Wizardly

Chapter Three: Plans

After my shower and finally calming down I went to the meeting Captain called us all too - after he called all remaining members back from duty of course. He went out of his way to make sure everyone would be here. I hoped he was finally going to get serious about these threats and have everyone either train or go after the dark guild.

When I finally brought myself together enough to head down I was surprised I was honestly the last one to attend. Were they really waiting for me before starting, I mean I'm sure I won't be any help in this fight.

"Now that Tyrian is here we can start. Today was a tragedy that I know has struck us all hard, but we cannot lose our composure. We do not know what the enemy is planning and rushing into a war before knowing could be disastrous. I want no one to travel outside the guild halls, should you feel the need I must be notified and everyone will leave in teams of two or more. For our non-magical members I prefer if you didn't leave at all, if you must though you will take a magic user with you no matter what, those are my orders," he said and seemed to look directly at me.

'What reason would I have to leave anyways? Sure I like school, but I'm not stupid, besides I'm not the only non-magic user here.' I sighed. 'Maybe he heard about the fight between Master and I and wants to make sure I don't do anything crazy.'

"Sir, what about our families and our friends? Do we have any reasons to worry about their safeties? And if the dark guild attacks us here won't the civilians get caught in the cross fire?!" A member called out and it started a bunch of chatter.

"Everyone shut up! None of us would let that happen and you know it," I called out over the chatter and arguing. Everyone fell silent and stared at me. I felt a little uncomfortable, but I balled my fists to keep my composure. "Sorry, but you're wasting time arguing instead of preparing," I added. Captain nodded to me and got everyone's attention again.

"Those who don't have magical abilities can work on a plan to either protect the town or evacuate it, while the rest of us do our best to train and prepare ourselves," he said. Everyone put their fist in the air as an "were with you" jesture, then everyone began to disperse to get prepared.

On my way out the door Captain rest his hand on my shoulder and told me we needed to talk. Sighing, I nodded assuming this was about my fight with Master Faraday. We went to his office and he had me sit down. To my surprise he didn't scold me.

"I simply just want to ask you how you are doing and ask if something is on your mind? You are usually a really quiet and well managed kid, yet today you faught Master Faraday, punched a door frame, and told everyone to shut up," he said.

'He doesn't know about the wall in my shower, but we'll not mention that to him.'

"Honestly, Sir, I don't know why I faught Master Faraday so confidently. The other stuff is because, well, I'm pissed off at those damned Evil Guild members. Mostly though I'm mad at myself for not being able to do a damned thing about it," I said.

"I know your time here has been challenging. It's not easy being the outsider or the odd ball, but no one thinks you're useless. We see you as a member of this guild as much as anyone else. None of us knew this attack would happen, even with powers we were powerless against their attack. That is on me though, for not preparing for the attack even knowing the threat," he said.

"Still, I'd like to continue my training with Master, if that's okay with you," I said. He sighed and nodded saying that if that's what I needed to get my anger out he'd allow it, but also asked if I'd shadow the developments of the plan to get the town evacuated. I nodded and stood from the chair I had sat in. He nodded back and I left the office.

I headed to the dining hall knowing that's where everyone who couldn't sleep - like me - would be. I had our chef make me a burger and some fries before finding my usual corner to hide in. Not that that stopped Naxos and Oliver from sitting with me. Great now they're not ever going to leave me alone.

'Why did I have to bring attantion to myself by fighting the master and opening my big mouth?'

I tried my best to ignore them both. When Mara, Lillyana and Zane joined us as well I was honestly surprised. No one ever sits with me except Mara and Naxos.

"You're back, Sis!" Naxos yelled and attacked her with a hug. "I missed you so much, how was your trip?" He asked still hugging her tight.

"It was fine, Nox. Let go of me please. Honestly, I came back with the two that were killed, but I had to make an errand in town so I guess I was lucky I wasn't there. Still, they shouldn't have been killed," she said staring down at her food. I rest my hand on her's.

"They were skilled wielders and none of us will let their deaths go unavenged. The Captain has a plan, I'm sure of it," I said. She smiled at me through teary eyes and nodded. I nodded back then went back to eating.

"Hey, Lilliana. I'm pretty sure my boy here has a thing for you," Naxos said out of nowhere.

'No way, how'd he know that? I've never told anyone about that.'

"No I don't," I muttered and rolled my eyes at him trying to play it off. Yes I like her, but I don't want Lilliana knowing my feelings for her, incase she feels the same. I am leaving and when I do I don't want anyone to be close enough to me to be hurt by it. "You know I don't like anyone like that. Besides you said the same thing about, Liv. yesterday. Believe it or not, not every guy has to sleep with or like every girl they come into contact with," I added to turn the awkwardness off of me and onto him. Both Lillyana and Oliver nodded and hit him upside the head.

"He's right you know. Those poor girls don't deserve to be strung along and hurt like you do, brother," Mara said. I had almost forgot she was here already, she's so quiet compared to the rest of the members I get along with.

I sighed and once my food was finally finished I left the others telling them I was heading to bed. Not really feeling sleep just yet I headed to the library. To my surprise Mara joined me a little while later. She didn't say a word just opened her book and quietly started reading. I knew there had to be a reason she came here though so why isn't she talking? When she passed out on the couch I sighed, closed my book and gently covered her with my jacket.

'What had she come after me for? I hoped she wasn't blaming herself for what happened, I was.'

Sighing, not sure what to do I let her sleep and headed back to my room. I ran directly into Lillyana just down the hall from the library. I apologized then started to continue on my way. She stopped me dead in my tracks though.

"You're planning on leaving the Guild aren't you?" She asked. Damn it, I knew Nox wouldn't be able to keep my secret forever, but I wasn't especting this so soon. I fisted my hands, but didn't turn around to face her. "I'm right aren't I? That's why you keep everyone at arms length and why you push us all away when we try to be friends with you, isn't it?" She added.

"I just don't want to hurt anyone or want anyone to stop me. I don't belong here, I never did. I'm not smart like my parents were, nor have powers like all of you. I'm not even that great at fighting how I survived fighting Master I don't know, but if I had to fight for real I'd be useless," I said.

"If they ever thought you weren't family or were useless they wouldn't have taken you in here and would have let you go to a foster family. It was your parents request that you grow up here, because they considered this Guild family. However, we know that every person has their own chosen path and should you choose to leave we can't stop you. But don't choose for the rest of us whether or not we should be your friend," she said.

"I just, I don't know if I can keep doing this. Every day I'm reminded that I'm not like any of you. I can feel and see you all getting stronger and it's hard," I said leaning back against the wall. She came to stand next to me.

"And every day you get stronger and smarter too. It's normal to feel like an outsider, Tyrian, we all feel that way sometimes. But we have each other to talk to and to help. Why didn't you just talk about this with us?" She asked.

"I don't know, I guess I didn't think you guys would understand. I don't even really understand it myself," I mumbled and sighed.

"Besides I wasn't planning on leaving until I turn 18. I know thats two years from now, but thats two years that you guys have to talk me out of it. That's why I didn't tell anyone about it. Well, except Nox, because lets face it he can be annoying and can persuade you to tell him anything," I added. Lilliana smiled and I loved seeing her smile. She bumped me with her shoulder and told me to follow her. I did hesitantly.