Chapter 61: Witch Trial

"Hold up!" I caught up with the masked man, who I found out was named Merlin. "You dragged me here, but I don't even know what I'm supposed to be doing here?"
            "Your job is simple really, you'll be working with Merinda disguised as one of the townsfolk, creating a riot at the appointed time and while making an escape. Simple is it not?" He pointed his hand behind me toward the woman I just talked with, she made a bewitching smile and waved her hand toward me, I waved back without thinking. "If that's all my job is then it wouldn't make a difference if I was here or not."
             "Not quite so, your job is actually a critical part of our plan, so as easy as it sounds, if you mess up then the whole plan will go down by your hand."
           "Thanks, you just gave me an unnecessary pressure."
            "You’re welcome" he said with a smile, "besides, our second main objective today is for you to understand how we work, that way it will save a lot of words to explain."
            "Boss, the portal is ready!" We turned toward the wall that acted as a barrier circling the town and a magic circle was drawn on it. The next thing happened after it began to light up, the wall distorted and what came into view was the other side of the wall. "Those who will disguise themselves as townsfolk should get in from here. The others will sneak in as planned. If we're lucky, we might save an extra life before the day starts." so he said as more than half of the others along with himself spread out into the darkness.
            "Come on let's go" Merinda locked her hands with mine and together, we went passed the distorted wall. There were others who came in pairs through it, but after getting passed they all disappeared from our side. "The portal connects to various spots in town, since the one who made it is a local here, making it isn't hard." she explained when she saw me looking dumbfounded. "I know of similar spells but I have never experienced this kind of spell before."
              Merinda smiled at me, her smile became more childish this time as she said "The people here are all unique so try not to be surprised too much with all the magic you've never imagined being able to see" She then touched the hem of my brown robe, she uttered a spell which then had the strings that make up the robe unstitch all at once, then the string began to entwine with one another, making up something that held on to my shoulders and down to my waist, it was after it was finished that I realized I was tugging a shoulder bag on my side. My robe that had been a knee length was cut off into chest length, but still it didn't make me look conspicuous. "Take it as a gift" she said with a wink.
             I blinked a few times with eyes beaming in awe, the spell itself was simple yet seeing a spell I had never seen before with such unique originality, really put a kick   to the 'geek' side inside me. "We should go now, looks like we're in time for the fireworks." her words sounded cheerful but her expression said otherwise. Her eyes turned sharp with anger, silently bringing fire to them. Her lips curled down, and she had the look of distaste. She held my hand and pulled me toward the middle of the town.
            What kind of fireworks did she mean I wonder?
             The answer came right after the scene changed before her, at first she was already dubious that the streets had people wandering toward the same direction at a time when the sun is still far from coming out. When she saw the large crowd gathering in a circle with torches in hand, if one had looked over the town from above, anyone would surely be able to see one part of the town giving off a bright light. Seeing such a thing, they would think the town's people were having a gathering, a festival, or some sort of ritual. However, in the 1600s, if one saw such a light, only one thought would come up to them.
            "KILL THE WITCH!"
            "BRING HER OUT!"
            "DEATH TO HERESY!"
            The scene she was witnessing was the rise of an angry mob. The night that had been so quiet before became ear wrenching. When me and Merinda began to smuggle ourselves into the midst of them. The circling hate and anger swirled in the atmosphere and I felt it on my back, I felt it oppressing me. I've known my whole life about this, but it was the first time I witnessed a witch’s execution.
           "I thought we could witness the trial, but it looks like the situation has long past from that." she said with clear distaste. Two heavy armored men came out from the building just ahead. They were dragging a woman up toward a stage, which led to a stake about twice my height that had wood and hay covering the ground below it. My attention switched toward the woman who was being called a witch. Her curled brown hair was in disorder, her face blacken from dirt and bruises that she looked barely recognizable. Her hands and feet had signs of being heavily burned and I might have been mistaken, but she seemed to have lost a finger or two. My eyes widened more when I realized that woman was far from being a witch, she was a normal person.
               "Didn't they say they were have a trial, they should have cleared the doubts of her identity, then?"
               Merinda laughed her hat off. She clutched her stomach and her eyes began to tear up just a little, if it weren't for the fact that the mob's angry voice covered her laughter, they would have started looking at her with strange gazes. "Honey, don't ever say that in front of the others or you'd be the laughing stock of the group, so let me tell you the fact about the witch trial is that they're just formality and a way for the church to show case their power. It doesn't matter if you're not a witch, once you're caught, you become one."
              The mob began to raise their voices further at the same time my insides were boiling up from anger knowing the unjust system that roamed this country. The woman had been tied to the stake. I began to wonder why she would let herself be treated this way, when she's not who others claim her to be. Rather, her eyes seemed to be dead and she looked like she had no strength left to live.
            "THEA!"
            The crowd's voice subsided, in the midst of all those angry people. A man, middle aged came running through the mobs, he was desperately trying to get in front. When I turned my gaze toward the woman, the life in her eyes came back and she had a disbelieving look on her as her mouth started gaping. That man is most likely her husband, he looked like he would have climbed up and embraced her, if the soldiers didn't halt him in his tracks. "Thea, what are you doing here, they should have made it clear, you're not a witch!" he said, ignoring the soldiers that held him back. The man began to point his finger at the church people, his expression was way past being outraged. "You people, aren't you supposed to clear up normal people from the witches! Why the hell are you trying to burn my wife?!"
            "With all due respect Sir, but your wife has already confessed herself as a witch including her crimes as one."
            "No, no way, I've known her since I was a child, we've been together for almost most of our lives and I've never witnessed her touching or doing anything related with witches, you're making this up, it's a conspiracy I tell you! Give us proof if she is what she is you claim or I'll announce that the trial is a hoax!" his voice had already begun to rise so that all of the crowd, was able to hear him and they began whispering with each other. The man must have been a man with influence if his words held weight toward the people. The woman in question began to tear up as her mouth was moving, probably calling out his name. Had she used up most of her voice? No sound came from it, which made me pity her, that she couldn't call up to the man she loved most.
            "SILENCE!"
