Guardians Book One - Magic Rising

Chapter Two

"Nah, she's...alright," Kath assured Mark as the group strolled back into the office. Her friend gave her a long look.

"You don't sound convinced," James added. Kath shook her head.

"I think she's just, like...really, really shy. Like I said, she was really happy when I asked her to Friday club. I think she just needs time to relax and settle in."

"You asked her to Friday club?" Mark looked aghast. "It's meant to be fun! It'd be like asking the Director."

"You guys," Kath gave them an exasperated look. "Why've you taken against her so much? She doesn't seem that bad. She's not rude or anything. Seriously, I think she's just, like, really nervous."

"I dunno," Mark held the door open for the other three, ushering them through. "Last week she wouldn't speak to us apart from work questions. When she came to pick up the Hudson paperwork earlier she was cold. No 'hello' or 'how are you'. No smile. Like she's never met me before or something. Like she's some sort of superior being." He rolled his eyes, making air quotes with his fingers around the end of his sentence. "Seems like a right snob, if you ask me. Too good for little Richmond."

"I googled her," Hannah offered, her grin wicked. "All I got was a couple of karate competition hits and something about the UCL grad listing. I mean. Karate? Seriously? Miss Priss there? Might mess up her pretty face. Seriously! Not even a Facebook."

"Not a people person," said Mark. "Did you have to ask her out Friday? She'll bring it right down. She looks hot but she's a proper ice queen.

"Guys," Kath protested. "She's alright, really. She'll lighten up. I promise."

"Ah, it's not like we have to see her much, she'll be on tax in no time," said James, clearly groping for some peace. "Or leaving. If she chills out, great. If she doesn't, whatever." He smiled. "Anyway, I'm going to nip into the storeroom and finish the archiving. See you all later, yeah?"

"Oh, I've got to collect some records myself, I'll come," said Mark, following James to the side corridor. "Catch you lot upstairs."

"Going to the loo," said Hannah, glancing at the office door. "Coming? Put off the inevitable?" She grinned again, and Kath suddenly realised her friends were making excuses to avoid Lady.

"She's not that bad," she said, again.

"Oh, alright," Hannah gave her a little nudge. "I still need the loo, though. I'll come say hi later. Promise."  

"Do," said Kath, trying to look stern. Hannah nodded again and headed into the toilets. Kath was about to walk back into the main office when out of nowhere, a sudden, bottomless dizziness assaulted her. And as if she was seven again, she could hear whispers on the cusp of reality:

The emergence has been dealt with.

Good. The balance grows ever more unstable. The leaks are spreading.

I am working as hard as I can, Father!

I don't doubt it. Not one moment. You are my greatest ally. But there is much to do and I fear...a reckoning is coming.

We are not ready!

That which was broken, cares not about the readiness of either side. We have no choice.

I...understand. I shall strive harder to remove the emergencies. This place is foggy with life and — the darkness — seeks life...

Be brave.