Dusk Till Dawn Triple Town

The Spells

Alice's POV.

"So you're training with the Malone brothers?" Sunny asked for the sixty seventh time, her eyes widened. As if they could widen any further. Gosh, they're so huge.

We were out berry picking in the woods, and by we, I mean the seven sisters and I. Somehow, I managed to finish all chores. Okay so they helped in exchange for gossip. Those nosey butter heads with their unique manipulative ways.

Take Rose for instance, she's that well behaved good girl. The eldest which holds so much responsibilities, cross her and you're dead. Marigold follows this hot headed girl. She's know for her very wild imagination and ridiculous dreams. But when it comes to a serious situation, it's like a fourteen year old turned forty.

Then we have Violet. You all know those kids without emotions roaming about the school? Yeah those one that keeps on saying 'my heart is darker than coal'. Yep, that's Violet for sure with the creepy aura.

As for the twins, Ally and Daffodil, they are polar opposites. Ally is your clean freak and notices all the ongoings of the inn. When I say a girl sees all, she sees all. But as for Daffodil, I will never go to her room. Like Ever. I don't want to know what's in there or whatever goes on in there. Unlike her sister, she's never conversant of her environment.

And lastly we have Lilly who sleeps any time she has the chance, {a thief will be lucky to raid her house one day}. She so lazy, the only word in her dictionary is sleep. And for the youngest sister, Sunny. She's your hyper active gossip girl, the rainbow after the rain, the milk to your cookies, the colour to your world, the whisky in your coffee and also the pain to your a*s.

All seven sisters are unique and different. The only thing they have in common is their love for each other and their stupidity. When they team up together, they're unstoppable.

And that's what they did. They teamed up {more like ganged up} against me. And now we're here picking berries in the woods.

"She's doing it again", Marigold announced as she pulped a berry in her mouth. "Blanking out, I don't blame her. Thinking about those hot guys training you aren't you?" she smiled deviously. Oh, if only you knew.

"And why would I be thinking about them?" I asked arching a brow. "Are you kidding me? They're hot", she answered as if to prove a point. "Even a blind person will know that". Told you, wild imagination. "What's with the sun shades anyway?"

"I don't know, I just felt like wearing them today, besides, the day's bright". I lied, I'm not sure why though. I just want to keep the reasons to myself or I felt the need to keep the reasons to myself.

"How I wish I was in your shoes right now", Sunny sighs. "Yeah who thought they'd grow into handsome young men", Rose spat. Ever since I woke up, she's been in a sour mood.

"I love the one with the long hair". Sunny giggled "He's so cute, he asked me to style his hair. Gosh it was so soft", she squealed. All eyes turned towards her, "What?"

"And I thought I was the weirdo", Violet grumbled while arranging the overflowing baskets of berries. "Well looks like Alice is gonna get some". Sunny giggled again, I just hope she chokes on those giggles with every words that comes out from her mouth. Maybe that'll shut her up.

"Eww, don't say that", I said in disgust. "I'm not like that and ill never be like that", I added. "You can't deny it, they are gorgeous, period". Daffodil said.

"Do you think they're gonna teach her the love spell?" Ally asked giddily. "Even if they did, I wouldn't teach you".

"And if I have you dirtiest secrets?"

"Nice try Ally, but it wouldn't work on me".

"oh we'll see".

"Besides, I only want to focus on the training then I go to the university". I said wiping my hands on my apron.

"Yeah, whatever". Rose said rolling her eyes. "What's that supposed to mean?" I asked already pissed, she really has been acting off. "Oh nothing, just that you're running off to college".

"So?" I know there's more to what she said

"Guys, I think we've picked enough berries, we should head back". Marigold suggested, "Yeah I think it'll rain soon, we should get back", Daffodil added.

Rain? Lamest excuse of the century. The sky is as bright as day, with the sun shinning and free of clouds.

"No I want to hear what she has to say ", I said out of habit. Yes I'm stubborn like that, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.

"You want to know what I have to say?" Rose asked furiously, "Well I'll say it, you are f*cking selfish". To say we were shocked was an understatement.

"W-what?"