             A heavy voice quieted down the mob, everyone turned towards the source of the voice. A man slowly came up to the stage, he was wearing a gold embroidered black linen shirt with an artichoke pattern and with deep cuffs. He had a wide lace collar, and an orange waistline along with black pants. He had a fine beard that fully hid his chin and had the same white color along with his curled shoulder length. His face was chubby and he was as fat as a bear that you could not see his neck at all. What I immediately hated about him was the look of his bright brown eyes that looked down on all the people that met his sight and the arrogant bearings he had just helped in putting him in a negative place within my eyes.
            "The Archbishop Kronberg is here!" said one person. My eyes might have bobbled out when I realized, he had the title that added reasons for me to hate him even more. "This is getting interesting, the man leading the trial himself came out." whispered Merinda. The Archbishop whispered to the guards and they let the man get up on the stage alongside him. "What seems to be a problem Mr. Mayor? You seem to have a complaint with our decision."
            "Are you taking me for a fool? What kind of husband will sit and wait like a sitting duck for his wife to get burned to death!"
            The Archbishop’s expression changed to a more sympathetic and sad look, "I'm so sorry to inform you, but as you know witchcraft is a blasphemy toward God, punishable by death. We may not have proof she is a witch because we've taken her according to an anonymous tip but you don't have proof that she is not either, besides, she has already confessed who she is and her crimes."
           The Mayor gritted his teeth as he clenched his fist tight, he had eyes that targeted the Archbishop with animosity, but it quickly subsided with the Archbishop next words. "However, God is merciful, if you are so sure that she is innocent, that she may be under the pretense of being forced to confess as a witch, then we will re-investigate this matter " seeing a light of hope in his words, the mayor's expression brightened and he began to tear up. However, there was an eerie feeling creeping in my heart, as if I knew instinctively things wouldn't end so smoothly.
           The Archbishop then headed toward the woman chained to the stake, her body shuddered and her face was horrified seeing him. "What do you want to do miss?" he said with his most soothing voice, "If you take back your confession, then we will have to continue our 'interrogation'"
            I noticed he put an emphasis on the word 'interrogation' and I noticed her face began to sink further as she shook her head. "Thea?" called out the mayor. With the last of her strength, the woman named Thea finally talked, "There's no need for that, I AM A WITCH!" the crowd that had been whispering was silent once more. It wasn't everyday someone would confess being a witch in front of so many people even when death crept near. It didn't escape my sight that the Archbishop smiled but then turned it into a grave look on his face. "Would you mind confessing what you told us in trial?"
            Thea nodded readily, "My witch name is Ravynne and I killed that man's wife and impersonated her so I could live in this town. You might not know, but I've been putting illusion on you so you wouldn't notice me as any different with your old wife. Since arriving in town I've been summoning demons in the name of the Great Satan and would regularly make sacrifices, usually with a goat's entrails."
            People were shocked at her bold statement and soon began to raise slander to her. Some even started to pick up pebbles and stones. The mayor looked dumbfounded and didn't even know what to say as his knees sank down to the ground. "You heard her, we will now begin the persecution, START THE FIRE!"
            My mind that had been frozen from the bold statement that was obviously a lie to me was brought back, when they began to make preparation for her death. Her confession was even ludicrous, since we don't worship demons or make sacrifices in our spare time. "This is outrageous, she's not even a witch so why would she lie like that?"
            "All I have is speculation, from what I know when someone enters the witch prison, they will be interrogated until they confess that they're a witch. But what I mean by interrogation is torture. Most people end up confessing to being a witch even if they're not, so that they wouldn't have to go through with the suffering anymore. They made up the worst lie of their life, their bond, even their faith to be free from their suffering." said Merinda with a clear hint of sadness and pity in her voice. Her eyes looked distant as she watch the event on the stage.
            One of the soldiers began to come over here with a torch in hand, the mob began to raise their voice in excitement, chanting for her to die. It made me sick to the stomach. "When are we going over with the plan?"
            "You'll know the signal when you see it, it should be a few more minutes"
            "What was our job again, creating a ruckus was it?"
            "Yes but....Claudia what are you planning?"
            Without paying heed to her, I raised my voice as loud as I could until it might have echoed the whole town (of course that's not possible without using my mana). "DID YOU FIND THE MARK OF THE WITCH?!" everyone took heed of my words, the crowds, the soldiers, and the Archbishop himself. While everyone was silent, he was the one to ask me. "What do you mean the Mark of the Witch?"
             Great, he took the bait.
             "When one decided to take upon themselves with witchcraft, a mark will start to appear in one part of their body. A mark of heresy you might say that God himself put to those who denounce Him. Yes, something like this." I raised my hand and tuck in my sleeve, revealing a magic circle place just below my wrist. Everyone started to back off from me, knowing that admitting I have the Mark of the Witch concludes I am a witch. In reality, all that was made up, but it's not like they know that.
            I began to chuckle and soon started a loud laughter that gave goose bumps to all around me. "I must say, thank you so much for providing great entertainment. It's getting hard to get good entertainment these days." Merinda decided to come up behind me and whispers in a very worried tone, "What are you doing?"
            I wanted to ask that to myself as well, but this is the only way to save her right now. "What do you mean by that?" asked the Mayor after he got a hold of himself. "Exactly as I say, to think I only brainwash her a little to make her think she's a witch and look what it made you all do. It's been a while since I'm doing it and none of you even stop to realize, it was very comical having you burn all those innocent people with your own hand." I could feel the crowd was mixed with various emotion. Most were anger and confusion. I didn't like how their eyes were glued to me, I lived my life out in the sticks half of my life, you couldn't blame for having a little stage fright.
            "Are you claiming you brainwashed people as your so called entertainment?" the Archbishop affirming my words.
            "YOU WITCH!" the mayor roared in fury as he ran toward me, ready to choke me to death I bet. I made an obvious sigh and made a spell that had him float in the sky. Everyone was taken aback and ran when one of them thinks I was going to kill them all. Well for starters, I decided to play around with the mayor a little and have him twirl around in the sky, my mind was then caught off guard by the sudden owl passing by my side, causing the mayor to fall down to stage with a loud thud.
            Sorry Mayor, that was an accident, really.
            I turned my sight toward the owl, while nothing looked unusual other than the hazel eyes it had. A pair of human eyes. Is this the sign that Merinda talked about?
            Not to my surprise, the soldiers began to line up and the circle around the plaza. Right after, people in blue robes appeared and began to attack the soldiers from behind, one started blasting a catchy spell, similar to fireworks as if trying to get all their attention to this place. More soldier came, more spell were used, and one word could describe the plaza right now.
             Chaos.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Btw, the same fan made another fan work, this time of Claudia with her two sisters. If you're curious you could check it out on http://forum.novelupdates.com/threads/witch-life-fan-art.845/

