Chapter 1 - The Bell Day
It is said on the 15th day of a child’s 15th year that if they are chosen they hear the bells! In a time farther in the past than anyone can remember a Magikal bell was placed in the old city. When the bell tolls its music can be heard by any aspiring Magikal child no matter how far away they are. The call will guide them to the old city and there they will be given the chance to select their special tool and unlock their truest magical self.
Today dozens of children run up the green hills outside the old city excited to have heard the call. There are many fairy tales that parents read to their children and it is not often one gets the chance to become part of that fantasy! The bell sounds again and the children pick up their paces. Once entering the city it is often customary for the boys to head towards the arena while the girls head towards the plaza.
An elderly woman stands in the center of the plaza and dozens of girls start to fill in the area around here. They giggle and laugh and bounce excitedly from foot to foot. All are welcome here as social standing has no place in who is chosen. The bell sounds again for the last time this day alerting all to find their spots before the day's events begin.
At the back of the crowd a young face bounces up and over the crowd, slowly making their way to the front. A jump here, some tippy toes there, eventually the youth makes it to the front of the crowd and pushes through with some polite yet stern excuse mes. Dressed in a soft blue the young boy’s face beams proudly as several girls look around him with confusion.
The vibrations of the bell come to a halt and the elderly woman steps forward, “Greetings and salu of tations.”, she waves her wand with a flourish to get everyone’s attention. “I am Professor Grumblegus and it is my sacred duty to help you all today.”
A polite round of applause is given to the professor as whispers go back and forth. “In the library behind me are the sacred mystical wands of the Magikal! You have been called here today to face the first trial. Inside, thousands of wands rest waiting for their perfect partner to find them and wake them from their slumber. You must go inside and select a wand that YOU think will be most suited for you and you for it.” She begins to walk towards the library and motions for everyone to file after her. She continues to speak as she walks, her voice amplified by her wand. “Take your time in choosing your wand….there is no limit to how long it will take you to select. There are many wands inside and frankly just too many. Do not be disheartened if you do not find your wand right away….for some it can take days, weeks…months even.”
A young girl gasps, “Months? What if…what if you can’t find your wand?”
Professor Grumblegus scoffs, “Pish posh….you would not be here if you did not have a match inside these great walls.” The young girl lets a sigh of relief go. “Inside you will find all you need. Food, places to rest, to read, to listen….Once you find your wand simply raise it and shout Magikal and you will be transported to your new dormitory.” She stops short of the door and clasps her hands in front of her, “Any questions?”
One young girl raises her hand< “I thought that only girls could become Magikal?” she points to the boy in blue up front, “So what’s he doing here?”
The young boy looks surprised to be called out but does not shirk from the attention. The professor smiles, “What is it customary for Magikal to be girls, that is not always the case. Boys too can be called if their spirit shares the qualities it takes.”
The Professor turns and waves her wand at the doorway, “Inspectus Abretius!”
The children ooh as the doors swing open inside letting forth a bright yellow glow, “Welcome to the Library of Wands!”
Chapter 2 - Wands Aplenty!
Professor Grumblegus waves the children inside and they climb the steps with anticipation. The warm glow flows over their bodies and they barely notice the swish of motion as they are transported inside. As their eyes adjust to the glow they suddenly realize how large and vast the library is! Building after building. Tower after tower. Row after row of wands!
A young redhead girl exclaims, “There are so many!!! How will we ever find our wand??”
Professor Grumblegus chuckles, “You will with patience and perseverance!” Now off with you!
Barely has she shooed the children off when a young girl trips over a crate and it pops open. She looks inside and stares at a blue wand with an orb that looks like water swirls inside, “My wand!”, she lifts it into the air and shouts, “MAGIKAL!”
A flash of light surrounds her as water pours from the wand and swirls around her body! With another burst of energy the water rockets upwards taking the girl away to her dorm. Professor Grumblegus applauds, “And just like that we have our first! See how easy? Now go! Go!”
Feet start clip clapping across the grand stairwell as happy little faces go off in a multitude of directions. The young boy walks towards the banister and marvels at the open space before him. “Wooooooooooooooooow.”
A girl with long pink hair stands next to him, “My grams told me this place was amazing but this is beyond.” He turns to look at her, “Mmmmmmmhmm.” The girl smiles and offers her hand to him, “I’m Mimi….wanna look for our wands together?” The boy takes her hand and shakes it vigorously, “Hi Mimi! I’m Hiro and that sounds like a lot of fun!”
The two race down the stairs towards the first landing where they see row after row of shelves. Each containing an unknown number of wands laid out on display for the choosing. To their left they hear, “MAGIKAL!” followed by a bright flash of light and the swirling energy racing to the sky.
“Wow’, Hiro says, “They sure are finding their wands fast.”
“That’s because they are finding the common wands” a young girl with jet black hair says as she steps out from the shadows. “The librarian told me that some wands love to be in our world…so when they lose their owner they come back to the front eager to go back out again.”
Hiro blinks, “The wands can want things?”
The girl smirks, “Of course they do…don’t you know anything?”
“Hey don’t talk to him like that!” Mimi stomps, “Not everyone knows about wands before they come here.”
“Ok ok….don’t get your hair all in a twist.” The girl with the black hair offers her hands to both, “I’m Zeze….I’ve been here for about a month.”
Both say in unison, “A month??”
Zeze pulls on the straps of her outfit, “Yep….the librarian says that when a Magikal takes longer to find their wand it’s usually because they have something special inside of them! You just have to find it!”
Hiro points to himself, “I’m Hiro…this is Mimi. We’re going to go find our wands together. Wanna join us?”
