Even when the God of Mischief had fallen in the hands of judgment a group of highly dangerous wizards, knights and other beings that took part in capturing and slaying the mighty shapeshifting trickster by the hand of a powerful wizard, Albus and no, not the one from Harry Potter. This wizard is hella old and may be the most powerful and well know for his unique magic let alone, refusing to have any type of an apprentice to carry on his legacy paying his old friend Merlin rare visits time to time whenever he feels like walking without the use of magic from the kingdom he originated from, Phoenix.
A place named after the legendary fiery bird that once used to live along the old wizard's side before mysteriously vanishing in fin air 18 years earlier after a unusual birth happened in the outskirts of Camelot, but the child was quickly abandoned and trafficked into the kingdom allowing its cries to alert a nearby villager a baker who swept the child taking it in as his own despite never having a family due to his old age and tragic past that involved the uses of magic and sacrifice.
He named her Esmeralda a beautiful, kind hearted child that had unusual wine red hair and crimson red eyes a unusual sight that some would call her a witch, but others trusted her as years went by and with the kindness in her heart helping everyone especially Merlin on a rare daily basis to visit Douxie or maybe Zoe time to time when not busy helping her grandfather cook at the bakery. The potential hidden inside this girl is greater than one would think, don't mistake her kindness as a weakness.
"Why don't you rest and let me take over for today. You look absolutely exhausted, pops" Esmeralda suggested helping him sit down, even though he was in his early 70's and is still an outstanding cook gifting this kid with kindness knowing that he can trust her especially when she was going to be turning 18 soon and secretly learning magic behind his back for protection purposes.
"That would be nice.. just don't forget to clean and lock up after yourself, my little Phoenix feather" He happily replied giving himself 5 more minutes before heading off upstairs to bed glowing increasingly weaker, as the days grow by worrying Esmeralda knowing that one of these days he'll never be able to wake up again. She sighed glad to give her poor old man a break in work for once and take over for the time being.
"Well Ain't it the great bun maker!" Douxie's voice was heard making her head peek up seeing him enter almost tripping through the door like he most does every time he visits, but this time his master followed behind him staying as serious as always which didn't put any stress on the girl's shoulders looking up at the mighty wizard who walked up to the counter smelling the scent of freshly baked buns and other sweet and savoury treats that were going to be sold out later on today.
"Behave, Doux" Merlin shushed his apprentice before bringing his attention back to Esmeralda who patiently waited expecting him to order something. "Now. Is your father in?" He asked making her look at the door the old man walked through to go upstairs leaving her in charge.
"He hasn't been feeling the greatest, so he left me in charge for today, sir" She politely replied being the usual generous and truthful person.
"Oh, that's disappointing. I was hoping to have a chat with him" Merlin responded leaving her kinda puzzled unsure if it was the best to tell her gramps of his old friends arrival in the shop.
"I do apologise on his behalf, Merlin" She apologised generously in which the great wizard understood, using his magic to pick a fresh loaf of bread placing it down on the counter in front of her before handing the right amount of money.
"Keep me up to date with your grandfather's condition when you next come round to use the library again" He suggested before leaving allowing Douxie to stay behind, and chat with the backers granddaughter for a little longer and maybe give her a helping hand.
"You look exhausted.. Have you been up doing spells again?" Douxie curiously asked creating a new conversation taking notice on how slow she was becoming even though it was getting close to closing time.
"Yeah, but I need to cut down on the books for now and take care of my grandfather, before I can continue doing anything else" Esmeralda replied honestly which made sense due to her kind heart and desire to help people before seeing to her own needs.
"Don't forget to care for yourself too.. I don't want to be carrying you back home like last time" He jokingly replied before finally leaving her be as she exhaled ready to close the bakery up all on her own once again.