Chapter 60: The Owl Strikes

Hello readers, this week was another horrible week of test and getting sick (again) 

 

However, good news is I found an editor! I'm sure some know the person from the comment board if you like reading it. Also with this, I won't have to worry much about grammar and typos anymore, so that my good fellow readers won’t have to point out every mistake I make and can whole heartily enjoy the novel.  Even if there's still a mistake, now I can have someone to blame HaHaHaHaHa. 

So before the story, how about a few words of greeting Aria?

 

*** 

Hi everyone, it’s me, Aria here. It’s such an honor to be helping Marisa-senpai. I’ll try my best to edit to my utmost limit. Though I’m confident in my English skills, in truth I’m not a native speaker so I’m bound to make a mistake or two so please be patient when that happens (I believe even natives make mistake). I can see that Marisa-senpai is having fun making me the scapegoat.

I actually run a wordpress blog on my own it’s lasciviousimouto.wordpress.com a translation website, and some original web novels. Please visit if you don’t mind.

Aside from that, I’ll be working with you all so, yoroshiku onegaishimasu~  (^_^)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 60: The Owl Strikes

"Lisse, you can't give you up! Not when I need you most right now"

            "I'm sorry Claudia, but you know I won't last long so you have to move on without me, I---oh no, Claudia you have to get out of there, he's tracking you from our connection, he's---"

            The connection was cut inside my head, I cursed helplessly and ran from my hiding place, jumping from tree to tree, covering myself beneath their shade. Just when I felt it was safe enough, I felt the unnatural flow of mana from the trees around me. It annoyed me how every single time I could never sense him until it was too late. The roots and branches around me wiggled their way toward me, binding my arms and legs into place. From the shadows, he strolled out sensing that the game was over. 

