“DIANA STYLES, JESSICA WALTERS AND JASON JONES!” called Merlin once more. The trio unsteadily got to their feet and made their way towards the legendary sorcerer.

When they approached him Jason could feel the immense power exuding from the ancient mage.

Merlin looked upon them making all three squirm under his gaze. He pointed towards the door that the others exited through, “If you could follow me children,” he asked while walking off in the direction of the door.

Jason looked back towards his father one last time before following the wizard through the doors and into what looked to be an old sitting room with an elegant couch and rather comfortable arm chair next to an ornate fireplace with roaring flames that seemed to bathe them in warmth when they entered.

The moment the warmth washed over them they collectively felt themselves relax a little after their strenuous day. Merlin took a seat in the arm chair and gestured to the couch, “If you would please be seated.”

Diana and Jessica sat down instantly however Jason didn’t move. He felt funny, like something didn’t feel right.

“Mr Jones will you be seated please so we may proceed,” says Merlin in his deep voice bringing Jason back to reality. Jason approached the couch and sat down between Diana and Jessica,

“You are possibly wondering why in over two-hundred-and-seventy years since I last taught students I am taking you three in particular,” states Merlin in is deep silky voice as he summons a pot of tea and four cups which floats towards the trio who take it gratefully.

“You three have displayed something I have not seen in this place in a very long time,” he continues whilst gazing directly at Jason, “You have shown loyalty, unity, compassion and to a degree love for one another. Not only that but you are quick thinking and collectively have the potential to become the most powerful sorcerers that this world has seen, with some guidance of course.”

They sat in silence for a moment digesting what they were told.

“I’m sorry sir,” says Jessica a little timidly, “I can understand why you would want to train Jason with all of his raw power even without any training...but-”

“You’re wondering why I selected you two girls as well,” finished Merlin with a slight nod and a smile in her direction.

“I believe that you three combined are a force to be reckoned with,” says Merlin with a sip of his tea, “To break you apart now would only weaken you. So I believe that training you together and building upon your skills and strengths will make you better sorcerers.”

It was long time before anyone else spoke, where the only sounds were the gentle clinking of fine china and the crackling roar of the flames that were warming the room. But the entire time Merlin kept his eyes glued on Jason.

Eventually Merlin broke the silence, “I believe that it is time for you all to go home and spend one last night with your families before joining my academy.”

The three set down their cups which disappeared the moment they were let go. The moment they were on their feet however Merlin spoke once more, “You two may go,” he said gesturing to Diana and Jessica, “I would like a word with you Mr Jones.”

The girls hesitated for a moment but nodded before exiting the room allowing the doors to slam shut behind them.

The silence that followed was palpable, Jason wanted to break it, but even he knew to wait for the great master of magic to speak first. For a while Merlin stood with his back to Jason, whilst facing the flames.

“You lost control,” said Merlin finally after what felt like eternity.

“I didn’t mean to,” answered Jason while slouching into the couch once more.

“Of course you didn’t mean to,” says Merlin finally turning to face Jason, “No one ever means to lose control Mr Jones. However I believe it to be imperative to your training if you know what you truly are.”

“What do you mean what I truly am?” questioned Jason with a furrowed brow and a look of confusion dawning his features.

“You are a small part of a prophecy that was spoken of centuries ago,” responded Merlin gravely as he began to pace in front of the fire, “Long ago it was told that a child of ancient magic would be born. To either be a protector of worlds...or the destroyer of worlds. That is what you are Jason. A child of ancient magic.”

“So you’re telling me that someday I am supposed to become this monster that destroys the entire world!” said Jason as he jumped to his feet in outrage.

“You truly are an idiot,” answered Merlin with a shake of his head, “The prophecy also said you could be the protector of worlds. Your fate is yet to be determined child. So I ask you this. Who are you meant to become? And who do you want to become?”

Jason stood in silence, the weight of Merlin’s words weighing upon him as he contemplated the meaning. He knew he wanted to do good in the world. That much was certain. But who did he want to become?

“I dunno sir,” he manages to mutter out, “I don’t know who I am.”

Jason could feel his breath catch in his throat as all the revelations he had experienced finally took root in his mind and his heart. He could feel his eyes growing itchy as hot tears began to slowly make their way down his cheeks, “I don’t know anything any more. Everything I thought I knew wasn’t true.”

Merlin stepped closer and placed his hand on Jason’s chest, “In here is all that you seek and all that you will need to know. You may not be the child of Master Jacob Reigns. But he is your father none-the-less and has supported you through all your endeavours. He has tried to protect you from this world, but now you must embrace it.”

“How?” asked Jason sounding hopeless.

“I will train you to become the best version of yourself,” says Merlin with a slight smile, “And then you shall forge your own path. Your own destiny.”

*

That night Jason barely slept. The rest of his conversation with Merlin was a blur but the over all message was the same. He was destined for something great. He just wasn’t sure what it was.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

He tossed and turned, and yet sleep alluded him.

“Just great,” he sighed to himself as he got out of bed and grabbed his fuzzy robe pulling it on over his bare torso.

“And just when I was beginning to enjoy the view,” said a voice making Jason jump and throw a fireball in the direction of the voice. To his surprise it was Diana standing by his window holding the fireball he just threw.

“Damn Jason,” says Diana with a smirk whilst extinguishing the flame, “That’s one way of saying I’m hot.”

