Chapter 5 --- Page 23

      You will be able to master an element. Pure and total control of it, this means that you can make fire dance, water freeze, earth split, and air swirl. Each element will come with a sect of sub characteristics. These range from being unaffected by temperature, recycling used air, breathing underwater, and sense where others are just by their contact with an element……

              *Page 62* There will be an abundance of unique creatures that you will now encounter.  The world houses more than you could possibly imagine. The creatures that you have seen in your life do not compare to what you will now encounter. Flying beasts and mythological beings.

     All of these and more will cross your path. In your first few days at the academy you will be paired with 2 creatures. These will train with you and help you hone your skills even to the point of learning something unique unto you. You will get one animal that you comes from the human world and one from the world of Mages.

          The pairing will help you to connect to them. Basic changes will be that you can sense them wherever they are in the world, taking on each other’s attributes like eye or hair color, and even taking on their skills especially those of your creature from the Mage side of existence.

       

                 *Page 98* Uniform and presentation are paramount. You will be expected to wear your uniform at all times. This will not include your allotted down time. You are free to wear any articles of clothing that do not have vulgar language on them. The uniform will be given to you in several styles, these will each be designed for certain times of the year and certain styles of training.

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Chapter 5 --- Page 22

                          Instead of pushing himself too far, Jack calls it a day and heads home. At his house he realizes that his shirt has burn holes in it. “Oh god, if Mom sees this I am in so much trouble. I’ve gotta hide this before she sees it.” Pulling the sweaty burnt shirt off, he runs for the trash bin. Luckily, there was some old trash bags and boxes that he could hide it under.

            In the house, Jack hears his mom on the phone with one of her friends. “It’s wonderful, Delilah he got a scholarship. I am so proud of him…” The conversation fades as his mom walks through the house. Heading into the kitchen, he grabs a bottle of water and an apple. After procuring a snack he heads to his room to take a look at the student manual.

      “Time to read their book of rules. This should be fun. At least I can find out some more about the school. I can plan for what to expect.” The spine of the thick book makes the crackling noise that, Jack an avid reader loves. “Alright, let’s crack this baby open.”

      *Foreward* This book contains all that you will need to know about to going to M.O.T. Academy. You will learn the ins and outs of the world you now live in, plus some extra tips and hints on how to get through this transition. *Page 1*  So you have awakened your Mageforce, let’s take a look at some of the things you can expect.

            Increased physical attributes, elemental control, and more. Most abilities you will receive are predictable and guaranteed, yet some we can not predict till they appear. You will be able to see the more unique side of the world that we live in.  This means that you will see the magical in the mundane. Creatures will appear in their true forms and the mysterious things in this world will suddenly seem easily explained.

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Chapter 5 --- Page 21

                                                                         Chapter 5

       “Alright, here goes. I just want to have fire appear. I want to have a small flash of fire go off from my hand. I just want to have fire appear. I want to have a small flash of fire go off from my hand. I just want to have fire appear. I want to have a small flash of fire go off from my hand. I just want to have fire appear. I want to have a small flash of fire go off from my hand.” Jack repeats this mantra over and over in his head. He starts to feel something welling up in his chest.

                   “WUMPH!!!” the fire spits out of the palm of Jack’s hand. A massive burst that couldn’t have lasted longer than a second sends Jack sprawling on the ground in shock. Picking himself up, Jack brushes off the dirt. “Well that works, at least I know that. Now I just need to change the amount that appears and I am golden.”

                 

              Jack raises his arm again. Repeating his mantra over and over in his head, he hopes for better results. Several minutes go by with no results. “Please don’t let that be a one time thing. I want to be able to get a hold of this. I am going to be in control. This can’t beat me. I won’t let this hurt any of the people around me, but I refuse to be controlled by pills. This has to work.”      

                  Jack reaches out for that feeling. “I will do this. I will make fire, from nothing but will. Fire is mine to control and obeys my will. I will make this happen!” The heat builds up and the tugging grows stronger. A small wisp of fire snaps into existence above his outstretched palm. Jack is surprised that it stays lit, unlike the last try.

