The paper scrawling grew more and more complex as Reese kept adding runes and lines to it, each representing a movement or way of shaping his body. He knew he could make this work. The problem was he just didn’t have any mana inside of him, so he couldn’t make it flow through his body, not normally anyway. He’d have to use the mana around him.

Sometimes, when he used very specific movements or hand gestures, he could just barely sense something. So that’s what he would do. Emilie mentioned how an incomplete or weak cast would feel 'less'. Like there was just less mana moving around, but he could still use what was there.

His research and conclusions at this point were little more than educated guess work, but it seemed to make sense. Mana seemed like it would flow around different objects, like the boundary layer between them would conduct a small amount of it. In his notebook were several new ideas and theories that he had been considering but were all just beyond his ability to investigate currently.

For now, he had a few new things to test. As he shaped his hand a small amount of mana would flow around it, but he suspected that each type should flow at a different rate depending on the configuration. If he moved just right, he could reinforce one type of mana and diminish the others.

It would be like invoking the mana directly. He also suspected it would also be like how a mana a circuit might work on a physical enchantment, he really needed to find a good book on enchanting. Regardless, the process would be hard, from his reading residual mana was always weaker than even the tiniest of gates.

After looking it all over, he had a plan. And 3 spells to try with a few variations. A water bolt spell, a wind burst spell, and a fire bolt spell. He wasn’t sure about the wind spell, but the other two should work.

In the distance, an all-clear bell could be heard as another, possibly the same Fire Dragon passed by. It seemed they were getting more frequent, but Reese could remember each summer had something similar happen. This world had dragons; they were as much a part of it as he was. Just something you learned to live with.

Thinking on it, his mind ran with thoughts of adventure as he imagined himself climbing that mountain in the distance and using his newly acquired magics to slay the fearsome foe. Well, that wouldn’t be today at least, he hadn’t even learned magic yet. Besides, killing something just because you could wasn’t what heroes did. Best to live and let live.

Looking out the window his mind returned to the village as it’s people returned to their daily routines, and it was clearly becoming late being near noon. Prior days, Emilie would show around noon so they'd probably get about the same time. It had only been a week since he had met her, but they had become very fast friends. The truth is both were lonely, and looking for friends or more maybe Nakama, to use the phrase of a nation that didn't even exist in the world.

Also, thinking about things that don’t exist in the world, Reese found it challenging at times to tell the time. There were no clocks, or at least none in the town. Some larger cities used water clocks, which just seemed weird. The closest to an accurate time keeping device in the village was a sundial. This led to everyone having a laxer view of time and its passage. Noon was noon, midnight was still midnight, but everything between, was variable. Sure, there was always dawn or dusk as anchors, but they moved. Each day it would be at a different time, 6AM was always dawn, 6PM always dusk. Which meant a 12-hour day could be longer than a 12-hour night.

For those who have only known this reality, it was just obvious. But for Reese, even after 6 years it was still weird. Just something else to get used to. Though, it did lead to some questions, such as ‘why no clocks?’ One of the many notes in his now nearly full notebook.

Grabbing the book, he ran out the door. It was hard to contain his excitement as he jogged behind the house to their hill. He knew this would work, it had to.

Emilie sat on the hill waiting for him. He hoped she hadn’t been waiting long. Regardless, today was the day and after a few minutes of discussion and warming up, she was watching him intently as he tried a new method of spell casting. One that was at best hinted at in the books, but never explained. In truth, very few people or books would go the direction he is, it just wasn’t worth the effort. Most books looked at invoking only from the gate standpoint, because for many that was both the easiest way and the only way. Obviously, that just wasn’t possible for him.

“Emilie!” He called to the bored looking girl. “Hey! Sorry, you weren’t waiting for me I hope? I had to digest everything you told me.”

“No, not that long.” With a smile she shook her head, hiding the truth.

He pulled out his notebook and flipped through some pages, trying to find his note from earlier. “So, I’ve got some new spell ideas sketched out. I don’t think I can do spell spoke like you and, everyone else. I think I could invoke something though, I just had to change things.”

“Invoke?”

“Yeah, it’s one of the three types of casting. The books I’ve read say it’s a way to call upon your body to aid your casting. In theory, it’s used for more advanced spells, but since I don’t have a gate at all I thought maybe I could try it.” He found what he was looking for and looked up at her with a defiant smile.

“Oh, neat!” Her eyes sparkled, and Reese could see the intelligence behind them. The understanding of what he was about to do.

