Beneath the Dark Sea- Spiral Chronicals Book 6

Chapter 1: “One Year Later” Jacob stared at the clock and kept his eyelids from shutting. Is class ever going to end? I hate math so much. It's so boring. A blot of black ink appeared on Jacob's notebook paper and rearranged itself into words. “Jacob. Meet me at Headquarters after class. Cassandra finished making her new wand.” - Rainee Jacob turned around and glanced at Rainee. She flashed a quick smile and then continued scribbling down notes. Man, there's still an hour left of class. Jacob yawned. I already know this stupid math stuff. “Jacob. Could you answer question number six?” Mr. Douglas asked. Chimeras! Why me? Jacob's mind quickly shifted into math mode. “Young man. Did you hear me?” Mr. Douglas asked again. Jacob stood up. “Yes sir. I'll solve it.” Jacob's eyes glowed orange as he whispered an incantation. “Evig Em Eht Rewsna.”1 The answer to the math problem appeared in Jacob's mind. He wrote it on 1 Eh-Vig Em Et Roo-Sen-Nah

the board and the teacher's eyes widened. “Wow Jacob. For a deep sleeper in my class, you always seem to know the answers.” Mr. Douglas laughed. “It's almost like you're using magic.” Jacob laughed. “I guess so, sir. Maybe I'm just a natural at math.” “Jacob you're such an idiot.” Rainee whispered and giggled as Jacob went back to his seat. A tall woman with bright purple hair suddenly entered the classroom, eating a submarine sandwich. “Ah. Principal Slindeth.” Mr. Douglas said. “What do you need?” “I need to talk to Jacob Constantine and Rainee Rivera.” Ms. Slindeth said. “You guys are in a lot of trouble. Hurry up and come with me.” Rainee and Jacob exchanged glances while holding back their smiles. They grabbed all their stuff and put them in their backpacks. “Come on guys. We don't have all day.” Ms. Slindeth said. The two students went out the door with Ms. Slindeth. They walked down the school hallways until they reached the library. Ms. Slindeth unlocked the door and went inside. “So Ms. Deathslinger, why'd you call us out?” Jacob asked. “Jacob. The headmaster installed a Spiral Door in here.” Ms. Deathslinger said. “See those old books that no one ever checks out?” Ms. Deathslinger pointed to a shelf full of old worn out books and walked

toward it. “It's another door to travel to Ravenwood.” The principal handed Rainee and Jacob a small silver key. “Here's the Spiral Door to use it.” As Ms. Deathslinger got closer to the door, it materialized more and more. “I don't understand.” Rainee asked. “Why didn't you wait till class was over to show us this?” “It's no problem really.” Jacob grinned. Ms. Deathslinger frowned. “Ah yes. About that...” Ms. Deathslinger pulled out a purple key from her pocket and inserted it into the keyhole. “We need to get to Headquarters and discuss this.” The door opened. Bright light and warmth emanated from it. “Hurry. Let's get in.” Ms. Deathslinger said as all three of them walked inside the door. The three were transported to a building with tall bookshelves and large monitor screens. A silver haired girl was sitting on the chairs, and typing up a paper. “Cassandra!” Ms. Deathslinger exclaimed. “We're here!” “Oh good!” Cassandra said. She tapped her juice bottle three times and it instantly refilled itself. “I've received a strange message from an unknown location.” Cassandra drank more juice while she looked for the file containing the

message. She clicked on it with worry. The message played was garbled and unclear, but Cassandra had a program that deciphered its message. "Mayday! Mayday! We are under attack! This is Sir Thurston Plunket, leader of the Spiral Geographic Society! Our survey has landed on Celestia and the Shadow Weavers have found us! Send help immediately! The Umbra Queen has returned! It is the work of Mor..." “But that's impossible.” Ms. Deathslinger said. “Celestia was lost ages ago.” “How can we help them if we can't get there?” Jacob said. “Well. I've asked Professor Balestrom to try reconstructing the key.” Cassandra said. “He's probably working on it as we speak.” The monitors suddenly crackled with electricity. A strange bug looking ghost appeared on the screen. It hissed like a snake. “Whoever interferes will suffer the consequences.” It said with a threatening tone. “The mirror will break, the horn will call, from the shadows she strikes and the skies will fall.” The bug's face disappeared from the screen, leaving everyone silent. “I'm gonna go help the Professor rebuild the key.” Ms. Deathslinger said. “Cassandra. Contact the WIC president and the headmaster to get here as soon as possible.” “Gotcha.” Cassandra replied.

“WATCH OUT!” Jacob shouted and drew out his wand. Three giant cloaked insects with large eyes crawled out of a portal from the computer monitors. “The Shadow Weavers cannot leave meddlers alive.” They said in their high pitched voices. “We live to serve the Umbra Queen.” Rainee summoned her flaming harp. Cassandra slowly backed away from the creatures. “Now which one should I eat first?” A shadow weaver laughed as it looked around the room. “Ah. I guess you will do.” A shadow weaver lunged at one of them, with its arms full of blue daggers. “DIE WIZARD!” It screamed.

Chapter 2: “False Security” “Scarlet. Wake up.” A soft voice said. I can't feel my arms. Ms. Deathslinger thought. Where am I? Ms. Deathslinger's eyes slowly opened up and looked around. The room was surrounded with glowing plants and potion bottles. A blonde haired woman was wrapping Ms. Deathslinger's arm with a cast. “Diana. Is that you, sister?” Ms. Deathslinger asked. “Yes Scarlet. It is me. You were found unconscious after the attack.” Diana said. “Cassandra helped send you to the hospital.” “Where. Where is Rainee and Jacob?” Ms. Deathslinger asked. “I'm afraid they disappeared.” Diana frowned. “Cassandra barely escaped with you.” Ms. Deathslinger tried to stand up, but pain pierced her back. “You must rest, sister.” Diana said. “The fairies are coming by later to deliver the medicine to heal you.” “But...” Ms. Deathslinger started. Diana sprinkled sleep powder on Ms. Deathslinger. “Kevin is holding an emergency WIC meeting. They are going to Celestia.” “I must go with them.” Ms. Deathslinger said. “Sister, I insist that you rest.” Diana said. “Don't worry about them. They

haven't failed in anything yet.” “What about my job on Earth.” Ms. Deathslinger whispered. She was getting drowsy from the sleep powder. “Don't worry about it.” Diana smiled. “Ms. Hexthorn is handling it very well. Sleep soundly sister. You need to recover quickly.” ______________________________________________ Kevin thought deeply while he looked at the broken desks and monitors. “Man. How is this possible?” He said. “I suggest you take a look at this.” A boy said. He picked up pieces of a broken harp. “Stephen. That's Rainee's harp.” Kevin said. “We already saw that.” “No. Take a closer look.” Stephen held up the harp and examined it closer. “There's a message engraved in it.” “Let me see it.” Kevin said. Stephen handed Kevin the harp. “I can't understand it, but it appears to be written in the Celestian alphabet.” Kevin went through some wooden cabinets and found an old wooden wand. “Etalsnart.1” Kevin whispered as he tapped the message with the wand. The wand glowed and the engraved message on the wand was deciphered. “Stay out of our way. Those who resist, will perish. 1 Eht-All-Snart

Enemies of the Umbra Queen beware.” “Sir. What should we do?” Stephen asked. “Go to Celestia?” Kevin stayed silent in deep thought and sat down on a chair. “Sir.” Stephen said. “Professor Balestrom says that he has reconstructed the Celestia spiral key.” A door slowly opened. Cassandra and an old bearded man walked inside. “I heard the news, young wizards.” The man said. “Rainee and Jacob disappeared.” Cassandra looked exhausted. “I hope that they are doing okay.” “Cassandra was with Rainee and Jacob during the attack right?” Kevin asked. “What did they look like?” “They had huge eyes and looked like insects in cloaks.” Cassandra said. “Their screams were terrible. They pierced through my soul.” “It is as I feared.” The old man said. “Those things are shadow weavers. They bring grief and depression wherever they go. They are the Umbra Queen's henchmen.” “Headmaster Ambrose.” Kevin said. “I've decided I'm going to Celestia with Stephen and Cassandra.” “That world has not been seen for years.” The Headmaster said. “Who knows what lives there now.” “This Umbra Queen... do you know anything about her?” Stephen asked.

The headmaster was silent for a moment and closed his eyes. “Perhaps I do.” “Tell us about her.” Kevin said. “I need to know what we're up against.” The headmaster was silent again, for an unusually long time. “Well. I did knew her, long ago. The old her. The real her. Not what she has become.” The headmaster said. “What do you mean, sir?” Stephen asked. “Be careful. She is no longer the woman I once knew. Her thirst for power has changed her.” The headmaster sat down on a chair. “She will do anything to get what she wants. I wish I could bring back her old self.” The headmaster stood up and walked toward the exit. “I need some time to myself. Kevin, please investigate the matter and report back to me.” Cassandra packed several kinds of wands in her backpack. “When are we leaving Kevin?” “We're leaving immediately.” Kevin said. “Pack everything you need. I'm going to pick up the key from Balestrom.” “What do you think is wrong with the Headmaster?” Stephen asked. “He behaved strangely when he talked about the Umbra Queen.” “I noticed that too.” Cassandra said. “I hope it's nothing serious.” “Oh it's serious all right.” A voice whispered. “Who said that?” Kevin turned around.

“I didn't say anything.” Cassandra said. “Neither did I.” Stephen replied. A cloaked figure jumped down from the ceiling. Its face was covered with a hood. “It was me you fools.” It stated. Kevin drew out his wand. “Who the heck are you?” “I am known as Iceblade to my colleagues.” The figure said. “I was a servant to the Umbra Queen.” Stephen and Cassandra gripped their wands tightly and pointed at the figure. “I mean you no harm.” Iceblade whispered. “I have abandoned working for the Umbra Queen. I intend to bring her down.” “Indeed.” Said another voice. A woman's voice. Another person, cloaked in red stepped out of the shadows. “We wish to defeat the Umbra Queen.” she said. “I am Silvershield, her former servant.” “That's a believable story.” Kevin said. He tightened his grip on his wand. “Oh but you must believe it.” Silvershield said. “We are sick of serving the Umbra Queen.” “That's griffin turd.” Stephen said. “I don't want to believe it.” “If you will not help us. Then we will kill you.” Iceblade said, drawing out

his wand. Cassandra suddenly turned around and blasted the computer monitors with sharp leaves. “No you fool.” Silvershield cried. “ You destroyed the portal!” “That's how the Shadow Weavers got in, so I figured that's how you got in also.” Cassandra smiled. Iceblade's eyes suddenly flashed with blue light and he began waving his wand to draw the ice symbol in the air. “You ain't getting away.” “Run!” Kevin yelled. Iceblade fired a water laser from his wand and hit Kevin. “You idiot! I'm used to that magic.” Kevin yelled. “Stephen. Get him!” Stephen's eyes glowed with white light as he waved his wand to draw the death symbol in the air. “Nosiop Iceblade1!” Stephen yelled. A stream of green gunk was fired and hit Iceblade. Iceblade gagged and fell to the floor. His skin was turning green. “Silvershield! Help me!” Silvershield pulled out a purple potion from her robes and threw the bottle at Iceblade. Iceblade grabbed the potion and drunk it. The effects of Stephen's poison was nullified. “We're outnumbered here.” Silvershield said. 1 No-See-Yop Iceblade

“You're right. Two against three is not good.” Iceblade said. “What if they tell the Umbra Queen about our plans?” Silvershield said. Iceblade took out a silver potion and smashed it on the floor. “Who cares about it now?” Iceblade yelled. “We have to survive.” The room became filled with thick fog . Iceblade and Silvershield fled and disappeared. Stephen scratched his head. “Wait. I think they are really against the Umbra Queen.” “I doubt it.” Kevin said. “I believe that it was a bluff. Seal the building with magic. We're going to Celestia and deal with this threat.” “I hope everyone's still alive.” Cassandra said as she turned on the emergency seal.

Chapter 3: “Servants of Two Masters” Silvershield frantically shoved a black key into the spiral door. Iceblade checked behind them to make sure no one followed. “Come on get in!” Silvershield shoved Iceblade into the door. “Hurry they're sealing the door!” The spiral door's frame began to turn black. Other parts of the door quickly followed. Iceblade pulled Silvershield and got her inside just in time. The two were transported to a dark alley. They hid behind a telephone booth. “Hurry. Switch back.” Silvershield snapped. Iceblade's eyes flashed with blue light. “Htrae Sehtoc1. Me and Silvershield.” Both their robes were engulfed in blue light. They were transformed into regular shirts and jeans. Silvershield's long blonde hair was flowing in the air. “I hope that she is still there.” Iceblade said quietly. “I'm sure she is.” Silvershield replied. “Follow me.” Silvershield walked down the busy street, staring at cars and people that passed by. Look at these mortals living their pointless lives. Silvershield thought. 1 Hit-Rae Say-Tock Me and Silvershield

Silvershield took out a bottle of a blue potion from her bag and looked at a bottle of ketchup on a hotdog stand. Iceblade grabbed the bottle from her hand. “What the heck are you trying to do?” Iceblade scolded. “We have to focus.” “I'm just trying to have a little fun. For a thaumaturge you get angry so easily.” “You're going to use magic in front of mortals? What kind?” “Just a little bit of sorcery won't hurt. Besides, I've practiced.” “Everyone knows you fail at balance magic.” “Shut it. I know what I'm doing.” “Remember the last time you fizzled?” “Oh please. That was nothing. Watch this.” Silvershield's eyes flashed with orange light. “Ecalper Elttob Gnillif 1.” She whispered fiercely. The potion bottle flew from Iceblade's hand hit the man who was selling hotdogs. “Oops.” Silvershield whispered. “I fizzled.” “We better get out of here now.” Iceblade stammered. The man glared at them and yelled. “Hey you two! Come back here!” The man's forehead veins looked like they were about to burst. 1 Eh-Call-Per El-Tob Nill-If

The man shouted to two cops heading back to their car. “Hey police! Get those kids. They vandalized my stand!” “Dangit.” Silvershield said while running through the crowded street. “I used an agitation potion instead of sleep potion.” “Smooth.” Iceblade grinned. “Oh shut up.” Silvershield said. Iceblade looked back and saw the two cops chasing them. “Hey you two! Come with us! You got some explaining to do!” Silvershield gasped. “Do something Iceblade!” “I always have to do everything.” Iceblade replied. “Just do it.” “Yreppils Eci.” Iceblade angrily whispered. The ground that the policemen were running on became slippery as ice. “AH!” they yelled as they fell hard to the ground. A crowd of people started surrounding them. Silvershield took out a red potion. “I'll throw in a hallucination potion to seal the deal.” Silvershield threw the bottle and it shattered into a million pieces. A pungent stink invaded the air. “Don't smell the potion and run!” Silvershield said. The two wizards kept running until they reached an old factory.

“Finally we're here.” Iceblade said. “We should have been here earlier.” Silvershield whispered. “Well, at least that was fun wasn't it?” “True.” Iceblade agreed. “Let's go see if she's in there.” They both went through the huge metal doors. It was covered in rust and spider webs. “So.” A voice said. “Did you succeed in your orders?” Oh my gosh. Silvershield thought. What should we tell her. “Your highness.” Iceblade said. “We failed to destroy the target.” “Oh.” The voice said. “But did you find him?” “Yes we did.” Silvershield stammered. “The old man was there.” Is she reading our minds? Iceblade said. No. I'm just imagining it. Necromancers cannot read minds. “Turn on the lights Nightstone.” The voice said. Sparks of electricity was heard and the lights turned on. “It has been done, your Highness.” A cloaked wizard said. The light revealed a boy wearing purple and black robes next to a tall woman. Her face was pale white and she wore a long black dress. Two little white spiders sat on her lap. “Excellent.” The woman said. “So the old man still lives. Even after all this time we haven't seen each other.”

“Queen Morganthe.” Silvershield said. “When will we depart to Celestia?” “Yes.” Iceblade said. “We've been longing to travel their for a while now.” Morganthe whispered. “Yes. It has been a while since I've been there. I will take the secrets of their magic for myself. I've waited a long time for this. The storm titan merely delayed the inevitable.” Morganthe stood up and summoned her staff to her hand. “My army of shadow weavers who were left in that place should have kept it nice and vulnerable for my return.” “I can't wait to come with you, your highness.” Nightstone said. And take my revenge for my parents' deaths. Nightstone put on his hood. “Excellent, Nightstone, my strongest apprentice.” Morganthe said. “You two fools are coming with me also.” She pointed at Iceblade and Silvershield. “Yes, your highness.” Iceblade and Silvershield said. It's about time you find out how pain feels like. Silvershield thought. Iceblade remained silent. I can't stand working for her any longer. “I can almost feel myself using astral magic.” Morganthe said softly while petting one of her pet spiders. Morganthe's hands began to glow in a dark purple light. She slashed into the thin air and ripped open a swirling black portal. “Let us go!” Morganthe said. “This world is starting to give me the creeps.”

Chapter 4: “To the Bottom of the Sea” Professor Greyrose handed Kevin a huge key engraved with astronomical symbols. The professor looked worried. She took another sip of hot chocolate. “Take care, Kevin.” Professor Greyrose smiled. “I will Professor.” Kevin said. “But, there's one more thing I'd like to ask.” Professor Greyrose nodded. “Go ahead dear.” “The headmaster said that he personally knew the Umbra Queen.” Kevin started. “Do you know of what happened between them?” The professor grew silent for a long time. She hovered over to a chair and sat down. “I'm afraid it's a long story.” Greyrose said. “Even I don't know the full details. But yes, the headmaster knew the Umbra Queen very well.” The days of old have long been gone. Greyrose thought. “The headmaster was in deep thought when we discussed the Umbra Queen.” Kevin said. “Was there something in the past that happened between them?” “Forget it dear.” Greyrose said. “Now's not the right time. I'm sorry.” “Alright Professor.” Kevin replied. “I'll see you later.” Kevin stored the key in a silver bag and went out the classroom. What was with Ambrose and Morganthe? I guess only time will tell.

