Echoes of Magic

A Reunion and a Revelation

As John walked along the side of the road, savoring the crispness of the evening air, he couldn't shake the feeling of how strange it was to be back. It all seemed familiar yet surreal, as if he was merely a ghost moving through his own life. His thoughts were interrupted by the sight of an old woman struggling with a heavy cart filled with cardboard, barely able to push it forward.

Compassion welled up in him as he approached her, ready to help. But as he neared, a strange, overpowering stench filled his nostrils, sharp and foul. Instinctively, he sneezed. But this was no ordinary sneeze—an intense gust of wind blasted from him, lifting the entire cart off the ground and sending it spiraling through the air.

The old woman's eyes widened with amazement as the cart floated higher and higher before finally drifting down the street. Shocked, John glanced around to see if anyone had witnessed his slip. Luckily, the street was empty, but the incident left him feeling exposed and uneasy. Without a word, he turned and sprinted down the road, heading straight for home.

Once John was out of sight, a sly smile spread across the old woman's face. She reached into her pocket, pulling out a small chocolate sweet. She popped it into her mouth, and her appearance began to shift, her features twisting into a more sinister form. She was no ordinary woman—she was a witch in disguise. As she licked her lips, another figure appeared beside her, a dark silhouette of another witch with piercing eyes and a knowing grin.

"Our assumption was indeed correct," the first witch, now revealed as Azara, murmured, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "There is a new nature fairy in the fairy world."

The second witch, Lyra, nodded, her expression turning grim. "If the fairies gain more power, it will tip the balance against us. We cannot let this happen."

Azara's eyes glinted with malice. "Then it's time to inform Queen Kaaki about what we've discovered."

With a shared nod, the two witches raised their arms and vanished into the air, teleporting back to their dark realm to deliver the ominous news.

Reaching the familiar steps outside his home, John paused, his heart pounding from the frantic run. The strange experience with his wind powers back on the road still fresh in his mind, he felt relieved to be home. Just as he tried to catch his breath, he heard his mother's voice calling from inside.

"John, is that you?" she called, her tone warm and comforting.

John moved toward the door, but something made him stop. Through the window, he saw... himself. Another John, inside the house, chatting with his mother, completely at ease. He blinked, remembering what Aurora had told him about an elf sent to take his place, to keep his family from worrying.

After a moment, he saw the elf alone in the hallway. Seizing the opportunity, John quietly entered the house and approached his double, carefully pulling him into a side room where they wouldn't be overheard.

The elf looked surprised but quickly understood. "Ah, you're here," he said in a low voice, his tone calm and friendly. "I was told you might want to check in."

John nodded, still a little taken aback by the sight of his double. "Yes... Aurora mentioned you. Look, I appreciate what you're doing, but I'd like to spend this night with my mom and sisters. I have to leave for training soon, and this might be my only chance."

The elf nodded in understanding. "Of course. I'll return to the fairy world for now, and I'll come back in the morning to resume my role."

John felt a wave of relief. "Thank you. I just want a little more time with them before... everything changes."