Zeze nods affirmatively, “Sure I’ll help you until you find yours. I’m sure it’ll be quick and we’ll have you at your dorm licketysplit!”
Mimi rolls her eyes, “So…..what else do you know about finding wands?”
Zeze shrugs, “Well….from what I’m told you can kind of learn to feel your wand out there somewhere.”
Mimi looks intimidated as she looks out into the vast library, “Out there???”
Zeze nods, “Yup…..if you can learn to feel your wand it’ll lead you right to it.”
Hiro rubs his chin then, “So if you know so much about wands….why can’t you feel yours?”
Zeze looks a little bit embarrassed, “Well…I haven’t quite…figured out….how to feel it yet?”
Mimi chuckles, “So she doesn’t know everything!” she grabs both their hands and starts to run down the stairs, “C’mon we got some exploring to do!”
Chapter 3 - Room for 1 More?
The trio run down countless stairwells trying to get to the bottom of the Library valley floor. After a while they grow tired and decide to take a rest in one of the food alcoves under a beautiful “Chimey Tree”. The tree is covered in windchimes and tinkles softly with the melodious notes from the chimes amongst its branches. A librarian wanders by with some refreshments and wishes them well on their journey.
Hiro picks up a chime from the platter, “Uh…”
Zeze chuckles and stuffs one in her mouth, “They’re edible!”, she hiccups and a chime note emits from her throat, “They also make you whistle!”
All three giggle in unison as they start to get their fill and drink the cool rasperberry juice provided to them. “Wow this place is so beautiful! I could almost live here!” says Mimi.
Zeze nods as she leans back, “I mean you can….if you really want to. The Librarians live here and seem to love it just fine.”
Hiro stuffs a couple more chimeberries in his mouth, “Nuh uh…not me. I need to be out there! Doing…THINGS!”
Mimi tilts her head, “That seems more Mystikal than Magikal to me.”
Hiro scrunches his lips, “I don’t like all that hitting and fighting.”
Zeze pats him on the shoulder, “Who does??”
They all chuckle again when they hear a loud crash a short distance away. They watch as a series of wands fall from the shelves crashing loudly onto the ground. Instantly they all run towards the commotion and get there in time to see a round young girl pull herself from beneath the wands, “oooh…well that didn’t go as expect….ed.” she stammers as she spies the prying eyes.
“Are you ok?” asks Hiro.
The girl dusts herself off, “oh uh…yeah…I was kinda …testing each one and I slipped and the shelf came loose…”
“Oh deary me! What happened?” A round rosy librarian comes waddling up the aisle, “It’s ok….it’s ok…no one was hurt here.” The librarian does not seem to be addressing the children. “Vima’s got you don’t you worry. We’ll fix this right up!” She starts swirling her wand and energy flowers up and down the aisle lifting the wands back into their proper place before she heads off again muttering to herself aloud.
The quartet look after her, too stunned to speak for several moments before bursting out in laughter in unison.
Zeze chuckles, “That was awesome.”
The new girl waves shyly, “I’m Gaia….” The others introduce themselves.
Zeze tilts her head, “Did you find your wand?”
Gaia shakes her head, “Nope…thought I had it that time but nothing more than a fizzle.”
Hiro squints, “A Fizzle?”
Gaia nods, “Sometimes you find a wand you COULD be compatible with but it’s just not quite there yet…”
Mimi looks a bit down, “Wow there’s so much more to picking your wand than I thought.”
Zeze smacks her on the back encouragingly, “Don’t get down….we’ll find our wands!”
Hiro looks to Gaia, “We’re helping each other find our wands. You wanna come with us?”
Gaia looks so relieved, “That’ll be great…..it’s been kinda lonely here this past week.”
“A week? Pfft….try being here a whole MONTH!”
The quartet wander onward as they chat, sharing stories as they go.
Chapter 4 - All together now!
It takes some time for the group to work their way to the ground level of the library. The sun is barely visible above as they move from one lush garden to another looking about at the endless rows of wands literally everywhere. Every couple hours they can hear someone shout, “MAGIKAL!” or spy a swirl of energy racing across the sky. As night approaches they decide as a group to find a bedding nook to take shelter for the night.
The group locates one after a short search to find a fire already lit and a young girl humming to herself, “Oh hello” she says.
Mimi starts, “oh I'm sorry we didn’t know this was occupied…we’ll find another.”
The girl waves her hand, “No wait….it’s ok you can stay here with me. My name is Aila it’s great to meet y'all!”
Mimi climbs down into the nook, “I’m Mimi, this is Hiro, Zeze and Gaia.”
“Pleased to meet you!”, she pulls a pot from the fire pit, “I was making some stew….would you guys like some? There’s plenty?”
They all eagerly agree and take seats amongst the pillows. They talk and stuff their faces until all are full and start to settle in. “How long have you been here Aila?”
Aila shrugs, “Not sure…a few weeks maybe?”
Hiro sighs, “Ooooh this is going to take a while.”
Aila chuckles, “Maybe not….you never know when you are going to come right smack up to your wand.”
Zeze nods in agreement, “You just need to…”
Mimi, Gaia and Hiro say in unison, “Feel your wand” They all laugh and soon after settle in to rest for the night.
The sun baking on their faces wakes them early the next morning. A librarian has apparently left fresh food and drink while cleaning up the mess from the previous meal. They eat voraciously as they talk about their plans for the next day.
Zeze speaks while chomping on some gillygrapes, “I kinda wanna go to the old sector today…..heard there’s some ancient and powerful wands down there.”
