Guardians of Magic

II. The Beginning

“Knock knickity knock”.

 That low voice contrasted the wood breaking knock on the door.

Brianna rolled over on her bed.

 Oh. She groaned. Dahlia, her best friend kept on pestering her the whole week. No one could degrade her hopes and crash her happy spirit for this coming practical examination. She was like a ball of energy thrown into her by God so she won’t have enough sleep at night and exhausts herself the whole day.

 She attempted to block the noise by putting a pillow on top of her head but failed.

“The door is open Dahlia”, Brianna weakly shouted.

 “Rise and shine, Princess!”

 The instant Dahlia entered the room, she hop and hop while clapping her hands. Excitement drawn all over her face like that of a seven year-old kid waiting for a birthday present. And that annoying grin won’t leave her face.

“What about now? It’s too early. Can’t you see the time? It’s. Six. O’clock.” She hissed at her bestfriend while pointing at her bedside clock.

 “Oh! I know. I know. It’s definitely six in the morning so you better get up. Up! Up!” Dahlia insisted while dragging her out of bed. She just let her do that. She will do it anyway even if she refuses.

She is an apprentice, so is Dahlia. They live in Corinth, an empire ruled by the Ozera’s. Dahlia is now 19 and she will be turning the same age next month. This year of their lives is the most crucial, she thinks. Well, aside from being an apprentice, they will actually do the practical thing during this year.

 When they will turn 20, they will become a license Guardian. Probably you had heard stories about werewolves, witches, wizards and alike. They all belong in the magical realm. A world where they—the Guardians are most needed. Their role is to guide these hybrids and protect the interests of humans as well.

“Ok.” She sounded like a defeated army. “So what about this time?” she repeated. “The practical exam is still a week far. Couldn’t you just tone down a bit, it’s like I’m having a fire in my room.”

 “No.” Dahlia abruptly answered. “Don’t you remember? The exam is next week but today is the releasing of our schedules. Isn’t it wonderful? So, come on. Others are at school already.”

Oh great!  At school, at six in the morning? Is she kidding her? No fool would go at school this early.

How come they became bestfriends? Brianna still has to figure it out. Perhaps, no one wants to be with her at school so Dahlia, the ever friendly apprentice, volunteered to be one. She has no questions being alone. She doesn’t want to be noticed anyway. As much as possible, she wants to remain average. But that is just way ahead to be possible. She’s different. Like REALLY different.

Being an apprentice who hasn’t shown her powers at this age is a big turn off. While others are busy practicing to change forms, wield magic and summon world’s four elements, here she is—wishing she didn’t exist.

She’s just glad she has Dahlia. Well, her bestfriend is probably heading on the profession of being a Healer. Her shapeshifting ability is good, too. Whatever Dahlia wants in the future, she will surely be successful. 

She sighs. Her mind abruptly returns at the room when she saw Dahlia open her closet and start rummaging her clothes.

God! This is going to be a long day, she thought.

Dahlia picked a pastel colored dress for her today. She’s not fond of dressing like other apprentices but she can’t just avoid it when Dahlia beats her at waking up first. Obviously, she’s not a morning person.

If humans had their fashion industry and the so-called ramp models, well the Guardians must be living as such. Their life is luxurious and everything is calculated. Oftentimes, she thinks that school is not a place to learn new skills because apprentices simply attend to show off.

On their way to the academy, Brianna could see that Dahlia can no longer contain her excitement.

“Why are you so happy?” Brianna suddenly asked.

“Hmm?” Dahlia looked at her like she was surprise to hear her say something. “Nothing in particular.” And was silent for a while.

“You know what Brianna?” she interrupts but again hesitates and looked away. She seemed to be deep in her thoughts. “Nevermind”.

“C’mon spit it out!” she insisted.

“We’re bestfriends right? So, don’t get mad if I say this. You’re the princess. You’re supposed to be our role model. You should set a good example on how to reach out to people. Interact with them. You’ll be surprised in how they would react if you’d approach them.”

Dahlia peered at her to see that she’s listening. She’s lecturing her again and this conversation makes her roll her eyes.

 “I’m serious Bri. You’re beautiful, you’re smart…,” Dahlia gestured to her fingers like counting the positive attributes she have. And her best friend could just do that because she will not need her 10 fingers to count them all.

This is their routine every morning. Brianna prefers to walk for school every day and Dahlia is agreeable with it. She likes the morning air. Enjoying the sun. And hearing the rustle of trees. She likes it all. Like she wanted to build her own castle on the heart of this forest.

 “Heard you’re invited at a party tonight?” Brianna asked to change the topic. But Dahlia seemed to be out of herself at the moment because for the second time, she looked at her like she is not supposed to talk.

 “Uhmm…Yes.” she admitted but her expression is like I-don’t-know-if I-should-be-there and her shoulders fell. “Will you come with me?”

“No,” she answered without a second thought. “You know that I won’t.” she said matter-of-factly.

Dahlia just sighed.

“You’re ruthless Bri!”