Cassandra was waiting outside, drinking dragonfruit punch. “Did she give you the key?” Cassandra asked. Kevin opened the silver bag and showed her the key. “How beautiful.” Cassandra said, staring at the key. “Let's pick up Stephen and get moving.” Cassandra looked puzzled. “You look worried. What's wrong?” Kevin nodded. “Nothing. Let's go.” They both summoned their brooms and mounted them. The air was calm and it made steering a bit easier. They flew through the air until they reached Triton Avenue and spotted the Icedreamer Bakery. Stephen was buying some energy bread that kept a person full for a whole day. Cassandra and Kevin flew down and greeted Stephen. “Hey guys.” Stephen said. “I'm just making some final preparations here.” A tall woman with silver hair brought out a fresh tray of cookies from the back of the store. “Hi Christina.” Cassandra smiled. “How are you doing?” “Great. I've been busy creating new recipes.” Christina said. “What are you guys up to?” “Just the usual WIC business.” Kevin replied. “We really have to get going. It's an emergency.”

Christina handed Kevin a spray bottle labeled Favorite Food Spray – Maximum Strength and a couple bottles of purple healing potion. “Thanks but, what's with the spray?” Kevin asked while grinning. “You never know when you'll need it.” Christina smiled. “Well. I wish you guys good luck.” “Thanks Christina.” Kevin said. Christina nodded. “No problem. If you guys ever need backup, I'm here for you. Don't forget that I was once a WIC agent too.” Cassandra, Kevin, and Stephen mounted on their brooms and flew to Ravenwood. When they got there, they walked over to Bartleby. “How's it going Bartleby?” Cassandra asked. “Ah. Young wizards.” Bartleby yawned. “I'm doing fine, but there is a disturbance in the magic force.” “Tell us more please.” Kevin said. “My eye has given me visions of fire, storm, and ice. I saw anger and revenge, but I also see cleansing.” Bartleby whispered. “The Umbra Queen. She's roaming in the depths of Celestia as we speak. You must try to free her, as Ambrose did years ago.” “Ambrose did what?” Kevin asked. Bartleby's eyes closed and he went into a deep sleep. Cassandra was puzzled. “The headmaster said he knew the old Umbra

Queen.” “Let's just go to Celestia now.” Kevin interrupted. “We'll discuss this later.” “Alright, you're the boss.” Stephen nodded. The three wizards went inside Bartleby and approached the spiral door. Kevin took out the key from the silver bag and stuck it into the keyhole. He turned and the doorknob glowed white. “Here goes.” Kevin said. “Celestia.”

Chapter 5: “My Unfair Lady” Morganthe took another sip of a red potion and looked into the mirror. She saw her wounds slowly heal up. “How dare those ghosts attack me.” Morganthe exclaimed. “They will pay for this blasphemy.” Morganthe peered into her crystal ball and looked at a blurred image of Kevin, Cassandra, and Stephen entering the spiral door. “Ah. I see that Ambrose's students have found a way into Celestia as well.” “Those fools are more brainless than I thought.” Morganthe laughed. “Well. I'll soon have them out of my web.” Morganthe snapped her fingers. “Iceblade, Nightstone, Silvershield. Come here at once. I have a job for you to do.” Flashes of light appeared and the three henchmen appeared. Their faces were all covered with hoods and they dressed in black robes. “Yes. Your highness?” Iceblade said. “I want you to go the base camp and eliminate those pesky brats.” Morganthe said. “I can count on you this time... right?” “Absolutely your highness. We won't let you down.” Iceblade replied and looked at the crystal ball. It's those wizards from before. This is a perfect opportunity to destroy them before our plan leaks out.

“Excellent.” Morganthe smiled. “Go forth and destroy them.” Morganthe snapped her fingers and three onyx wands materialized in the three wizards hands. “It is a gift to make your jobs easier. I think you three are ready for them.” “What fine gifts.” Nightstone said. “Thank you, your highness.” The three wizards teleported out of site, leaving Morganthe by herself. “I knew Ambrose would be afraid to face me himself. Let's see if destroying his students will bring him to me.” “No. You won't succeed in your insane plan.” Jacob yelled. Loud metal chain banging was heard. “I'm afraid you're wrong, young wizard. Very wrong.” Morganthe laughed as she threw a bottle of sleeping potion at the cage that held Jacob. “Now shut up and be a good quiet prisoner.”

Chapter 6: “Heavily Fortified” Kevin and the others found themselves inside a huge glass dome. Cassandra looked through the glass and saw various colored fish swimming by. “Wow. It's beautiful.” Cassandra said. Kevin shut the spiral door and locked it with a key. “Look ahead. There's a woman approaching us.” A Marleybonian woman was walking toward them. The Marleybonians looked like humanoid dogs from Earth, and they dressed in human clothes. “The name's Edith Benchley.” The woman said. “I'm so relieved so see you all here.” “We got the distress call from the Spiral Geographic Society.” Stephen said. “Oh thank goodness!” Edith said. “Our leader, Sir Thurston Plunkett disappeared. Then the crustaceans attacked us. My mind is about to explode from worry. We were about to finish deciphering the writing on the portals.” “Crustaceans?” Stephen asked. “You mean crabs?” Edith nodded. “Yes Yes. Unfortunately, they are extremely aggressive so we had to shut the entrance to the Promenade.” “So a bunch of seafood scared you guys off?” Stephen joked. Edith laughed. “I wouldn't underestimate them if I were you. They weren't the kind of seafood you'd find in a restaurant.”

“We'll go in there and see what we can do.” Cassandra smiled. “But first, I'll need to show you guys something amazing.” Edith said. “Follow me.” Cassandra looked around and saw huge worker golems were lifting boxes of materials and drillers were drilling holes into the wall. Other Marleybonians were unpacking tools and writing in their notebooks. The wizards followed Edith to a complex of large pillars. They appeared to be teleporters. “These are what we discovered to be the entrances to the Celestian Temples dedicated to the magic schools of stars, moon, and sun.” Edith said. “There are pieces that are missing from them.” Kevin's eyes widened. “Schools of magic?” “Exactly.” Edith smiled. “Magic.” “Kevin.” Cassandra said. “You think we if we helped repair the portals, we would be able to learn the spells?” “I was getting to that.” Edith said. “We have excavated three pillars that we believe to be a learning device for magic, but we don't understand magic. We believe that there may be more inside the temples.” Edith led the wizards to a metal storage building. “Let's go inside.” Inside the building was a glowing pillar that contained a rotating cube and circles at the top.

“This is fascinating!” Kevin exclaimed. He walked over to the device and touched it. It felt cool and smooth. Kevin's mind was bombarded with visions of stars and magical incantations. He was in a trance for a couple minutes. Kevin snapped out of his trance. “Guys. You won't believe what I just learned!” “I'm afraid you might have to die with that knowledge, wizard.” A voice said. “If you don't agree to our terms.” “What the heck?” Stephen turned around. Three cloaked figures surrounded the entrance of the storage building. “Show yourselves.” Kevin shouted and drew out his wand. Cassandra and Stephen drew out their wands and pointed at the figures. The figures removed their hoods and drew out their onyx wands. Cassandra recognized two of the three wizards. “You guys again!” Cassandra tightened her grip on her wand. “You're not getting away this time!” “Again, we mean you no harm.” Iceblade said. “Please let us join you.” Silvershield said. “We want to destroy the Umbra Queen.” “What are you guys doing!?” Nightstone yelled. “That's the enemy!” Iceblade yelled back. “You want revenge on Morganthe the easy way or the

hard way?” “But I don't think we should join those fools!” Nightstone shouted. Kevin waved his wand and pointed at Silvershield. “Ezeerf Silvershield! 1” A blast of cold energy hit Silvershield and covered her in a thick rope of ice. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING YOU IDIOT!” Iceblade shouted. “WE WANT TO JOIN!” “Not me.” Nightstone laughed. He raised his hands and blasted Kevin with electricity. “Rewot Dleihs!1” Cassandra uttered as she pointed her wand at Kevin. A metal shield materialized and blocked the electricity from hitting Kevin. “Oh my stars and garters!” Edith screamed as she got away from the wizards. “You guys handle this!” “Ugh!” Nightstone yelled. “You little annoying theurgist!” Stephen blasted Nightstone with dark energy from his wand. “AH!” Nightstone yelled. He was hit on his leg and he fell on his knees. “You guys help me!” “Silvershield.” Iceblade said. “Forget this whole idea of joining them.” “What?” Silvershield said as she struggled to get out of the ice. “You can't be serious!” Silvershield's eyes flashed with red light and the ice on her body melted

1 Ez-Earf Silvershield 1 Ray-Wot Del-lees

away. “Fine. You're the boss.” “Now let's kill them before they tell the queen.” Iceblade yelled. The two Morgantine wizards raised their wands. “Hold on a minute!” Kevin yelled. “Arcane Harmony!” Iceblade and Silvershield yelled. “Erif y Eci! 1” “Ugh” Nightstone said. “Don't forget me! Mrots!1” A stream of fire, ice, and storm energy erupted from their wands and combined. It aimed straight for Cassandra. “NOOOO!” Kevin yelled. A symbol of a red star flashed in his eyes. Kevin's body was covered in blue light. He jumped in front of Cassandra. All the magic energy bounced off him and reflected back at the casters. “Ah!!!” yelled Iceblade, Nightstone, and Silvershield. They all fell to the floor and couldn't move. They were hit by their own attack. “That was astral magic!” Nightstone groaned. “We must steal it all its power!” “Forget the magic for now!” Iceblade shouted. “Let's ditch this place! There will be other opportunities!” Silvershield nodded and used her last ounce of mana to teleport themselves out. “Morganthe!” Stephen said. “She knows we're here!”

1 Air-Reef y Ehs-see 1 More-rots

Edith came running back and panting. “Oh my goodness! Are you guys okay?” “We're fine.” Kevin said. “It appears we have more to worry about than just killer seafood. As I feared.” “We must hurry then.” Stephen said. Kevin looked stumped. “That spell that I used... was insanely powerful.” “No doubt that was astral magic.” Stephen said. “The Umbra Queen is after the magic for herself.” Cassandra. “We have to get access to the temples before she does! She can't have the magic.” “After seeing you guys use magic, I'm certain that those crabs will be no match for you.” Edith said. “Go speak with Dalton Prescott in the Promenade. His team had pieces of the stones.” Edith showed them to the tunnel leading to the Promenade. “I wish you guys good luck!” “Don't worry. We'll come back alive.” Kevin said. “I promise.” The three wizards entered the dark tunnel and headed for the Promenade. We're gonna find you guys, Rainee and Jacob. And we're gonna stop the Umbra Queen. Kevin thought deeply. But still, those Morgantine wizards still confuse me.

Chapter 7: “Ye Old Apprentice” Jacob's eyes opened and he found himself staring at a dark blue wall. He shook off the final effects of the sleeping potion. Jacob's arms and legs were chained to the wall. Morganthe you little witch. He thought angrily while he attempted to break free. It was no use, the metal was too strong. “Rainee.” Jacob whispered. “Are you here?” Jacob looked around and spotted Rainee in another cage, also chained to the wall. “Jacob!” Rainee cried. “You're finally awake!” “Where's Morganthe?” Jacob asked. “She left earlier. She said she was going to punish some people.” “Kevin and the others... that means they survived Morganthe's henchmen.” “We have to get out of here and rejoin the others.” Jacob looked around and saw a table that had both their wands on top of it. “I tried melting the cage's bars, but I couldn't. My mana feels drained.” Jacob closed his eyes and whispered a spell. “Dneb Eht Srab.1” Jacob's spell did not have any effect on the metal bars. “It's no use. I'm 1 Deh-neb Et Sar-rob

drained also.” Jacob said. Suddenly, a black portal ripped open before their eyes. A black haired boy wearing tattered dark robes jumped out of it. He carried a black leather book. “NANOR!?” Jacob exclaimed. “What are you doing here?” “Rescuing you of course.” Nanor said. “I feel that it is my duty, I owe you guys for freeing me from Malistaire's grasp.” “How did you get in?” Rainee asked. Nanor pointed to his book. “A book of dark magic. I found it in Malistaire's belongings.” “Nanor.” Jacob started. “Have you considered my offer to join the WIC?” “Now's not the time.” Nanor said. “I must find a way to regain my memories and find out who I really am. I don't believe that I'm Nanor Dusk.” Nanor gave Jacob and Rainee each a bottle of healing potion. They felt refreshed instantly after drinking it. “Now. Try to bust out.” Nanor said. Rainee and Jacob's eyes flashed with light. Rainee's cage was melted into molten metal and Jacob's magic bended the bars with ease. “Thank you Nanor.” Jacob said. He and Nanor shaked hands. Rainee retrieved her wand from the table. Jacob also did too. “There are legends.” Nanor said. “That tell of astral magic restoring memories. I hope you guys can find it.”

“We will find it.” Jacob said. “I promise.” “I will be on my way then.” Nanor said. “Follow me into the portal to return to Wizard City.” They all stepped into the dark portal and disappeared.

Chapter 8: “A tulip by any other name” Kevin and the others walked through the dark corridors. The blue floors had small traces of water. A small group of Marleybonians were huddled together in a hidden corner, quietly debating about something. “Dalton.” A woman said. “The structures cannot hold on much longer. We need to repair it.” “I know.” Dalton frowned and took a deep breath. “We need to get our sealant back if we want to survive.” Kevin approached Dalton. “We're from the Ravenwood WIC. Edith sent us to you.” Dalton's frown disappeared slowly. “Edith sent you eh?” Stephen shaked Dalton's hand. “Yes she did.” “She said you were attacked by... crabs?” Cassandra said while trying not to laugh. “Yes.” Dalton said. “Crabs.” “There is one other thing I need to ask.” Kevin said. “Edith told us that you guys have stone fragments of the teleporters at the base camp.” Dalton looked at his colleagues and signaled for the stones. “Sir!” A woman said. “The stones were stolen by the Crustaceans during

the attack.” Dalton frowned. “Ugh. Those stones weren't the only things stolen. Our supplies were taken and some of our people were kidnapped...” Dalton faced Kevin. “...included our leader, Sir Thurston Plunkett.” “We'll be happy to get your supplies back.” Kevin said brightly. “Uh.” Dalton looked at them from head to toe. “You sure you kids can handle it?” Kevin drew out his wand. “Don't worry. We're wizards.” “Oh. Alright.” Dalton laughed. “Be careful out there.” “What kind of supplies were stolen?” Cassandra asked. “They were bottles with sealant.” Dalton said. “This is an important matter. We need those to repair the cracks in the walls. If not, then this whole place will sink.” “We'll be back.” Stephen said. The three wizards immediately left for the Promenade. _______________________________________________ As the wizards crept past the area, they noticed a trail of oil on the ground. It lead to a large tunnel. “Look.” Stephen whispered. “Those trails look fresh.” Cassandra nodded. “How could you tell?” “Cause I said so.” Stephen replied. “Trust me on this.”

“Fine. Lead the way Mr. Compass.” Kevin stepped in front of Cassandra and Stephen, blocking their path. “No. Don't go on. I hear voices coming this way.” Kevin pushed Stephen and Cassandra behind a tall wooden crate then jumped behind another crate. “Now stay quiet.” Kevin saw a human sized crab wearing blue robes talking to another crab that was holding a huge spear. “...Ah yes. Those air breathers were so stupid weren't they?” “I assigned Optio Agenor to deal with the dog that he found.” “Where is he now?” “At the top of the ruins nearby.” “Oh. Good. Hope he dies there.” “Aha. Indeed. I'm going to retreat to my chambers.” “Hold on Governor Nereus. We found this interesting stone from those dogs we attacked.” “Hmm. Thank you. I'll be keeping this with my other treasures.” It's those crabs. Kevin thought. They look bigger than I thought. “Kev. Should we attack?” Stephen whispered. “No. Stay low for now. I wanna hear more.” Kevin replied. “...Yes. Yes. Governor. I'll keep patrolling this area for more loot.” “HEY NOT SO FAST!” A voice shouted.

Sparks of dark energy flew into the air. A hooded figure jumped from above the ceiling. “Please. Make this easier on yourselves and just surrender the stone.” The figure said blankly. “Ugh.” Cassandra groaned. “Another Morgantine wizard.” “Be a good little crab and give it to me.” The figure said. The figure removed her hood and revealed her face. She had long black hair and green eyes. “I don't plan on waiting to get that stupid stone!” She scolded. “Bloodtulip does not show mercy.” “Governor! Run!” Shouted the crab with the spear. “I'll hold her off!” The governor ran away, crying like a baby. “Ugh!” Bloodtulip said. “The stone is MINE!” Bloodtulip drew out an onyx wand and pointed at the crab holding the spear. “Esruc Eht Nopaew!1” The crab's spear suddenly flew out of his hand and levitated in the air. It pierced through the crab's shell. “Urgh..” The crab uttered before he fell to the ground. “Now to get the coward crab. This time, Iceblade and the others will get no credit for this mission.” Kevin, Stephen, and Cassandra stepped out from behind the crates. 1 Es-Ruck Et Nope-Aye

“You're under arrest.” Kevin shouted, drawing out his wand. Bloodtulip turned around and gasped. “Oh my. I have guests.” “You work for the Umbra Queen?!” Cassandra shouted. “Why yes I do.” Bloodtulip laughed. “Morgantine Special Forces.” “You're with those three others huh? Nightstone and whatever the heck the other two are called.” “Oh.” Bloodtulip said. “I'm alone. I want to take the full credit for this mission. Nightstone's team have been acting weird lately, so I decided I'd take this opportunity to get on Morganthe's good side.” “What good side?” Stephen said. “I don't think there's such thing.” “Enough about me.” Bloodtulip said. “I think it's time to discipline some naughty children.” “Oh we're ready for whatever you throw out.” Kevin grinned. “I'll freeze you to death.” “Hmm. That's an excellent idea.” Bloodtulip laughed. “But I have a better one.” Bloodtulip pointed her wand to the ceiling and shouted. “Kcarc Eht Gniliec!1” Her eyes flashed with orange light and the ceiling above started to crack. “Farewell fools.” Bloodtulip laughed. “Hope you guys know how to breathe underwater.” 1 Karc Et Nill-Like

Bloodtulip ran toward Nereus' direction. Kevin's blood rushed as he looked at the ceiling. “We're done for!” The cracks in the dark ceiling burst open with a big CRACKING noise. Water began leak and pour down.