Mimi perks a brow, “Ancient sector? Where’s that?”
Zeze, “It’s not far from here but it’s kinda creepy. Heard there’s like a whole hall of mythical magical wands.”
Mimi, “Sounds good to me!”
The group cleans up after themselves best they can before they gather their things and head off in search of the old sector. They stop several times to ask for directions and look at vague maps that seem to loop in circles. After several hours of searching they come upon a tall pair of columns that lead to a dark corridor. Zeze points, “Well here we are!”
Hiro scoffs, “You weren’t kidding when you said it was creepy.”
Gaia reaches over and grabs a few candles on the shelf and lights them, “Well it’s not much but it’s something.
Mimi thanks her for the candle, “Do we have to go in there?”
Aila smiles, “I dunno seems kinda nice to me.”
Everyone turns and looks at Aila. She giggles and starts to walk down the dark bath to the old section carrying her flickering candle. The air is a bit more stale here and the light does not give great illumination. The walls get closer and closer together and the floor starts to angle downward. It is quite difficult to see what is before her but she seems to know the path as if she has been here many times before. The others breathe quietly, afraid to make too much noise as if something is lurking in the dark.
Mimi sneezes and everyone screams, “Sorry guys….all this dust.” Several dark looks are shot her way before everyone continues onward. After several minutes they come into this small circular room that is faintly lit from an opening way above them. Sunlight barely pours into the room from up above. They use their candles to light the candles on the sconces upon the walls to illuminate the area around them. The circular walls have a multitude of nooks, each containing a unique wand unlike any they have ever seen. “Wow, these are definitely strange.” Hiro says as he looks at the dark, bulbous wands.
Gaia and Zeze start picking up random wands and checking out their weird shapes. Mimi seems bored and takes a seat upon the cushions which are surprisingly clean. The librarians must come down here to clean at least. Aila follows the circle lazily, her hand trailing the shelf idly as she walks by. Suddenly her hand seems to stop of her own will and she is hard pressed to move forward. She turns and looks to see where she stopped and sees the most beautiful wand she has ever seen.
The wand is around 10 inches long and is what appears to be a pearlescent unicorn horn. The tip of the horn is adorned with a round gem that has been skewered thru the center. Smaller gems encrust the sphere and the sides of the unicorn wand. “Oh wow….” Absently she reaches for the wand and light starts to crackle from between her hand and the wand.
Mimi perks up as she watches Aila, “OMG Aila’s found her wand!!!” Everyone rushes forward but Aila does not take the wand in hand. She pulls hers back and frowns. Hiro is very surprised, “Is it not the one?” Aila frowns deeper, “No….I know this is the one …but….I don’t want to leave you guys. We just all found each other.”
Zeze rushes over to Aila and gives her a big hug, “It’ll be ok….we’ll all be at the dorms together.”
Aila tries to hold back tears, “No…that’s not how it works. You’re grouped by when you find the wand. There’s no telling when you guys will come or if we’ll ever see each other again.”
A somber mood takes over the group as they all seem to think about what Aila just said. Gaia chimes in, “What if….what if one of us takes the wand for you until we find the others? Then once we all have our wands we can trade?”
Hiro jumps to his feet, “OMGosh that is a great idea!”
Aila squeals and hugs Gaia, “Great thinking…I want you to carry it for me!” Gaia blinks back tears of surprise and reaches into her bag pulling out a soft towel. Gently she reaches to the Unicorn wand and lifts it from its cradle. She wraps it in the towel and gently places it inside her bag.
Mimi claps her hands, suddenly surprising everyone again. “One down four to go!”
Chapter 5 - Royalty
Several days have passed as the young ones search the Library for their wands. Aila, already having found hers, tries to offer her friends insight into how it felt to be drawn to the wand. They take turns trying to capture a similar feeling and take heed to follow hunches which have often lead to dead ends or just disappeared as suddenly as they started.
After a hearty lunch on the fifth day of the new moon they find a path that leads them to a wing rich in splendor. The decor is regal and the wands seem to be more encrusted in jewels than ever before. There is a daintiness to their designs and a sense of royalty all around them.
Hiro chuckles as he looks at some of the wands, “These look like they’ll snap in a second.”
Zeze scoffs, “These are some of the royal wands…..not only are they one of the most rare kinds, they also have a lot of power.”
Gaia prances around looking from one wand to the next, “Wow these are so preeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetty.”
Aila and Hiro start to look at some of the wands and pick them up to feel their weight and strength. Zeze is looking at a long rose covered wand when she notices Mimi standing in the center of the room, “Mimi….yo mims are you ok? Mimi?” She walks over to her friend and taps her on the shoulder. “Mimi?”
Mimi seems to snap out of a trance, “What …oh…what?”
“Are you ok?” By now the others have joined Zeze staring at their friend with concern.
Mimi blushes, “I’m fine…it’s just that wand over there is so pretty.”
Everyone turns to see an 8” wand hovering over a small pedestal. Diamonds encrust the center of the staff and a large crystal ball is placed 1/3 from the top. The ball is in itself encrusted with further jewels and a sparkle seems to shine in the air around it.
Hiro nudges Mimi, “I bet that one is yours…you should go see!” Gaia adds hastily, “But remember don’t take it!”
Mimi takes a few steps forward, the others keeping pace with her in excitement. She reaches forward to the wand and a light starts to jolt out to her fingertips, “Ooooh!”
Hiro whoops, “We have a winner!!”
Mimi turns and looks to Hiro, “Will you carry it for me??”
Hiro whispers with all the seriousness that serious can muster, “I will be honored.” He pulls out a small towel and gently wraps the delicate looking wand before lifting it and placing it in his bag.
