Author Note: I actually had to resreach how wolves play. It reminded me on how I play use to play with my best friend, minus the biting each other, when we were in kindergarten. It wasn't easy to find this because animal resreaches don't really look at this stuff and videos online are scarce. But they are so adorable. And I'm updating this a week late because of me writing up more chapters and being so busy. My mind jumps from place to place a lot and that's how my mind works. The night I finished editing and about to update, I fell asleep and went to a water park the next day without logging on the internet.

"Claire. Claire." I hear that siren's voice again.

I open my eyes but see nothing but darkness around me. I feel weightless, like I'm hovering mid-air, but I can only look around. The voice keeps calling my name. "Who's there?" I ask, searching around for the source.

"Claire, do you remember me? Do you know my voice?"

Then it hits me. "It's you! You're the voice that sang my lullaby and who led me to get back to the shore."

"Yes! Come to me. Come to me, Claire." The voice confirms and repeats.

But I still can't see her. "Where are you?"

"I'm here."

I feel something soft touch my hand and warmth behind me. I see a tall, beautiful woman in a blue 11th-century gown. She glows, and it's so intense I cover my eyes. I can't see the details of her face. But she feels so familiar to me.

"At last, we meet my precious little angel."

"Who-who are you?" I ask curiously but nervous, trying to adjust to the light coming from her.

"My name is Veronica." She replies.

"Veronica. Like Veronica of Galot?" I ask, thinking it's my ancestor. She smiles and nods her head, making me feel excited.

"Come to me, Claire. I've been waiting for you for a long time. Come to me." She replies and extends her hand to me.

I cautiously walk towards her and reach for her hand. But when I do, it's transparent and goes through my hand. "Here I am!" I call out, feeling her drift away. "Wait! Don't go!"

"Come to me, Claire, and remember. You must come to me." She says before fading away.

"Wait! Wait for me!" I shout, trying to reach for her again. "I'm coming!"

She fades entirely away, and a castle takes her place. "This is where I am. Keep going on to England. Come to me and remember."

I hear my heart pacing fast and hard in my chest as I run. Run as fast as I can. Thanks to about a year of training and running from trolls, I'm pretty fast, but this is rocky terrain. The rocks slow me down, but I keep my footing and speed. I hear my friends cheering in my ears. I hear someone behind me, which is good. I am winning. Yes! But the shooting pain in my body comes back, slowing me down a bit more to catch my breath. I have to win. I keep up, even if my legs are on fire and my chest makes breathing hard. I still hear the cheering of my friends. And Morgana. Is she watching? I press forward and see my friends at the finish line, but Nymeria speeds past me and crosses it.

"Nymeria wins!" Blinky cheers as I slow down toward the finish line, panting. Douxie and Nari thought it would be a good idea for me to race Nymeria as a wolf. I cross the line and lay down, exhausted, panting, and hoping to relieve some pain. Jim gets down to my level and pets me behind the ears.

"You did good, Claire."

I smile and wag my tail.

"Ok, Claire, time to turn back," Zoe says calmly, making me groan.

"Guys, let Claire get used to this form. You remember what happened yesterday." Jim protest.

"Jim has a good idea. That could also help Claire transform between both forms since she's not used to this one." Douxie agrees and turns to me. "What do you think, Claire? It's up to you."

I like Jim's idea but don't want to stay in this body. It's unnatural, and I want to be back into my body. What if I get stuck like this? How am I going to be able to transform between forms? However, I don't want to change back. It's painful, and I'm already tired of running. I lift my head and nod.

"Walk around and get used to your new senses," Douxie instructs, and I weakly stand up on all four legs.

I do what Douxie says but still struggle with my vision. All I can see is in three colors. I think the worse is my hearing. It's good I can hear quiet things from far away, but I jump every time I hear something come close, even the slightest sound. I make sure I don't walk far from the camp. Jim and the others decide to train while I'm still roaming around. I'm all alone.

"Hey!"

I turn around and see Nymeria smiling and wagging her tail, but I can't talk to her. So I try to howl, which doesn't work well.

