tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82846630258012765132024-03-10T22:05:06.210-07:00Sierra's StoryWelcome to the adventures of a crazy Grandmaster Thaumaturge (me) and occasionally her crazier sister (Rowan) in an awesome blog (Sierra's Story) that ALSO has to do with The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze and Wizard101. But mostly it's just randomness...Sierra WinterBreezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407285689822927532noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-66322363590300622172020-05-06T12:47:00.000-07:002020-05-06T12:47:25.045-07:00Wizard101 and Sierra WinterBreeze 11+ Years Later<span style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Fun fact: my dad didn't cancel my Wizard101 subscription until the middle of 2019. So he was paying monthly for like 10 years, even though I'd barely played since like 2013. Please no one tell me how much money that is. It's kind of terrifying. Good news (or maybe bad news?) is that now I'm an adult with multiple jobs so I'm forced to pay for my own subscription now...</span><br />
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Anyway, I've been playing Wizard101 again!<br />
<br />
Hello, everyone. I'm the person previously known as Sierra WinterBreeze. I'm still alive, somehow. I'm 23 old now! I graduated from my graduate program back in May with a master's in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). My undergraduate degree was in Linguistics. Planning on either going to Japan, or maybe doubling down on the teaching job I have here in town where we use video games (mostly Minecraft) to teach writing to kids. Or I might go back to school and get my PhD in Applied Linguistics, because I really want to do more research., especially on things like language in fandoms or video games<br />
<br />
I certainly never forgot about Wizard101 and The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze, because this was such a significant part of my life. Please let me tell you now that you all mean so much to me. You made me so happy as a kid and I was so lucky to have such encouragement. Honestly, with how much of a selfish, arrogant jerk I was, I didn't deserve that support, haha. But I'm so glad I could share something you all enjoyed.<br />
<br />
I still think about this blog every once in a while. I've actually attempted to make a post pretty much every year since Part 15 was posted. I've got no less than 7 saved drafts with various updates. But for whatever reason I never finish them.<br />
<br />
But yes, the game really shaped my childhood, so I'll never forget it. In fact, funny story, I convinced the entirety of one of my master's degree classes to play Wizard101 together hahaha. It was a class about using video games to teach, and I brought up Wizard101, and my teacher loved it. We all played it together one class day. (Wizard101 is actually great for second language learners, you know? Someday I'd love to use it if I become an ESL teacher. :P)<br />
<br />
And I'm also still super into fanfiction. I don't write too much anymore -- the last thing I wrote was an awful Shadow of War fanfic that no one read because who reads Shadow of War fanfics -- but I read constantly. Lately I've gotten back into Danny Phantom, which honestly has the best fanfiction I've ever seen in my life and some incredibly skilled authors. But I've also previously been into Overwatch, Magic Kaito/Detective Conan, Rise of the Guardians, and of course Zelda. My undergraduate thesis was all about the sociolinguistics of fanfiction communities, and I wrote a paper on someone who plagiarized The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze for my forensic linguistics class, because I thought the idea of doing that was too funny to pass up.<br />
<br />
And I play a lot of games! I still adore Skyrim, and enjoy modding it until in crashes (my current setup has like 400+ mods if you include texture replacements and the like) as well as group games like SMITE, Overwatch, and Minecraft. I have about 1400 hours in SMITE according to Steam, so, uh, yeah. I've played it too much. (If any of you play those games or are interested in trying them out, hit me up! I'm HeroineofTime in SMITE, Hylia#1889 in Overwatch, or Heroine of Time#5367 on Discord if you just wanna message me.)<br />
<br />
Speaking of gaming, I stream regularly on Twitch! I mostly speedrun Zelda games because I'm a loser who never grew out of her Zelda phase. I'm <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/twilightwakeroftime" target="_blank">TwilightWakerofTime</a>, I'd love to see you there! :D<br />
<br />
I actually ended up back into Wizard101 because of one of my gaming buddies who you all know as Hunter ThunderShield. We've been playing more competitive games together for years now, with him almost always being the support to my dps. I think I randomly mentioned to him how Wizard City got updated a couple years ago, since I loaded up the game and ran around all the new stuff for a while, and he expressed and interest in seeing it as well. And that made us both nostalgic, so we decided to start questing together.</div><div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">So it's kind of funny that when we returned to Wizard101, I am more or less the support to his dps, because Ice is very obviously the tank class, and Myth... well, uh, it exists? But he does more damage than me and I'm more equipped to take damage, so I just taunt and shield a lot and occasionally Snow Angel if pips allow it.</div><div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I feel like it's very ironic, actually, that I played a tank in what is basically my first ever online game, considering I am absolute trash at tanks in every other game.</div><div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br />
</div><div><div style="color: #454545; font-family: uictfonttextstylebody;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hunter and I started out fairly close in level, with him only being slightly behind me, and we actually were on the same Wintertusk quest because him, me, and Sydney had been going through that world together a couple years ago. He caught up to me in Zafaria and now we're nearing the end of Avalon. Now we're currently going through on some lower level characters to catch another friend of ours, a Diviner named Luke, up to our level. I'm helping him out on my Death wizard, Laura DarkGlen (who I actually wrote a fanfic about forever ago, but I never published anywhere so it's DEFINITELY gone forever), and we're making our way through Krokotopia as Hunter Humungofrogs every single enemy for us. Eventually we plan on catching up to Hunter's Life wizard, who is in Zafaria, and then catching up to Sierra and going from there with a team of Luke as Storm, Hunter as Life, and me as Ice. Sounds like a good team comp to me.</span></div><div style="color: #454545; font-family: uictfonttextstylebody;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #454545; font-family: uictfonttextstylebody;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Anyway. This post is mostly an update? Just in case someone checks on this blog and is curious, no matter how unlikely that might be all these years later hahaha. I love you all, every single person who's ever checked out this blog, and I feel so incredibly fortunate that I ever had any support from you. It's so surreal to me, reading all those old comments, and I regret immensely how I acted back then. I felt like I was some kind of incredibly skilled writer for having all these fans when a lot of it was just luck and an unimaginably sweet and kind community. So yes. Thank you. Thank you thank you thank you. Random stranger on the internet, please keep existing, you're so wonderful for even being here.</span></div><div style="color: #454545; font-family: uictfonttextstylebody;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #454545; font-family: uictfonttextstylebody;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Does The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze have any sort of future? Probably not. I abandoned all illusions of writing a sequel long ago, and although I've attempted to edit the story in full several times over the years, I always get stuck on characterizations. I'm, uh, really bad at writing characters. They all just sound like me. I mean, this has been a problem since 2008 when I first started writing the story but I was 12 so it was forgivable. Now I'm just bad. :P</span></div><div style="color: #454545; font-family: uictfonttextstylebody;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #454545; font-family: uictfonttextstylebody;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But yeah. That's all I've got for now. If someone is actually out there reading this, hit me up on whatever messaging service, either here or on Discord or Twitch or whatevs. I'll be around.</span></div><div style="color: #454545; font-family: uictfonttextstylebody;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #454545; font-family: uictfonttextstylebody;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(I can't believe I actually finished one of these posts for once lol.)</span></div><div style="color: #454545; font-family: uictfonttextstylebody;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />
</span></div><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody";">Thank you for reading, amazing person.<3</span></div>Sierra WinterBreezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407285689822927532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-66521543819691652672013-12-25T22:53:00.002-08:002013-12-25T23:44:48.923-08:00The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze - Part 15Merry Christmas, everyone!<br />
<br />
No, your eyes do not deceive you. I have returned after not posting for an entire year. This is mostly due to one amazing anonymous commenter who sent me a message about two weeks ago, saying that they were still awaiting the new chapter. Let me be honest: I'd completely given up on this story. Part 15 has been sitting on my desktop and in my iPad's memory for the longest time. Years, I think, but I can't say for sure, because it's been so long.<br />
<br />
But I have unfairly forced you to wait quite long enough, dear readers, all due to my selfish perfectionism. So... I'm uploading it now. As a Christmas gift to all of you who are still loyal -- and oh my gosh, for those of you out there who are still reading this, you are the greatest people ever. I'm so happy that someone still enjoys reading what I started five years ago. This story is still my pride and joy, even if I haven't touched Wizard101 in at least a year... but this is still something that I can proudly tell people about as one of my greatest achievements.<br />
<br />
Keep in mind that there are some loose ends in this chapter, and... I apologize for those. I'm... not sure if the sequel is happening anymore. I want to say it is, but... okay, it's probably not. I'm so incredibly out of sync with the W101 world now that I really don't think I can write something like that. I'd love to -- rereading this chapter to edit it, I realized how very much I miss these characters. Maybe I'll make a short story-type sequel thing if I get bored one day. I still know what I had in mind for the plot, and I think I could sum it all up pretty quickly...<br />
<br />
Also, I almost forgot to mention: hopefully someone will be editing this soon. I'm not sure what name he wants me to call him by, haha, but we've been corresponding through e-mails. He tried to get it edited by Christmas, but I DID only send it to him two weeks ago, so it's not that surprising that he didn't finish. But thanks to him for the offer, and maybe I can update this later on with a much better version. But really, it's not fair for me to hold off on you guys anymore.<br />
<br />
I told you forever ago that I would not give up on what I've started, and here we are, at the end. So here's the final chapter, everyone. Have a wonderful Christmas!<br />
<br />
(Okay, so yeah, it's 11:52 in Mountain Standard Time, and it's probably not Christmas anymore for most of you... but whatever! Hope you HAD a good one, anyway! ^^)<br />
<br />
EDIT: Holy freaking gosh I just realized that <a href="http://sierrawinterbreezestory.blogspot.com/2010/10/tale-of-sierra-winterbreeze-part-14.html" target="_blank">Part 14</a> was in OCTOBER OF 2010. That's insane. I left this waaay too long... O_o<br />
<br />
<b>The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze - Part 15</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">“It’s…
big,” Hunter noted.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Yeah.
It is.” I tried not to roll my eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“And…
there are so many doors! Where could they go?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I
don’t know, and believe me, you don’t want to,” I responded sulkily. “Now
focus. We have a mission here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">His
face darkened with disappointment, and I regretted saying that. Every single
one of the Seekers had been here before… except Hunter. If examining the whole
place and pointing out useless details kept his mind off the sickening task at
hand, who was I to stop him?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Silence
surrounded our group of seven once more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Um,
you know,” I said to break the tension, “I’m a bit surprised we didn’t get more
of a, I don’t know… welcome? Or, uh, not welcome. The opposite. Shouldn’t there
be some kind of resistance? Like Skeletal Warrior guards attempting to capture
and/or destroy us? Or an undead army bent on our annihilation? Or tons of traps
set up to hinder our progress? Or hordes of dark magical creatures? Or Mary? Or
Li–”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Sierra,”
Mark said sternly, cutting me off, “calm down. Do you <i>want</i> to attract attention?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
realized my ramblings had increased in volume with every word. I took a shaking
breath. “No,” I agreed. “Not really.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“But
Sierra is right,” Sydney piped up. "Why is there no one here? This place
seems so empty.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Exactly!”
I said eagerly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Plus
we have no clue where we’re going,” Victoria added.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Exactly,”
I sighed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We
had been exploring the lair for around a half hour now. Not much of the scenery
had changed – it was just red and black walls, doors, walls, doors, walls… and
so on. And where exactly were we supposed to go? We were so, totally,
completely lost, and there was nothing we could do about it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Suddenly,
behind us there was the undeniable sound of a rusty door creaking open. Almost
simultaneously, we whipped around, ready for anything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Instead
of imminent danger, we found a young girl, just barely older than my sister,
staring at us with a shocked and even terrified expression.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Um…
hi?” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Please
don’t tell!” she cried, sinking to her knees. “I wasn’t doing anything bad.
Promise!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Tell
who? Tell what?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">She
looked up at us, and I saw the surprise in her eyes grow. “You’re not… you’re
not from here… are you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Uh…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">She
stood up and held out a hand. “I’m Jessica. Just Jessica – I don’t have a last
name.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
stared at her hand for a few seconds before realizing I was supposed to take
it. “Okay. Um, I’m Sierra WinterBreeze.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Jessica
took a step back. “Really?” she whispered in awe. “But then… you are…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">This
was going way too fast. “Look, I have no clue what’s going on,” I said. “What
are you doing here? What did you not want us to tell?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">She
took a deep breath. “You’re in the lair of the powerful Malistaire Drake,” she
whispered, “although I’m sure you knew that. People don’t just wander in here
by accident. And… I’m not supposed to be here…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Of
course not,” I exclaimed. “You should be in Wizard City, safe like everyone
else. We’re going to take care of Malistaire.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“No,”
she said sadly. “I can’t. I’m trapped here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
didn’t speak for a second. This really hadn’t been what I was expecting to
visit Malistaire’s lair – to be faced with a girl that a) didn’t have a last
name, b) seemed to know who I was, c)
wouldn’t tell us what she was doing here exactly and d) was seriously starting
to scare me a bit. She wasn’t creepy or anything – actually, she appeared to be
really nice. But anyone running around in the lair of Malistaire in – did I
forget to mention – <i>Death</i> school
robes… it was slightly suspicious. Okay, <i>extremely</i>
suspicious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“You’re…
trapped,” I echoed, scrutinizing her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Yes,”
she confirmed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
continued staring. “Planning on telling us why anytime soon?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I’m
sorry, but I don’t know if I should. Just me being here, talking to you, is
dangerous. I’m going to be in so much trouble if I’m caught, but…” I was
stunned when she did a small curtsey in my direction. “You’re my only hope,
Sierra WinterBreeze. You and the other Seekers of Light. There are a lot of
people depending on you, so please don’t fail us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Speechless,
I glanced over my shoulder at my friends. Their expressions ranged from
disbelief to shock to fear. She knew about the Seekers…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Jessica,”
Vanessa said finally, breaking the silence. “Do I know you from somewhere?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">She
looked confused. “There’s no way you could. Why?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">To
be honest, I almost though she looked familiar, too…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Nothing,”
Vanessa murmured. “I thought you looked… a bit like…” She cast a glance to her
left, right where a very uncomfortable Mark was standing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">With
a start, I realized what she was getting at. I stepped back, making sure I
could examine both Mark and Jessica at the same time. Their hair color was an
unmistakable match of midnight black, and their eyes both a deep, dark brown.
Even the shape of their build was the same.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Mark?”
I began.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I
don’t know,” he quickly responded to my unspoken question. He stared into Jessica’s
eyes that were identical to his own. “Who are you, really? Why do you look like
me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Jessica
was taken aback. “I… I don’t know my family. I don’t know.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Well.
This was a rather interesting discovery…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“At
least give us some answers,” I demanded. “Let’s start with the obvious. Why are
you in the lair of the most evil man currently alive in the Spiral?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">She
took a deep breath. “I… um… work for him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“You
– wait, <i>what</i>?” I shrieked. I shot a
glance at the Seekers behind me, and I was proud to discover that they had
wordlessly raised their wands, prepared for the worst. Then I mentally scolded
myself for not doing the same. I reached for Megan’s wand, pointing it at
Malistaire’s minion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“No!”
she shouted, putting out her empty palms in defense. “It’s not like that!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Then
you have approximately one minute to tell me what it <i>is </i>like,” I growled, “before you become an ice statue.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">She
began to cry again, startling me into lowering my guard. “Please… don’t hurt
me…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Um,
sorry?” I said, feeling much worse than I was letting on. I’d made the poor
girl cry. What was wrong with me?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">But
she was Malistaire’s minion… I couldn’t feel sympathetic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Explain,”
I ordered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I-I’m
not supposed to be here,” she stammered. “I went against orders. We were all
supposed to report to Mistress Mary half an hour ago, right when you guys
entered. B-But I came out here. I d-don’t know what I was thinking. I just felt
that I had to come and see you, to help you somehow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
listened to her words intently, allowing silence to permeate the air even after
she finished. I could tell she was trying to cease her tears – her voice got
quieter with every word. By the time her explanation was through, she had
completely stopped, though her body still visibly shook.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“So,”
I began, “uh… you said you meant to… help us?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">She
nodded wordlessly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
nodded back, finally making a decision. “All right, Jessica! I have a job for
you. If you want to gain our trust, then you can be our guide through this
crazy labyrinth that Malistaire calls a lair.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">She
gasped. “N-n-no! I can’t do that! They’ll see me!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Then
I’d have no choice but to ensure you don’t let Malistaire know where we are,” I
said menacingly – even though it was just a bluff.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Jessica
looked at me for a second more before sighing. “Okay. I said I would help, so I
guess I should offer my assistance in any way I can. Where did you want to go?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“To
Malistaire, of course.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Her
eyes widened. "But," she squeaked, her voice small, "he'll...
he'll kill me if he sees me." She shut her eyes and moaned. "I should
have known that's what you needed..."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
let out a huff. It felt cruel to force this girl to do something that she was
clearly terrified of – it was hard enough for <i>me</i> to be here. Could I really involve a bystander?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
answer was yes. I could, and I had to. This was a golden opportunity – we'd
been lost for a while now, with no sense of direction, but the perfect guide
had practically fallen in our laps. I needed her help. She knew where to go,
and we had to reach Malistaire as soon as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Look,"
I said, dropping my menacing facade, "we really, really need your help,
Jessica. And there's no way I can let you go at this point – even if you don't
intend to betray us, you never know what... what they might do to you if they
find out you were with us. Isn't it almost safer to lead the way?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">She
opened her eyes and stared at me, her frightened gaze meeting mine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"We'll
keep you safe if you come," I promised. "I won't let Malistaire hurt
you."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">She
considered this for a moment and looked over my shoulder at the rest of the
Seekers. There was a moment of silence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">At
long last, she turned back to me. "Alright. I'll take you as far as I can.
Follow me."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">She
started off down the hallway. I motioned for my friends to follow as we allowed
ourselves to be blindly led on by this mysterious Necromancer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">---<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Rowan
and Jessica led our procession. They seemed to be getting along quite well. The
rest of us, however, ignored Jessica; I’m sure they were all as distrustful of
her as I was. Jessica acted like she knew where she was going, but how could we
be sure? This might be a trap for all we knew.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Eventually
we stopped when we reached the end of a long hallway that appeared to be a dead
end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Apparently,
however, it wasn’t. Jessica skipped toward the wall, then reached out and
pushed hard on it. To our surprise, the wall slid away, revealing a
person-sized tunnel, just barely large enough for us to squeeze into.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“This
leads to Dragon’s Roost,” Jessica explained. “It’s the main part of the lair,
but totally separate from this one. This is kind of just where Malistaire keeps
prisoners and stuff. You can’t teleport from this area to the other, because we
have to go outside first, and his spells prevent that from happening. I heard a
rumor that Malistaire set up lots of dark creatures to deter you from getting
in, so you’ll have to be careful once we’re out of this part of the lair and
into the other one.” After that lengthy clarification, Jessica disappeared into
the tunnel. Rowan followed her immediately. Everyone else hesitated, looking at
one another questioningly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
shrugged. “Rowan seems to trust her. Let’s just go in and see what happens. I
mean, she’s just one girl. What could she do? There are seven of us and one of
her.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Most
nodded in uneasy agreement, but I couldn’t help but hear Victoria mutter, “It
isn’t Jessica I’m worried about.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Silently,
I was thinking the same thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Mark
entered first, followed by Sydney, Victoria, and Vanessa. Hunter paused before
the door, looking into it uncertainly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“It
will be fine,” I assured him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Yeah.
I know. I’ve got you and Sydney and everyone else here, anyway.” He grinned.
“Except Sydney’s more likely to argue with me and cause problems. And then you’ll
be busy either ignoring us or screaming at us to stop.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Pretty
much,” I responded. I decided not to mention that he initiated as many disputes
as his sister.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Then
I noticed he still wasn’t moving. “Um, Hunter? What’s wrong?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">He
sighed. “I’m nervous.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“And
you have a pretty decent reason to be.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Yeah,
but… I’m the lowest level.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
blinked at the mention of level. Really… I hadn’t even considered that little
factor. We weren’t a posse of Grandmasters, and what had Mark told me? That
some wizards went in to fight Malistaire and never came back? Yes, that was it.
Not that it calmed me one bit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
scrutinized Hunter, trying to determine his level from his clothing. “Level?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Twenty-six.”
I let out a hiss between my teeth. Dang. Compared to the rest of us, he <i>was</i> a low level. It wasn’t what I had
expected at all – for some reason, I imagined the group to be at least Magus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Besides,
it wasn’t like we were much better. We had no Grandmasters at all – Mark was
close at level 49, but he was our highest. Victoria and I were also Masters,
but I just barely – exactly level 40. I didn’t even know Colossus yet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Don’t
worry. Rowan’s our healer, right? She’ll help you if you’re hurt. And I’ll
shower you with Tower Shields if you want. Now come on! We don’t want to be
left behind.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">But
even as I said that, I turned back to the doorway in the wall –<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Just
in time to see if closing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“…Um,
one second,” I said slowly. “Did it just… are you seeing what I am, Hunter?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I
just saw our only way out closing off!” he shouted, the panic I had been
prolonging already evident in his voice. “What do we do? We have to do
something!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Calm
down,” I ordered, although even my voice shook. “Let’s just think about–”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Sydney!”
He started pounding on the wall with his fists, screaming. “Guys! You left us!
