Echoes of the Past

Chapter Thirty Two - Part Two

Chapter Thirty Two: Back In Training - Part Two

"When we picture the source of Light inside us," she went on, "we need to clear our heads and focus with a singular determination."

"I'm not sure that makes sense."

She smiled, still holding his hand.

James thought back. "Sam said that the power came from the gods, and that we channelled it through our bodies. And.... that it took a lot of focus."

Liana nodded. "Right. But that's oversimplified. It takes a great strength of mind to wield magic. When we focus, we need to be wholly clear in our intent. Fully sure of ourselves and our actions. That is why the strongest magic user will spend as much time meditating as they do training, When you focus, you become aware of the channels you're tapping into and what they're doing to your body."

"And it's safe?" James asked. "Are there dangers with channelling magic?"

"With anything there are pros and cons, but magic is perfectly safe. It's how some people choose to use it that's a problem." She moved her hand over his toughlet. "There are subtle differences between which magic you channel. Our shield comes from a Light source, and for this one I find it easier to picture the stimulus of love. Warmth and compassion. Those are the emotions that are derived from Light magic."

"Magic is emotionally driven?"

"It can be. Particularly more so with the darker and more aggressive magic's. Those tend to be easier to tap into, and stronger to wield if the user is truly corrupted." Liana stepped back and lowered her hands. "Now. Happy thoughts. Search yourself and look for the change in energy within you. Be fully clear in your intent. Close your eyes."

James closed his eyes and focused, his arm still held out. He checked himself and focused on what his body was telling him, searching for something he wasn't sure of.

"This is a protective shield," Liana was saying, her voice quieter, softer now. "It flows through you and manifests itself from the body's natural defences. It works on a molecular level, travels through you and extents itself outward."

James focused. Loving, warm thoughts. He considered that, and realised they were difficult emotions for him to picture. A pang struck his chest, thinking of the lack of love in his life. After a while he noticed Liana had stopped talking, and the room had fallen silent.

He opened an eye and saw she no longer stood beside him.

Liana suddenly lunged at him from the side and James startled back. He cried out as her fist came out, bringing his arm up to intercept her attack.

A disc of blue-white light suddenly burst over James's arm and her fist smacked into it. James stumbled back and fell against the wall. Liana stood over him, breathing heavily and smiling.

"Oh, and it works best on instinct," she said. Her smile broadened, flashing her teeth. "Good work, James. You got it first time."

"You're crazy," he said, standing up. "What if I didn't get it? You would've broken my arm."

Liana chuckled. She almost seemed child-like in her merriment. "I never even considered that for a second."

James rubbed his arm and checked his toughlet, seeing if anything looked or felt different. It was such a strange thing, to see a bright light come over his forearm, like he had held a shield.

A sly grin was on Liana's face.

James let out a laugh. "Well it worked."

She looked at the booth and then back at James. "The Switch Detector should have enough charge by now." She paused a moment to watch his expression. "Ready to see what it says?"