Ch. 18 A Festive Tournament
Two weeks had passed since the start of school. Things had been going more smoothly than Zen had thought possible. Black was struggling a bit with her lack of magic energy. She had decided after the first week to start absorbing energy from her surroundings. This would greatly increase her recovery of her former power without causing problems. Word had spread around the school of the twin wolves and their mysterious powers. While Black worked on regaining her strength, Zen found that he was able to learn spells just by seeing them cast.
Today was the start of the third week of school. Like all the other days the morning had started out with general education and lunch time was fast approaching. The routine of the day was broken however by a knock at the classroom door. Mr. Hanson looked up at his class with a smile. All the students had a puzzled look on their faces. Without a word Mr. Hanson walked to the door and welcomed two adults into the room.
The first to enter was a green snake with brown stripes. His eyes were a forest green with a golden ring around his irises. Behind the snake was a dark blue dragoness. Her eyes were a light blue. Once the two were in front of the class introductions were made. Mr. Hanson spoke with a smile. Everyone I’d like to introduce Mr. Savage and Ms. Camus. They have been making their way from classroom to classroom informing students of a special event that the entire school will be taking part in. With that said Mr. Savage, Ms. Camus the floor is yours. Mr. Hanson then sat down at his desk.
Ms. Camus was the first to speak. She had a soft smile as she spoke. Alright everyone we have something special planned for all the classes of this school. Next month on the day before Halloween we will be having a fireworks display. To start the fireworks off however there will be a pair of students preforming a “play battle” using a single spell. Mr. Savage started writing the spell formula on the white board. Once he was done writing Ms. Camus nodded to him and he began to speak.
He looked around the room. Can any of you tell me what kind of spell this is? Most of the students just looked at each other and shrugged. Zen, Black, Camron, and Caiden all raised their hands. Mr. Savage smiled and pointed to Caiden. She stood and scratched her chin. From what I can tell that spell is a mixture of elemental magic and augmenting magic. Mr. Savage nodded as Caiden sat back down. Very good, this spell is a modified elemental spell. Its purpose is to make fireworks.
Zen and Black both looked at each other and nodded before Zen raised his hand again. Mr. Savage had a puzzled look. Yes you have a question? Zen slowly stood suddenly feeling shy with the attention of the class on him. Um, yes ah is it just me or is that spell incomplete. I mean on several lines of the formula it looks like you could add things to it in order to get different affects. Mr. Savage and Ms. Camus both smiled and looked at Mr. Hanson. Mr. Savage spoke with a grin. Looks like you have a few prodigies in this class.
Mr. Hanson smiled and nodded. This group shows a lot of potential. Zen there has an unusual talent for understanding magic even when it is something unfamiliar to him. As Zen sat down he found himself blushing. Ms. Camus smiled again seeing Zen’s blush through his fur. Moving on, as Zen here has pointed out this spell can be changed to have a near limitless number of affects. However for each affect you add to the spell, the amount of magic it takes to cast the spell will also increase. After you all have your lunch break we will be having a demonstration of the spell as well as a few variations that can be used with a minimal increase in magic drain. You all will also be given a chance to try the spell.
With that said the bell to signal the end of class and the beginning of lunch rang. Unlike the first day of school Zen and Black now brought their own lunches. Instead of going to wait in line with the others the two wolves made their way to their assigned table. As soon as they were seated the both began opening their rather large lunch boxes. For today Zen had several ham and cheese sandwiches with some mixed fruit. Black had a similar lunch however she preferred turkey and cheese over ham and cheese.
As the two were eating, the other cubs slowly filled the other seats at the table. The hot lunch the class was having today was tacos or taco salad. Everyone was quick to begin eating after sitting down. Most cubs were in a big rush to get outside to let off some steam. Being indoors when the weather was nice seemed to drive everyone a little batty. Today was even more so with the thrill of seeing and possibly using some new magic.
Recess was becoming something of a routine. Zen and Black would usually just run and jump around. The dragon twins would fly around. Some of the other cubs played tag or kick ball. Kain would usually just sit or lay in the shade and relax. Since the first day of school Zen, Black, Charles and Kain would talk for a few minutes towards the end of recess. Today was no different. Soon the four cubs were gathered under the same tree Kain sat under every day. The tree had become their chatting spot.