“What are you doing here?” asked Jason as he went and sat down on the edge of his bed. Diana shrugged and sat down next to him, “I couldn’t sleep. Too much going through my mind. I mean you’re probably thinking the same things I am.”

“How do you mean?” he asks puzzled.

“Jason I watched you for like two minutes there,” says Diana as she stares at their now touching thighs, “You couldn’t sleep either and I’m guessing it has something to do with Merlin and what he talked to you about.”

“Is that the only reason you’re here?” he queries whilst looking at her chocolate eyes, “You just want to know what we talked about?”

“No,” she admitted meeting his gaze, “I can’t get that moment out of my head.”

“What mo-?” he began but she cut him off.

“The moment I thought you died,” she said sounding upset, “Jason when that door closed and we couldn’t get back through I felt something I have only felt once in my life. Complete heartbreak.”

Jason was about to speak but stopped when her head met his shoulder and she nuzzled into him as if asking for safety.

“Jason I only ever felt that type of pain when my dad passed away,” says Diana softly, “I spent the better part of my night thinking about what it means.”

“What do you think it means?” he asked with his mouth suddenly becoming dry.

“It means that I can’t lose you,” says Diana as she wraps her arm around him and snuggles in tighter to him taking in his scent. Vanilla and old leather.

“Jason I don’t know why I feel this connection to you but I do and I don’t want to lose you ever again,” she says with a slight yawn.

Jason contemplated her words, considering his answer. It took a few moments but he hugged her back and leaned his head against hers, “I’m not gonna go anywhere.”

“Promise?” she asked sounding the most vulnerable he had ever heard her.

“Promise,” he reaffirmed.

Minutes later, or so it appeared Jason was being awakened by the sound of his father knocking on his bedroom door, “Jason Jones get the hell up or you’ll be late for your first day of school!”

Jason woke up feeling groggy but felt an odd weight on his chest. He looked down and nearly had a heart attack. There laying on his chest straddling him was Diana.

“Jason don’t make me come in there,” yelled his father with another sharp knock.

“I’m up,” he answered loudly making Diana groan and shift slightly but not waking.

“Good,” responded his dad from the other side of the door, “Get dressed we leave in fifteen minutes. And tell Diana I’ll drop her off as well.”

Jason lay there with his mouth agape, how the hell did his dad know that Diana had stayed the night? Did he know that they fell asleep cuddling? Dear god this will be unbearable he couldn’t help but think.

“Jason?” mumbled Diana sleepily as she sat up still straddling him, “Damn I fell asleep here.”

“Y-Yeah you did,” says Jason hoping she would change position because he could feel his body beginning to react to her current position.

“Yeah sorry about that,” she says as she stretches her arms backwards making her already large chest seem larger.

“Diana,” Jason gasped, “Could you move?”

“What? Oh dear god!” she says jumping off of him, “Did your thing just poke me!?” she asked from the other side of the bed.

“You were sitting on top of it!” he answers with a face crimson from embarrassment.

She just sat there staring at him with wide eyes, “Y-You’re right I shouldn’t have done that,” Diana jumped to her feet, “I gotta go you know get ready for our first d-day and everything.”

With those final words she opened a portal and practically ran through. It snapped shut the moment she entered. Jason lay there and looked down at his crotch, “You couldn’t just let me cuddle with her a little longer huh?”

Getting out of bed he slowly got dressed in his casual Iron-Maiden t-shirt, faded denim jeans, scuffed biker boots and his black leather jacket. As he approached his door he grabbed his duffel bag, but paused as he stared at the picture on the desk. Him and his dad on his eighth birthday at the park.

He grabbed it and stuffed it in the duffle bag. Jason walked downstairs to see his father waiting for him in the living room. Jason sighed, “Okay whatever lecture it is that you have for me can we get it over with?”

“No lecture,” says Jacob staring at the dragon wand he was holding in his hand, “I know what is going through both your heads. The restlessness that comes with the unknown. Comfort during those times can help.”

“How did you know she was here?” he found himself asking despite himself.

“I know everything that goes on in this house Jason,” answers Jacob as he pocketed the wand and pulls out the transport key, “Let’s go son.”

With a nod Jason follows as Jacob closes the living room door and inserts the key. Seconds later he opens the door and stands aside, “Remember Jason. You are your own man and your fate is always yours to decide.”

“Thanks dad,” says Jason latching onto him for one more hug. When they break apart Jason takes a deep breath stepping through the doorway and into the arena of the first trial. The door closes and disappears behind him.

“Ah Mr Jones welcome,” says Master Warbler appearing out of nowhere, “Please take a seat the welcoming ceremony will begin soon. Jason rolls his eyes, “Sure look forward to it Master.”

With quick strides Jason made his way to the bleachers and took a seat by himself. He could see other students staring at him. He didn’t care. He just wanted to get this whole day over with.

Moments later he felt a tap on his shoulder, he looked to see Jessica smiling at him, “I’m so excited aren’t you?” she said enthusiastically whilst plopping down next to him.

“Yeah,” he muttered slouching in his seat, “Sorta.”

Diana arrived a few moments later and muttered an awkward greeting to Jason who reciprocated just as awkwardly. Obviously the events that had just transpired were still fresh in their minds.

Poor Jessica looked between the pair completely confused by their sudden awkwardness but refrained from mentioning anything.

Slowly the bleachers filled with new students and from what Jason could see a majority were staring at them, whispering between themselves and most likely coming up with stories and potential rumours already.

He sighed to himself.

This was going to be a long year.