Spirit Tamer origins

Chapter 1

A white-haired male with blue eyes walked down the hallway, heading towards what seemed to be an archery club. When he walked into the club there were a few people in there who waved and greeted him politely. 

“Hey Brandon, Ritchie is still at the range if you want to get him.” One of the girls said. Brandon sighed and asked, “Is he overworking himself for the semifinals?” The girl looked guilty but replied, “Sorry, we can’t stop him forcibly and you were in your own club. We did get Mario to spot him though.”

Brandon shook his head and grabbed his twin’s backpack with ease. “Thank you for calling Mario to spot him, someone is better than no one,” Brandon said as he waved goodbye, heading to the range. He soundlessly walked into the range as an arrow flew into the target’s bullseye, the arrow being shot by a focused Ritchie.

Mario was sitting by the door, watching Ritchie with a close eye. As Ritchie readied himself to shoot another arrow, Brandon put his hand wordlessly on Mario’s shoulder, so as not to disturb the focused blunette. Mario jumped slightly but held back a yelp so as to not mess Ritchie up.

Mario gave Brandon a ‘are you kidding me’ look, Brandon responding with a shrug. Mario sighed and showed Brandon a ¼ empty water bottle. Brandon pouted at the quarter empty bottle as Ritchie took the shot, getting another bullseye. 

“I think that was a good shot, but it could be better. What do you think Mario?” Ritchie asks as he wipes the sweat from his forehead. Brandon walked up behind Ritchie and wrapped his arms around his waist, pulling Ritchie against his chest. 

“I think that was a perfect shot. Do you know what could be better though? The amount of water you’ve drunk all practice because a fourth of the whole bottle isn’t very healthy. Especially since you’ve been at this for about an hour and a half.” Brandon said as he rested his chin on Ritchie’s head.

Ritchie squeaked and stuttered out “A-Ah Brother! I didn’t t-think you’d c-come to get me!” Mario snickered and said, “Doesn’t he usually pick you up on Fridays after his own club. He usually is the one who watches you during practice too.” Ritchie pouted and replied with a “Shut up Mario!” Both Brandon and Mario chuckled, “Come on brother, go pack up your bow and I’ll put the arrows back.”

Ritchie pouted but complied, Brandon going to the target to get the arrows. “I’m going to head out now, Tapio probably managed to escape my apartment by now. The curious little thing really likes to socialize with the tenants.” Mario said as he grabbed his backpack.

“Tell Tapio I said hi then,” Brandon said as he waved goodbye. Ritchie walked in a minute later with his own backpack, “I’m ready Brother!” Brandon smiled and took his brother’s hand and they began to make their way home.

They had just made their way out of the school when Ritchie asked, “I kinda want to go see if Gramps is at the library today. Want to go see?” “Hmmm, why not,” Brandon said as they made the turn, heading to the public library.

<><>><<<><>><

They quickly made it to the library and went to the fairy tale and fable section. Like usual, the old man Johnathan was there like always, reading yet another Grimm’s fairy tale. “Hi, Gramps! Whatcha reading this time?” Ritchie greeted with a smile. “Ah, Ritchie and Brandon! Welcome back to the land of fantasy! I’m currently reading Grimm’s version of Rapunzel. So what brings you to my land of tales?”

Ritchie and Brandon plopped down on the bean bags near Johnathan’s white with gold trims armchair. “We wanted to see if you read any new stories,” Brandon answered as Ritchie nodded. “Hmm, not anything recent that I think you’ll like. But I do have some interesting ‘tea’ that I can spill! That's the lingo you kids use nowadays right, spilling the tea!” Johnathan said with a smile.