Page 32 of Jade Lion and the Witch Boy
“Abominations,” I say, not blinking. I recall horrifying monsters in my time, beasts that needed to be killed before they could devour all of Earth.
“They’re inhuman beasts,” Luther says solemnly. “Each more bloodthirsty than the last.”
“So, you just stay here, vigilant over this…crack to the Other Side?” Seb asks, his voice rife with fear and apprehension.
“Yes. There are dozens of rifts all over the world. Hence the need for the Union portal system,” Luther replies. “Which is why I called you here, oh great Jade Lion.”
“His name is Kai,” Seb says before I can.
“Right, Kai. I’m going to be honest with you: the threats from the Other Side are only getting stronger. We need every resource we can to protect our plane of existence. One uncontrolled break could unleash horrors that might kill mortals and wizards alike.”
My heart races as I stare at the glowing yellow rift. Just as Luther finishes speaking, a horrifying vision floats along this fissure to the Other Side. An abomination with multiple purple glowing eyes and tentacles hovers near the entryway to our world.
Before I can react, the sentinel wizards lift up their hands. Circles of magic manifest before them and pulse forward, and it’s evidently enough to drive back the creature. However, even I can tell that the monster did not make a strong attempt to invade our realm. If it had, would I have been able to stop it?
“They usually get close once a day.” We turn to see Luther gazing intently at the rift. “We haven’t had a full-fledged invasion in over a year, and not from this portal, either. We operate stations all over the world, twenty-four hours a day.”
“And you said there’s no way to shut these off completely?” Seb asks with a shaky voice.
“Unfortunately, no. I’m aware it sounds reactionary, but going into the Other Side to do research is a death sentence,” Luther replies.
Seb looks shaken, so I touch his shoulder. “I am here. You are safe. If that thing got close to you…”
“You would have gone full-on beast rage mode, I know.” He smiles in relief. I do not know what that means, but if Seb iscontent, then I am. “I think I’ve seen enough here. Have you, Kai?”
“Yes.” I nod and turn away, guiding Seb with me. Luther follows and talks about the Union dining hall, but I don’t listen. Instead, I gaze back at the menacing rift. I recall my own battles with those monsters during my time, and I shudder. The Other Side is still an imposing threat to all humanity, a century later.
Luther guides us to the main floor, where we started. “So, you have my card. Please, give me a call as soon as you can. The High Council would love to formally meet you.” He stops before our departure portal and looks at me solemnly. “I know I’ve given you a lot of information, Kai, but I wouldn’t have done that if it wasn’t dire. You’re the Jade Lion of legend, and you would be an integral asset to all of us here in the Union.”
“As long as he’s not a witch, right?” Seb mutters in a facetious tone.
Luther looks at him with discomfort, then back to me. “This is bigger than that.”
“Seb has a point,” I say. I cross my arms, and, despite being taller than me, Luther seems intimidated. “If I were to join your Union, I would want my coven of witches to come with me. That includes their rightful membership access to geo arcanum.”
Luther loosens his collar. “We don’t typically allow witches…”
“Without the others, I will not even consider joining. I do not care that they are witches; they take care of me.”
Seb smiles at me in surprise, and my chest warms with pride. I love making Seb happy, and I hope he knows I mean what I say.
“I can definitely ask the High Council to make some, um, exceptions.” Luther bites his lip, avoiding eye contact.
“Very well, I…” My words trail off when I notice something to my right. Various portals are being used, each a gateway toanother part of the world. One in particular, a few yards away, calls to me. I see the trees, hills, and stone staircases, and recognition floods my mind. “That…that is a portal to Hong Kong.”
Luther and Seb turn to where I’m staring. “Yeah,” Luther replies. “You have a good eye.”
“I need to use that portal.” I do not wait for his response before I find myself striding toward it. All of my answers lie waiting through that mystical archway; I can feel it. My memories are in the hills of Hong Kong, and I won’t be denied them any longer.
CHAPTER 13- SEB
LUTHER AND Ipower-walk to keep up with Kai. It’s like he’s entranced by the potential to go back to Hong Kong. I get the need, since that’s where he grew up, but it’s like he’s being pulled.
“If you’d like to use the portal, I suppose I could let you,” Luther says.
Kai doesn’t respond as he makes his way toward the huge arch. It’s black stone, like the portal to Cosmo, but the lights of magic running through it are green.
Well, they were green, and now that the wizard who was using it is gone, the guard has powered it down.
