The Secondary Realm

The Secondary Realm

Copyright 2016 by Jason Flanigan

No part of the book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Chapter 1

Excitement buzzed in the air as Ms. MacKenna’s class waited for the last day of school to end. Summer vacation was literally moments away and no one was bothering to pretend they were studying—not even the teacher’s pets. James’s backpack rested on the desk in front of him. Normally it was heavy and crammed with books, but now it was much lighter than it had been in a very long time with just his 3 ring binder and notebook paper. James was slender and a bit shorter than average. He had unruly, curly, brown hair, brown eyes, a long nose, and big ears that made him feel self-conscious—especially when bullies called him Dumbo or Elephant Ears. His two best friends, Tim and Beth, sat beside him. Tim was ready to leap to his feet and spring out the door. He had blond hair, green eyes, and a spontaneous, laidback attitude.

Beth was a sharp contrast to her two best friends and James sometimes wondered how the three of them had formed such a strong friendship. Beth was intelligent, studious, and one of the teacher’s pets. She had brown hair, brown eyes, an aquiline nose, and a heart-shaped face. While James and Tim wouldn’t hesitate to launch themselves into a new adventure, she would insist that they stop and think. Her cautious and thoughtful approach had helped them to escape many dire situations.

I heard that in middle school they give you homework practically every day, Tim said.

Of course they do, Beth responded. It is a transition point between grade school and high school.

Tim made a face as though this was the first time they had discussed this matter even though the three of them had been rehashing this very topic on a daily basis.

I think since there’s such a big difference between fifth grade and sixth grade, we should have a longer summer vacation, Tim said.

That’s not going to happen. Beth’s tone held an undercurrent of disapproval.

It’s going to be so hard. I wish I could go to school in the secondary realm instead, Tim said.

What makes you think it would be any easier there? Beth asked.

Because magic is easier to understand than what we’re learning at school and we could cast spells whenever we want. We wouldn’t have to worry about anyone non-magical seeing us.

That may be true but very few humans are allowed to live there or even to visit, Beth reminded him. And you should practice your magic more often if you want to be skilled enough to be accepted in a magic college.

I practice all the time.

Look at the clock, James said, interrupting his friends on purpose before their discussion could degenerate into an argument. He wanted to start his vacation on a positive note.

What do you mean? Beth glanced at the beige, circular clock mounted on the wall and then returned her gaze to his.

Only two minutes until summer vacation. James grinned at his friends.

Bring it on! Tim exclaimed.

The volume of the excited chatter of their fellow classmates had steadily increased over the last half hour. Ms. MacKenna sat behind her desk, grading papers and occasionally lifting her gaze to smile fondly at her students. She had told them that she was sad to see them go because she would miss them but it was time for them to move on. She was James’s favorite teacher by far. She was unfailingly kind, extremely patient, and explained things very well. In the third and fourth grade, he had struggled to make sense of new concepts and lessons that the teachers had presented. School had been quite an ordeal until he reached the fifth grade. Now he was losing a great instructor who would be replaced with six instructors. He worried that he may end up with five bad teachers and only one good one. That would be awful and he feared it was a strong possibility because of his bad luck curse, which tended to bring about difficult situations. The only positive aspect he could rely on when he started middle school was the fact that he shared some of the same classes with his two best friends so they would still see each other quite a bit.

This is the last day we’ll ever see this classroom or Ms. MacKenna, James murmured as a myriad of turbulent emotions whirled within.

Beth’s expression turned sympathetic while Tim’s exuberant smile widened as he remained oblivious to James’s inner turmoil.

Don’t forget this is the last day we’ll ever see this school either, Tim said.

Don’t remind me, Beth responded. I’m going to miss this place. We made some good memories here.