“I think it’s actually what you do, when you silently cast. That’s what invoking is for, well, commonly anyway.”

Her eyes grew wide, like he had just pointed out the secrets of the universe. “So I invoke?”

“I mean I think so? Regardless, your casting gave me the insights I needed. So, just need to try it.”

As he started the movements he used were different than in any book, some were more subdued, others exaggerated, and there were a few new ones too. Also, he didn’t bother with the words since they were meaningless for someone without a gate. They were meant to shape your internal mana flow, to be directed in the right path. Your thoughts became directives, which became internal runes the mana would follow. The path it took would shape its output into its final form, as a completed spell. He had to do something different though, he had to use the mana that was already present in the air, and the small amount that would normally just pass through him, ignored. Shaping it in the air, pulling it out of thin air, so to speak.

The first attempt, failed. “Ok, let’s try again.”

It took a few tries and Emilie's help and pointers. “When you pull your arm back, I think that pulls in more mana. You should pull it back more rather than sticking it out, at this part.”

He watched her, and continued, “Got it!”.

But as he moved in altered patterns, he felt it. The humidity, the draw of moisture around his hand. With one last thrust forward, he said it “Water bolt”. Even if it was unnecessary for the spell it was necessary for him. A small sphere of water, barely bigger than a marble, appeared in front of his hand, and lazily drifted forward before hitting the ground not more than 5 feet away.

It was weak, pathetic really, even for a first cast. But it was his cast. It was his magic. He did it. All he could do was stare at the slightly damp ground in awe of what he had done. He had so much more data to add to his book, but for now he would pause in the moment, savoring it.

Suddenly the sound of hands clapping brought him back to reality, the gritty voice of the young girl next to him shouted “Reese! You did it!”

“I did, didn’t I?” Neither of their smiles could be denied. “I really do need to thank you Emilie, I wouldn’t have figured it out if you didn’t explain things to me.”

Of course, she shook her, but said nothing beyond the smile she tried to hide.

“Oh, wait I’ve got two more I want to try.” With that she watched as he danced with the mana forces again. Collecting, rearranging, and casting without casting. Offering him only the occasional point based on what she felt.

In the end though, a fire bolt. One that couldn’t compete with a matchstick. From formation it floated along a lazy five feet before puffing out. Small, pathetic, but again it was still his.

More clapping, and then another spell. This one was more challenging. Despite what one might think, the air itself didn’t hold much wind mana, or at least it wasn’t organized enough to be useful.

With a final push of his hands, nothing seemed to happen. Maybe, a slight whisper of wind, but nothing even as small as his fire puff. Still, 2 out of 3, he ‘d take it.

He couldn’t wait to show his mother and father.

“Emeilie, I have to show my parents, come on!”

The young were surprised by the invitation but accepted greedily. Her giggling turned to silence as they made it closer to the house, her hand growing tighter on his. Reese, wasn't paying attention though. Once inside his house her excitement wilted almost completely and was replaced by an air of concern and uncertainty.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

Lilith and Fortus came around as their son called them, curious why he interrupted their early evening activities, and though he didn’t say out right, Fortus was deeply concerned about his new friend. Emilie was growing increasingly uncomfortable with the two’s presence, particularly Fortus who… dealt with her great fire debacle several years ago.

The four moved to the kitchen where they sat around the table, three of them sitting waiting for Reese to show what he had learned. Though Fortus, seemed more interested in something or someone else.

Reese, either not aware or not carrying about the friction began his water dance. “Water bolt” he ended, with a sphere of water, slightly bigger than before. His father watched in mild disinterest, but his mother looked on in shock managing only a whisper of the word “That’s…” before she was stopped by his next cast.

A small “Fire Bolt” appeared and dissipated a bit further than the first time. There was no reason to try the wind spell, didn’t seem like a point to end in disappointment. He wasn’t sure why the spells seemed slightly larger this time. Perhaps there was more mana in the air or his excitement allowed him to channel more? With his notebook in hand, he made a note about it, something to study later.

“That’s impressive Reese.” In truth his father seemed less than impressed, but at least tried to fane interest for his son’s sake.

Reese’s mother on the other hand was elated. “Reese, that amazing! You’re silent casting, and without a gate. Also, we need to talk about casting spells in the house.” Turning her attention to her husband, she berated his lack of enthusiasm “Fortus, ignoring he’s casting without a gate, he silent casting. There are mages out there that never learn how to do that. It is impressive.”

Fortus perked up a bit at the light scolding. “I’m sorry Reese, I don’t know magic well. But it sounds really impressive. You should be proud son, and I just don’t understand. I’m sorry.”

