Wizard's Apprentice [#Wattys2015]

Getting Used to Things

"Hello? Carter?" A voice wakes me from my dreams. Groaning inwardly I get up and go outside to see who it is. I'm greeting to the smiling figure of Waglington.

"Good morning. I was wondering if you would like a tour around the town since it has changed so much?" He asks me, his tone friendly and inviting.

"I-i don't know....I really should finish building my house...." I admit. He turns away for a moment.

"I'll ask Steve to build you a house that way you can spend more time getting to know everyone if you would like?" He suggests.

"Well....I-I guess so....." I get all flustered. Why do I feel this way? He's just a person. Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, we walk together towards the town.

"I'm sorry that your father is gone Carter....I'm sure that we will bring him back eventually." Wag comments.

"My father was kind and caring, albeit a very experienced prankster. Whenever an opportunity to prank appeared, he would jump at the chance." I tell Wag as we reach the remains of the town.

"Here, let me get you a flying ring." Wag says and disappears in a cloud of smoke. I whirl about in panic. He appears a few moments later beside me.

"What the hell!" I exclaim.

"Sorry. I just traveled to my specter dimension. Here." He explains as he hands me a golden ring.

"This will give you wings so that you'll be able to fly." Wag smiles at me. I put the ring on, and suddenly I can feel things on my back. Turning to look the best I can, I see beautiful black angel wings. I smile at Wag.

"Thanks!" I tell him. Jumping up, I stay in the air, my wings flapping behind me. He smiles and me and I twirl around laughing. I felt like a kid again...

"Come on, I'll show you around. You know about Tucker, Sonja, and me so far. I'll take you to Jordan's towers." Wag states. I nod to him and we fly over to two towers near the town. We land next to the guy with red glasses.

"Oh hey Wag. Hi Carter." He acknowledges. Wag talks to Jordan about magic for a little bit, then we head off across the stretch of water. A giant tree looms into view surrounded by stone walls.

"This is where Tom lives..." Wag murmurs. I nod solemnly, and take deep breaths. Wag and I land next to the tree and Tom appears.

"Hey guys. What's up?" He asks.

"I'm just showing Carter around for now." Wag explains. That's when I remember.

"Hey Wag! Where is Andor?" I question.

"Well he decided to leave Dagrun and travel to become stronger..." Wag tells me.

"Oh..." My voice must have given away my disappointment and Wag puts a hand on my shoulder.

"He will be back eventually Carter. Don't worry about him." Tom adds. As tears threaten to fall, I race off, flying far away. The tears flow down my face and I stop on a mountain, and let out a sob. Everyone I knew is gone, and I'm alone.

"Carter!" I hear a voice call out. The tears won't stop, and I just sit on the mountain letting my sadness overwhelm me. My wings wrap around me into a cocoon of temporary calm.