One of the magi to the side of the Magus laughed and said, "Shows what you know, the Grand Magus doesn't have a fire element! Sure he has creation and wind magic, but not enough to fill a 15 by 15 foot bubble, that would be insane!" and a couple other magi joined in laughing at me. I frowned and looked at the Magus up and down before seeing a grey cloud INSIDE their chest, just to the side of their heart. I felt some strange connection to this shadow that I couldn't explain.
It felt like this shadow was calling to me, beckoning me to come to it. Unlike the fire I saw within the Grand Magus' eyes, this shadow, more like fog or smoke, felt cool, almost cold. I always felt more comfortable in cold environments, so even this cold feeling was drawing me in. However, no matter how much I was drawn to this shadow, I could also feel a cold hatred coming from it, and I knew this shadow would be dangerous to any living being, the fact that the Grand Magus was sitting there so calmly just showed how powerful they were.
I spoke softly but directly to the Magus, "Grand Magus, would you like me to remove the shadow cast over your strength?" Everybody strained to hear but failed, but the Magus stared at me wide eyed. "Young mage, not even the most powerful magi have been able to see that shadow, and you think that you can remove it? Are you certain?" The Magus asked bewildered. I nodded, there was a drawing to that cloud that I couldn't explain, but I knew I could remove it. "I do need one thing, I need a creature that can use magic, preferably not a human as it will most likely cause their death."
The grand magus nodded slowly and turned to the person who had laughed at me first, "Please bring a weak magical creature here, I will show you my true element if you do so. Everyone else, please leave." I jumped and spoke up, "U-um, Grand Magus, can she stay here? She is the only person I know so far..." I gestured to Shadow-Walker. The Grand Magus nodded and allowed her to stay which caused her to beam at me.
After about 10 minutes a cage was wheeled into the room with a six foot tall lizard inside, about ten feet long from head to tail. It snarled and lashed out at everybody who got to close until I stepped forward and put my hand on the side of its neck. After that the beast shivered but immediately calmed down. I turned to the Magus and bowed my head as I spoke, "I need you to remove your top for this process, I can remove it from your back if that is more comfortable but clothing will get in the way."
"Very well, I will do as you say." The Magus said and removed the robe that they were wearing and then removed a shirt to reveal breasts. The Grand Magus was a woman, that was new information that I would file away for now. I placed my hand on her chest just to the side of her heart and I felt the darkness that was within her flood into my hand. I almost couldn't bear the pain but I forced myself to get every last bit of the darkness out before stumbling to the beast and releasing this curse energy into its chest. A second passed by where it curled up on itself before it exploded into blood and guts all over the council room.
The Magus put her clothes back on and waved a hand and all of the blood and guts and the body burned to ash before wind blew the ashes out to door. "I am in your debt, young mage, if you need anything just let me know." The Magus said before returning to her seat. The Magus turned to the man who had laughed at me and spoke again, "You want to see my power first hand right? That cage is meant to keep magical beasts held within, and I shall obliterate it." She held out her hand and a magic circle appeared below the cage before an inferno of flame engulfed the entire cage bringing it out of sight. When the flames died down there was no evidence that there ever was a cage.
The magi stared in horror and amazement at the charred floor and bowed deeply to the Magus before saying, "My apologies, Grand Magus, I will never doubt your power and prowess again." But the Magus was waving them away, "It's not me that you should be apologizing to, the young magi could see my flame ability and you laughed in his face. Apologize to him and I'll consider forgiving you," she responded.
The mage looked at me with a mixture of disgust, disdain, and fear. Although they now hated me, they also feared me due to my abilities. "Tch, I'm sorry mage. I guess, maybe you knew what you were talking about." They said, annoyed. I glanced at the Magus who waved a hand and the magi was gone. I looked where they had been standing and back to the Magus confused. She explain that the magi was now being punished for his foolish actions and mistreatment of the newest member of the Magi Conclave.
I nodded and looked up, "I do have a request for your payment, as long as you don't mind me asking." I spoke a little more freely with just the Magus and Shadow-Walker in the room. The Magus chuckled and said, "Already know what you want? Well as long as it is within my power I will grant it to you." I smiled, "I want to learn how to use magic. I know I have it, and I know that some things come to me naturally. But I don't know how to use spells and I don't know how I healed myself earlier and I don't know how I removed your curse. I want to learn how to use my power," I responded.
The Magus looked at me confused and said, "That's all? Many men would want to take advantage of having me owe them something, and would have me sleep with them so they can spread such rumors to lower my political power. Do you know what you could get people to do if you could honestly say that you slept with the Grand Magus? Or money, many would ask for money, yet you just want to learn how to use magic. I like it."
I looked at her a little embarrassed, "Were you prepared to fuck, just because I removed the curse for you? Never mind, don't answer that. I just want to learn how to use my magic so I can help people who need it, and hopefully figure out why I have so many weird abilities, like the ability to see magic circles that aren't painted," I said in response.
"I can find the best mages to try to teach you each different type of magic. Most people can't even use three types but you seem to be an exception. When we find out what types of magic you can use I will pay those mages to stay and teach you. There are two forms of magic that humans can't teach you and one that only very few humans can teach you but I think I know some outsiders that I could convince to help you," the Magus responded. I bowed again and said my thanks, still confused because I felt an affinity with the shadow, before Shadow-Walker pulled me out of the building excitedly.
AN: Hello to all who are reading this as it comes out...
I am so sorry for not writing in forever!!! I almost lost my apartment, then I started working again, and I've been spending my days off with my mom and little sister, so I haven't had time to write, but I'm making time! I wish you all the best!!!