As soon as the group was all sitting in a circle, Kain turned to Zen with a grin. I’ll bet you can already use that spell they are going to show us today. I mean how else would you know so much about it. Black burst out laughing. He was guessing. I’ve seen him do it before. He was seeing the formula for the first time just like the rest of us. Charles and Kain both spoke at once. Then how did he know it was incomplete? Zen looked down and poked his fingers together. Well um… when I was taught summoning magic the formulas would usually leave room to be changed. The formula they showed us was like that. Black looked surprised. So you did know. Ha, here I thought you were guessing. Before any other questions could be asked, the whistle was blown telling all the cubs it was time to return to class.
As soon as class resumed all the students were handed scrolls with the firework spell formula written on them. Ms. Camus was first to go over the properties of the spell. Most of the class only half listened as the spells were explained in more detail of the process of casting as well as variations in the spell itself. Once the explanations and descriptions were given it was time to go outside for the demonstrations to be given as well as a chance to try the spells.
On the way through the halls towards the outdoor practice area, Chaise started asking a few questions. Um why are we going outside for this? I mean, wouldn’t it be safer in the practice halls? Mr. Savage chuckled as he turned to Chaise with an answer to his question. Well for starters the practice halls are only to be used for basic magic. This is an advanced spell. Not only that but, we don’t generally use spells that can explode indoors. Chaise blushed bright red through his thin fur. He gave a nervous chuckle. Oh right… fireworks duh.
The outdoor practice area was a wide open area with small dividing walls that came up to stomach high to the average adult. These walls separated the individual practice stations. The practice stations themselves were quite large measuring at 20 feet wide by 40 feet long. These areas were set up for practicing magic battles. The size was perfect for the demonstration that was about to be given. The cubs could be at a safe enough distance but still be close enough to see everything that went into casting the spell.
Mr. Savage stepped up as soon as everyone was in position. He stood in the middle of the practice area while he had the cubs at the far ends of the 40 foot long area. Zen, Black, Kain, Alex, and Chaise were at one end with Ms. Camus. On the other end sat Sammy, Caiden, Camron, Charles, and Faith with Mr. Hanson. All the cubs were wiggling with excitement. Mr. Savage cleared his throat. Alright to start thing off you will see the simplest form of the spell. That is the “Snap” spell. To start the spell off you will need to pool magic energy into your hand. Once the desired amount of energy is pooled you then augment the energy with the formula. It’s just like casting any other elemental magic, the only difference being you want a delay on the affects. For these spells you want the delay to be how high it is off the ground. Usually we set a minimum of 30 feet off the ground.
Now with the magic energy augmented by the formula and your height decided the only thing left is to activate the spell and toss it up in the air. With that said Mr. Savage spoke the activation work witch was “Snap”. The energy in his hand then formed a perfect sphere. He then tossed the sphere high into the air. As soon as it hit 30 feet off the ground the sphere popped like a balloon and made a loud snapping sound witch made many of the cubs jump a little and giggle. The other effects demonstrated were pretty self-explanatory. There were 4 versions of the spell shown with the formulas on the provided scrolls. The spells were Snap, Crackle, Fizzle, and Bang. When the Bang spell was cast most of the cubs jumped and covered their ears. It was after all the loudest of the 4 spells shown.
It was now time for the cubs to have their turn to try the spells. There were only 3 teachers so only 3 students could try the spell at a time. The first 3 up to try the spell were the dragon twins and Kain. All 3 cubs had little to no trouble casting the 4 spells. While the others were distracted by the fireworks going off, Black turned and got Zen’s attention with a look of concern. I think you should set your height to 60 feet up. Zen looked puzzled for a moment then nodded. Yeah I was thinking the same thing. I cannot control my output well yet. Don’t want to hurt anyone. As Zen and Black talked the next 3 cubs took their turn casting. This was Alex, Chaise, and Faith.
These 3 had a little trouble with the Bang spell. By the time they had got around to the 4th spell Zen could see why they were having trouble. It wasn’t that the spell was more difficult. The fact was that the 3 cubs were afraid of the loud noise. This fact did not go un-noticed by the teachers. With a little coxing the cubs did eventually cast the Bang spell. The next 3 cubs to try the spell were Charles, Sammy, and Black. Charles and Sammy struggled a little with the first spell, but after that they got the rest no problem. For Black, she had absolutely no difficulty with the spells, however with her still limited supply of magic energy by the 4th spell she was breathing heavily and sweating.
