John woke and started spinning to keep himself lucid in the dream. After a few turns he stopped to look around. The dream was solid.
The others appeared beside him. They were still recognisable, but had transformed into their avatars. Half human, half dragon. John had never seen another on the astral that had a similar appearance to himself.
Molly laughed as John looked around the group and then back to himself, eyes wide and mouthing silently to himself. She poked him in the side with an arrow. ‘Do you think you got into the agency based on your good grades genius? You’re one of us kiddo.’ She thrust her mighty crossbow into the air in mock salute. ‘One for all.’
‘Stop fucking around, Morgan. Find our two scouts and see if they have picked up the scent.’ The Emperor turned to John. He was twice Johns size in the physical realm, but here they were of equal stature. ‘Why do you have no weapon?’
John raised his massive hands. Like the rest of his body, they were covered in smooth black scales and long thin spikes. ‘Are you serious? I have only been attacked twice in all my time travelling here and that was years ago when I first started training.’
‘There are many levels of enemy, John. The Shades have developed new powers and are using different strategies than before.’ The Emperor held out an equally massive clawed hand and a katana materialised. He handed it to John. ‘Focus on this, it will increase your strength in battle.’
John took the sword. There were markings along the full length of the black blade, it was beautiful and almost weightless. ‘But what will you use?’
A distant thunder erupted. It came rolling towards them from every direction until it collided with itself in a vast explosion of light and sound. John uncovered his eyes to see that the Emperor was now wielding an enormous black and silver war hammer. ‘Prove yourself with the sword and the keys to the armoury shall be yours.’
Natalie cut in. ‘Molly is with the scouts, the Shade we are after has just passed through the Ninth Gate. They are in pursuit. Lets go.’

YOU ARE READING
Second Circle
ParanormalBelfast sorcerer John Crow brakes Agency protocol and as punishment gets partnered with a new mentor, crossbow wielding New York warrior witch, Molly Li Morgan.