Gaia beams proudly, “That’s two ya’ll!”
Chapter 6 - The Librarians
Two weeks have passed since the group found their last wand and the fatigue has begun to set in. The group feels like they have searched everyone and are running out of ideas of what to do. Zeze sighs, “Maybe we can ask some of the librarians for assistance? I mean they should know of every wand here. Maybe they can matchmaker us or something?”
Mimi beams, “That’s a great idea?? I think I saw a help desk a while back. Maybe we could backtrack and find out?”
The group hastily gathers their belongings and makes a bee line to the help desk. Upon arrival Hiro starts patting the bell upon the desk.
“Yes…yes … I hear you I hear you…..” says a warm dark colored woman. “How can I help you?”
Zeze takes a step forward, “We seem to be having a bit of trouble finding our wands!”
The old librarian, “Oh yes yes….we can definitely help you…tho I see a few of you have already found your wands.” She eyes Aila and Mimi with a glance. They all swallow but add nothing to confirm nor deny her assertion. “One often finds their wand in places that match their interest.” She smiles as she looks over everyone.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Hiro and Zeze continue to talk to the librarian giving her all sorts of details. Gaia being the ever patient one waits her turn and looks over the library table at all the wonderful books of notes. Stacks and stacks of information about the wands are contained in those books. She smiles to herself as she looks at a small container next to the books. Inside is the most beautiful feather quill she has ever seen. Her head tilts and she begins to look deeper. The feather quill is quite long and the shaft of the pen? is rather short but crusted in stones. She gasps as she begins to realize, “My wand??”
Everyone turns to look at her in surprise, all save for the librarian. “I wondered when you might notice.”
Gaia walks up to the feathered wand and reaches for it. Bolts of energy race from the wand to her hand and she pulls it back, “Mimi….?”
Mimi nods and pulls out a towel from her bag and gently takes up the quill wand and wraps it before placing it in her bag. The librarian smiles and closes a book, “Now then….it is my suggestion that you young man” she glances at Hiro, “Look in the hall of heroes….many a young man as yourself have found their wand there. While you young lady…. I recommend you go seek out the astronomicon.” She closes the book with a loud thump and heads back to the workstation.
Chapter 7 - Hall of Heroes
The group spent the next two days heading west towards the Hall of Heroes. Gaia and Zeze share what information they know about the location. Zeze smacks her forehead, “I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before….when a boy doesn’t fit in with the battle magik of the Mystiks they sometimes turn to the mage works of the Magikals.”
Gigi adds, “They usually have their own special kinda magik that is a blend of both.”
Zeze nods as Hiro listens intently, “Their wands are all in the Hall of Heroes waiting for the next to claim them.”
Around the lunch hour the group comes upon a massive building with large marble statues outside. The statues represent former Magikals who have become the breath of legend. Hiro bounds forward with an enthusiasm, “My wand has to be here! I know it!”
The others try to keep up with him as he runs into the building and starts hopping from one wand to the other. The group looks on excitedly as he tries one after the other…after the other…after the other….after the other.
Hours later the girls are in a pile on the floor sleeping. Mimi starts and looks up to see Hiro looking dejected a short distance away. Hundreds of wands are scattered along the floor. “Hiro? She says softly.
Hiro sniffles, “None of them are mine….I guess… I’m not a Hero.”
Mimi disentangles herself from the other girls who start to wake up. “Of course you are! It’s literally your name.”
Hiro wipes his nose with the sleeve of his shirt, “I was certain my wand was here.”
Gaia stands and brushes off her shirt. “Did you look at all of them?”
Hiro nods as he picks up his backpack. Aila smiles, “Cheer up Hiro….your wand is out here somewhere we just have to find it!”
The girls group up to hug Hiro before they start to head out towards the back of the Hall of Heroes. Hiro takes one last longing look at the hall and the statues of the Heroes he wishes to become. He looks over one hero’s statue and looks longingly at the wand in its hand. A long shaft extends from the statue’s hand. Ending in a Heart shape at the crown with an orb and diamond crusting the dip in the heart. In the center magically floats another smaller ruby heart. He gasps as he suddenly realizes, “MY wand!!!”
Everyone turns to see HIro staring back at the statues in the center of the Hall. “I never thought to look at the ones on the statues! Sometimes they’re just in plain sight!!!”
Everyone oohs as he runs over the dias and climbs up towards the statue. He reaches out with his hand as the arcs of energy bolt from the want to his hand. “It is my wand!!!”
Zeze wow’s, “That wand belonged to Titus, one of the greatest heroes of his age!”
Hiro beams, “Zeze…will you carry it for me??”
Zeze smiles as she grabs a towel and climbs up the statue with Hiro. She lightly wraps the wand before stuffing it in her pack and climbing down. Hiro beams as he rejoins the group, “Only one left!” Everyone turns to Zezee who turns crimson red.
“To the astronomicon!” They all cheer and rush out the back of the Hall of Heroes.
Chapter 8 - Galaxies
The astronomicon is about a day's journey north of the Hall of Heroes. It is said that this large structure holds wands that influence the energies of the cosmos. Zeze is reading from a book to the others, “Those who wield the wands of the astronomicon often deal with prophecies, cosmic energies, spatial spells and are affected by the cycles of the stars.” she sighs happily, “This sounds amazing!”
Aila cautions, “Don’t get too excited…we don’t know if your wand is there yet.”
Mimi adds, “We also don’t know if it’s not..”
