"Such quests should be reserved for old and creepy people like you, not young and energetic people like us with bright futures" Simon said, folding his arms.
"Are you aware that i have the power to turn you into an old creaky chair?", don't test my patience boy!" the witch warned Simon, causing him to quickly hide behind Ivy to avoid her gaze.
Ivy expressed her uncertainty about risking her life for the quest.
"Take your time to think it over, my dear child, and if you decide to go, you must return here, for I can only open the portal from here" the witch said.
Ivy nodded in acknowledgment.
As they exited the hut, Simon accidentally bumped his leg on a log of wood, he glared at the witch and blamed her for his misfortune.
They made their way home in silence, each of them, lost in their own thoughts. Simon promptly headed towards his house, while Ivy made her way home.
Ivy's mind was comsumed with the decision she was faced with, she quietly walked past Jasmine, and upon entering her room, she couldn't keep her emotions at bay anylonger. She cried, placing her tear-streaked face in her palm. Jasmine, concerned for her cousin, went to sit beside her, offering comfort and solace, and she embraced Ivy tightly.
The evening slipped away , and the following morning arrived with a gentle breeze. Ivy was still in a somber mood, but, she knew it was time to talk to Jasmine. She shared every detail about the next quest, causing Jasmine's eyes to widen in disbelief.
"Mantle of what? This game is getting too dangerous, Ivy. I can't allow you put yourself at such risk, not when I'm well aware of the consequences" , Jasmine said, shaking her head disapprovingly
Jasmine added that after the cake incident with Cecilia, she no longer wished to participate in Ivy's risky adventures. Despite her concerns, Jasmine expressed her deep love for Ivy and her fear of losing her.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Ivy pleaded with Jasmine for help, explaining that she desperately needed to bring her parents back to life.
However, seeing the tears in Ivy's eyes, Jasmine couldn't resist. She agreed to help Ivy, stating that if she insisted on going, then she must go prepared.
They spent the entire day reading books and studying everything they could find on necromancy. Eventually, they began practicing, enduring numerous failed attempts before finally mastering the incantation and ritual. Determined to ensure they were ready, they decided to test the incantation by summoning their late grandmother.
With their eyes closed, they chanted in unison " Apareo umbra cadilos undah confinum luman grandmama umbrah", they chanted repeatedly. Ivy cautiously opened her eyes, but nothing happened. Determined, she asked to try again.
On their second attempt, the room grew dark and cold, and suddenly, the spirit of their grandmother materialized before them. Excitement coursed through their veins, but just as quickly, Cecilia called out to them for dinner. They chanted again in unison " Despero umbra grandmama undah" causing their grandmother's spirit to vanish. They went downstairs for dinner, and the evening continued passed swiftly.
The next day was Monday, and they had to go to school. As they sat in class, Ivy discreetly passed a handwritten note to Simon. It read
"I've been thinking about what the old witch said, and I've made up my mind. I'm going to complete the final task, you could choose whether or not to join me, I'll respect whatever you choose".
Simon smiled and turned the paper over, quickly jotting down his reply.
"You're by far the bravest and craziest person I've ever known. I did some thinking too, and since we started this together, it's only right that we finish it together. Plus, I don't want you to come up with an excuse to not get my Valentine's gift! And don't worry, if anything happens to me on our quest, I've already willed all my possessions to my lovely cat, Mr. Cat." Folding the note, he passed it back to Ivy, who opened it and exchanged a smile with Simon.
Meanwhile, Miss Thompson, had noticed the note-passing and called out Ivy to read what was on the paper. This caught the attention of the whole class.
Ivy quickly chanted silently, "imus gocus despero,"and the words on the paper magically changed.
She read out loud, "Kindly give me your biology notebook."
Miss Thompson hurriedly walked over, taking the paper from Ivy. To her surprise, it was exactly as Ivy had read. The students erupted in laughter. Filled with embarrassment, Miss Thompson returned to her desk, warning the class never to pass writen notes again.
After classes, Ivy told Simon to meet her at the witch's hut later , and Ivy headed home.
As Ivy was about to depart, Jasmine, embraced her tightly, " Come back to me in one piece". She smiled.
Ivy arrived at the witch's hut and, a few minutes later, Simon joined her. They knocked on the door three times and entered. The old woman greeted them, cackling softly from her ancient, creaky chair.
"I thought you said you wouldn't come back here even if someone held a gun to your head," she giggled, eyeing Simon mischievously.
Simon replied "The only reason why I'm here is because Ivy needs me, nothing more, and after this final task, I wouldn't have to see your face again.. Man! Your face gives me nightmares!"
Ivy declared that they were ready to embark on the journey.
Before opening the portal, the witch paused and recited an incantation
" Overo Porteus danje veritas espitula esposito"
The witch told them to keep the incantation in mind to ensure that they would be able to return home safely. If they said it incorrectly, they could be trapped in the other realm forever. With a wave of her gnarled hand, the witch opened the portal.
As Ivy and Simon took their first steps towards it, the witch warned them that legend had it that a goblin guarded the tomb they were seeking, and they must be careful not to awaken the goblin, as the consequences could be dire.
Simon questioned "Why didn't you mention this earlier, I would have considered my options carefully, but it was too late now" , he cried.
As they stepped through the portal, it closed behind them, sealing their fate, leaving them in a desolate city filled with the grim remains of the deceased. Fear tightened its grip around them as they cautiously treaded past the lifeless carcasses strewn across the ground. Up ahead, they spotted the tomb they had sought, and with a sense of urgency, they hastened towards it.