CROSSFIELD TRILOGY : Volume No. 01

Chp. 07:The Magical Cave 1

Under the guidance of the faint moonlight, the bus took its turns on the dusty Scottish roads cleverly. Although on the sides of the bus was a banner that read 'The London Hiking Club', it's passengers were far from being your average hikers and trekkers. They were a mix of future exorcists, alchemists and high school students, handpicked for Crossfield High. The students had arrived in Scotland today morning, from various parts of the world. In the rear side of the bus, sat Janet and by her side Assem, both of whom were in trekking shoes and gear just like the rest of the bus to avoid any suspicion.

"You see that guy over there?" Assem spoke in a hushed voice as he pointed towards a grey haired teen sitting two seats ahead of them. "He is a teen climate activist. I saw his post on Instagram a few weeks ago. He was rallying for the sea turtles in Cuba I think."
"So?" Janet asked, her eyes fixed on the scenery outside the window which changed continuously.
"I didn't know there were non exorcists here too. I thought Alphonse only scouted people who were engaged in fighting demons and evil spirits."
"Well, you thought wrong. According to the Crossfield Guidebook and GEA regulations, any person with spirit awakening can be considered eligible for becoming an exorcist."
"Spirit awakening?" Assem asked her.
Janet sighed and turned towards him." Spirit Awakening or 'Expergefactus Autem Spiritu' as it is called in Latin means the release of our true spiritual energy. Every human is said to have the same amount of spiritual energy. However, it is hidden deep down in a person's emotions, thoughts and feelings. To access this treasure of energy, one must learn to first release it. Humans who can effectively release their spiritual energy or awaken it are called as Exorcists. The amount of spiritual energy that a person can release, classifies his/her power. Alchemists for instance use much greater amounts of spiritual energy then exorcists as they require a constant control over their respective elements. In some humans, the spirit awakens naturally in others however, it is a particular trauma or event that triggers the adrenaline to such an extent that...they are forced to release their spiritual energy. There are normal humans like you and me who come from non exorcist or non alchemical families. However, there are families devoted to this art and to the GEA." Janet lowered her voice a bit and then spoke. "On the last seat, the boy with the earphones on. His name is Edward Vermillion. He comes from a family of alchemists called the Vermillions. They are known to have produced some of the best elemental alchemists in the world."
Assem slowly turned and looked back to where Janet had mentioned. On the last seat of the bus, sitting in a corner was brown haired kid with glasses and earphones in his ears. He had a good jawline, and his hair was brushed up neatly.
"Yup, he does kinda look like royalty." Assem said as he turned back.
"What do you mean, looks like royalty?"
"Well he has that aura around him." Assem tried to clumsily cover up.
"Nah, you're just being a bluff. " Janet gave him a smile.

"Umm...excuse me, my name is Lewis Caroll. My water bottle has accidentally rolled under your seat. Could you please get it for me?" A tall boy, with freckles and curly hair was standing near their seat, his words interrupting their conversation.
"Sure thing." Assem said as he bent down to pick up the bottle.
After Lewis had returned to his seat, Assem spoke in an hushed voice again.
"Janet could I ask you something?"
"Yup."
"Well...while you recovering at the cafe. Daniel spoke about the rapid rate of healing that occurred in your body. At first we thought that it was something special but then we found out that it was one of the many abilities of the card."
"Go ahead."
"Well, now that I've signed the contract with Yamani, will I be getting the power too?"
"Obviously. You are just much of a card carrier as I am,Assem. You signed the contract which now means that we both will have access to the powers of the card. I have been the carrier for about 1 year now and there are only 2 abilities that I have discovered. One being the healing ability and the other being a flash."

"Flash? You mean like a flashbang?"

"Yup. This particular ability is useful for having a quick escape or when you are trying to distract your enemies. Both of these abilities in themselves aren't that strong but when used efficiently, they prpve to be of extreme usefulness. I had read this somewhere, the Ace Of Hearts isnt a hard suited for combat. Its abilities range from defensive to supportive but it is never actually used as a weapon in itself."

"Hmm." Assem rubbed his chin. "I have more thing that I need to ask. Now that we are both card carriers, does that mean we can use the same abilities at the same time?"

Assem expected Janet to answer quickly as she usually did this time, she sat still and avoided eye contact.
"I don't know myself about that. I haven't asked Yamani about this but since the card is one and the carriers are two, the power it provides will most certainly have to be divided. For example if you and I both need the healing ability at the same time, then the effect of that ability will reduce by almost half."

"And are you okay with this. The entire power sharing thing?"
"Oh no, it's not like that. I do approve of you being a card carrier and yes, I'm pretty much okay with sharing the power." Janer gave a reply quickly this time.  She was about to say something more and would have said it, had it not been for the sound system in the bus to interrupt her. "Dear passengers, you have now reached your destination. Kindly proceed in an orderly fashion and meet with the tour guide. Do not leave any luggage behind as the travel company would not be responsible for...." however, the rest of the announcement could hardly be heard as boys and girls alike had gotten up and proceeded to walk out of the bus in a fashion far away from orderly.
                  _______________

Janet looked around after she had gotten down from the bus. She now stood in a clearing in some sort of forest. Hazel and oak trees seemed to surround it, while the roof was a dark black sky lit with a million stars. The path through which the bus had arrived seemed to be the only access to the clearing.

Tap!

Janet suddenly felt a light push on her shoulders. She turned and was greeted by the same dark brownish hair, pitch black eyes and the same slightly sharp jawline that she had been accustomed to for years.
"Mark?"

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