by Trevor Darby
"That really was awesome, dude. What other stuff can you do?"
“I’ll save the specifics for when Maps is with us too. No sense in explaining it twice.”
“True,” he said.
“You should see Raven use her magic. She’s so precise, it makes me look like a big dumb oaf. If I had her finesse with it, I'd never have lost her in the first place," I said, shaking my head in annoyance at myself. I’d have to work hard if I wanted to control my magic anywhere close to as well as she did.
“What you did just now seemed pretty good to me,” he said, still grinning, “I wish I could do something like that. It’d be so dope.”
I smiled back and laughed at him. Taz might not know it, but he had his own sort of magic in a way. It was impossible to be sad around the kid for long, his toothy grin and upbeat attitude were contagious. Just having him here made me feel better.
“There it is,” I said, pointing at a building just to our right. We walked inside and, not seeing any kids, began to look around at the shelves. It might still be a bit since we’d talked to Maps just about five minutes ago.
"I got some money from Pop earlier, so I can buy you something if you want. I already have a backpack full of stuff, but I should get a little more chocolate. It's perfect for keeping my stamina up, and I can't afford to run out of energy again in the Magical Realm," I said, grabbing a few bars from the shelf in front of us.
“Me too,” he agreed, nodding as he grabbed an armload of candy for himself.
We took it up to the front. The cashier looked at us questioningly. "Do your parents know about this?"
“Yea, it’s for a...party,” I said, stammering.
He shrugged and rang up the items. I'd just grabbed my change when I felt a tap on my shoulder. Taz and I both turned to see a kid our age wearing a backward baseball cap.
“Maps?” I asked, squinting as I cocked my head and studied the person grinning back at me.
“Magdalena Ruiz," a husky, familiar voice said. One hand shot out for a shake as the other yanked off the ball cap, sending a mass of brown curls down her back. "But, I guess you can still call me Maps.”
“Duuuude,” Taz whispered, dropping his armload of candy bars on the ground. “Maps is a girl.”
Chapter 6
"If you don't close your mouth, you're liable to get flies in it," I said, parroting my
mom's favorite phrase as I shook my head at Taz. It had been a solid half-hour since Maps had revealed her true gender to us at the gas station, and he still hadn't gotten his head around it. We'd gone back to her house and were waiting in the finished basement for her to bring back some milk and cookies, so this was the first time Taz and I had been alone since we'd met her.
"Her voice, though..." Taz marveled, holding up both hands in genuine shock.
"Sounds about as high as yours," I noted with a shrug. "Face it. We assumed she was a dude because she's so good at PWO. Total sexism on our part and I'm willing to admit it. You should be, too."
"I admit it," Taz agreed. "To be fair, though, most of the people who play are guys. So can we get a little bit of a pass, there?"
"Or," a voice said from the open doorway, "You might ask yourself if that's even true. Ever think maybe some of the girl players are like me and just don't broadcast the fact that they’re girls so we don't have to deal with boys who think they're too cool to play with us or talk down to us?"
Maps arched a brow at Taz, who had the good sense to look embarrassed as Magdalena Ruiz—AKA, Maps—padded toward us with a plate of cookies, a stack of paper cups and a quart of milk hooked onto one finger.
"Nope. I didn't even think of it. You're right. I'm a sexist. Can I still have a cookie, though? If I promise I won't be in the future?" He rushed over and helped her carry the snacks to the beat-up old coffee table in front of the lumpy couch I was seated on.
"Sure," Maps replied. "You can have two if you like."
We each helped ourselves to a couple of the still-warm cookies as Maps poured us all a paper cup full of cold milk.
"So go over this for me one more time," Maps urged, breaking off a gooey bite of her treat and pausing to stuff it into her mouth before continuing. "There's a guy named the Sorcerer of Sumatra who—"
"Sumeria," Taz interjected helpfully.
"Sumeria," she said, glaring at him, "Who took your magical bracelet and retreated back to the Magical Realm. You and your friend, Raven, got it back, but she was left behind. Now, you need to create a team to go back into the Magical Realm and rescue her? Have I got that all right?"