"You heard me, you're a selfish b*tch and also a coward".

"Rose!" Ally exclaimed in shock, "Oh, stop it Alamanda. We've all known this was going to happen". Rose snapped, then turned to me.

"All you ever cared about was scholarship this and scholarship that. You have everything going great for you right from the very beginning, You're too self centered and blind to see it".

"That's not true, you never knew what I went through, you..." I countered but was cut off

"Oh don't bring that, I'm an orphan sad story. It's already getting old. We all know those were lies".

No she was wrong, if only she knew what happen before i came here. I would have said it, but I couldn't, I have never told anyone what happen in my life before I came across the inn.

"You're that spoilt kid that gets her way with every f*cking thing. The best parents, trainers, school, and everything.

Ever since you got into the Triple town inn, everything had been all about you. You get trained into the best witch, spellbinder or whatever. Then you're off to college leaving us behind".

"What's your problem with that?"

"The problem is you. Open your eyes, the inn is getting sold. Or haven't you heard? You'll be off with a nice apartment and everything working out fine for you. But the rest if us will be left with nothing, nothing. No place of work, no place to live and the worst part is, we're bounded to Triple town we can't live it". This time tears were pouring out, I was left confused.

"Do you even know how long you've been out? How long it took you to wake up. The inn went crazy doing everything for you, but that wasn't done when the rest of us when we were ill or something..."

"Stop... Stop this, this was never my fault, I never asked for this". I managed to cut through. "And I'm sorry if I didn't take the situation seriously. But you have no rights to blame me for my success, that I worked for. And about me having things going good for me, you have no idea what I went through. I would have said I wish you were in my shoes then. I'll never say that to you or anyone, even to my worst enemy". I said my voice dangerously low.

Then, there was silence. No one spoke. This was the first time I had a fight with Rose or with anyone. It felt weird, annoying and complicated. Emotions from both side and was too much to handle. I don't like it one bit.

"Look, I'll find a way to protect the inn. I don't know how, but I'll try. I don't like this, us fighting". I sighed sitting on the floor, who new fighting could drain you. Rose wiped her tears then nodded before leaving. I had a feeling we wouldn't be as close we were before, but just as close as strangers. For now.

"Well, that was unexpected", Daffodil blew out. "You think?" her twin gave her a point look. "Lets just hope that'll never happen again", Ally added.

"Yeah an angry Rose is a bad day for everyone". Sunny added with Violet nodding in agreement.

"Agreed" we all said. I hope I could fulfill the promise. I really don't want another Rose bomb war three. I'm still weird out though, everything's happening fast. What will it really be like to get proper training instead of the self training I always had. What more could I learn? Should I give all that up for having a normal life, just like I've always wanted. It's exciting leaving the place you grew up in and those you grew up with to explore the world, but also very scary especially when you're alone.

Maybe that's what I'm looking for, adventure. I've always felt like I'm trapped in one place, all I want is to be let loose. Maybe I should run away, but I just can't. I can't leave those who stood by me most of my life stranded. I need to do something and fast.

"Um guys, where's Lilly?" Sunny asked interrupting my thoughts. The whole area was silent, then we heard snores coming from the nearby bush.

We followed the sound, and there laid the sleeping beauty. I can't believe she slept through out. I thought, she laid there with her empty basket.

"Oh Lilly!", I chuckled. What will I do without her, without any of them?

###

"Thought I'd find you here". A male voice startled me. I was finishing the last of my chores at the stables, when I heard the voice. I turned around and there stood Symon.

Things are about to get awkward.

"Oh, um... Hi Symon. What's up?" I asked feeling more awkward than normal. "I was just going to checkup on you, see how you're doing". He said scratch his sandy coloured hair.

"Oh!"

"Yeah and I also heard about, you and Rose, is everything alright?". He asked

"Yep, everything is chirpy". I lied through my teeth as I finally measured the supplements for Castor, the only horse in the stable. "What do you really want Sy?" I sighed.

"How do you feel with all that's going on?"

I looked down, "Symon, even you know you can't change aunt Mary's decisions. Don't push it".

"I know, I know", he said dejectedly. "I just want to know if you're okay with this, training with those..."

