

She brushed her hair away from her face and wiped her hands on her shirt. She stuck her hand out, offering her name to her stand-in teacher.

"Pleasure to meet you," he said, taking her hand in his. "I'm Noah."

And in that moment, with this charming Magi shaking her hand and flashing her another dazzling smile, she knew one thing was certain:

She was a goner.

She was brought back out her memory by Noah ducking his head to meet her eyes.

"Where'd you go in there?" he questioned, lighting tapping her forehead.

"Sorry, just lost in thought. You're very sweet. I love you too," she said softly, bringing her hand up to stroke his stubble-covered cheek. "But we should cool it with the PDA. I don't want to make people uncomfortable."

"Fair enough. I guess I'll just have to do this..." he replied quietly, leaning over to her, "in private."

She grinned as he pressed his mouth to hers in a gentle kiss. He made to pull away from her, but she threaded a hand in his hair, pulled him closer, and kissed him again. He let out a soft groan, and her heart skipped a beat. He pressed closer to her, deepening the kiss. She gripped his hair tighter as he placed his hand on her waist. He slowly moved his hand, lightly tickling her side until it came to rest on her-

A loud wolf whistle and cheer caused them to break apart from each other. They spotted a group of teenagers clapping their hands and laughing at them. She ducked her head in embarrassment, but Noah sent the kids a thumbs up in return. She gave him a small slap in the chest in retaliation. This only caused the group to laugh even more, with Noah joining in.

"So much for privacy," remarked Noah.

"Can we get out of here, please?" she demanded asked. The teenagers seemed to have been through laughing at her expense. They were walking away, much to her relief.

"Yes, dear," Noah answered with a smile.

"Are you hungry?"

"Almost always, yes," she answered.

Noah hummed in agreement as he pulled out of the parking space. She turned on the radio, and tilted her head back against the headrest. She closed her eyes and softly hummed the tune. Noah reached over to grab her hand. She opened an eye and saw that he had a content smile on his lips, which in turn, caused her to smile.

She was happy that he was happy.

He certainly deserved it. The Fates had not been kind to him either. His mother had left his father when he was just a young boy. He hadn't seen her since. His father was a great man, a great Magi; he had served as a member of the Gray himself. He had been searching for a magical relic when a curio, a malevolent relic, had cursed him with an unknown supernatural illness . He had been forced to retire from the Gray as his health steadily declined. His father, though still alive, was frail and close to death. The healers, along with Noah, had been desperately searching for a cure for him with no success. Noah had yet to give up, despite his father's acceptance of death. She admired Noah for his tenacity and often lent a hand in helping him search for a remedy. She prayed to the gods that his father would live, but she knew that his father's health was not likely to improve. At this thought, she kissed the back of his hand, and he sent her an affectionate look.

She leaned her head against the cold window and stared at the passing scenery. Night had fallen. She looked towards the sky in an attempt to find the moon, the stars. Clouds, however, obstructed her view of the night sky. Hardly any moonlight was able to pass through. That, coupled with the fact that they were driving on an empty stretch of road, made her hyper-aware of the fact that it was very dark outside. Had she been on this road before? She didn't recognize it.

"Where are we going?" she asked warily.

Noah sent her a strange look.

"I thought we could go to Wanda's for a burger. Do you want to go somewhere else?"

She rubbed her arms as she replied, "No, that's fine. It's just…"

"What's wrong, babe?"

"Something doesn't feel right. Can we get off of this road?"

"Yeah, sure. I think there's a turn coming up here," he said, squeezing her hand gently. The headlights illuminated that there was an intersection ahead.

"See? Nothing to worry about. I'll just turn here," he reassured.

She relaxed into the seat as he turned right at the intersection. She sent him a grateful smile and turned to look back out her window. She reached into her pocket as her phone buzzed with a text.

Daisy: Hey, did you hear the rumor about the mole?

Mole? What the hell are you talking about?

Daisy: There's apparently a spy in the Magi feeding information to the Fury.

"Noah? Have you heard the rumor about a spy that the Fury have planted in the Magi?"

He nodded gravely.

"If what I heard is correct, then the spy has been funneling the whereabouts of high-ranking Magi and Gray."

"He's giving up their location? Why?"

"I can't be sure, but I'm guessing they are trying to kidnap Magi who are knowledgeable in curios that have the potential to kill gods."

"Curios that kill gods? Do they even exist?"

"It's an unlikely possibility, but a possibility all the same."

"Why wouldn't the spy just give the Fury information about the curios themselves? Why bother taking the risk to kidnap skilled Magi and Gray for information?"

"Maybe the spy doesn't have access to the curio whereabouts? The location of particularly dangerous curios is on a need-to-know basis, and there are very few Magi who need-to-know. What brought this on?"

"Daisy texted me about it."

He let out a light laugh.

"Good ol' Daise, always the first one to know."

She nodded in agreement. She turned to him to ask him another question, when she spotted a strange red light out of Noah's window quickly approaching their car.

"Noah!" she yelled, pointing out his window, the light nearly at them. He swore as he tried to swerve to avoid it.

The last thing she remembers before she blacks out is Noah's hand reaching towards her and the red light of a spell crashing into them.