Wait!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Hunter,
shut up!” I growled, putting a hand over his mouth as his eyes widened in
shock. “I don't care what that other girl said. We're on our own now, and I’d kind
of like to keep it that way – I don’t want to attract the wrong kind of
attention.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">He
stopped struggling in my grasp and nodded slowly, so carefully I wondered if he
even realized he was doing it. I let go of him cautiously, ready to jump in if
he screamed again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">But
he didn’t. Instead, I heard a voice that was too deep to be his – but I
recognized it nonetheless. “It is time for your final test, Sierra
WinterBreeze.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
let out a long sigh as Hunter spoke up. “Is that the same guy who told Mark and
me about the Shadow Beasts?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Unfortunately,”
I replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
voice began, “I know you disliked your encounters with the Shadow Beasts–”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“’Disliked’
doesn’t even begin to cover it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
mysterious voice refused to become upset with me. “Still, there is one more
thing you must do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Says
who?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Says
one who desperately needs your help.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
faltered. “Wh-who? It’s not one of the other Seekers, is it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“No.
It is me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">My
face hardened, but my mind was racing. Help? What kind of help would a
disembodied, anonymous voice need from me? “What would I have to do?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Sierra,”
Hunter whispered next to me. “We still have to find Sydney and everyone else.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
nodded, but I mostly listened to the voice as it continued, “Do you recall our
first meeting, Sierra?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I
think so,” I replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Then
you remember when I said you would not see me until we faced one another in
battle?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Yes…
wait. I think I see where this is going.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Now
is time to break our friendship, Sierra, and fight me. Be warned that I will
not go easy on you simply because of our previously amiable relationship.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“But…
why? Why do we have to fight?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I
cannot tell you that yet. Come find me, and I can explain everything to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
looked back at Hunter, who did not look pleased that I had chosen to listen to
the voice instead of him. “Can he help? I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Sierra…”
Hunter began.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I
suppose. But no others.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Hunter
bit his lip in frustration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
gave him one sympathetic glance, but I would need his assistance. I again spoke
to the voice. “And my other friends?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“They
will meet up with you after our duel is over. The condition they find you in
will depend on its outcome.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">A
part of me wondered why I was even considering it. Logically, none of this even
made sense. How would fighting him help him? What was this all for?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“What
if I refuse?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Then
go ahead and try to find a way out on your own. Some trapdoors are more secure
than the ones you’ve been lucky enough to find. That one will only open for
people who work for Malistaire, similar to the one the false necklace led you
to in your first visit to the lair. That being said, I’m pretty certain you’re
lost at the moment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
scowled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Another
moment passed. “So… do you accept?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">A
sigh escaped me, and Hunter tensed, fearing my answer. Unfortunately, I
couldn’t help but betray him – he really wanted me to say no, and I knew that
would make the most sense, but…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I
can’t believe I’m saying this, but yes. I accept.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">---<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
voice gave us instructions as we trekked through different hallways. It made me
wonder again if I’d made the wrong decision – couldn’t this easily be a trap?
The voice always said he had a side of his own, but still.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Are
we there yet?” Hunter whined.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Almost,”
the voice assured him. “Go left.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
frowned. “There is no left. It’s just a wall.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">He
paused. “There's a hidden panel around there somewhere. Move your hand over the
wall carefully. There should be a large section that isn't rough like the rest
of it. You can slide the panel off from there.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Frowning,
I gently placed one finger on the unusual texture of the wall. It wasn't an
easy search, considering that some of the edges were sharp and could easily
draw blood, but as I skimmed its surface, I found a section that gave me
surprisingly little resistance. I cautiously pressed my full palm against it
and found it cold and smooth to the touch. I then moved it back, finding where
the rough section began, and found a small crack, completely unnoticeable to
someone who didn't know what to look for, and dug my fingers into it. From
there, a section of the wall peeled away, revealing a perfectly normal door
that looked just like every other one in Dragonspyre.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
blinked. "Just how many secret passages <i>are </i>there in this place?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Far
too many to count," the voice said softly. "Now come inside."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
stepped aside to allow Hunter in first. When I followed him in, I was met with
a blast of warm but unmistakably outdoor air. We were on a platform lower than
surrounding areas, practically floating on top of the lava. To our left was a
ramp leading to higher ground. I followed it, beckoning for Hunter to do the
same. We exited through an enormous door emblazoned with Dragonspyre designs
similar to the one at the entrance of Malistaire’s lair and arrived at a very
odd platform. It seemed to be surrounded by glowing red sparks and possessed a
railing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Step
on,” the voice added. After a moment of hesitation, I did so. The platform
lurched when Hunter followed me, and I nearly toppled over. Then it started
floating upward, and both Hunter’s eyes and mine widened in shock.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“An
elevator!” I breathed. “I haven’t been on an elevator since… since…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
orphanage. Since Earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
magical elevator brought us up to a higher floor, where a long path extended in
front of us to yet another wide, ornate door. To both the left and right was a
circular platform. Someone stood on the left one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Actually,
to be a bit more accurate, it was a some<i>thing</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">It
resembled a Helephant, except it was smaller; somehow that reminded me of the
dear Frost Giant who awakened me. It stared at us as though judging us.
Flanking it were a Magma Fury and a Feral Lavaling – two powerful creatures
found only in Dragonspyre.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“So
we finally meet face-to-face.” My jaw dropped when I realized this thing – this
unusual Helephant-like creature that looked more like a fifth Oni than anything
else – was actually speaking in the same mysterious voice that had guided me so
much within the last few hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
glanced at Hunter, who was eyeing the Helephant warily. He met my gaze, grimacing
worriedly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Allow
me to introduce myself,” the mini-Helephant said. “My name is Gurtok
FireBender.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“You’re…
a monster.” I cringed at how mean that sounded. No, I didn’t want to insult
him! Especially since he looked so powerful – I wasn’t in Dragonspyre yet!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Fortunately,
he only gave me a strange look that I couldn’t quite read. “Yes. I hear that’s
what wizards call creatures different from them? Ones that have the capability
to attack – to fight back? Let me tell you this: to us, <i>you</i> are the monsters.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">An
overwhelming wave of guilt washed over me, eliciting the need to apologize, or
at least defend myself. “I’m sor–”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Don’t.”
The Helephant – or Gurtok FireBender… Bender? Can I call him that? – turned his
expression cold. “We are here to battle.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“But
why? How will this help you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Bender
looked to the side, away from me. “It’s hard to explain.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Come
on… tell us!” I was surprised that Hunter had spoken up, not me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Bender
huffed. “…Fine.” He gestured to the other platform. “See that? That was where
my brother used to stand.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“<i>You </i>have a brother?” I asked
incredulously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">His
gaze on me was like steel, and I felt guilt again. “Yes, Sierra. Even monsters
have family. Now may I continue?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
nodded, swallowing loudly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“My
brother’s name is Gurtok Piercer. We were both guardians to this place:
Dragon’s Roost. We ensured that the Dragon Titan would not be disturbed. But
then… Malistaire came.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“My
brother is of the Ice school, like you, Sierra. Years of service to a Titan who
destroyed and opposed his element made him bitter toward me and his work. When
Malistaire arrived, he barely did anything to fend him off, and without his
help, I was doomed. Now…” He paused, and his trunk curled and uncurled again,
as though he were recalling something sad or unpleasant. “He works for
Malistaire. There is a curse upon him. I know this… because it is on me too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
waited patiently, hoping he would continue. He didn’t. Shifting my weight to my
other foot nervously, I asked, “What kind of curse?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">He
sighed. “It prevents me from really rebelling against him. I cannot directly
attack him, or all the harm comes to me. Nor can I disobey a direct order… but
enough of that. The real problem is that the curse binds my life to my brother.
He will not be granted freedom until I am, or vice versa. But that is
definitely not happening anytime soon. Malistaire ordered my brother to search
for you and kill you… in fact, I’m supposed to do the same…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
took a small step back, startled by these words, but was reminded that I’d been
innocently standing here without defenses for at least a full five minutes, and
he’d previously made no indication that he planned on killing me. Besides, he
helped me earlier. He summoned those portals. Right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“It
seems we’re destined to battle, Sierra WinterBreeze, seeing as we’re on
opposing sides.” He sighed again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Y-you
said that you weren’t working for Malistaire,” I said, accusation seeping into
my tone. “You claimed you were good!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I
did not say that!” he argued. “I said I have my own opinions on the matter. I
am neutral. I can’t say I’m very supportive of you Seekers – you have killed
many ‘monsters’ that weren’t always evil. Malistaire only made them that way.
On the other hand, Malistaire has helped us become strong. He protected us and gave
us new land. But… he’s by no means my leader.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
closed my eyes. “O-o-okay. So, you want us to fight – me and Hunter against you
– because Malistaire told you to… but you haven’t attacked us yet, so… I’m
confused.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Bender
shook his head. “The only way to be released from the curse is death. If I am
defeated, Gurtok Piercer will become free. I just want him safe. And if I win…
well, Malistaire has promised freedom to anyone who brings him Seekers.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
wasn’t sure what to do. He’d shown such strong compassion for his brother, but…
I couldn’t let him die! He helped me earlier. He got on my nerves sometimes,
sure, but so did Hunter and my other friends. You don’t see my trying to kill <i>them<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Are
you ready?” he questioned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“No,”
I answered truthfully. “But I doubt I will be anytime soon. Let’s do this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
spotted a smile on the Helephant-creature’s face before he grimly stated, “Yes.
Let’s begin.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">With
a flash, Gurtok FireBender summoned a Sun Bird. I was so surprised, I didn’t
even have time to move. The fiery, winged beast swooped at me, its beak and
flaming feathers brushing my robes and blinding me. I shrieked, ducking out of
the way, carefully creating a bit of ice to quench the fires burning through my
robe. Groaning a bit, I fumbled with the cards of my deck, dropping a few when
I tried to obtain a useable spell. That Sun Bird’s blow had a hurt a lot more
than it usually did when the battle was contained in a dueling circle. And my
clothes had never caught on fire before. Nor did the pain last any longer than
a few seconds, leaving me to feel only tired afterward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Sierra?”
I turned to Hunter, who was looking at my pleadingly. “Can I summon my minion?
Sydney never lets me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Yes!”
I said through gritted teeth. “We need all the help we can get.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Yay!”
Instantly a Cyclops Watcher appeared, using the two pips Hunter had saved up.
The first thing it did was cast a MythBlade – on me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">It
took all my willpower to prevent myself from directing my next spell at it and
screaming, “I. Don’t. Know. Any. Myth spells!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
powered myself up with an IceBlade, again wishing that I’d already learned
Colossus. Since I was still waiting for pips, I added an Ice Trap to the mix as
well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">And
of course, he just <i>had</i> to put up an
Ice Shield.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
closed my eyes. This frustration was becoming too much. Opening them again, I
used a Feint I knew from my Death spells. It would have to work until I could
find a Steal Ward, which could take that Snow Shield away from Gurtok
FireBender.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Then
Hunter, standing next to me, said, “Um, Sierra?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Yes?”
I snapped, looking at him. I was stunned to see the Cyclops next to him running
toward Bender, club raised as he drew the triangular Myth symbol. “Wait!” I
shouted. I could only watch as the Feint disappeared to power up the Cyclops’
most useless spell – Blood Bat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
spun around, facing Hunter again, this time absolutely furious. “HUNTER!” I
yelled. “You wasted my Feint on a Blood Bat? On a level ONE spell?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I-I’m
sorry,” he stammered. “You cast it just as my Cyclops was attacking, and–”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I
cannot <i>believe</i> this!” I fumed. Okay,
it was all my pent up frustration that I was venting out on poor Hunter. The
Feint wasn’t a big deal – there was still another one in my deck somewhere and
I didn’t really need it if I got Steal Ward – but I couldn’t stand it any
longer. I continued screaming, until I heard a small chuckle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
directed my glare at Gurtok FireBender. “What?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I
find your arguing amusing. You’re supposed to be partners, teammates – but you
aren’t getting anything done. Besides the Blood Bat, you haven’t damaged me at
all.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Well,
if he stopped getting in the way–”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Bender
sighed. “Fine. Don’t listen to me. Won’t be my problem in the Malistaire
battle, if you even make it that far.” He pointed above his head. “Fortunately,
while you were bickering, it gave me time to cast this FireBlade.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">With
that statement, the battle continued, with Hunter’s minion casting a Ghoul to
do a small amount of damage. I was still angry, but trying to cool down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">There!
I triumphantly snatched up my Steal Ward, raising it above my head. I used it,
praying it wouldn’t fizzle. Fortunately, it didn’t.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
Snow Shield dissipated in front of Bender, floating over to protect me instead.
He frowned slightly, so I smirked, quickly casting Ice Wyvern. Just as I did
so, he summoned a Firezilla.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
two creatures glared at one another, neither wanting to move and leave their
master at the mercy of their opponent. Finally, the Firezilla roared and lunged
at my Wyvern.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
blow to it felt like a blow to me. I felt the wind knocked out of my lungs as I
staggered backwards, staring at the Gurtok in surprise. He smirked, raising his
sword again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
Firezilla attacked my Wyvern again, but this time I was ready. Using all the
willpower I possessed, I mentally told my Wyvern to dodge. Amazingly, it
worked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">From
then on, it was a strange, deadly dance between the Ice Wyvern and the
Firezilla. Being opposite schools, the battle was fierce; being both for four
pips, they were more or less equally matched. This battle was taxing – not only
was I harmed by attacks aimed at my Wyvern, but my mana reserves were beginning
to dwindle. My energy was quickly draining, and a glance at Gurtok FireBender
told me it was the same for him. One of us was going to tire soon, and for some
reason, I had a feeling it would be me. I was level 40, and he was… what… Rank
9? He was meant to combat Grandmasters, or at least wizards who, oh, I don’t
know… knew Colossus?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Fortunately,
we’d both forgotten about one other participant in our battle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
ground began to shake. At first, neither of us noticed, as occupied as we were
with our battle. But when I took a step forward and tripped over a small
fissure that opened in the ground, falling painfully onto my knees, it was hard
to ignore. Bender stumbled a little too. We exchanged a brief look of confusion
with one another before turning to the side to see Hunter proudly standing with
a Treasure Card held out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
cracked ground rumbled again, and then a particularly large crack shot across
the ground near Hunter, heading toward Gurtok FireBender like a flash of
lightning. With a jolt of horror, I realized this could be his end. I looked at
his expression, and it stunned me to find him looking calm and serene.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Thank
you, Seekers,” he said. “Although I may not live to see tomorrow… at least my
brother will. Find him. He may help you – or he might destroy you. I’m not
certain.” He chuckled. “Goodbye, Sierra. What an honor it was to meet you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Then
the ground opened beneath him, and he dropped into darkness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We
stared, petrified, at the spot. The ground closed up again in an instant, but
I’d never forget where that hole was. The devastating reality of what Hunter
had just done suddenly dawned on him, and he crumbled to the ground.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I…
I killed him! I killed a person!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“N-no,
Hunter. It’s not…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“He
was so nice! And I killed him!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
rushed to his side as he began to cry. The Magma Fury and Feral Lavaling –
Gurtok FireBender’s two minions – were still staring, shocked that we’d killed
their master. I glared at them, hoping they wouldn’t do anything. They were too
powerful for me to take on alone, and Hunter wasn’t in any state to fight. When
they started stirring and glancing at each other, I knew it was time to go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Hunter,”
I whispered, nudging him. I hated interrupting his mourning, but I didn’t have
much of a choice. “We have to leave. Now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">He
sat up, taking a deep breath and trying to calm himself. “Yes,” he agreed.
“Let’s go.” He wiped his tears away with his sleeve, standing up to follow me.
I was impressed. Hunter looked weak, but he was doing very well handling this.
And he’d just transformed from a totally helpless, crying little boy to a
strong but grim Conjurer. Maybe this was why he was a Seeker.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We
hurried off the platform, back to where the elevator was. Another pathway led
away from it up toward a door three times our size. Since we didn’t want to go
back where we came from, we pushed it opened, promptly letting it slam behind
us to prevent any retaliation from the two minions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">---<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Inside
the door was a big, circular entryway, like the one at the beginning of
Malistaire’s fortress. I took a tentative step forward, fearing something
would, like, jump out of the shadows and eat us. It wasn’t that much of an
exaggeration, considering where we were. Unfortunately, it turns out some
things are worse than Sierra-eating monsters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Hello,
again, Sierra. I thought I’d be seeing you soon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">My
heart soared at the sound of a familiar voice, hoping it was the Seekers, but I
discovered it was the third-to-last person I wanted to meet right now, behind
only Malistaire and Liam: Mary RavenGem. She was a bit differently dressed than
last time – much more evil-minion-ish, with black MooShu-style robes with blue
trim. She wore a smirk on her face and gazed at us coldly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“What
are you doing here, Mary?” I snarled, pushing Hunter behind me as I stepped
away from her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I
live here,” she replied simply. “<i>You’re</i>
the intruders.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Oh.
Right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“It’s
certainly too bad the Shadow Beasts didn’t kill you,” Mary sighed. “I was kind
of hoping they’d finish you off <i>finally</i>,
but I guess I shouldn’t have expected so much. You’re the most difficult person
to get rid of that I’ve ever seen.” Her eyes gleamed. “Of course, I wouldn’t
expect less from the one destined to fight Malistaire.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Since
I’m destined to fight him, I think you should let me go. So I can, um, meet my
destiny.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">She
smiled icily. “No, I can’t do that. Destiny can always be thwarted, Sierra,
remember that. It can be manipulated to work for you, to propel you forward… or
it can turn against you, attack you, force you to do its bidding.” She paused.
“This is what my father tells me, so I believe it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Your…
father?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">She
ignored my question. “That also means you don’t have to fight him. You could
turn around right now, rebel against the path you’ve been commanded to take. Go
home, and enjoy a normal life. You want that, don’t you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
glared at her. “Sure, I want to be normal. But then you’d take over Wizard City
or something, and my family would be attacked just like everyone else. I have
people to fight for.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“We’d
leave them alone. If you leave right now, we won’t hurt you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
didn’t say anything, trying not to show how much her words impacted me. If I
could keep my mom, my dad, and my sister safe…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“No,”
I said aloud, crushing my own thoughts. “No. I won’t betray my friends for my
family and own safety. I’m not like… Liam.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Mary
sighed, sounding genuinely disappointed. “That’s what I thought you would say.
I suppose one of us won’t be leaving here alive, then, and you can be sure I’m
just as reluctant to die as you are.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
started panicking when she raised her wand – the very same MooShu one she’d
stolen (I wondered why she even kept that; surely she could use at least a
sword?). I didn’t want to fight – especially after just defeating Gurtok
FireBender. I was still worn out and I needed time to restore my mana. I
grasped for something, anything to say that would make her stop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Um…
wait! What about… your father?” I blurted out, recalling what she said
earlier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Mary
visibly tensed, narrowing her eyes at me. “What about him?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Is
he, uh… working for Malistaire? Is that why you do it? Or is he dead? Do you
have siblings, and a mother?” I was rambling now and I knew it, but I didn’t
stop. I would do anything to stall. Mary was still regarding me with a confused
expression. “Do you talk to your father a lot? With the way you turned out, I
can’t imagine he is a very loving, fatherly figure. …No offense,” I hastily
added when her eyes blazed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“My
father? You know nothing about him! He loves me and Mother a lot! Just watch.
When she comes back, we’ll all be happily together again, and… and… he’ll love
me.” Her voice was rising with every word. “I won’t let you hurt him, Sierra.
He only wants Sylvia back. You can’t hurt him!” I spotted a few tears running
down her cheek, though she was blinking furiously, holding them back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">But
I was too shocked to pity her. “Wait. What? Sylvia?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Sylvia
LifeWhisper.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Oh.”
Good. For a moment I thought it might be…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“But,”
Mary interjected, “when she married she took on her husband’s last name. Drake.
Sylvia Drake.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Hunter
spoke up before I could. “But that means–”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Yes.
I am the daughter of Malistaire and Sylvia Drake.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">It
came crashing down on me. Mary’s voice had always reminded me of someone. Now
that I thought about it, she had the same voice as her father, the Spiral’s
greatest evil and my arch-enemy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“No!
Y-You’re… lying…” I stammered. If Malistaire had a daughter, it would make it
so much harder for me to kill him. I couldn’t destroy a father, leaving someone
without parents. Not when I knew how that felt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I
am not lying,” she growled. “And I can’t let you get to him. I’ve got to stop
you or die trying.” I looked into her eyes as she went into a dueling stance,
and for the very first time, I saw fear. Fear for a loved one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Mary,
please. I don’t want fight you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Then
turn around, right now. I can’t let you fight Malistaire.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“We
have to! He’s going to unleash the Dragon Titan! He’ll destroy the Spiral!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“We
just want Mom back. That’s all.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Mary,”
I sighed, “no. That’s not all. Malistaire has <i>killed</i> people. He’s grown obsessive, and he’s used evil magic to
harm the innocent. Stealing lives just to save one seems silly, doesn’t it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Suddenly
I was pushed backwards by some invisible force and slammed against the wall,
causing the wind to be knocked out of me. Mary was quick to act, rushing over
and trapping me there. “Don’t. Say. Anything,” she snarled. “My father taught
me a lot about dark magic. I’m fully capable of killing you right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
should have been frightened – and of course I was. But then that new sense of
calm I’d gained in the past few hours kicked in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Then
do it,” I whispered. “Kill me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Hunter
stared at the whole scene in shock, tears in his eyes. As Mary’s hand shook,
her eyes darted to the side to glance at him. He seemed to be silently pleading
with her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
shook my head as best as I could while being pinned to the wall by dark magic.
“You can’t do it, can you? Haven’t you noticed your father’s mental
deterioration?” I thought for a moment about what to say next, and an unexpected
wave of sympathy came with a new realization. “He can’t really have time for
you. While he’s so involved in his work, he probably hardly even remembers
you’re a daughter. You’re more like a subordinate to him, just slightly above
the rest of them. Am I right?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Before
I even asked the question, I already knew from the defeated look in her eyes
that I was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“But
he’s family,” Mary argued halfheartedly. “I can’t just–”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“One
life is better than many,” I repeated, reminding her of my previous reasoning.