"Don't worry, Claire. Wolves don't need to howl to talk. I can understand you." She replies. "Do you wanna play?"

I don't know how to play with another wolf. I do know how to play with a dog as a human, and I have seen videoes of wolves playing with each other, so why not I give it a shot? I haven't played with Nymeria since we met. Nymeria grabs a stick to warm me up, and we play tug-of-war. I pull as hard as possible with my sharp teeth, and Nymeria does the same. I'm a quick learner, and we start circling, trying our best to win, growling. I rip the stick out of Nymeria's mouth but lose my footing, almost falling.

"Looks like you still need to work on your balance, but you won!" Nymeria says calmly, coming closer to me.

I smile and want to continue playing. We playfully wrestle each other, making me get used to fighting as a wolf. Jim comes towards us and shouts for us to stop, but I know Nymeria won't hurt me as she tries not to bite me. We both get each other down and head-bud each other. I soon give up and roll on my back. I see Nari run toward me with Douxie, Zoe, and Archie. I get up and run. I don't want to transform back. I'm afraid of the pain. I hear them call me to come back. I'm not ready yet. But I feel my body shift. I feel my magic flow and my heart pumping. I jump and feel my physical change, making me fly in the air and fall hard on my back. I howl in a human voice. My head hurts, and every part of my body is in pain.

"Claire!" I hear Douxie shout and see him, Jim, Nymeria, Nari, and Archie upside down, running toward me. "Are you ok?"

I lean to one side, and the rest of my body falls to the ground. "Hey, guys!" I groan. "I'm fine."

"You did it!" Nymeria cheers.

"But it hurts and is difficult," I reply while Jim helps me reach my feet.

"You'll get used to it, Claire," Archie says calmly. "And you need to control your emotions."

Jim and I glance at each other and roll our eyes. "Yeah! Like that hasn't helped anyone before." I mutter.

"Are you ready to do a magic lesson, Claire?" Douxie asks with slight concern.

Even if I have a bit of a headache, I can handle another challenge. I nod my head despite Jim's concern. To soothe him, Douxie promises this won't be physically painful. We walk to the camp and see Blinky and Toby help tutor Mary and Darci in fighting.

"I would be much better if I had some armor and a bow and arrow," Darci mutters in annoyance.

"Same with me," Mary adds. "I would like a rope dart; I don't like using a sword or a staff."

I chuckle and shake my head, walking toward them. "Sorry guys, that's all we have," I say, sympathetic.

"What's a rope dart?" Aja asks curiously.

"It's a Chinese weapon and part of Mary's culture. And a bow and arrow is an African weapon, part of Darci's culture." I explain.

"But as Claire says, we only have swords and staffs," Jim says, slightly ashamed.

"Wait, Claire! Can't you conjure anything, including weapons?" Archie asks me before turning to the Akiridion siblings. "And can't you two create any kind of weapon in the world?"

I roll my eyes. "I can, but only I can use and hold them."

"And I don't know how to create a bow and arrow or a 'rope dart.'" Krel corrects. "It's not part of Akiridion culture."

"We'll figure something out as this journey goes on," Blinky reassures us.

"Claire!" Douxie calls out. "Get your spell book, and we'll start."

I rush to my and Jim's stuff and grab the correct item. "What are we doing today?" I ask as I return to the two wizards, handing Douxie my spell book.

"A meditation exercise." He replies.

"Ummm... Douxie, aren't we supposed to prepare for battling the Arcane Order?" I ask in confusion.

"Yes, but meditation helps witches and wizards connect with their powers, especially yours."

"But Douxie, we've already done that before. That's boring! I want to learn how to fight with my powers." I complain, making Douxie huff.

"Claire, we need to move slowly. Trust me; it will help you connect and fight better with your powers." He reassures me, trying to contain his patience with me.

I can't believe this is where his mind is going. We're running from the world's most potent force, and Douxie wants to slow my lessons down. I can't, not after losing one of the most influential people in my life to the threat we're up against, but I restrain myself, biting my lip and clenching my fist. I take a deep breath and agree with Douxie.