They all nod in agreement as they come upon their first glance of the Astronomicon. The building is huge and has a massive telescope hanging from one end of the complex. After another hour’s journey they come upon the entrance where a wizened old Man carrying a wand paces back and forth. “Ah…. yes yes…it is time … you are here!”
The children look at him confused, “Say what?” Mimi says flatly.
The man shuffles slowly towards the group, his hand trembling, “I am Starr…keeper of the Wand of ….well that’s not important for now..what IS important is that the new torch bearer has come.” He turns and looks at Zeze, “The new keeper.”
Everyone gawks as Zeze sputters, “Me?” She looks at the wand and gasps. The wand is about 8” long and looks like a world within a world. The outer shell is shiny as crystal and swirls with light. Around it are many rings circling around the globe. Inside another world can be seen floating in a lazy spin. Atop the globe is a pointed crystal, “My….wand!”
Everyone cheers as they have finally found the last wand. “Well that was easier than I expected.” Zeze smiles. She looks over to Aila, “Could you please?”
Starr oopses, “In my haste I forgot…” he hands the wand over to Aila who wraps it in a cloth lightly, “The caretaker ..”
Zeze smiles and thanks Starr, “Thank you…but … isn’t that your wand?”
Starr smiles sadly, “Until this moment it was….now.. now I can be at peace.” he smiles warmly, “Enjoy your journey young ones. It will be over faster than you think and all you have in the end is the memories you make. Be well.”
The children smile and wave expecting him to walk away, instead he closes his eyes and his body begins to turn into little sparks of dust carried along the breeze. They all gasp as he waves, “Farewell children…..”
The children while surprised wave fondly at the old Magikal as he blows away into the breeze. Gaia looks awkwardly from one person to the next. They all agree.
Chapter 9 - MAGIKAL!
The children hug each other excitedly as they race up the hill away from the Astronomicon. Collectively they decided to grab their wands at the top of the grassy hill under the primblossom tree. The trip is a short journey and soon they find themselves under the cool shade of the flower blossoms. They each reach into their packs and take out the wands entrusted to them. They place the wands on the ground on the towels they were wrapped in.
Mimi suggests to the group, “Shall we stand in front of our wands and do it together? Everyone nods and stands in front of their chosen wand. Hiro reaches out with his non-dominant hand and holds it into the center of the circle, “Together!” Everyone cries together and places their hands into the center of the circle one upon the other. Aila takes hold of her unicorn horn and feels energy crackle all over her body. Mimi grabs her large crystal wand as waves of energy rush up her arm. Gaia grabs her quill wand and the feather snakes up her arm and flutters in the wind. Hiro grabs his heart wand as the center heart spins spraying hearts in all directions. Lastly Zeze grabs her galaxy wand as stars lights sparkle from the center.
Together they all stand, hands still interconnected and shout at their happy little lungs. ‘MAGIKAL!!!!’
In unison their wands explode with a wave of energy that washes over their owner’s body. They all shriek with laughter as they start to rise from the ground surrounded in the warm protective energy of their wands magik. Suddenly the ground rushes away below them as they sail across the sky. The wands pull them higher and higher towards the glowing ball of energy high above. What once looked like the sun now can be seen to be a bright magikal source of light that fills the valley below.
The newly minted Magikals race towards the bright light and as they seem to be able to crash into the ball of energy they simply fly inside.
Chapter 10 - New Beginnings
The world is all of light for many moments leaving them unable to see. Slowly their eyes begin to adjust and they can see they are on a platform high in the sky as clouds drift below their feet.
“Welcome to the Academia.” says the familiar voice of Professor Grumblegus.
“Professor!” They all shout together happily and rush to give her a hug. She smiles and pats them on their backs one at a time, “I see you all have managed to find your wands.”
They all hold out their unique wands with great pride. “In time we will find out which wands you have acquired….some are well known to us others…others are more rare.”
She starts to walk away and motions for the Magikals to follow her. “Today I will show you to your dormitory. For the next few days you will be free to familiarize yourself with the Academia but will not yet attend classes. Always keep your wand with you and never leave it alone. You must also NEVER give your wand away freely to another. Giving away your wand can break your connection to it. Guard it with your LIFE!”
The children nod in understanding as Professor Grumblegus stops in front of a small archway. “This is your common room. Feel free to take time to settle. Should you need help finding something or some place simply ask. The Academia will guide you.” With that the Professor ambles away leaving the Magikals to their own devices.
They run with excitement over the alabaster floating stones and into a beautiful alcove. The walls are covered with the most beautiful of flowers and the ground a soft green moss. There are pillows everywhere to recline and relax while studying. A soft trickle can be heard as a small stream flows through providing space to drink and an ambient calming sound. Scattered around the alcove are nooks meant to serve as private rooms and resting areas. They each in turn take off to pick an alcove and place their meager personal belongings. Once settled they all return to the center to marvel at their new home.
Mimi sighs happily, “We did it! We found our wands AND we got to stay together!”
They all beam and do a little happy dance. A soft gong sound fills the air and a voice softly speaks, ** Evening Meal is now ready **
They all look at each other suddenly, very hungry. They run out of their alcove back into the main corridor and look about. Hundreds of young Magikal girls are leaving their alcoves and heading down towards the dining halls. They shrug and figure follow the crowd and make their way down the grassy pathways. After a short walk they line up with the others and wait their turn to be served along the food lines. Their plates are stuffed with all kinds of pastries and savory dishes and they are shooed onto the next station.
They stick close together so as to not get separated and stop in the middle of the room looking for an empty place to sit. An elder Magikal spies them and steps over to help, “New here?” they all nod, “You eat at your pod table…” she looks over them and then out into the room. She waves her wand which seems to hold balls of light and one ball of light shoots out over the room to hover over an empty table. “That’s your table!”