I placed my hands in his. Symon has always been the father I never had. Not only to me but to Matt as well. And I get that he's feeling that overprotective father daughter thingy. "I'll be fine Sy, I can handle anything". I gave him my most pleasant smile, the one where my dimples shows.

"I know, you always have. It's just yesterday, you where that scared twelve year old. Is it wrong for me to feel protective?"

I shook my head, "No". "Its just like you're like a daughter to me". I placed my arms around him, intending to hug him. He stiffened a little, but later on hugged me back, resting his chin on my head.

"Promise me you're gonna be careful, Alice". He sighed pulling me back. I shrugged, "You know I don't make promise I can't keep". I chuckled, then stopped when I see how serious he was. "Okay I promise, I'll stay out of trouble".

"If you need anything, like advice, some tips and a few lessons. That's if you don't understand what they teach you, feel free to come by any time". He added, but before I could reply, we were interrupted.

Andrew stood at they entrance. He was wearing a grey shirt and black pants. The shirt brought out the grey in is eyes, making him more handsome than he was. Wait where did that come from?

I felt my cheeks heating up. "Alice, I was looking for you". He said so simply, "Symon". He greeted, while nodding his head. Sy just gave him a straight face, "Andrew, can I see you outside for a bit". He said working outside without waiting for a reply, But Andrew took the hint and followed.

I waited for a few minutes before they appeared. Symon held Andrew by the collar and whispered something in his ears. The only words I could catch was something along the lines of 'lay a finger on my daughter and you're dead man'. Then he turned back to me, "My offer still stands". With that, he left.

"I'm sure you have a lot of questions, so let's get started". Andrew broke the silence. "Follow me". I followed him out of the stables, feeling a little out of place. It took me a while before I realised that I was starring at his back, a very strong one at that. Oh my god I'm doing it again, I blushed looking any where but his glorious back. What in the world is happening to me?

"What's on your mind?" Andrew asked without looking back but moving ahead. Oh you have no idea, I thought while blushing like a tomato. "I'm sure you'll feel to ask me anything, so ask away, or don't you?".

"Um, kind of. Starting with what's an Aanki?". I ask brushing away a branch. He chuckles "It's a place in the magical dimension, the people there are call Aankians. It's the city of the past".

"Magical dimension? You mean there's a planet for magic in space?" I blurted out making him laugh. I like his laugh, the hearty one that makes you want to laugh along.

"Not quite, there are seven dimensions on earth. Four belong to the ordinary men roaming about in the six continents, these are the physical dimensions. The others three belongs to the spiritual dimensions. They include the human world, the link point and the magical universe.

In the magical dimension we have six sectors, Aanki being one of them. The others include Aoki, Bulio, Inex, Tratar and Cantatrix". Cantatrix? I wonder why the word sounds familiar. We kept on moving deeper into the woods, until we were surrounded by trees.

"Alex will teach you more on the magical civilization, mystical creatures and plants". He stopped, "I on the other hand will take you through spells, any other questions?"

"Why the glasses, why do I feel better using them?"

He sighed "I'm afraid I can't say. All I know is that you're an Aankian. Not just any Aankian but the Aankian heir. You're the past... tell me something, when you looked into my brother's eyes this morning, what did you see?" he looked at me smiling, his greyish green eyes twinkling.

I stop to think, those flashing images. A boy with long hair, his first game, his first fight, his first love. Then it dawned on me. "They were flashbacks", I whispered looking up to meet Andrew smiling. "Those where his past?" the answer was more like a question. But how, how is it possible? How I could have seen all those and most importantly, why me?

"Yes, indeed they were. You somehow invaded his thoughts and looked through his past memories and at the same time revealing it to him. The shades serves as a shield, wouldn't want you invading other people's memories".

Oh my god, this is awesome. Matt's gotta know, this is epic. Speaking of Matt I haven't called him in what feels like a century. My train of thoughts were once again interrupted.

"We, begin our training here". He's got to be kidding, the forest was thick and not very spacious due to the vast amounts of bushes that surrounded us. "Isn't this place a little crowded?" I asked playing with a leaf stalk.