Douxie opens my spell book and flips to a specific page. "This meditation practice is called convergence. This is a severe part of the connection with your powers. You must do this correctly, but once mastered, it will protect you from anyone who tries to touch you. I decided you're ready for this." Douxie explains.

Good! Something interesting. But... "That doesn't sound good."

"Yeah. It's pretty risky, and it's difficult, and you have to focus on controlling it and returning to yourself, but it will help you be stronger with your powers and protect you when once you master it."

"And all of you must stay back and be quiet," Zoe says to my friends.

"Why?" Blinky asks.

"This meditation needs total focus for Claire, and she needs to be at peace of mind; sounds will only make it worse for her. She needs total concentration." She replies. "If you want to help her."

Everyone agrees and backs away from Douxie and me.

"Are you ready, Claire?"

I take a deep breath and nod my head. I might fail as I'll be alone to get out. But I know I can do it. "I'm ready."

Douxie smiles and nods his head. He opens my book and flips to a specific page. "Alright. First, close your eyes."

I obey.

"Don't focus on entering into the Shadow realm. You must concentrate, and feel the presence of what you see, hear, and feel inside. Take a deep breath and relax. Feel the magic all around you."

I think of what he says—the air and ground around me. I open my palm and allow my guard to drop. I feel the connection between my powers and the shadows around me, but it's not just that. I feel something inside me. A source of positive strength and energy that gives me the sensation of weightlessness. My magic spreads around me from head to toe.

"Do you feel it?" I hear Douxie's voice.

"I feel it," I reply calmly.

"Now, think of a very happy memory, a very powerful memory. Remain focused on that memory. Feel it connect from your powers."

I do as he says. My magic flows to every part of my body. I lose my sense of hearing and can't seem to open my eyes. I imagine being in and place where nothing bad is there—all of the good memories of my life. I feel myself glow and open my eyes. My mom looks around for something in our house and living room.

"Where are you?" She says, trying to hold in a chuckle. "Come out, come out."

I hear a little giggle behind me. I turn around, and there, in a little crack of a wooden cabinet, I can see the face of a young girl; I can't capture her facial features as she disappears.

"I'm coming to get you," Mom says, looking near the couch. She looks behind it but finds nothing. She smirks and continues looking around the area. I hear the giggling again and a small creek. I turn around and see the girl peaking her head out, covering her mouth. She has long dark, beautiful hair and brown eyes. I smile. It's me. "Where is my mischievous little girl?" Mom says sarcastically, talking to herself and rubbing her chin. The little girl slowly comes out of the cabinet and walks towards Mom. "I'm going to gobble her up when I find her." She says before turning around and lighting up, running. The little girl squeals, trying to run away in the opposite direction, but Mom grabs her and sits on the floor. She locks her arms around the little girl and starts tickling her, making her laugh.

I remember this memory. Mom and I always used to play with each other. Mom was board games, and mine was hide-and-seek. Mom was still in college when she had me at 20. Thankfully, Dad helped support her by taking care of me. I look up and see a picture of me when I was two, Dad and Mom in her college graduation cap and gown. She holds me in her arms while I hold her diploma. It reminds me of the picture of Barbara with a seven-year-old Jim next to her in the hallway of their house when you first open the door. Barbara is in a cap and gown with her diploma in her hand while Jim stands, looking handsome for a boy his age. Near it is a picture of Barbara's ex-husband and Jim's Dad, wearing a military uniform. Jim told me that picture stayed in her room in the first few years of his disappearance, but after she got her Ph.D., she moved it downstairs where it is now. It's hidden in a dark corner of the wall. Out of sight, out of mind. I only found it when I came over to Jim's house once, but I find it odd that Barbara still has a picture of her ex-husband, who abandoned her and Jim, on the wall. The glass was cracked after we came home from New Jersey and Camelot. Barbara explained that when Mr. Strickler saw the picture, they got into an argument, and he took it off the wall and threw it on the floor. She cleaned it up and put the picture back up. Even though they say otherwise, I think Barbara still loves James, and Jim misses his father.

