It’s been a few weeks since the enchanted book fiasco and Darwin has been trying to balance his job at Abra-Ka-Burger and his apprenticeship with Merrick. It’s bright and early in the morning and the light streams into the Dewflare kitchen. The comforting smell of breakfast fills the air, but this is lost on Darwin who is struggling to stay awake with his head about to fall in a bowl of oatmeal. Sylvia, dressed in her casual day-off robe, hums a tune while tidying up, notices Darwin sitting hunched over, his eyes red with huge bags under his eyes. She walks over to her young son, concerned.

  Sylvia: {raising an eyebrow} Sweetheart, are you ok? You look like you haven’t slept in days.

  Darwin: {yawning} Mom… Everyday I’ve just been bouncing back and forth. Long nights at Abra-Ka-Burger and early mornings with Merrick.

  Syvila: So living the dream huh?

  Darwin: Yep! Living The Dream!

  Sylvia: {rubbing his hair} Well, this is what you wanted right? I’m sure you’ve learned alot of new spells at this point..

  Darwin: No. That’s the thing—It’s mostly organizing books, cleaning shelves, and fetching coffee. The only magic I’ve done is figuring out how to keep my sanity.

  Sylvia: {leaning forward} So he’s told you nothing? Any magic? Incantations?

  Darwin: {hesitating} Nope.

  Sylvia: Do I need to come down there and talk to this Mr. Merrick?

  Darwin: No Mom, please, the last thing I need is my mama coming to fight my battle. But I will say that I’ve learned alot from Saffrey and Tally. OH YEA! I helped Saffrey develop a new potion for super strength.

  {Darwin digs into his bag and pulls out a small vial.}

  Darwin: One sip, and I could lift a heard of cattle!

  Sylvia: {skeptically} Really? Prove it.

  {Darwin hesitates for a second but finally takes a sip. With a small puff of orange smoke, he shrinks down to a few inches tall. Sylvia gasps, nearly knocking over her chair as she picks up her miniature son.}

  Sylvia: Darwin! {giggling} Well I guess you really are my little boy again.

  Darwin: {tiny voice} Okay, maybe she was messing with me…

  {After a few moments, Darwin poofs back to his normal size, looking thoroughly embarrassed. Sylvia shakes her head, her exasperation fading into laughter.}

  Sylvia: No more of her potions in this house, understood? I don’t need you being turned into a bird or a fire demon.

  Darwin: Fair enough.

  Sylvia: Just...take care of yourself, okay? You’re burning the candle at both ends with these two jobs. Find time to rest.

  Darwin: I’ll try. I wish it could be today, but no luck there. Have to be at Merrick’s in a few minutes.

  Sylvia: Do you have to work at Abra-Ka-Burger’s tonight as well?

  Darwin: No, thank goodness!

  Sylvia: Ok, so you think about what you want for dinner, give me a call, and I’ll go grocery shopping. You deserve a big dinner my son.

  {Darwin finishes his cereal, kisses his mom on the cheek, and heads out the door, his bag slung over his shoulder. Sylvia watches him go, her smile bittersweet. Darwin rushes over to Merrick’s in hopes that he will start to teach him new things and that he will start to be noticed as a member of the team soon. He understands that he is an apprentice, but so far he’s just learning what everyone’s favorite drinks from cafe.

  Darwin walks briskly down the cobblestone streets of Havemere, his mind racing. His mother’s words echo in his head: “You’ve been there long enough to start asking him to teach you properly. You’re not just an errand boy.” With each step, his confidence grows. He straightens his back, holds his head higher, and mutters under his breath.}

  Darwin: {to himself} Yeah, I’ll tell him. I’ll tell him I’m done fetching coffee and cleaning up. I’m here to learn magic.

  {But then a thought strikes him}

  Darwin: What if he fires me? What if I say it and he decides I’m not worth the trouble?

  {He stops in his tracks, glancing at the towering Ashbain’s General Magical Services building ahead of him. He stills himself, clenching his fists.}

  Darwin: No. You can do this. You have to do this.

  {He pushes open the door and steps inside, immediately greeted by the sound of a heated debate between Saffrey and Tally.}

  Saffrey: I’m telling you, sugar does not go in grits! That’s an abomination. You can put it in porridge, you can put it in oatmeal, but grits are meant to be savory!