"Phew.. That took me longer than expect to do, but it'll all be worth it in the end" She said to herself wiping the sweat from her forehead putting the money she made into the jar, and checked for anything else that needs to be done before going upstairs to check on her grandfather to remained in bed all day. As the door slowly creaked over allowing her to peak her head in seeing him peacefully laid there on his back facing the ceiling. "Pa? Are you feeling alright? Also Merlin came over to earlier for a word, but I told him you weren't feeling well" Esmeralda quietly spoke not wanting to make him feel any worse, but nothing was said so she went inside slowly closing the door behind her hearing it click. Before carefully creeping over to his side of the bed as something white was seen placed on the bedside drawer with her name on it, so she picked it up seeing something written underneath her name. 'Please open me' she found this sweet, and wondered when he was able to write something like this while feeling so ill these past couple of weeks, growing worse as days go by relying on Esmeralda to do all the hard work even if she wasn't meant to do it no matter how many times she insists to help him, even if it means hurting herself in the progress. A piece of folded paper was inside the envelope as she pulled it out unfolding it to see his nice, fancy joined up handwriting as some looked swigged making it obvious that this was recently written. It read..
———
'Dear my sweet little angel,
If you're reading this then you might already tell that things haven't gone well for me and that the illness I had kept secret for quite some time now has taken a toll on me. Don't be sad as I'll always be by your side whenever you want someone to talk to, and don't let my loss stop you from being an amazing wizard one day as I know you'll over take Merlin, as he too agrees that your talents will surely get you to great heights in the upcoming future. I knew saving you that day would change my life for the better just look at the woman you're about to become! Beautiful, strong and kind hearted willing to help anyone in need. That is something no ordinary girl can be unless it is you. I believe in you my little miracle. Fly high.
Infinity amount of Love from your grandfather
———
After reading Esmeralda was left in a panic as she placed both hands on his chest feeling nothing moving so she put her ear in order to hear a heartbeat, but she was met with silence as her hands clenched the sheets while beginning to mourn letting all her cries and tears on his bow pronounced cold dead body.
"No. Grandpa.. You gotta wake up! I NEED YOU?!" She exclaimed begging him to wake up which isn't going to work not like this. Esmeralda was unsure on what to do without him being there to support and praise her especially when she's like this.
When the next day came around she refused to open the shop, and locked herself up in her room away from society no matter who came by they have no chance of seeing her especially in the time of grieving. This didn't bring any suspicion at first, but when the next few days rolled by, and no baker in sight things were beginning to spread making both friends and family, worry about both the baker and his adoptive grandchild who he sees as a daughter. Merlin arrived at the front locked doors of the bakery, knocking loudly for someone to answer hoping they would at least give him a sign of life.
"Come on open up you're making everyone worry! Esmeralda if you're in there can you please unlock the door and let me in" Merlin called out, while the poor teen remained circled up in the corner of her room still upset from what she had experienced a few days prior, traumatising her mentally with the sight of her grandfather's lifeless body still laying there in his bed.
"No.. Go away.." she mumbled covered her head with both of her hands, making it clear to the wizard outside that she wasn't going to come down anytime soon so he did the unthinkable.
"Can't believe I have to do this, but you leave me no choice" He mumbled to himself using his magic to forcefully open the door from the other side, allowing only him to enter as he locked it behind himself preventing any nosy neighbours from coming in and mucking everything up. "This place reeks of negativity, sorrow and endless pain" feeling the emotions travelling around he made his way in the back and then upstairs, taking extreme caution on every step he took just in case something decides to jump out at him. Entering in the baker's room Merlin froze, smelling the beginning smell of decomposition even though it had been just days, the heat had sped things up making it obvious that his old friend or someone was dead. "Hm, I see. Rest well old friend and leave the rest to me. I assure you that Esmeralda will grow to be a outstanding sorceress one day, but not under my wing of course we both know there is someone far better who is in need for an apprentice" He spoke keeping his distance due to the disgusting stench, before leaving the room as a shiver took over his body, from the sight of it could make the toughest men question their own existence and wonder if they'll be next on the reapers list. Merlin glanced down the hallway seeing what he would think is Esmeralda's room, taking the chances he walked over allowing himself ready to take in this now lost child and make a legend out of her, yet her sobs made him sympathetic as her only real father figure was now gone, leaving her all alone in this world lost and unsure of what her destiny is anymore.