I feel my magic grow. I love this place, living in the happiest memory of my life. Then, I feel sadness come to my heart, making the joy disappear. I think of something I wish to forget, Abuela dying in my arms. With one motion, I slash into my skin again. I react similarly, but as I feel my magic rush to my cut, I cry, pressing it down. I feel myself in Abuela's room, watching her weak fame slowly fade. I begged her to stay with me, but her grip loosened in my hand, and I desperately clung to her. Then, her heartbeat stops, making mine drop. I snap back to reality and collapse to the ground.

"Claire, are you ok?" Douxie asks worryingly, helping me steady myself. "This isn't like you.

"Sorry, Douxie. It's just hard for me to focus and think positive emotions." I sigh, looking down to the ground, feeling tears come to my eyes. "I had it. But I just can't stop thinking about Abuela." I want to, but I can't grieve over her. Probably Mom is going through a similar thing; she'll be able to grieve with the entire family and Dad but is worried about her daughter again.

Douxie places a hand on my shoulder. "Are you sure you want to continue?"

I look up at him and nod my head. "We have to continue."

"Claire, I know you are anxious, but you should be able to grieve for your grandmother. It's ok."

I shake my head. "No! I want to prepare to face the Arcane Order again. Abuela might want me to take it one step at a time, but I can't stop now." I snap in determination.

Douxie sighs and agrees to go forward, except for the previous meditation. So we mostly review everything I've learned from the past month. After a while, we finish, and I walk over to my friends. "Sometimes I worry, but I'm impressed by your determination." He whispers.

Steve thought it was a good idea for us to fight each other. He picks Jim and Aja. They agree and take out their weapons, Jim using a sword and Aja, a staff. Of course, Aja defeats Jim, making Steve laugh. I can't stand seeing or hearing someone making fun of my boyfriend, especially Steve, but Jim defends himself by challenging him to a duel. Confidently, Steve agrees, looking superior and smiling proudly. I hear some giggles and muttering around and behind me. I turn to Blinky, AAARRRGGHH!, and Toby, all of us looking at each other in shock. We all know Jim will win, knowing what he can do. Steve gets out his tooth hammer.

Toby's is bigger than his, and Jim can still defend against it. The fight starts, and, as expected, Jim wins, making all of us laugh hysterically. Karma. Mary is getting better at using a staff. She challenges Krel to a duel. He's reluctant as she is cocky but agrees, promising not to hurt her. He is gentle to her, but Mary runs into him, making them fall to the ground. Krel is on the floor, and Mary is on top of him, straddling him. They blush and look at each other while everyone, including Aja, laughs.

"Looks like I can never master years of your talent," Mary says nervously, getting off Krel.

"With practice and time, you can." He reassures her, helping Mary off the ground.

"Hey Claire," We hear Steve shout and turn to him. "Why don't you and Jim duel?"

I look at Jim, and he looks pale as a ghost.

"No, I'm not!" Jim shoots it down.

"Oh, come on, Lake, the way Claire fights, you won't hurt her," Steve says sarcastically. "What are you... scared?"

"I'm not going to hurt Claire again." He snaps back, staring at Steve with angry eyes.

"Again?" Aja questions in concern.

"It's a long story, guys." I hiss before turning to Steve. "And if you don't stop pressuring Jim, I'll show you how I can fight," I growl, making Steve back away from us.

"Should we continue training?" Krel asks.

"I want to take a break." Darci whines.

"Darci is right. We have been training for a long time and are tired." I say. "Let's all take a break, eat and rest before traveling again."

"I agree!" Mary replies in exhaustion.

"Me too!" Toby adds.

"Alright! Claire calls it." Blinky says.

We all sit down, and I read more of Morgana's diary. Not to find a clue. It seems that her words are comforting to me. I can see a window into Morgana's life, knowing how she felt, her hopes and dreams, and most of all, her fears, pain, and vulnerabilities.

Author Note: I was struggling with creating a lesson for Claire when I know what to do for what everyone else is doing. But I manage to make up a lesson for her. I looked into both Morgana in literary history and Wizards for her diary. We'll get in more of that later. Please review! I appreciate them a lot.