  Tally: You’ve completely lost it, Saffrey. Sugar can go in any hot cereal. Grits, oatmeal, porridge—it’s all the same! Sweet or savory, it works either way!

  Saffrey: No, it doesn’t! Grits are inherently savory. You season them with butter, salt, cheese—normal things. You don’t dump sugar on them! That’s just...wrong.

  {Merrick, seated at his desk, rubs his temples in frustration. His pointed hat droops slightly as he mutters under his breath.}

  Merrick: {grumbling} By the stars, must I endure this nonsense every morning?

  {Saffrey and Tally both turn their heads as Darwin hesitantly steps further into the room. Tally immediately seizes the opportunity.}

  Tally: Darwin! Perfect timing. Quick, tell this misguided soul that sugar goes in any warm cereal—grits, oatmeal, porridge—you name it.

  {Darwin freezes, glancing nervously between Saffrey and Tally, then over to Merrick, who looks completely unamused.}

  Darwin: Uh...I don’t know. I don’t eat any of them.

  {Saffrey and Tally both stare at him in shocked silence for a moment before rolling their eyes in unison.}

  Saffrey: {pointing at Tally} We’re finishing this later.

  Tally: {waving her off} Fine by me.

  {Saffrey turns to Darwin, a sly grin spreading across her face.}

  Saffrey: So, did you manage to help your mom move furniture around with that super-strength potion I gave you?

  Darwin: {deadpan} Oh, very funny.

  Saffrey: {laughing} I bet she loved having her tiny little baby boy back, even for just a few seconds. Her little pocket wizard.

  Tally: Don’t worry about her, kid. She played pranks on me too back in the day.. Means you’re finally part of the family.

  {Before Darwin can respond, the Echo Orb on Merrick’s desk flares to life. A panicked voice fills the room, the projection of a frantic parkgoer flickering above the orb.}

  Caller: Please! Someone needs to come to the park—quickly!

  Merrick: What’s the problem?

  Caller: It’s a rock Golem! It’s tearing everything apart!

  Merrick: A rock Golem? That’s impossible. They’ve been reprogrammed to be peaceful.

  Caller: I’m not joking! It’s destroying everything!

  {The sound of a deafening roar echoes through the orb, followed by distant screams. The orb flickers and cuts off. Merrick stands abruptly, grabbing his staff.}

  Merrick: Pack your things. We’re off to the park.

  {Saffrey and Tally exchange glances before grabbing their equipment, while Darwin shoulders his bag nervously.}

  Saffrey: {grinning at Darwin} Ready for your first real fight, pocket wizard?

  Darwin: {under his breath} …I think so?

  {As the team approaches the park, the faint sound of screaming echoes in the air. Merrick grips his staff tightly, his eyes narrowing.}

  Merrick: Sounds like it’s a real mess.

  Saffrey: Wait...is that cheering?

  Tally: {sarcastically} Oh great…look who it is?

  The closer they get, the more apparent it becomes that the noise isn’t panic but applause and celebration. When they finally reach the scene, a large crowd has gathered. Cameras flash, and excited onlookers clap and cheer as the celebrity guild, The Starfall Reign, stands front and center. Their leader, Gideon Moonspire, beams, shaking hands with fans. His polished robes gleam in the sunlight, embroidered with intricate golden runes, while his matching cape billows dramatically despite the lack of wind.

  A few feet away, Oswen Falonfen stands beside the now-frozen Golem, arms crossed smugly. Another guild member holds an enchanted trap spell over the Golem, a web of glowing magic keeping it in place.

  Merrick: Them. Of course, it’s them.

  Darwin: {whispering to Saffrey} Who are they?

  Saffrey: {rolling her eyes} The Starfall Reign. A bunch of glorified mascots pretending to be wizards.

  Darwin: Wait, They’re real?! I thought they were just some entertainment troupe

  Tally: {snickering} They’ve got matching outfits, business cards, sponsorship deals. They’re basically walking commercials.

  Merrick: Parasites.

  {As Merrick and his team approach, Oswen notices them and strolls over, his smirk widening as he makes eye contact with Saffrey.}

  Oswen: {mocking} Well, well, well. If it isn’t Havemere’s local talent.