Chapter 9: “Super Ice Me” “Kevin do something!” Cassandra yelled. Drops of water from the ceiling began pouring down like bullets. Here goes. Kevin thought as he frantically drew the ice symbol in the air. This better work. “EZEERF EHT RETAW!1” Kevin shouted. His eyes flashed with blue light. Blue energy shot of his wand and headed for the cracking ceiling. “Cassandra!” Kevin shouted. “Run! I think I fizzled!” The water above began to freeze, but Kevin's magic was not enough. The ice was melting quickly. “GUYS WHAT ARE YOU DOING!” Kevin shouted again. “SAVE YOURSELVES AND RUN!” “I'm sorry.” Stephen said. “We're not leaving without you.” Stephen pointed his wand to himself. “I guess I have no choice.” “What are you doing Stephen!?” Cassandra shouted. “KRAD TCAP KEVIN!1” Stephen blasted himself with dark energy and fell to the floor. Swirls of light escaped from Stephen's wand and surrounded Kevin. He began to feel new energy. 1 Ez-Earf Et Ret-Ow 1 Krad teh-Cap Kevin

Kevin's spell instantly grew stronger and all the water above froze into a makeshift ice ceiling. None of it was melting. The spell drained Kevin of his mana. He fell on his knees to the floor. “Thank you Stephen.” Kevin whispered. “I'll heal him.” Cassandra said. She was still shaking from the whole experience. Cassandra pointed her wand at Stephen and healed him with a healing spell. Stephen's eyes slowly opened. “Kevin.” Stephen whispered. “Good job.” “I couldn't have done that without your help.” Kevin replied. Broken pieces of the old ceiling began to float into the air. “Huh?” Kevin said as he turned around. He saw Rainee and Jacob walking toward them. “We heard the cracking and followed it.” Rainee said. “Thank goodness you both are safe!” Cassandra said. “What happened to you guys!?” “It's a long story.” Rainee said. “We'll tell you later.” Jacob stood there with his eyes glowing with orange light. He levitated all the broken pieces of the ceiling. He used a sticking spell to stick back all the pieces. Jacob turned to Kevin. “The Umbra Queen's minions. They're after the

Astral Magic. They also plan to kill us.” “We know.” Kevin replied. “And we are also trying to find a way into the temples. All the portals are broken and we need stones to repair them.” Cassandra turned to Jacob. “One of the stones was taken by a crab.” Jacob grinned. “Seriously?” “We have other problems too.” Kevin said. “Those Morgantine wizards are also after the stones.” “We mustn't waste time.” Jacob. “Are they nearby?” “There is one.” Kevin said. “She calls herself Bloodtulip. She's after the stone.” “If I'm not mistaken.” Stephen said. “She went that way.” Stephen pointed to a long tunnel. “Alright. Let's go!” Kevin said. “She shouldn't be to far ahead.”

Chapter 10: “The Crusty Crabs” Cassandra pulled out her wand from her pocket. She whispered an incantation and the tip of the wand glowed with green light. It brightened the dark tunnel that they walked through. “That girl you saw.” Jacob asked Kevin. “Are you sure that she's a Morgantine wizard?” “Yeah.” Kevin said. “I'm positive.” “If she held off all three of you guys, then her magic must be powerful.” “Are you kidding me? She used the cheapest trick in the book.” “This time she won't be having the chance to use her dirty tricks.” Rainee suddenly stopped moving. “What's wrong?” Jacob asked. “Listen.” Rainee said. “I hear something ahead.” Everyone stood still. Noises of clashing and cracking could be heard at the end of the tunnel. “Proceed.” Kevin ordered. “It must be her!” When the got out of the tunnel, Kevin saw a crab carrying a knocked out Marleybonian to the top of some ruins. “Look!” Rainee said. “It's one of the missing crew members that Dalton

was talking about!” “We follow him.” Kevin said. “That Bloodtulip girl might also be where he's headed.” Cassandra whispered a spell and blue fairy wings sprouted from her back. “Hurry guys. We have to get that dog back.” All the others mounted their brooms and flew the top of the structure, while staying away from the crab's sight. “This land walker might provide us with useful information.” The crab muttered to himself. He opened a door, went inside, and slammed it. Kevin signaled for all them to land. “Alright.” Kevin said. “Cassandra, Jacob, and I are going in first. If you don't here from us in five minutes, barge in the door.” “Got it.” Rainee said. “Jacob be careful ok?” “Don't worry.” Jacob replied. “Nothing will happen.” Cassandra and Jacob drew out their wands. “Okay I'm ready.” Cassandra smiled. Kevin kicked open the door and pointed his wand straight. “ARGH!” The crab said. “Who are you?” The crab threw the Marleybonian to the floor and pulled out a spear. He waved it around, as if to intimidate Kevin. “I am Optio Agenor.” The crab said. “Speak your business or suffer my

claws.” The girl is not here. I miscalculated her location. Kevin thought. Cassandra flew inside with her fairy wings and stuck out her tongue at the crab. “Hi down there!” “Why ye little pest!” Agenor said. “Come down here!” Jacob moved in and pointed his hand at a couple broken boulders. He encanted words of power as his eyes flashed with orange light. “Yortsed Crab Htiw Kcor!1” The boulder quickly flew off the ground and hit Agenor's back. He fell down on his knees but quickly got back up. “Boy, you cannot crack my shell that easily!” Agenor laughed. Agenor angrily threw his spear at Jacob. Jacob put his hand forward. He redirected the spear back at Agenor, who ducked and dodged it. Cassandra flew around the room, sprinkling Jacob and Kevin with her agility dust. “That's the last of my supply.” Cassandra called. Jacob and Kevin repeated blasted Agenor with magic, shooting like a machine gun. “URGH!” Agenor cried. “AHHH!” The agility dust wore off and Kevin gave Jacob a high-five. 1 Yort-Said Crab Tee-wah Core

“That pathetic excuse for a seafood didn't stand a chance.” Kevin grinned. The door slammed open. Rainee and Stephen came rushing in. “GUYS!” Stephen said. “There's a mob of crabs coming up the structure!” “What!?” Cassandra said. She flew out of the door and spotted a large group of crabs marching up the wooden planks. “Oh my goodness!” Cassandra cried. “He's right!” “Do we run or fight them off?” Stephen asked. “What about the Marleybonian?” Rainee pointed to the knocked out dog on the floor. “Cassandra.” Kevin said. “Here. Catch!” Kevin threw Cassandra a bottle of Dark Minotaur Energy Drink: Gives You Horns. “Drink it and lift the Marleybonian to safety.” Kevin said. “We'll handle the crabs.” “Okay.” Cassandra drank the potion. It tasted like a liquid version of cheeseburgers. Cassandra began to feel as strong as a minotaur. Cassandra flew down and lifted the dog out of the room. She headed straight for where the other Marleybonians were hanging. “I'll meet you guys later!” she yelled. “Alright!” Kevin said. The crabs surrounded Kevin and the others.

“Oh no.” Kevin said. “There must be at least fifteen of them!” Kevin reached into his pocket and searched through his pile of spell cards. “There must be something in here that could help.” One of the crabs pointed rudely at Kevin. “Exterminate the land walkers!” The other crabs cheered in response and began moving toward the wizards. Snowman. Wyvern. Colossus. These won't do any good. Kevin looked at his Frost Giant summoning card. Aw man. I don't have enough magic to summon him. If I do summon him, he spirit won't last long. “Well. Well.” A crab said. “Look at the earthling playing with his little cards.” Rainee held Jacob's hand tightly. They both stepped back. “What's the matter land walkers?” A crab teased. “Not used to seeing real warriors?” Stephen looked around. There's gotta be a spell powerful enough to stop all of them. “We can try to attempt Arcane Harmony.” Jacob suggested. Kevin put his cards back in his pocket. “What if we fizzle? The side effects are dangerous.” “What choice do we have?” Stephen said. “Cassandra's not here to heal us.” Kevin said. “ugh.... fine!” The crabs began to walk a little faster. “You puny humans are no match for

imperial troops.” Slowly, but surely, the crabs surrounded the wizards in a circle. A crab picked looked at Agenor's corpse and picked it up. “You killed Optio Agenor?” The crab laughed. “Now let's see how do against a lot of us.” Kevin interrupted the crab's speech. “NOW GO!” “Huh?” The crab's said blankly. Rainee, Jacob, Kevin, and Stephen fired magic blasts. It cleared some crabs out of the way and made a path. The wizards quickly ran through it and spread out across the room. “ALRIGHT GO FOR IT!” Kevin screamed. Stephen pulled out a Scarecrow card from his deck and threw it to the floor. Simultaneously, Kevin and Stephen spoke an incantation. “Ice and Death Close yet far. The Scarecrow needs help. Give enemies an Icy scar. With this spell we should be free I summon Death So mote it be!” The two wizards pointed their wands at the card on the floor. The card

exploded with light and transformed into a menacing scarecrow. However, this scarecrow's eyes burned with blue ice and its garments were blue. “NUH!” The crabs yelled. “What is that!?” The air became freezing cold as the Scarecrow maneuvered around. “RUN!” The crabs said. “RUN!” Kevin's eyes burned with blue light while Stephen's burned with white. The two wizards waved their wands and directed the Scarecrow to attack. The scarecrow inhaled the cold air around it and blasted it right back at the escaping crabs. All the crabs became frozen in a mass of ice that shattered into a million pieces. The Scarecrow's job was done. It transformed back into a card and flew back into Stephen's hand. Stephen put the card back into his spell deck. “YES!” Rainee said. “Good work guys!” Jacob said. Kevin turned around and laughed. “What ya know. It worked!” “Told you!” Stephen said. “Haha!” “We've gotta head down and search the nearby grounds.” Kevin said. “Bloodtulip must be nearby.” “I nearly forgot about her.” Stephen laughed. “Well. First thing's first.” The wizards went back down the structure and walked along the soft blue

ground. “Look there ahead!” Kevin yelled. “It's her!” Bloodtulip turned around. “Oh my shadow weavers. It's you fools again. Amazingly you guys survived my trap.” “Get back here you cheap witch!” Rainee yelled. “Haha.” Bloodtulip smirked. “Surrendering is so boring. Goodbye wizards. I have portal stones to collect.” Bloodtulip ran over to a small water hole and dived in. “What!?” Kevin said. “She can breathe underwater?” “How!” Jacob said. “We can't follow her. We'll die under all that water.” Stephen said. “We've got to get back to Cassandra and find out more information.” “I agree.” Kevin said. Kevin and the others turned around and headed back to the Promenade. Somehow we must find a way to breathe underwater also, if we want a chance of getting that portal stone. Kevin put his wand back in his pocket. That girl better be ready.

Chapter 11: “Reinforcements” “Professor. Wake up.” A voice said. “It's really important.” Merle Ambrose slowly lifted his eyelids. Ugh. Who's there? The professor saw a tall woman with purple hair. Ms. Deathslinger. “Professor. The WIC agents have been gone for long time now.” Ms. Deathslinger said. “The communication spells aren't working for some reason.” Ambrose said. “Someone put an enchantment on their wands somehow.” “You think we should send another agent.” Ms. Deathslinger asked. “Perhaps Lucius and Alexander?” The headmaster was silent then spoke. “Put more students in danger?” “What's troubling you sir?” Ms. Deathslinger asked. “You have been acting worried lately.” “Morganthe...” Ambrose said. “I feel like those students are going to their deaths.” “The students will be fine; They've been through a lot. Didn't you and the other members of the Council of Light defeat her years ago?” “Morganthe is more dangerous than you could possible imagine.” “She went to school here didn't she? I heard that she was the top student.” The headmaster stood up. “Fine. I'm afraid I'm gonna have to send more

students to Celestia.” “Morganthe is really that dangerous?” Ms. Deathslinger asked. “Plus, I don't think we have another spiral key to that place.” The headmaster pulled out a large key from his pocket. “I had the foresight to make a copy.” Ms. Deathslinger gasped. “I'll call for Lucius and Alexander to go to Celestia.” _____________________________________________ “Alex.” Lucius said. “Where are you going man. We have basketball practice.” “Uh. I just got a message from Ms. Deathslinger.” Alexander said. “She sent it in code.” “Lemme see it.” Lucius said. “I was getting to that.” Alexander said. “It involves you too.” “Really?!” “We'll have to go to the old classroom upstairs to see it.” “Okay.” Alexander and Lucius climbed the stairs until they reached the third floor of the school building. They walked into an old abandoned classroom. Cobwebs and dusty desks were scattered everywhere. “Here.” Alexander said.

Alexander drew out his wand and pointed it a blank space in the wall. A light came out of it and acted as a projector. Ms. Deathslinger's face came into view. “Hello Alex. I have an important mission to assign to you and Lucius. Kevin, Cassandra, and Stephen have ventured into Celestia to find Jacob and Rainee. There are dark forces at work. The Umbra Queen, or Morganthe, has been plotting something. Ambrose and I are worried that something has happened to the other agents and we want you guys to travel to Celestia and try to find them.” Alexander turned around and heard loud footsteps behind them. “Hide somewhere.” Lucius whispered. Alexander jumped behind a desk and Lucius used a spell to transform himself to electricity and hide in his cell phone. “Alex?” A voice called out. “It's me.” Alexander came out of his hiding spot. “Oh. Ms. Deathslinger you scared us.” Lucius transformed back into himself and laughed. “Haha. For a second I thought you were a mortal.” “Did I really?” Ms. Deathslinger laughed. Ms. Deathslinger took out a large key from her purse. “Here is the key.” Alex held the key in his hand. It felt ice cold and heavy. “I still think that Ambrose is hiding something about Morganthe.” Ms.

Deathslinger said. “I don't know what it is yet, but I will keep asking.” “I see.” Alexander said. “Is she powerful?” “According to Ambrose, she is.” Ms. Deathslinger. “But I think that all seven of you stand a chance of defeating her.” Lucius nodded his head. “How come you can't contact the others?” “I'm afraid someone has used an enchantment on their wands.” Ms. Deathslinger said. “But I'm not sure how.” “Alright we're ready to go.” Alexander said. “But what about basketball practice?” Lucius said. Ms. Deathslinger smiled. “A little memory charm will cover up your problems. I'll take it from here. Good luck guys.” “Thanks.” Alexander said. “We'll be on our way.” Alexander and Lucius headed down the stairs and walked toward the hidden spiral door in the library. “I hope we didn't make a mistake sending more kids.” Ms. Deathslinger frowned. “But they're all capable of powerful magic. I'll think of the best for them.” Ms. Deathslinger snapped her fingers and summoned a pack of cookies. “I guess these will ease up the worry a bit.”

Chapter 12: “Air equals Water” “Hurry hurry!” Cassandra said. “Pass me a bottle of water.” Cassandra whispered an incantation and pointed at the knocked out Marleybonian on the ground. The ground around him slowly became warmer. Cassandra listened closely for a sign of life. “His pulse is still going strong. This should wake him up.” The water bottle in Cassandra's hand glowed bright green, then turned clear again. Cassandra opened his mouth and put a few drops of water. The Marleybonian slowly opened his eyes. “Rutherford. Welcome back.” Dalton said. “Ack! Those stupid crabs attacked me while I was busy translating an ancient tablet.” Rutherford replied. “It was a most curious discovery. It was about a water breathing device.” “I'm delighted hearing that.” Dalton said. “But first, I must introduce you to this young lady, she saved your life.” Rutherford stood. “Thank you so much young lady. I'm not sure how to repay your kindness.” “Oh.” Cassandra said. “There's no need.” Kevin and the others spotted Cassandra and flew down on their brooms. “Back so soon?” Dalton said. “Did you find the stone?”

“No.” Kevin replied. “The situation is more dangerous than I thought.” “The crabs were powerful?” “Actually. No. There's a much more dangerous force at work here.” “We were following a girl that calls herself Bloodtulip.” Stephen said. “We were sidetracked by the crustaceans, but we managed to rescue your friend.” “That girl.” Kevin said. “She is dangerous and we must follow her.” “She escaped through a water hole.” Stephen said. “We're unable to follow her.” “Gadzooks!” Rutherford said. “Perhaps maybe... she used that device that I was studying.” “What device?” Kevin asked. “A water breathing device!” Rutherford said. “You wizards should be able to read the ancient Celestian texts and use it.” After a long discussion about the device, the group of wizards went on their way to find it. “Thanks for your help.” Stephen said. “You're very welcome young wizard.” Rutherford said. _____________________________________________ “It should be right here, near the water hole like Rutherford said.” Jacob said as he looked around. The wizards came across a pair of tall pillars with bubbles coming out of

the it's center. A shiny white crystal was topped above the arch that connected them. “This must be the water breathing device.” Kevin said. Kevin carefully examined the device and stepped into the middle of it. After whispering an incantation, the device made Kevin feel a tingling sensation. It wore off after a few moments. “How was it?” Cassandra asked. “It feels weird at first, but then it wears off.” Kevin said. “You guys should try it.” The rest of the wizards did exactly what Kevin did. “Uh. Who's gonna be the first one to test it?” Jacob asked. Everyone immediately pointed at Jacob and slowly backed away. “I knew I should have just stayed shut.” Jacob said. Jacob approached the pool of water and stepped into it. Ah man this feels cold as heck. How am I supposed to breathe down there? Jacob went underwater until he was out of sight. Wow. I can breathe water like it's air, but it's certainly dark in here. Jacob went back to the surface. “Hey guys it's alright! You won't believe how powerful that magic is.” Kevin and the others walked over to the pool. “There's a small tunnel that leads somewhere.” Jacob said. “However, it's

dark. I could breathe water like it's air!” “YES! But how are we going to see our way through?” Cassandra asked. “Let's see here.” Stephen said. He searched his backpack and took out several bottles of a yellow potion labeled, Flashlight Eyes. “I usually use these to read at night.” Stephen said. “But these should work underwater too.” “Good.” Kevin said. “Let's all drink it.” The potion tasted like bubble gum. In a matter of seconds, all the wizards vision brightened. “Ok let's go down.” Kevin said. His eyes acted like a blue flashlight. The wizards all dived to the hole one by one. The cold water felt like a knives slowly piercing their skin. “Rainee, got something to warm us up?” Jacob said. Rainee waved her wand in the water. “Tpada Ot Dloc.1” She whispered. Everyone's bodies began to adapt to the cold water. Pretty soon, everyone couldn't feel the cold anymore. “Ah that's better.” Cassandra said. “Now let's go get that portal stone.” The wizards careful continued down the caverns of the undersea chamber. All sorts of fish and coral surrounded them. “You fools aren't going anywhere.” A quiet voice said. “Don't move.” Kevin said. 1 Tep-Pada Oat Do-lock

A hooded figure blocked their path. “My partner warned me that some meddlesome wizards might be coming here. Now I, Emeraldpyre, will dispose of you all.” Jacob, Rainee, and Stephen drew out their wands. “You three fight him off. If that guy is here, then Bloodtulip shouldn't be too far ahead.” Kevin said. “Cassandra and I will go after her.” “Those things never stop showing up!” Cassandra yelled. Kevin and Cassandra swam quickly and disappeared out of sight. “Three against one eh?” Emeraldpyre said. “I will lay down my life for the sake of Queen Morganthe. Your two friends are in for a big surprise.” Emeraldpyre drew out his wand and blasted a ray of ice magic. “DIE!”

