𝐴 𝑁𝑜𝑡-𝑆𝑜-𝑁𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝐶ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑛 𝑂𝑛𝑒 𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦

Chapter 9: old friend

It has been a few years since Daniek had started his training. He's gotten to know Melody really well, but rarely talking to Kai, which didn't really bother him at all. Miss. Eden mostly taught him about magic, which was he expected, because her staff and all, but she also taught him the importance of having people to fight with you, not against. Sir Takashi built up Danieks endurance and strength, and taught him how to do combat, but instructed him to use force only when needed. So today, the three just sat around. "So, what do you guys wanna do today!" Melody, always so full of energy, was taught entirely by Miss Eden, so much so the girl because a master of magic, and was going to receive her staff in time. Kai grumbled, he was taught entirely by Sir Takashi, no wonder why Kai was super strong. "Well, I don't have any ideas" Daniek chuckled, Melody visibly lit up. "We could always go to the creek!" "But we've been there, a million times." Kai grumbled. "Well then, what about the fields?" "Used for crops this time of year" "the waterfall?" "Still trying to find the best, and safest, route." Kai looked at Daniek, who shrugged. "Hmm, what about the mountain? It's not that far, plus there are trails" Daniek suggested, Melody shot up from her sitting position "that's a GRAND idea Daniek! Let's go!" She grabbed both boys by the wrists, and ran to the mountain, Melody was surprisingly strong. The trip ended up lasting a few days, mainly because Melody kept getting hungry, but eventually, the group made it to a village. Is they hoped. As the group stepped into view of the village, they were face to face with fire. blazing, hot, destructive fire. "Stay behind me." Kai said to the two, Melody grabbed out a rubber ball, with different shapes and patterns on it. A soft, but cold, laughter filled the air, almost bouncing off the flames themselves, which danced in purple. Daniek was ready for anything, the trio saw a dark, shadowy figure across the burning embers. "Was it you who started this fire?" Melody asked, ready to throw her ball. The laugh came once again, as the person stepped into view, their glistening black hair and purple eyes seemed to stand out. "Who are you" Kai yelled, the person laughed. "Right, you don't know who I am! Well, may as well introduce myself, after all, this is the first and last time we will ever meet!" The person laughed wickedly, Melody and Kai getting into stance. "I'm Draven, darling, the most powerful witch in this mountain, now, I shall show you the extent of my power!" Draven laughed, raising their hand, a purple lightning bolt suddenly bursted out. If it hadn't been for Melody's ball, Kai would have been hit. "Cast a absorption spell on it! Pretty neat huh?" Melody bragged "not the time! We have to get Daniek out of here!" Draven, for a moment, seemed to almost freeze up, like they recognized that name. "Right, RIGHT!" Melody nodded, throwing her ball at the stranger. Draven, with a single light touch to the ball, froze it solid, the ball fell into the ground, the earth almost seeping it up, like quicksand. "Now, what was that name again? Daniek? I believe I'll be taking him if you care so much about him." Draven smiled wickedly. "Kai!" Melody yelled, quickly standing in front of her friend, taking the blow of lightning sent the man's way, she cried out, and fell to the ground, shaking. Draven laughed "WOW! So that's what this does! I'll let you slide, for now, it wouldn't be fun if I killed every one of you anyways, until next time 'fair heroes'!" Draven's sickening laugh echoed as they disappeared in a cloud of harsh,black smoke. "Daniek. Let's go." Kai growled, picking up Melody gently, the man seemed strong, but he was very gentle when he wanted to be. "Right..." Daniek mumbled, but his mind couldn't get Draven out. Who were they? Why were they so familiar?