            I didn’t want it to end like this, not like the last time. I hesitate to use my fire magic since it might spread, but if I don't show him my control in magic then all this would be for naught. I breathed out, releasing the tension which had piled up inside me. 

              [Fire Blast]

             He noticed me chanting and backed off immediately, avoiding the cascade of combustion spreading in a linear motion throughout the roots attached to me. Smoke covered me and I used it to my advantage, [Wind Chase] and in response to my chant, the smoke coiled around my hand and shot out at a frightening speed. 

            I spotted my opponent running through the forest with the thick gray smoke following behind him, he was no match for its speed and the smoke coiled around him while trying to shove itself down his throat. That kind of spell wouldn't hold him for long so while his sight is removed. I used one of my best spells to put him down for good. 

            I took out 6 of my Magic Stones and threw it toward him with precision, the stone reacted with my mana and formed together as a prison as it shot out spikes of ice. "This time the deed is done, [Earth Barricade]"

            The earth shot up and made a 5 foot tall wall surrounding it. I pumped my fist, thinking it was over. "What's wrong with you today?" My back jolted and when I turned towards his voice, his hand stretched out to me and with one word, he cast a spell on me, I could have blocked it with my mana, but after depleting it, I was vulnerable, and so I lost consciousness.

#

"Can you tell me what you did wrong today?"

          Today, Master wore an angry rather than a dissatisfied face. He was never satisfied with me always getting caught by him, but today it seems my performance was worse than any other day. 

          "I was quick to judge the state of my opponent and I got worked up in the end, I am still not good at sensing your presence, my mana was depleted when I should've always reserved a fair amount for emergencies." explaining my own shortcomings felt like making myself eat a sour plum, it makes me feel a lot more miserable than having pointed out by others. 

          "Moreover you're slow" Master further pointed out, "haven't I told you many times that your goal is to escape not to fight, and you were eager at it too, did something happen?" I gripped my hand tighter and the thought of the Strix, floated in my mind. What in the world was wrong with me? It's obvious I should stay away but I can't get them out of my mind. "I was thinking of some things"

          "Things you couldn't even share with me." I looked up to see instead of him standing while looking down on the me that sat on my thighs, he then crouched so that he was at the same eye level with me. The expression in his eyes changed to that of worry, a dreadful guilt weighed against my heart seeing it and I hesitated not to tell him anything. "I'm just out of it today, you know---since it's that time of the month for me today." 

           My Master raised an eyebrow at me, but I succeed in putting off the topic. He then turned the subject to my punishment. "You know the usual I'm sure." 

           I sigh as I gave in to it. "One week of potion making, what potion will it be this time?" 

           "I'm still thinking on it, though personally I'd like you to make a Regrowth Potion"

           "ANYTHING BUT THAT!" I exclaimed. My eyes were begging and moistened just hearing it. If you're wondering why, then it's because one of the ingredients is a headless cockroach. If you ask me to jump off a cliff, done. Fighting an army of soldiers, no problem. 

            Handling a cockroach? Rotting in prison sounds more charming to me. 

            "Though I was sure Lisse would be where you were, but I guess I was wrong"

            ".....what are you talking about? Didn't you track me from her Link Spell that extended to me?" 

           "If I did that, it'd be much faster to get to her before you, in fact I tracked you faster because you were spreading your mana more than usual" 

             "That can't be right, you taught me to reuse my mana as much as I can, so there would be less traces of me left behind." comprehending each other’s own words, the two of us then had the same astound expression, realizing what Lisse did. "She tricked me! She used me as bait to get away!" 

            "She had always been capable of tricking you but to think she could outwit me as well, obviously she has a better head than you"

            "What's that supposed to mean?"

            "I'm saying, rather than always think your way with your spells, you should think with your head instead. I'm quite worried since a simple minded person like you would easily get swayed with sweet words and caught in the momentum of things. I wouldn't be surprised if you'd get trick into joining a shady group." 

            My whole body froze for just a second and then I laugh because of what my Master had said. Certainly it won't be as he said, but I couldn't say it out loud confidently. We got back to our home, there I saw Adelle, putting out plates, the smell of barbecued deer meat sent a tingling rumble to my stomach. Not just her, Lisse was there, helping her out by putting out glasses and other tableware alongside with another person helping alongside them. Her blond hair was braided, she was wearing a grey skirt and a casual brown shirt. Her flat shoes looked worn, it was obvious looking at them that it wasn't made to walk around the thick forest, her slender arms looked white and clean as if she had never met any hardship with them. 

            "Astrid you came!" I ran over to her side and hug her, I cuddled my best friend tightly and she respond with a laugh. 

“What brings you here today?" I asked. 

