When Shadows Lurk

Chapter One

"Hey Alexa, why do people hate Mages so much? Don't you guys fight against the Volcren that lurk in the shadows?" I asked as I lay back on the soft grass. Volcren are these monsters made out of shadow. If a person comes into contact with one and survives, they become infected by a curse. But when they're cursed, they're also able to use magic. They're known as Mages and they fight against the Volcren. I know this because Alexa is a Mage herself. But people in our village constantly treat her like she is a Volcren. I don't understand why Mages are treated like this when they're just a little different.

Alexa sighs and pats me on the back.

"Yeah, I don't know why. But don't worry about that, okay?"

She tells me not to worry, but I can see that faraway look in her eyes. People are always giving her disgusted looks and it breaks my heart that people treat her like this. The only thing different about her is that when she gets upset, her personality completely changes. And when that happens, the town usually get damaged in some way. Alexa told me that's her curse and that every curse is different depending on the Mage.

But it's not her fault! She didn't ask to be cursed!

My name is Eden and I have golden blonde hair that goes just past my shoulders. I have blue eyes and I'm wearing a brown cloak over my light green dress. I'm also wearing dark tights and brown shoes.

After laying there for a while, I decide to get up and head back to town. Alexa got up with me and followed me back. Since today is so nice and sunny, I think it would be nice to visit the fountain in the middle of town. If we're lucky, maybe Penny will be there.

Penny is a normal boy who likes to play his flute at the fountain. Alexa also has a huge crush on him, though she'd never admit that. I have tried so many times to get them together but every time, Alexa chickens out! She's worried that Penny would laugh at her like all the others. But deep down, I know Penny loves Alexa as much as I do. He wouldn't be so kind to her if you didn't like her.

As soon as we enter the town, I instantly hear people mutter to themselves. Even though I can't hear what they're saying, I know it's not good and I know it's about Alexa. Feeling angry, I quickly grab Alexa's hand and pick up the pace. It isn't until we're at the fountain when my heart finally slows down.

Just like I expected, Penny is there.

Penny's skin is a light brown and he has short, black hair. He is wearing a brown top and shorts. He is sitting on the edge of the fountain and he's playing his flute. His brown eyes are closed and he looks completely lost in his music. His brown cap is lying on the ground and it already has coins in it.

His flute sounds beautiful as always.

Now, I just need to get Alexa over there.

I let go of Alexa's hand and elbow her gently.

But as I expected, Alexa doesn't move. Instead, she gives me a cold look and crosses her arms.

"Eden, what do you think you're doing?"

"What, me? I'm just walking by the fountain. Is that a crime?"

I can't help but smirk as I try to sound innocent.

Alexa just growls and I'm starting to think that Alexa's personality might switch if I'm not careful. If that happened, who knows what would become of our quiet, little town.

BOOM!

A building to our left suddenly explodes and sends me flying. I didn't even have time to brace for impact. The back of my head hit something hard, making me groan. I touch the back of my head and discover that it's bleeding.

What the hell happened?

As I looked around, I noticed that Penny is next to me.

"Penny! Are you okay?" I crawl over towards him quickly.

He groans but not as he looks up at me.

There's dirt on his face and he's clutching his flute.

"Do you know," he coughs, "what happened?"

I shake my head, trying to get the ringing out of my ears. That's when I looked up and saw that our town was now in flames. The fountain was completely destroyed and a lot of the shops and houses were severely damaged. As the flames rose around us, I felt like we were going to be swallowed by them. The heat from the fire was so hot that I had to raise up my arms to shield my face.

"Eden! Penny! Are you guys alright?!"

I squint under my raised arm and see Alexa standing amongst the rubble. I begin to smile as she starts wobbling towards us. She's dripping her left arm and she's limping. She must have gotten hurt in the blast. But what caused this to happen? And why is there fire everywhere?

Suddenly, I notice a red glow from behind Alexa.

I hear Penny gasp from behind me. I clamp my hand over my mouth as my eyes widen. I didn't want to believe it. I have never seen one before. I wanted this whole event to just be a nightmare. But there's no doubt about it.

There is a Volcren behind Alexa and it's heading straight for her!

Before I could think of what to do, I was running. I heard Penny call my name but I didn't stop. As I ran towards Alexa, she turned around to see the charging Volcren. Their shadowy body made it look like it was floating instead of running. I couldn't tell if it even had any legs. But it's giant mouth was opened and it had a really long tongue. The inside of its mouth and it's many eyes were glowing red.

"Alexa, look out!"

I yelled as I pushed my legs to move faster to reach her in time. I held my hands out to grab her but there wasn't enough time.

There's only one thing I can do!

Using all my strengths in my arms, I shoved Alexa out of the way just as the Volcren attacked. I scream out as I feel an agonizing sting in my side. I cough, blood spewing from my mouth as I feel my body get hit by the Volcren.

At least I saved Alexa once before I died.

I saved her so she can save the world.