THE MOMENT
"I'm free tomorrow," Electra nodded and answered the question as the trio walked the broad halls of the castle. Electra, Royalty, and Eury were returning just as the evening began. They'd gone exploring for a few hours after school and were discussing their plan for the next day. At 14, Eury was the oldest of the three girls and she was effectively their babysitter. Theoretically, it wasn't the right job for a summoned hero; but, Eury didn't have many other friends in her new world. This outing was the first time she met Electra, and they hit it off immediately. Electra and Royalty were only three years younger than her, and they had similar interests, so it worked out. It also helped that the two younger girls were already friends, everyone felt at ease.
"Meet up at the same spot after school?" Eury asked. Both Electra and Royalty nodded.
"Oh wait, no," Eury shook her head suddenly. "I forgot, the Grand Archmage wants to see me tomorrow. I don't know how long that's going to take," she said. Eury wasn't the type to lose track of things easily; but, she deliberately kept herself distracted from thinking about the Archmage. It was a surprise when he asked to make an appointment for some of her time, and she couldn't say no.
"Not long," Electra shook her head. "He's just going to offer you a new ability; he's been working on them since he summoned you," she said. Eury was surprised, and she tilted her head at the blonde girl.
"You know the Archmage? You know he summoned me?" she asked.
"Yeah," Electra nodded. "He's my - ,"
"They're related!" Royalty spoke up suddenly, and bursting with giggles. It took both Eury and Electra by surprise for different reasons. Electra caught on first, and she giggled too. Eury was glad to see Royalty opening up to her more; the girl rarely said anything. Though, she had her reasons.
"Yep, we're related," she nodded. She even pointed forward in the direction they were walking. "Going there now," she said. Eury hadn't mastered the layout of the castle yet, and she had little reason to visit the Archmage so far. She was just following Electra to see the girl home.
"Do you know what he's going to offer me?" Eury asked. Electra shook her head.
"Black or green, that's all I know," she answered.
“Hmmm, I'm glad I have a little time to think about it. Which would you choose?” Eury directed the question at both of them, although only Electra answered. She shrugged again.
“It depends what they are. As a general rule, it's a good idea to get Sun or Void as soon as possible so you can modify other Abilities from the team. So if you're undecided when you get the chance, I'd recommend Black just to get you started. You'll have a chance to catch more powerful creatures later for all your slots.”
“Thank you!” Eury nodded as they turned a corner. She recognized this part of the castle now and it was a short trip to the Archmage's study.
They reached the right door and Electra walked right in without knocking.
Eury waited for Royalty to go first, then followed them in after so she didn't feel like she was intruding. The old Archmage looked up from his desk and smiled at Electra. Eury recognized his silver hair and wrinkles as the first thing she saw when she woke up in this world. He'd been kind enough, and Eury wasn't scared exactly. But his apparent age was enough for her to feel awed out of respect.
“Electra!” he beamed as soon as he saw her and sprung out of his chair with surprising agility. He dashed around the desk and hugged the blonde girl. “Did you have a good day at school, dear? Catch anything interesting after?”
“Yes,” she nodded. Then, she shook her head. “No,” she added with a giggle.
“Did you also tag along, or are you visiting by coincidence?” the Archmage finally turned his attention to Eury. He let go of Electra, then moved to his desk again and lifted a book off the table while he listened for her answer.
“We had fun,” Royalty answered first. The Archmage chuckled and nodded with a smile.
“If Royalty says it, it must be true,” he said. “I’m glad to hear it,” he said as he approached Eury with the book. She felt obligated to say something nice and rushed out the first thought she had.
“Your granddaughter was great company, the three of us were already planning..-,” Eury stopped. The Archmage stared at her with his mouth hanging open and his eyes wide. The moment only lasted long enough for her to take in his expression before Royalty and Electra burst out into a fit of giggles, and the Archmage relaxed with a shake of his head.
“You two are exceptionally mean to this old man,” he said with a firm, but somehow still friendly tone. The girls went quiet for exactly two seconds before they giggled again. Although, they had enough sense to make themselves scarce after that.
“By Eury! See you tomorrow!” Electra waved as she and Royalty practically dashed out of the room.
“I’m sorry?” Eury shook her head. “Did I do something wrong?”
“No, no,” the Archmage shook his head at her. “You didn’t; but, those two trouble-makers did lead you on a little bit, I’m guessing. Electra is my daughter, not my granddaughter,” he said. “I’m not that old yet.”
“Are you sure?” Eury asked. Then, she seemed to realize what she asked, and shook her head. “I’m sorry, nevermind,” she said. But, the Archmage chuckled.
“It’s okay,” he nodded. “I’m sure. I know I look much older. The truth is, I’m only in my mid 30s. Although, no one really believes me. There are a few that know the truth, and remember me when I looked appropriately aged, but overall a lot of people find it hard to believe. It was magic,” he added.
“Magic? It ages your body like that?” Eury asked. The Archmage shrugged.
“Not usually, but there are certain spells that can have this result,” he said.
“Oh, I had no idea…,” Eury said. He was suddenly more human to her, and she finally felt like she could relax somewhat. She’d already met the archmage and his daughter Electra, but it occurred to her she hadn’t met Electra’s mom yet. Her mind began to wonder what the woman might look like. Was she still a young, middle-aged woman? Was she still around? She wanted to fish without stepping on the wrong nerve, so she kept it as broad as possible.
“How’d Mrs. Archmage handle the change?”
“There isn’t one,” he shook his head and Eury felt like she’d made another mistake.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Eury answered. The Archmage chuckled and patted her on the shoulder.
“Don’t be! She didn’t leave me, she didn’t die,” he grinned. “There never was a Mrs. Archmage. It’s just me and Electra,”
“Never?” Eury asked. “Not even…. But,.. how?” she was confused, but his smile grew broader.
“We already covered that part,” he winked. Then, he ran his hand through the remaining silver strands atop his balding head. “I didn’t always look this old, not until I used a certain spell to give up part of my life force,” he chuckled. Eury’s eyes grew wider. Was he really implying what she thought?
“Electra….,” she began, but the Archmage simply nodded.
“She’s my daughter. I created her with magic, she knows,” he nodded and took a step closer as he opened the book. “So, let’s talk about an upgrade for you.”