"Did you forget?" she leaned on closer to my ear with a small voice, "didn't you send me a message saying you wanted to talk, just the three of us"

            When she told me that, my memory jolted that I did send her a message, but I didn't think she would come here so soon since I sent it at dawn today. I nodded at her and then called out to Lisse, saying we need to talk. "Master, we'll be going for a walk for a moment, don't eat the meat by yourself, you're getting fat these days" I said that but I was too late, Master had already stuffed himself with two sticks of the deer meat that had just finished grilling, Miss Adelle seemed to look flustered since he ate it while it was still piping hot. "What I eat is none of your business, if you want to go, hurry and go!" he said after gulping down the meat. I sigh at his disgraceful behavior and went out, just the three of us.

#

Once we were out of sight from Master's view, I turned toward Lisse who was on my left and shot a quick spell toward her. [Wind Choke], the wind followed the movement of my gaze and aimed at her neck. Lisse was surprised but responded quickly with a chant, her spell was much faster than mine and suddenly water shot out from below and aimed at my face. The attack was to disrupt my concentration and my spell was stopped in the middle, but the pressure had struck her chest, causing her to staggerdown. I forced myself to continue chanting underwater, or more like inside the water and a burst of flame evaporated the spell.

           I stroll my way to her, held out my hand for her to grab and help her get up. "That's for making me a bait!" 

           "Hey, niether of us want to spend our week making potions, so no hard feelings here." Lisse winced in pain as she got up and held her chest. Did I overdo it? Usually she's fine with this much power. "Seriously, can you not resolve everything with magic, it's like nothing is inside your head except for spells."

             "Shut up." I said while giving her a hard slap on her back. To think not only Master but even Lisse would say the same thing. Am I that simple minded? Somehow the fact is hard to swallow. 

             As we bicker, Astrid laughed at the back. At the start she would look at us with worry whenever either of us might get hurt, now she's already used to it. If an outsider see this, it might look like we have corrupted or brainwashed the mind of an innocent woman as she was dragged away by two dreadful witches. 

            "So, isn't it about time you tell us why we're here?" 

            I nodded at her remark. I took the paper from my pocket and gave them a look of what's written as I tell them a story of that meeting.

            "Claudia--this...you have to throw it away!" 

          "Obviously, groups that invite you and not me are 100% suspicious" rolling my eyes away from Lisse’s stupid remark. My face turned slightly guilty after seeing their worried looks. "I would but...I don't know of what my own feelings are telling me, I thought there was nothing wrong in scouting them first"

           "Don't be silly Claudia, do you realize what you have been caught in?"

            "If I did then I wouldn't be so torn right now. As shady as they are...I can't judge them without knowing them myself. Besides, coming into my own convenient conclusion without knowing the person is something I will not do." I affirmed myself to her. Astrid didn't look satisfied with my answer, her pretty face had wrinkles between her eyebrows, and her bright blue eyes flash with anger. I cowered at her rarely shown expression, "Looks like you would rather listen to a group you know nothing about rather than us, and sorry that I came, I ended up pointlessly taking your time." She said that as she gave me back the paper and all alone she rushed back. 

            I didn't want to leave her at this time where, it'll get dark by the time she goes back to her village. Lisse held my hand that was about to reach out to her, "I'll make sure to take her back to the village, you should think hard on this case yourself for what's best for you. Honestly, I'm disappointed that you take their side over ours"

            "I'm not taking anyone's side, I am on my own side"

            Lisse smiled wryly, she let go of my hand and followed Astrid. I heaved a sigh and brush my hair back. When I felt my hair was getting longer and thought how I wanted to cut it. "Choosing what's best for me by myself, is it?"

            I look at the paper in my hand, written on it was the time and place, complete with a map. I crushed the paper in my hand and decided that I would not become a part of them. 

            My correct decision at that time, should've been not to go at all.

# 

"How's the potion making progressing, my Dear Claudia?"

            "You Jerk, not only did you have me skip dinner for this, but you're forcing me to stay up all night and that's the first thing you ask?" just when me and Lisse had returned, ready to eat dinner. Master had to give me my punishment on the spot, yanking me away from my plate. The potion he assigned to me, was the Beast Potion, it is a really hard potion with lots of rare ingredients, what's more since you need the moonlight as one of the ingredients, I had to pull an all nighter for this. 

            "Don't forget to dilute it, we don't want anyone to accidentally turn into something like a wolf permanently. I'll be going to sleep now so work hard." He turned his back and left for his room and I secretly stuck out my tongue from behind.

            After an hour or two, when I was sure Master was fast asleep. I stopped working on the potion and put on my robe along with my bag. I took out the folded paper in my pocket, on one side there was the time and place he wrote, and on the other side there was a teleportation magic circle. I took a deep breath after resolving my mind once more, I channeled my mana to it and the paper started to distort and spread to my entire surroundings.  I unintentionally closed my eyes as I lost my senses caused by the distortion and felt myself forced into another place.