Tim eyed her with incredulous disbelief as though she had just transformed into a terrifying creature, but before he could comment on her opinion, the bells rang out and almost everyone leapt to their feet and rushed toward the door to start their summer vacation and the next chapter of their lives. James couldn’t help but feel that this moment was a milestone in his life and he would think back to the time he had spent at this school for many years to come. James and Beth slowly rose to their feet as Tim rushed across the room to wait in the long line that had formed at the door.

I’d like to say goodbye to Ms. MacKenna, James said.

Me, too.

James and Beth walked over to their teacher’s desk to join several other students who were saying their final farewells. There was a brief, blue flash of light and the room was plunged into an unnatural silence. James and Beth quickly realized they were the only ones who weren’t frozen in place like statues, which meant a time stop spell had been cast. The five children closest to the door rose several feet into the air and slowly drifted to the side where they were set back down to make room for whoever was about to enter the room. James’s heart slammed wildly in his chest as he wondered what sort of unexpected danger he would soon face. An instant later, the familiar and unwelcome sight of Ms. Chevalier, dressed in a charcoal business suit, appeared at the door. She was a short, heavyset woman and her dark brown hair was pulled up in a severe bun. As she stepped into the room, her piercing blue eyes honed in on Beth and James. She exuded an aura of power and intimidation. She was a tertiary realm being and a representative of the Cooperative, which was the government of that dimension. The Cooperative exerted a powerful influence over the secondary realm, where most magical beings resided, and the primary realm where humans lived.

Ms. Chevalier, what are you doing here? James asked.

Her nose wrinkled with displeasure as though she had just come across a foul odor. There are some secondary realm criminals on the loose in the primary realm. I’m on a mission to apprehend them before they complete a very dangerous spell.

Did they steal an enchantment from the Cooperative? Beth asked.

No, they haven’t.

Why are you interested in catching them?

I’m not here to answer your inane questions, Ms. Chevalier said icily. The reason I’m here is to ask you if you’ve seen anyone suspicious.

No, we haven’t, James replied.

Ms. Chevalier narrowed her eyes at him with irritation. Are you certain of that?

Yes. James fidgeted under her intense scrutiny.

Because of the nature of your curse, it is possible these criminals may come for you.

Are we in danger? James asked, icy waves of fear shivering over his body.

You must be careful. If you find yourself in danger or you see anyone following you, activate the messaging spell in these stones. I will be alerted at once and will be able to find you quickly. Ms. Chevalier held out two rose quartz balls that were about twice the size of a marble. James and Beth reluctantly took one of the stones from her.

What do the criminals look like? James asked.

I have no idea. Ms. Chevalier frowned at him with annoyance. You know that secondary realm beings can take any form they desire when they first enter the primary realm so why would you ask such a stupid question?

Maybe he thought they were seen after they came here, Beth said. If that was the case, you would know exactly what they look like since they can only change form when they travel from the secondary realm to this one.

Typical human behavior, Ms. Chevalier said. You have nothing better to do than waste my time. Just remember to activate your messaging stone if you see anyone suspicious.

There was a brief flash of light and Ms. Chevalier was gone. The excited chatter from the line of students exiting the room pierced the air as time unexpectedly resumed. James and Beth still clutched their rose quartz balls. They exchanged troubled looks and pocketed the messaging stones. The students who had come to say their final words to Ms. MacKenna wrapped up their brief conversation with her and strode away. James and Beth stepped forward and their teacher smiled warmly at them. A flurry of emotion whipped through James and he was suddenly at a loss for words.

We’re going to miss you, Ms. MacKenna, Beth said before an uncomfortable silence could ensue.

I’m going to miss you too. Their teacher’s warm, brown eyes filled with warmth and compassion. It was a pleasure having both of you in my class.

I wish you could be our middle school teacher. James felt his face flush and wondered why he couldn’t have said something more clever.

You will both do well in middle school. Ms. MacKenna’s soothing voice washed over them, offering comfort and reassurance. It seems like a drastic change right now but in a few weeks, you’ll look back on it and you’ll wonder why you were ever worried.