“I’m sorry; I really am. I don’t want to do this either. But it’s destiny.
You’d think if something was determined by fate, it must be for a reason,
right? Why try and change it, even if you can?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">She
closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath. I could see the internal agony this
conversation was producing, and I wished with all my heart that I could do
something to ease her torture. I could hardly pretend to understand the
entirety of this situation – I had loving parents that had searched for me for
many years, never giving up hope that their lost daughter would one day return.
Her father preferred to act like she didn’t exist and probably wouldn’t care
about her anymore than his other minions if something happened to her. But at
least I knew how difficult it was to step aside and let something terrible
happen to a family member. Perhaps it was on a completely different level in
this case, but I couldn’t imagine just selflessly surrendering my family for
the lives of wizards I didn’t even know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">In
fact, I was just about ready to give up and try a different way of escaping
with my life, ready to accept the fact that there was no way Mary would make
such a sacrifice. Then she surprised me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">She
stepped back, freeing me. “I’ll let you go this time,” she said slowly. She met
my gaze, her cold, fierce, pitiless composure back in place. “But please note
that it won’t be so easy next time. I can’t promise that I won’t protect my
father.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I
understand,” I answered solemnly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Mary
nodded and stepped away. I started walking down the hallway and didn’t look
back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">---<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Sierra?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Not
now, Hunter.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“But
where are we going?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“That’s
a wonderful question.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“…You
still haven’t answered it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
sighed. “Just keep walking, Hunter.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We
continued down the hallway in silence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">My
thoughts were conflicted, a whirlpool of guilt, determination, and confusion.
Malistaire had a daughter – how could the rest of the Spiral not know that? Did
Headmaster Ambrose know that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">With
a jolt of shock, I remembered that Merle Ambrose and Gamma were still missing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Ugh.
Things could never be simple, could they? Why wasn’t the headmaster just locked
up with the Seekers? But no. That would be too convenient for poor Sierra
WinterBreeze, who obviously <i>hasn’t</i>
endured more adventure in one year than most people could have in a lifetime–<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Sierra!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
glared at Hunter for interrupting my mental sarcastic rant. “What?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“There’s
something there!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Really?”
We’d only just left Mary behind – we’d passed through three enormous doors akin
to the ones at the entrance of Malistaire’s lair and entered a circular foyer
that had a beautiful, unobstructed view of Dragonspyre in the distance. There
wasn’t even a railing or any kind of window. The wall just seemed to end there,
and started back up again when the next hallway began on the left. It was down
that hallway that I spotted Hunter’s point of concern. But the figure didn’t
look like a person. It was oddly shaped, way too colossal to be a wizard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
halted Hunter. “I don’t know what that thing is, but I don’t think I want to
find out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“But
it’s coming toward us!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Again
– he was right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Dang
it! Um…” There weren’t any other ways to go besides backwards – no rooms or
nooks for us to dive into, no hiding spots to exploit. We were trapped, and the
figure had already seen us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
glanced behind us, not quite willing to rule out the option of fleeing. Should
we turn back, and risk running into Mary again?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">But
as it got closer, the shape became familiar. No, it wasn’t a wizard, but it
sort of looked like…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Bender?”
I whispered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
figure came close enough to recognize specific characteristics, and I realized
it wasn’t Gurtok FireBender. He looked similar, but this thing possessed a blue
body instead, and a much, much harsher demeanor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">He
eyed me emotionlessly. “You know my brother.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
nodded vigorously, realizing who he was. “So you’re Gurtok…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Piercer.
I am called Gurtok Piercer.” His eyes narrowed, looking rather intimidating.
“And you… you are Sierra?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">This
guy was so different from Gurtok FireBender. He had been warm, kind, and
selfless enough to sacrifice himself for his brother. This guy – he was scary!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="ES-CL" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: ES-CL;">“Yeah. I’m… S-Sierra… um,
Sierra WinterBreeze.” </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
gestured toward my companion. “And this is Hunter ThunderShield.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Gurtok
Piercer looked intently at Hunter. “You killed my brother.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Hunter
took a step back, appearing terrified with wide eyes. “I’m s-sorry!” he
stammered. “I-I wasn’t–”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“That
will not bring him back. He is dead.” He glanced away with remorse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“…How
exactly do you know all this?” I inquired, suspicious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“My
brother had two assistants: a Feral Lavaling and a Magma Fury. They were there
when the battle occurred and told me everything.” The Helephant-creature’s
expression grew angry. “FireBender, you fool! You sacrificed yourself for my
freedom… why! There were other paths to liberation, perhaps for us both…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Um…
are you mad at us?” Only after the question left my mouth did I realize how
dumb it sounded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Gurtok
Piercer, to my surprise, replied, “No. I am not. I know it was my brother’s
will, and his mistake cannot be blamed on you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Wow.
From such an intimidating, cold guy, I totally wasn’t expecting that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Your
brother’s last words mentioned you,” I mumbled, trying to say something
comforting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Piercer
sighed. “I know. He was hoping I’d help you.” He caught my gaze, staring me in
the eye. “I’ll honor his memory by taking you to my former master: Malistaire.
Any your friends as well – I stumbled upon them earlier.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Our
friends? You mean the other Seekers?” Hunter interjected excitedly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Piercer
nodded, a ghost of a smile on his face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“This
is great!” he shouted. “We’ll see Sydney again! And your sister, Sierra.
Rowan!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“And
Mark, and Victoria, and Vanessa…” I reminded him, but beaming from his
contagious enthusiasm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Right!”
Hunter nodded ebulliently. “Let’s go. Let’s find them. Right away!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">And
so, once again, I was led on by a person who I’d just met and could barely
trust. Last time hadn’t turned out so great. Oh well. Whatever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Luckily,
this time it didn’t take long. All Gurtok Piercer had to do was lead us to the
end of that left hallway that he’d been standing in and as we emerged into a
great room…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">…I
was tackled to the ground by Rowan WillowLeaf.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Seized
by fits of giggles, I shoved her off to embrace her in a more comfortable
greeting and gazed over her shoulder at the ecstatic faces of the other
Seekers. Hunter rushed in to find his own sister, who grabbed him fiercely into
a hug and yelled at how stupid he was to have wandered off. I grinned at the
sight as the other Seekers surrounded her and demanded that Sydney leave the
poor boy alone, despite how happy they all were to see him back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">After
tons of laughter and excitement, everyone finally calmed down, and I supposed
it was time to start catching up with one another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“What
happened to you guys?” I asked to no one in particular.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I
think we should be asking <i>you</i> that
question,” Vanessa said. “You just seemed to disappear. When we realized you
were gone, we went back for you, but no one was there. We were so worried.
Gurtok Piercer here found us and mentioned something about a battle… what did
you guys do?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
explained the identity of the mysterious voice and our duel with him. Then I
reached the part about Mary… and I hesitated. Learning who Mary’s father was
had been hard enough for me. Did I really want to force inner turmoil upon them
as well?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">…Unfortunately,
it was hard to understand why she’d let me go otherwise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Um…
I convinced her that she should release us and let us fight Malistaire. I told
her…” I let my voice trail off. I wasn’t sure what to say.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“She
convinced her that Malistaire wasn’t important,” Hunter muttered. Everyone
turned to face him. “His life isn’t worth the deaths of many others. Wizard
City deserves to live as well. She let us go when she heard that…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
beamed at him. I saw him differently than when we first entered Malistaire’s
Lair. Now I could picture him as a friend… as an ally in battle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“And
what about you guys?” I inquired, shifting the attention away from Hunter.
“What happened to you? And where’s Jessica?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“We…
ran into some trouble,” Mark said quietly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“It
was nothing,” Rowan quickly added when I raised an eyebrow. “Just a few
Draconians stalking the halls. But… Jessica got rid of them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“She
went out to tell them that she knew where the Seekers were, and led them in a
different direction,” Vanessa explained. “I really think she was just forced to
work for Malistaire – she had no choice. Sierra, I know you don’t like her, but
honestly, we can trust her…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
sighed. “Okay. So you have no idea what became of her besides that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">They
all shook their heads.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Great…
first Merle Ambrose, now this girl… the list of people we’re going to have to
save just gets longer and longer…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Everyone
stared at me in shock.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“…What?”
I asked, not quite understand their expressions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“What
happened to Headmaster Ambrose?” Vanessa demanded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">It
dawned on me that I hadn’t told them. “Oh. I went in to tell him about Rowan’s
awakening, but he wasn’t there. Then Mary showed up, and… I rescued you guys…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“The
Headmaster was gone? That can’t be good,” Mark murmured.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“But
the only thing we can do at this point is fulfill our destinies. If what
everyone’s been telling me is correct, then that is to defeat Malistaire. Are
you guys ready?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Only
silence greeted me. The Seekers exchanged worried glances.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Um,
okay. That wasn’t what I was expecting. Seriously, guys, it’s not that bad!
We’ll totally beat Malistaire! It’ll be easy!” Wow. My enthusiasm sounded
utterly fake. It didn’t help that I frowned at the end of my sentence due to my
lie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Sierra…
we’re just a little nervous,” Victoria said. “Malistaire is so powerful and
we’re just seven young students from Ravenwood. The odds are not in our favor.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“But…
oh, come on, do I have to repeat my encouragement speech from earlier, at the
false Tower of Lost Memories? Don’t you remember what I said?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">They
nodded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Good.
We’ve faced bad stuff before. We can do this.” Ignoring my friends’ grimaces, I
turned to Gurtok Piercer, who had been standing mutely behind me the whole
time. “Can you take us there now?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">He
pointed at the door at the back of this room. I hadn’t noticed it when we’d
first arrived – I’d been a little too eager to reunite with the Seekers. Now
that I had a chance to observe it, I saw that it was even huger than the huge
doors we’d thus far been met with. It towered all the way to the high ceiling,
but was still adorned with the same red dragon-like markings on the purple
background. “Malistaire is through that door. Your friends slew the guards that
were in this room earlier, which reversed the spell on this door that kept it
locked. Despite how heavy it looks, you should be able to open it without a
problem. If you just follow the path through there, you should be met with
Malistaire.” He took a step back. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to wait here. I
think I’ll be able to see the battle from over that ledge.” He indicated a
small hill that separated this room from another one across the way. “I’d help
you, but I just got my freedom back, and…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I
understand,” I assured him, nodding. I motioned to my friends to follow me.
“Come on! Let’s go.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">One
hallway later, and we entered a room even larger than the last. It was vaguely
circular in shape, and the back of the room had no wall, allowing us to see out
into the dark, clouded sky of Dragonspyre. Most of us froze in shock when we
realized that part of that sky wasn’t actually sky – it was part of a massive
dragon, whose single, closed eye that showed was bigger than the two of the
largest Shadow Beasts I’d ever seen in my short encounters with them combined.
And trust me; Shadow Beasts could be pretty big, at least equal to five times
my own height. This dragon was just… incomprehensibly immense.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Our
fear wasn’t helped by the fact that in the center of the room stood the very
image that haunted every single one of our nightmares since learning of our
destinies as Seekers of Light.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Malistaire,
with eight ghostly Soul Servants, stared right at us. Mary and Liam also
watched from beside their master.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">All
seven of us – me, Rowan, Sydney, Victoria, Mark, Hunter, and Vanessa –
approached as slowly as possible. While our enemies looked confident and smug,
we appeared apprehensive and, to be honest, rather pathetic. We were only a
group of wizards-in-training, not even Grandmasters, let alone the Legendaries
that should be fighting this fiend…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“We
meet again, Seekers,” Malistaire boomed, his voice echoing across the great
room. I thought I saw the sleeping dragon’s eye twitch. “So glad you could make
it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
should have made one of my infamous sarcastic remarks, if only to encourage my
friends. But my throat felt dry, and I could only croak, “Um, hello.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">He
smirked. “All right. Where should I begin? Which one of you should I kill
first?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
swallowed. “Okay... Malistaire… why don’t we just, you know… skip the fighting
and do this peacefully? Like, just stop all this Krokonomicon and Dragon Titan
craziness?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Can’t
blame me for trying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">His
expression turned menacing – as though it wasn’t before. “Are you suggesting I
surrender?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“No!
...Well, actually, yeah. Pretty much. I wouldn’t put it in those words exactly,
but…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“You
fools!” Everyone – including the Soul Servants – winced at Malistaire’s roar.
“I am more powerful than you can imagine! Why give up now? After I bring Sylvia
back, it will be easy to take over all the worlds in the Spiral. And the only
thing in my way, the only thing fate could bother sending to stop me?” He
looked at us and laughed. “Seven measly student wizards. How pathetic. The
Spiral Guardians clearly underestimate me; they cannot comprehend how strong I
have become.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“In
case you don’t remember,” I spoke up against all my better judgment, “we busted
into your lair and broke out again. Twice. Well, the first time, we were kind
of captured, but we escaped anyway. If you couldn’t kill us then, what makes
you think you can do it now?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">His
icy eyes locked on mine. I involuntarily shuddered and hoped no one noticed. “I
have learned from my mistakes. You are Sierra WinterBreeze, correct?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
didn’t reply out of fear my voice would shake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Malistaire
didn’t seem to need an answer. “Yes, I remember you. Very defiant, aren’t you?
You have no respect for your betters.” He seemed thoughtful. “Though you’re
rather resourceful too, if what you did to my Skeletal Pirate guard was any
indication.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Oh.
Right. That time when I was trapped in that room and I used Death magic on the
pirate…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“And
don’t think I do not know about the spell you used.” I tensed. Oh, my gosh, he
knew! He knew about the black lightning! How? I hadn’t told anyone about that.
No one. Not even the Seekers. My friends gave me confused looks, but I provided
no explanation. Malistaire smiled maliciously, knowing my shock.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I-I
don’t know what you’re talking about,” I stammered. “That has nothing to do
with any of this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“What
a lie that is,” Malistaire chuckled. “Though everyone else in this room may be
oblivious, you and I know the truth. You’re no stranger to dark magic.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">My
heart was beginning to pound even harder than before. Surely Malistaire could
hear it even from across the room. Everyone in the area was staring at me now.
I didn’t know what else to do, so I laughed nervously. “Well, duh. I mean… you
guys keep attacking us and everything, so I recognize the kind of magic you use
by now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">He
gazed at me unblinkingly, studying my face. “Just keep telling yourself that,
Sierra WinterBreeze. But know that even if you defeat me, there’s no escaping
it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Do
I even want to know exactly what it is that I can’t escape?” I mumbled weakly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">He
betrayed no emotion. “I don’t know. Do you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
hesitated for a moment, before finally saying, “Um, no.” I inhaled deeply,
trying to calm myself. Finally, my new leader-skills kicked in. “You know what?
I’ll probably ‘escape’ whatever it is anyway. Because… I’m a Seeker.” I
grinned. “Seekers don’t give up.” I raised Megan’s wand. “Enough talking. Let’s
do this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Very
well.” He took a step back. “I’ll enjoy watching.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Wait
– what?” I watched as his minions started advancing toward us. “You’re not
fighting us <i>again</i>? Seriously?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I
see no reason to become involved, unless my minions fail,” Malistaire said
offhandedly. “They’re more powerful than anything you’ve fought before. I have
confidence that they can keep you distracted for the time being.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“You…
coward! That’s not–” My angry cry was cut short as a Soul Servant dove at me. I
was forced to dodge out of the way and reach for my deck, using a wand spell to
push it back. I started rushing forward to where Malistaire, Mary, and Liam
were retreating. I saw a few of my friends attempting to follow, but I waved a
hand behind me. “Handle the Soul Servants. I’m going for Malistaire.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“No,
Sierra! You can’t go on your own.” Rowan jogged over to me. “I’ll come with
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Rowan,”
I said sternly, “you can’t leave our friends outnumbered five to eight without
a healer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“The
odds are against you too! You’re about to fight the Spiral’s greatest evil <i>alone</i>! Are you crazy?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Maybe,”
I sighed. If only we had more people…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">As
though summoned by my thoughts, a blue-green portal appeared. Everyone halted
their battles to watch in absolute shock as Scarlet MoonHeart, Jasmine
IceFlame, and Seth GoldenBlood stepped out, trailed by two dragons and a pet
Fire Cat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Mister
Muffin?” called Rowan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Lady
Rascal!” Victoria cried.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Sir
Romeo!” Sydney gasped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Seth!
Scarlet! Jasmine!” While the pets rushed towards their respective owners, I
headed towards my newly arrived friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“What
are you doing here?” I demanded, unsure whether to be upset or relieved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“We’ve
come to help!” Seth declared. He brandished his wand. "So? Where do I go
to kick some dark wizard butt?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Seth…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Oh!
Over there! I’m going to help!” He rushed into the fray with the Soul Servants
before I could protest, attacking an enemy with a quickly conjured fireball.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
turned to Jasmine and Scarlet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“The
Past Seekers helped us get here,” Jasmine explained. “They told us we’re
destined to help the Seekers so they gave us this–” She held up the metal leaf
from Rowan’s awakening. “–and it created
a portal leading here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“And
before you ask,” Scarlet added, “we also picked up the pets. According to the
Past Seekers, they’re important too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Um…
okay…” I caught my sister grinning wildly out of the corner of my eye while she
held Mister Muffin in her arms. I sighed. “Alright, Rowan. You can come.
Scarlet, you’ll be our only healer here. Think you can do it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> She nodded. “Sure. Where are you going?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I’ll
take on Liam, Mary, and Malistaire, or at least keep them busy while you guys
finish off the other minions.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“You’re
going to see Liam?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We
glanced to the side to find Vanessa staring at us, her wand still smoking from
the battle she appeared to have just won.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I’m
coming,” she said firmly. “He’s my brother. I’m coming.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
closed my eyes in resignation. There really was no way for me to stop her, was
there? “Fine. Let’s go before someone else wants to join. Scarlet and Jasmine,
go help out Seth and the others. Make sure you have plenty of healing spells,
Scarlet.” I turned to Rowan and Vanessa. “Ready?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">They
nodded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We
ran off to the back of the room where Malistaire stood. He seemed to have been
waiting for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
six of us stoically gazed at each other in a moment of silence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Malistaire
attacked first.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">He
swept his staff in the shape of the Death symbol and summoned a Wraith (though
how he got enough pips for that right away, I don’t know… that’s just not
fair). It stared straight at me, and I felt a lurch in my stomach as it raised
its hand upward, leaving me to struggle for air. However, only a second later
its strange grip on my soul was released and I stumbled backward with a gasp.
My sister had jumped in front of me, a Death shield protecting us from her
Legend Shield spell. I felt Vanessa move behind us with a twirl of her own
MooShu sword. She summoned a Balance Blade for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">So
I’m the attacker. Great. Sure, let’s give the girl with the weakest spells the
responsibility of dealing enough damage to destroy the Spiral’s greatest evil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Sighing,
I began to follow her lead and picked up my Ice Blade card, but a blast of
magic over my shoulder, just barely missing my head, quite successfully
startled me into stopping. I turned to the source of the blast and noticed Mary
gazing at us, wand up with another Balance symbol floating in front of her,
ready to be activated. I narrowed my eyes into a glare, and she smirked in
response. She activated the symbol.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">A
cloud of purple mist appeared in front of me. My eyes widened again. Spectral
Blast! It did damage from one of the three elemental schools…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">…and
it just so happened to be Storm, the most damaging of all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Dang
it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">But,
yet again, destiny stepped in – this time in the form of Vanessa and her
awesome Elemental Shield spell. She jumped in the way and let the spell break
the shield, hurting her a bit in the process. But she didn’t stop there. Steely
resolve depicted on her face, she rushed toward Mary, casting a quick Scorpion
as she went.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Now
that Mary was distracted, I brought my attention back to the matter at hand…
but it was a second too late. Malistaire already had the Death Symbol up again,
and this time it sent a Scarecrow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">It
first reached toward me and I gasped for breath, feeling some strength leave my
body and transfer to Malistaire. Then it turned to my sister. I could only
watch as it drained Rowan’s life too. At last it turned to Vanessa…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Oh
no you don’t,” Rowan muttered, running in that direction. “That’s not fair,
interrupting a battle like that!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Liam,
who hadn’t even moved until now, mumbled something that sounded like having his
sister fight her own battles and rushed after Rowan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Now
Malistaire and I were alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Yay.
Time to spend some quality time with the Spiral’s greatest evil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
prepared myself for another spell, already forming half of the circular Ice
symbol with my wand, but Malistaire was faster. I was launched backwards when a
Skeletal Pirate struck me. I struggled to push myself back up, trying to get
back on my feet, but something cold and metal halted me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
Skeletal Pirate hadn’t disappeared, and its sword was now pointing at my
throat. My eyes grew wider as I registered Malistaire’s smirk of triumph.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Oh,
no. I’d forgotten about the “no dueling circle” rules. Spell creatures didn’t
have to disappear after they were cast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">And
if that Skeletal Pirate killed me, I wouldn’t come back. It would hurt. I would
die.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">This
couldn’t be it. I couldn’t die here! Not when I’d come so far…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">With
all these horrified thoughts numbing my mind, I almost didn’t believe it when
the Skeletal Pirate burst into flames.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
closed my eyes, briefly thinking that such a phenomenon had to be an illusion
born from wistful thinking. That was… until the pirate fell on top of me and I
felt the heat from the flames devouring its bony body. I quickly shoved it off
of me and leapt to my feet, frantically brushing off the fires trying to eat my
robes with a bit of Ice magic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
glanced around, searched for the source of my mysterious fire. I was stunned to
see…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Sir
Romeo?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
little Fire Cat, wagging his tail, meowed happily at the sound of his name.
