Twisted Reality AU

Chapter 12

Alex read the page over while the soft salty breeze cooled his warm face. State your desire with utmost peace. He stared out at the sea, taking a deep breath and allowing his shoulders to relax. It was only his breaths and the calm sound of the lapping waves. It felt peaceful at this cool dead of night. "Power." Alex said. Or should he have been more specific? Maybe he should have said control, or maybe said a phrase? It was too late now.

Center your focus, energy, and breathe. He focused on his desire, letting his mind clear into everything but that one wish. Breathing in and out slowly, Alex repeated that one word over and over again. Until an orb of light traced to him and bursted into one of his artworks in front of his face. Alex raised his eyebrow at the sight of it, only then hitting him. Someone was searching for him. No, no, no. . .why now? Alex thought, irritated. Though he didn't leave his mind to linger for long on that and continued the spell. Distractions could cost his life.

Alex took another breath and refocused until he heard his name called out from behind him. He clenched his teeth, recognizing the voice, but kept his mind focused. Not now. He was so close. If a calm mind fails to properly commit. He held a deep breath and slowly blew it out, keeping his eyes shut. Though he could feel Samheed's presence but Alex was . . . so close to getting his hands on this desire. Samheed wasn't going to ruin this now. "Go away Sam." He muttered, while still trying to keep his focus. His robe seemingly twinged a darker shade.

Samheed said something back, but it was all jumbled at Alex. Alex had drowned Samheed out and remained very still, a sort of feeling in him that he hasn't felt before while he continued to try casting this enchantation. The light through his closed-eyelids grew pinkish-white, bright, and soon lights swirled around him, faster and faster, with colors joining in and growing faster. Samheed stepped back at the swirling colors that swarmed Alex.

Alex stood there still, recalling the same experience when he brought back Artime, colors swarming everywhere. It wasn't as bright as then though, like an overlay of gray casted over. He smiled that it was happening. It was finally happening. The colors kept swirling, and until then it was thrilling before immense pain jabbed at Alex's side. Caught of guard, he stumbled until another strike of pain jabbed at his chest. Alex staggered to his knees. Wait no. This isn't right.

Samheed couldn't see the staggered figure as pain kept jabbing at Alex, as if a hot iron was simultaneously getting pressed over him. The swarm of colors had completely hidden Alex from Samheed's view. Alex dropped to the ground when another strike of pain jabbed his back, more immense than the first couple times. Pain striked again. And again. And again. It kept hitting at him like a punch, knocking Alex over every time he tried to get back up.

It was only when Samheed heard a painful scream, that he rushed into the swirling colors that engulfed the Mage. It felt as if running into the swirl of light was running into fire burning at his skin. Alex looked just as terrible, burns rippling through his clothing and skin. "Alex move! Get up!" but Alex wasn't responding. Samheed's skin burned but it wasn't the same pain Alex was getting jabbed at. Like hot blazing swords piercing through him. Alex kept a painful yell. No, it went wrong. The spell went wrong.

Samheed's face softened as he glanced at his terribly burned friend, wincing every second. This was killing Alex if they stayed any longer. Samheed threw Alex's arms on him and pulled through the burning sensation, dragging Alex out of the swirling colors that pierced at Alex. It was when Samheed pulled Alex out that he saw how . . . damaged . . . Alex got.

Samheed had let go and allowed now unconscious Alex to collapse on him. He glanced at his hands, which were practically sizzling. Alex didn't look any better. The color that swarmed the balcony slowly faded and dissipated. After taking a few chilling breaths, Samheed took Alex into his arms, and despite the fact that both of his arms were burning at the touch of Alex, he carried him through the Secret Hallway and to the Medical Wing.

A poisoned soul, cursed magic shall seek.