Chapter 13: “Enter the Emeraldpyre” Jacob quickly waved his wand and covered Rainee with a warding spell. Emeraldpyre's ice blast was blocked. “Hurry before he gets away!” Jacob yelled. “Ugh. Stop resisting!” Emeraldpyre shouted. Rainee's eyes flashed with red light. A red laser shot out of her wand and headed straight for Emeraldpyre. “Your petty magic won't stop me.” Emeraldpyre threatened. “Morganthe has taught me well.” Emeraldpyre summoned a ward and blocked the laser. Stephen quickly blasted Emeraldpyre with his wand. Emeraldpyre quickly disappeared out of the way. He suddenly faded into nothingness. “Where is he?!” Stephen shouted. “Are you looking for me?” Emeraldpyre reappeared behind Stephen. Emeraldpyre blasted Stephen with magic and froze him in a block of ice. “Stephen!” Jacob shouted. He turned to Emeraldpyre. “Son of a grendel!” “Let's see... only two more pests to go.” Emeraldpyre grinned. “Rainee.” Jacob said. “Go defrost Stephen while I handle this guy.” “I'm on it.” Rainee said. She swam over to where Stephen was frozen and began whispering a spell. Jacob put his wand back inside his pocket and drew out a sharp orange

sword. It glowed with powerful energy. “You should run now unless you want to end up like a popsicle like your friend.” Emeraldpyre laughed. “But if you really want to die... so be it.” Jacob swam forward and slashed at Emeraldpyre. The water made it hard to move the sword. “That's all you got?” Emeraldpyre said. “Let's see how you handle this?” Jacob moved quickly and slashed at Emeraldpyre again. Emeraldpyre's wand was cracked in half. The black onyx wand exploded in the cold water. “W-w-what?!” Emeraldpyre stammered. “No!” “It's over.” Jacob said. “Morganthe is gonna fail in her plans.” Emeraldpyre pulled out his spell deck from his pocket and frantically grabbed a random spell card. He throw it on the floor and yelled out an incantation. “Nommus namwons.1” Emeraldpyre threw the card to the floor and quickly drew the ice symbol in the water with his fingers. The card disappeared and in its place was a large snowman, as big as a car, carrying a big knife in it's branches. “Morganthe's forces never surrender!” Emeraldpyre grinned. “I will fight to the death!” Jacob snapped his fingers and unsummoned his sword. He drew out his wand and swam away from the snowman. “How's that spell going Rainee?” Jacob asked as he swam toward Rainee. 1 No-Mus Nahm-Wons

“It's going fine.” Rainee said. “He's nearly free.” Stephen's body quickly became free from the ice that Emeraldpyre trapped him in. Stephen shivered as he regained his consciousness. “I hate ice magic.” “Rainee.” Jacob said. “Melt down that snowman.” Rainee's eyes widened as she saw the big snowman coming their way. “Oh my gosh!” Rainee blasted the snowman with a red laser from her wand, but it had no effect. “HOW'S THAT POSSIBLE!?” Rainee screamed. “Look!” Stephen said. “Emeraldpyre's getting away!” Emeraldpyre was swimming away deeper into the underwater caverns. Oh no you don't. Jacob thought. His eyes glowed with orange light. He raised his hand forward, pointed at Emeraldpyre. Dirt began to follow and cling to Emeraldpyre's robes. “AH!” Emeraldpyre said. “You fools are gonna pay for this! Snowman, hurry up and destroy the pests!” Emeraldpyre's whole body was stuck in a dirt pile. The slimy dirt stuck keep him from moving. “Curse you!” Rainee tried firing another laser at the snowman. Again it had no effect. “Let me try.” Stephen said. “I've always wanted to try this spell.” He swam until he was a few feet away from the snowman. “Eat this!” Stephen shouted. His eyes glowed with white light. “Tor dna yortsed snowman!1” 1 Tor Deh-Nah Yort-Said

The snowman's eyes popped out and its arm fell out. “Errrrr,” It groaned. It was slowly melting back into water. “Hurry Rainee.” Stephen said. “Finish it.” For the third time, Rainee fired a laser and finished off the remaining parts of the snowman. It transformed back into a card and flew back to Emeraldpyre. “Gah!” Emeraldpyre said struggling to get free from the dirt. “This is humiliating!” “What should we do with him?” Stephen asked. “We'll keep him in a spell card.” Jacob said. Stephen was surprised. “Since when did you learn how to do that?” “Since a long time ago.” Jacob said. “Ambrose taught me how to.” Jacob pulled out a golden spell card from his pocket. After saying a long incantation, Emeraldpyre's body was sucked into the gold card. His portrait became the the picture of the card. Lucky that spell didn't fizzle. Jacob thought. The side effects would be disastrous. “Nice spell.” Stephen said. “What do we do with this.” “I'll keep the card until we get back to Wizard City.” Jacob replied. “The headmaster will probably send him to the wizard prison.” “Let's worry about that later.” Rainee said. “We have to help Cassandra and Kevin.”

“Right. Let's go.” Jacob put the card in his pocket. The three wizards continued swimming down the dark caverns, following where Cassandra and Kevin went. A piercing scream was heard ahead. “Kevin noooo!”

Chapter 14: “Pulling the weeds” “Argh.” Bloodtulip cried as she fell. “Stop following me!” “Kevin!” Cassandra was desperately shouting. “Answer me!” “It's no use.” Bloodtulip laughed. “Your friend has fallen into a deep sleep thanks to my spell.” She spun around her black tulip wand. Cassandra tried using a healing spell on Kevin, but nothing worked. He stayed on the floor with his eyes closed. “You idiots made me lose track of that crab that had the stone.” Bloodtulip frowned. “Why you little...!” Cassandra screamed. “Wake him up now! I don't care about the dang stone at the moment!” “My deepest apologies.” Bloodtulip sneered. “I must be on my way.” Cassandra's eyes glowed with green light. I don't think so little miss dreadful. Thorny rose vines came out of Cassandra's fingers and lashed forward to Bloodtulip's face. Bloodtulip's eyes flashed with orange light. “Leper Vines.1” She whispered. Cassandra's vines rotted and fell off. “Your magic is weak girl.” Bloodtulip laughed. “Here's a taste of real power.” 1 Lep-Err Vines

Bloodtulip waved her wand in a circle and uttered a spell. “Ytrid Ecaf Cassandra!1” A flash of light escaped Bloodtulip's wand and covered Cassandra's face. What's going on? Cassandra's heart pounded. Warts and zits formed on Cassandra's face. They covered every inch and they felt like they were about to burst. “AH!” Cassandra screamed. “Nooo!” “Aha.” Bloodtulip laughed. “That'll teach you. I hope you have something to fix that. I'll be on my way then.” A ball of orange energy flew through the water and hit Bloodtulip's back. “AH! What now!?” “Stop right there!” Jacob yelled. He fired another blast of magic. Bloodtulip did a back-flip in the water and dodged the blast. “Ugh more guests.” Jacob spotted Kevin's motionless body on the floor. “Kevin!” “Kevin was hit by her sleeping charm!” Cassandra said. “Watch out!” Rainee and Stephen finally caught up with Jacob. They drew out their wands and pointed at Bloodtulip. “Cassandra.” Rainee asked. “What happened to your face?” “That little witch did it!” Cassandra yelled. “Let's get her!” “You bet I did.” Bloodtulip laughed. “It was a perfect fit wouldn't you say?” 1 Trid Eh-Caf Cassandra

Rainee pulled out a red card from her card deck. “We'll see about we can do to your face!” Rainee threw the card on the floor and whispered a spell. She quickly drew the fire symbol. “You fool!” Bloodtulip laughed hard. “Fire spells can't possibly work under all this water.” Rainee's symbol turned black and disappeared. She felt weak and burnt out. Stephen looked around and saw a pile of bones from a dead fish. He pointed his wand at it. “Etamina Fish!1” Stephen uttered. The fish bones began to assemble and merge. A blue light began glowing in its rib cage. It looked at Bloodtulip and charged at her. “Wahh!” Bloodtulip screamed. “Ew, I hate fish!” She waved her wand in a circle and attempted to dismantle the fish with a spell, but the fish was unaffected and kept charging at her. Bloodtulip's eyes flashed with with alternating colors of green and orange. She transformed into a pile of flower petals and avoided the fish's bite. Stephen's enchantment wore off and the fish returned to a pile of bones. The flower petals clumped together and transformed back into Bloodtulip's body. Bloodtulip was boiling mad. “This ends here.” Bloodtulip's eyes flashed 1 Eh-Tah-Min-Ah Fish

with yellow light. The ocean floor became as soft as a pillow. “Look!” Jacob shouted. “Kevin's sinking!” “Quicksand.” Bloodtulip grinned. “Hope you like it cause I gotta run!” Bloodtulip quickly swam away until she was out of sight. Kevin's body was sinking below the sand, and fast. “We'll get her later!” Jacob yelled. “We have to get Kevin out!” Bloodtulip's laughter echoed through the water.

Chapter 15: “The Stone in Sight” Jacob's eyes glowed while he used a telekinetic spell to lift Kevin out of the quicksand. Kevin budged very little, only a few inches above. Just a bit more power. Jacob angrily thought. He put his palm forward and used his hand to change the direction Kevin hovered in. Jacob stopped his spell when Kevin was in normal ground. Kevin landed with a soft thud. Cassandra swam over to Kevin. “Ugh. How could she do this?” “She's not that powerful.” Jacob said. “She just plays dirty.” “Yes but what magic does she use?” “I couldn't tell. She's been using all kinds of magic. We need to find a cure to her sleeping charm.” Cassandra opened her bag and searched through various bottles of potions. She took one out and read the label. Friendly's Curse Reverse Reverses Almost Any Curse – May cause frequent fizzling. “This one should wake him up.” Cassandra said. Jacob studied the bottle. “It'll heal him, but the back label says that fizzling will be increased tenfold.” “It's better than having Kevin not awake at all.” “You got a point there.” Jacob replied.

Before Cassandra opened the bottle, Jacob stopped her. “What's wrong?” Cassandra asked. “We're underwater.” Jacob said. “The potion will spread everywhere.” Jacob's eyes flashed with orange light. The potion transformed into a pack of hard candy. “That's the best I can think of.” Cassandra laughed. “Phew. Just in time.” She gave Kevin a candy and waited for the effects to kick in. Slowly, Kevin's eyes opened and he regained consciousness. “Cassandra?” Kevin stared at Cassandra. “What happened to your face?” Cassandra was quiet for a moment then spoke. “Just ignore it.” There was an awkward silence. “So uh.” Kevin said. “Where's Bloodtulip?” “She went forward.” Jacob said. “If we hurry we'll catch up to her.” “Kevin. Don't use any magic.” Cassandra warned. “The potion I gave you said so.” Potion? I don't remember tasting a potion. Kevin thought. “Alright I won't.” he said. Bleh. There's a weird taste in my mouth. “We've got to get to Bloodtulip before she gets the portal stone.” Kevin said. As they swam deeper into the tunnels, a large coral castle was visible. “Shhh.” Kevin said. “Hide behind something. I see her.”

Bloodtulip's eyes were glowing and Governor Nereus ran toward the coral castle. Two crabs threw spears at Bloodtulip's back. “AH!” Bloodtulip shouted. “You little pests!” While Bloodtulip was distracted, Governor Nereus went inside the coral castle and whispered a few words. A huge star fish was summoned out of thin air and covered the entrance of the castle. “Praise the Storm Lord.” Nereus said. “That should put an end to her.” Nereus swam over a chair and hid the portal stone behind it. Bloodtulip waved her wand and pointed the crab guards. The crabs became trapped in a vortex and were destroyed to pieces. “Dang.” Bloodtulip muttered. “Those crabs are annoying.” “Now your chance.” Kevin whispered. “Get her!” Jacob, Stephen, and Cassandra drew out their wands and blasted Bloodtulip with beams of magic. “ARH!” Bloodtulip screamed. She dropped her wand to the ground. They continued firing the streams of magic. Bloodtulip was in great pain as she tried to stand up. How is she still able to get up after that? Kevin thought. “You idiots again!” Bloodtulip shouted. “You really are thorns at my side.” Bloodtulip reached into her pocket and drew out another wand. “Luckily I

brought my extra wand. You fools won't get away with this.” Jacob pointed at Bloodtulip and did a swift hand gesture. Bloodtulip flipped three times in the water. She became a little dizzy and dropped her wand again. Stephen shot another blast of magic and knocked Bloodtulip's wand from her hand. “Ugh.” Bloodtulip said weakly. “Morganthe's orders must go through.” What's this I sense? I sense Cicero's spirit, but where? Bloodtulip looked around. Her vision was becoming blurry. It's unmistakable. It is Cicero's spirit. “Esaeler Cicero!1” Bloodtulip screamed. Her eyes glowed wildly with white light. The gold card containing Emeraldpyre's spirit flew out of Jacob's pocket and exploded. “NO!” Jacob yelled. Emeraldpyre's body materialized from the debris. He regained consciousness within a few moments. “Cicero!” Bloodtulip yelled. “Get them!” “Mirage?” Cicero (Emeraldpyre) said. “Thank you for freeing me.” “THERE'S NO TIME FOR THAT YOU FOOL!” Mirage (Bloodtulip) yelled. “GET THEM!” Mirage quickly swam over and plucked her wand from the ground while 1 Ehs-Aye-Lair Cicero

Cicero blasted Jacob with ice. Jacob quickly summoned a ward and blocked the blast of ice. Cassandra took out a card from her pocket and threw it in the water. She drew the life symbol and said an incantation. The card exploded and a mob of fifteen imps started surrounding Cicero. They played high pitched notes on their musical instruments. The sounds drove Cicero crazy. Mirage's eyes flashed with orange light. She waved her wand and pointed at Cassandra. Cassandra's eyes shut and she lost control of the imps. “Take that!” Mirage laughed. “Sorry honey. That spell is under a 1 minute cooldown.” The imps disappeared and transformed back into a card. The card faded and went back into Cassandra's pocket. Cassandra was fuming. “Cicero. Hold off these people. I have to get through the starfish and get the stone.” Mirage whispered. “Okay. Hurry up.” Cicero said. Mirage swam to the giant starfish. She searched her backpack and took out a sheet of stickers. “Thank goodness I saved these.” Mirage took the bomb sticker and sticked it on the starfish. She waved her wand according the instructions on the sheet. The sticker glowed with fire and a loud explosion shattered the starfish

into large chunks. Yes. The stone is mine. Mirage swam quickly inside. Jacob swam past Cicero. “Where do you think you're going?” Cicero grinned. Cicero punched Jacob in the chest and sent him crashing against a piece of coral. “Jacob!” Cassandra cried. “Oh no you don't.” Cicero laughed. He blasted Cassandra's wand out of her hand and froze her feet in ice cubes. Stephen sneaked behind Cicero's back and hit him with a beam of white light. Cicero's eyes closed shut and he feel into a deep sleep. “Jacob! Cassandra!” Stephen yelled. Rainee swam closer and tapped Cassandra's frozen feet three times with her wand. Cassandra's feet were defrosted. “Thanks Rainee.” Cassandra smiled. “I'll tend to Jacob's injuries while you two handle Bloodtulip or Mirage or whatever the heckhound she calls herself.” Stephen and Rainee nodded. They quickly went inside the coral castle. “Cassandra.” Jacob whispered. “You must go with them. I can heal myself and I'll join you guys when I'm ready.” “Are you sure?” Cassandra asked. “Yes. Yes. Now go.” Jacob said.

Cassandra took one last glance at Jacob and then quickly followed where the others went. Jacob will be fine. I know it. When Cassandra reached the interior of the castle, she gasped. Governor Nereus' body laid on the floor. Still and lifeless. “You idiots are a little late.” Mirage laughed. “I have the stone.” Mirage held up a glowing stone in her hand. “And with it, Cicero and I can now access the Stellarium.” Outside, Jacob's injury completely healed and he felt better again. “I gotta help the others.” “Jacob.” Kevin said. “Be careful.” Cicero's eyes suddenly opened and he stood up. “Urgh. Where are your friends? They must be with Mirage!” Cicero swam with all his might to the coral castle. Jacob pursued him with the same speed. Rainee better be fine or else I'll destroy whoever harms her with my bare hands. “Where's Cicero?” Mirage asked at the same time Cicero entered the building. “Speak of the Oni.” Rainee said. “Mirage. You have the stone!” Cicero said. “Let's get the heck out of here!” Mirage and Cicero's eyes flashed with light. “Not so fast!” Jacob yelled. “POTS TROPELET!1” 1 Pots Trop-Pellet

The Morgantine wizards' spell fizzled. Mirage gasped. “Nooo!” “It's over.” Jacob said. Mirage's eyes flashed with yellow light. She raised her hands and a golden light stunned all the wizards, they were unable to move. Dang it! The teleportation spell has a one minute cooldown. I have to stall them somehow. Stephen was able to still move. His amulet resisted the effects of the stun. “Eliugeb Mirage!1” Stephen uttered as he pointed his wand at Mirage. A beam of hearts escaped from the wand and spun around her. Mirage's wand suddenly sparked with energy and a beam of magic hit Cicero. He was knocked out again. “Oh my goodness. I didn't mean to do that!” Mirage yelled. Jacob, Rainee, and Cassandra regained mobility and they all pointed their wands at Mirage. “Let's do this!” Jacob yelled. Stephen also pointed his wand at Mirage. Together, they fired a full powered magic energy beam and blasted Mirage to the floor. The portal stone flew out of her hands and Rainee caught it. Mirage was breathing heavily. Her robes were torn and her body still had the after burn of the magic blast. 1 Ell-Loo Geb Mirage

“You haven't seen the last of Mirage Sophia Bloodtulip!” Mirage yelled. “TROPELET RANDOMLY!” Her eyes flashed with light. Cicero and Mirage disappeared. “DANGIT!” Jacob yelled. He threw his hat to the floor. “At least I got the stone.” Rainee smiled. “Good work Rainee and everyone else.” Jacob's mad eyes softened. Cassandra looked at the ground. “Look. They left something.” Stephen picked up two coins. One had MSB engraved on it while the other one had CPE. “Whatever those things are is not important right now.” Jacob said. “We've got to get the stone back to the base camp.” “Let's go back and meet with Kevin. I'm sick of the water now.” Cassandra said. “We'll still need to fix your face.” Rainee said. “Ugh.” Cassandra grimaced. That little.... The group went outside the building and met up with Kevin. “We have the stone.” Jacob said. “Good.” Kevin said. “Let's head back.” _____________________________________________ “UGH!” Morganthe screamed as she peered into her crystal ball. “WHY DO THEY OPPOSE ME!?”