            "Glad you could make it."

            When I open my eyes, I was standing on top of a hill, the moon light shone on top, revealing the people surrounding me. Their attire were different and they weren't wearing mask, but I could tell some were the same people I saw last time along with that guy. There were twenty people present, all were circling largely around the leader of this group. 

            "Are all these people member of Strix?"

            "We have a lot more members than this, but yes they are a part of my group." that man looked intensely at me through his mask. I look back at him without losing to his gaze, "I'm here to give you my answer straight to you" 

            "Save your answer for later," he threw something at me and I instinctively caught it with my hand. It was a bracelet. I observed it carefully and found there was a similar magic circle on the paper etched on it as well. "This isn't just drawn, it's enchanted as well, but what's the meaning of giving this to me?"

            The one who answered wasn't him, but the blond boy I saw the other day. "Well, it'd be bad if we get captured so instead we need an escape route just in case." I knit my eyebrows and it took me a moment before I understood why they were all here. They drag me along as we went down the hill, and on the way I could see the silhouette of a town. "Where are we donig and what are we here for?" 

              The next one who answered me was a woman, she looked like she was in her late 20s. She wore a playful smile with her red lips, her cleavage was shown from the gap in her robe, you could say she has the perfect image of a mature yet sexy lady. "Didn't Merlin tell you? We are in Mainz, home of one of the notorious witch trials, and we're here to put an end to it." she said it with a playful tone as she wet her lips. 

           It didn't take long for me to understand what was going to happen, and before I could say anything, I was swept by the group as all of us rushed toward the town. It was a night I could never forget, not after seeing the horrible reality that day. 

Hello and sorry

To all loyal readers.
I'm sorry to say because of my jam packed schedule, I couldn't find any time to finish this week novel. That's why instead, my friend had suggested me posting tips in writing when I showed her one where I give suggestion to another friend. Because I'm still inexperience, it might not be much but enjoy this [9 Tips of Writing] until the next chapter.

1. Preserve; the hardest thing about writing is getting the idea yet you're too tired or lazy to write.

2. Write at every idle time, why I was able to post in time is because I write whenever there's nothing to do, even if it's only 5 minutes or just writing your future idea, it helps a lot.

3. Stealing is good! okay it's not that good, but the stealing I'm talking is not plagiarism. It's using other ideas and making your own, similar to fan fiction or artist covering another artist's songs in their own unique way. The challenge is to make it original as possible with other's idea as inspiration. Though after I read it again, there are some part in my story that wasn't original enough since I'm out of ideas, I plan to revise it in the future.

4. The other challenge in writing is connecting one idea with the other. If it's me, first I write the most important scene of the story, then I just write as many scenario as possible and use the the best story. Afterward don't post it yet, wait for at least 3 days before you read it again to find mistakes in words(which I usually suck at) or the story itself. What you need to be careful is making sure the story makes sense. No matter how interesting the story, if it's too absurd or doesn't make sense then readers might lose interest. You need to make sure there's no loose ends in the story because the more realistic it is, the more easy it is to relate with the characters.

5. If you're writing a fiction, you need to make sure the readers know how your world works, in other word the setting. For me, this is one of the difficult part. For example when I started this story, imagining a world with esper, I asked myself. How were they born? How does the people react? What kind of education system use on them? Are they minority or majority? How do they divide their skill or rank? What kind of test do they use to find if they are esper? You need to ask yourself as many question as possible and design the setting of your world.

6. Characters aren't perfect. I think you've seen many reincarnated story where the MC became OP. honestly it might be interesting at first, but it became boring in the long run. If the MC is too perfect then there won't be much room for s/he to grow. Don't neglect the support chara or antagonist as well. You don't need to be afraid if they overshadow the MC, you just need to make the MC better as the story goes along.

7. Story development; you need to know what part of the story you'll be developing and part of the story you'll be focusing, It could be about the drama between people, or the mystery that incite curiosity, it could be about how the character use effort to achieve his/her goal. My story focused how Claudia will grow and adapt while being stuck in the present and past.

8. Grasp your character's character. I recommend if you keep a note of your character's description in feature and set of mind. There are some stories where I found most of the character had similar mind set, it'd be more interesting if you show the different characters approaching a problem.

9. The ending is important. The process itself is good and fun, but having an unexpected and satisfying ending is hard. Because you only have three choices.

• Good ending.
• Bad ending.
• Sad ending. (I think sad ending could be seen good or bad depending on the point of view but it still makes you sad.)

I can't really find any other ending than that, but there's a loose ending where the story is over but still many question remains but I don't think of that as a legit ending. Usually you would find the ending predictable in most story, especially when you reach a climax of a novel, which is why I feel some novels though have great story, the ending was either too predictable or just plain suck, leaving a bad aftertaste. The same as eating a cake but your tea became bitter afterward. That's why never stop arranging your ending. Whether you want it good or bad ending, make it something satisfying for th reader so when they close the book they would sigh and said 'that was fun'

For now that's all, hope it helps to you book lovers.