After making sure Black was alright it was Zen’s turn to try the spell. Mr. Hanson had a little bit of a nervous look on his face. Zen took a deep breath and held out his hand. The energy quickly pooled in his hand then formed the sphere. Without a work Zen tossed the sphere as high as he could. As soon as it hit 60 feet up it popped, however the snapping sound that was generated by the spell could be felt as if it blew up right above the ground. Mr. Savage could not contain himself. He walked over to Mr. Hanson wide eyed. What the hell was that? Before Mr. Hanson could say anything, Zen spoke up. I’m sorry, I didn’t try to make it that big. I can’t control my magic that well yet. Mr. Savage was not convinced. He snapped at Zen. Bull shit kid. That much power is not used by accident. If that were the case you would run yourself dry every time you used just a few spells.
Zen was looking down at the ground as Black worked to get herself to her feet. She spoke with an angry hiss in her voice. Zen open the gates, all of them. Show this insensitive jerk what you have to deal with, why you can’t control your power well yet. Zen looked at her as a tear appeared in the corner of his eye. You sure that’s a good idea? Black was still huffing for breath but managed a “Yes”. Mr. Hanson reached out to Zen. Zen wait you don’t… he was cut off. Zen closed his eyes. “All Gates Open”. Immediately Zen’s body glowed brightly and the ground started to shake. Zen opened his eyes and looked directly at Mr. Savage, who had his jaw practically on the floor along with everyone that was present. Zen walked over to Black and put a hand on her shoulder. Her body glowed for a second and her eyes went wide. She then stood up no longer on shaky legs and her breathing was now back to normal.
Without warning Black punched Zen in the shoulder. Her punch did nothing to Zen however only serving to hurt her own hand. Ouch ouch ouch… damn it Zen you could have warned me that you were going to give me that much energy. Zen closed his eyes again with a sigh. “All Gates Close”. Slowly the glow faded and Zen looked normal again. When he opened his eyes again he looked at Black. I didn’t want you to have to be tired for the rest of the day. Besides I think I have enough energy for the both of us. Black turned away crossing her arms in a huff. That’s not the point. If I had been anyone else that would have killed me. Zen hugged Black from behind placing his head on her shoulder. Do you really think I would do that to anyone else? I mean really I think I know what you can handle better than anyone in this world, after all we share the same blood.
Black couldn’t keep her angry pout for long. She gave a sigh then noticed that she and Zen were being stared at. Um Zen I think we have some explaining to do. Zen pulled away from hugging his sister and looked around. Immediately his ears fell back against his skull. All the cubs had terrified looks on their faces. The adults had looks of shock. Zen started shaking a little. He was starting to panic. Kain shook himself out of his scared shock and ran up to Zen. Zen nearly bolted when Kain came toward him but Kain’s words stopped him. That was freaking awesome. I knew you had a lot of power but holy moly that was just, just wow. Zen blinked a couple of times and looked Kain in the eyes. The fear he had seen in Kain’s eyes was now gone. Soon Zen was surrounded by his classmates. Only two cubs did not join the circle around Zen.
Chaise and Alex were still staring at Zen. Alex then began shouting. WHAT THE HELL? HE WAS JUST PUMPING OUT ENOUGH ENERGY TO LEVEL THE CITY. HOW CAN YOU STAND THERE AND SAY THAT IT’S AWESOME? HIM AND HIS SISTER A FREAKS. THEY DON’T BELONG HERE. Chaotic had walked up behind Alex and Chaise. By the time Alex had finished his little rant Zen was in tears and Black looked furious. Chaotic had an irritated look on his face as he crossed his arms and cleared his throat announcing his presence to everyone. Alex and Chaise both turned around and shouted at Chaotic. WHAT DO You want? As they noticed just who they were shouting at the two mice broke out in a cold sweat.
Before Chaotic got a chance to say anything, Zen started panicking. He put his hands on his head and fell to his knees. As he sat there on his knees he cried out. I’m sorry…. I’m sorry… I didn’t mean… this isn’t… I have too… I don’t… Chaotic reacted as quickly as he could. Everyone move back. He needs some space. Zen’s classmates moved away from Zen and Black. They went and stood by the three teachers that were still somewhat shocked by Zen’s power display.
Black tried to get closer to Zen so she could comfort him with a hug. She had nearly touched Zen, but his power surged as he finally finished a sentence. I need too… LEAVE. There was a bright flash of lightning and Zen vanished. Black’s arms came together missing Zen by a fraction of a second. She looked over at Chaotic with shock clear in her face. H… he… I think he teleported. She looked around before she pointed south. Zen is in that direction. We have to go to him.