Morganthe threw a glass of water on the floor. “I guess I must get help from my old allies....” The Umbra Queen paced around in the room. “It's time for the sharks to feed!” I can't believe one of my best henchman got defeated. How disgraceful. Morganthe looked into the crystal ball again. “Perhaps this young man, Alexander, would be of use to me.” She saw Alexander and Lucius opening the Spiral Door to Celestia. Morganthe's laughter echoed through the dark corridor. Ah yes. Perhaps he will.

Chapter 16:

“Morgantinitiation” “Tell me Bloodtulip.” Morganthe said. “Why did you go on that unannounced mission? And you Emeraldpyre, why did you come with her?” Morganthe scratched her pet spider's heads while she waited for a response. Her face grew impatient. “Well?” Morganthe whispered. “Are you going to talk or not?” “My queen.” Cicero said. “We thought that you would be happy if we retrieve the stone.” “I was going to wait until the idiots get access to the Stellarium before I send any henchmen.” Mirage kneeled down. “Your highness. Please forgive us.” “Oh please.” Morganthe said. “Mirage, you're one of my best henchmen, you should have known better. After all, I trained you myself.” “What will be our punishment?” Cicero gulped. Morganthe was silent for a minute. She stood up from her throne. “You two are not allowed out of the lair until I say so.” Morganthe said. “I cannot allow my plans to fail.” “Lady Morganthe.” Cicero managed to choke out. “You must know something.” “What is it now?!” Morganthe cried.

“We can't find our Umbra Tokens.” Mirage gulped. “WHAT!?” Morganthe screamed. “How did you lose THOSE?” If Ambrose gets a hold of those things, then I don't know what will happen. Morganthe thought. She threw her glass of wine to the floor and it shattered to pieces. I'll get them back somehow. Suddenly, sparks of fire, thunder, and ice filled the room. Three hooded wizards in dark robes appeared. Morganthe gasped. “Well. If it isn't the Nameless Ones.” Nightstone approached Morganthe and bowed. Silvershield and Iceblade did the same. “Where have you fools been?” Morganthe questioned. Her eyes pierced through them like ice. “My lady.” Nightstone said. “We um... failed to destroy the wizards.” “Hmph.” Morganthe sighed. “It's alright. I should have not sent you guys to kill them. I have a better plan.” “But your highness.” Iceblade started. “We have bad news.” “Hurry up and spit it out.” “This wizard, Kevin Battleblood has been imbued with astral magic.” Iceblade said. “Somehow he was able to absorb knowledge from the device that the Marleybonians found.” “WHAT!?” Morganthe threw one of her spiders at the wall. “This cannot

be!” Nightstone approached Morganthe. “Lady Morganthe, somehow he blocked my attacks. He had a blueish aura surround him.” “In that case.” Morganthe said. “Well then, I have a special mission for you three.” “Ok.” Nightstone said. “You will take these potions and transform into Marleybonians. When the idiots unlock the Stellarium, you will sneak in. As for me... I have something important to do.” Morganthe handed Nightstone and the others a brown looking potion. “We will not fail this time. I assure you.” Nightstone said. Morganthe snapped her fingers and opened a swirling portal in the air. “I have some business to take care of. I'll see you guys later.” She entered the portal and disappeared from sight. Mirage and Cicero glared at Iceblade, Silvershield, and Nightstone. “You guys always steal all the credit.” Mirage hissed. “It's not my fault.” Nightstone said. “We're simply her favorites.” “You guys don't even know your first names.” That girl has some nerve. Somehow I'll get my revenge on Morganthe and HER also. Silvershield thought. “Nighstone.” Cicero whispered in Nightstone's ear. “Be careful of Iceblade

and Silvershield, they've been acting weird lately.” Nightstone pushed Cicero away. “Whatever. We'll see you guys later.” _______________________________________________ Morganthe snapped her fingers and her elaborate dress transformed into a simple white robe. Her black hair turned blonde. “Bleh. This cheeriness is going to make me sick.” she muttered. Morganthe looked around and saw fish swimming through the huge glass domes. This is definitely Celestia. Morganthe hid behind the Spiral Door, like a spider waiting for a fly. The door's window flashed with white light. The door was opened. Alexander and Lucius walked out with a slight daze. Morganthe leaped out from behind the door. “Why hello there. Welcome to Celestia.” “Um who are you?” Alexander asked. “I'm uh... Malia Brightdyes.” Morganthe said. “I'm one of the researchers here.” Aren't the researchers from Marleybone? Alexander smiled awkwardly. “Could you step aside for a bit?” Morganthe asked while pointing at Lucius. “I need to test you guys if you are suitable for the underwater environment.” “I was never told of this but alright.” Lucius said. He backed up from

Alexander and Morganthe. “The test is very simply actually.” Morganthe said. Suddenly, Morganthe's eyes flashed with white light. She looked directly into Lucius's eyes. Lucius fainted and fell to the floor. “Now for you, my dear.” Morganthe laughed. Alexander drew out his wand and began whispering a spell. Morganthe jumped up and kicked it out of his hand and pushed him aside with a telekinetic force. “You're coming with me young wizard.” Morganthe laughed. Morganthe snapped her fingers again and ripped open a vortex with her fingers. She levitated Alexander and threw him inside. “Well, that was a piece of cake.” Morganthe said. She jumped into the portal and disappeared. _____________________________________________ Alexander woke up and felt himself on a metal platform. “Don't worry kid.” Morganthe grinned. “This will only take a few moments. I am in need of your power.” Morganthe sprinkled Alexander with black silk and pointed her staff at his face. “Say goodbye... to your memories.” A black mist covered Alexander from head to toe.

“NOOO!” Alexander screamed. You're mine now. Morganthe laughed hysterically. Morganthe released Alexander from the chains. He stood up with a blank expression on his face. “I am your to command, your highness.” Alexander said. “Perfect.” Morganthe smiled. “Young Lionheart, I'm going to need your assistance...”

Chapter 17: “Principal Problem” Morganthe and Alexander walked through the dark hallway. The flapping of bat wings echoed through it. Morganthe lead Alexander into a cobweb filled room. Alexander's eyes glowed with blue light. The cobwebs froze into ice and melted into water. After the webs were cleared, a Spiral Door became visible. “Now show me.” Morganthe said. “The location of the school that you and the other WIC agents go to.” Alexander knocked on the door three times, then whispered. “Lincoln High School.” The Spiral Door's window glowed brightly, then stopped. “Excellent work.” Morganthe grinned. Morganthe snapped her fingers and transformed her robe into a black business suit. A pair of black glasses formed on her face. Her staff transformed into a pen shaped like a rose. Morganthe placed it into her right ear. “How do I look?” Morganthe asked. “You will certainly fit in.” Alexander said blankly. Morganthe ran her hand through her black hair. “Now stay here until I give you more orders.” “Of course, your highness.” Alexander replied.

Morganthe turned the doorknob and walked into the door. She was transported into Ms. Deathslinger's office. Morganthe looked around. She glanced at every part of the office as if searching for something. Ms. Deathslinger looked surprised. “Can I help you with something?” she asked. “I guess you could.” Morganthe replied. Morganthe casually sat down on a chair in front of Ms. Deathslinger's desk. “I'm from the Earth and Spiral Bureau and I'd like to interview you about your position here.” What the heck is the Earth and Spiral Bureau and how the heck did she get the secret knock for my office? “Alright. I'm available right now.” Ms. Deathslinger said. “Let me close my computer.” Ms. Deathslinger clicked the “Sound Recorder” icon on her desktop, then closed the monitor. “Ok. Begin the interview.” Ms. Deathslinger slowly reached into her pocket for her wand. Who the heckhound is this lady? “So you are the principal of this school?” Morganthe asked. “Is that similar to the position of headmistress?” “Yes.” Ms. Deathslinger said.

“Do you know of a Rainee Rivera and Jacob Constantine?” Morganthe asked. “Do they go to school here?” “Why is that important to you?” Ms. Deathslinger studied Morganthe's face. “We take student privacy very seriously.” “So you they do go here?” Morganthe said. “Yes they do, but unless you have proper identification, I will not say more.” Ms. Deathslinger looked annoyed. “Who are you really?” So I'm at the right place. Morganthe smiled. “Your worst nightmare.” Morganthe whispered. Morganthe's eyes flashed with white light. Ms. Deathslinger's office was slowly filling up with cobwebs. “Oh my goodness!” Ms. Deathslinger screamed. She fired electric bolts from her fingers. Morganthe's amulet blocked Ms. Deathslinger's attack. “Silence woman.” Morganthe said. Spiders jumped out of Morganthe's hair and leaped onto Ms. Deathslinger's face. They bit her neck furiously. “Ugh.” Ms. Deathslinger uttered as she fell asleep. Morganthe shoved Ms. Deathslinger's body into the Spiral Door. “I'll leave Ambrose with a nice new doormat. Hahahaha!” Ms. Deathslinger disappeared when Morganthe shut the door closed.

Morganthe laughed. “What should my name be?” Morganthe picked up Ms. Deathslinger's name sign. She whispered a spell and Ms. Deathslinger's name was replaced with “Candice Goodvibes”. “I think students will get the discipline they deserve now.” Morganthe said as she sat down on Ms. Deathslinger's chair.

Chapter 18: “Beware of Shark” “Ugh. Look at my face!” Cassandra cried. She splashed some cold water on her face. Edith approached Cassandra with a white bottle. “I think you should try this spot remover.” Cassandra took the bottle and smeared some of its contents on her face. Nothing happened. “That's weird.” Edith said. “The chemist said that it would work in a matter of seconds.” “Thanks for trying to help.” Cassandra said. “But magic can only be beat with magic.” “Oh well. At least we tried.” “Sis, don't worry about it too much.” Rainee said. “I'm sure Diana would know what to do.” “Everyone quickly come here!” Someone shouted. “We found someone unconscious near the Spiral Door!” Jacob and the others started walking up the metal ramp. “Let's go check it out.” Cassandra gasped when she saw who the unconscious person was. “Lucius!”

“You know him?” Edith asked. Cassandra took out a green card from her spell deck and muttered a spell. Several green pixies appeared. “Go heal him up.” Cassandra said. The pixies circled around Lucius and spread a glowing green dust. His body began to glow and recover. Lucius' eyes slowly opened. “Cassandra?” “Lucius. Why are you here?” Cassandra asked as the pixies disappeared. “I was sent here to help you guys.” Lucius said. “The headmaster thinks that you guys can't face Morganthe on your own.” “The headmaster thought that!?” Kevin questioned. “And how did you end up like this?” Lucius looked around. “Wait a minute, where's Alex?” “Was he also sent here with you?” “Yes he was, but we were attacked by this strange lady.” Jacob scratched his head. “Strange lady? What did she look like?” “She had blonde hair and wore a white robe, she called herself Malia Brightdyes.” Kevin nodded at Jacob. “I'm pretty sure that she worked for Morganthe.” “We haven't seen Alex yet.” Rainee said. Stephen picked up a broken wand. It was still sparking with cold energy.

“Look.” Stephen said. “I think it's Alex's wand.” “I think that it's safe to say that he was kidnapped.” Kevin said. Lucius tried to stand up, but he stumbled down and a shot of pain went through his spine. “I can't feel my arms and legs.” “Your condition is worse that I thought.” Cassandra said. “You need to get to Diana's place.” “Wait.” Lucius said. “I also have these.” Lucius pulled out a couple pendants from his backpack. “The headmaster said that he couldn't contact you through your wands. These pendants should block whatever curse is preventing communication.” Everyone took a pendant and wore it. “Thanks Lucius.” Jacob said. “Hope you get better.” “Alright. Take care.” Lucius said as he teleported out. Kevin walked down the ramp. “I wonder who attacked them and why?” Jacob took out the portal stone from his pocket. “Kev. We have to finish our mission first.” The wizards walked over to the large pillars where Edith was waiting. “Goodness. It's the stone.” Edith smiled as she saw it in Jacob's hand. “I'll just have to insert it here.” Jacob pointed to a space in one of the pillars. The pillars glowed with energy when the stone was placed. A swirling

portal appeared in the center. “Come on guys.” Jacob said. “We got no time to lose. We'll get the astral magic before Morganthe does.” Everyone entered the portal and where transported to a bright plaza. The blue floor tile were shiny enough to see reflections. “AHHH!” Cassandra screamed. An enormous humanoid shark grabbed Cassandra. “Looks like my food is ready.” The sharked said viciously. “Like the witch said.” Rainee, Jacob, Kevin, and Stephen pointed their wands at the shark. “It's amazing to see how brave you humans are.” The shark said. “You think your pathetic weapons will stop me.” “Drop her.” Stephen said. “Drop her now.” The shark laughed and lowered Cassandra to his mouth. “NOOOO!” Cassandra kicked and screamed.

Chapter 19: “The House of Healing” Lucius floated through the commons on his blue flying carpet, unable to move. Student wizards stared and whispered to each other. “Isn't that Lucius from the WIC?” Ryan whispered to Zachary. Zachary smirked. “Heh. That fool stole my spot during the elections. He deserves those injuries.” “I don't know... he beat you really bad during the duel ceremony.” “Shut it. I was just going easy on him.” Zachary took out his wand from his purple robe pockets. Ryan eyed him suspiciously. “What are you gonna do?” “I'm gonna try out a new mount curse.” Professor Drake walked past Zachary with a jar of cyclops eyes. He stopped walking in front of Zachary. “What are you up to now Mr. Gemspark?” Professor Drake asked. “Professor Balestrom asked me to keep an eye on you.” Zachary pushed his wand through his sleeves. It was hidden from Professor Drake's sight. “Just enjoy the good weather Professor.” Zachary said. Professor Drake's eye's flashed with orange light. Zachary's wand slipped from his sleeves.

“Funny how you think you could fool me.” Professor Drake said. “I'll have your wand confiscated for now.” “B-B-But.” Zachary protested. “You can ask Professor Balestrom for it back.” Professor Drake said as he walked to the Shopping District. “I hate that teacher SO MUCH!” Zachary shouted. Ryan just stayed silent while everyone took their attention off Lucius and stared at Zachary. “Wow.” Lucius grinned. “Looks like Zach is still a crybaby.” Lucius' carpet floated to the tunnel to Unicorn Way. This pain is becoming unbearable. Lucius thought. Lucius looked ahead and saw a tall green tower. Sprites and pixies flew in and out of the windows. “I finally made it.” Lucius whispered as he floated into the entrance. The building smelled of flowers and candy. The walls were covered with glowing flowers and plants. A tall blonde woman was mixing a purple potion in a cauldron. She looked up and saw Lucius. “Oh my goodness.” she said. “I'll get you healed up straight away.” “Thanks Diana.” Lucius said weakly. Diana clapped three times and several fairies showed up.

“Get me some basic healing potions from the closet upstairs.” Diana ordered the fairies. The fairies nodded and flew out the window and up to the top floor. Diana waved her wand and teleported Lucius to a bed. “What happened?” Diana asked as she examined Lucius. “I don't know much.” Lucius replied. “A witch used a powerful spell on me. I can't feel anything but pain in my legs and arms.” “This was during a WIC mission?” “Yes it was. Ms. Deathslinger and the headmaster sent Alex and I to help Kevin and the others in Celestia.” A girl wearing pink and green robes entered the room. “Oh my Bartleby. It's Lucius.” “Marissa.” Lucius whispered. “I'm so glad to see you.” Marissa laid down several bottles of potions on the table near the bed. “Ms. Wildheart, will he be ok?” Marissa asked. “Yes. I'll do anything in my power to save him.” Diana said. “Marissa, since when did you work here?” Lucius said. Marissa smiled. “I'm training as a nurse under Ms. Wildheart. I kind of quit the WIC job. It was becoming a bit too stressful.” “Oh I see.” Lucius laughed weakly. “Well I'm an example of that.” Diana read the labels on the potions carefully. “You'll need plenty of rest

and the right potion.” Marissa took an enchanted ice pocket from a cabinet and placed it on Lucius' forehead. “Thanks Marissa.” Lucius said. “You're welcome.” Marissa blushed. She went downstairs and left the room. Fairies came flying through the windows with a glowing blanket. They covered Lucius with it. “I think that should keep the pain suppressed for now.” Diana smiled. “I'll try to look for a potion that should dispel the dark magic in your body.” Lucius' eyes closed and he fell asleep. Diana went downstairs and started gathering herbs for her potion. Purple boils grew on Lucius' face while he slept. They quickly burst and a tiny purple beetle came out. It had sharp claws and a hard shell. The beetle flew off of Lucius' face and followed Diana downstairs.