A bit deflated, Reese considered how to appeal to his father, “I can probably learn how to do some of your moves. It won’t be exactly the same, but I think I can do something.”

Now that peaked his father’s interest, as he sat up a bit more and Reese continued.

“All your sword techniques are basically forms of silent casting, at least I think they are. I can do that! I just have to do it a bit differently.”

His father smiled in disbelief. “So you think you could beat me one day?” His words holding a faint glare of hope and worry the same.

“Probably not that far. But I might be able to fend off some of your attacks.”

Fortus managed a scoff of a subtle laugh but tried not to be too dismissive. If his son could beat him or even match some of his moves, that would be worth encouraging. Though in Fortus' mind, using magic wasn't the same as techniques. His son would need to figure out how to do the impossible to truly impress him.

“Reese, do you know any more spells?” Again, his mother’s excitement could not be understated, and he wanted to try the wind spell at least once, for her sake. The two of them continued to practice spells, including a few others that she gave him off the cuff. They were all small spells, with one or two tiny results but Lilith saw them as the largest ever. Both were out of ear shot of Fortus and Emilie, who suddenly remembered, she was unwelcome.

Quietly she attempted to leave only for Fortus to stop her at the door.

"Reese… I am so proud of you and impressed." Lilith couldn't help but squeeze her child. The force was enough to push the wind out of him. "This is what you've been working towards!"

Reese saw Emilie leaving out the kitchen window.

"Mom, I've got to say good bye to Emilie and thank her again." He pushed off and went after her, he to thank her again before she went home or else he wouldn't be able to get any rest. Fortus didn’t see him leave out the side door as he gave chase to his friend.

She was moving fairly quickly, and for a moment Reese wondered why. It was apparent that she was a little different from everyone else. Maybe the people in the house were just too much.

"Emilie wait up! I wanted to thank you…" Her body crouched down slightly, but as she turned around that's when he became concerned. "Why are you crying?”

What was she supposed to tell him?

“Reese. You need to leave me alone. I’m dangerous. Please, I can’t talk to you anymore.”

Confusion, mixed with angry colored his voice, “Says who?”

“Fortus.” She turned away and began to walk home once more.

"Wait. I don't understand who cares what he says. We can still be friends."

But, she didn't stop. This hurt and she didn't want to prolong it.

“Emilie, just wait a minute... I need to talk to him.” His footsteps turned into a run as he headed back to his house. He had to get more information, maybe it was a misunderstanding. His father couldn't be that mean, why would he be that mean? Suddenly, he was grateful he didn't wait till tomorrow to thank her. There might not have even been a tomorrow if he had.

Fortus may not have seen Reese when he left, however he did see when he came back inside and started yelling at him.

Reese tried not be accusatory, but it was hard. “What did you say to Emilie? She was crying and refused to say anything besides you told her not to talk to me?”

Fortus wouldn't face his son, “Reese, it’s for your own good. You need to stay away from her.”

“No. I won’t.” Reese was surprised by his own voice. He would never have done this in his old life.

“Excuse me?” There was anger and shock in his father’s voice. Up till now Reese had always at least pretended to listen to him so Fortus tolerated his eccentricity. But insubordination, was crossing a line.

“She’s my friend. She’s my only friend! And I would never have figured out magic if it wasn’t for her.” His father's actions made no sense to him.

“She’s dangerous.”

“No she isn’t. She’s a kid who’s unusually strong. She needs someone to help her understand that strength.” His anger mixed with feelings of confusion. There was probably some logic in his father's head, Reese would have to give him that small measure of consideration. But he was wrong.

“Oh, and that’s you the gateless mage?” Fortus bit his tongue after saying that. While it was probably better than a slap, even he knew that was uncalled for.

“Reese, I shouldn't have...” But it was too late, Reese ran back out the door after his friend again. He wasn’t going to let her walk home alone, he wasn’t going to abandon her just because his father said to.

Once out the door, he began to run towards his friend who was already crossing Mountain Pass. “Emilie, wait please!” She didn't, but she did slow down.

“I told you to leave me alone.” She snaped.

He shook his head. “No, I won’t. I talked to my father and he is an asshole, ignore him.”

For a moment there was silence. Searching for more words, something that would convince her.

“…But I’m dangerous.” It was more of a meek cry then really words.

“Yeah, because you’re so strong. You don’t need to be afraid or alone, you just need to learn how to use your magic better.” How could he convince her.

