MAGES: Blinding Light

Chapter 4

It was a beautiful spring morning, lush with different shades of green, golden light cast across the surface of the water as the sun began to rise. John had woken up early, eager to get on with the day. He was meant to meet Hudson down by the stream this morning at ten o'clock sharp. However, he didn't see the harm in watching the birds wake up. Of course now the birds were all fully awake and chirping about in the trees surrounding John's home.

He remained on the balcony for a little longer, pondering what he wanted to do this afternoon. It was then that he remembered something that Adam had said the previous day.

"That's right! We don't have anymore food." John spoke to himself.

He didn't know why, but for some reason he couldn't help smiling. It was good to be back, and he felt like a little walk to the markets this afternoon couldn't hurt. It was then that John took a quick stretch and turned around so he could get back inside. Just in time too, as a cold breeze was just passing by at that very moment.

After shutting the door behind him, John took a few paces over to the fridge. He knew that they were almost out of food, but he was so hungry he just needed to make sense. But alas, for as he opened the door he felt warm air escape from what was supposed to be a cool object. For a moment he stood there puzzled, until he noticed something missing at the back. The frost core, which was supposed to keep the fridge cool, was missing. John sighed in annoyance.

At least there's no food left to waste...

"Who the hell took the frost core out of the fridge?" John froze, suddenly remembering that it was too early for anyone to be awake.

Luckily for him, Harry wakes up early and was already coming down the corridor to return the frost core he ad taken from their fridge. John sighed again as he saw the familiar object in his friend's hand.

"Why do you take it Harry?" He asked in annoyance.

"Ummm... Oh! You mean the frost core? I was hot and, noticing that the fridge was empty, took it to cool myself down."
John gestured for Harry to return it back into its space.

"But your an air mage Harry, you could have just cooled down the air around you." Harry paused for a moment, his arm halfway in the fridge.

"Shut up. I was tired ok?"

Harry realised his stupid decision and John could tell he would kick himself for it. Rolling his eyes, John returned to him room to get some rest before he was supposed to meat Hudson.

Soon, John had woken again with only a few minutes before he should be down there. Hurriedly, he jumped out of bed and raced down the corridor. Panicking, he almost tripped on the steps down to the living room. For some reason he really didn't want to be late for this meeting. As he regained his stepping, he noticed Sonja standing by the dining table, chatting away with Summer. As he passed them, John heard Summer yelp in fright as he passed her.

"John!" John heard Sonja yell behind him in a frightened manner.

John stopped and retraced his steps preparing for her to go on at him for scaring them. However, he didn't have the time and really had to get down to the stream. Instead, he just gave her a small kiss on the cheek and wished her a good morning before going back to running.

"John! You gave me the fright of my life!" Sonja ignored his good morning.

"I know! And I'm truly sorry, really." John turned around quickly as he slid out the door.

He laughed to himself as he winked at her and shut the door behind him. Running down the steps to the stream, John thought about the relationship he shared with Sonja.

I know exactly what to ask Hudson!

John slowed down as he saw Hudson up ahead, pacing back and forth in impatience. As John neared the stream, he came to a stop in front of his friend. As Hudson noticed John had arrived he stopped his pacing and acknowledged John with a slight nod of his head.

"Fancy seeing you here on this fine Sunday morning!" Hudson smiled.

"Yes indeed, it's almost as if this was planned!" John replied in a jokingly manner.

The two stood there for a moment, staring each others down with blank expressions. Then, at the same time, they both brightened up and properly greeted each other.

"Now, I need to talk to you about something John." Hudson spoke seriously, "It's about what happened previously this week."

John understood what Hudson was going to speak about. Despite the long missed luxuries of home, the war had always been on his mind. The dark storm cloud always brewed above his head, becoming more and more dreadful every time he thinks about it.

"I understand." John sighed.

"Mmhmm... Look John, you know position in terms of war. You know I must fight you all when that day arrives."

John stiffened. He hadn't thought about it like that. If this did happen, he would be forced to fight his friends.

"I never considered that," John spoke calmly, "is there anything you can do about it?"

"I'm afraid not. Light has spoken, and no matter how unjust and selfish it is, she is still our leader."

"No, no. I understand. Don't be afraid-"

"Look John. Just because we're fighting doesn't mean we're not friends. I would be more than happy helping you with this. Just... Try not to kill people much. I might be able to find a way through this. Leave it to me."

"No, Hudson! Don't do that, it's not right."

"But it is John. You don't deserve this. Look, it won't be long now."

"Until what?"

"I can't say yet."

John sighed. It seemed as if Hudson was hinting at something, but he couldn't put his finger on it just yet. John thought about changing the subject. Suddenly, a previous thought re-entered his head.

"Anyway let's change the subject. Now Hudson, I need help with something,"

"What might you need help with?"

John thought carefully about what he was going to say.

"I need you to set up a date for me."