Sydney sprinted over, appearing just as bewildered as I felt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“He
just set that Skeletal Pirate on fire with his fur!” she whispered. “He saved
you!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Indeed
he did,” Malistaire cut in with a low, menacing voice, concealing barely
restrained anger. He raised his staff.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Sydney
realized what was happening before I did. “NO!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
grabbed her arm and held her back as Malistaire unleashed the spell. We watched
helplessly as Sir Romeo was seized by thick clouds of darkness. We heard his
terrified cry while he struggled in the darkness. With a final choking sound,
he went limp, and the clouds unceremoniously dumped him back on the ground.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Sydney
muttered “no” a few more times before violently yanking her hand out of my
grasp. She rushed to her pet’s side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“You…
you <i>monster</i>!” she screamed, glaring
up at Malistaire. “You’re a psychopath! How <i>dare
</i>you kill him!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“If
it makes you feel any better, it didn’t suffer long,” Malistaire chuckled. “I
choked the life right out of its tiny, helpless little–”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“STOP!”
With a speed and ferocity that I’d never seen in her before, she summoned her
Phoenix spell. Its wings glowed brighter than ever as it screeched and
stretched.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">You
know… I’d never understood why Sydney was Fire. She seemed too laid back for
that. Now that I’d seen her temper, however, it had all become very clear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Screaming
a battle-cry, Sydney thrust her wand forward and the Phoenix followed the
motion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Malistaire
didn’t miss a beat. He stepped to the side, letting the Phoenix miss him
completely. He then countered with a blast of dark energy, knocking both the
Phoenix and, due to their connection, Sydney back. But she didn’t give up. She
took a determined step forward and resumed her attacking, this time catching
Malistaire off-guard. Glaring, he tried to counter, but the Phoenix returned.
Snarling angrily, the evil wizard responded by drawing the Death symbol and
summoning–<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“No
way… <i>Skeletal Dragon</i>?!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">My
heart fluttered in fear at the incredible spell that Malistaire had brought
into the combat. Even Sydney’s ceaseless assaults were brought to a halt by the
sight. It loomed over us, and everyone froze in horror – even Mary and Liam,
busy dueling Rowan and Vanessa, paused in their battles. I couldn’t see my
other friends and Seekers due to their position behind us, but judging by the
silence I knew they were shocked too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
dragon was even bigger than usual – and Skeletal Dragon, being so advanced that
only the recent new “Legendary” graduates could control it, was enormous to
begin with. Its empty eyes scanned the frozen scene before it. Everyone held
their breath to wait for its next move.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Now
you will see the true extent of my power!” Malistaire boomed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
Skeletal Dragon raised its bony head and roared before turning its gaze to the
ground. Its first prey? Sydney JadeHammer’s Phoenix.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Sydney!”
I screamed. “Dispell the Phoenix! If it kills that, you’ll be killed, too!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">My
warning came too late. She looked up at me – just as the Skeletal Dragon
breathed an orb of reddish-dark energy. With a high-pitched screech, the
Phoenix was hit. It disappeared into fiery smoke as Sydney collapsed to the
ground.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“No…
Sydney!” I cried.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“You’ll
pay for that!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">A
tan colored streak with green flecks flew over my head. I watched in
bewilderment as it crashed into the Skeletal Dragon, but merely bounced off.
The dragon gave it a brief glance, and then whipped its massive skeletal hand
toward it. I followed the object’s trajectory with my eyes. As it tumbled
behind me, I noticed Hunter standing by the other Seekers with his face screwed
up in concentration. Just before it crashed, the streak vanished. Hunted opened
his eyes and sighed exhaustedly. I gave him a questioning look.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Blood
Bat,” he explained. “It was the only thing that could fly to reach the dragon’s
height. Apparently it didn’t work.” He sighed. “Well, at least I tried…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">My
attention was forced back to the danger at hand when the dragon reared its head
with a loud, deafening roar that made us all clutch our ears. Malistaire gave a
malicious, cruel smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Then
the dragon attacked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Or
maybe the correct term is “rampaged”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">One
of the dragon’s massive hands pounded the ground, throwing everyone in the room
except Malistaire to the ground from the impact.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">While
we all struggled to our feet (except Sydney, who appeared to be unconscious),
the dragon took a step forward, its foot just about to come crashing down… on
top of me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“SIERRA!
MOVE!” someone shouted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
didn’t even hesitate. I dove to the side, grimacing at the quake caused by the
dragon’s foot landing mere inches from my body. Soon the foot lifted into the
air again and away from me, crashing down in Mark and Scarlet’s direction, both
of whom scrambled out of the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Then
I glanced in the direction I’d heard the familiar voice call my name, prepared
to thank my savior, but the only people I saw there were, to my surprise, Mary
and Liam.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Shocked,
I looked around – surely it’d been someone else? The voice had been male; of
that I was certain. But Mark, Hunter,
and Seth were all on the other side of the room, distracted by the Skeletal
Dragon’s relentless attacks. Liam was staring straight at me, eyes wide and
stunned. Further proving my unlikely suspicion was the murderous look Mary was
giving him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“DUCK!”
The sharp cry from Victoria was followed by various grunts and yelps as
everyone dropped to the ground, including Malistaire’s two minions in front of
me. I followed their example, feeling something swiftly fly over my head like a
whip. Gazing upwards, I realized that it was the dragon’s sweeping tail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">This isn’t working, </span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I thought, watching my friends cast
a few spells. <i>We’ve had so many close
calls with that thing, but none of our attacks seem to do any damage. What do
we–<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Suddenly,
another pound onto the ground from the Skeletal Dragon caused the room to shake,
and I noted with much dismay that the half-crumbling walls surrounding the area
couldn’t take it anymore. Large chunks of rock tumbled downward from the sky,
creating yet another hazard for us to avoid. While my mind still furiously
tried to conjure up some kind of battle strategy, my eyes swept over the scene
– and subsequently widened in horror.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">It
was like everything was moving in slow motion. Sydney was still immobile on the
ground. Vanessa, like a good friend, had rushed to her side to help her move
out of the way. Unfortunately, she hadn’t noticed the huge rock that was
falling down right on top of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">A
strangled noise between a sob and a gasp caught in my throat as I tried to form
the warning that could save Vanessa and Sydney both. But I was too late. There
was no possible way that I could get it out in time. And I wasn’t close enough
to try any kind of self-sacrificing pushing-out-of-the-way act. They were
doomed…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">…Hey,
wait. What was that thing moving toward them?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Bewildered,
I watched the figure sprint to the pair’s side with his wand raised. He hastily
drew the Balance symbol and activated it just as swiftly. A blast of
Storm-charged energy sped toward the rock and swept it away. Unfortunately, in
the process, it nearly hit Hunter, who had also been rushing to help his
sister. Only quick reflexes allowed him to dodge, although the rock did manage
to graze his arm and leave a rather nasty-looking scratch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Confident
that he was alright for the moment, I glanced back at Sydney and Vanessa. I...
probably shouldn't have been so surprised by what I found there, but I was. Of
course it was Liam. It just had to be Liam. He was mumbling concernedly to
Vanessa, who still was looking a bit stunned from such a near death experience.
Ugh... couldn't he just pick a side and stick with it? His unstable loyalty was
giving me a headache.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
wasn't the only one irritated by this, apparently. Unfortunately, receiving
negative attention was bad for both me and him – at least when it came from the
Spiral's greatest evil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Malistaire
and the dragon turned simultaneous in an extremely eerie way. A glance into
Malistaire's eyes made me shudder. It was a look of pure hatred and insanity. I
had no doubt that he'd kill his own daughter now. He wasn't himself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"You..."
he growled at Liam, his voice seeming much louder and more booming than usual.
"You have meddled with my plans for the last time!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Everyone
else also focused their attention on Liam, staring at him and he conjured up
and explanation. "I... I didn't do it for the Fire girl... I did it for
Vanessa."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"It
doesn't matter!" Malistaire snarled. It was difficult to hear his next few
words over the roar of his dragon. "You never have been completely
committed to my cause! You only joined because you thought the opportunity may
save your life and the lives of your family... because you wanted to be on the
winning side. Well, you were wrong! Goodbye, Liam GriffinBane!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">He
laughed maniacally as the dragon swung. "And know that once you're gone...
your sister will be next!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
watched with breath held as the dragon's fist connected with his body. It was
sickening to watch a human being zoom across the cavern. He slammed into the
ground a good distance away, skidding dangerously close to the edge of the
room, where it dropped off into the sky of Dragonspyre. I stood there, frozen,
as Malistaire chuckled and his dragon gave one good pound on the ground. The
vibration caused all of our bodies to jump into the air – and Liam was sent
careening off the cliff.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"NO!"
I wasn't certain who shouted it – me, or Vanessa, or maybe both. But we both
were at the side of the cliff in an instant, peering over the side. I wasn't
sure if I should be relieved or upset to see Liam still clinging onto the
ledge. Vanessa let out a lob sob that may or may not have been an attempt to
say his name. However, before she could consider saving him, she was jerked
back with a gasp as the dragon grasped hold of her and pulled her back. I
should have been more concerned... but my gaze was locked with Liam's.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
was the only one left. The only one close enough to save him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
question was: did I want to?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">My
heart pounded abnormally loud, my eyes wide with terror and indecision. He
looked up at me pleadingly. "Sierra..."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">And
suddenly, his grip failed and he was forced to let go, his form dropping out of
sight in seconds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
stared at the spot that he'd just been, my face a blank mask. That space of
empty air had once held a living being. A human, whom I'd denied the right to
live simply by doing nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Oh
my gosh... Liam had just... died... and it was my fault...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
had no more time to ponder over this revelation, because before I could even
begin to overcome my shock, I was lifted into the air by a skeletal hand. I
glanced up, still slightly dazed as my eyes met the Skeletal Dragon's empty
sockets. I spotted Vanessa struggling to free herself from his other hand out
of the corner of my eye.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">There
were multiple shouts coming from beneath me, and it wasn't long before I felt
an impact go through the Skeletal Dragon's body and it shuddered with pain. Its
grip loosened, but it did not release me or Vanessa. Good thing, too. At this
height, I'd probably be crushed against the ground. So, instead I started to
worm my way out of the massive hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">My
attempt was actually quite successful – the dragon was too busy attacking the
wizards at its feet to worry about an escaping prisoner that would have nowhere
to go, even after getting free from his grip. It was made slightly more
difficult by the fact that he liked to wave his hands around with me in tow,
and I was starting to feel like I was on some kind of staggering carnival ride
of death. Even so, I liberated my arms... but hesitated, a little too worried
that if I pulled out my legs then I'd be released entirely and flung across the
room with his next swipe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Just
then, a streak of red and yellow flew over to me. Before I could see what it
was, however, an outraged dragon took another grand sweep of his arm across the
floor in an attempt to hit some unlucky Seekers and took me away from it. I
looked around, but I didn't see it anymore, so I wondered if there had actually
been anything at all or if it had been my imagination. Sighing, I decided that
whatever it had been must have left – and then I turned to the side and found
myself face-to-face with a Sunbird.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Flame!"
I whispered excitedly. It raised its head proudly at the sound of its pet name,
given to it by Rowan as a means for calming it down. It gestured to its back
with its beak. "You want me to climb on?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
glanced around, and the dragon looked like he was preoccupied with trying to
crush Scarlet under the hand with Vanessa's body. So... I decided to take a
huge risk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
jerked my legs out of the dragon's hand – and instantly I was caught by gravity.
For the first time, I realized that of <i>course
</i>the dragon wasn't going to be super nice and keep me standing straight up.
Instead of getting to my feet as I hoped, I was flung into the air and started
falling to my demise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">...Until
something warm, red, and feathered caught me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Th-Thanks,
Flame," I said weakly as the Sunbird gently drifted down, depositing me
safely onto firm ground. It nodded once before flying off in Vanessa's
direction. I looked over at Rowan, who was smiling at me. I sure was lucky to
have a sister trained second in Fire.
I'd definitely have to thank her later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Unfortunately,
being back on solid ground didn't mean I had a moment to consider my next move.
Nope. Our eye contact was broken when I was caught in the stomach by a blast of
energy, landing on my back, gasping for air. I sat up to see Mary glaring at
me, her wand still glowing with the power of the simple energy attack. I raised
my own wand in defense, planning on conjuring a Tower Shield, but Seth got
there first. Oddly enough, rather than casting a spell he emanated a war cry
and tackled her to the ground, causing her to shriek in surprise. It was
strange watching them struggle against each other as Mary shouted out furious
curses. Trusting (okay, <i>hoping</i>) that
Seth could handle her for the time being, I returned my attention to the
battle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">A
Wraith, courtesy of Mark, was gliding around and fending off attacks from the
dragon. I was relieved to see that Scarlet and Hunter were frantically waving
their wands above Sydney, and she was beginning to stir. She would probably be
back in the fray soon. Victoria and Jasmine both used various spells to hit
random spots on the dragon, but since none of them had any affect it didn't do
much good. Rowan rushed over to meet Vanessa, who was just getting dizzily to
her feet off of the Sunbird's back. Seth and Mary each had hands on Mary's
wand, both trying to wrestle it from the other's grasp. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Just
then, Seth let go of the wand abruptly and Mary, unable to stop the force of
her pull, had to let go of it and let it fly behind her, twirling into the air.
As fate would have it, the Skeletal Dragon just so happened to be leaning down
at that moment. The wand flew straight into its forehead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Much
to the shock of everyone in the room, the dragon let out an ear-piercing shriek
and jerked back, clutching its skull. I thought I saw it crack slightly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">This
made me skeptical. How had one little wand caused so much pain to such a large
monster..?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Suddenly
realizing something, I raised my wand to test my theory. Not willing to perform
anything more complicated, I conjured up my normal wand spell – just a simple
concentrated bolt of Ice magic. I aimed at its head and fired.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">My
suspicions were confirmed as the bolt hit hard and the dragon cowered in pain.
He actually was getting hurt there. He wasn't invincible as we'd feared.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">That
gave me an idea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Everyone!
Seekers!" I shouted. "Listen! We need to combine our powers. Aim for
its head – I think it's weaker there!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">My
friends all murmured in agreement. Most of them had seen the dragon's pain as
well and had likely come to the same conclusion as me. Mary, who had been
watching the scene perplexed, snapped back to attention and rushed to grab her
wand. We ignored her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">It
was time to end this, and nothing would stop us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Ten
wands – two Ice, two Fire, two Life, and one for Death, Myth, Storm, and
Balance – pointed at exactly the same spot, fierce looks of determination in
their wielders' eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Ready?"
I called.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
received solemn nods in response.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"When
I say go," I ordered. "One..."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"You
fools!" Malistaire boomed. His voice was amplified by the dark magic that
encased his body as he controlled the Skeletal Dragon, and he sounded almost
inhuman, his words echoing and hollow. "Nothing can stop me! I am the most
powerful wizard in the Spiral. Once I remove you, I'll be even more
unstoppable."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Two,"
I yelled. To my friends' credit, they hadn't moved an inch, even throughout
Malistaire's speech. Mary, her wand reclaimed, was watching with wide eyes.
Surely she'd realized what was about to happen... but she did nothing to stop
it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Give
up! There is no weakness. If you do not stop this nonsense, I will crush you
mercilessly."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"One..."
I gritted my teeth, feeling the mana within my body bubbling with anticipation,
conjuring up every ounce of power I could find in preparation for the final
blow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
Skeletal Dragon raised its hands. "Very well," Malistaire said
coldly. "Now you'll die. How does it feel, knowing you all failed? Your
lives were all wasted. Now say goodbye as I–"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Now!
GO!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">In
unison, ten multi-colored bolts of magic shot into the air, meeting a perfect,
sharp point. It slammed into the undead dragon's head with absolute precision.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">For
a second, everything was still. A brilliant light covered the room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Then
Malistaire screamed, his lament mixing with the Skeletal Dragon's roar. The
dragon raised its hands above its head, and I took in a sharp breath. If it
brought those down, we'd all be crushed. Someone needed to do something.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I</span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"> needed to do something...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Before
I even realized what I was doing, I twirled my wand and drew–<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
Death symbol?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Faster
than the eye could follow, black lightning shot out of my wand, crackling on a
path toward Malistaire. He gasped as it hit him, and his face screwed up with
pain. He opened his mouth as though to cry out, but no sound came. At last, he
and the Skeletal Dragon fell over, crumpling to the ground. The dragon slowly
dissolved in wispy splatters of weightless dust, vanishing piece by piece.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Silence
permeated the air.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Then...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"What...
in the Spiral... was <i>that</i>?"
Hunter breathed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">My
friends and I let out big huffs of air that we hadn't realized we'd been
holding. Mark chuckled quietly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Well...
interesting..." he muttered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Is
he...?" Victoria questioned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
took a hesitant step forward, looking back toward Malistaire. However, someone
was already there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Mary,
tears in her eyes, stood up from her position next to Malistaire, staring me
directly in the eyes. "Yes. He's dead." Then her expression hardened
– but, incredibly, she turned around and furiously mumbled, "I can't
believe... he intervened! He must have planned this whole thing!" She
sounded angry... but not at me...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Then,
with a shower of sparks, Mary teleported away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Um...
what was that about?" Sydney asked uneasily.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
shrugged, about to verbally reply when a gasp, so similar to Malistaire's
pain-filled breaths earlier, caught my attention with a jolt of horror. I
rushed to Jasmine's side, all nine of my friends following swiftly as she sank
to the ground, clutching her head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Jasmine!"
Victoria shouted, pushing her way through the crowd. "What's... what–
agh!" Much to our shock, she suddenly collapsed too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"No!"
I frantically spotted my sister in the crowd. "Rowan, you're a healer.
They're hurt! You need to–"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">To
my astonishment, Jasmine began to laugh. "No, no... I... I remember!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"You...?"
Then it clicked. Victoria and Jasmine had been in an accident in Marleybone
that erased their memories. It had been caused by Malistaire, so maybe, just
maybe...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
was jerked from my thoughts by the sounds of someone teleporting, then a
joyful, tear-filled cry of, "MARK!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
stared at the boy in question as the two people who'd teleported embraced him
in a tight hug. The expression on his face was a mixture of shock, disbelief,
and embarrassment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Mark!
Oh, Mark!" the woman clutching him sobbed, soaking his dark robes.
"Thank goodness, you're okay!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"M...
Mom?" a bewildered Mark whispered tentatively. I now recognized these
people: they were his parents, Autumn and Alex. I'd seen them in the Crevice of
Time, though now they were older and seemed to care about Mark a lot more than
before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Where
in the Spiral have you been?" his father demanded, though he sounded more
relieved than upset. "Your little sister was spouting nonsense about you
going off to fight Malistaire. We thought you'd just been telling her
stories... but then you didn't come back..."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Still
standing stiffly in his mother's arms, he mumbled, "I thought you didn't
care about me..."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Autumn
burst into a fresh round of tears. "I know we acted like it, and we're
sorry! Today I realized just how terrible I'd feel if anything happened to you.
Please, forgive me!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
glanced at my friends as Mark and his parents continued to exchange
long-overdue apologies. Victoria and Jasmine appeared to have recovered and
both had wide grins on their faces. Sydney, I noticed, was watching me
expectantly. She took in a deep breath. "Okay, I'm ready."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Ready
for what?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">She
removed them fire crystal necklace that the dragon had given her from so long
ago, throwing it to the side. She took out her wand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
gaped. "Sydney, what are you doing? You can't cast spells without fire
crystals nearby!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"I
know," she said, "but I'm going to try anyway. Look–" She
pointed at Victoria. "–her life was affected by dark magic when she lost
her memory. His life–" She pointed at Mark. "–was affected by being
the only Death wizard in his family and feeling like an outcast." She took
a shuddering breath. "Don't you see? Victoria got her memory back. Mark's
parents accepted him at last. I think... I think that since we killed
Malistaire, the dark magic is wearing off." She raised her wand.
"Everyone, stand back. I'm going to cast Fire Cat, but last time..."
She grimaced. "Things got pretty bad."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We
all followed her advice and stepped back, giving her a wide berth. Then she
closed her eyes, drew the Fire symbol with a flourish, and activated it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">A
beautiful Fire Cat with glowing fur crouched in front of Sydney, looking ready
to pounce. It stood frozen for a moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Suddenly,
a jolt of movement made us all gasp and step away, afraid that Sydney wouldn't
be able to control it. It didn't lunge toward us, though... it went straight
towards its master.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
heard someone cry Sydney's name – probably Hunter – as the Fire Cat tackled her
to the ground. I started rushing forward, but then–<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Sydney
laughed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
halted, stunned by the noise, staring at my friend lying on the floor. Instead
of tearing her apart, the Fire Cat was... licking her?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Sydney
giggled even more. Something about the scene made me smile. It was almost
familiar. It kind of reminded me of...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Sir
Romeo...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"My
turn!" Hunter burst out, shifting all attention to himself... but he was
no longer there. He'd teleported away before we could see him, reappearing
halfway across the room next to Sydney, who had sat up and was now petting the
Fire Cat. "YES!" He pounded a fist into the air. "I can teleport
again!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
saw Rowan's eyes widen hopefully as she withdrew her deck, searching for a
card. She pulled out the Regenerate spell triumphantly and cast it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Mister
Muffin, appearing nervous at her heels, watched the misty clouds form above
Rowan's head. When the giant hand popped out, it looked completely normal
(aside from the fact that it was an oversized, disembodied hand).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Handy!"
Rowan screamed, running to where the hand extended a finger low enough for her
to hug. It was a very odd sight... but at least Rowan was happy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
grinned at the room, seeing the excited faces of my friends (except Mark, who
still looked awkward as his mother fussed over him). Then I spotted one face
that wasn't sharing in the jubilance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
silently made my way toward Vanessa, sidling up next to her. She glanced at me.