  {Saffrey flips him off without hesitation, earning a laugh from Oswen. He brushes it off, turning to Gideon, who’s busy signing autographs.}

  Oswen: Hey, Gideon, look who showed up!

  {Gideon turns, spotting Merrick and his team. He flashes a dazzling smile, his perfect teeth gleaming.}

  Gideon: Merrick Asspain!

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  Merrick: IT’S ASHBAIN!

  Gideon: That’s what I said. You're still kicking, I see. Barely.

  Merrick: {scowling} Shouldn’t you be off cutting ribbons at some burger chain opening? Or maybe petting unicorns for the tabloids?

  Gideon: {chuckling} Oh, Merrick. Still bitter after all these years.

  Merrick: Bitter? Please. I’m disgusted. You prance around like heroes while the rest of us do the real work.

  Gideon: {Real work? Like frog catching? Or what about the time you and your crew rode a giant hamster? Face it, Merrick, you’re stuck in the past. My team and I? We’re the future. We’re making a difference—being noticed.

  Merrick: Noticed for what? Prancing around like a spoiled child?

  Gideon: {shrugging} A spoiled child who is now diamond! Yea, that’s right Merrick, I’m where you have always wanted to be. But listen old timer, we were just passing through, saw the commotion, and thought, hey, why not help out the little people?

  Oswen: {smirking} Thought we’d show the locals how it’s done.

  Saffrey: How about I stick that wand up your ass?

  {Gideon waves dismissively at Oswen.}

  Gideon: Oswen, wrap it up. We’ve got more important places to be.

  Oswen casually raises his hand, snapping his fingers. The Golem freezes in place, its movements completely halted. Another Diamond Reign wizard deactivates the containment spell and steps back, allowing the Golem to slump back into its statue form. The crowd erupts into cheers, rushing forward to take pictures and get autographs. Gideon, ever the showman, turns to Darwin.

  Gideon: You’re new. Please don’t tell me you’re apprenticing under him.

  Darwin: Uh—

  Gideon: {interrupting, handing him a glowing, sparking business card} Listen, kid. If you want to learn real wizardry, come find me.

  {Gideon straightens up, signaling to his team. They mount their sleek, high-tech hovercrafts, shimmering with expensive enchantments. Gideon throws one last smug grin over his shoulder.}

  Gideon: It’s time to retire old man! See ya later!.

  {The Starfall Reign flies off, leaving a frustrated Merrick fuming. He mutters under his breath.}

  Merrick: Bastards.

  Tally: {grinning} Since we’re already here, how about we grab some breakfast? I can get some grits—and drown them in sugar.

  {He shoots a look at Saffrey, who glares back. Meanwhile, Darwin holds the glowing card left by Gideon, staring at it for a moment before tucking it into his pocket. He walks over to Saffrey.}

  Darwin: How do you guys know them?

  Saffrey: Long story short, Gideon was a whiny brat who we used to work with.

  Darwin: {frowning} And Oswen?

  Saffrey: {grimacing} Dated him for a while. Biggest mistake of my life. The end.

  {As the team begins walking away, Darwin pauses. A strange sensation comes over him. He turns back toward the statue, something isn’t right.}

  Darwin: Wait…

  {He doesn’t know how or why, but he can feel something about the Golem—a residual energy that hasn’t faded.}

  Darwin: {hesitant} Uh...guys?

  {No one hears him. Merrick is muttering curses under his breath about Starfall Reign, while Saffrey and Tally bicker behind him about breakfast. Darwin inches closer to the statue. The ground trembles slightly beneath his feet. He takes another step, squinting up at the Golem’s glowing eyes. His stomach churns as he spots the earth shifting ever so slightly beneath its feet.}

  Darwin: {louder} Guys, look! This thing is still moving!

  {Merrick freezes, turning sharply. He follows Darwin’s pointing finger just as the Golem’s eyes flash brightly—red as fire. A deep rumble escapes its massive form as the containment spell shatters like glass. The Golem lets out a deafening roar, its form shifting and growing larger as its rage intensifies.}

  Merrick: Spread out!