Chapter 59: The Forgotten Charm

When I opened the door, I had steel my heart for whatever is waiting for me on the other side. Never in my wildest dream thought they would go all the trouble of making a surprise birthday party for me. Strains of color papers and confetti covered my head. I was shock in more ways than one. 

            I blinked a few times before I could process the situation I arrive in. Dean and Kenny  was holding the party crackers Alvin created sparks in the air that said 'Happy Birthday'  plants was flowing out of four pots, entwined with each other and make a wooded tree table. There was a plain chocolate coated cake, with nine candles sitting on top. Surrounding it was the rest of the S Class yet I couldn't spot Foax until I saw a glimpse of his shadow standing at the edge of the rooftop, watching over us from afar. The area was covered with balloons tied up, creating a private room with the balloons as the walls. "Well don't just stand there, go and cut the cake or we can't eat it." Kenny stretched his arm and pushed me from behind toward the table. 

            My feet was forced to strut toward the table, watching the small fire flickering on the candles. Thankfully for these past years, I was able to control my emotion better when it comes to fire, there's also the fact that my job was to blow away fire which I'm happy to do at any time. 

            After I blew it, the rest of them clap and urge me to give out the cake. Rather than doing that, I stared at them for awhile before I could ask what was on my mind. "Why are you doing this, didn't you guys hate me?" 

            "Hate you? Don't be silly, we act like that toward everyone" answered Kenny. 

             "The way you spoke up to that teacher the other day, that was hella cool!" Added Alvin. 

             "B...brave!" Said Morra with difficulty. 

             Again I blinked a few times from their answer, I never thought my actions were something to be proud of, I only stated the facts since his actions were wrong. Carol came up to my side while tucking my coat, she was looking aside with her face flushed red and her hand behind her back. "Tha…thank you…for helping me that day" she said while she gave me my present from her. I felt my eyes bulging out seeing her being polite. It almost sent shiver on my back. 

             In then end, I muster a smile and received the present with gratitude. "I'll take good care of it" I respond. The others also lined up and each prepare a present for me. My heart flutters and joy was coursing through my body. It's the first time anyone gave me a bundle of presents other than from my family or my best friends. I swear in my heart I plan to cherish ever single one of them. 

            They had me sit at the wooden tree chair Morra also made, only it was bigger and more elaborate like a throne. I know they're being nice to me because of my birthday, but this is getting embarrassing. They all began to ask me practically about everything they need to know about me. About my sisters who were famous, the kind of life I had at home, how I shouldn't worry too much about the bullies at school.  All of them were like a different person, or rather, they began to reveal what they were like.  

             Having fun?

             My heart jumped from the sudden voice at my head, I look to my side and I saw Foax, crossing his arms and was smiling at me. "Yes I am, I kept wandering why you want me here, never thought it'd be this. Did you plan it?" 

            The moment I thought they planned all this for me, my heart was touched and the warmth knowing they decided to accept me seeps inside. 

             Did you tell anyone about what happened yesterday? The smile on my face froze and the surrounding laughter was cut off from my ear. My memory recalled the event and I shuddered. No, I didn't. I respond in my thoughts. 

             Good, the kids here are suffering enough being isolated from people. I don't want them thinking they are what people say because more started talking from their back. 

            Then why did you do that? There were other way to handle the situation like calling the adults. Why risk yourself and the others? 

            Foax turns to look at me with subtle eyes. He then turned back toward his friends, and I instinctively follow. Alvin never wanted his ability, there was a time in the hospital that he accidentally discharge electricity, causing a lot of machines malfunctioning, and causing a lot of death as well. Levy, you know that she has the alice in wonderland syndrome, poor girl, almost made all her previous classmates  lost their mind from her illusions and she still hasn't realize it. Then there's also Dean, have you heard his story? 

            I nod at his question, then I tuck oh his shirt so he'd turn to look at me. "What's your story?" 

            My story won't interest you though. 

            "Let me be the judge of that" 

           He kept his smile but I noticed it became a bit forced. . 

             "What did you hear?" 

             A buzzing noise suddenly hitting inside my brain. Various unknown voices as if echoing next to my ears. 

             Creepy little kids, thank goodness they're caged here. 

              I don't even like kids and I have to babysit these little freaks. 

             If I can gain make their ability grow more, I'll have a secure life ahed. 

            What pitiful child, getting this kind of ability. 

            The voices had made it hard for me to breath. My face began to flush and heart was beating rapidly. It felt something had forced its way inside my head and it wasn't a good feeling. 

            Do you get it now? No one in this place could be trusted, barely anyone even treat us kids. 