You always know the right thing to say.

Thank you, James. I appreciate that. Ms. MacKenna’s warm smile widened. I hope you both enjoy your summer vacation.

We will, Beth said.

James and Beth turned and strode toward the door. The room was as silent as it had been when time had stopped because they were the last students to leave. They strode down the nearly empty hallway past the other classrooms as fond memories flashed through their minds. Ms. MacKenna had frequently asked the class if there was a project they would like to do in addition to or instead of what she was about to assign and she would actually go with her students’ suggestions if they came up with something decent. One time, James had asked if they could make three-dimensional models of the geometric shapes instead of the project she had been intending to assign the class. He had been pleasantly surprised and honored when she had adopted his idea and respected his decision to keep it a secret between the two of them because he hadn’t wanted his peers mad at him if they didn’t like it.

As soon as he and Beth emerged outside, the intense humid heat bore down on them. James immediately felt overdressed in spite of the fact that he wore black shorts and a blue tee shirt. In Sarasota, Florida, it seemed that the weather was either scalding hot or even hotter with just a month or two when there was a very short reprieve. James grimaced as a few drops of perspiration dribbled past his neck and underneath his tee shirt to slide down his back, tickling him in a most unpleasant manner. All of the windows on the bus were open to keep the children from roasting in the spring heat. He and Beth sat down beside Tim who gazed at them as though they were crazed maniacs.

I can’t believe you stayed after class when our summer vacation is already started, Tim said. What’s wrong with you two?

You’ll never guess what happened when we said goodbye to Ms. MacKenna. James paused for effect as he dug out the rose quartz ball from his shorts pocket. Ms. Chevalier showed up and stopped time.

Ugh! She’s the absolute worst substitute teacher in recorded history, Tim said.

She gave me and Beth a messaging stone. James opened his fist to reveal the rose quartz ball. He explained everything that Ms. Chevalier had told them in the classroom.

Why didn’t she give me one? I’m probably cursed too, Tim said.

If you’re cursed, it’s still dormant so it can’t be detected by the secondary realm criminals, Beth explained.

It’s still not fair.

Beth gave him a pointed look. Are you saying you actually want to contact Ms. Chevalier?

Of course not. Tim grimaced with revulsion.

Their conversation was cut short when the bus rolled to a stop. Many of the other children jumped to their feet but the bus driver issued a stern order for everyone to remain seated. James peered ahead towards the front of the bus and could see black smoke billowing from the engine.

We’re stranded, he announced.

That’s just great, Tim said grievously. Your bad luck curse has postponed our summer vacation.

It might not have been my curse, James said defensively. It might have just been normal bad luck.

Yeah, right, Tim responded.

James didn’t want to admit his curse was to blame for the bus mishap, but he silently agreed with his friend.

If I can just catch eight more secondary realm criminals, my curse will become dormant again forever, James said.

Don’t even think about it, Beth said.

What? James eyed her with puzzlement.

Apprehending the criminals that Ms. Chevalier is looking for.

It hadn’t occurred to me, James said.

I wonder if there are eight of them. Tim’s voice rang with excitement. We could get rid of your curse with one fell swoop.

That’s right, James agreed.

I told you it’s too dangerous, Beth said reprovingly.

We probably don’t have to do anything at all, Tim said in a speculative tone. James is a magnet for secondary realm criminals because of his curse. They’ll come right to us.

We had better put our free time to good use and practice our magic then, Beth said.

Chapter 2

By the time James, Beth, and Tim trudged up James’s driveway toward the front door, their moods had soured considerably compared to the onset of their vacation. Roasting in ninety degree Florida heat inside a stalled school bus for two hours will do that to the best of us. Louise’s blue sedan was parked in the wide, concrete driveway, which was large enough to hold two cars comfortably. Louise was James’s grandmother and had raised him from a very young age after his parents had passed away in a car accident. The yard was a decent size and boasted a neatly trimmed row of hedges marking the boundary with the neighbor on their left hand side, but there was an absence of any boundary for their other neighbors in the front and back. Several palm trees and an Asian pear tree were the only other landscaping in the front yard other than the mostly dead grass. Their one-story house had been recently painted a warm taupe and offered three bedrooms. Louise had originally wanted to make the house pink but James had talked her out of it.

