Magecraft

Day 1: A Morning of Change

Okay. This is awkward, talking to my screen. But to whoever is reading, please... Help me. I'm about to disclose information that changed the whole course of society. And by doing so, I might be killed on the spot.

My name is Marc Skylark. And I am a Magi.

Maybe I should start with a little history lesson. (Ugh.)

Many years ago, People had the gift of using the elements to their liking. These were the first Elementalists. There are those who can manipulate reality, they are called Illusionists. Some rely on tools, spells, charms, or voodoo. They are what we call Wizards/Witches. And some, who can use Magic with the wave of their hands, they are called Sorcerers. And very rarely, people borrow the power of Omniscient Beings, they are called Warlocks.

Me? Like I said, I'm a Magi. A person who can do all those things.

Now then, back to the dull Lesson.

The Last reported act of Magic was during the Mediaeval Era. Yeah, the time before Steam Engines and the Internet were keeping us alive. Then the latest discovery of magic (thanks to some geniuses who bullied the poor guy...) Was the year I was born, 2015. And believe me when people never believed someone creating a Dragon out of Fire when they celebrated the Lunar New Year in Plaza Miranda in the Philippines.

Since 2015, Mages need to hide their powers or they will be brought to the Skylark Research Facility. My Family's Lab of Studying the Lost Art the world slims down as "Magecraft". And where did that left me? You guessed correctly. I was Test Subject #0001.

Okay I guess that's enough about the History Lesson. Now, I'm about to start off why people want me dead. Okay firstly, It wasn't my fault why everyone in the facility got blown to bits. Second. I was kidnapped. Third, I don't know who kidnapped me, they just dumped me at the nearest ferry where I was sbipped to Manila.

It all started 3 days before October 28th of the year 2027. My birthday...

It was back in the Research Facility. My room consisted of White Tiles and mirrors in every corner of the wall. The Overlook of my room was covered by tinted Glass. No one can see me, but I could see them. My family made sure my existence was... A Secret. I mean, if you were a top researcher of Pharmaceuticals and the Chief Executive of a Business overseeing Mechanical Advancement, and your relatives are Government Officials or related to the Government, you wouldn't want the public know that you have a living Weapon as a relative, now would you?

The only love I felt with my parents is... Well... Them keeping me a secret. My existence might be the key of making humans stop Global Warming and help protect the Natural Order. But that wasn't what they saw it. They think it as a disease that needs to be stopped. And so they took their son, as a lab rat to find the Cure. In most cases. But, and it happens when my parents are away (which is always),the sentries beat me up for 'being a mage'.

Another problem is that the Government is actually funding this effort. Many scholars and researchers applied for this job, and I met many of them, every day they brought in new people to be researched upon. The same plastic smile, the same false hope giving, and the same look of disgust.

Someone knocked on my door. It was that time of the day again. A psychiatric evaluation.

Dr. Weathers came in with his usual brown coat, his hair a disheveled mess, and his presence a complete ragged aura.

"Hello again Mr. Skylark. I trust the medicine has subsided." He asked with a yellow teeth smile.

That medicine he asked? It was Morphine. It knocked me out before I could say Uno!

I only nod to show that I can still feel the effects.

"Good... Good... You're waking. Now then, why don't you tell me about what you're feeling today?" He asked.

I was so dizzy I almost puked, but I managed to talk.

"Scared... And lonely..." I said weakly.

I guess the morphine is still in effect. The doctor then pouts and writes something on his notes.

"I'm sorry to hear that. Anyway, how was your dinner?" He asked.

My dinner? Oh, the hard Bread and the very pale cauliflower salad.

"Bland... As always." I told him.

"I see... Well. I guess I should report this to the upper brass. And oh, I have some good news for you. Your parents would like to meet you tomorrow for dinner." He said.

I didn't made smile. Nor did I reacted. The only company I had since I was in this Room for more than 11 years is the number of Doctors, Physicians, Psychiatrists, and my Optometrist. But never my parents.

"Why?" I asked blankly.

"I didn't asked their reason, but they just told me. Be glad, Mr. Skylark! You're finally about to see your parents."

I thought about Mr. Weathers' words as he left. I just lay in bed, thinking what and why my parents would see now. I glanced at the mirror and saw my reflection. Staring back was a Boy with black pixie short hair, grass green eyes, and a very skinny complexion. They say my muscle mass wasn't that of a 15 year old, and that I should get some exercise. And I just told myself;

'Oh silly me. Sure, let me tell my Parents. Oh wait! They want me dead!'

One thing to take note of here in Skylark Research Facility. They treat all of us as rats, not patients. They only feed us bread and greens. And the occasional White Meat, but that comes remotely. My Parents know that feeding me to support my physical needs will only strengthen my resistance to the Morphine. So they kept my diet to the strictest. Cauliflower dampens my Magic Circuits, and the Bread was full of Raisins and Nuts. Both of which I really despise. So I had to eat very few.

Another knock on my door. And when I looked down, it was just my breakfast... The smell was indistinct. But it smelled good. I looked over and it wasn't the usual food. It was actually a Good, Hearty, and Crunchy bread. No nuts, no raisins. And near it was a glass of milk. And on the other side, was a strip of red and white. I didn't know what it was but the smell was so Good I lunged towards the plate. But before I ate, I looked at the note.

Enjoy the food. Be ready. ETOE: 2230.
-F. C.

F. C.? Never knew who it was but I wolfed away. The bread was still warm, the milk was cold,and the weird strips were so good I wanted to have more. When I finished, I went to the bathroom and washed my hands, for the first time in years, I actually enjoyed my meal. Actually, it was the first time I felt joy.

I lay down and thought about what happens later. Meeting my parents... That will be the shocker of the century.

It will be my first. And my last time to see my parents.