           "That's not true, you can't let what others thought judge other in prejudice! And making people jump out of a building isn't a convincing way to say they were wrong. You're contradicting yourself!"

             Impulsively, I stood up and raise my voice. The mood dampens as they all stop talking. Foax, however just smirk at me as he send me his thoughts. 

            I'm just doing what I want and what I think it's best for my friends. This class is the only place I have. 

           There were many thought that floated in my head, but one question came out than the other. "Why aren't you mad at me. All I did is kept disagreeing with you, yet you look amused instead."          

             Why would I get mad when you did nothing wrong. I can read your thoughts so I know what you say are things you did in best interest for us…and for me. Besides, like I said, in here—

           You just need to be yourself. 

           A sudden chill at the split thought that came to me from his words. "I'm sorry, I'm going home now, thank you for today, I am more than grateful." I dashed toward the door, run down the stairs, and aim toward the gate of the school. 

            "Claudia, wait!" 

            Just when I was so close to escape and faced the voice I knew belong to Carol. "What happened? We spend a lot of time preparing that party and you're going to leave half through it?" 

            "I'm sorry, I really am, but I absolutely have to go" 

             Carol's blind stare and knit eyebrows made me a little bit guilty, but then she sigh and whispered something to the pigeon she held in her arms and had it fly away. A moment later, it came back with some friends while carrying a bag full of presents. "If you're going to leave, at least bring your present with you" 

          I stared at it for a while, but moving on its own, my arm reached out and accepted it. "Carol, can I ask you something?"

            "What?"

             My throat felt dry as I talk, but I just had to ask her. "You didn't agree with his method the other day, did you?"

             Carol let out a huge sigh, remembering something that seems to be a pain in the ass for her. "J never went that far in the past, his action might not be the best choices, but that's what usually helps and protect us in this class. He also doesn't want anything like what happened with Theresa happen again." 

             "Theresa…who's that?" 

              "……forget I said that, anyway what I want to say is, J isn't a bad person." She said that and left though her last sentence was something I also know well. I look at the bag of present in my arms and looked back up where the kids of S Class is. I remembered my own thought that I hoped wasn't caught by Foax's telepathy. The thought that he might be right. 

            Just from that one thought, I feared I almost repeat the past if I hadn't slap my mind back on track. What was worse though, was the fact he said the words I wanted to hear the most. It frustrates me that my heart was moved because of that, and I hate how I ran away to avoid being taken in. In the end, I went my back from the school and head home. Ignoring the heavy weight I carried that seems getting heavier as I walk back to the bus stop. 

#

Back home. 

           Technically, at the front of my house. My mind was running around Foax's words that I couldn't get it out. I wished inside that things would at least would get better for my birthday, not thinking my prayer was heard.  I was caught surprised when I found Rick there. 

           It left my mind blank to meet him so suddenly. He kept sending gaze at my house until he notices me. "Yo, where have you been?" 

            "Shouldn't I be questioning you, why are you here? I heard you have some errand elsewhere."

            Rick shrugged with a small smile, he walked another step so we were only inches apart. I had to lift my head because of the wide height difference and he seemed to feel amused of reminding me of how short I was. "Since it was done I hurried over here to give you this." He searches through his pocket and gave me a small maroon box. There were no wrappers nor ribbon or even any slight decoration. Just a plain small box. "Can I open it now?" 

             "Go ahead, it's yours after all" 

             The moment I opened the box, I was positive I had forgot to breath. Inside the box was a cross shape charm necklace, to most people they would definitely think it was cheap pendant that had any worth. There were scrapes and scratches all over its silver color, The only thing worth mentioning would be the  ruby embedded in the middle of the cross. 

         I didn't quite believe what it might be so as I look at the back, I found nostalgic words that convinced me this necklace was the real deal that it was the same charm necklace my Master once gave to me. 

           Aeternus.     

           Meaning eternal in Latin. 

           "Dale has been bugging me that I should at least prepare you a gift, I don't know if you like it, but I bought it at an antique shop I know and thought it might suit you. Though if you don't like it, you could put it away for all I care." Before he could say anything else, I jump into him and hug him tight. "It's perfect, it's the best present I could ever ask for so don't say it wasn't much!" I noticed my voice quivered and tears then started tearing out from my eyes. 

             I wasn't sure how I felt, that maybe I felt forgiven, to be remembered, as if this necklace is telling me I don't need to blame myself so much. No words could describe how I feel other than immense gratefulness. Master had always been that way, he knew the right words to clear all my doubt, and eased me from pain. He fill out his role as a guardian and a family to me. Even after he reincarnated, it's as if he hadn't forgotten the promise he made. He is here with me, and will always be. 

            Rick seems to have given in seeing me cry to his chest. So rather than being annoyed or pushing me away, he gently pat my heed and softly said this to me. 

            "Happy birthday Claudia"