The group gives their thanks and hastily makes their way to their table where they begin to feast! Servers come by occasionally offering mugs of Caper Ale and Sweet Teatimes. They laugh and they chat and they admire their wands amidst stuffing their faces full. The tables conveniently have little displays to hold their wands and they are glad to be able to keep them in site while not having to hold onto them.
Suddenly the room grows silent and faces turn towards the dias. Hiro looks about and happens to notice a few other boys amongst the crowd and feels happy to know he is not alone. Professor Grumblegus rises from her seat at the master table and waves her wand around. In unison the Magikals begin to grab their wands and hold them up. The group hastily grabs theirs and holds them up as well.
“Greetings Magikals new and old!” says the Professor.
Cheers resound from the crowd as welcomes and tithings are exchanged. Professor Grumblegus waves her hand to motion for silence and the crowd settles down. “As is the custom of the Magikals we feast here today in honor of those newly joined…and newly left. To our newly joined we welcome you to our tables and look forward to learning about the new gifts you bring to our community!”
Cheers go up from the seasoned Magikals.
The new Magikals beam with pride as friendly faces everyone greet them in welcome. “For now…enjoy the food and the rest. You have earned it! Soon you will start your studies and work your way to becoming a part of our community!”
A final round of applause is given as the room turns back to the feast.
Chapter 11 - Nighttime
After dinner the Magikals head back towards their alcoves. To study, to sleep, to rest. When they return they find that their alcove is dimly lit with light moon rays falling from the air. They take some seats and settle in.
Mimi smiles, “Our lives will change now….”
Hiro agrees, “For the better!”
Gaia smirks as she twirls her quill wand between her fingers, “I am so glad to be here.”
Zeze sighs happily, “I thought I would miss home…”
Aila squeezes her shoulder, “This is home now. What was before is no more.”
Zeze smiles and pats the hand on her shoulder.
Chapter 12 - Time to get to Work!
Over the next few days the quintet set about getting to learn where everything they need is located. Their alcove has all their basic needs, rooms, baths, study areas. The Academia itself is massive! Not quite as large as the Library of Wands but impressive nonetheless. Running as fast as you can would take you a few hours to get from one side of the floating island to the other.
Magikal students practice their abilities in different arenas placed around the island. Each tailored to the specific gifts of the wands the students chose. To their delight they find that while some classes are held in traditional classrooms, most are done outside in these arenas where you can safely practice your new skills.
In addition to learning about Magik and your wand, students are encouraged to find hobbies that speak to their personal interests. Musicians play, writers write, athletes play sports. Hiro was able to confirm that the Mystikals studied their skills in a separate floating city nearby. For most of their down days the group stayed together as they explored seeking comfort in each other’s company before having to spread out and join the other Magikal candidates.
One week after their arrival they each receive a note with golden letters engraved on the outside with their names. Upon opening the note they find it to be an invitation to their first class the next morning where they would each begin their studies. To their relief they would be starting this class together. They decide as a group to turn in early to get rest for the next day’s events.
The morning is beautiful and the sunlight pours lazily into the alcove. A trick of Magik they all assumed as the sunbeams drifted slowly to warm the ground below their feet. Hiro comes darting of his nook waving his Heart wand, “It’s our first claaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaassssssssss” he sings.
Mimi climbs out of her nook looking super tired, “Ugh….someone turn down his sunshine.” Zeze jabs Mimi in the side, “Oh let him be happy….maybe you should get something with a bit of zest to get you going.”
Mimi grumps, “I’m not a morning person.”
Gaia chuckles, “I would never have noticed.”
Alia picks up her bags from in front of the alcove entrance, “C’mon guys….let’s get going I wanna get a good seat.”
They each grab their packs and take off at a small trot down the stairwell. Their first class isn’t very farm and is super easy to find. They see an archway adorned with white garland that one must duck under to enter. Inside the alcove is an enclosed room with panel walls. The ceiling is made of porcelain tiles but has been Magiked to look like the sky above. An enclosed room keeps the distractions to a minimum and allows the students to focus.
They take seats in the middle of the room sitting as close to each other as they can. Over the next several minutes other students wander in and take the empty seats. From outside a gong sounds and the children go silent as they look about. From outside a shuffling noise is heard coming closer and the children turn to the entryway expectantly. Shortly a round plump woman enters the room without having to duck under the garland. “Greetings, Greetings everyone. I am professor Nitpick”
A few students chuckle but the Professor ignores the commotion, “I will be your instructor in your introduction to your wand class. The purpose of this course is for YOU to identify your wand and learn some of the herstory behind it if available.”
While she speaks she paces back and forth, “For some you will have a vast amount of information to draw on. For others your wand may be unique and never before selected. You will be the first to carry it and will write the herstory…good or bad.” She smiles at all the expectant faces before her. “History mapping a wand can be a challenging task and you are not expected to do this alone. Should you have any troubles I….and any of the librarians will be glad to assist you. You need to know what your wand is in order to unlock its vast potential.”
She paces back and forth again looking from student to student, “ For those whose wands are rare or unknown you may not find anything of note to help you unlock your special abilities. For those students you will be taking an extra class with a very special Professor who is gifted at unlocking new wands.”
A student raises their hand and is invited to speak, 'Excuse me ma’am but did you say new wands?’
Professor Nitwit bounces excitedly, “oh yes! The Library of wands constantly creates new wands as times change…needs grow….old wands are destroyed or lost. How else did you think the library was so massive?”