"Open your mind Alice", the way he said my name felt like music to my ears. "What are the magical means of transport?"

"Er... I don't know, brooms?", he collapsed on the floor laughing so hard. "Brooms, what are we, in the sixty's?" he said between laughs. "Help me up", he said extending his hands upwards. I took them and helped him up, ignoring the jolt of electricity and the way his hands covered mine.

"In spelling bindery, there are only two modes of transports. These are portals and books". He explained, "Portals are categorized under spell binding spells. This is because they involve various body movements and the flexibility of the mind. Allow me to demonstrate".

He stood back, eyes closed, palms pressed together in front of his chest. Slowly, he slid both palms aside forming fists with both hands, and joining both fists side by side. With force he drew both fist apart and then, a golden line appeared with a rod like shape. Gritting his teeth, his swung the rod in a circular motion before flinging it.

The rod bursts creating an opening in mid air. "Wow! You've gotta teach me how to do that".

"With time you'll get it, you still have a lot to learn little one". Little one? That's insulting. "Hey I'm not little. My height's perfectly normal". I pouted.

"What ever you say, are you coming or not?" Not waiting for a reply, he jump into the portal. And I, skeptically followed suit.

It felt weird at first, you get a ticklish sensation. But the view on the other side was worth it. A valley surrounded by a huge walls with a waterfall flowing down to a stream. The grass were so green and the air fresh with a hint of lemon.

"Welcome Alice to the linking point. This is where you'll be training with the others. Let's get started". He snapped his fingers conjoining a desk, a chair and a note bad with a pen. "Sit". I sat down opening my note preparing to jot down some points {That's if I can concentrate}.

"As I had said earlier, I'll be taking you through spell casting. Well begin with the theoretical aspect before the practicals. First well go into the history of spells".

History of spells, I jotted down, "No one knows the origination of spells. Some believed they came from a well filled with spiritual energy in Tratar, the island of the lost spells. Others believed it was just there. But all we know for sure, was that only the Aankian held the knowledge of were the spells came from, for they were the first to master them". He stopped, starring at me then at my note with only the words 'History of spells' written. "What? I a good listener". Rolling his eyes, he continued.

"They grouped spells into three categories. The transformation spell, is the first basic spell. It is a spell used in altering the appearance of an object, changing it's structure, texture and colour. The mind is involved and it's done by pronouncing the word 'trans' together with the backward spelling of the object it turns into. I'm sure you know how to perform the spell, care to demonstrate?"

Nodding, I stood up. I faced the chair, with maximum concentration I view the object I wanted it to turn into. "Transelttob" I said immediately the chair was replaced by a green glass bottle. "Good, you can perform the spell. But you haven't mastered it".

"What? Of course I have, I can turn it into an animate obj..."

"Sure you can, but that's not the point. Just like we have different categories if spell, we also have different was of casting them. For example, picture this. I'm trying to punch you and then I announce it out, which is very stupid if you ask me. You would have gotten a defense route planned out in order to block the punch, wouldn't you?"

"Oh, I never thought of it that way". I said sheepishly.

"The transformation spell is the only spell that can work when said both outward and inward. The other two wouldn't work if said outwardly".

"The next category of spells are the Spell binding spells. These include, portals formation, time loops, sleeping spells, mind levitating spells and so on. It involves various body movements like I had said earlier and the flexibility of the mind. It's more difficult than the transformation spells and requires energy. Mostly, physical energy.

You learn that once you've fully mastered the transformation spells. Lastly we have the Attack spells. They are the most difficult and most dangerous spells, sometimes known as the f*******n spells. Only a certified spell binder is allowed to perform this so called spells". He brought out an ID then showed it to me.

'Aoki Andrew Malone Certified'

His picture and some personal details were on it, but I didn't have the time to look through it, for it was taking away.

"These spells are used against opponents when harassed to disarm them. It involves the mind, heart and body movements to be in balance in order to form a key. This key is what's used to open the spiritual energy creating an outburst of powers. I requires so much physical energy and spiritual energy, the body tends to become weak.

