Chapter 32
“Why the hell are we going to the basement?” Johnny asked.
Dylan chuckled and shook his head.
Gabriel sighed. “Because we can lock it down while I figure out what I’m doing, and even if something comes through that shouldn’t, it’ll be trapped.”
“But what if it kills us?”
Dylan turned, making sure both of them were clear of the walls and stairs, then reached out to touch the wall. “Then it still can’t get out. Whatever magic is built into these stones is older than Homer.” The walls glowed an ethereal blue. “And now that I’ve activated it, I’m the only one who can unlock it.” He sighed. “At least that’s what we think . We found a few notes about it, after we accidentally got trapped down here.”
Johnny rolled his eyes. “We’re doomed.”
“Maybe. But this is to try to save your home. I could end this right now, at least here. At least I think I still could. I’m risking everything and everyone I love to get you home and try to end this war.”
Johnny stepped closer, scowling. “Yeah, I know. It doesn’t make me feel any better about it.”
Gabriel pushed past them and sat in the middle of the room. “Put your dicks away. This bullshit’s not helping.” He closed his eyes. “Johnny, what do you know about how my power works? Is it based in intent and focus like Dylan’s?”
Johnny raised an eyebrow. “You know, I’ve never actually met a Liminan before. I would assume so.” He turned to Dylan. “So, what of the known Coates powers did you get? Hopefully something useful.”
Dylan gulped. “What are the known ones?”
Johnny shook his head. “Well, I’ve heard of shifting and elemental magic tied to one element. Rumor was the original guardians in the Coates family were able to open the gates anywhere, not like the rifts the Liminans could manage. I’m talking about gates large enough to take an army through. Beyond that, they all had a basic understanding of the science of base magic, like wards and healing.”
Dylan blinked. “Why don’t we start there, base magic? Then we can expand on your knowledge of shifting and elemental magic and Liminan magic.”
“Well, that’s not going to be much, to be honest, but I gotta know what you got before I can tell you what I know.”
Dylan blushed and avoided Johnny’s gaze. Gabriel spoke for him. “From what I’ve seen, he’s shifted multiple times into different things, controlled massive amounts of fire, water, and wind.”
Johnny’s eyes were wide, and his mouth hung open.
Dylan shrugged. “So maybe all of them? Plus, the visions…”
“I… I’ve never met anyone who had multiple abilities like that. Even if someone from the fire realm had a child with someone from another realm, it was always one or the other. The Coates were unique in that theirs seemed like a crapshoot. The legend was that it was because they intermarried through all the realms since the beginning of time, and their magic was mingled with everyone else’s.”
Gabriel sighed. “That makes sense, I guess, but I have to ask, does that include the Vurdalans?”
Johnny cocked his head. “I’m not sure. Vurdalan was always more isolationist, but I suppose so. They don’t shift into animals the way other shifters do. They’re more like beasts. Monsters. Half man, half wolf. Their shift is different too. It’s like it’s based in rage, not… how did you put it… intent.”
Dylan’s brow furrowed. “I think I get what you mean.” He turned to Gabriel. “How do you want to do this? Do you want to try now?”
Gabriel shook his head. “Nah, I think I need to build up to it. I think you’re right. Base magic first, because that’s going to help me practice without risking our lives.”
Dylan nodded and sat down beside Gabriel, his hand resting on Gabriel’s knee.
Johnny chuckled. “Good thinking. Besides, even if we get everything right, you’re going to need these skills in the battles to come.” He sat down across from them.
“Wards are the easiest part of magic, in theory. You have to touch and connect with the place where you are. It’s easier when the land belongs to you, but you can do them quickly in a push.” He sighed. “But they’re no good in combat because you have to be still. Mentally as well as physically.”
He touched the ground, and his voice softened. “I can’t feel the earth beneath us. It’s like whatever magic seals this room has us in a bubble, but you get the idea.” He looked at Dylan. “You touched the wards outside. It’s kinda the same thing. Besides, while we’re within the wards you touched, it could get finicky.”
Dylan chuckled. “So, we’re not going to get a lot of practice, huh?”
Gabriel sighed. “Nothing like begging the ground beneath you to keep your ass safe when there’s something coming after you.”
Johnny raised an eyebrow. “I never thought of it like that, but that’s basically it.”
Gabriel smirked. “Do you realize how ridiculous that sounds?”
Johnny huffed. “I’ve been stuck here for over twenty years. It’s painfully obvious how separated from the natural order of things people here are. It’s almost as if the people here forgot the song the world around them sings.”
Dylan raised an eyebrow. “So magic is like a song the natural world sings, and what we do is tapping in and harmonize with it?”
Johnny nodded.
“So, anyone could do it.”
Johnny shrugged. “That I don’t know. I don’t know if there’s something about people from other worlds that gives us a natural attenuation to it or not. If we had someone, we could try.”
Dylan shook his head. “No. We’re not dragging anyone else into this unless we are forced to.” He looked at Gabriel, sitting with his eyes closed again. He allowed himself to smile at the serene look.
“Let me guess,” Gabriel spoke without opening his eyes, “healing magic is the same? You just connect with the body in front of you in this metaphysical sense and ask it to stop bleeding or whatever?”
Johnny’s mouth fell open.
Dylan chuckled. “I think you hit the nail on the head, Gabe.”
“So, we can’t practice wards, and we aren’t injured to practice healing magic.”
Johnny looked at them, an exasperated expression on his face.
Dylan smiled. “Gabe, you keep meditating or whatever it is you’re doing. When you’re ready, just let us know.” He turned to Johnny. “You ready to see what I can do and see if we can test my limits?”