                             Jack gently waves his hand back and forth, attempting to see how stable the flame is. The wind that the motion creates only makes the flame waver a little. “Okay, so this is the same kind of fire as yesterday. Now that I know what to do let’s see if I can recreate this.” Jack wills the flame to go out.

             Jack gathers his concentration and tries to light another wisp. After several attempts, he again has a small flame hovering above his palm.  Jack wills the flame to again go out. He runs through this exercise several more times. Feeling confident that he has mastered this skill, Jack takes a break. Letting go of his concentration, Jack hits a wall of pure exhaustion. Clearly this has a physical effect on his body.

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Chapter 4 --- Page 20

                     The soft, downy feathers of the hawks chin tickled at Jack’s skin. “Alright, now that I have my spot I just need to figure out what I am going to do. Or how I am going to do it.---- Today I’m going to get the fire to show just show. If I master that quickly I’ll try something else but I need to go it a little at a time.”

       Gently nudging the hawk off his arm and onto a low branch Jack starts to think. “Okay, okay now, how am I going to get this to work? If I use friction maybe, I could spark up a little flame.  Yeah, that seems pretty plausible. Friction creates heat….”  Jack holds his left arm out in front of him, thinking warm thoughts he snaps his fingers together. Nothing happens, just the smacking noise of his fingers connecting with each other.  Undeterred he tries again, and again, and again.

                               Kicking at the ground in exasperation, Jack tries to think of a new way to go about it. “How did I control it the first time? I was trying everything I could think of and then it just went out….” Jack tries to recall all of the details of how he put his hand out in the first place.

           “I was trying to think of a way to put it out and then all of the sudden poof! Right as I was wishing it would just go out, it did. Maybe the same will work for this. If I just will it to happen maybe, just maybe, that could work.”  Jack holds his arm back out and takes a deep breath clearing his mind.

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Chapter 4 --- Page 19

                    The hawk continues to descend, landing several branches above Jack. A shrill caw rips through its beak. Cocking its head it looks deep into Jack’s eyes. Suddenly the hawk takes flight. Jack hops to his feet and decides to follow the curious bird.

  

                 The hawk swoops over the soccer fields and well past them. Heading deeper into the park it somehow follows the hiking trails perfectly. “What is this crazy bird doing? Where the heck is it heading?”  Jack has little more time to think as he dodges under a low hanging branch.

                       Veering hard to the right the hawk leaves the trail. Through the bush Jack follows, the hawk never going so far as to leave his sight it paused every time it got too far ahead of him sitting in the branches waiting for him to catch up. The hawk finally lands in a tree and trills at Jack, sounding very satisfied with itself. Jack comes to a stop and does a full 360 taking in the area.

             “Amazing! This is perfect for me. I wonder what the deal with this hawk is. There is definitely something different about it. I mean it just took me to this spot, and it never went so fast that I couldn’t keep up, it even waited for me. Let’s see just how nice it is…” Jack holds his right up with the forearm out. The hawk dismounts from the branch and lands on his arm. A soft almost inaudible trill rings out in the back of the hawks throat.

      Petting the hawk under the chin Jack is almost surprised to find that it is real and not some sort of machine. “Well at least I know that this guy isn’t leading me into a trap. I still want to know why he lead me here though. It seems almost too good to be true.”

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Chapter 4 --- Page 18

          It’s sunny outside, very sunny. Glaring at the sudden burst of light Jack heads down the street and starts pondering the decision to take the pill. A warm sensation starts to build in Jack’s chest. Breaking from his train of thoughts he sends a little mental probe to see what is happening. The warmth starts to turn into something closer to standing next to a fire. His shirt starts to smolder, and the acrid smell of burnt clothing fills the air around him.