"It isn't fair.. Why him?" Esmeralda was heard mumbling to herself snuffling wiping her never ending flowing eyes, unaware of Merlin's presence as he headed closer stepping on a loose floorboard making it creak, forcing her gaze to meet his seeing her saddened expression making him kneel down in front of her keeping his staff held tightly in his grasp.
"Are you alright, Esmeralda? I am here to take you with me as I promise you great things, just like I promised your grandfather whenever his time came to leave this world. It may not be nice to say goodbye, but one day you'll be able to see him again. When your time comes that is" Merlin spoke wanting her to follow him in hopes to bring out her inner being one day if Albus accepts the kid, but even if he chooses to refuse Merlin knows exactly how to make her dreams of being a sorceress/witch come true even if it means training both her and Douxie until ready.
"I will?" She questioned as he softly smiled holding his hand out for her to grab, knowing that when the day comes for her to perish she'll be able to go up there and see him once again, but for them that's like an eternity away thanks to magic.
"Of course! Have I ever lied to you?" Merlin wasn't gonna let his friend's death effect this poor girl's life, and take away that kind hearted personality as he refused to let her drive into darkness a place of no return. Esmeralda believed him and took his hand as he stood up pulling her with him being not as heavy as he expected her to be. "A very powerful wizard from Phoenix is coming to inspect you and see if you're worthy of becoming his apprentice" mentioning Albus surprising her as she stumbled back hitting the wall behind her.
"Phoenix? You're selling me off!" Getting the wrong picture, Merlin didn't have any intention of selling such a sweet girl off even though giving her to Albus is the only way she can ever become an outstanding sorceress.
"No. He's going to be your teacher, but that's if he'll says yes on having you of course, since he's the headmaster of the elite wizard academy in Phoenix, let alone the most trusted man to ever stand beside the king, and he's a big man like, since when does a war machine like that need a bloody magical bodyguard? *sighs* I guess we'll just have to be patient and hope for the best" Merlin replied making it clear that there was no selling involved and if he had the chance to take her in then he would, but his hands are already full on training Douxie personally. Esmeralda had a minute to collect her thoughts and wiped away her dried tears, even though she knew that this would be her last opportunity to become the sorceress/witch she always wanted to be.
"O-okay.. I'm very sorry that I overreacted, Merlin" She apologised making him sigh as he placed a hand on her shoulder, knowing that she must be going through a lot and taking over the bakery at this age is too much for a 17 year old to do on their own.
"It's alright, kid. How about we head back to the library and you can read a book or two to pass the time until Albus arrives to inspect you and your talents" He replied escorted her out of the back of the house in order to prevent questions, and alerts the king of the baker's sudden death.
Esmeralda was on her own studying that mysterious mind of hers on history, spells and more that will expand her knowledge in the art of sorcery and magic.
"I wonder if they have anything about light magic? It is the more positive side of dark magic, is it not?" She thought to herself closing a book she had finished reading in the past few hours, before standing back up to put it back in its rightful place on the shelf again if she were to pick another one to read. "Ooo. This one looks rather interesting" picking up a black book with oddly white carved outlines that had all the moon staged on the front of it, making it stand out to her more than anything as if she was meant to hold it. "That's weird.. This book is giving me weirdly odd vibes. Should I really be reading this?" Questioning herself and yet curious opened the book seeing loads of spells that were unreadable and yet here they are in his library, but Esmeralda was able to understand its language other than it being completely foreign and new to her. In a panic she slammed the book shut hugging it to her chest, while standing there in the middle of the room unsure if she should sit down and read it or put it back on the shelf. "I-I can understand its language? This isn't good I'll get into a lot of trouble if I continue, but my heart is telling me to read it.. I guess only a little won't hurt anyone, right?" After deciding Esmeralda sat down back at the table taking a big deep breath in and then out, placing a hand on the front cover of the book before carefully opening it with hesitation seeing the first page that read.