"I suppose you've come to ask why I'm not celebrating?" she asked
irritably.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
shook my head. "I think I already know."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"No,
I don't think you do. It's not just Liam. ...Well, that's a pretty big part of
it. But just... just look at everyone! They're all so happy! Their curses have
been lifted, but mine never will. You can't bring back the dead."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Looking
sympathetic, I said, "You're not the only one."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Yes,
I am! You're not talking about Sir Romeo, are you? Hah! He's a Fire Cat! He can
be replaced. I lost my whole <i>family</i>."<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
was a bit annoyed by her lack of understanding toward Sydney, but I bit back my
annoyance and tried to comfort her. "I wasn't talking about Sir
Romeo."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Then
who? Rowan's got Handy back, Sydney's got her spells, Mark's got a family,
Hunter's got teleporting, and Victoria's got memory. Everyone's happy."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"You
didn't say everyone."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Jasmine
has her memory too, and Seth and Scarlet didn't lose anything."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"But
you're forgetting one Seeker."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">She
looked me in the eyes for a moment, and I saw a flicker of comprehension.
"Oh. I'd forgotten that you..."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"It's
alright," I sighed. "I can't change the past. I can't regain the time
I lost when Malistaire sent me to Earth." I gave her a sympathetic look.
"Look, I know that what I went through is probably nothing compared to
what you're feeling now... but I'm willing to try understand. Or at least help.
I'm so sorry, Vanessa, for what happened to your family..."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">She
held my gaze for a moment, before dropping her eyes to the floor. "Of
course you are. Everyone's sorry. But that won't bring them back, will
it?" Despite her cynical words, I was relieved to find that all the
bitterness had left her tone, replaced with pure and simple sorrow. "I
just wish... sometimes I wish I'd never heard about the Seekers. That... that
Liam had never heard about them."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"We
all wish that," I said softly. Then, after a brief moment of silence, I
said, "Well, maybe you can look on the bright side of things. While you
may have lost a lot... you've gained some close friends, right?" I offered
a small smile. "We Seekers stick together. And... if you're willing, we'd
certainly be willing to become your new family." I glanced up, scanning
the room full of the happy, grinning faces of my friends. "It won't be the
same, but it might help... maybe. I'm going to go now. Think about what I've
said, okay?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
walked away, leaving her silent and pensive behind me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
was about to rejoin the celebrations... but some small flash of light in the
corner of the room caught my attention. It was a portal. I approached it
cautiously, wondering what it could be here for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">And
then, out of it stepped the one person I least expected...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Headmaster
Ambrose!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">My
incredulous cry caused my friends to turn toward us, equal expressions of joy
and amazement on their faces.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Where
have you been?" I asked, rushing over to him. "Mary said that–"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"I
had a slight run-in with Malistaire," he explained. "I didn't
appreciate him kidnapping my students. He weakened me quite a bit, trapping
me..." He smiled. "But everything still turned out alright." The
rest of my friends arrived, just in time to hear him say, "You did well,
Seekers. And you three as well, Seth, Scarlet, and Jasmine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Oh,
Sierra." I blinked at the sound of my name. Merle Ambrose pulled something
out of his robe. "I believe this is yours."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">He
held in his hands a glistening silver necklace with a gorgeous blue gem set
into it – a sapphire.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"My...
my necklace!" I shrieked with glee. I took it reverently, about to slip it
over my head, but I paused halfway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Wait.
One quick test." I placed the necklace gently on the ground, just in case
it <i>was </i>real and my suspicions were
simply paranoia. Then I lifted my blue-and-white boot and stepped down hard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
gem remained perfectly fine; my foot couldn't crush it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Beaming,
I put it back around my neck. It was real – not some fake created by
Malistaire. I finally had my sapphire necklace, the wonderful treasure Sydney's
awakening's dragon had given me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">It
was all over. Finally over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"I
believe you all deserve some kind of reward, don't you think?" still
smiling, Merle Ambrose motioned for us to follow him into the still awaiting
portal. After hesitating for a moment to wonder if it could be a trap (my gosh,
I was becoming <i>way </i>too paranoid), I
followed.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
reappeared in Merle Ambrose's office, where Gamma sat by the desk. I was
relieved to see him – he'd disappeared along with the headmaster earlier.
Eleven others eventually made their way through the portal, crowding in behind
me, including the Seekers, my friends, and Mark's parents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"First,"
Merle Ambrose began, "I will have badges prepared for you. It's a simple
way to let the whole Spiral know of your accomplishment. I do believe they can
hold the title... 'Savior of the Spiral'.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Of
course, you'll need more than that – we can't thank you enough!" he
murmured. "Hmm..." After a few moments of thought, he snapped his
fingers. "Ah! I'll have Victor DarkWood, the tailor in the Shopping
District, make you all individual, unique robes specialized for your
schools." He paused. "For what I have planned, normally you'd have to
be level 50 to wear them, in case you lose control of the magic – you know how
that is." He winked. "But I believe I can make exceptions for the
Seekers and their closest allies, right? You're all pretty skilled for your
levels – I'm certain you can handle it."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">All
of us nodded vigorously, grinning from ear to ear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"If
you'll excuse me, Merle," a voice spoke up, and I almost jumped in
surprise. It was Mark's mother. I'd forgotten that she and her husband were
still here. "I'd like to ask: what exactly did theses children do? They
didn't... they didn't <i>actually</i> slay
Malistaire, did they? <i>The</i>
Malistaire?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
felt a bit of indignation at her lack of faith, but the headmaster spoke up
before I could. "I will tell you the whole story. We're just waiting for a
few more people to arrive..."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Like
who?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">As
though it had been waiting for a cue, the door burst opened, and two people
rushed inside – two people I knew very well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"MERLE!
Where are they? Where are–" The man talking, who was named Caleb
FrostSong, immediately stopped speaking when his eyes laid on me. They shifted
to Rowan, and then he sighed with relief.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"What
happened to you two?" Angela UnicornRider, known to Rowan and me as
"Mom", huffed. "We've been trying to contact you for ages! You
didn't come home, and..." She seemed to realize that there were other
people in the room. Her gaze landed on Mark and it turned cold. "I
remember you. You're that Death boy that influenced or Rowan to break all those
rules. If you have anything to do with this, so help me I will–"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Excuse
me! I'm Mark's mother. Is something wrong?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Mark
looked absolutely bewildered that his mom had spoken up for him. "N-No,
Mom, it's okay..."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"It
is not okay! I don't appreciate people barging in here and accusing my son of
something he may not have done."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">My
mother seemed a bit shocked that this "evil influence" had such an
obviously Life-school mom. She shook off her incredulity. "As a matter of
fact, he <i>did </i>do something! He
convinced my poor daughter to ruin her reputation."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Geez,
all we did was free a few pets at the Shopping District," Rowan grumbled
from next to me. "Mom probably wouldn't be so against Mark if that hadn't
happened. But she's acting like we robbed a bank or something..."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
knew that Rowan's concept of a "few" pets was quite different from
our mom's, so I figured Mom might actually have a reason to be upset.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Just
then, a flurry of sparks alerted us to the teleportation of more people. This
time I spotted Sydney's parents, Jasmine's father, Seth's parents, and then two
other people that I failed to recognize. I was forced to step aside to let them
in. The room was very crowded now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"We
came as fast as we could," one of the new men said solemnly. His gaze
rested upon Scarlet. "I'm glad to see you. When Merle called me, I was
rather shocked. You're not in <i>trouble</i>,
are you?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"No,
father," Scarlet sighed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">So
that was Scarlet's dad. Then who was...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Victoria,
are you alright?" said a pretty woman with green eyes and a face similar
to Victoria. Perhaps that was her mother?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Ah,
wonderful. I think that's everyone now," said the headmaster. I gazed
around the crowded room at the huge congregation of people gathered. I was
uncomfortably squeezed in between my sister and Sydney, and the multitudes of
other people succeeded at boxing me and making it difficult to move.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Therefore,
when the headmaster called, "Sierra?" I was forced to stand on my
tip-toes and raise a hand, elbowing a few people in the process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"I'm
right here, Professor Ambrose," I announced. He nodded at me and, much to
my dismay, motioned for me to come forward. Carefully avoiding any toes, I
pushed my way through the throng as gently as I could (which sadly wasn't too
gently, but under the circumstances I did well).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Sierra
WinterBreeze," Headmaster Ambrose said dramatically as I arrived next to
him at the front of the crowd, more than a bit tired and embarrassed from my
trip there. "Ice Seeker of Light and leader of Malistaire's downfall. I
believe our story begins with you."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"What
story?" I asked. I silently chastised myself for my irritable tone and
lack of respect. This was Merle Ambrose, the greatest wizard in the Spiral!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"The
story of the Seekers! I think it's about time it was told. Unless you'd prefer
we begin with Victoria? With her memories back, I'm sure Miss RavenSmith could
start off the story as well..."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Victoria
turned red as everyone faced her. "N-No, that's okay, Sierra. You can
go."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Where
do I begin?" I wondered, starting to feel slightly overwhelmed by the
attention as it shifted away from Victoria and back to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"How
about when you returned to the Spiral?" Rowan suggested. "On the
first day we met?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
thought back to that day, and I felt a small smile grace my lips. Yeah... that
had been in the day when I'd messed with the refrigerator, right? It felt like
a lifetime ago...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Okay."
I paused, gathering my thoughts. "So... let's see. It started with Gamma
showing up at the orphanage, where I'd grown up on Earth. Something totally
unexpected happened to me that day. It was even stranger than any of the things
I'd done before. And those were pretty amazing things. Like the time I froze
John because I'd glared at him? Or when I turned the swimming pool into ice? Or
made that snowman come alive?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"Anyway,
I was sitting on the steps of the orphanage. The cold never seemed to bother me
– as you all know; I'm a Thaumaturge! So on that cool October day, I sat
staring up at the setting sun, when I noticed an owl in the tree in front of
me..."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">THE TALE OF SIERRA WINTERBREEZE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">THE END</span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Sierra WinterBreezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407285689822927532noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-22681492979375763652012-12-30T21:31:00.001-08:002012-12-30T21:41:12.745-08:00The Seekers Celebrate Christmas – A Holiday Story by Sydney JadeHammerHey, guess who totally wasn't lying when they said they'd post again soon? :D<br />
<br />
Alright, so this post is about Sydney JadeHammer, my fabulous friend, who has made herself a blog. It's called <a href="http://psychopyromancer.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Psycho Pyromancer</a>. The other day we were talking on the bus about The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze because one of my friends, who's had the printed version for, like, a year now, finally returned it and I was taking it home. I was browsing through it and rereading random passages, and I was looking through a part of Part 12 that made it super obvious that Rowan was the Life Seeker and then told her the same rant that I had on my post yesterday. And then we started talking about Christmas, which at the time was still upcoming. So she decided to start two stories based on my own: one about Christmas, and the other about Sierra's obliviousness.<br />
<br />
She hasn't started the obliviousness one yet, but she finished the Seeker Christmas one. Unfortunately, it was a couple days late due to laptop problems and idea problems and etc. Soo... uh, yeah, it's kind of past Christmas now. But hey, it's here, and I really like it!<br />
<br />
She constantly liked to stress that a lot of the people here are somewhat out of character, so keep that in mind. Still, it's a really amusing piece of writing. She asked me to post it here, and I'm gladly obliging. I hope you guys enjoy it. ^^<br />
<br />
-------------<br />
The Seekers Celebrate Christmas<br />
<br />
By Sydney JadeHammer<br />
<br />
‘Twas the night before Christmas,<br />
And all through the house,<br />
Not an enemy was stirring,<br />
Not even a… uh… Scrounger? They’re rats, right…?<br />
<br />
Anyways, you guys get the picture. It’s Christmas Eve and the Seekers decided to get together for a little party in celebration of another year without being killed by Malistaire or his minions. We’re really not sure of the outcome of our epic final battle, so for now we’ve been pretending to be dead and trying not to die in the process.<br />
<br />
This is Sydney, by the way.<br />
<br />
Personally, I’m more of a summer person, but the cold doesn’t bother me all that much. I am the fire seeker, after all. Unfortunately for Hunter, he has no affiliation to fire whatsoever.<br />
<br />
“I’m cold,” Hunter complained. Earlier, we had stopped in Marleybone and bought new outfits for the occasion; Sierra asked that we dress up. I wore a Sleuth Hat, Brigadier Uniform, and Swashbuckler boots, all red with white trim. I held a Glowing Ruby Wand as well. Sierra informed us all that there would be no dueling, so this gave me an opportunity to dress up without worrying about statistics. After a lot of complaining, arguing, and trying on, I had finally gotten Hunter to put on a dark blue Swashbuckler Hat, Sleuth Outfit, and Noble Shoes, all with white trim as well to match my own outfit. He had a Glowing Peridot Wand from the Marleybone wand shopkeeper. We trudged along through the snow, Hunter leaving regular footsteps and me leaving splotchy, half-melted ones. The snow swirled around us as we traversed the wintery landscape.<br />
<br />
“Why couldn’t we have taken Felix?” Hunter asked. Felix was my fire-dragon.<br />
<br />
“Because, Hunter,” I replied dully.<br />
<br />
“Because why?” he questioned. I sighed and turned to face him.<br />
<br />
“Because you aren’t a Pyromancer and you may get burned,” I replied, not even knowing if that was true or not. Hopefully it would suppress his curiosity.<br />
<br />
Apparently not. “Or we could’ve teleported. It is near-ish to the commons, after all.”<br />
<br />
“I am not teleporting with you around. Remember what happened last time you tried to teleport?”<br />
<br />
“That was a long time ago! Besides, I haven’t even tried since then.”<br />
<br />
“No, Hunter. Look, we’re there anyways. Congratulations, you did not freeze to death,” I said. I was very relieved to see a moderately sized, castle-like building come into view at the end of the street. We were in Colossus Boulevard, and for some odd reason the snow was coming down hard. Probably Sierra’s doing in order to ward off wandering low-level wizards that might still not know the difference between a lit window and a dark one. Sierra had promised to cover them so at least anyone with common sense would think that it was closed-off and empty. That’s just how it worked, don’t ask me why.<br />
<br />
I reached the door and went to touch the handle, immediately recoiling when I saw the frost and vines on it. I guessed that it wouldn’t be too smart to touch them. Instead, I knocked on the door and waited.<br />
<br />
“It’s only me,” I called, and in a flurry of snow and shadowy movements, the door flew open, hands flung out and grabbed us, and we were pulled inside. I tripped and fell on the way in, and the door was hastily pulled closed before lights came on around us. “Sheesh,” I said, “You could’ve just answered the door like a normal person.”<br />
<br />
“Remember, we’re in hiding. Those Gobblers are such gossips, so if they see us, there’s no doubt we’ll be found out,” Sierra said in a matter-of-fact tone. I stood up, but nearly lost my balance once again as I was tackled/hugged by my psychotic Theurgist friend, Rowan Willowleaf.<br />
<br />
“Yeah,” Rowan piped up. “Besides, since when are we normal? What is this <i>normal</i> you speak of, Sydney?”<br />
<br />
“Alright, I won’t argue with you there,” I joked. We weren’t normal in any sense of the word. We had cool abilities, we were ‘destined’ to fight Malistaire, and we were just a seriously crazy group of wizards overall. Normal was the last word anyone would use to describe us.<br />
<br />
“So, does anything else need to be set up?” I asked, scanning the room for anything that may need to be fixed, tweaked, revamped, or any of the other things my OCD caused me to twitch at. Like I said, we are definitely not normal.<br />
<br />
“Well, we need to move some of the furniture and tables around still; some of it was too heavy for us. Also, Sydney, you can go ahead and light the fireplace and help decorate,” Sierra said. I nodded and walked over to the fireplace, but paused for a moment.<br />
<br />
“What about the chimney? Someone will notice the smoke,” I said, knowing that smoke would be a dead giveaway.<br />
<br />
“Rowan already covered that. There are plants in the chimney and… well, I don’t know exactly what Rowan did, but apparently those plants are specially grown to suck up the smoke. It doesn’t sound too safe or logical, but she’s Rowan, so I’m just going to go with it,” Sierra replied. I nodded, still unsure, and tapped the logs with my wand. The tinder caught fire fairly quickly. I stood, turned, and looked around. We would have enough time to finish before everyone else got here; I had dragged Hunter out the door early to make sure we got here in enough time to help Sierra and Rowan set up.<br />
<br />
Hunter had summoned a Golem minion in the corner and was trying to get it to move a chair, but the poor wooden creature couldn’t manage it. “Hunter, a Wooden Golem won’t help. Summon something else,” I said, and he gave me a pouting look not suited for a person of his age or a wizard of his level.<br />
<br />
“But I love my Golem,” he stated stubbornly.<br />
<br />
“Yes, we all do. Now please summon something else to help the poor guy,” I said.<br />
<br />
“Fine, I’ll summon a Minotaur—“<br />
<br />
“No! Do you remember what happened last time?” I exclaimed.<br />
<br />
“It wasn’t that bad,”<br />
<br />
“Yes, it was,” Sierra, Rowan and I said simultaneously.<br />
<br />
“Whatever.” Hunter waved it off casually and pulled out a treasure card. Before I could see what it was, he had drawn a moon symbol in the air with his wand and clapped his hands together. He transformed into an Ice Colossus and, along with his Golem, he pushed the furniture around the room.<br />
<br />
I lit the candles that were encased partially in a glass lantern around the walls and tied bows to the metal holding them up. We put a wreath on the door (inside, of course) and set the food out on the table. Rowan picked up a bag of ornaments and walked over to the empty corner of the room.<br />
<br />
“Hey, Frosty,” she called, and Hunter turned around. He had finished moving furniture but the polymorph hadn’t quite worn off yet. He lumbered over to where Rowan stood and pointed to the floorboards in the corner, saying, “Pull these up, will you?”<br />
<br />
Hunter pulled up the floorboards in just that spot and Rowan stepped onto the dirt. She pulled an elegant green wand out of her cloak and drew the life symbol in the dirt, then a matching symbol in the air. She tapped it with her wand and a tree sprouted out of the ground, growing rapidly right before our eyes. She turned to us with a satisfied smirk. “Cool, huh?”<br />
<br />
We nodded in agreement. By the time there was a knock on the door, we had made the place look like it was never abandoned. A fluffy rug rested in front of the fire surrounded by eight chairs. Against the opposite wall was a table lined with food and drinks, and in one corner of the room there was a full-blown Christmas tree with ornaments and a star; even presents under the bottom branches. All of us had decided to do a secret Santa-type thing. As Sierra, dressed in her Santa robes and hat and Rowan, dressed in a light-green dress and long, dark-green cloak went to answer the door, I went to go get the present I had brought out of my bag. I opened the backpack to find the present, but also Sir Romeo curled up on top.<br />
<br />
“You little stowaway,” I muttered and set him on the ground. He immediately dashed towards the fireplace, curling up on the soft rug. I pulled out the present and set it under the tree. After I had done that, I went to go and greet the next guest, Victoria. She had on a frilly purple dress with yellow trim. Soon enough, Liam and Vanessa arrived, squabbling as usual. They wore similar outfits—well, they were the same color at least.<br />
<br />
“YOU’RE NOT WELCOME HERE!” Rowan bellowed, pointing a finger dramatically at Liam.<br />
<br />
“But… It’s a Seeker party…” Liam whined.<br />
<br />
“Too bad! You betrayed us…” Rowan said as she kicked him out into the cold, dark, lonely streets of Colossus Boulevard.<br />
<br />
“Come on, Rowan. It’s Christmas,” Vanessa said.<br />
<br />
“Fine…” Rowan said in an annoyed tone as she swung open the door, dragged Liam back in, and slammed it shut again. I heard Sierra hiss from the darkness behind me.<br />
<br />
Mark arrived last, claiming that ‘Necromancers are always late,’ and ‘yes, the pun was intended.’ He was wearing a black top hat with a red ribbon around it, as well as a black and red suit.<br />
<br />
“Yay, everyone’s here now!” Rowan exclaimed, finally releasing Mark, the last of her bear hug victims. “Let the party begin!”<br />
<br />
Note to self:<br />
<br />
Christmas parties are awkward when there is a traitor in the room,<br />
<br />
When one person goes to sulk in the corner, it spoils the entire mood,<br />
<br />
Christmas trees with faces tend to unnerve people (Cough cough ROWAN cough cough),<br />
<br />
And putting a bunch of teenagers and one almost-teen in a room together is not always considered ‘fun—‘ in fact, it is often considered ‘awkward.’<br />
<br />
That just about sums up how the party went.<br />
<br />
So here’s how it happened:<br />
<br />
The moment we gathered around the fire, it grew extremely quiet. It was so tense in the room that it was nearly like being in Celestia; a large, pressurized dome that could crack at any moment. Finally, Sierra spoke. It seemed like an attempt to break the silence, but ended up starting World War III—Seeker style.<br />
<br />
“So, Liam, are you thinking that you want to join us again?” Sierra said.<br />
<br />
“What do you mean, ‘join you?’ I am a seeker, after all,” Liam replied.<br />
<br />
“Yeah, well, you may be a seeker, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re part of our team,” Sierra informed him.<br />
<br />
“Why, because I wasn’t on your side for the entire time?” Liam remarked.<br />
<br />
“Exactly.”<br />
<br />
Liam and Sierra stared daggers at each other from across the room, each of them waiting for the other to make a move towards their wand. Sierra was the first to attempt to grab her wand, but Mark’s calm, sarcastic voice made her freeze in her tracks.<br />
<br />
“And who was it who declared there would be no dueling?” Mark asked, and Sierra sighed.<br />
<br />
“I didn’t expect the traitor to show up,” Sierra mumbled.<br />
<br />
“That’s it!” Liam shouted, snatching up his wand and drawing a balance symbol in the air as he pulled out a card. He tapped the symbol with his staff and I watched as a sandstorm grew in the room, blowing across and smothering Sierra. When it cleared, the Thamaturge was covered in sand and coughing. She gave him an icy glare before pulling out a card of her own and casting it—a simple, yet apparently effective Icy Touch card. Liam shivered as his feet became encased in ice.<br />
<br />
“Th-that all you got?” Liam taunted, though his words had less effect due to the fact that he was shaking. He reached for another card, and I caught a glimpse of it. A Hydra? Really?<br />
<br />
He made a move to cast it, but was promptly smacked by Vanessa. Victoria snatched the wand from Sierra as well, seeing that this was getting worse by the minute.<br />
<br />
“Well, that escalated quickly,” Mark said sarcastically. The room seemed to be about ten degrees colder than before the argument, but no one said anything. Sierra simply returned to her seat.<br />
<br />
The next few minutes were quiet and tense. That seemed to be a pattern here. Finally, Rowan made the decision to speak up.<br />
<br />
“Why don’t we do the gift exchange now?” She asked excitedly. Sierra smiled at her and nodded. Everyone else—except for Liam—cheered excitedly as Rowan carried all of the presents over. She picked one up and read off the first name.<br />
<br />
“Victoria!” Rowan announced. Victoria took the present and sat back down. “Mark!”<br />
<br />
Each Seeker was called (even Liam, much to Sierra’s dismay) and once all of the presents had been distributed, Rowan signaled for everyone to begin opening their gifts.<br />
<br />