                 Ripping the shirt off, he finds that his chest is glowing a bright pulsing orange color. Raising a shaking hand he pokes at it to find that the heat does nothing to him, just like the day before. Sending another mental probe Jack can tell that this is the source of his power somehow showing itself to him. “Alright, that settles it, I won’t take the pills and I will see what this baby can do.” Jack sets his jaw in determination and tries to think of a safe place to practice.

            “I could go to the park and hide in that clearing from yesterday….but that is a little too open. I want somewhere hidden that people couldn’t find me. Maybe farther back in that clearing there’s something that will work out.” Jack decides to head over to the park to where he had his fight with Brett yesterday. Even though the sun is out in full force Jack barely feels anything, fact he takes note of for later.

               Reaching the park Jack heads inwards looking for the spot that he first discovered his powers at. It takes a while but after searching for a bit Jack finally finds the spot. Unluckily though the clearing is just that a clearing, there’s no back path way or hidden area with in it. Sighing Jack plops himself down on the ground kicking up a dust cloud in the process.

                 “Maybe I’m not supposed to try this after all. Maybe I should just take the pill and head home.” Doubt in his decision starts to pull at Jack’s mind. While weighing the options something in the tree tops above catches Jack’s eye. A hawk is hopping from branch to branch steadily moving down towards him. Almost as if it has a secret to tell him.

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Chapter 4 --- Page 17

           The next morning Jack rolls out of bed. Groggily he starts to remember what happened the day before. “Ugh, did all that really happen yesterday?” Shaking his head, he silently hopes that it was some crazy dream he had. Jack slides out of bed, heading for his door when he stumbles over a duffle bag with a M.O.T. Academy logo on the side. “No…no…no, please no.” He mutters to himself. It was all real and now he has to deal with it.

                          Jack reaches into the bag and pops open the bottle of medicine. The little blue pills shake around and click in their orange container. He pulls one out and drops it back into the case. “This pill, this pill right here will shut it down. Whatever is inside me, this is going to turn it off. Do I want that though? Do I want to stifle part of me?”

                                                “Do I want to turn it off? Or should I try to learn what this is on my own? I would have to try to find a hidden place to practice. What would I do if I could learn how to control it without them helping me? I mean besides stupid stuff….” Rolling the small pill between his thumb and index he wonders about the consequences of taking the medicine.

        Sighing he gets up off the bed and starts to get dressed. Pocketing the pill he heads down stairs to get breakfast and take a walk. Heading out the door he hopes the fresh air will help clear his head and help him decide whether or not to take the medicine. 



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Chapter4 --- Page 16

     In his hands Mr. Saunders holds a small duffle bag with of all things a bright pink ribbon bow on top. Offering it to Jack he explains, “This is your survival bag. In it you will find all the things that you need for the next week and a half while you wait to go. There are some candies and other fun things inside but there is also the student manual, non-flammable school brand clothes, a powerdampener, and suppressant pills.” Going over each item Jack is given explicit instructions for each item.

                 Opening the bag Mr. Saunders starts to explain everything’s purpose. Holding up a small prescription bottle that has some blue pills rolling around inside, he starts:   “These pills here will help your powers remain under control. You won’t have to worry about a flare up. Just take 2 a day when you wake up and you will be fine.” Next he holds up a small octagonal gadget, it’s obsidian shell glinting with the dying light of the sunset. “This little object is a power dampener….. it has many functions that will come in handy. You can clip it to a belt loop on your pants or keep it in your pocket. This will do exactly as it says, you’re powers will be kept in a weakened state. It emits a field about 20 feet wide so not only you but others are affected. Not everyone with our gifts is a good person….it also helps us track your location should we need to find you.”

                “The clothes are pretty light and comfy so you can just wear them or keep them under your clothes. When I was a student the clothes were neon orange, but I convinced them to change it to a navy blue, you’re welcome.” He says with a cocky smile.

 Lastly he pulls out a thick book. “This is the manual. You will learn all of the school rules and traditions if you read it. Or you can ignore it and learn the hard way. I suggest a little of both it makes for good fun. Mostly on the behalf of the teachers and I but, some for you too. Now just wear the dampener take the pills and thumb through the manual and you will be fine. I will see you in a short while.”