Mr. Hanson stepped forward. Excuse me, did you say Zen teleported? That’s simply not possible. The school property has multiple barriers to prevent teleporting of any kind in or out of the school. Black turned to her teacher. I’ve only read of a teleportation of this kind. Zen read the same books I did on the topic. That was a spell that has not been cast for a long time. It looked like Zen converted his physical form to an elemental form. I had no idea he could even do that. Turning back to Chaotic, Black’s expression turned to worry. I don’t think Zen is alone out there. I’m seeing an aura but it’s twisted. I’ve never seen an aura like that before.
Chaotic rubbed his temples with a groan. A twisted aura huh… I’ve got a feeling that Zen will not like who he’s about to meet. I’m going to need “Chaos and Disorder” from the house. I just hope we get there before things get serious. Chaotic looked to Mr. Hanson. I’m going now. I need you to inform Dr. Realm of the situation. If he asks where he needs to go tell him to follow my aura. Oh and tell him he will need his staff. Without another word Chaotic and Black made their way to the parking lot.
***
In a small clearing just outside of Flare City Zen sat on his knees crying. A man seemed to appear out of thin air. What have we here? A lost pup crying for his mommy and daddy. Zen jumped to his feet. He barely managed to speak. S… stay a… away from me. Being startled by a surprise stranger didn’t help his already hectic emotional state. The man for the most part looked like a brown and white horse man. The only thing out of the ordinary about the man was a pair of antlers sticking out of his head. He was wearing a simple robe all gray with a black and white scarf. Around his waste hung two rather decretive daggers. This man’s aura only made Zen more nervous. Most people’s aura would look like a shroud of flames in whatever color their aura was. This man’s aura however swirled and twisted. This made his intentions unclear adding to Zen’s fright and unease.
With a grin the man laughed. I guess I should introduce myself. The names Zain Coffer. I’m guessing you are wondering why I chose to approach you. Zen simply shook his head. Zain vanished for a second and reappeared right next to Zen. This was the last straw for the pup. He jumped back and shouted “All Gates Open”. Before his feet even hit the ground again some distance back Zen was holding a two handed sward made of his blood. Zain chuckled and clapped his hands. Oh vary nicely done kiddo. I think I’m going to have a lot of fun with you. Zain held his hand out to Zen. He tried to dispel Zen’s sword. Having had that happen before Zen was prepared for that kind of magic. Something was dispelled but it was not Zen’s sword. There seemed to be many layers of spells on top of spells protecting Zen’s weapon.
Zen was shaking as he shouted again. GO AWAY! LEAVE ME ALONE! Again Zain tried to get close to Zen using the same trick. This time Zain was the one caught off guard. Zen swung his sword at Zain who easily dodged the swing. When Zen’s blade hit the ground, there was a shockwave as well as the ground itself turning into an attack. The shockwave tore the trees to splinters and spikes came out of the ground behind it. Zain clapped his hands again. Color me impressed kiddo. I’ve never seen anyone use an attack like that.
Zen went on the offensive at this point. He went at Zain again and again swinging and missing. Zen was getting frustrated. It was then that Zen heard a voice. He stopped mid swing frozen in place with eyes wide. The voice was one Zen wanted to forget. This voice had last spoke when his power went out of control. The fact was that this voice was Zen’s power itself manifesting. It spoke with cold words. You could kill this man easily. Just let me out. I’ll do all the work. There will be nothing to worry about. Zen shook his head and started shouting. SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP! I DON’T NEED YOU GO AWAY!
Zain looked puzzled. Talking to yourself little pup? Voices in your head bugging you huh? I get that all the time. Little buggers never seem to give me any peace. Zen growled as the voice in his head kept egging him on. Come now let’s cut loose. Let me out so we can have some fun together. Zen’s frown turned to a smirk. I won’t let you out, but I will use you to save myself. There was a laugh in Zen’s head. Alright then, show me what you can do.
The change in Zen’s behavior caught Zain off guard. Before he could ask any more question Zen made his move. The sword he was holding melted down changing shape. It covered Zen’s hands and arms up to his elbows. More blood covered Zen’s feet and legs up to his knees. There was even blood covering his tail. As soon as his limbs were covered the Blood hardened again. Zen now had what looked like blood armor on. Zen took a posture that could only mean he was preparing to attack.
Zain quickly pulled out his daggers and cast a protective barrier hoping to buy himself some time. Zen however had other plans. With speed only a master of enhancing magic could manage Zen moved in to strike. The barrier stood no chance at all against Zen’s power. Zain had another barrier up just in time as he dodged one of Zen’s punches. He was not expecting what hit him right through his barrier. Zen had used his tail. Zain was sent flying into one of the few trees that was still standing around the clearing.