“Hmm, I wonder who this is from,” Sierra said as she unwrapped her present. I smacked my palm to my forehead. I had wrapped it in red, flame-pattern wrapping paper.<br />
<br />
Once everyone had opened their gifts, we played a guessing game to find out who gave who what gifts. We finally managed to figure out who gave who what, though Victoria was the last one left. “So are these from you, Rowan?” Victoria asked skeptically.<br />
<br />
“Yup! Do you like ‘em?” Rowan asked happily.<br />
<br />
“Yeah, they’re really nice,” Victoria said. She looked over the storm-school boots with a grateful smile. “I guess I just didn’t think it could possibly be you because I thought you were a much lower level than you actually are.”<br />
<br />
Rowan stared at her blankly. “Oh… um… ok.”<br />
<br />
“No, wait! I didn’t mean it like that!” Victoria said. “I, um, just meant I didn’t know that you were that skilled of a wizard, that’s all—no, wait! That didn’t sound good either…”<br />
<br />
“It’s ok. I get it,” Rowan said as she walked over to the corner of the room and sat down under the branches of her tree. Victoria followed her, trying to apologize but only making it worse. All of a sudden, she stopped dead in her tracks.<br />
<br />
“Uh, Rowan? Why does the tree have eyes?” she asked cautiously. Everyone’s gazes fixed onto the same spot at once. How did we all miss that?<br />
<br />
“Uh… because?” Rowan answered sheepishly.<br />
<br />
“Because why?” Hunter chimed in.<br />
<br />
“Because it’s not a regular tree and it might be sort of part Dryad?” Rowan said quickly, causing us all to take a moment and process that last statement.<br />
<br />
“So it’s just been watching us?” I asked.<br />
<br />
“Yes?” Rowan answered nervously. Victoria backed away slowly after that, and the room was now fully aware of the Dryad watching us all and the sulking Rowan.<br />
<br />
Vanessa looked like she was going to attempt to start up the conversation again, but quickly thought better of it and closed her mouth. Time passed in what seemed like slow motion, no one daring to move or speak.<br />
<br />
“Alright, it’s too quiet, even for me,” Mark said. “And that’s quite an accomplishment considering the fact that I hang around in graveyards.”<br />
<br />
“Yeah, I agree. What should we do?” Sierra asked.<br />
<br />
“We could play a game,” Hunter suggested.<br />
<br />
“Or we could just leave,” Liam said.<br />
<br />
“Go ahead,” Sierra replied with a hint of venom buried within her words.<br />
<br />
“Wouldn’t you just love that,” Liam said.<br />
<br />
“Well, you guys keep fighting, so maybe you both need to chill out,” Hunter suggested. I was a bit surprised at his statement—it seemed out of character, but then again, everyone did tonight.<br />
<br />
“What do you say we throw out the shrimp here so we can have an actual conversation?” Liam said as he glared at Hunter, who shrunk back. I decided that it was time for me to take part in the conversation.<br />
<br />
“You touch him and I roast you,” I told him.<br />
<br />
“Yeah, and you’ll probably end up burning down the whole building while you’re at it,” Liam said. I fingered my necklace and glared back at him.<br />
<br />
“Ok Sierra, I’m with you. Let’s kick him out,” I said.<br />
<br />
“Finally, someone agrees,” Sierra sighed.<br />
<br />
“I second that motion!” Rowan piped up from her spot in the corner.<br />
<br />
As you can probably predict, the rest of the night did not go all that smoothly. Sierra, while dressed in her Santa robes, chased Liam out using her broomstick mount. Vanessa pretended not to notice and Victoria tried—and succeeded—to coax Rowan out of the corner. Mark, Hunter and I played cards for the rest of the night and were eventually joined by the others.<br />
<br />
Overall, when the death toll of zero wizards was taken into account, the night went pretty well after all. It was just one more night of survival in the Spiral, but this time we were able to spend it together rather than trapped in some crazy villain’s lair or being chased around by some minions. For the Seekers (except for Liam), it was a very merry Christmas indeed.<br />
<br />
-------------<br />
<br />
Her first draft was funny. Liam and Vanessa just showed up like nothing was wrong. And then I read it and said, "Uh, Sydney? Why is Liam at the Christmas party?" And then she replied with, "Oh. ...He betrayed them, didn't he." Haha, guess she hasn't read my story in a long time, if at all. I know Hunter has read TToSW, since he actually did a book report on it about a year ago (BEST MOMENT EVER: when someone does a book report on your story. Awesome time to be an author. :D). I don't think Sydney ever did, though, but I tell her all my ideas anyway...<br />
<br />
Yeah, so she kind of fixed it, but then after she fixed it, Sierra was the one telling everybody, "Oh, it's okay! He can stay!" And I told her, "Sierra HATES Liam. That doesn't even make sense." So now we have this beautiful gem of a fanfic. ^^<br />
<br />
Anyway, you guys should go check out her new blog. In the likely case I don't get to posting anything tomorrow, I'll just say this now: have a fantastic New Year, everyone! ;)Sierra WinterBreezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407285689822927532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-33925174319422053292012-12-27T01:00:00.003-08:002012-12-28T23:38:43.475-08:00I am a terrible person.WARNING: This post is whiny, rambling, pointless, and will probably annoy the heck out of all of you with my self-pity... so yeah, um... I'm still writing the sequel and Part 15. That's the bottom line. All you need to know. There's absolutely nothing informative in here, so go ahead. Move along! More posts coming soon. Come back next time! :P<br />
<br />
-----<br />
<br />
...Um, I'm sorry.<br />
<br />
April... wasn't that the last time I posted something? Freaking APRIL. It's mainly because, at least from my perspective, I've FINISHED The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze. I'm so eager to be done with it at long last and go back to rewriting my Zelda fanfiction twenty plus times because I hate every version of chapter six (or was it seven? ...whatever).<br />
<br />
Ugh, and then, every time I keep considering posting here... I just get so scared and nervous, because I KNOW I've been awful toward everyone and I know no one cares about my stories anymore BECAUSE I've been such a stupid jerk, and I feel so dang GUILTY!<br />
<br />
I'm, like, really, really sorry. But to be honest, what I said in my comment on Rowan's post was true. I really did have a post planned in May. It has a list of all the contest winners (GODS DANGIT THAT WAS A STUPID IDEA, WHY DID I EVEN GO WITH, UGH NOW I FEEL HORRIBLE 'CUZ EVERYONE DID ALL THAT WORK AND UGGGH) and information on what I had planned for the sequel.<br />
<br />
...Hey, would you guys hate me if I said there wasn't going to be a sequel?<br />
<br />
...Yeah, I thought so.<br />
<br />
Um, okay, I think I'll still write it, but I just have no idea how to begin. And my current story just has plot holes all over the place I HATE the plot. Did anyone else notice that Sierra's a complete IDIOT? Like, seriously, Sierra? This is what she's like:<br />
<br />
"Oh, no. I mean, sure, Rowan is my sister (and siblings are usually Seekers), and she can see the Key (which only Seekers can see), and maybe we DO need a Life Seeker (and she's conveniently Life) and yeah, Liam asks why we came to save her if we weren't looking for the Life Seeker (which doesn't imply that she's one at all), and, okay, I guess her spell DID go a little weird (because of dark magic)... but I'm totally sure it's Scarlet, guys. Nope. Not Rowan at all."<br />
<br />
...Yeah...<br />
<br />
...It's my fault. I love dramatic irony TO DEATH. That's when the readers know something the characters don't. All my favorite stories have dramatic irony. So I was trying to shove it in there by making it REALLY obvious that Rowan was the Life Seeker so the readers could draw that conclusion... but the problem lay in the fact that Sierra hadn't quite figured it out either, and she should be just as smart as the readers. Really. She had just as much information as you... why couldn't she get it?<br />
<br />
...Sorry. XD<br />
<br />
Yes, there will be a sequel. I can't deny promises. I can't. I'm annoyed at my own personal vow that I'll never go back on a promise. I really hate when authors do that, you know. So I won't do it to you, despite how few of you there are left.<br />
<br />
I think I'll publish that post within the next few days (which you might as well translate into months knowing me). It's half written already. If you contest entrants are still out there... Can you comment? I want to know if anyone's still interested, haha. I LOVED the fanart sooooo much. I just showed Sydney the other day – and you know what? That reminds me. She wrote a Seeker-based Christmas story! Oh, and she made her own blog! ...I'm going to post again after this, I suppose.<br />
<br />
Whoa, hey, it just hit midnight. So maybe this post will be on one day, and I can put Sydney's story on the next. Heheh. :P<br />
<br />
So, yes. I'll finish up Part 15 here soon. For those of you who aren't aware, I completed it, and it was up here for a bit, but I hated it so much that I took it down for editing.<br />
<br />
Does anyone want it right now? Give me an e-mail address and I'll send it to you. You can edit it for me. Go ahead.<br />
<br />
Otherwise... I'll get to that as soon as possible. I have to beta read someone's Zelda story first, and Sydney and I are writing a Zelda/Pokémon crossover, so it might be a bit. Oh, come to think of it, my stupid Skyward Sword story has been difficult since BEFORE I posted Part 15. So really I SHOULD work on that first... I feel bad about that story too... but at least on there I can say I've been trying. I really haven't been paying much attention to TToSW at all lately.<br />
<br />
You know what even convinced me to come back here, aside from Sydney's Christmas story? A thread on my new favorite website (since Central kind of died when all my friends left... except Peepsie, you're awesome), Zelda Dungeon. It's called... "What is Your Greatest Achievement?" And I actually put TToSW. Because it really is...<br />
<br />
...Some day, I want to rewrite the whole thing. Not simply edit it, like I did on Wizard101 Central... but actually rewrite it. First of all, I would want to emphasize WHY the Seekers are Seekers, because at the moment they're just a group of random kids who apparently are supposed to save the Spiral or something like that. Just 'cuz. You know. I want to give them special powers or something that prove that they're Seekers. Also, I need to make the awakenings something... more significant. Because right now, honestly, the only reason there were even awakenings was to tell the new Seeker who they were and to inform Sierra of who the next one was. It needs to be something, like... where all of their powers are suddenly revealed or something. It just doesn't make sense right now. And I sooo cleverly avoided explaining WHY the Spiral Guardians couldn't tell Sierra ALL the Seekers' names. It's just silly.<br />
<br />
I'm really sorry, guys. I've been rambling a lot... and I've been writing this post for almost an hour now.<br />
<br />
Whoa. I just looked back up there. Eeeek. Whininess and ranting galore... Sorry for torturing you all like that. XD<br />
<br />
Look. More posts to come in the future. This post... is kind of just for me, all right? I really hope I'm not wasting your time with this. This helped me kind of get my thoughts on track, even though it probably doesn't seem very coherent to any of you. I'm determined now. I'm going to look at Part 15... TOMORROW. ...IF I finish editing that person's Zelda story, because I feel bad making them wait. But yes.<br />
<br />
I WILL FINISH THIS STORY. For the readers. If you're still out there.<br />
<br />
Thank you so much for the continued support, all of you. Everything I do with this story anymore is just for you guys. ^^<br />
<br />
Have a good evening. Hope you all had nice holidays!Sierra WinterBreezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407285689822927532noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-57422884332975661852012-05-25T09:07:00.003-07:002012-05-25T09:07:57.963-07:00Rowan time! (Meaning another useless post that you can most likely skip over. <<)Hello everyone! It's Rowan! ...With nothing to say about the Tale of Sierra Winterbreeze. o-o''
AHEM, anywho, school is out for Sierra and I so I'd like to give you all virtual hugs! *Glomps readers*
Are you excited for summer? Because (most likely) this means Sierra will actually WORK on her stories again. Haha, just kidding. She has been working! ...I hope.
I'm thinking about starting a blog myself about me and my gaming experiences. Would anyone follow it? xD
No? I thought so. .3.
Anywho, have a great summer, everyone! ^^Rowan WillowLeafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638808759571553719noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-87420127325533781582012-04-09T22:57:00.001-07:002012-04-09T22:57:08.798-07:00Regarding Part FifteenSee, originally the title was going to be "About" Part 15... but then I decided that "regarding" is a way cooler word.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I would like to warn you all that I am taking down Part 15 off of this site for editing on Friday, April 13th.<br />
<br />
Whoa. That's Friday the 13th. I totally didn't plan that. Random fact: did you guys know there are three Friday the 13ths this year, and each of them are 13 weeks apart? O_o<br />
<br />
Well, I have important tests tomorrow, so I'd better get some sleep. I just wanted to warn everyone before I take down my story. Honestly, it's not worth reading – it needs SERIOUS editing. I appreciate all of your comments and everything that you mentioned will be taken into consideration.<br />
<br />
I think next time I want to post a chapter, rather than allowing everyone to publicly view my sorry excuse for a rough draft, I'm going to announce "WHO WANTS TO PRE-READ TToSW!" and those select few can have it.<br />
<br />
Except there are no more parts. D: Well, there's always the sequel! When I take down part 15 on Friday, I'm hoping to not only announce those lovely contest winners, but also give you a vague idea of what the sequel's going to be like in order to prove I haven't forgotten you guys. ^^<br />
<br />
...Knowing me, that's not going to happen.<br />
<br />
Also: Kid Icarus Uprising. Best. 3DS game. Ever.Sierra WinterBreezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407285689822927532noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-77760916801524139572012-01-30T22:42:00.001-08:002012-01-30T22:43:30.078-08:00Contest ReminderThe contest ends in... three days? Two? ...One? Something like that. XD<br />
<br />
It's 11:40 at night, and I have school tomorrow (and two stupid tests that I didn't study for) but I wanted to warn you anyway. A lot of people have expressed interest, but have not sent in any entry.<br />
<br />
I also would like to ask that if you have submitted an entry, please comment on this post and remind me. I've probably gotten everyone's, but I just want to make sure!<br />
<br />
Anyway, thanks for all the support! ...And goodnight.Sierra WinterBreezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407285689822927532noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-83694776562688204772011-12-29T17:58:00.001-08:002011-12-29T17:58:09.601-08:00Contest ExtensionOkay, so, due to a lack of entries and the fact that it WAS a pretty short period of time... The deadline for the contest will now be extended to February 1st. ;) I hope that helps out some of you a bit.
...Wow! I actually wrote a short post for once! :DSierra WinterBreezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407285689822927532noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-12140700247367465052011-11-02T21:12:00.000-07:002011-12-22T19:26:32.070-08:00Fan Work Contest!...Well, okay then, Rowan.<br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks for posting without telling me.<br />
<br />
And mentioning this contest.<br />
<br />
Because I wasn't going to mention it.<br />
<br />
At least... not right away...<br />
<br />
I mean, I kind of wanted to FINISH the series before that happened...<br />
<br />
But... whatever...<br />
<br />
Anyway! Sierra here (of course). It seems like, incredibly, some people might ACTUALLY enter the contest. Wow.<br />
<br />
I've added a couple things to it that Rowan didn't mention, however. Not only can you draw fan art, but you can also write a fan fiction based on The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze. In fact, you can do any kind of fan work. You can do a... fan video! Or... fan... comic? Fan song! ...I dunno. XD I really don't care what it is, as long as it includes The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze characters. ;) Haha, I had to add this because I understand that some of us (including me) are artistically challenged.<br />
<br />
Thinking about this has made me recall previous fan works that I've received. Granted, there aren't many - until about a week ago I had no clue that I had ANY fan art - but there were some. Moonfire on Central wrote me an AWESOME fan story for my birthday in 2009. I'd kind of like to post it here... but first off, I don't have her permission, and second, I think this post is long enough as it is without a huge story here. :P<br />
<br />
The other awesome fan work that I wanted to congratulate was Sarah SpiritHeart's picture of all the Seekers. OMG, I love you Sarah. That. Was. Amazing!!! Seriously... just ask Rowan. I was freaking out over how beautiful all of the Seekers were! They're EXACTLY how I imagined them to be! IT'S SO AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
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It was originally posted <a href="https://www.wizard101.com/game/community/gallery" target="_blank">here</a> on the main W101 website. Go to May 2010 at the bottom, and it's the 17th picture over on the top. XD<br />
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So... yeah. Thanks, Sarah. Like I said, you're fantastic. :) And, in case you're wondering, you can re-enter this picture if you really want to in the contest. XD<br />
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Here are the prizes again:<br />
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First place: Major Role in sequel (haha, sorry that you're going to have to wait forever for this to happen XD), meet Sierra and Rowan (and possibly other Seekers?) in-game, PvP<br />
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Second Place: Minor Role/Mention in sequel, meet Sierra and Rowan in-game, PvP<br />
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Third Place: Meet Sierra and Rowan in-game, PvP (and I might mention you too, because you're awesome enough to enter this contest :D)<br />
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ALL the entrants are going to be invited to a party at my Wizard101 house after the contest is over. It's going to be hard to me to choose just three... so I definitely felt like all entrants needed something special. If you're not chosen, it doesn't mean I don't love you - more than likely it means that I closed my eyes, picked an entry, and luck wasn't on your side. XD<br />
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Honestly though... I'm going to feel bad about picking winners. O_o<br />
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...I might change this around a little bit later. Just to let you know, nothing's set in stone yet.<br />
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This contest will end January 1st, 2012. ...I'm not sure if that's too soon, though. Is it? If it is, just let me know, and I'll extend it to February 1st. I just thought it was perfect, because January 4th is actually The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze's third birthday! ...No, I'm not kidding! I've been writing for two years, haha. And, yes, I first wrote it on New Year's Eve... or something weird like that. And then I sent it to them a couple days later, after re-reading it a thousand times and wondering, "Is it too long? Will they like it? It's probably horrible... oh, no, this part sounds bad... Wait, what if they don't let me post multiple chapters? What if they think I'm really an orphan? I'm not really an orphan!" XD Ah, the things I used to worry about...<br />
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Now, here's the different ways you can submit your entry:<br />
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First of all, you can post some kind of link to it or something in the comments. (I don't know where you'd post it, but you figure that out... XD)<br />
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<li>Easier than that (and much more preferable) is if you send it to me on Wizard101 Central somehow - though remember, NO outside links on that website, so you'd have to put the picture or whatever in your album, or copy and paste the story into a PM. For those who somehow still don't know, my Central username is Windlilly. You'd of coruse have to make an account for this... but having a Central account is TOTALLY worth it! I love Central! (Even if I only use it to talk about Zelda.)</li>
<li> Another option is posting it on YouTube (or if you want, even sending me a link via YouTube). I check YouTube pretty much every day now. My YouTube username is TwilightWakerofTime.</li>
<li> Speaking of TwilightWakerofTime, that's also my fanfiction.net account, so... if you want to write a fanfic, you can post it on there and send it. ;)</li>
<li> And, lastly, if none of the options are available for whatever reason, you can send me an e-mail at <a href="mailto:heroineoftime@yahoo.com">heroineoftime@yahoo.com</a>. Unfortunately, this is just a new e-mail I made specifically for this blog and other people I want to contact, so I don't check it very often. Please only use this as a last resort.</li>
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As for Part 15... well... I've got an idea of when it will be out, but it's going to be a surprise. ;) I'm working on it, though. Promise!<br />
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Anyway, if I don't get here on Christmas, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU ALL! Good luck in the contest!<br />
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(By the way... if there are any Zelda fans out there... please read my new Skyward Sword fanfic, Awakening! It's on my fanfiction.net profile, where the link can be found on the right side of this screen.)Sierra WinterBreezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407285689822927532noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-30044732968951453322011-10-21T20:32:00.000-07:002011-10-21T21:19:05.033-07:00Hey Guys! Guess what? Sierra is lazy. Therefore I did artwork. It's ROWAN TIME~! 8D<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGI3bcgy9pWntxbaBJSTIpLH8kZr9Iqu9ifBwEdx26o_Wj_ofr805Ag04kHku6R0RvLINCwUGNnbme4k7_bOKmIASQdSpwOcfFSVzYHyHgRIU37LrkWCBgEXSpktcNLS96jJjWscsNBHk/s1600/Sierrawinterbreeze.png"><img style="WIDTH: 305px; HEIGHT: 503px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666155267903329730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGI3bcgy9pWntxbaBJSTIpLH8kZr9Iqu9ifBwEdx26o_Wj_ofr805Ag04kHku6R0RvLINCwUGNnbme4k7_bOKmIASQdSpwOcfFSVzYHyHgRIU37LrkWCBgEXSpktcNLS96jJjWscsNBHk/s320/Sierrawinterbreeze.png" /></a><br /><br /><br />Ohohohohoh! Oh yus! I bet all of you guys forgot about me. But I'm still here! ...I just forgot my password. *Facepalms*<br /><br /><br />Anywho, Sierra is lazy (*Cough* Like always *Cough*) so let's do some fanart for her to (Maybe) get her back up and working on her story! Now who's with me? ^3^<br /><br />....................................*Cricket Chirp*...................<br /><br />... Nobody? Only me? Screw you guys, I guess I'm doing fanart on my own. :P<br /><br /><br />Sierra LOVES fanart, so if you're an artist, who likes the Tale of Sierra Winterbreeze, Do some fanart! Seriously, She'll love you forever and ever and ever!<br /><br /><br />Also, In other news related to Fanart, Sierra is debating whether to have a Fanart contest or not! The reason why she's against doing it is that she thinks that not enough people would enter and the prizes would be scarce. But if we had a fanart contest, it'd look like something like this.<br /><br /><br />First Place: A major roll in the Tale Of Sierra Winterbreeze sequel, meet Rowan and Sierra in game, and do PvP with them!<br /><br /><br />Second Place: Mention/Minor Character in the Tale of Sierra Winterbreeze sequel, PvP with Sierra and Rowan, And meet Sierra and Rowan in game.<br /><br /><br />Third place: PvP with Sierra and Rowan, and Meet Sierra and Rowan in game.<br /><br /><br />Sucky prizes, I know. But hey, what can I say? It's not about the rewards, It's the thought that counts!<br /><br />....Yeah, It's about the rewards.<br /><br />If you want this contest, post here and state so! Sierra doesn't know what I'm posting here so be sneaky about it! ~(owo)~<br /><br />Anywho, have an awesomefulistical day!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Wait. One last thing! I made a new poll, make sure you vote! Or else I will murderize you with my butter knife and chainsaw at night. Eh? What's that? You're voting? Great! *Puts butter knife and chainsaw away*Rowan WillowLeafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00638808759571553719noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-84126492674090456202011-09-05T21:17:00.000-07:002011-09-05T21:56:39.263-07:00I leveled!!!CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!? I'm level 57 now!<br /><br />I've been busy on Wizard101 this weekend. In fact, I completed Wysteria. Woo. It was fun, but... kind of boring. And very easy. I understand that it's supposed to be for, what, level 20? But still, it was pretty sad. Most of the time I was just walking around and talking to people - there were only a few major battles.<br /><br />I mean, seriously, this guard told me to talk to his friend that was, like, five feet away from him. Five. Why can't HE do it?!<br /><br />*sigh* Everyone just likes picking on poor Sierra WinterBreeze... (A.K.A. Young Wizard)<br /><br />Okay, so there's bad news to. I... have no pictures. I mean, I do. But they're on the other computer. The other computer... that my sister is currently using. She says it's for homework, but unless her homework is watching anime on YouTube, I doubt that.<br /><br />So! Yeah. I just felt like I should post. XD Next week (or earlier if I get the chance) I'll steal that computer from my sister and post pictures.<br /><br />...Well, except... that computer won't publish my blog posts. It's. So. Stupid!!! I push "Publish Post" and nothing HAPPENS! O_o But whatever. I'll figure something out.<br /><br />Ooh! I can have ONE thing for you that's different than a wall of text. This time it's... a video!<br /><br />My friend Laura Raven wanted to start a "clan." I think we make music videos and stuff. :D Anyway, we're the Firegirls Clan. We have a TON of members already - Rowan WillowLeaf and Sydney JadeHammer are part of it. I took a picture of all of us in our epic matching outfits, but, of course, it's on the other computer...<br /><br />But if you want to join, we'd be very happy. As long as you fit the requirements. :D (Must be a girl, level 30+, have the outfit, and have a mount.)<br /><br /><iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/E6spWQyQL9k?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />...Looking back at that video, it's kind of embarassing...<br /><br />...Well, we tried. XD<br /><br />EDIT: Ooh, by the way, I added a new chapter to The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze on fanfiction.net. Can you guys go review it again? I only got four this time around! XD I was amazed the first time by ten reviews, which was waaaay better than my 8 reviews per chapter "Shards of Time" for The Legend of Zelda, but this time I only got four, putting TToSW at 7 reviews per chapter. So... yeah.Sierra WinterBreezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407285689822927532noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-64198354941776662442011-08-29T20:54:00.000-07:002011-08-29T20:58:10.921-07:00GUESS. WHAT.I finally did the very thing I'd promised ever since January 2009 - ever since I began writing The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze...