                 With that Mr. Saunders hops into his car. Watching the odd man go in Jack is surprised to find he is no longer nervous. The future seems to be better than what he feared. He heads back to the house careful to keep the dampener and the pills hidden at the bottom. After a quick recap with his parents he heads up the stairs toward his room. 

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Chapter 3---- Page 15

            “Okay then, I guess that’s it. Jack, you will be going to the Academy. Let’s go talk to Mr. Saunders about it.” Jack’s parents look very proud that Jack is trying to be outgoing, yet the gleam of sadness that their child is aging is showing in their eyes.

 Heading down stairs Jack breathes a sigh of relief. “Now I don’t have to worry about what would happen if I didn’t sign up.”

                “Alright Andrew, we have decided along with Jack that he will go this year. I will really miss him, but this is too good an opportunity to pass up. I am counting on you to look after my baby.” Jack’s mom says with that mother bear look all good moms possess.

 “Of course, he will be taken care of. You will have nothing to worry of. I will personally escort him to the school and I am the boys dorm supervisor so I will be able to keep a pretty constant eye on him. Now, if you can just sign these forms…” Pulling out a stack of pastel papers Mr. Saunders guides Jack’s parents through many different forms. Insurance, dietary restrictions, allergies, anything and everything that they could possibly worry about was covered in them.

     “Aaaaand done, you are all set. I will be back in a week and a half to pick Jack up to escort him to the Academy. I think you have made the right choice here. I look forward to meeting you again. Thank you again for the meal it was very good.” Mr. Saunders takes back his paper work, after affirming that everything is in order he heads to the door.

              “Wait, I’ll walk you out.” Jack quickly gets up to say goodbye to the man who has changed the way his future heading. They walk out of the house and up to Mr. Saunders car. The cricket and cicada calls fill the night air. Unlocking his car Mr. Saunders pops open his trunk and motions for Jack to come over, a big grin plastered on his face. Curious Jack heads over, wondering what could have brought the look to his face.

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Sorry for missing a post yesterday I couldn't quite get the scene on this page to work out in a way I was happy with. I have written it out now and will post it shortly

Chapter 3 ---- Page 14

                              “Possibly, but right now let’s just worry about what your parents have to say.” Mr. Saunders chuckles. “You sure are excitable Jack.”

            “Jack! Could you please come here? Your father and I, would like to speak to you.” Jack’s mom calls from upstairs. Heading up he gets a nervous shiver down his spine. What if they don’t allow him to go? What will happen if they do? Either way his life as he knows it is going to change.

                             Creaking open the door Jack walks into the room. Standing near the bed his parents are there with an odd expression on their faces. “Jack…we want to do what is best for you in this situation. That being said your mother and I well, we can’t quite decide what to do. So we want to know, what is it that you want? Do you want to go to the Academy or do you want to stay here and continue to go the school here?” His father questions.

         “I want to go. This school sounds amazing. I want to experience everything that they have to offer. If nothing I would have something powerful to ad to a resume in the future. I want this I really do.” Jack says in reply.

                                    “Are you sure sweatheart? You will be gone for almost an entire year. This is a big decision.” Jack’s mom asks.

     

                         “I am. It’s really important to me that I try something different. I don’t want to be that guy who doesn’t try for things like this. I want to go and explore and learn new and exciting things. This school will give me the option to do so. I want to go.” Jack states with an affirming nod. 

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Chapter 3--- Page 13

“So you see, if Jack accepts this scholarship he will be presented with many unique opportunities in the future. I know it is close to the start of school, but we just finished our deliberations there are very many candidates each year.” Mr. Saunders summarizes his speech that he gave over dinner. Jack’s parents seemed very impressed so far, but now was the moment of truth.

