MAGES: Dark Shadows

Chapter 1

John sat, poised in an awkward position atop one of the silver benches in the training room. He couldn't help but admire the spotless floors which had recently been washed thoroughly. He could just make out his reflection. Two sky blue eyes stared back at him, a great smile lit across his face. I might be due for another hair cut. John though to himself awkwardly as he noticed his long and messy brown hair.

Ever since the events that took place three months ago regarding the prophecy which had been so unexpectedly thrust upon them, the group had been madly preparing. In turn, John had been reading up more and more on both dark mages and light mages alike, trying to figure out the dangers of such a battle and also any weaknesses. Today John had thought it would be a good idea to practice ways of knowing if anyone was possessed, as that power that the dark mages had greatly worried him.

Maybe I'm being too irrational. He thought to himself. After all, it wasn't like a war would instantly happen and take them by surprise. It would probably be years before it even happened, the prophecy never stated when did it Nat? John realised it would be best to ask the wise elder for an answer as ever since he had been brought into a telepathic link with him, the old man had been more than happy to help with any questions John didn't know the answer to.

That's what I've been trying to tell you for the last three months! Stop worrying!

Of course, they weren't always what he was expecting. But Nat had a point. Perhaps they were taking this whole thing differently. Very well, John smiled as he managed to admit it, after today we'll take things slowly again, at least until there's any word of such a war. It will be great rest this poor mind of mine. Nat didn't reply, but John could tell he was feeling the same way.

"Where are they?" John laughed to himself in amusement.

To his surprise, he was immediately answered as the great oak doors in front of him flung open with a great force. John noticed the familiar black hair and grey robes of Finn, who was standing in the doorway. He didn't say anything, he simply just gave a quick nod and a smile indicating that the others were here. Humming a strange tune, he sauntered off, almost bumping into Cooper who was eagerly running past.

Cooper was followed quickly by Jack, the two of them nodding to each other before bursting out in a sudden laughter. John didn't understand what was so funny but knowing his two closest friends so well, he knew it could be anything. Behind them, Summer and Sonja casually walking in, busily chatting amongst themselves. They too were laughing as they strolled into the room, filled with joy.

I really do need to lighten up. I'm dragging my friends down with me! John thought, suddenly realising how happy they all were when he wasn't around them.

"Welcome, took you long enough," laughed John.

Summer shook her head, her face looked irritated all of a sudden.

"It's just... Well you're not as late as you usually ar-"

"Come on John. Lighten up a bit." Summer gazed at him with her calm blue eyes in a familiar way, which they had all named 'the look' as a joke considering she would always do it when she didn't get her own way.

"Okay sorry, not the look please!" John laughed.

"Well if you must know, Jack fell asleep again after you told us we were having a training session this morning," Cooper chuckled.

Summer's face lit up again as she finished Cooper's sentence for him, "We couldn't wake him up!"

"Well your here now, so who cares," John tried lightening up for the first time this fall.

"What are we doing for training today?" Sonja questioned curiously.

"Recognition," he replied, as easily as he could.

"Recognition?" Asked Cooper, obviously confused,"what are we recognising, and why?"

"Good question, you see, one of the dark Mages abilities is to take control of your body," replied John, "as we all know..."

John made a quick reference to what happened in the summer. Everyone understood unsurprisingly. It wasn't hard to forget that they had been thrown in a dark and gloomy dungeon in order to make sure they hadn't been possessed by any dark mages. Completely unreasonable of course but there was no denying that dark mages could do such a thin with ease.

"So, essentially what I mean by recognition is that if it were ever to happen to one of us, we could tell if it they were a dark mage or not. Today we'll just take it simple and practice analysing each other's attack patterns. Not only will we know whether the person fighting along side us is who they say they are, but it's a great chance to practice combat."

John could tell his words were lost on them. He hated this. Why did he have to be in charge? Why couldn't it be somebody else's turn to worry?

"So how are we going to do this?"

John stood motionless. He hadn't thought this far ahead. He thought of lots of boring and difficult ways of practicing but he was unsure about all of this. I need to lighten up like Summer said. How can I make this fun? John had been thinking for a while now so it would be pretty odd to see from his friends perspectives. Eventually he had to come to a decision fast.

"How about you four... Ummm..." He paused, "Oh! We'll take it in turns! As an example, you four can go outside and choose somebody to send in. Try and hide their face. The person still inside... Which will be me first. Umm, they can try and guess who it is by taking into account certain factors like movement and clothing and certain things. Their goal is to guess who the person is."

Of course! That's such a great way to practice!

"This way we will get to practice and learn each other's fighting patterns. This way in case anyone of us is possessed, we would know if it was them or not... Most of the time."

Despite John's long explanation, the group seemed to catch on rather fast. They were all rushing hurriedly to exit the room. Once they had exited the room, John slumped down onto the silver bench again, head in his hands. He groaned.

"I need to stop doing this to myself." He spoke aloud, no longer caring if anybody heard his doubts.

This is the last time I work so hard to prepare for a long time. All I want is rest.