Jacob left the mess hall and made his way to the deputies' offices. He wondered what it was like to live at the Sanctuary. It seemed a little cramped, but no more than an apartment would be. It was downtown, which was a big bonus if you weren't afraid of it. What would it be like living with all those other people, though? Jimmy had said they got along mostly. Jacob didn't know how he felt about that. He liked having his own space, liked being able to use the kitchen and the TV room by himself when he wanted. But would it be any different than living with his parents? After a while, it would be like a new little family, right? Like a 'found family' some movies dealt with. The deputies certainly seemed like a family. He couldn't believe Jimmy had only known some of them for a couple years. But then again, he'd only known Camilla for a few days and it felt like he'd known her half his life.

Weird.

Ola was typing away on her computer when he knocked on her door. She closed her laptop and got up and led him back to the training room. Once they stepped inside the dungeon Jacob realized he'd just signed up for another session of hard work and sweat. Oof.

"So you have shown the aptitude for Consumption, yes?" Ola said.

Jacob nodded.

"Good. I will take you through some exercises for Production and Decomposition that my father taught me."

"Is he a Ranger?"

"Not within the Order, but he protected my nation from the crossovers."

"Oh." Jacob was a little confused.

"I am from a small island nation in the Caribbean called St Kitts and Nevis. My family are all mages. The population there is not such that it warrants a Sanctuary, or even a Ranger detachment. My father is what would be called a freelance mage, who deals with crossovers there. He taught me before I went to the Academy in Chicago. For you, one who does not come from the magic, it is even more important that you learn alternate ways of engaging with the magic. The Academy will only teach you one method. But that may not be the best method for you. Do you have a preference which type we start with?"

Jacob shook his head.

"Then we will start with Production." Ola went and stood over by the wall. "It is similar to Consumption, but involves using your magic to produce things instead of change your body. You must externalize your magic. I want you to start by picturing yellow."

Jacob did.

"Now-"

Millicent ran into the room, her black coat half on. "Ola!" She cried, pulling her arm through her coat's second sleeve. "Another creature is approaching the crossover limit."

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Jacob blinked. Another one? So soon? He shuddered at the thought of going back into that other world. This time he wouldn't be left behind. Not a chance.

Ola stiffened. She looked at Jacob and smiled softly. "Lesson postponed. Do not be sad, though, there's no teacher like the real thing."

Jacob wasn't sure he was quite ready for the 'real thing.' but he didn't have time to respond. Both deputies ran out of the training room. Christ. He followed them out into the hallway and then into the front lobby of the Sanctuary where everyone else was waiting.

Xavier was speaking with Sheriff Hueller. They both had their black cloaks on again.

"Most likely crossover point is VanDusen Botanical Garden."

Jacob's eyes widened. Was it just a coincidence?

"What's the signature?"

"Producer, but..."

"But what? Quickly now!"

"I don't recognize the signature. It's a creature I've never seen."

"Send it to me, now!" Sheriff Hueller said.

Xavier rolled up his sleeve and punched something into his wristwatch. A jolly little jingle played on Sheriff Hueller's wristwatch. The Sheriff stared at it for a moment.

"I don't recognize this either, but it doesn't matter. Let's go!" Sheriff Hueller looked at Jacob. "You can't stay here. You're coming with us, again."

Jacob nodded, then hesitated, unsure if he should ask the question or not.

"Do you think it's him?" Jimmy asked, as if reading Jacob's mind.

Everyone stilled, waiting on Sheriff Hueller's answer with bated breath.

The Sheriff shook his head. "I doubt it. He crossed the raijū over, and I'll bet he's been responsible for all the abrupt crossovers we've been having, like that phoenix the other day. He also wasn't there with the Reaper, which was similar to this. No reason for him to fuel them but not cross them over."

Jimmy nodded. "Makes sense."

"Let's go!" Sheriff Hueller raced off to the lobby.

"Wait here 'til we're ready." Jimmy said. Millicent and him ran to the barracks.

All that thinking about not being a coward, yet still Jacob shuddered at the thought of going back into the magical world so soon. But he didn't have a choice, did he? Maybe he could hide here, but by himself he'd be a sitting duck for the rogue mage. He knew that.

It didn't make it any easier.

"Are you alright?" Camilla asked. She looked up at him, concerned.

Jacob unclenched his fists. "I'm fine."

"You don't look fine."

He looked away. "I... uh, I've been meaning to ask: why was that Dream Tiger still following me? Like, we're going back in and I'm worried it's still gonna be there."

Camilla frowned. "It's weird, isn't it?"

"And why didn't their wristwatch sensor things pick it up two days ago? I mean I understand why they maybe couldn't have gotten to it in time, but they didn't even know about it until we told them."

Camilla folded her arms and sighed, "And as much as I'd like to take credit for single-handedly beating a crossover creature, now that I've seen how strong they usually are... That Dream Tiger wasn't at the threshold of power."

"Hey, I helped!"

She quirked an eyebrow at him. "Don't worry, I mentioned you in the report, moron."

"Really?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

He searched her face, but either she was a good liar, or she was telling the truth. "Thanks. What do you think it was, then?"

She shrugged. "How should I know? Maybe if my father let me actually learn magic we wouldn't be here."

"At least your father knows magic." Jacob said.

Camilla didn't say anything. The silence between them stretched awkwardly.

Jimmy came back into the room. The baseball cap had vanished, revealing his short, spiky hair, and he was wearing his black leather fatigues. He looked like he'd aged ten years since Jacob had met him the night before.

"Ready?"