        “I want what’s best for my son, this is a bit odd though to be accepted so late. I think that my wife and I will need to talk about this together. In the end we will do what we think is best for Jack. I really do appreciate that you came out to talk to us about this. It’s always easier to talk to a person face to face. We will definitely give you a answer in the next few days is there some contact information that I could have?” Jack’s father replies.

                           “Yes-sir, here’s my card it has both the school administration and my personal number on it. The acceptance period will end by tomorrow evening. I know that is terrible timing, but we need to be ready for all of the arrivals. The students will receive customized dorm areas and that being such we need some time to construct them.” Mr. Saunders says empathetically.

 Mr. and Mrs. Cynders exchange a quick look. “Please excuse us for a moment.” The head up from the table and take the stairs to their bedroom.

       “I hope this works out. I really don’t want to live the life you told me that I would have without the Academy. I also want to see how this turns out for me. Did you say customized dorms? I want something crazy cool like a touchscreen room.” Jack says rapid fire.

Chapter 3--- Page 12

           “Okay, so  all I have to do is join your Academy, and I am safe from the government? What about my family? Are they going to be safe too? Will I be able to more than what happened today? How long does the training program last?” Jack questioned.

                         Mr. Saunders touched ground and they started walking while he formulated an answer.    “Yes, and yes. You and your family would be completely protected from prying eyes. You will eventually be able to do things that would blow your mind including throwing fireblasts, lighting your whole body on fire, and much more. The training will last until your college years. The first year will be purely training ,and then the next we will slowly add school and in college you will actually be learning for a career.” Mr. Saunders explains.

             By this time Mr. Saunders and Jack have made it to the end of Jack’s street and have turned back toward his house. “You will be surrounded by others just like you. We all understand the fear that comes with Awakening. There will be trials ahead of you but nothing that you can’t handle with the help we will give you.” Mr. Saunders says with a clear tone of empathy.

             “Okay, I will talk to my parents and see if I can go. I don’t want to risk them getting hurt, and I certainly don’t want to go to a government lab for dissection. Besides, maybe being a super-being is not too bad. Controlling fire at will sounds pretty cool to be a hundred percent honest. Let’s head back to my house and we can try to talk my family into letting me go to boarding school this year.” Jack says.

 

      Arriving back at Jack’s house they open the door to the smell of cookies in the oven. “MMMM, chocolate chip with pecans. My favorite! Mom, we are back! Are you making cookies?”

“Welcome back sweetheart, I am making your fav, chocolate chip with pecans. And for dinner we will be having Burgers on the grill. When your father gets home he will put them on. Jack would you please start setting the table for the meal?”

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Chapter 3---- Page 11

How is this even possible? I mean earlier today I was normal and now you are telling me I am a “Mage” like it’s something that is commonplace. And please get down someone might see you” replies Jack waving his hands down trying to get Mr. Saunders to land. “I am not some crazy species of human. I am a normal guy who can....who can catch on fire and not burn, and has abnormal traits in strength and speed…crap I’m a Mage or whatever you called it aren’t I?”

                  “Yes you are Jack, but there is so much more to it than just what I told you. Our students really do go on to lead the world in sports, governments, and advancements in technology. This is nothing to turn your nose up at. We also offer certain protections against agencies that would seek to hurt you both from our side of the world and from yours. I really hope you will join us this year. If you chose not to you can simply take a suppressant. It will hold your abilities in check. You will still experience flare ups like earlier today but in very little frequencies and much weaker.”

             “You will lose our protections though, if you are found out you are on your own and we can’t have our secrets slip into human hands. We would have to remove the threat you would possess.” Mr. Saunders explains in a somber tone.

                     “You’d kill me?! Are you even serious, right now? I am 13 years old you would kill me for being captured by a government agency?” Jack replies incredulously.

               

                  “Yes, it would be for the safety of everyone involved. If normal humans saw into the world we see it would cause catastrophic results. Monsters would attack more frequently, Mages would be forced to reveal themselves, humans would hunt us and eventually lose but both sides would lose too much. The world would be left in ruins.” 

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