  {The team scrambles as the Golem slams its massive fists into the ground, shaking the entire park. Debris flies everywhere as the creature’s once-dormant body surges with renewed power.}

  Saffrey: {grabbing Darwin’s arm, pulling him back} Stay out of the way, kid! This thing’s gone berserk!

  Darwin: I can help!

  Saffrey: Help by not getting crushed!

  {Tally springs into action, activating his wristbands. Sparky, his mechanical dog-like drone, leaps out from its carrying case, its legs extending as it powers up. Tally grins.}

  Tally: Let’s go Sparky!

  Merrick: This is no time for your toys, Tally!

  Tally: Sparky, engage cables!

  {Sparky darts around the Golem at hyperspeed, magical cables shooting out from its sides and wrapping around the creature’s massive legs. The cables tighten, pulling taut as Sparky completes several rapid loops around the monster.}

  Tally: {grinning} Get the zoomies, boy!

  {The Golem stumbles but quickly regains its footing. It roars again, pulling against the cables with incredible strength.}

  Saffrey: {pulling out a glowing orange potion orb from her pouch} Let’s see if your new trick works, Darwin!

  {She attaches the orb to a small rock and hurls it toward the Golem. The orb releases a burst of orange smoke. The rock grows rapidly, expanding into a massive boulder that slams into the Golem’s chest, knocking it backward.}

  Saffrey: Well damn!

  .

  {Merrick, floating above the battlefield on his broom, begins chanting a intricate incantation. Electricity crackles around his staff as he summons a powerful lightning spell.}

  Saffrey: Come on, old man! Hit it already!

  {Merrick unleashes the lightning, bolts striking the Golem with loud cracks. It roars in pain, dropping to one knee. Another bolt hits, and another, pushing the Golem further down. Tally sends Sparky in again, this time firing magical orbs from its back-mounted cannon}

  Tally: Let’s see how you like this big guy!

  {The Golem roars once more, breaking free from the cables. Its massive foot stomps down on Sparky, breaking his back legs}

  Tally: {devastated} Sparky! Hang in there, boy!

  {Saffrey pulls out another potion, this one a shimmering green with swirling flecks of gold. She hurls it high into the air above the Golem. As the potion shatters, a shower of sparkling liquid rains down. The moment it touches the ground, thick, barbed vines erupt, twisting upward and wrapping around the Golem’s arms and legs, pinning it in place.}

  Saffrey: That ought to hold you!

  Darwin: That’s...amazing.

  Merrick: {yelling from above} It’s not enough! Keep it steady!

  {Tally, recovering a damaged Sparky, activates one of his drones named Birdie. The compact device unfolds mid-air, revealing small cannons on its sides. Tally directs it toward the Golem with a wave of his wristband.}

  Tally: Alright Birdie, you’re up!

  {The drone fires a barrage of glowing orbs that strike the Golem’s knees, chest, and shoulders. The impacts push it further down, the vines tightening their hold. The Golem roars in frustration, its movements slowing.}

  Merrick: Stand back!

  {Merrick unleashes another lightning spell. The bolt strikes the Golem’s chest, the shock rippling through its entire body. The creature trembles, its massive form sagging as the electricity courses through it. He strikes again, then again, each bolt lighting up the park like a storm. The Golem collapses to one knee, the ground beneath it cracking.}

  Saffrey: Hit it again, old man!

  Merrick: I’ll show you “old”, whipper snapper!

  {Just as Merrick releases another bolt, the Golem lets out a furious roar, its eyes blazing brighter. The vines begin to burn away as the Golem’s rocky body starts to glow with an intense heat. It pushes itself back to its feet, shaking off the remnants of Tally’s drones and the vines.}

  Darwin: It’s not stopping!

  {The Golem stomps down, sending out a shockwave that knocks Merrick off his broom. He lands roughly on the ground, clutching his staff for support. Saffrey pulls Darwin back as the Golem takes a step forward, the ground trembling beneath its massive weight.}

  Saffrey: Stay back, kid! It’s going wild!

  Darwin: {pointing at the Golem’s chest} Wait! Look!

  {Darwin’s eyes focus on the faint, glowing rune etched into the Golem’s chest. The language is ancient, its script almost impossible to decipher, but something about it feels familiar.}

  Darwin: {yelling} Do you see that? The symbol!