I nodded, really pleased that she'd gotten on board so quickly. She hadn't even asked me for proof or anything. She was taking me at my word, which was kind of a relief. I was getting better at using my powers every single day, but it still felt like a lot of pressure to perform on command, especially when the stakes were so high. "Exactly."
"Sounds like a classic Zelda scenario," she said as she nodded thoughtfully.
"We've been workshopping names for the rescue team," Taz said, popping the last bite of the cookie into his mouth and then wiping the crumbs on his jeans. "We were thinking the Rescue Rangers."
I blew out a sigh. "Um, I didn't think that at all."
"Yeah, no," Maps agreed, "That's legit terrible. What kind of creatures are in this realm?" she asked, folding her legs under her as she settled in to get comfortable.
"Well, I technically haven't been yet, but Chase mentioned fairies and a troll. Oh," Taz said, lighting up and snapping his fingers. "And a Cerberus."
"Your standard magical fare, then, you got your sorcerer, some mythological creatures...hey! What about the Myth Squad?" she asked.
"That's actually pretty good," Taz agreed, eyeing me in question.
"I like it. I like it a lot. The Myth Squad it is," I said with a grin.
"Okay, so catch me up on the rating system. I imagine I'm probably going to need some screen time to level up if I'm going to be of any use to you, right?" she asked, cracking her knuckles. "Is this a console or PC game? I’ll do a console game as a favor for you guys, but I’d really rather not."
I blinked and shot a look at Taz as it hit me. The reason she hadn't asked me for proof was because she thought we were talking about a video game this time. "Um...actually, Maps, this isn't a game at all. This is real. Like... as in... real life."
She looked at me, turned toward Taz, who just nodded and then back at me again. "Like LARPing? Oh, dude, you got the wrong girl. I don't like live-action role-playing games. It means I have to go outside and stuff. Plus, they always make girls wear stupid outfits with metal bras and leather skirts. That's a hard no for me."
"Chace..." Taz urged, bumping his shoulder against mine. "Show her the thing."
I chewed on my lip and then stood, but before I could even explain what I was about to do, she was already standing as well.
"I'm sure you have tons of cool jousting moves or bow staff skills you can showcase, but seriously, save your energy. I'm not interested."
Her expression was so full of pity, a laugh gurgled out of me.
"This is all pretty hilarious when you think about it. First, we thought Maps was a boy, then she thought we were talking about a video game, and now she thinks we're talking about dressing up in costumes. Nothing but one misunderstanding after another. We should call ourselves the Miss Squad since we can't seem to pick up on anything."
Maps perched her hands on her hips and eyed me, hard. Her expression reminded me of Raven, and instantly, I stopped smiling.
"I know it's hard to believe, and I wish I had more time to ease you into this all, but here's the deal, Maps. My friend is gone. A troll took her. Not a make-believe, video game troll. Not a kid dressed up as a troll. An actual, giant, humanoid creature with anger management issues. I am putting together a team to get her back. Now, I'd like you..." I broke off and cleared my throat, "Actually, I need you to help me do that. Please, Maps."
She had just opened her m
outh to argue with me when I turned toward the plate of cookies. Focusing on the warmth in my belly, I lifted my hand and sent a pulse of energy outward. For a second, nothing happened, but I kept pushing. This was not the time to fall apart. One of the three remaining cookies began to tremble and then it floated into the air. Dimly, I heard Maps gasp as I lifted the cookie gently into the air and toward one of the cups. I used my power to dunk it into the milk and lift it out, still dripping. Then, I carried it through the air until it hovered in front of a gaping Maps.
For a second, she just stood there and stared, her dark eyes wide. Then she snagged the cookie and popped it into her mouth, whole.
"Okay, I'm in. When do we start?"
Chapter 7
"Are you not feeling well, still? Maybe I should make a follow-up appointment to have you checked out tomorrow?"