Zen was standing in front of Zain when he finally regained his composure. After such a hard hit Zain could tell his injuries would prevent him from doing little more than watch and see what the pup had in store for him. As Zen stood there he raised his right hand. A flame leapt from his palm. This flame was different from the fire magic Zen had used before. While normal fire spells were orange, red or even blue, this flame was white. Zen grit his teeth as he held this odd flame. The blood armor seemed to be boiling. Zen looked down at Zain as he spoke. This ends here. I’m not going to let you hurt me or anyone.
Zen started lowing the flame to Zain. As he did so Chaotic and Black came running. Zen was so focused that he didn’t see Black coming. She used an enhancing spell thanks to the power she had received from Zen earlier. Once between Zen and Zain, Black put her hands up to try and stop the flames from hitting Zain. Black was not expecting what happened next. Normal fire magic would have been absorbed the instant it touched her, this fire was different however. The moment the flames touched her she started screaming. The pain she felt was unlike anything she had ever felt.
Black’s scream brought Zen back to reality. He immediately put the fire out with a look of shock. Zen started shaking and his body began to glow. He started repeating an apology over and over. Only Black’s hands had been burned. The burns however looked more serious than anything Chaotic or Zain had ever seen. Black sat on her knees crying.
Zen stopped shaking and looked up at the sky. Both his eyes glowed bright as he spoke. I need your help now. Please help me. I have to heal her. Zen closed his eyes as his body started to shine. The light was so intense that nothing could be seen. Black and Zain both gasped as they both felt the light’s effects. Their pain faded and was soon completely gone. As the light faded back to a faint glow Black and Zain realized they were not the only things to be healed. Where the stumps of the many shattered trees stood there were now saplings looking to be a couple of years old.
Not that her pain was gone Black made her move. She quickly got to her feet and jumped to Zen. Once she had her hands on him she closed his gates resealing his power. With his power once again sealed Zen collapsed. Thankfully Black was right there to catch him. The blood that covered Zen soon lost its energy and turned back to a liquid state.
Chaotic could see that Zen had only fainted. His attention turned to Zain who still sat with a look of shock. What the hell were you thinking Zain? I’m sure Lucy gave a report about Zen’s state of mind being unstable. Black looked to Chaotic shocked. You know this nut job? Chaotic nodded with a sigh. Unfortunately yes, I know this nut job quite well. We were all part of a team during the demon war. Zain may seem crazy but he is one of the best tactical officers we had during the war. I find it hard to believe the council approved of you being here Zain.
It took Zain a moment to shake the shock of what had just happened. Y-yea I was acting on my own again. I sensed the kid’s power and decided to investigate. I didn’t think he would go off like that. Also what the hell was with him talking to himself? Does he do that a lot? Black’s eyes went wide. His power is more advanced that either of you know. It has reached a state that it can manifest as a voice. I thought the seal would keep it from affecting Zen. It looks like when his seal is open it can still affect him. Zen won’t ever talk about it. He struggles to understand what it is. I myself can’t fully comprehend what his power really is.
Chaotic scratched the back of his head as he began to speak. Well this has been a learning experience for us all. I think we should get Zen back to the house so he can rest for now. When we get there we can talk. Zain you’re coming with us. I have some questions for you. Are you okay to walk? Zain nodded as he stood. Yea I think your little pup there healed me without meaning to. I was sure I had a broken arm and a couple of shattered ribs. Now I’m right as rain. Chaotic walked over to Zen and picked him up. After a little hike through a wooded area, they reached Chaotic’s car. Chaotic had driven like a mad man to get to the edge of town where Zen had teleported to. It would be a good thirty plus minutes to drive back home.
At the car Dr. Realm was waiting for them. He had his arms crossed as he leaned on Chaotic’s car. Looks like you had this handled. I could sense everything as I was on my way. He looked at Zain. You’ve got to be an idiot to try and get close to someone who is in a state of panic. You’re lucky you weren’t killed. At any rate I will meet you all at the Storm residence. There is much we must discuss.
As soon as the group was in the car and after Dr. Realm had left, Chaotic sighed. Things were going so well. I just hope we can recover from this. He looked in the back seat at Zen who was sleeping while leaned against Black. I sure hope he will be alright. With that the car was started and Chaotic began what felt like the longest thirty minute drive of his life.