  Saffrey: No, kid! What are you talking about?

  {Darwin doesn’t hesitate. He runs toward the Golem, dodging debris and the creature’s swinging arms.}

  Saffrey: {shouting} Are you crazy? Get back here!

  Darwin: I can read it!

  {He closes his eyes, recalling his training, the ancient texts he studied back at the university. The rune begins to make sense. He stammers out syllables, piecing together the name.}

  Darwin: {hesitant, then louder} Gree..Grey…Greg...Gregor!

  {The Golem freezes mid-swing, its eyes flickering. Darwin steps closer, shouting louder.}

  Darwin: Gregor! That’s your name, isn’t it?

  Tally: His name? What does that matter?

  Darwin: It’s the curse in the rune’s language…just keep saying its name!

  Merrick: What rune? What language? What are you talking about boy, are you going mad?

  Saffrey: Well we’ve hit it with a lot and the kid hasn’t led us astray so far…{yelling at the golem} GREGOR!

  Tally: GREGOR!

  Darwin/Saffrey/Talley/People standing in the park: {all yelling} GREGOR!

  {The Golem’s eyes shift, the red glow fading to green, then to a soft blue. Its massive form begins to shrink, returning to its original size. It kneels, staring down at Darwin.}

  Gregor: {slowly, gravelly} Gregor... I remember. That is my name.

  {The team regroups around the now-calm Golem. Merrick approaches cautiously, his staff raised.}

  Merrick: {eyeing the Golem} Well, that’s new.

  {Gregor looks at the group, his voice still rough but clearer now.}

  Darwin: You were bound. The rune on your chest was more than likely a curse, written in a forgotten spell language.

  Gregor: I...was bound? That’s right…my soul trapped in this stone. For so long... I had forgotten myself.

  Saffrey: {softly} Who did this to you?

  Gregor: A sorceress I think. Long ago. Her name...I cannot recall.

  Merrick: I can try to free you. Separate your soul from the stone. But that would mean…well you know.

  Darwin: Wait…no. Why? You see he’s fine now, there is no reason to do that.

  Gregor: {nodding solemnly} Well young one, the reason I was turned into this thing is because I don’t think I was a good person. Maybe going into the light or the dark is what I deserve.

  {Merrick begins chanting a spell, his staff glowing with energy. A circle of runes forms around Gregor, glowing faintly. The spell pulses once, then fizzles out. Merrick frowns, his shoulders sagging.}

  Merrick: {shaking his head} The magic binding you is too strong. I can’t break it.

  Gregor: {sighing deeply} Then it seems I am to remain as I am.

  Tally: Most Golems work in quarries. You could find some purpose there.

  Gregor: Perhaps. First, I will help clean this mess. A “thank you” for freeing my mind.

  The dust begins to settle as Gregor, now calm and diminished in size, kneels in the clearing. Merrick leans on his staff, catching his breath. Before anyone can say another word, the sound of galloping hooves echoes through the park. A squad of Knight Enforcers, clad in gleaming enchanted armor, charges into the scene. Their weapons shimmer faintly with magical enhancements, and their leader raises a hand to signal the group to surround the Golem and the team. The circle of knights tightens, their spears and staves trained on Gregor, who raises his massive hands in a gesture of surrender. The Golem remains motionless, his eyes dimming as he sits back on his heels. Merrick narrows his eyes at the Captain, his jaw tightening

  Knight Enforcer Captain: {authoritatively} Ashbain’s Guild. Step away from the entity.

  Merrick: {annoyed} You’re late. As usual.

  Knight Enforcer Captain: {ignoring Merrick} The situation is under control now. We’ll take it from here.

  {The Captain, a tall figure with a stern expression, nods at Merrick as if to acknowledge his effort but maintains a professional distance. Merrick straightens up, dusting off his robe. He reaches into one of the many hidden pockets inside his robe and pulls out a neatly folded piece of parchment. He hands it over to one of the knights with a firm motion.}

  Merrick: The bill. For services rendered. And make sure your office doesn’t ‘lose’ it this time.