“But your father said to leave me alone, he could throw me in the dungeon.”

“The dungeon?" What had his father told this girl? Or, as it became more obvious, what was she telling herself. The realization at what she was doing came to him, it was a similar problem he had. Her brain was twisting reality, small slights, into giant fearful shadows and demons.

"Emile, this town doesn't even have a dungeon, just a jail. And he's wouldn't throw you in the dungeon or jail for hanging around me. My father is trying to protect me, but he’s a fool." Was he getting through?

"Look, you’re my friend. Probably the only friend I have. I’m not going to stop hanging out with you just because of my father.” Maybe, one last thing. He held his arms out and wrapped them around his friend. Sometimes, you just need a hug. He hoped it wasn't crossing a line, but her tears did seem to subside.

"If you want to stop being my friend, because you don't want to, fine. But, I'm not going to accept it just because my father said so."

With a nod, she seemed to accept it, even if she didn't truly believe it. As she walked away in silene, Reese said one last thing. "I hope I'll see you tomorrow. At the hill."

Stopping it felt like an eternity before she turned around and said, "Yeah."

Back in the house Fortus stood, looking at the door. Behind him, Lilith was trying to contain her own temper. When Reese fully out of ear shot, she didn’t need to anymore. “Fortus, what is your problem?”

“Lillth, you don’t understand. That girl is dangerous.”

“No she isn’t Fortus.”

For a moment Fortus stood in silence remembering the fire several years ago. “You remember what she did right?”

“Yes. Her first spell cast was an accident, and it lit a field on fire that wasn’t going to be harvest anyway. No one died. I don’t even think anyone was injured. Samething with the flood, no one was hurt.”

He shook his head, how could his wife, the great sorceress be so naïve? “You don’t understand how dangerous someone like her is.”

“I don’t?!” Now she was mad. “Fortus, you know how powerful I was. I was far stronger than Emilie is, and I casted my first spell without even speaking when I was 2.”

Shaking his head, he refused to acknowledge the example. “That’s different.” He dismissed.

“No, you’re right it was different. I burned my family’s house twice. When I was 2 and when I was 6. The second time I thought of the glyph and a fire started behind me without even realizing. That was when my parents sent me to my aunt, and uncle and…” Those memories were painful, and both knew the rest anyway.

A painful silence lingered between the two, each thinking of what to do or say next. It was broke Fortus’ quite whisper “You never told me that part, about your house.” A subtle admission that maybe he didn’t understand.

“It wasn’t relevant. Honestly Fortus, the best thing to happen to me was sealing my gate. I never wanted to hurt people again. The things I did in Fresall were… evil. You remember, you were the one who was supposed to kill me.”

“Lilith you’re different, you know what you did was wrong and you were tricked into doing it. You didn’t mean for any of those horrible things to happen. You didn’t know what you were doing.”

“Neither did Emilie. Anyway, my point is Fortus, Emilie is less of a threat than I am... then I was. She still growing and learning.”

“I’m just… I’m worried Lillith. It’s not just Emilie. My Uncle has spies poking around again. He’ll find out about Reese eventually. Reese doesn’t need any more threats, and neither do we.”

Lilith could sense the fear in her husband’s voice. He never really trusted his Uncle, neither did she. He had said as much before, but this seemed different, more aware of something. “Are You finally ready to admit you’re afraid of him?”

“Yeah, and my brother too.”

“Then wouldn’t it make sense for him to have strong friends, to protect him?”

It was a good argument. As a knight and military commander, he couldn’t deny the value of a strong and loyal ally. But it just seemed to risky. Just what was he suppose to do?

With one last sigh that released the last of her anger, Lilith walked away from the conversation getting the last words in, “You know who the real enemies are Fortus. They’re the same ones that cursed you, even if you don’t want to admit it.”

Lilith walked away, leaving Fortus to stand in the kitchen alone, he needed time to think about this. It was so much easier to hate mages and magic before he actually met her. Before he fell in love with her. Why did things have to get complicated.

Pulling up a chair he sat with his head in his hands. Being a knight and soldier was easy, you made a plan and it either worked or didn’t, you survived, or you didn’t. But family life… this was hard and the consequences were so much more long lasting.

The door to the house opened, and Reese bypassed his father and went straight for his own room. Fortus would leave the kitchen to spend the night alone, his supper cold as he let the family eat without him. All he ever wanted was a simple life, swinging a sword, coming home to a family. Maybe teaching a boy to follow in his steps. Yet life, was never that simple or easy, not in this world.