Chapter 20: “Dueling with the Stars” Cassandra was shaking with fear while she stared at the dead shark that almost ate her. It was covered in ice crystals from head to toe. Kevin took a deep breath. “Are you ok Cassandra?” “I'm fine now.” Cassandra said. “Thanks to you.” “Are you comfortable with exploring now?” Kevin asked. “You bet. There can't be any more of those sharks right?” “Right.” Kevin assured her. Cassandra stood up and gazed at the plaza. Everything seemed encoded with a hidden message, even the floors. “That must be the Stellarium, the temple of Star magic.” Jacob pointed ahead. The wizards walked toward a bright blue temple. “How do we get in?” Stephen asked. “Should we blast the doors open?” “Give it a shot Jacob.” Kevin said. Jacob pointed his wand at the temple door and blasted it with magic energy. The energy bounced off, leaving no damage to the door. “It's no good.” Jacob said. “It's protected by some sort of enchantment.” “JACOB LOOK!” Rainee screamed. Mirage and Cicero emerged from the portal from the base camp.

“Not those two again.” Jacob said. Mirage spotted the wizards and her eyes widened. “Ugh. They beat us to it Cicero.” Cicero laughed. “Don't be afraid Mirage, they don't have the tokens to get in. And I know just the place to get it from.” Mirage and Cicero ran to a hallway hidden in the side of the plaza. “We'll follow them.” Kevin said. The wizards ran after Mirage and Cicero as fast as they could. When they caught up with them, they saw them near a red orb on a pedestal. Cicero punched the red orb and pieces of it shattered on the floor. A mechanical female voice was trembling. “Must... Initiate... Emergency... Shutdown...” “We must hurry and get to through the door.” Mirage said. Cicero put his hands through the rubble and found three blue tokens. “I found them.” The two Morgantine wizards' way was blocked by the WIC agents. “Ugh.” Mirage said. “I get tired of dealing with you fools.” Mirage took out a silver potion flask from her bag and threw it on the ground. A mass of smoke covered the area. Mirage and Cicero ran through the agents undetected. “C'mon let's go!” Mirage yelled.

Cicero and Mirage ran to the Stellarium. “There's the security plinth!” Cicero shouted. Cicero inserted two tokens into a blue pedestal. The doors of the Stellarium opened wide. Jacob fired a wand blast at Cicero. He dropped his last token. “Take that you fools!” Jacob yelled. Cicero bent over to pick it up, but Mirage pushed him into the Stellarium doors. “There's no time for your stupid bottle cap collection!” “B-b-but!” Cicero said. The Stellarium doors slammed shut. “Sophia, that wasn't a bottle cap.” Cicero said. “That was a Stellarium security token.” “DON'T EVER CALL ME BY MY EARTH NAME UNDERSTAND?!” Mirage yelled. “It's your fault that your fingers are clumsy. Let's just steal whatever we can grab and leave.” Jacob was waiting for the other agents to get to the temple entrance. He picked up the blue token that Cicero dropped. “Look man. He used placed this token into that pedestal thing to open the door.” Jacob said. “It's probably the key to get in.” Kevin nodded. “Yeah.” “Are you guys ready?” Jacob asked.

Everyone else nodded. Jacob inserted the token inside the plinth. The Stellarium doors opened wide. “Go! Go! Go!” Jacob ordered. Everyone ran inside before the door shut itself. Everyone stared in amazement. The entire inside of the Stellarium was illuminated with bright blue lights. Mirage stared at the WIC agents with fury. “Those brats got inside because of you!” Mirage turned to Cicero and flashed an angry stare. “Ugh. Do I have to do everything myself?” “FREEZE!” Kevin shouted. “Come on Cicero.” Mirage grabbed Cicero's hand and ran through the halls. “Follow them!” Kevin yelled. “Ugh!” Mirage screamed wand and waved her wand. “Lio Kcils! 1” Slippery oil came out of Mirage's wand like a fountain. Jacob, Rainee, and Kevin slipped and fell on their backs. “NOO!” Cassandra said. She began to pull out a potion from her bag. “Cassandra! Just forget about us and get them before they escape!” Rainee cried. “Please!” 1 Leo Kills

Cassandra and Stephen nodded and quickly jumped over the puddle of oil and chased after Mirage and Cicero. Mirage and Cicero ran up the ramp, making their way to the main chamber. “Aha.” Mirage said. “There it is!” Mirage pointed at a shiny blue stone. It had a purple carving of a star on it. “Go and get it Cicero.” Mirage said. Suddenly, the whole room filled with purple light. A tall figure appeared from the light. The figure had blue skin, a long chin, and a large brain. “Who goes there?” The figure asked. Mirage was filled with fear. “Who are you!?” “I am Selwyn Skywatcher. I am the guardian of the Star of Celestia. I sense Morganthe's dark magic within you.” Mirage and Cicero stared in amazement. “Morganthe never mentioned this!” Mirage said. “I thought that the Star was unguarded.” “Well, you thought wrong.” Selwyn said. Selwyn flew at Mirage and grabbed her arms. “Morganthe will never rise again.” “HELP!” Mirage yelled. Cicero waved his wand and fired a blast of ice at Selwyn. A purple star appeared on Selwyn's forehead. His body was covered in a

blue light. Cicero's magic blast bounced off. “NO!” Cicero yelled. Cassandra and Stephen entered the room. Cassandra gasped at what she saw. “YOU FOOLS!” Mirage yelled. “HELP ME!” Selwyn looked at Cassandra and Stephen. “I do not sense Morganthe's power in those two wizards.” Cicero pulled out his spell deck and searched through his cards. His fingers trembled as he shuffled through them. “Allow me to handle these Shadow Web trash.” Selwyn said. “NOOO!” Mirage kicked and screamed. She fell from Selwyn's grasp. Cicero threw a card and drew the ice symbol in the air. He yelled an incantation. “Eci Stab Mraws Selywn!1” A swam of ice bats emerged from a foggy cloud in the ceiling. They surrounded Selwyn and tackled him one by one. A sword materialized in Selwyn's hand. He slashed at the bats until they disappeared. “You've got to have something stronger!” Mirage yelled. “ANYTHING!” Selwyn flew to Mirage and Cicero and pointed his sword at their faces. “You shall perish.” Cassandra and Stephen put their wands back into their pocket. 1 Eh-See Stab Raws Sell-Win

“Guess we didn't have to do much.” Cassandra said. “Yeah.” Stephen nodded. Mirage and Cicero waved their wands and teleported out. They avoided Selwyn's blade by a few inches. Selwyn stayed silent, then he gazed at Cassandra. “Those fiends. Someone must stop them.” Selwyn said. “You two must take the Star of Celestia.” “What is its purpose?” Stephen said. “I hope that my ancestors will forgive me.” Selwyn said. “But it is the only way to remove the threat of Morganthe returning to power. You must seal all the magic facilities here in Celestia.” “What!?” Cassandra said. “It is the surest way. I have contacted the guardians of the Lunarium and the Solarium.” Selwyn said. “But before you do, please accept this power.” A glowing spell trainer appeared before Cassandra's eyes. “This power should help you suppress Morganthe and her forces. Use it wisely.” Cassandra and Stephen touched the spell trainer. Their minds were filled with knowledge that they could not explain. Selwyn handed Cassandra the glowing blue stone. “Take the Star of Celestia. The way to seal the temples will be shown to you. I have opened the

door out of here. I bid you farewell.” Selwyn disappeared into purple light. Silence filled the room. Cassandra stared at the large stone in her hand. Stephen laughed and smiled. “We better tell the others about this first.” “I agree.” Cassandra replied. Stephen and Cassandra walked out and headed to meet back with the other agents.

Chapter 21: “Two Injured Witches” Tears ran down Marissa's cheeks like a water flowing down a river. Her face turned pale at the sight of Diana lying dead on the floor. “Ms. Wildheart...” Marissa cried. “How could this happen?” Marissa waved her wand and used various healing spells. Every spell had no effect on Diana. “Hello.” a voice said. “I'm in need of urgent help.” Oh my goodness! Marissa gasped. The headmaster walked into the door, levitating an injured woman with one hand. “MS. DEATHSLINGER TOO?!” Marissa sobbed. The headmaster set Ms. Deathslinger down on a bed, then his eyes widened when he saw Diana on the floor. “Ms. Wildheart!” Merle spat out. “How did this happen?” Marissa couldn't say a word. She stood still as a rock. “I couldn't do anything to save her.” “Wait a minute.” Merle said. The headmaster approached Diana and waved his staff over her body. Diana glowed with orange light. Merle closed his eyes and became silent for a few moments.

“She's still alive, but barely.” The headmaster said. “Something has put her into a dark enchantment. They made her appear dead.” “Is there a cure for this?” Marissa said. “You must kill the thing that has caused this.” Merle replied. “Do have any clue to what or what did this to her?” A loud buzzing sound filled the air. “What is that?” Merle said. “It doesn't sound like fairy wings to me.” Marissa looked outside a window and gasped. “WHAT IS THAT THING!?” An enormous purple beetle was flying away from the tower. It was as big as a van. “After it!” Merle said. “Look after Ms. Deathslinger for me.” Marissa told her fairies. The fairies nodded. Marissa grabbed her cloak and broom and flew out the window. “I'm going to have to make an emergency announcement.” Merle said. The headmaster spoke into his staff like a microphone. “Students, please head over to your dorms. This is an emergency. All staff members head for Unicorn Way.” The announcement was heard throughout the campus and students everywhere ran to their dorms. Professor Drake ran out his classroom. “This had better be worth my

time.” he grumbled. Merle was shaking a bit. This can't be. We sealed those creatures ages ago. This is the work of Morganthe. Professor Drake appeared at the entrance of Unicorn Way. He saw the huge beetle approaching him. “It's that thing...” Professor Drake said. “But it can't be.” Merle snapped his fingers and summoned his flying carpet. “We can't let that thing get to Bartleby!” Marissa mounted her broom and followed the headmaster toward the beetle. “Cyrus!” Merle shouted. “Where are the other teachers!?” “It's Saturday.” Cyrus shouted. “I was the one assigned for Saturday tutoring this week.” “Whatever! Just help us beat this thing.” Merle ordered. Cyrus waved his wand and blasted the beetle with a yellow magic beam. “ARRGHH!” The beetle screeched. It flew down and hit Cyrus with one of its claws. “Ugh.” Cyrus fell to the ground. A blast of stars and moons hit the beetle's back. The beetle moaned in pain and one of its claws fell off. Cyrus got back on his feet and ran to where Marissa and Merle were

standing. The beetle took off into the sky again. Marissa and Merle chased after it. Marissa waved her lollipop wand and blasted the beetle with green energy. One of the beetle's wings fell off, and it crashed to the ground. “Gotcha!” Marissa said. The beetle landed near the entrance to the commons. The headmaster waved his staff and summoned a force field to block the beetle from escaping. The beetle ran into the tunnel, but crashed against the force field. “It's over.” Cyrus said. Suddenly, the beetle's eyes glowed with purple light. “So Ambrose, we meet again.” The beetle spoke in a woman's voice. “M-m-Morganthe!?” Merle stammered. “I know that voice anywhere!” “It looks like you foiled one of my plans once again old friend.” Morganthe said through the beetle. “However, it'll be your last.” “What are you planning you old witch!” Merle yelled. “I will regain what is rightfully mine.” Morganthe laughed. The beetle ran with its fangs targeted toward Merle. A purple star appeared on Merle's forehead. Merle became covered in a orange aura. The headmaster pushed the beetle away with a telepathic force. The beetle squirmed on the ground. “Curses! You'll pay for this Ambrose!”

Merle finished off the beetle with a blast of white light. The beetle was obliterated into dust. “That means that Ms. Wildheart should be okay now!” Marissa cried. “Yes of course.” Merle replied. Cyrus approached the headmaster. “That was impressive.” “It's nothing much.” Merle said. “Curious though, what was that magic that you used.” Cyrus asked. “A star glowed on your forehead.” “We'll discuss that later in my office.” Merle said. Merle turned to Marissa. “I fear that Morganthe has more sinister plans in place. Get Ms. Deathslinger recovered and I'll ask her some questions.” “Yes sir.” Marissa said. Marissa walked back to the House of Healing. Diana stood by the door with a dazed expression on her face. Marissa gave Diana a hug. “I'm so glad you're back.” Diana laughed. “Did I miss anything?” “Just a little bit.” Marissa replied. “I'll tell you later.” Diana walked in and saw Ms. Deathslinger on a bed. Her face was covered in spider bites and pieces of spider web. “SISTER!” Diana cried. “I need a Maximum Strength Healing Potion now!” A fairy rushed in and gave Diana a bottle of potion. “Please be ok sister.”

Chapter 22: “Ripping the Web” Iceblade took out a glowing purple rock from his pocket and showed to Silvershield. A symbol of a moon was carved on top. “It's time we get our revenge.” Iceblade whispered. Silvershield nodded. Nightstone looked at Iceblade suspiciously. “You had the Lunarium portal stone all this time?!” Iceblade put the stone back in his pocket. “Yes I did. You'd best be quiet about it.” “The queen must know about it.” Before Nightstone had a chance to run from the room, Iceblade's eyes flashed with blue light. Nightstone's shoes were frozen in a block of ice. “I'm afraid that she must never know.” Iceblade said. Nightstone gasped. “What are you doing?!” “It's for your own good.” Iceblade snapped his fingers and the door was covered in a thick layer of ice. “You ever feel that you don't belong here?” Iceblade said. “GET ME OUT OF HERE THIS INSTANT!” Nightstone yelled. “OR I'LL KILL YOU!”

“Shut up.” Iceblade said. “Just shut up.” Iceblade approached Nightstone and slapped his face. “Wake up and smell the potion, you're not who you think you are.” Silvershield gasped. “Aren't you taking this a little too far?” “No Michelle.” Ian said. “He must know the truth.” “Michelle?” Nightstone said. “What the heck?” Iceblade held up a small blue coin, engraved with the letters, IC. “Morganthe controlled our minds and hearts from inside these cursed coins. All those years of serving that horrible witch...” Iceblade stared intently at the coin. “Now I must find out my own name.” Iceblade threw the coin at the ground and blasted it with a beam of ice. A flood of memories entered Iceblade's mind. “My name is mine once again...” Iceblade finally said. “I am Ian Iceblade.” “No way.” Nightstone said. “I must continue serving the Umbra Queen!” Nightstone blasted his shoes with electricity and broke free of the ice. He stood there, glaring at Ian. “Now.” Ian said. “Give me your coin.” “Never!” Nightstone yelled. “Michelle, help me out.” Ian said. Michelle drew out her wand, as did Ian. “You don't want to make me do this.” Ian said. “We're supposed to be in

this together.” A loud thud was heard at the door covered in ice. Michelle gasped. “They're coming for us!” Sweat poured down Ian's face. No. It can't end like this. Two dark Shadow Weavers entered the room. They hissed wildly as they saw the shattered coins on the floor. “These wizards must be brought back under Morganthe's control.” the Shadow Weavers hissed. Ian went up to Nightstone and slugged him in the face. Nightstone's coin fell out of his pocket and into Ian's hand. Michelle pointed her wand at the Shadow Weavers and a mass of smoke covered the entire room. “Here goes.” Ian said. Ian destroyed the coin in his hand and Nightstone regained his memories. “Uh.” Nightstone mumbled. “My name is Allan?” “We need to get to Celestia now!” Ian yelled. “Alright.” Michelle said. “On three...” “WE DON'T HAVE TIME TO COUNT!” Ian pushed a Shadow Weaver against the black wall. “Ok. Ok.” Michelle replied. “Hurry. I know where the Spiral Door is.” Ian said.

As the three wizards ran across the halls, they were chased by a large mob of Shadow Weavers. “There it is!” Ian yelled. Michelle, Ian, and Allan entered a room where the Spiral Door was hiding. “LOOK!” Ian said. “They left the Celestia Key in the door!” Ian quickly opened the door. “GET IT!” Ian yelled. Ian pushed Allan and Michelle into the door, then he removed the key. “See you later losers!” Ian shouted as he went into the door and slammed it shut.

Chapter 23: “Servants of ourselves” Cassandra and the others stared at the glowing stone in her hand. They all sensed its incredible power. “Amazing.” Kevin said, studying the stone intently. Cassandra nodded. “The guardian also said another thing. There are two more stones like this, from the Solarium and Lunarium.” Edith came running from inside a small warehouse. A look of excitement was on her face. “We've excavated something that might be able to help you.” Edith said. “Come right this way.” Edith led Cassandra, Jacob, and Kevin to a large circular object covered in leather. “What is it?” Kevin asked. “Hold on.” Edith said. Edith snapped her fingers and a large worker golem ripped off the leather covering from the object. An enormous circular disk was revealed. It was covered in astrological symbols everywhere. A faint light glowed in the center. “According to our researchers, this is the Celestian Grand Astrolabe.” Edith said.

As if on cue, Cassandra's stone glowed with intense light. “What is that?” Edith said. The stone floated out of Cassandra's hand and was placed in a circular space on the astrolabe. A perfect fit. The astrolabe sparked with magical energy for a few moments. A bright flash of light filled the dome, then it faded. “GUYS!” Stephen yelled. “The portal to the Stellarium has disappeared!” “What!?” Edith cried. “How can that be?” “So this is what he meant.” Cassandra whispered. Edith looked astonished. “Huh? What are you talking about?” “The Star of Celestia was meant to be placed here to seal the Stellarium for good.” “But that means that we can't send researchers there anymore.” Kevin cleared his throat. “Would you rather have Morganthe take all of the magic that the Stellarium contained? Who knows what she can do with it.” Edith nodded. “No. We wouldn't want that.” A tall Marleybonian wearing a blue long coat and a monocle approached Edith and the others. “Oh.” Edith said. “Captain Fogg, you're back from the surface.” “Indeed I am Miss Benchley.” Fogg said. “Who are these strangely dressed humans?”