My Mom was eyeing me worriedly as we sat around the kitchen table. I realized I hadn't touched my meatloaf and mashed potatoes and quickly forked up the bite I'd been pushing around the plate.
"I'm feeling fine, just a little tired. A good night's sleep in my own bed is all I need."
I shoveled in the bite of meatloaf and forced a smile. Tomorrow was the big day. We were going to head into the Magical Realm to save Raven. I couldn't have my mom throwing a wrench in things by staying home to take care of me or scheduling a doctor's appointment in the middle of our rescue efforts.
The Myth Squad.
My fake smile actually turned real as I thought about our ragtag little group. Taz, with his bow and arrow, Maps with her keen mind, and me with my magic. When Taz and I had left that afternoon, she'd been too engrossed in the map I'd left with her to even bother with goodbyes. We weren't exactly on the Avengers level or anything, but I felt more confident than ever before that we had a decent chance of getting Raven back.
My phone buzzed in my pocket as I took another bite of my dinner.
"No cells at the table, Chace," Mon scolded gently.
I picked up the last hunk of meatloaf and stuffed it into my mouth. "Mmkay, can I be excused?" I asked.
Max giggled as Mom shook her head disapprovingly. "I guess so. Max, you're on dish duty since Chace is still recovering."
I rushed out of the room to the sound of my still buzzing phone and Max's whiny protests. I hit the steps running and fished my phone out of my pocket.
"Hello?" I knew by glancing at the screen that it was Twee Twyle returning my call, and I was anxious to hear what she had to say.
When Taz and I had left Maps' house, we realized we still had a couple problems to sort out before we could begin our quest. Namely, how the heck we were going to leave the Human Realm for as long as it took to save Raven without causing our parents to call the cops and report three kidnappings? I'd posed the question to Twee via text, and had also asked her if there was anything I could do to get an extra burst of strength to help me transport, not two, but four people back to the Human Realm. The last thing I needed was to put together a rescue team only to wind up leaving even more friends behind in the Magical Realm.
"You asked if there was magic that can help you get a burst of strength, and how to mask your disappearance in the Human Realm, boy?" Twee blurted without even a hello.
"Yes," I murmured, rushing into my bedroom and closing the door behind me. "We don't know how long we're going to be away, and I've already worried my mom enough. Not to mention, Taz's mom is pretty crazy. She will have pictures of him on milk cartons and billboards on the side of the road if he's later for dinner."
"I don't know what a Taz is, nor do I care," Twee said with a long-suffering sigh. "To answer your question, though, you should be fine as far as time goes. The measure of moments passing is different in the Magical Realm. I did a quick scan, and as it stands, there are no beings from the Human Realm currently in the Magical Realm who are stronger than you are. Therefore, you are in control."
I wanted to pretend I understood what she meant just because I knew asking her to clarify would only annoy her, but I was clueless. "So, you're saying I control how time passes in the Magical Realm?"
She let out a cackle. "Heavens, no, boy. You aren't that strong. No, but you do control how quickly time will pass in the Human Realm while you're gone."
I thought harder, but it only made my head hurt. "Isn't that basically the same thing?"
"Not even remotely, no. It would take a being far stronger than you to alter the passage of time in the Magical Realm, for that is the true measure. That said, it does mean that you can make it seem like you were only gone an hour here in the Human Realm, even if you're gone a full day."
That was all I needed to hear. The details didn't matter. "Okay, so how do I do that?"
"You just perceive it to be true. When you return to the Human Realm, place yourself in the moments shortly after you left. Imagine the space you vacated and the way the light would filter through the clouds at the time of day you wish to return. For example, if you left in the afternoon, see yourself being gone for a few hours and then returning to that very spot, only in darkness. The same trees around you, the same autumn chill in the air, the same lunch in your belly. Even you can manage that, boy," she added with a sniff.
Not exactly what I'd call a vote of confidence. I was feeling better about the situation, though. I made a mental note to tell Taz and Maps to leave a note hidden in their rooms just in case I failed somehow, but if what Twee said was right, it didn't seem like it was going to be that difficult. I could only hope my second request would be as painless.