Asher will be taking you those spells. Training you and preparing you to develop you endurance. We'll continue our lecture tomorrow, any questions so far?"

I shook my head indicating a no. "Well then, you're dismissed".

The valley disappeared and we back at the woods. Your next class is with Alex, um... bye". He walked deeper into the woods.

"Bye". I whispered, not sure if he heard me at all.

###

Lessons with Alex was more fun. He talked about the different places in the magical dimensions and their people. From the desert zones of Bulio, the tropical paradise of Inex and the even the vast city of Cantatrix.

Now my next class is with Asher. I looked everywhere for him, but still couldn't find him. Instead, he found me. "The Aankian heir, I think things are about to get interesting". He sneered, I'm already getting bad vibes from this guy. Oh and I haven't forgotten about the sandwich incident.

You know that feeling when you look at someone and your instincts are telling you that don't like the person. Yep my instincts are telling me that this boy or man before me is a threat, an enemy.

"There's one thing you should know about me, I don't like people and people don't like me. I also hate answering questions, but that I'll compromise. You're only allowed to ask me three questions. Ask the wrong questions you get punished". You've gotta be kidding me, "And what would be the punishment?". He's gotta be bluffing.

He smirked as if hearing my thoughts, "You'll find out for you've asked the wrong question". What? That's not fare.

"Two questions left", he said. The right questions? I'll give you rights questions and I want answers.

"How long was I out?" I blurted out without thinking. Me and my uncontrollable mouth. "Another wrong question, come on Alicots, you're smarter than that". Again with the weird nickname. I could ask him why he gave that nickname but it seems stupid. This is so frustrating.

"How in the world will I know the right questions?" there I've lost another opportunity. Save me from my mouth, someone please.

"You finally asked the right question. The right questions will come to you at the right time".

Wow I didn't not see that coming, I thought dryly. "Now your punishment, I want you to do pushups till I tell you to stop". I didn't want to, his gotta be joking or crazy if he thinks I'll listen to him. Yes I'm stubborn like that.

But what I didn't expect was that he had other plans. He casted a possession spell on me, soon I was engaged in the exercise like there was no tomorrow.

###

Matthew's POV.

I feel like I've been acting odd lately. Sometimes I'm in control of myself, other times I feel like I'm trapped, trapped in a shell and I can't get out.

Something is going on with me but I can't seem to figure it out. Every time I try to call Alice, I either blackout or end up neglecting the issue.

I also find myself in odd places covered in blood, without a clue of how I ended up there. I must be going nuts.

I was changing the tire to my truck. Yes that's what I have been doing all day. Changing the f*cking tires, why you ask. I don't f*cking know, it deems like the only sane thing I've been doing. I really need to call Alice before I f*cking loose my mind.

I slid from underneath the truck, dusting myself before shoving my hands in my pockets for my phone.

Only to realise it wasn't there. I cursed, I must have left it in my room. These days keeps getting worse.

I was about running indoors to get my phone when I felt a weird sensation. I heard a call for help, but I don't see anyone around. I took a step on the porch, then I heard the sound again. I see a little girl with her leg caught in the drain in the middle of the road. The crazy thing is, she's not right in front of me or anywhere near. I was puzzled, how could I hear someone so far away. I didn't understand, I didn't have time to process that.

Beep, beep!

A truck was approaching the girl and I had only one option, I ran. I ran with all my might, the wind in my ears. Houses passed me in a blur yet I took no time to fully register that. All that was running through my mind was to save the girl.

I managed to reach the girl in time and help her within a matter of seconds, in order to avoid being hit by the truck. Danger gone, the girl didn't even bother to thank me, but I didn't care.

I got home late that night. Still feeling weird and somehow frustrated, so I tried calling Alice again. I was about dialing her number when I felt another sensation. This one was different.

I felt like I was being sucked into a vacuum. Like someone dragging me deeper into the depths of an ocean. I could still feel my legs and arms but I couldn't control them. I felt a force trying to force it's way into dominance. I struggled to gain control but couldn't.

In the end I stopped struggling, what's the point, it wanted to take over.

And I let it.

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Copyright 2018© Soffiyah Orewole.

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