ANTIOCH

Chapter 8

Kayla Mugandian, Bryce Chikyu, and Luna Seishin stood at the seven foot doors of the eerie Castle Ridge. The atmosphere was dreadful and unwelcoming. But it's not like they expected any warm welcome.

Bryce got closer to the doors.

"I don't think you'll need to knock." Kayla commented.

Bryce turned to her, not really convinced. He lifted his arm to knock, but the doors automatically opened.

"Called it!" Kayla said.

He turned to her again, unamused. She laughed and walked ahead inside the castle. Bryce and Luna followed. Once they entered, the doors began close up behind them. The hallways were dark, but not complete blinding darkness. There were torches high up on the sides of the walls. The rug they were walking on was a royal violet and the walls were made of old, gray stones.

"This castle is so gloomy." Kayla said. "Why would anyone want to live in a place like this?"

"Well, it fits for a crook like him." Luna said.

"I guess so." Kayla agreed.

She looked over to Bryce who said nothing since they entered the castle. He kept his eyes forward and his hands in his pockets. Kayla went to go touch his shoulders till he softly spoke.

"...to protect those I care about."

She stopped herself from touching him. She had a puzzled look on her face.

"What is he talking about?", she thought to herself.

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                                                                                       5 Years Ago

"Ow!" Bryce yelled. "Not so rough."

"Oops..." Luna said, innocently grabbing her left arm. "Sorry."

It was a warm summer day with a gentle breeze. The two kids were in Bryce's backyard with a beautiful flower garden. The fragrance of the flowers made the day even more beautiful.

"Shoot." Bryce started. "Your new Neko abilities are too strong for me. You know that I'm a beginner magician."

He stayed seated on the soft grass trying to catch his breath. Luna walked over and sat right beside him in front of the rainbow garden.

"I'm sorry." She said. "I must admit, I am kinda getting a little carried away. I've never felt so strong in my life, and this is only the start."

She paused and looked over to Bryce. His face was expressionless, but he seemed disappointed. And it was obvious why.

"You're so lucky." He started. Luna looked at him, puzzled. "You're a natural at this kind of thing, literally. You have the genes for it. Me and my mom are magicians by choice. But what good is it if I can't get as strong as you are?"

Luna smiled at him and giggled a little.

"What's so funny?" He asked.

"It's easy!" She said.

"Huh...?"

"It's not what my abilities are, it's what I do with my abilities that make me strong."
"Is that so?"

"Yup! You can easily get as strong or stronger than me just by working hard like you are now."

"You've been listening to my mom too much."