Twin Mages Book 4: Convergence

Chapter 6: The Long Road

"Three days of planning have gone into this mission, everyone." Zephyr announces to the room full of mages in front of him. "Everyone in this room should have already been briefed on the details of the situation by one of the four mages in front of you." Zephyr points to four chairs to his side, occupied by Leo, Lily, Dez, and Aiden.

The Headmaster looks around for any questions, seeing a hand raise. "Go ahead, Celeste." He says.

"So what exactly is the plan? I know what we're doing, but how are we supposed to find these spirit mages before Fox does?" She asks.

Aiden stands. "After we split into teams, the four of us will use our connection with the spirits to locate the other four."

Jordan speaks up from the back of the room, shouting as usual. "Speaking of the teams, who's with who?"

Zephyr picks up a stack of papers, examining the names closely. "We've sorted the teams for optimal proficiency in an unknown setting. You will be in units of five, with a transport specialist and a healer included in your party, along with three other Mages. All three teams will be led by one of the Mages you see up here. Any more questions so far?"

Zephyr waits for a moment, with no response. "Okay then. Listen for your name, please. These are the team compositions. When I say your name, please join your Captain."

"Team A, led by the new addition to Sanctuary, Aiden Barlow. Kei Kaneki, Karina and Jordan Volkov, and Master Venus."

Kei looks up, surprised at hearing her name. "Master, there must be a mistake here." She says.

"No mistake, Kei." Zephyr assures her. "You've been selected on account of your hand to hand combat prowess. Even without any magic, you're a better fighter than anybody here." She looks down to the floor, still not certain this is a good idea.

Zephyr continues listing the next team.

"Team B, led by Desmond Callahan. Celeste Aclair, Dorian James, Lainee Rose, and Delilah Callahan."

The four mages stand and join Dez by the wall, with Delilah seeming especially excited to be part of a mission after so long. She runs and pounces onto her brother's back. "Heyyy bro! I guess we're a team now!" He chuckles. "I guess so."

"And finally, Team C led by our own Leonidus Verglas." Leo stands, glancing down at Lily. "You sure you've thought this through?" He asks. "Once he calls your name it's too late to back down." She rolls her eyes. "Have you ever seen me back down from anything?"

"Yes, actually." Leo snaps back.

Zephyr clears his throat, drawing Leo's attention back over to him. "As I was saying. Leo will be accompanied by his sister Lily, Master Alan Landry, Agana Abiodun, and Cirra Smith."

The room breaks into murmurs as Agana walks through the entrance with Cirra and Felix. Insults are hurled their way, drawing no reaction from the two adults, but obviously bothering Cirra.

"Stop now, all of you!" Zephyr shouts. "Now is not the time for this! The Crux went after Felix and Agana too. They have every reason to want them gone. We've come to an agreement, and this petty squabbling will do nothing to help us sustain it!"

Felix steps to the podium as the other two reach Leo, standing near him. He puts a hand on Zephyr's shoulder. "Maybe a reassuring word will settle them down." Zephyr nods, allowing Felix to take the stage. "I know you all hate me, and I know why you all hate me." He begins. "However, I frankly do not give a damn. I am not here to make friends."

"Great way to start, dad." Lily thinks to herself.

"I found every member of The Crux when they were young and I trained them myself. I am the sole reason they've become the threat they are today. That makes it my responsibility to assure they are stopped." The murmers quiet as he continues. "I don't expect you to trust me. Matter of fact, I'd question your intelligence if you did. I do, however, expect you to realize I currently have nothing left to lose except for the two children standing before you."