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<br />I. FINISHED. IT.
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<br />I wrote "The End" in my notebook!
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<br />Part 15 is DONE!!!!
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<br />The only problem is now I have to type it... and then edit it... and that might take awhile, since the only time I have is weekends now for computer. (Except today... today's an exception. I finished it, and I was SO excited, I just HAD to let you know...)
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<br />Now... I have to go do homework. Sorry. BUT ISN'T THIS EPIC?!? (And hey, I also found out the Skyward Sword box art today, and even discovered I'm going to be paying 20 more bucks than I thought for the game! Yay!)
<br />Sierra WinterBreezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407285689822927532noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-22303810959549919422011-08-04T21:25:00.000-07:002011-08-04T21:32:22.205-07:00Fine, you win.Okay, I posted The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze on fanfiction.net. You convinced me. Out of the 29 people who voted on the poll, only three said that I shouldn't, and two of them didn't even bother explaining why. Also, six people said they'd read and review my story... so I'll be expecting six reviews on the first chapter! :P Seven, as a matter of fact, since I also put this profile on my ff.net account, and three people voted there said yes, one of them claiming they would read it.<br /><br />You can still review even if you don't have an account, you know. Please do so...<br /><br />...So <a href="http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7254023/1/The_Tale_of_Sierra_WinterBreeze">CLICK HERE</a> for the link. Yay! (And while you're there, read my Zelda story too, okay? Maybe? :P)<br /><br />Part 15: Almost. Done. I swear. I wrote more on vacation (which I'm back from, by the way XD). I actually just got to the good part! I just have one somewhat random question. ...I hesitate to ask it, because... well... it COULD be a spoiler...<br /><br />...Well, I'll just say it. Should someone die at the end of The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze?<br /><br />...Yeah, I know. Weird question. But, seriously! Think about it! That would add the perfect amount of drama and seriousness. I've actually been planning to kill someone off the whole series . At first it was Liam, but now I think how OBVIOUS and expected that would be, so I'm not sure. Then I considered a few other characters dying... but I'm not going to tell you who - I want it to be a surprise.<br /><br />Anyway, just tell me your thoughts. And yay, I'm happy to be back from Canada! :D<br /><br />RANDOM: Okay, I spent the last few minutes trying to get this post to publish on the other computer. Finally giving up, I went on this one, and it published on my first try. What the heck????Sierra WinterBreezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407285689822927532noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-14196204609215909822011-07-13T11:53:00.000-07:002011-07-13T12:19:13.712-07:00I have time!So far, I've had LOTS of time to get on the computer. I don't know how long this will last, but I figured I'd take advantage of it while I could.<br /><br />...Oh, wait. I have nothing to update. No Wizard101, remember?<br /><br />...Dangit...<br /><br />Um, well... I added a poll. I want to know if you guys think I should put The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze on fanfiction.net. My friend Wolf DeathBringer (he has an ff.net account: <a href="http://www.fanfiction.net/u/2415219/">Ghost-Cow-Goes-Moo</a>) was the first to suggest it, but I just brushed it off at first - at that time, I was still new to the website, and I thought that I had it already on both Wizard101.com and Wizard101 Central, so that should be enough. THEN Destiny SeaGem on the <a href="http://theduoofdeath.blogspot.com/">Duo of Death</a> and <a href="http://wizardsunited.blogspot.com/">Wizards United </a>(I don't know which one she posts on more often... I only knew she had Duo of Death) told me to do it, too, since she has a fanfiction.net account (<a href="http://www.fanfiction.net/u/2522061/">WritingBookworm</a>). She has her wonderful fanfiction The Necromancer's Matter; I still need to finish reading it, but I know I really enjoyed what I did get to. Anyway... yeah. So now I'm considering it. What do you think?Sierra WinterBreezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407285689822927532noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-50122687858815912542011-07-11T13:13:00.001-07:002011-07-11T14:01:23.208-07:00Vacation!No more Wizard101 for a whole month. Like the previous two years I've been on this blog, I'll be away from home for July. I'll be in Canada, visiting my relatives. We have internet connection there, but we're usually pretty busy, so I don't know how active I'll be.<br /><br />For my W101 fanfiction, this might actually be good news. Leaving home for a while will get me away from those HORRIBLE distractions (*cough* Wii * cough*). If I recall correctly, I did a lot of writing up there last year. However, this time I have my wonderful 3DS, and Ocarina of Time on it... so who knows...?<br /><br />On the other hand, I'm now writing another fanfic. You can find it on Fanfiction.net. It's called Shards of Time, by me, TwilightWakerofTime. If anyone likes Legend of Zelda, please go and read it. Yes, it's random. It was supposed to be funny, but... heh heh... I kind of got a little... out of control with Zelda's personality. Anyway, the link is <a href="http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7166928/1/">here</a>. At least, according to my e-mail. I can't check... long story if you haven't heard it already. Also, there's one other story I posted yesterday (also Zelda related, but this time Wind Waker) that was also on my blog Medli's Messages. It's a romance called Duty before Love between Link and Medli, if you know who they are. There's two verison, since it was intended for a project called Across the Fandom. The versions are EXACTLY the same except one is on my profile, the other is on someone else's. I'd prefer you read the Across the Fandom one <a href="http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7000715/16/">here</a>, but if you want to review or something, read it on my profile <a href="http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7166108/1/">here</a>.<br /><br />Now... I think that's all I wanted to say. No Wizard101, but possibly blogging. New fanfictions. Anything else...?<br /><br />Nope, that's all. Thanks for reading, guys! See you August 3rd (if I can't get on the computer before returning home)!Sierra WinterBreezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407285689822927532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-10201271722931245792011-07-02T14:07:00.000-07:002011-07-02T14:28:47.082-07:00The Wizard101 Creative Writing Section Returns!Thanks to one of my readers, Sarah DaisyGarden, I've just been informed that the Fan Fiction section on Wizard101.com has just returned. <a href="https://www.wizard101.com/game/community/creativewriting/archive">Find it here!</a><br /><br />At long last, Part 13 of The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze is uploaded. I don't know what they did to it, since there's a few odd things that were changed. It's nothing major, and I don't really care - they probably just look like simple typos or something. But they still exist...<br /><br />For example:<br /><br /><blockquote><br /><br /><p><em>But now, thanks to a ton of side-quests, I was finally ahead of Rowan, my level<br />39 sister!“YES!”<br /></em></p></blockquote><br /><p>...That "yes" didn't used to be there. XD</p><br /><p>And there's one more part where a paragraph was placed that didn't used to be there, and the period removed from the end of the sentence. But... whatever. Doesn't matter. I don't care. ;) I'm just so happy it's finally up!</p><br /><p>You can find Part 13 <a href="https://www.wizard101.com/game/fan-fiction/sierrawinterbreeze13">here</a>. I'll try to send in Part 14 sometime within a week, perhaps even later today.</p><br /><p>Also, thanks for all your comments on the below preview. If you haven't responded yet, you can still do so. I'm still a bit undecided on what I'm going to do with that. It's gotten positive reviews so far... but we'll see...</p>Sierra WinterBreezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407285689822927532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-73804393808697437562011-06-30T19:38:00.000-07:002011-06-30T20:38:47.493-07:00Another Preview of Part 15Just like the title says. This one contains even bigger spoilers than the last one. ...Okay, maybe not exactly spoilers, but hey... it's Sierra and Malistaire's big confrontation before their battle of epic proportions (which I have no idea how I'll write)!<br /><br />However, unlike <a href="http://sierrawinterbreezestory.blogspot.com/2011/05/part-15-preview.html">the last preview</a>, this may not actually be in the final copy of Part 15! That's why it's here - I need your opinion, dear readers. Please tell me if you like where I'm going with this, or if it's awkward. It's setting up things for the sequel if I ever write one. If people don't like it or just don't care... I don't think I'll do it. It seems a bit odd to me... I'm not sure this fits with my current style of writing.<br /><br />It's the darkfics, I swear. They're affecting me in different ways, even in my Wizard101 fanfiction.<br /><br />Ooh! One last thing! While looking for errors (as I hope you do when you read this) please tell me if my references to the Wizard101 plot are correct. I didn't go into detail with the assurance that I'd probably mess it up entirely somehow with my limited memory of the game, but I did mention a few things. If someone wants to explain Malistaire's motives in a comment, I'd be very grateful.<br /><br /><strong>The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze - Part 15 Preview #2</strong><br /><br />One hallway later, and we entered a room even larger than the last. It was vaguely circular in shape, and the back of the room had no wall, allowing us to see out into the dark, clouded sky of Dragonspyre. Most of us froze in shock when we realized that part of that sky wasn’t actually sky – it was part of a massive dragon, whose single, closed eye that showed was bigger than the two of the largest Shadow Beasts I’d ever seen in my short encounters with them combined. And trust me; Shadow Beasts could be pretty big, at least equal to five times my own height. This dragon was just… incomprehensibly immense.<br /><br />Our fear wasn’t helped by the fact that in the center of the room stood the very image that haunted every single one of our nightmares since learning of our destinies as Seekers of Light.<br /><br />Malistaire, with eight ghostly Soul Servants, stared right at us. Mary and Liam also watched from besides their master.<br /><br />All seven of us – me, Rowan, Sydney, Victoria, Mark, Hunter, and Vanessa – approached as slowly as possible. While our enemies looked confident and smug, we appeared apprehensive and, to be honest, rather pathetic. We were only a group of wizards-in-training, not even Grandmasters, let alone the Legendaries that should be fighting this fiend…<br /><br />“We meet again, Seekers,” Malistaire boomed, his voice echoing across the great room. I thought I saw the sleeping dragon’s eye twitch. “So glad you could make it.”<br /><br />I should have made one of my infamous sarcastic remarks, if only to encourage my friends. But my throat felt dry, and I could only croak, “Um, hello.”<br /><br />He smirked. “All right. Where should I begin? Which one of you should I kill first?”<br /><br />I swallowed. “Okay, uh… Malistaire… why don’t we just, like, you know… skip the fighting and do this peacefully? Like, just stop all this Krokonomicon and Dragon Titan craziness?”<br /><br />Can’t blame me for trying.<br /><br />His expression turned menacing – as though it wasn’t before. “Are you suggesting I surrender?”<br /><br />“No! …Uh, actually, yeah. Pretty much. I would put it in those terms exactly, but…”<br /><br />“You fools!” Everyone – including the Soul Servants – winced at Malistaire’s roar. “I am more powerful than you can imagine! Why give up now? After I bring Sylvia back, it will be easy to take over all the worlds in the Spiral. And the only thing in my way, the only thing fate could bother sending to stop me?” He looked at us and laughed. “Seven measly student wizards. How pathetic. The Spiral Guardians clearly underestimate me; they cannot comprehend how strong I have become.”<br /><br />“In case you don’t remember,” I spoke up against all my better judgment, “we busted into your lair and broke out again. Twice. Well, the first time, we were kind of captured, but we escaped anyway. If you couldn’t kill us then, what makes you think you can do it now?”<br /><br />His icy eyes locked on mine. I involuntarily shuddered and hoped no one noticed. “I have learned from my mistakes. You are Sierra WinterBreeze, correct?”<br /><br />I didn’t reply out of fear my voice would shake.<br /><br />Malistaire didn’t seem to need an answer. “Yes, I remember you. Very defiant, aren’t you? You have no respect for your betters.” He seemed thoughtful. “Though you’re rather resourceful too, if what you did to my Skeletal Pirate guard was any indication.”<br /><br />Oh. Right. That time when I was trapped in that room and I used Death magic on the pirate…<br /><br />“And don’t think I do not know about the spell you used.” I tensed. Oh, my gosh, he knew! He knew about the black lightning! How? I hadn’t told anyone about that. No one. Not even the Seekers. My friends gave me confused looks, but I provided no explanation. Malistaire smiled maliciously, knowing my shock.<br /><br />“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I stammered. “That has nothing to do with any of this.”<br /><br />“What a lie that is,” Malistaire chuckled. “Though everyone else in this room may be oblivious, you and I know the truth. You’re no stranger to dark magic.”<br /><br />My heart was beginning to pound even harder than before. Surely Malistaire could hear it even from across the room. Everyone in the area was staring at me now. I didn’t know what else to do, so I laughed nervously. “Well, duh. I mean… you guys keep attacking us and everything, so I recognize the kind of magic you use by now.”<br /><br />He gazed at me unblinkingly, studying my face. “Just keep telling yourself that, Sierra WinterBreeze. But know that even if you defeat me, there’s no escaping it.”<br /><br />“Do I even want to know exactly what it is that I can’t escape?” I mumbled weakly.<br /><br />He betrayed no emotion. “I don’t know. Do you?”<br /><br />I hesitated for a moment, before finally saying, “Um, no.” I inhaled deeply, trying to calm myself. Finally, my new leader-skills kicked in. “You know what? I’ll probably ‘escape’ whatever it is anyway. Because… I’m a Seeker.” I grinned. “Seekers don’t give up.” I raised Megan’s wand. “Enough talking. Let’s do this.”<br /><br />****<br /><br />I'm very inconsistent when it comes to spelling Megan. Is it Meagan, or Megan? Someone want to tell me which way it is in the game? XD Perhaps even Megan/Meagan herself, if she's still on this blog. I think she corrected me in Part 13, but I don't know if I ever changed it to the right way of spelling.<br /><br />Anyway, as you can see, I was thinking about Part 9 and the terrible mistake I made there, adding in that stupid black lightning for no apparent reason. I have a few ideas of where I can go with this in the sequel... but you need to tell me what you think first! At this point I'm half and half - I'd go either way, leaving it in or taking it out. I might leave it there out of laziness, or I might take it out because I'm concerned it's so stupid I'll regret writing it later. You tell me if you want it one way or the other.Sierra WinterBreezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407285689822927532noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-1604411375126920742011-06-21T19:20:00.000-07:002011-06-21T20:17:06.462-07:00Three Seekers (and some random guy) take on Malistaire!FOR ONCE I ACTUALLY HAVE A WIZARD101 IN-GAME POST.<br /><br />Exciting, huh?<br /><br />...Sorry for again crushing any hopes of Part 15 being out right away. STILL working on it. I'll try to finish some more tonight after writing this post - especially since later this week, my 3DS is coming and I'll probably be playing Ocarina of Time 3D non-stop (nonstop... is it one word, or does it have the dash? Ugh, spelling is so frustrating!).<br /><br />But here's a nice long post for those of you who don't care about my fanfiction one bit and are just here for the epic Wizard101-ness (if there's any of you?). I have LOTS of pictures, so this should be satisfying.<br /><br />First off, my traditional one-sentence topic starter:<br /><br />Sydney JadeHammer, Hunter ThunderShield, Austin something-or-other, and I fought Malistaire today! :D<br /><br />Of course, we had lots of randomness before it. I mean, this one aggravating bug happened to me where I couldn't move... and I ended up stuck NEXT TO MALISTAIRE. Seriously. Thanks a lot, Sydney. I'm blaming her entirely. At the same time, I leveled up! So did Sydney... and these other two guys...<br /><br />SO! Pictures.<br /><br />I got on Wizard101 at Sydney's prompting. She kept texting me irl, interrupting my peaceful Zelda fanfiction reading with an annoying vibration in my pocket every 5 seconds (exaggeration). And yes, Sydney knows my phone number. Considering she lives down the street from me, she has every right to. So I can't tell you freaky stalker readers my number. Or address. Or age. Or real name. Or... whatever other scary piece of information that has to do with real life too much. 'Kay?<br /><br />Right.<br /><br />So apparently, she wanted me to get on to fight Malistaire with her. Congrats to her, btw - she's level 51! And Hunter's level 50! Good for them. :) So she had the Malistaire quest now, and wanted help. However... we had to wait for Hunter. Sooooo... we went to her house first. With this other random dude named Jacob.<br /><br />And something weird happened. We stood on this giant dirt pile, and I jumped just as Sydney picked it up. And........<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620867854954271554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxtQBZB6vueN12qwUynrZnb9RVPFvnWl9xKQZuo67Hh0K41fatXHqTD931dqPnqC0XXRk25nMj0HXGDG_swUHOfQltChoF7tr_pUs-fjGeGaqaT-FM4VuSfDkktuNKNuU2zAd5S4L4Yg/s400/Picture+2011-06-21+15-09-36.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkl1x3acQEFLSLS7CNncdaa257r1Mypgo6F9Ky3-TcdSw-n7ofeUedeuAu8yia5CwUWXccVHG1aAnNu1xl6IHuAtkpTdbNC8oHJG_yNzz5k266OWh6XDUbP3BP6FV4UK_gSdaGPe24bE/s1600/Picture+2011-06-21+15-09-51.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620867860918774274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkl1x3acQEFLSLS7CNncdaa257r1Mypgo6F9Ky3-TcdSw-n7ofeUedeuAu8yia5CwUWXccVHG1aAnNu1xl6IHuAtkpTdbNC8oHJG_yNzz5k266OWh6XDUbP3BP6FV4UK_gSdaGPe24bE/s400/Picture+2011-06-21+15-09-51.jpg" /></a> ...Uh-huh.<br /><br />Sadly, the moment I took another step forward, the glitch broke, and I was grounded yet again. D:</p><br /><p>And then... well... I found another word that apparently doesn't work with Open Chat, but works just fine in Text. O_o Don't you remember? ...Circumstances and Document? Those two words, when I tried them last, did not work in Open Chat! All we'd see is "..." but the Text Chatters could read it fine. VERY STRANGE!</p><br /><p>And now "trapped" doesn't work, either.</p><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaoG9UCQ_zELOVkOpvzgzu25EtJNd6gXszxNbmyNxLBGsbaWjAobFjPkMHIYHks7KV-rdIzuyAmrQQ3dN4wO2Y_t413So5n5kWByqM6PujxvNNhD2LOTTIHm3BFmi2dvrI5u8hPvo67I/s1600/Picture+2011-06-21+15-13-39.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620867865403687970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaoG9UCQ_zELOVkOpvzgzu25EtJNd6gXszxNbmyNxLBGsbaWjAobFjPkMHIYHks7KV-rdIzuyAmrQQ3dN4wO2Y_t413So5n5kWByqM6PujxvNNhD2LOTTIHm3BFmi2dvrI5u8hPvo67I/s400/Picture+2011-06-21+15-13-39.jpg" /></a><br />So I was trying to say, "No! Trapped again!" or whatever. But I still couldn't see the word.</p><br /><p>We were trapped by candles, in case you can't see. This is Sydney's Massive Fantasy Palace (which I don't even remember her getting!) and there's a secret room in that wall there. We came through it, and then she blocked us out. XD </p><br /><p>So then we went to Celestia to do some quests! ...Some of my quests, of course. Sydney wasn't there yet - she still had to beat Malistaire, remember? We needed to get into the Lunarium. So we fought a BUNCH of bosses... with these two other random guys that were apparently Sydney's friends. Idk.</p><br /><p>But one of the funniest things happened! After beating all those bosses, we completed the quest... and ALL leveled up! Every one of us!