"And what about some potion to beef up my power for a short period of time? Is there any magic for that?" I asked, padding over to my bed and flopping onto the mattress.
"There's magic for everything, boy," she snapped. "But it all comes with a price. In this case, the price is a steep one."
I’d already had to come up with a golem arm to pay Twee Twyla and had succeeded, so I wasn't too worried.
"I have a dealer who can give you a dose of Thriple—a potion that increases your magic three-fold—, but there are pros and cons. First, the cost is astronomical. Second, it's a single-use dose. You take it, the power courses through you, and then comes pouring out. You have to fight the natural panic that comes with the sudden rush of power, and then control it. If not, you could not only fail in your quest, but you could potentially do harm to those around you. It's strong magic, not to be trifled with."
I swallowed hard and pinched my eyes closed, seeing Raven's face etched on the back of my eyelids. "How much?"
"The teardrop of a unicorn."
"How would I even get such a thing?" I asked, stunned. I'd expected the price to be steep, but that was a stretch, even for Twee.
"In the Magical Realm, of course. My dealer will work with you on credit and give you the Thriple before he receives payment so long as you sign a binding, magical contract. You just have to make sure you come through with the payment as agreed upon. If not, the price grows even steeper."
I didn't even want to ask. After all, I really didn't have much of a choice in the matter. I'd only use the Thriple if it were absolutely necessary, but there was no question that having it would be a huge benefit.
"How steep?"
"He would require you to surrender the physical manifestation of your magic for his use."
I mulled that over for a few seconds and nodded. "So, like the Sorcerer, he'd want my dragon bracelet...erm, ring," I clarified.
Twee's chuckle was oddly sad-sounding. "No, boy. I'm afraid not."
I sat up and frowned, confused. "What do you mean—"
My brain was instantly reeled back to a conversation Raven and I had in the very beginning.
"If a Hunter begins to believe that his magic lies in his artifact, then he begins to doubt himself. The object is just that. An object, meant to help direct and control that which already lies in you."
My stomach did a flip as Twee's craggy voice rang over the receiver, barely audible over the blood rushin
g in my ears.
"If you fail to pay your debt, you will be required to surrender your heart, Chace."
Chapter 8
“Come in, boy,” Twee Twyla said from behind the door, “the supplier will be here soon to finalize the contract.”
I walked inside and followed her to the computer room at the back of the house. “Is he really going to take my heart if I can’t get the unicorn tear, or is it more of a metaphorical thing?" I asked, trying not to seem nervous.
She took a long pause before saying, “Sorry, boy, but it’s not metaphorical at all. He’s what is known as a Warlock, which means he can store the magical energy of others and use it for his own purposes in the future. With that said, his magical power doesn’t regenerate by itself like yours does. In this situation, he’ll get the magic he hungers for one way or the other, either from you or the unicorn. Are you certain you don’t want to get the unicorn tear on your own first and make a trade with him then?”
“It’d delay me by another day if I had to wait for my powers to return after yet another trip to the Magical Realm, which is one more day Raven would be in danger. And, if a unicorn tear is that hard to come by, I also might not have the ability to get it on my own. Heck, anything could happen. A Cerberus could get me, and then what? If I ended up getting myself hurt or worse, Raven could be stuck there forever,” I said, shaking my head sadly.
I had to admit, though, I was touched that she seemed to care about the fact that I might end up having my heart torn from my chest after all was said and done.
Maybe she did like me...
She nodded and turned away with a sniff, “I understand. Well, it might reassure you to know that I’ve been a liaison between Seth, the Warlock, and my clients many times. I'd say that both parties have been satisfied with their agreements about ninety percent of the time. With that said, there have been instances where things went very wrong, so make sure you read the contract closely. He's a clever salesman, and sometimes he can be a bit slippery if given the room. I will also do all I can to help you get the unicorn tear because getting clients killed is surprisingly bad for business,” she said, turning up her nose when I smiled at the thinly veiled compassion in her eyes.