'to all who can read this writing by illegal magic or by pure coincidence. YOU have been chosen to learn the ways of Eclipse Celestial Magic' this was odd and new to her, but why would such a powerful wizard have something like this in his library especially if she's able to read it so clearly. Spending the rest of the afternoon Esmeralda took her time, slowly reading everything she can get her eyes on which could be every single word in the book, that gave her knowledge that she could ever dreamed of having.
However, when the time came for Albus to arrive he arrived earlier than expected wondering around Camelot, as if he knew the place being old and wiser than any wizard that lived in Camelot, before coming into the library spotting Esmeralda on her lonesome reading without Merlin's proper supervision. He walked over hovering his head slightly over her shoulder seeing the odd looking writing which he hasn't seen before in his life of loving as an immortal warlock.
"What are you reading?" He asked making her jump as a little squeak escaped from her mouth, before quickly looking up at the man who remained calm and vigilant of her presence.
"A.. Book?" She answered unsure of what to say to this powerful person, feeling his magic burn within his blood.
"What type of book? Black magic? Are you planning on becoming a sorceress with the arts of shadow magic?" Some many questions muddled through her innocent kind, as she slightly panicked unsure of what to say and if the wrong words would be said otherwise.
"I.. It's about Eclipse Celestial Magic, sir" nervously replying as he grew silent taking a few steps back, when another came into the room seeing the two as she glanced to the door seeing Merlin who was rather surprised on his old friends early arrival.
"I see that you met Esmeralda, but I didn't expect you to arrive so early, did something happen back in Phoenix?" He asked questioning his friend's actions worried that something bad had happened, which caused him to departure off so early.
"Ah. Merlin old friend it is nice to see you again. Nothing has happened I just wanted to see who this student was you so badly wanted me to take under my wing, is this them?" Albus was curious since he never had a student who could read such ancient language, let alone of Eclipse Celestial magic which hasn't been seen in several millenniums ever since the pixies, vampires, guardians and shapeshifters' were driven to extinction.
"Yes. She is very promising and is a very quick learner too and has a kind heart one that is rare to see these days when it comes to helping others, seeing to their needs before her own several times" Merlin admitted proving that her determination to help could also be her downfall, if not shown to care for herself as well as she does to everyone else.
"I see. Are you aware that this student can understand the writing in this book? She believes it holds the knowledge of Eclipse Celestial Magic" Admittedly Albus was unsure of what she was saying was really true, so why not ask a real and more trustworthy man than a silly child.
"Yes it does. I received from the last guardian before they were murdered by the King at Sunset, but only the chosen one can read it without the need of a spell which I haven't got my hands onto yet, so this is something spectacular and shouldn't be taken so lightly, Albus" Merlin replied in a serious manner refusing to let this man think he was lying about something, that no being has seen in forever and having it now could only mean one thing, the end is near and if it is, then when?
"I am aware, old friend. I will take her and teach her the real ways of a magic back at the Academy, so when she comes back she'll surpasses even you and your childish apprentice" Albus responded planning to take her even if Merlin agreed or not, liking the idea of using this scientific magic to forever make his name greater than he can ever imagine. "Come, child. You have a bright future ahead of you" getting Esmeralda up from her seat as she looked at Merlin unsure if this was the right decision.
"You're going to be fine. I'll be sure to tell Douxie and the others that you'll be back after your training is finished and another thing.. *whispers* Promise me you'll keep the book safe for me, and keep on fighting even when times get tough, never let the darkness take over your kind soul" slightly warning her giving the book to her knowing how tough his lessons can be on a currently weak sorcerer like herself, as she silently nodded understanding and watched the two vanish before his very eyes, knowing that she'll do outstandingly under Albus' watch and aid. Will she be able to put up with the training or will it be too much for her body to handle and give up?