Everyone looks surprised but nod in agreement that it makes sense. Professor Nitwit continues, “So today we start with the basics. How many of you know how to search wands?” A few stray hands go up, “Ok ok good so I’ll have some helpers this year. In front of each of you, your desks have been bespelled to help you do research. They can access all information in the Library of Wands. What you want to do first is place your wand onto the desk.”
Everyone pulls their wands from their sides and places them on top of their desk. “Good good….now …focus on the desk and request it analyze your wand by speaking the words Identifico Magikas” she clears her throat, “When you are ready.”
In rapid succession the students chant the magikal commands and watch as their desks light with a ray of golden light. Their wands drift slowly into the air and begin to spin as the enchanted desks attempt to locate information on the wand. Several students cheer or clap their hands as their desks flicker and beep as their wands are identified.
Professor Nitwit strolls up and down the aisles looking over identified wand, “Oooh that’s a good one……..oh my deary…oh my what a wicked wand…..oh a healing wand….can’t have too many of those about…..impressive a battle wand.” She tuts at a few frowny faces, “Don’t worry….some wands take a bit to locate.”
The scans continue for some time with the occasional success popping up further and farther between.
Bleep Bleep - Unicorn Wand
Aila claps her hand, “It found mine!” Professor Nitwit smiles, “Impressive….that wand has only been called upon twice before.” Aila Beams.
Bleep Bleep - Galaxy Wand
Zeze smirks, “I didn’t know that was it’s official name but it’s prior Magikal gifted it to me.” Professor Nitwit looks sad, “Oh my….I hadn’t heard about that….Starr was a dear dear friend. He will be missed.”
Bleep Bleep - Heart Wand
Professor Nitwit turns rapidly, “Say now…who has that wand? Speak up.”
Hiro raises his hand and the class looks at him with awe, “I did ma’am.”
Professor Nitwit shuffles to him quickly, “My word….only one other has ever carried that wand. He did great things with it he did. YOu will be getting extra classes, young man. That is a very powerful wand indeed.”
Hiro looks both proud and mortified.
Bleep Bleep - Wand of Words
Gaia claps her hands, “Oooh it found mine.” Professor Nitwit comes over and pats Gaia on the shoulder with a tut, “I wish you well child.”
Gaia looks to HIro and mouths, “Wish me well??”
The bleeps continue for another few minutes and soon fall silent. The desks suddenly shut off the glow fading away.
Mimi looks as her wand floats to the table landing with a soft thud. Several other students whose wands haven’t been identified look forlorn. “Now now… I did warn you that some of the wands would not be identifiable.” She clears her throat, “For those whose wands did not identify you will be seeing Professor Ment who will be instructing you on how to unlock its secrets.
A gong sounds outside and the children start to pack their things and take their wands. “See you all on the morrow”
Happy faces go sprinting out the room as the quintet come together to check their schedules, “Looks like we all have the same class. C’mon.” They duck out the room waving goodbye to the professor and start heading down the grass steps towards the training fields. Magikals travel in every direction as they work to get to their next course. They wind their way down a path of shrubs which empties out into a small arena surrounded by tall bushes. In the center of the arena the children are gathered by two tall individuals. One obviously a Mystikal the other a Magikal.
As everyone settles in a loose circle the Magikal steps forward, “I am Late and will be your basic spells instructor. This is Kerne from the Mystikal school, he will be helping us today.”
Kerne stands tall and is well muscled, his armor glinting from the golden sunbeams. He wears a smug grin and tips his hat at everyone. Liate continues, “While your wands will eventually grant your special abilities there are spells you will learn that are common to all wands. Spells that include offensive, defensive, healing etc attributes. Today you will all learn some basic spells and defend yourself against Kerne.”
Kerne takes a few steps forward, “We have found the best way to learn your spells is to place them to real time use. I will not be holding back today and you must put your fullest effort into casting them.”
Liate pulls out her golden wand and holds it in front of her, “As a Magikal you will often face dangerous situations and you must all learn to protect yourself. I shall teach you now the spell of protection…this is the most basic version but could indeed save your life.” She holds the wand in front of her and calmly yet firmly speaks, “Protectoro!”
From the tip of the wand a swirl of light begins to cascade forward rushing out to fill the air in front of Liate. The air seems to shimmer as a wall of barely visible force builds itself upwards and outwards forming into a shield of pure light energy. Liate smiles and then flicks the wand to her side dismissing her spell.
The students clap excitedly. “Now then. I wish for you all to pick a spot on the dueling ring laid into the floor.” The children scatter out and space themselves out along the gold inlay on the floor. Kerne takes a spot in the center as Liane steps outside the ring, “Today you will defend yourself against an attack from me. You must be prepared. Everyone…wands at the ready.” The Magikal students raise their wands in front of them in a defensive, to them, posture.
Kerne smiles and balls his fists, golden energy surges over his body as his eyes begin to glow white hot. He becomes a blur and launches himself at a white haired girl in front of him. She barely has time to say, “Pr” before he smashes into her, sending her flying across the grass into the bushes.
Liate tut tuts, “He did warn you to be ready.”
Gaia sputters, “That’s unfair….she wasn’t re…” is all she can get out before Kerne spins and blurs towards Gaia. Her eyes go wide and she speedily and hastily screams, “PROTECTORO!” A wall of energy starts to form in front of her but just a bit too late. Kerne shatters through the defense and stops just in front of Gaia, “Very good try young Magikal.”
Gaia mutters thank you and leans over to Aila, “I think I peed myself.”
