Sweet Showdown

Practice and leave

'So, you know why you are here!' said Carissa, looking at Zane and Didi sternly.

'To get tired and sore muscles?' said Zane, already sighing.

'To sweat and stink?' added Didi, looking somewhat sadly at Carissa.

'What, no! You are going to practice being able to work with your powers; that requires a lot of concentration. So keep your heads up!' shouted Carissa, reaching for her spell book. 'I will teach you a few basic spells. I want you to then try to progress in developing your powers yourselves.'

Zane and Didi looked at her confused.

'How are we supposed to learn spells we don't know?' asked Didi, looking at Zane, who was as confused as she was.

'A book? You'll have to learn those spells by heart. You'll be fine. And it's not super thick, so you should be fine!' said Carissa, handing a very thick book to both of them.

'You're lying. Now where's the real book? Because there's no way I'm going to start learning this,' said Zane, smiling as he looked at Didi.

'I honestly don't think she's kidding...' Didi said, placing her book on a table.

Carissa looked at Zane, assuring him she wasn't joking. With a deep sigh, he took the book and placed it on the table as well.

'Well, now let's start with the first spell. Some spells may depend on which kingdom you come from. Therefore, sometimes you cannot use certain spells that are used in another kingdom,' Carissa said, flipping through the spell book searchingly.

'The first spell I will teach you is called the "Shadow Spell." If I ever see any of you use this spell, you will be in serious trouble. I will briefly show the spell on a piece of jewelry that is no longer used.'

She took out a pair of magical peach earrings and cast the spell. Slowly the jewel discolored from something beautiful and colorful to something black and dead. Suddenly, a kind of scary peach soul flew out. Carissa gave a small tap with her finger against the jewel, and it flew away like dust.

'Now do you understand why I don't want you to use this spell? It's dangerous. Had you not known what it was, you could have used it without even realizing what the consequences could be.'

'We understand!' exclaimed Zane and Didi confidently, looking at Carissa somewhat frightened.

'You shouldn't be afraid; only you or someone you permit to can destroy your jewel. So make sure it never ends up in the wrong hands!' said Carissa, looking at Zane and Didi sternly. After Carissa finally finished explaining a few spells, it was time for Zane and Didi to finally start learning some more spells themselves. They took hold of their book and began to recite a few spells here and there. From crystal shields to crystal fruit spears; everything was flying around.

After practicing hard to master the spells a bit, they decided to go to Carissa for the next step. Carissa asked for a few spells. She saw that they still needed some work here and there, but that wasn't a problem. After all, they had been practicing.

'I think it's time we took care of that Cody! Just make your backpacks; we're leaving soon,' Carissa said, already gathering some things.

'What, I can't just leave! What about all my friends? Am I supposed to leave them behind without saying anything more?' said Zane, walking around stressed.

'And I had finally found a friend who liked my interests too,' said Didi, plopping down on the floor against the wall sadly.

'Send a message; doesn't matter how. As long as the message is clear. I know it's hard for you, but this is the only way,' Carissa said with her heart in her throat.

'I already made your valises while you were training, so you already don't have to make those,' Carissa said as she slowly opened the portal. With each second, they saw more and more of what would be behind the portal.

After the portal was fully opened, they saw a landscape that resembled a magical pearland. Didi took hold of the Berry Bear and put it in the waist bag she would carry.

'What should we do with our valises? We can't carry them all,' Zane asked, looking at the large pile of boxes and valises on the ground.

'Leave those here; we'll still come pick them up if we need them,' said Carissa, taking a small backpack and getting ready to leave.

Carissa made it clear with her facial expression that it was time to go. Zane and Didi looked at each other and went through the portal together.