  {The Knight Enforcer holding the parchment glances at it awkwardly before passing it to the Captain. The Captain doesn’t even look at the document, simply tucking it away in his satchel.}

  Knight Enforcer Captain: {calmly} Your contributions have been noted. You may leave now.

  {Merrick glares at the Captain for a moment longer before turning to his team.}

  Merrick: We’re done here. Let’s go.

  {Saffrey and Tally exchange glances, with Tally rolling his eyes slightly. Saffrey mutters something under her breath as she grabs her potions pouch, and Darwin follows hesitantly, glancing back at the Golem one last time.}

  Darwin: Take care, Gregor.

  Gregor: Thank you...friend.

  The Knight Enforcers tighten their formation as Merrick’s team mounts their brooms. They ascend, with Merrick taking the lead, his broom creaking slightly under him. Tally and Saffrey bring up the rear. As they fly back toward the GMS, the sounds of the knights issuing commands fade behind them.

  Tally: At least we don’t have to clean up the mess this time.

  Saffrey: Yeah, but knowing those knights, we’ll probably never see a single coin from that bill.

  Merrick: Quiet, both of you. We have more important matters to focus on.

  Tally: More important matters? Like what?

  Merrick: Like Why our Darwin can read a dead cursed language that has been forbidden for over a century!

  The sun is high in the sky as the group returns to GMS. The streets of Havemere bustle with activity, townsfolk going about their midday routines. The clatter of carriages and the hum of magical streetcars create a vibrant backdrop as Saffrey’s broom glides through the air, carrying both her and Darwin. His grip on the back of her broom is tight, his posture tense, though he keeps quiet. Tally flies alongside them, his usual grin replaced with a thoughtful expression. As they land in front of GMS, the door to the shop swings open slightly from the gust of wind created by Merrick’s landing. He dismounts stiffly and strides inside without a word, letting the door close behind him with a heavy thud. The remaining three stand there for a moment, exchanging uncertain glances.

  Tally: Well, he’s pissed.

  Saffrey: {rolling her eyes} He’s always pissed.

  {Darwin hops off Saffrey’s broom awkwardly, he hesitates near the sidewalk, staring at the door Merrick disappeared through. A hint of shame colors his face. Tally notices and walks over, patting Darwin’s shoulder.}

  Tally: {grinning} Hey, kid—don’t let it get to you. It’s after lunch, right? Instead of heading back in there and dealing with Mr. Grumpus, let’s grab a bite. Give him time to cool off.

  {Saffrey, overhearing, places her hands on her hips, looking Darwin over.}

  Saffrey: Yeah, kid. You’re still in one piece after everything that went down. That’s a win in my book. Don’t let Merrick’s mood ruin it.

  Darwin: You sure we shouldn’t just go in?

  Saffrey: Oh, trust me. You do not want to be around him right now.

  Tally: Besides, I know a place that serves the best chimera sausage links this side of Havemere. My treat.

  {Darwin lets out a faint chuckle, a small smile tugging at his lips as he follows them. The three begin walking down the bustling cobblestone street, blending into the midday crowd. Darwin lingers a step behind, his mind still on Merrick’s reaction.}

  Tally: {throwing an arm around Darwin} Stop thinking about it, kid. Merrick's gonna be a sour puss no matter what. We just stopped a giant rampaging golem and he’s the only one with an attitude. You’ll get used to his little temper tantrums

  Saffrey: Or you’ll learn to ignore them— like we do. You’re not on your own here.

  {Darwin looks between the two of them, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. A small smile tugs at the corners of his mouth, and as they continue walking, his steps fall in sync with theirs. The trio vanishes into the vibrant midday crowd, their laughter mingling with the hum of Havemere’s bustling streets, the warmth of camaraderie surrounding them.

  Back at GMS, Merrick stands by the window in his cluttered office. The sunlight filters through the dusty glass, casting long shadows across the stacks of books and parchment. His gaze follows the faint outline of his team disappearing into the crowd. His expression, stoic at first, softens as he strokes his beard thoughtfully.

  He turns back to his desk, cluttered with open tomes and scattered notes. As he sits, a rare chuckle escapes him. Shaking his head, he mutters to himself, the corners of his mouth forming an almost reluctant smile.}

  Merrick: {quietly} He may be the real thing after all.