The rest of the morning passes slowly as the students each get a turn to face off against Kerne. Some meet with more success than others. Everyone at one point gets to show off a bruise for their lack of attention or pronunciation. When the midday gong goes off it is with sweet relief that the students holster their wands and gather their things to limp away to lunch
Hiro bounces happily, “That was amazing!”
Mimi ughs, “Are you kidding? I have a lump on my forehead.”
Aila chuckles, “Well you should have seen him flying at you…he even stopped to make funny faces while you were chatting.”
Zeze cackles, “Omg that was so funny!!! She didn’t even notice him!”
Mimi ughs, “Ok ok ok….but that girl had the cutest shoes and I wanted to know where she got them from.”
Hiro sighs, “We’re learning Magik and you’re talking about shoooooooooooes?”
Mimi shrugs, “Just because we’re Magikal does not mean we can’t be fashionable as well.”
The group chuckles and hop limp races up the stairs towards the food hall. The room is abuzz with noise as students excitedly share their daily stories while stuffing their faces full of food. The group gets in line and starts piling their plates high with delicious treats and tastees.
A young boy Magikal bumps into Hiro, “Oh sorry Mate…”
Hiro turns to see the blue hair boy and smiles, “No problem…..”, he smiles when he realizes he’s speaking to another boy, “I’m Hiro….”
The boy bounces from foot to foot, “I’m Nano…from Mewlithe. Supa Excited to be here…”
Hiro smiles as he offers Nano a plate, “When’d you get here?”
Nano thanks for the plate, “A few days ago eh? Hey….me and a bunch of the other guys are sitting at one of the far tables. Care to join us?”
Hiro blinks as he looks at the table of boys, “um….maybe next time. I’m with my friends.”
“Friends eh?”, Nano looks at the girls and shrugs, “Ok…..I guess.” he grabs a few more Muffin Puffins and plops them on his plate before bounding off to join his mates.
Mimi looks over at Hiro as he turns back to the group, “Everything ok?”
Hiro nods, “Yep…”, he turns to look at the boys table but follows his friends back to their Alcove table.
Chapter 13 - What Surprises
The afternoon is given to free study so the quintet head to the fields to do their research. They were each given a special book earlier that was enchanted much like their desks. Only these books can help you read about anything stored in the Library of Wands. Simply ask a question and the book will find the information for you to read, if available.
They scatter under a MuckMuck tree and start to research their wands while enjoying the coolness of the shade. Mimi browses rare wands attempting to identify her wand while the others read about the specific information they can find about theirs. It is late afternoon when a tall Magikal approaches them. “Good afternoon.”
The group looks up with curiosity and greets the Magikal, “I am here to speak with Hiro. If you will please gather your things and follow me. “
Hiro looks nervous and gathers his things before following the Magikal and a short distance. She leads him away from the others through a long winding path. He tries to keep track of where they are going but it seems to be an endless maze of twists and turns. Finally after an arduously swift walk she leads him into a building whose inside is much larger than it appeared on the outside. “I am Professor Minet. I will be your special instructor.”
Hiro blinks, “Special instructor?”
She nods the affirmative as she pulls back the long draping robes from her arms. “Do you know who Glavion the Brave is?” HIro shakes his head no, “What about Murkery the True?” Hiro shakes his head no, “Fastian the Heart?” Hiro once again shakes his head no.
The Professor looks down at the young Magikal, “They were known as the Trinity and some of the greatest protectors of this Kingdom.” Hiro looks up with huge eyes, “Fastian was the one and only Magikal to ever hold the Heart Wand. In his hands the wand could inspire hope, bring joy to the hopeless and hope to the hopeless.”
Hiro looks at the wand in awe, “Wow.”
“The wand has never chosen another….in 3 millennia it has sat upon that statue….until now.” She pulls out her black wand which is long and narrow. “Only the purest of Heart could find and inspire it to wake. Are you the purest of heart Hiro?”
Hiro shrugs, “I mean…I dunno? What does that even mean??”
She lashes forward with her wand shouting, “Terroreste Mentalia” A sickening dark shadow roars to life from the tip of the Ebon wand and races towards Hiro. He shrieks and holds the Heart Wand in front of him and shouts, “Protectoro!!” The shield forms haphazardly as the shadow crashes into and thru the shield. It seems to hiss as it surrounds him, binding him and dragging him to the floor. He tries to shriek but it fills his mouth and pours in like liquid until all he sees is darkness.
For long moments there is only blackness. Slowly…dimly he can see light….at first he sees Mimi walking around aimlessly. She is joined by Gaia who is sitting on a bench sad and alone. Aila comes into view standing in silence while Zeze walks in an endless circle. Hiro tries to get his friend’s attention but they cannot hear him. He has no voice.
Suddenly from the shadows he spies several scary eyes opening and some sort of misshapen creature walking towards his friends. He tries to scream…to get their attention but they still cannot hear him. He runs towards them but cannot gain any ground. No matter how fast he moves the distance between them does not close! The creature comes into view of his friends who look terrified and huddle together. With a roar the creature looms over them ready to strike for the kill! Claws reach into the sky and start to dive downward.
Hiro screams and holds out his hands to his friends! He wishes to protect them! To keep them safe!!! He screams as he tries to move forward but cannot! His heart aches for their safety!
His eyes start to glow and his hands roar with energy. Huge hearts pour from his hands and race out towards his friends surrounding them with protection. The energy swirls and bursts through the darkness….ripping the creature away as light begins to pour in everywhere.
A burst of light surges from his body shattering the dark husk around him. He screams in fright and triumph just as he realizes he’s back in the building laying on the floor. His friends were nowhere in sight. “What was that!!!”