Strangely dressed huh? Cassandra thought. Look who's talking. “I'm Kevin Battleblood.” Kevin said while shaking Captain Fogg's hand (or paw). “I'm the president of the Ravenwood Wizard Investigation Committee.” “Oh. I'm terribly sorry if I had offended you.” Fogg said. “I had a rather busy day and I haven't had my tea.” “It's no problem.” Kevin replied. “I have something that might be of use to you in your investigations.” Captain Fogg handed Kevin a tiny rusty chest. “I don't know how to open it, but our sensors detect an unusual concentration of energy inside it.” As soon as Kevin touched the chest, it was opened. “Oh my stars and garters.” Fogg said quietly. Inside of the chest was a tiny blue trident, a weapon with three points. It was glowing and was emitting a powerful magical frequency. Kevin almost laughed. “Thanks for the gift. I'm sure that it'll come in handy.” Captain Fogg laughed. “Well, you never know.” Suddenly, beams of powerful magical energy came from the direction of the Spiral Door. “What is that!?” Jacob yelled. “Stand aside if you don't want to get hurt.” A voice said. Three wizards in dark black robes were blasting everything in sight.

“Look!” Rainee cried. “Morgantine wizards!” “We meet again WIC.” said a very familiar voice. “Allow us to reintroduce ourselves.” They said together. All three of them removed their hoods and drew out their wands. “It's you three!” Kevin shouted. “Nightsoap, Silverware, and Icecream!” “Get it right you idiot!” Ian shouted. “It's Nightstone, Silvershield, and Iceblade!” Ian pointed at himself then at Michelle and Allan. “I'm Ian. That's Michelle. He's Allan. We don't work for Morganthe anymore.” “Then why are you attacking!?” Kevin yelled. “Join us if you are really serious about it.” “Who needs Morganthe anyway.” Ian said. “We can take her without your guys' help and take the astral magic for ourselves.” Ian reached into his pocket and took out a small crescent shaped stone. “You guys looking for this?” Ian snickered. Edith gasped. “That's the piece that we've been looking for!” Ian, Michelle, and Allan used a quick teleportation spell and teleported to the broken Lunarium portal. “I'm afraid that we don't want to join you idiots anymore.” Ian said. Ian activated the portal with the stone and they all jumped inside. Kevin and the others grabbed their backpacks and ran in after them.

Chapter 24: “Once in a Blue Moon” The three ex-Morgantine wizards found themselves underwater. The cold water felt like a thousand daggers piercing through their skin. Allan pushed Ian to the side and looked ahead. A large temple with a crescent moon emblem glowed like a lantern in the dark waters. “That must be the Lunarium.” Allan said. The portal behind them flashed with light and the WIC agents confronted Allan, Michelle, and Ian. “We don't have time to deal with you fools.” Allan said. “Why don't you scram and cry to your mothers.” Allan aim his wand at Kevin. Ian snatched the wand from Allan's hand. “You idiot. You'll electrocute us all if you use a electric blast.” “Give me that!” Allan grabbed the wand back. “I'll use something else then.” “I don't think three vs five is a fair fight.” Jacob threatened. “Why don't you just give up?” “Arcane Harmony!” Allan yelled. Michelle waved her wand and drew the fire symbol while Allan drew the storm symbol. Both their wands glowed with powerful energy.

“Duck!” Kevin yelled. A concentrated beam of boiling hot water hit Cassandra and Rainee. They were instantly knocked out. “No!” Stephen shouted. “How dare you!” Michelle panted. That nearly used up all my mana. “That should even things out.” Allan laughed. “Rainee no!” Jacob swam and caught Rainee. “You're going to have to go back.” “Jake.” Rainee said. “Be careful.” “You guys must defeat them without us.” Cassandra whispered. “We'll go back.” Rainee and Cassandra teleported out of the water and back into the base camp. “Dangit!” Kevin yelled and turned around. Ian, Michelle, and Allan were at the door to the Lunarium. “Move it guys!” Kevin ordered. Jacob and Stephen swam and quickly followed the ex-Morgantines to the door. Ian saw them approaching and panicked a bit. “How do we open the door?” Allan pushed Ian. “Out of my way. I'll handle this.”

Allan's eyes flashed with purple light as he blasted the door with a purple light. The door was activated and it opened up. “Let's move it!” Allan shouted. Ian and Michelle followed Allan inside. There was a force field that blocked the water from flooding into the Lunarium but allowed people to get through. “GET BACK HERE!” Jacob yelled. A huge staircase was in the center of the temple. A glowing stone was sitting on a pedestal above. Ian looked around, searching for a spell trainer. He found one resting near the glowing stone. “There.” Ian pointed. “That's the spell trainer!” Two bright flashes of light suddenly appeared. Mirage and Cicero materialized near the foot of the stairs. “Mirage and Cicero?” Ian yelled. “What are you doing here? Get out of my way!” Ian blasted Cicero with ice. Cicero's amulet was activated and blocked Ian's magic. “What are YOU doing?” Cicero grunted. “You should be on our side!” Jacob and the others finally caught up. “No way.” Jacob said. “There are five of them.”

“Then we better move fast.” Kevin said. “Get the stone.” Cicero grabbed Ian's wand and snapped it in half. “I don't like how you three always interfere with our missions.” Ian backed away. “Allan, do something!” Allan aimed his wand at the spell trainer. “Harm Ian and no one gets the Moon Magic.” Mirage laughed. “Oh. I see how it is.” Mirage disappeared and reappeared near Michelle. She injected a black liquid into Michelle's arm. “I guess that Silvershield is going to die here.” Mirage laughed. “What a pity.” “Let go of her!” Ian yelled. “Put your wand down first.” Mirage glared at Allan. Allan obediently put down his wand. “You dirty little witch.” “Thanks for the compliment.” Mirage smiled. As the Morgantines were in their tense argument, Jacob concentrated on the Moon of Celestia and whispered. “Gnirb eth Noom Ot Em.1” The Moon of Celestia levitated from the pedestal and started floating to Jacob's hand. In a few seconds, Jacob had the stone in his hand. “It stopped glowing.” Jacob said. Kevin grabbed the stone and it started to glow again. 1 Nerb Et Noom Oat Ehm

Kevin suddenly heard a voice in his head. The moon has chosen you for this task. End the war so that the Celestian war will finally end. Place this stone in the Astrolabe. “I think I'll hold on to this Jacob.” Kevin said. Stephen nudged Kevin. “What do we do with those fools?” “I say leave them.” Kevin said. “Wait look!” Jacob said. Michelle's skin turned blue and she was gasping for air. Mirage laughed like a hyena. “I'm sorry that she won't be getting a proper burial.” Mirage snickered. Mirage left Michelle on the floor and teleported to the spell trainer. “Finally, I can have some Astral Magic!” Mirage placed her hand into the trainer and magical knowledge filled her mind. “Michelle no!” Ian shouted. He reached into his backpack and took out a purple healing potion. “Ian...” Michelle whispered. “I'm done for...” “No you can't be!” Ian shouted. Mirage's eyes flashed with orange light. Ian's potion was teleported into her hand. “I think you won't be needing this anymore.” Mirage drank the potion with a evil glare in her eyes.

“NOOO!” Ian yelled. Ian teleported to the spell trainer and knocked Mirage out of the way. “You shouldn't hit girls like that!” Mirage yelled. Ian ignored her and placed his hand into the spell trainer. New power filled his mind. A purple moon glowed on Ian's forehead. His body morphed into a treant. A humanoid tree. Ian teleported back to Michelle. “You think that you can defend her as a stupid tree?” Mirage laughed. Ian rubbed his hands together and a powerful ray of healing magic covered Michelle. Her skin turned back to normal and she regained consciousness. “What!?” Mirage yelled. “But that's impossible!” “What are you talking about?” Ian laughed. “It's completely possible.” Ian transformed back into his human form and Michelle stood ready to fight. Cicero looked at the pedestal with the stone and gasped. “Sophia, the stone is gone!” Mirage teleported next to Cicero and slapped him. “I told you not to call me by my Earth name! And WHAT!? It's your fault the stone disappeared.” “We better run now.” Kevin said. Stephen and Kevin ran out the exit. Jacob didn't budge.

Stephen looked back. “Jacob what are you doing?” Jacob teleported to the spell trainer. He too placed his hands upon it and gained knowledge of the Lunar spells. “Ugh it's you again!” Mirage screamed. “He must have the stone!” Cicero grabbed Mirage's arm. “Forget it, we're outnumbered.” Cicero teleported Mirage and himself to teleport out of the Lunarium. “I need that Magic!” Michelle yelled. Stephen waved his wand and blasted the spell trainer with a dark beam. The trainer rotted into a puddle of black goo. “NOOO!” Michelle yelled. “You'll pay for this!!!” “We need to get out of here.” Allan said. The three ex-Morgantine wizards teleported out of sight. “We need to hurry back.” Kevin said. Jacob, Kevin, and Stephen teleported out. The Lunarium was left in eternal silence.

Chapter 25: “Into the Solarium” Cicero and Mirage materialized at the entrance of the Lunarium portal at the Base Camp. “We need to get into the Solarium immediately.” Mirage said. “Give me the stone!” Mirage grabbed Cicero's backpack and pulled out a glowing yellow stone. A shadowy swirling vortex ripped through the air. “Cicero, what's going on!?” Mirage yelled as she shielded her face with her arm. A tall woman in a black business suit appeared. “You fools have failed me for the last time.” “Your highness?!” Mirage squeaked. “I wasn't expecting you here.” “Your highness, she made me come with her, please don't punish me!” Cicero pleaded. Cassandra came running over to the teleporters and gasped. “What's going on?!” Rainee teleported near Cassandra and pulled out her wand. “This isn't good.” Morganthe snapped her fingers and her black business suit turned into her long black and red dress.

“I'll be taking that now.” Morganthe whispered. Morganthe's eyes flashed with orange light. The Solarium portal stone disappeared from Mirage's hands and ended up in Morganthe's. “If I want something done right, I'll have to do it myself.” Morganthe said. “Hold it right there!” Morganthe turned around. Kevin, Jacob, and Stephen emerged from the Lunarium portal. “Morganthe, we finally meet.” Kevin said. “It's over.” “Perhaps it is... for you.” Morganthe laughed. Morganthe activated the Solarium portal stone and the pillars glowed with energy. A yellow portal appeared between the Solarium pillars. “These two idiots are useless to me now.” Morganthe laughed. “I'll get what is rightfully mine.” Morganthe waved her staff around and summoned a group of three humanoid sharks. “Allow me to introduce... Big Salgio.” Morganthe said. “He and his buddies have agreed to help me. Cicero and Mirage, you two could get lost!” Salgio laughed. “Yous betta just surrender now. Da power of the sun will be mines!” The sharks jumped into the Solarium portal. “Good riddance young wizard.” Morganthe said as she followed the sharks

inside. Cicero suddenly jumped into the air and stabbed Kevin with a black athame. Kevin fell to his knees. His face turned purple. “Mirage go follow her now!” Cicero screamed. “GO!” Jacob's eyes burned with orange light. “YOU IDIOT! YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT!” A powerful ball of energy formed near Cicero and Kevin. “REWOP AVON!1” Jacob yelled. Rainee waved her wand and quickly teleported Kevin out of the way. The ball of energy burned with immense power. Cicero was engulfed inside it. “UGH!” Cicero screamed. Cicero fell to the floor and became unconscious. “No... please.” The coin with Cicero's initials began to glow with light. The coin burst into flames and was destroyed. Patrick Emeraldpyre. Cicero thought. My real name... Jacob was breathing hard. “I think that did it. He's freed from Morganthe's control.” Cassandra got a potion from her backpack and immediately went to treat Kevin's injury. 1 Ray-Wop Ahv-on

Jacob approached Patrick. He was breathing heavily from the attack. “Please, stop my cousin.” Patrick whispered. “She's more dangerous than you think. And I'm thankful that you freed me from Morganthe's curse.” “We will.” Jacob assured him. Kevin was completely healed after a few minutes of taking the potion. He stood up and signaled to Jacob that he was ok. “We need to get inside.” Kevin said. Jacob approached Rainee. “Is it alright if you and Stephen stay behind to keep an eye on Cicero?” Rainee smiled. “Ok, but you have to promise me something.” “What is it?” “Don't die.” Jacob laughed. “Don't worry, I'm invincible.” Jacob gave Rainee a kiss. Jacob followed Kevin and Cassandra near the Solarium portal. “This is it you guys.” Jacob and Kevin withdrew their wands and pulled out their swords. “I'm ready when you are.” Cassandra said. The three agents jumped inside the portal and were transported inside. The Solarium's halls were lit brightly with orange sunlight. Heat followed you in every direction. The floor was decorated in orange marble.

“Look.” Jacob said. “Shark footprints.” A trail of muddy water lead to a long hallway. “That's our best bet.” Kevin replied. The three wizards followed the muddy trail until they heard grunting and snoring. “That's them.” Jacob whispered. “Hide behind something.” Morganthe appeared out of nowhere. “Come on now, you really that I'd be that stupid?” Morganthe fired several dark magic orbs from her hand. A star glowed on Kevin's forehead. He deflected all of Morganthe's magic. “Eh. I have more important things to worry about.” Morganthe sneered. “My pets will handle you.” Sharks started surrounding the wizards. Their teeth were as large as knives. “I should have known that Ambrose was too much of a coward to fight me himself, but I didn't think he would be stupid enough to send a bunch of weak students.” Morganthe said. “Good riddance.” Kevin jumped into the air and cut off a shark's arm with his sword, then he blasted it with a beam of ice. The shark was shattered to bits. Morganthe snapped her fingers and teleported. “You're more powerful than I thought.”

“Jacob you need to go after her!” Kevin yelled. “We'll handle these sharks.” Salgio threw a spear at Kevin. Jacob quickly pushed it away with magic. “Da power of da sun is mines!” Salgio yelled. “Alright. I'll be right back!” Jacob said. Jacob ran forward into the back of the Solarium. Morganthe was near the Sun of Celestia. As she reached for it, a force field blocked her hand and shocked her. “Ow!” Morganthe yelled. “There has to be another way.” Jacob's eyes flashed with orange light. Morganthe was tripped by her own dress. “Grrr.” Morganthe whispered as she got up. “You again.” Morganthe pushed Jacob with a telekinetic spell. His back hit the warm Solarium wall. Jacob blasted Morganthe with a beam of fire. Morganthe conjured a fire shield and blocked Jacob's spell. Morganthe looked around and saw three stones with the Sun symbol on them. I think that those stones control the force field. “Out of my way!” Morganthe yelled. She teleported to each stone and pressed her hand against them. The force field on the Sun of Celestia disappeared. Morganthe grinned in delight. “Game over, novice.”

Kevin and Cassandra suddenly teleported near Morganthe. Kevin did a back flip and plucked the stone from Morganthe's hand. “No!” Morganthe yelled. “You defeated my sharks!?” “Easy.” Kevin said. “You should have hired better thugs.” Jacob, Cassandra, and Kevin aimed their wands at Morganthe and blasted her with beams of Balance, Life, and Ice. “ARGH!” Morganthe screamed. Her dress was torn near her feet. Before Morganthe had a chance to cast a spell, blasts of electricity hit her in the face. “It's over Morganthe.” Ms. Deathslinger smiled victoriously. “Yeah!” Lucius yelled. “Thank goodness you came!” Cassandra said. Rainee ran over to Jacob and hugged him. “I couldn't stop worrying.” “Raindrop, I told you I would be ok.” Jacob replied. “Ugh, this scene is making me sick!” Morganthe said. “That Sunstone is rightfully mine!” All the wizards waved their wands and blasted Morganthe with a concentrated blast of magical energy. Morganthe tumbled to the floor, her entire dress was covered in black ash. “This wouldn't have happened if I had my Deck of Shadows!” Morganthe screamed. “I'll be back for my vengeance!”

Morganthe slashed the air with her fingers and opened a shadowy vortex. She jumped inside and disappeared. Ms. Deathslinger let out a sigh of relief. Everyone else did also. “I couldn't stand around worrying.” Ms. Deathslinger said. “Thank Bartleby that I arrived just in time.” The Sun of Celestia floated from Kevin's hand and landed in Jacob's, then it glowed with power. “I think that I'm supposed to place this in the Astrolabe.” Jacob said. Ms. Deathslinger let out a sigh of relief. “Then hopefully Morganthe won't get her paws on any Astral Magic.” “Let's head back to the base camp.” Jacob said. With that, everyone teleported out of the Solarium. _______________________________________________________ Mirage hid in the shadows and placed her hand on a Sun School Trainer. “This time no one will be able to stop me!” Mirage laughed and whispered a spell. The spell trainer exploded into a million pieces. “That should put things to my satisfaction.” Mirage laughed. “Hey what's this?” Mirage picked up a can of Favorite Food Spray. “This might come in handy.”

As Mirage teleported outside, the Solarium's lights slowly faded into darkness.

Chapter 26: “Broken Pact” “You sneaked out and defied your orders!” Morganthe yelled. She threw her glass of spider juice on the ground. “I can explain.” Mirage whispered. Morganthe focused her magic on Mirage and twisted her arms. Mirage groaned in pain. “I don't have the time to deal with the likes of you.” Morganthe said. “Because of you, I lost Cicero AND the Sun Magic!” She's a hopeless case. Mirage thought. I'll just need to keep this act up for a few more moments. “My centuries long war with the Celestians... all of the time and effort... all for nothing because of you're meddling.” “Please just let me go.” Morganthe gave Mirage an angry stare. “I taught you almost everything I know... and this is how you repay me!?” Morganthe used a powerful magic frequency and threw Mirage to the hard black walls. “I'm so sorry.” Mirage managed to choke out. “I only wanted to help.” Mirage reached into her pocket for the coin that she stole back from the WIC agents. If my guess is correct, destroying this coin will set me free.