</p><br /><p>Unless I leveled from the last battle, which seems unlikely. But it's either that, or I leveled up before I got my experience. Weird...</p><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3rVNEDOvKDUB84KN61zFkrCpNVxGqSi7yVBABlg2uMCBRfE3axCaIQLaBwHRoIapJdsN6F_GasW6-vQBWnpuxauOM8wUOjdvH_fOPP9tS833XiuoV5F818BL60CBMZIBBm3kEpqsoyw/s1600/Picture+2011-06-21+15-58-35.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620872774581166738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3rVNEDOvKDUB84KN61zFkrCpNVxGqSi7yVBABlg2uMCBRfE3axCaIQLaBwHRoIapJdsN6F_GasW6-vQBWnpuxauOM8wUOjdvH_fOPP9tS833XiuoV5F818BL60CBMZIBBm3kEpqsoyw/s400/Picture+2011-06-21+15-58-35.jpg" /></a> No one else seemed to think it was that funny. :(<br /><br />So then, when we FINALLY made it into the Lunarium, we had to battle yet ANOTHER boss.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnW4kclWj82yz02r8O-L86TSaYQduDRayNXPHRaofyU3pjIE54n6TQ2o71s1uKm3xffAvB89DdkT14-dupW6S7rPEb2dLtuIwvSzRcNMO1bLxQbJRuM8Xvoj40pz1GRId3mGydb7Sbr8/s1600/Picture+2011-06-21+16-07-29.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620867659057854354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnW4kclWj82yz02r8O-L86TSaYQduDRayNXPHRaofyU3pjIE54n6TQ2o71s1uKm3xffAvB89DdkT14-dupW6S7rPEb2dLtuIwvSzRcNMO1bLxQbJRuM8Xvoj40pz1GRId3mGydb7Sbr8/s400/Picture+2011-06-21+16-07-29.jpg" /></a> Yeah, it was fun. (YAY, SARCASM!)<br /><br /><p>Then Hunter got on.</p><br /><p>MALISTAIRE TIME YAY!!!!</p><br /><p>So, we went through the whole dungeon and everything. I wish Rowan could have been there (to make it fully Seekers), but no. Our other computer is kind of being stupid right now - and by stupid, I mean so frustratingly slow you nearly die from boredom waiting for it to load. We've ordered a new computer, but it's still on its way here. Until then... we really only have one computer for Wizard101. The other is just UNBAREABLE.</p><br /><p>So instead of my sister, we got the help of "Austin JadePyre."</p><br /><p>I guess I really shouldn't call him a stranger... technically, I know him in real life. Or I've MET him. He's Hunter's friend. I... don't really... know him well, though.... I didn't even know he played Wizard101. O_o</p><br /><p>Anyway. We got to that one part of the dungeon with those two groups of Draconians that you have to defeat to proceed through the closed door, right? RIGHT before Malistaire's room? I went afk during that battle - mostly to check my e-mail - and... when I got back the battle was over, and my friends had ditched me.</p><br /><p>That wasn't the problem - I wouldn't have expected them to wait for a person that's not there. The problem was that... I couldn't move. O_o</p><br /><p>I teleported to them just as they were finishing up the battle directly before Malistaire, with those Soul Servants or whatever.</p><br /><p>And I still couldn't move after.</p><br /><p>So Sydney walked over to see the cutscene, and I teleported to her...</p><br /><p>...ending up stuck next to Malistaire. Yay.<br /></p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXf06oRWa9VgtPqA0UDqlA8oQSObYgjJkRrlLAkS9dDbhoPzIZHBTPq5xg1d_bWu5GctdfrjBLcLM7pwn2QmGMdd3fEwvWubV15wel-QNqapmNezYkRC7oVJOGKjunDeSz-OrdQQ2jhpw/s1600/Picture+2011-06-21+17-24-56.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620868068220697202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXf06oRWa9VgtPqA0UDqlA8oQSObYgjJkRrlLAkS9dDbhoPzIZHBTPq5xg1d_bWu5GctdfrjBLcLM7pwn2QmGMdd3fEwvWubV15wel-QNqapmNezYkRC7oVJOGKjunDeSz-OrdQQ2jhpw/s400/Picture+2011-06-21+17-24-56.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HHVXNEHAflL6KreUwYkd31xlY0Ahy6v6wkeOnwqv-awhu26dybSA-mZIf6RIpIelISlFO1Cd9vnn69JFR2-OyDZ_HONLmZaIIBGxJBkoJS6XW-N7c8U7WhlYSIg-Pi8xVZYeiLKVvEA/s1600/Picture+2011-06-21+17-24-38.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 311px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620868071110963042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HHVXNEHAflL6KreUwYkd31xlY0Ahy6v6wkeOnwqv-awhu26dybSA-mZIf6RIpIelISlFO1Cd9vnn69JFR2-OyDZ_HONLmZaIIBGxJBkoJS6XW-N7c8U7WhlYSIg-Pi8xVZYeiLKVvEA/s400/Picture+2011-06-21+17-24-38.jpg" /></a> That made it quite difficult to enjoy the cutscene. O_o</p><br /><p>And of course, I was one of the first to be pulled into the battle that started immediately after they finished talking! How unfair!</p><br /><p>...okay, I ended up second... but still...</p><br /><p>I know this is VERY disappointing to you all (sarcasm really is wonderful) but I have no pictures of the actual fight. Just the final blow (which I happily delivered... why the heck is it that every time I fight Malistaire, I'm always the one to finish him off?).<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi659GPZ6hkHqB_IprqhlV2JVgO-8c_Dfzcg-Jcwpyew3zY9VgPnLv649qerLsBHdk2q5GrDjEO70Yk8g2VvsXiE4MiIShJAkINeiFL6cZ510_8SY2keJFx26lse7VdhX2AGdc0Og2fw5E/s1600/Picture+2011-06-21+17-43-40.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620868072404088114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi659GPZ6hkHqB_IprqhlV2JVgO-8c_Dfzcg-Jcwpyew3zY9VgPnLv649qerLsBHdk2q5GrDjEO70Yk8g2VvsXiE4MiIShJAkINeiFL6cZ510_8SY2keJFx26lse7VdhX2AGdc0Og2fw5E/s400/Picture+2011-06-21+17-43-40.jpg" /></a> Yeah huh. So that's all I've got.<br /><br /><br /><p>Yay for long post that has nothing to do with fanfiction! ...Unless you count the Seeker part of it, but I needed a captivating title.</p><br /><p>Lastly: I'M LEVEL 56 NOW! WOOT!</p>Sierra WinterBreezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407285689822927532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-10569357238105112712011-06-16T17:49:00.000-07:002011-06-16T18:07:15.376-07:00No, this isn't Part 15.Sorry! I really wish it was... but it's not. -.-<br /><br />I have an extremely random idea for a fan fiction that I wanted to share. Don't ask me how I thought of it, because I honestly have NO clue... we were walking through Wal-Mart, and thinking about TToSW... I mentioned something about how orphanages needed some kind of entertainment in them to my sister, and joked about it being a game system of some kind. And... yeah. XD<br /><br />So I suddenly thought... I should write a crossover!<br /><br />In other words, I should write a story that contains characters from two different fandoms. In this case, it would be Wizard101 and Super Smash Bros. At first I thought Legend of Zelda, because I know WAY more about it, but then my sister came up with this hilarious joke about Pikachu being a Storm wizard, and that spurred tons of new ideas for an SSB/W101 fic.<br /><br />My question to you is... have you ever played Super Smash Bros.? Or, if not, at least most of the Nintendo games that the characters in it come from? Ultimately, of course, this all leads up to the question...<br /><br />Would you read a crossover fanfic of Super Smash Bros. and Wizard101?<br /><br />I'd probably post it on fanfiction.net, and maybe here, too. I just know I'd have SO much fun writing it - even if you say you won't read it, I might write it anyway for my own enjoyment.<br /><br />Plus, one more question about this. Should I use characters from The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze, or brand new wizards? My sister really wants me to use Sierra WinterBreeze characters... but then it would get confusing, considering NONE of this will actually happen in The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze series. XD I'd rather make new ones, but it's also kind of nice to have characters that already possess a well-developed background, with personalities and everything.<br /><br />Basically, the very, very, VERY rough outline for the plot is that the bad guys of Super Smash Bros. (Ganondorf, Bowser, and, um... maybe King Dedede or Wario or something...) team up with Malistaire, so the heroes of SSB have to team up with wizards to defeat them. Sound good?<br /><br />...Okay, this is becoming a long post. Just post your answers to my questions in comments. This is kind of an odd idea, I know, so I don't know if this will actually happen. I just want to see your reaction to it. :)<br /><br />And don't worry! This won't take away from The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze. In fact, Part 15 is ALMOST done! ...I know I've said that before, but I MEAN it this time!Sierra WinterBreezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407285689822927532noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-39762585613637849052011-06-06T18:38:00.000-07:002011-06-06T19:02:24.900-07:00Posting just to post.Because I'm bored.<br /><br />Because I feel bad about abandoning this blog for so long.<br /><br />Because I don't think my blog is being fair to the people following it.<br /><br />Because I wonder if people actually care about what I'm writing.<br /><br />So! ...Uh... I don't know what to post. I really don't. So... how are you, reader? Are you doing all right?<br /><br />What's that? You came to this blog to hear about The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze? Oh, you wanted to hear about Wizard101? Well, I'm sorry. But I haven't been writing Wizard101 fan fiction, nor have I played the game recently. I've been on Central PLENTY of times... does that count?<br /><br />Oh my gods I'm so bored and anxious to hear E3 news...<br /><br />Um...<br /><br />You know what? I'm going back to writing TToSW. XD<br /><br />You are free to label this post as "whatever" because that's definitely what I think of it...Sierra WinterBreezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407285689822927532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-44920294877696010212011-05-28T21:46:00.000-07:002011-05-28T22:20:13.729-07:00Part 15 PreviewHiya!<br /><br />Heh heh... yeah... hi...<br /><br />...I know. Obviously, I broke a lot of promises.<br /><br />But I have a preview!!! That's good, right?<br /><br />Sorry, no Wizard101 updates... only been on once, and that was to admire my friend's new Sultan Palace thingy. I hate that place and love it at the same time. I love it because... it's amazing. I hate it because I know I'll never get it. :P<br /><br />Btw, 61 Followers is AMAZING. :D<br /><br />Here's the preview! I had to kind of take a few parts out, of course, to prevent spoilers. I decided on showing this one because... it's my first epic fight scene. Please tell me how I did, and what I need to work on - more detail, less detail... um... less fail... Idk...<br /><br />This is the battle between Gurtok FireBender - that boss in the Great Spyre before Malistaire - and Sierra and Hunter. It's, um, not exactly that much of a fight to the death battle. Gurtok FireBender and Sierra are on somewhat friendly-ish terms. Hard to explain without giving you spoilers. ...You know, I might have already revealed it here somewhere, though, I don't know. Whatever. XD Feel free to guess on why their relationship might be a little nicer than most wizard-to-monster ones.<br /><br /><strong>The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze - Part 15 Preview</strong><br /><br />With a flash, Gurtok FireBender summoned a Sun Bird. I was so surprised, I didn’t even have time to move. The fiery, winged beast swooped at me, its beak and flaming feathers brushing my robes and blinding me. I shrieked, ducking out of the way, carefully creating a bit of ice to quench the fires burning through my robe. Groaning a bit, I fumbled with the cards of my deck, dropping a few when I tried to obtain a useable spell. That Sun Bird’s blow had a hurt a lot more than it usually did, when the battle was contained in a dueling circle. And my clothes had never caught on fire before. Nor did the pain last any longer than a few seconds, leaving me to feel only tired afterward.<br /><br />“Sierra?” I turned to Hunter, who was looking at my pleadingly. “Can I summon my minion? Sydney never lets me.”<br /><br />“Yes!” I said through gritted teeth. “We need all the help we can get.”<br /><br />“Yay!” Instantly a Cyclops Watcher appeared, using the two pips Hunter had saved up. The first thing it did was cast a MythBlade – on me.<br /><br />It took all my willpower to prevent myself from directing my next spell at it and screaming, “I. Don’t. Know. Any. Myth spells!”<br /><br />I powered myself up with an IceBlade, again wishing that I’d already learned Colossus. Since I was still waiting for pips, I added an Ice Trap to the mix as well.<br /><br />And of course, he just <em>had</em> to put up an Ice Shield.<br /><br />I closed my eyes. This frustration was becoming too much. Opening them again, I used a Feint I knew from my Death spells. It would have to work until I could find a Steal Ward, which could take that Snow Shield away from Gurtok FireBender.<br /><br />Then Hunter, standing next to me, said, “Um, Sierra?”<br /><br />“Yes?” I snapped, looking at him. I was stunned to see the Cyclops next to him running toward Bender, club raised as he drew the triangular Myth symbol. “Wait!” I shouted. I could only watch as the Feint disappeared to power up the Cyclops’ most useless spell – Blood Bat.<br /><br />I spun around, facing Hunter again, this time absolutely furious. “HUNTER!” I yelled. “You wasted my Feint on a Blood Bat? On a level ONE spell?”<br /><br />“I-I’m sorry,” he stammered. “You cast it just as my Cyclops was attacking, and–”<br /><br />“I cannot believe this!” I fumed. Okay, it was all my pent up frustration that I was venting out on poor Hunter. The Feint wasn’t a big deal – there was still another one in my deck somewhere and I didn’t really need it if I got Steal Ward – but I couldn’t stand it any longer. I continued screaming, until I heard a small chuckle.<br /><br />I directed my glare at Gurtok FireBender. “What?”<br /><br />“I find your arguing amusing. You’re supposed to be partners, teammates – but you aren’t getting anything done. Besides the Blood Bat, you haven’t damaged me at all.”<br /><br />“Well, if he stopped getting in the way–”<br /><br />Bender sighed. “Fine. Don’t listen to me. Won’t be my problem in the Malistaire battle, if you even make it that far.” He pointed above his head. “Fortunately, while you were bickering, it gave me time to cast this FireBlade.”<br /><br />With that statement, the battle continued, with Hunter’s minion casting a Ghoul to do a small amount of damage. I was still angry, but trying to cool down.<br /><br />There! I triumphantly snatched up my Steal Ward, raising it above my head. I used it, praying it wouldn’t fizzle. Fortunately, it didn’t.<br /><br />The Snow Shield dissipated in front of Gurtok FireBender, floating over to protect me instead. He frowned slightly, so I smirked, quickly casting Ice Wyvern. Just as I did so, he summoned a Firezilla.<br /><br />The two creatures glared at one another, neither wanting to move and leave their master at the mercy of their opponent. Finally, the Firezilla roared and lunged at my Wyvern.<br /><br />The blow to it felt like a blow to me. I felt the wind knocked out of my lungs as I staggered backwards, staring at the Gurtok in surprise. He smirked, raising his sword again.<br /><br />The Firezilla attacked my Wyvern again, but this time I was ready. Using all the willpower I possessed, I mentally told my Wyvern to dodge. Amazingly, it worked.<br /><br />From then on, it was a strange, deadly dance between the Ice Wyvern and the Firezilla. Being opposite schools, the battle was fierce; being both for four pips, they were more or less equally matched. This battle was taxing – not only was I harmed by attacks aimed at my Wyvern, but my mana reserves were beginning to dwindle. My energy was quickly draining, and a glance at Gurtok FireBender told me it was the same for him. One of us was going to tire soon, and for some reason, I had a feeling it would be me. I was level 40, and he was… what… Rank 9? He was meant to combat Grandmasters, or at least wizards who, oh, I don’t know… knew Colossus?<br /><br />Fortunately, we’d both forgotten about one other participant in our battle.<br /><br />The ground began to shake. At first, neither of us noticed, as occupied as we were with our battle. But when I took a step forward and tripped over a small fissure that opened in the ground, falling painfully onto my knees, it was hard to ignore. Bender stumbled a little too. We exchanged a brief look of confusion with one another before turning to the side to see Hunter proudly standing with a Treasure Card held out.<br /><br />The cracked ground rumbled again, and then a particularly large crack shot across the ground near Hunter, heading toward Gurtok FireBender like a flash of lightning. With a jolt of horror, I realized this could be his end. I looked at his expression, and it stunned me to find him looking calm and serene.<br /><br />Then the ground opened beneath him, and he dropped into darkness.Sierra WinterBreezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407285689822927532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-39811611024580173702011-04-23T18:00:00.000-07:002011-04-23T18:02:26.058-07:00Must... hurry... to reach... deadline...!I shouldn't be posting here, considering I promised TToSW would be finished by tomorrow. Which it's not. I finally got everything before Malistaire out of the way, but now I actually need to write the action scene, which I'm DREADING. O_o<br /><br />So... I guess I'll just have to start working on that.<br /><br />I don't even know why I posted here.<br /><br />Um, sorry? XDSierra WinterBreezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407285689822927532noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-50102640400070442332011-04-16T21:37:00.000-07:002011-04-16T21:41:42.115-07:00Quick Part 15 updateAh! I have to do this QUICK! My computer is deciding to "automatically update" in less than six minutes! Okay, okay, so... I have good news for the people who read my fan fiction. I'm not quitting, first of all, if you didn't get that yet. XD But besides that... I'm almost done with my most recent chapter! And Part 15 is the LAST part in The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze! Isn't this EXCITING? Plus, I also have a sequel already planned out. It's a little vague right now, but that's just the way I like it. Mary RavenGem and Wolf DeathBringer helped me write this. They had some AMAZING ideas. Therefore, I PROMISE that by the end of this week, I'll have Part 15 completely written up in my notebook. And by May, I'll have it posted online, or at least a preview of it. Good? :)Sierra WinterBreezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407285689822927532noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-69251090966864325892011-04-02T14:00:00.000-07:002011-04-02T14:00:02.204-07:00APRIL FOOLS!!!Isn't that really all I need to say? ;)<br /><br />To make things clear: I'M NOT QUITTING!<br /><br />Honestly, it was a bad joke, my fail attempt at my first ever April Fool. Lol, I actually stole the idea from someone on fan fiction.net. XD You can give allll credit to "Author of Doom: Rin" in their story "Legend of Zelda: Child of the Sun". Which, btw, was updated yesterday with an awesome new chapter (Farore got so pwned, I was lol'ing). His April Fool's joke was funnier, though... because he wrote a "summary" of what he supposedly had planned for the rest of the story. The story didn't turn out ANYTHING like the summary... but it was funny...<br /><br />I DID consider writing a joke fic about Sierra, but... I'm just not very creative. XD<br /><br />Anyway. I'm going to try and get a preview of Part 15 ASAP to apologize for my epic fail. XD Hope you had a good holiday and enjoy your weekend. :)Sierra WinterBreezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407285689822927532noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284663025801276513.post-68596725037962814072011-04-01T07:21:00.000-07:002011-04-02T21:56:40.090-07:00Important Announcement on APRIL FIRST... *April Fools' Day Joke*I'm sorry, everyone... I know this post will be very disappointing for many of you, but... <br /><p></p><br />I just can't do it anymore. <p></p><br />I have too many other things to be working on - I'm failing some of my classes in real life, and at the same time, trying to write a story that I want to get published. I don't have time for the computer anymore. So let me make this clear, that today, April 1st, 2011:<p></p><br />I'm giving up.<p></p><br />No more The Tale of Sierra WinterBreeze or blogging.<p></p><br />Again, I apologize. But on THIS day, APRIL FIRST, 2011... I am quitting. Remember: APRIL. FIRST. In some places, it's also known as April Fool's Day...<p></p><br />...Of course, that wouldn't be important, would it?<p></p><br />So. No more writing. I know I've come so far, but I just can't do it anymore. Who knows? Maybe sometime in the future I'll come back to this.<p></p><br />I can't say if I'll go on Wizard101 anymore. I just know that I won't be writing anymore. And I can't bare to look at this blog... it will bring up too many sorrowful memories...<p></p><br />Yeah...<p></p><br />Oh, and I DID mention it's April Fool's Day, right? Good.<p></p><br />Remember, check back tomorrow for an important post - most likely my last one.<p></p>Sierra WinterBreezehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407285689822927532noreply@blogger.com9