“You will go back to your chambers and I will lock you inside.” Morganthe threatened. “That should stop you from messing anything else up.” “Actually...” Mirage whispered with a smile. The symbol of the Sun glowed on Mirage's forehead. “What's going on!?” Morganthe shouted. “You have Sun Magic!?” Mirage pushed Morganthe with a magic frequency and shoved her off her throne. “I don't belong to anyone anymore.” Mirage laughed. “All of these years... you deceived me and all the others as well.” Mirage's eyes flashed with red light. She held the coin in her hands and it burned into black ash. “Goodbye your highness.” Mirage said. “I'm sure we'll meet again... when I have control over the entire spiral.” “NO!” Morganthe yelled. She blasted Mirage with dark energy. Mirage fell onto the cool dark marble floor. Her wand flew off to her side. “You have Astral Magic and you kept it from me?” Morganthe laughed. “I knew that we were more alike than I thought.” Mirage reached for her wand, but Morganthe kicked it out of the way. “It's the end for you.” Morganthe said. “If I can't have astral magic, then no one can!” Mirage's eyes flashed with orange light while her forehead continued to

glow with the Sun symbol. Morganthe flew across the room and landed on her throne. She dropped her staff. “I am more powerful than you could possibly imagine.” Mirage said. “You're nothing without your Deck of Shadows!” “Speaking of the Deck of Shadows.” Morganthe said. “You won't have the honor of retrieving it for me.” “Frankly, I don't care.” Mirage said. Mirage attracted her wand back to her hand with magic. “I am not your servant anymore.” “I've had enough.” Morganthe said. Morganthe drew a black card from her spell deck. She threw it in the air and shouted a spell. “Sredips Yortsed Mirage!1” A horde of giant spiders filled Morganthe's dark throne room. Their fangs glistened with poison. Each of them looked starving for a meal. Mirage focused her magic and summoned a cyclone that spun all the spiders around. She aimed the cyclone at Morganthe. “Goodbye you pitiful witch.” Mirage said. Mirage used her last ounce of mana to teleport out of sight. Morganthe quickly unsummoned the spiders and stared at the wall, boiling with intense anger and fear. Mirage will pay for this... 1 Suh-reh-dips Yort-Said Mirage

Chapter 27: “One Final Errand” Kevin held the Moon of Celestia in his hands. It glowed in a bright blue light. “It's a shame that we have to seal all of the Astral Temples.” Kevin said. A frog wearing a brown hat and a brown suit approached Kevin. He jumped around with his cane. “I finally made it back.” The frog said. “Thank Bartleby that everything is still alright.” Edith let out a sigh of relief and came running over to Kevin and the frog. “Sir Thurston Plunkett!” Edith cried. “I can't believe you are back!” “Yes. I've resolved the issues that the Crustaceans had with the rest of the sea creatures.” “That means we won't have to deal with any more attacks. I was worried that you were killed.” “It takes more than seafood to destroy me.” Edith laughed. “I guess it's time for us to seal the Astral Temples.” Kevin nodded. “These things have caused so much trouble.” Jacob held the Sun of Celestia in his hands. He stared intently at it. “Kevin, I think you outta go first.” Jacob said. Kevin nodded. He approached the astrolabe and placed the Moon of

Celestia in one of the circular slots. The astrolabe glowed with blue light. The portal to the Lunarium disappeared into thin air. “It has been done.” Kevin said. “I guess it's my turn now.” Jacob said. Jacob placed the Sun of Celestia in the last available slot. The Astrolabe gave off a powerful shockwave of magical energy. The Solarium portal was gone in a flash. “That should put an end to Morganthe's plans.” Jacob said. Ms. Deathslinger nodded. “I don't mean to be a downer, but she's still out there somewhere, making new plans.” “What about the prophecy?” Kevin said. “I'm pretty sure that the prophecy is merely a bluff.” Ms. Deathslinger replied. “We shouldn't have to worry too much.” Suddenly, a burst of energy radiated from the back of the Base Camp. Edith gasped. “I think you triggered the portal to the Trial of the Spheres.” Thurston jumped. “Oh my stars and garters! It can't be! According to Celestian legends in the texts we studied, very few people have survived the Trial of the Spheres.” “Hold on.” Kevin said. “We need to check what happened.” Everyone hurried over to the back. An enormous portal was radiating with

blue light. Kevin stood speechless. Jacob turned to Thurston. “What exactly is the Trial of the Spheres?” Thurston had a look of fear in his eyes. “It is the final test that the Celestians administered to determine their leaders and keepers of the Astral Magic.” Edith nodded. “And there is something else too. Passing the trials will ensure that all of the Spell Trainers on Celestia will be rendered useless, unless the person who passed says otherwise.” “There are other trainers besides the ones that you have seen inside the temples.” Thurston said. Kevin scratched his head. “If it means preventing Morganthe from accessing the trainers, then we will go inside.” “What are we waiting for!?” Stephen yelled. “I'm going in!” Stephen tried to jump inside the portal, but an unknown force pushed him back. “Hey. What gives?” Stephen asked. Suddenly; Jacob's, Kevin's, and Cassandra's foreheads glowed with magic. Jacob had the moon symbol, Kevin had the star symbol, and Cassandra had the star symbol. Three holograms of Celestian avatars appeared near the portal. “Holy Bartleby-” Ms. Deathslinger said.

“Welcome young wizards.” A woman with flaming wings said. “You three have been chosen by the Sun, Moon, and Star of Celestia to take the Trial of the Spheres.” “Who are you?” Jacob asked. The woman swung a fiery sword in a circle. “I am Mithraya, Avatar of the Sun.” “I am Ptolemos.” A blue skinned man wielding a moon staff whispered. “ I am the Avatar of the Moon.” A armored figure spun a pair of Astral nun-chucks. “I am Astraeus, Avatar of the Stars.” Mithraya whispered. “You must defeat us if you wish to lead the Celestians or seal the Astral Trainers forever.” “However, only those chosen by the stones can enter the Trial.” Ptolemos said. “My charm prevents anyone else from coming in.” Rainee ran to Jacob. “Jacob...” Jacob kissed Rainee. “I'll be careful, I promise.” “But Thurston said that very few people have survived the Trial.” “I'll be part of the few that passed it.” Jacob said confidently. “We'll see each other again.” “Ok.” Rainee said. “Take this first.” Rainee handed Jacob a golden phoenix feather. “Just know that I'm always

with you.” “Thanks.” Jacob smiled. “I'll be back before you know it.” “Is everyone ready?” Kevin asked. Cassandra and Jacob nodded. “We're ready.” Mithraya nodded at her partners. “So they are.” Jacob, Kevin, and Cassandra summoned their wands. Kevin and Jacob summoned their swords. Cassandra threw a bottle of healing potion to both of them. “You guys will need those.” Without further hesitation, the three wizards jumped into the portal.

Chapter 28: “Trial of the Spheres” Kevin, Jacob, and Cassandra found themselves in a large blue room. Cassandra stared at the ceiling in awe. It was filled with endless stars that glowed with magical energy. Astraeus suddenly appeared. “Welcome my friends. I have not seen a living being in centuries.” Astraeus disappeared and reappeared near Cassandra. “You all look so frail, I can't see how the Celestian Relics chose you three.” “We'll see about that!” Jacob yelled. “Young wizard, the skies of the Spiral shine with many stars... but my light is the brightest you will face.” “It's three against one.” Kevin said. “According to my calculations, we can't possibly lose.” Astraeus closed his eyes. Almost instantly, Kevin and Jacob vanished. Cassandra was left alone. Cassandra gasped. “Oh my gosh. Why did you do that?!” “Young lady, spare me the details.” Astraeus said. “Your trial begins now!” Astraeus suddenly sped forward and swung his nun-chucks at Cassandra. She fell on her back on the cold hard floor.

Cassandra's eyes glowed with green light. Her back pain was eliminated immediately. Cassandra glared at Astraeus. “Didn't your mom tell you not to hit girls?” “In Celestian society, everyone is treated equally.” Astraeus said. “Now let's resume the Trial.” How the heck am I supposed to beat him!? Cassandra frantically waved her wand and fired a beam of life energy. Astraeus teleported and avoided the spell. “You're too slow young lady.” “Stop moving so fast if you want to get beaten!” Cassandra yelled. “Or do you want Morganthe to take over the Spiral?!” “Morganthe does not concern us right now.” Astraeus said. “Maybe this will convince you!” Cassandra fired another blast of magic. Astraeus dropped his nun-chucks to the ground. “You'll regret doing that young lady!” Cassandra laughed and blasted Astraeus with yet another beam of magic. Astraeus' arm was wounded. “You may be able to stop one star, but can you defeat a constellation?” Astraeus threatened. Astraeus' body quickly multiplied into four copies. “The constellations have formed.” All of them said in unison. I've got no choice but to call upon the Forest Lord. Cassandra reached into

her pocket for her spell deck for the Forest Lord card. An Astraeus clone swooped down and knocked the card from out of her hand. “No!” Cassandra yelled. The card flew near one of the Astraeus clones. “That's mine. That's mine!” Cassandra shouted. Cassandra grabbed the card from the ground. She held it tightly and encanted the words of power. “Tserof Drol Yortsed Astraeus!1” The spell card glowed in Cassandra's hand and it flew into the air. A gigantic brown beast appeared near the Astraeus clones. “Woogoo!*” Cassandra yelled. The Forest Lord destroyed the Astraeus clones one by one. The original Astraeus survived the hit and fell to the floor. “How can this be?” Astraeus said. The Forest Lord disappeared and transformed back into a card. The formerly green card turned gray and flew into Cassandra's hand. Cassandra drew out another card; She had a victorious smile on her face as she found her Seraph card. “Hpares Yortsed Astraeus!” Cassandra uttered. The spell card flew out of Cassandra's hand and transformed into a

1 Tes-Er-Rof Drol Yort-Said Astraeus * This was intended

beautiful blonde seraph. She held a sharp sword in her hand. “You shall not pass!” Astraeus yelled. Astraeus fired a purple beam from his eyes. Cassandra's conjured seraph was directly hit. She vanished and transformed back into a card. Cassandra was suddenly filled with fear. Is it really over? It can't end this way. “The Star has chosen poorly.” Astraeus said as he got up. “You aren't worthy of defeating me.” Astraeus fired another purple beam from his eyes. Cassandra's arm was hit and her wand flew out of her hand. “It ends here.” Astraeus said, charging his energy for another beam. Not if I have anything to say about it... Cassandra's forehead suddenly glowed. A pink star formed from the light. “It does end here... for you.” Cassandra smiled. Cassandra drew the life symbol in the air with her fingers and a storm of sharp leaves were hurled toward Astraeus. Astraeus' armor was torn apart and he was vaporized into dust. The star symbol on Cassandra's forehead disappeared. “I can't believe it.” Cassandra let out a deep breath. A shower of stars covered Cassandra and she was instantly transported back to the base camp.

Rainee ran over and gave Cassandra a hug. “Sis, you're ok! Where's my boyfriend!?” “I'm not sure.” Cassandra said. She stared back at the glowing portal. “But I'm positive that Jacob will make it.” Astraeus' hologram appeared near the portal. “You have passed the Test of Stars, young lady. I sense that you wish for all the Astral School knowledge to be destroyed forever.” “Yes.” Cassandra replied. “So be it...” Astraeus said. “But your friends must pass their trial before I am able to perform your request.” Cassandra nodded. “Then we just have to wait a bit more.” Kevin stood in a room full of various holograms of moon phases. Ptolemos stood in front of him. “I sense your powerful ice magic.” Ptolemos said as he glared at Kevin. “However, it will not be enough.” Kevin gripped his wand and sword tightly. “Big talk for such a weak looking thing.” “How dare you.” Ptolemos said. “Few have survived against me. Now, your trial begins.” Ptolemos wave his moon staff and a blue force field surrounded him. “You're not as charming as you imagine yourself.”

“I don't know what you're saying but you're going down!” Kevin yelled. Kevin jumped into the air and tried to slash Ptolemos with his sword. His hits were ricocheted and had no effect on Ptolemos. Ptolemos laughed and repeated. “You are not as charming as you imagine yourself.” What is it with this force field? My sword was forged by the sharpest materials! Kevin backed away from Ptolemos. “You're cheating!” “I certainly am not.” Ptolemos said. “You are not as charming as you imagine yourself.” Why does that idiot keep repeating that! It's getting on my nerves... unless... Kevin's eyes flashed with blue light. He used an Iceblade charm on himself to power up his next spell. “You have charmed your way into my heart.” Ptolemos said. His force field disappeared and was open for an attack. “Seriously?” Kevin said. “Charm on this!” Kevin drew a Snow Angel card from his spell deck. He focused his magic and threw the card into the air. “Wons Legna Yortsed Ptolemos!1” Kevin yelled. The air became frigid and cool. A hooded figure on a winged horse 1 Wons Leg-nah Yort-said Ptolemos

materialized from a pile of conjured snow. Ptolemos was blasted with a concentrated beam of ice. He disappeared from the room. “That was easy.” Kevin said. Kevin was transported back into the base camp. “Kevin. You made it.” Ms. Deathslinger said. “Thank Bartleby.” “Yeah... It was kind of a ridiculous fight.” Kevin replied. “But it's all good.” Ptolemos' hologram appeared next to the portal. “You have passed, but your other friend must survive against Mithraya if you wish for your requests to be granted.” Kevin looked into the portal. “Jacob will make it.” Jacob shielded his eyes from the intense light. The air had a strange combination of heat and cold. “Your friends have passed their trials.” Mithraya said as her eyes burned with flames. “Now you must enter your fiery doom.” “You can't stop me.” Jacob said. “The clouds will not part for you, young wizard.” Mithraya threatened. “You shall not pass!” Mithraya opened her mouth and thick red smoke filled the room instantly. Jacob could not see anything. “Show yourself!” Jacob yelled.

“The clouds will not part easily.” Mithraya said through the thick smoke. Maybe this will part your stupid clouds. Jacob focused his power and the symbol of the moon appeared on his forehead. Jacob's body glowed in metallic light as he transformed into a vortex that sucked up all the smoke. Jacob quickly transformed back into his human form and spotted Mithraya. “There you are.” Mithraya gasped and fired a blast of Solar magic from her hands. “How dare you clear my smoke!” Jacob's eyes flashed with white light as he encanted a spell. My heart and soul this risk I take Tremendous damage I will make The power of death my foe's health will taint Curse my target and me with a spell of feint. An aura of dark magic surrounded Jacob and Mithraya. “What are you doing!?” Mithraya shouted. “You trapped both of us!” “Yes, but only I will survive.” Jacob laughed. “I just love meddling with

dark magic.” Jacob pulled out a Hydra card from his deck. “Sorry, but I don't like failing tests.” “Ardyh Yortsed Mithraya!1” Jacob yelled as he threw the card in the air. “Finish her!” A three headed Hydra formed from light. Each head represented a magical element. Mithraya tried to fly away, but one of the Hydra's heads bit her hand and wouldn't let go. The other two heads blasted her with ice and electricity until she was ripped to shreds. The Hydra transformed back into a card and flew back into Jacob's deck. “I did it.” Jacob said. Jacob was transported back into the base camp with the rest of the wizards. Rainee was bursting with tears of joy and gave Jacob a hug. “Thank Bartleby you're alright!” “I told you I can't die.” Jacob laughed. Mithraya's hologram joined in with the Ptolemos' and Astraeus' holograms. “You have passed the Trial of the Spheres.” They said in unison. “We are now able to grant a request.” 1 Are-dee Yort-said Mithraya

“It's time.” Jacob said. Kevin nodded. Kevin faced the holograms. “Destroy all the Celestian spell trainers so that no one can harness their power ever again.” The three holograms shook their heads and replied. “So be it.” Mithraya raised her sword, Ptolemos raised his staff, and Astraeus spun his nun-chucks. A powerful shockwave of magic was sent throughout Celestia. All of the spell trainers were destroyed and turned into dust. “Your wish has been granted.” Mithraya said. “We will now have our long awaited rest.” The holograms disappeared, along with the portal. “You've done it!” Ms. Deathslinger said. “I am so proud of you all.” Kevin nodded. “I think that Morganthe won't be able to do us any harm for now.” “So we can finally get back to Earth now?” Rainee asked. “I'm starving for some ice cream.” “That's sounds good.” Jacob said. “But I'm going to Grizzleheim cause they have the best ice cream around.” “Alright.” Rainee smiled. Ms. Deathslinger smiled. “I have to get back to Earth and get things sorted out. I'll make sure Morganthe won't be able to get to my office again.”

“There's just one thing...” Kevin said. “I feel like we forgot something.” “You're just imagining it.” Jacob said. “What could it be?” “Eh, just forget it.” Kevin said. Edith waved goodbye as the wizards entered the Spiral Door. “Thank you guys for everything!” “No problem! Good luck in your excavations!” Jacob yelled back. After a few days, Jacob, Rainee, Kevin, and Stephen found themselves at Lincoln High School again, fitting in with mortals. “It's good to be back.” Kevin said while he summoned ice cubes into his soda. “You got that right.” Jacob said. “I'm heading to Krokotopia for a bit.” “But you just got here.” Kevin said. “Prof. Alhazred told me to come see him.” “Oh. Have fun then.” “Wait. Kevin, have you seen Alexander?” “No I haven't. Why?” “He hasn't been to school in three days. He never misses class.” “Weird. I'll try to contact him on Central.” “Alright. See ya.” Jacob snapped his fingers and teleported away.

Chapter 29: “All Roads Lead to Zafaria” A hooded figure handed Morganthe a golden key. “The key to Zafaria, your highness.” “Excellent work Alexander.” Morganthe laughed. “The prophecy must be manifested.” Morganthe placed the key in her pocket and drank a sip of Dragonfruit juice. Alexander's suddenly eyes flashed with blue light. He fell to the floor and screamed. “AHHHHH!” Oh no. My control over him is weakening! Morganthe snapped her fingers and a gold coin with the initials AL landed on her hand. Morganthe's eyes flashed with white light and the coin was filled with dark magic. Alexander stopped screaming. “I'm sorry my queen, I don't know what came over me.” Morganthe laughed. “Happens all the time.” “Again, I'm sorry.” “No need for that.” A black vortex appeared in the air and a skinny looking zebra and a thick elephant dress in black appeared.

“My queen, everything is going as planned.” The zebra said. “Soon, you'll have all the golden artifacts.” “Exactly what I wanted to hear.” Morganthe said. “What's in it for me?” The elephant said. “Councilor.” Morganthe said. “We've already discussed this, now do as I asked or the deal is off.” “Yes. Yes.” The elephant replied. “We'll be leaving then.” The zebra and the elephant went back through the vortex. “Now that they're out of the way, I have a job for you Alex.” Morganthe said. “Oh?” Alexander replied. “I want you go to Wizard City... and arrange a detour for some students who are going on a field trip.” “That will be done.” Alexander said. Morganthe's laughter echoed in through the dark marble walls of her throne room. “Good”

Thank You all for Reading this Novelization of the Celestia Part of Wizard101. Please stay tuned for the next book:

The Spiral Chronicles: Shattered Water