When the children emerged inside the house, the aroma of freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies wafted toward them. Louise was a fantastic baker and made the absolute best cookies. They were inexorably drawn to the kitchen with the promise of a tasty treat. A large plate stacked with chocolate chip cookies was lying on the blue Formica countertop. Louise’s fluffy, black cat, Princess, was lying on the floor looking intense and watchful. Her blue eyes honed in on the children and she meowed softly. Louise entered the room from the other doorway and leveled a warm, welcoming smile at the children. She was a short, heavyset woman in her late fifties with dark brown hair streaked with gray that hung loose and reached just past her shoulders. In spite of her age, her smooth skin held very few wrinkles and she always walked with a spring in her step. She had friendly blue eyes and a very kind face that reflected her compassionate and generous nature.

I was expecting you much earlier, Louise remarked. I’m afraid the cookies may not be warm but they’re still quite tasty. Why don’t you grab a plate and I’ll pour you some milk?

Thanks, Ms. Kafka, Beth said appreciatively.

Tim and James murmured their thanks as they grabbed small plates from the cupboard. Louise poured tall glasses of milk and joined them at the dining room table so they could enjoy their cookies.

How was your last day at school? she asked.

It was long, Tim said. I thought the day would never end. Especially when the bus broke down.

The bus broke down? Louise asked, not looking overly surprised. Because of James’s bad luck curse, this unfortunate incident had already occurred about a dozen times.

They should let school out sooner or they should put air-conditioning in the buses, Tim said.

That’s a good idea, Louise agreed although it wasn’t clear which idea she was supporting.

They’re thinking about getting rid of summer vacation and just making school the entire year, Beth told them.

There’s been talk of that for many years, Louise acknowledged. I’m sure you have nothing to worry about.

We have news, Ms. Kafka, Beth said.

Really? Louise took one look at the expression on her face and realized this was serious business. Tell me what happened, dear.

Beth told her about Ms. Chevalier’s appearance.

This is very disturbing, Louise said. The protectorate doesn’t seem to know about this new threat. There haven’t been any announcements.

You should get a smartphone so you can download the protectorate app. We get texts whenever there are any developments, Tim said.

Louise arched a brow at him, clearly skeptical. Did you receive any information from this app today?

No, Tim said.

I don’t need a cell phone and all those fancy apps. My nice, dependable landline suits me just fine.

We checked our apps just to make sure we didn’t somehow miss any texts, James informed her. And there’s nothing at all about any new secondary realm criminals.

I’m going to call the protectorate hotline to see if I can find out what’s going on. Louise left the children to go into the living room.

The children didn’t say a word as they strained their ears to listen to her side of the conversation. It didn’t take long for her to return.

The protectorate doesn’t know anything at all about this incident so I told them about Ms. Chevalier’s unexpected visit to your classroom, Louise informed them.

Yeah, we heard, Tim said.

Louise gave him a pointed look but didn’t reprimand him for eavesdropping.

Why is the Cooperative keeping this a secret from the protectorate? James asked.

They aren’t very cooperative with their dimensional neighbors, are they? Louise asked in a light tone, but concern glinted in her kind, blue eyes.

Amy, James’s yellow wereparakeet, flew into the room and circled over their heads a couple of times before landing awkwardly on James’s shoulder with a soft squeak. Amy squeaked a couple more times as she caught her breath. She was hundreds of years old and had mentored many members of the Kafka family afflicted with the bad luck curse.

Did you catch all that? James asked her.

I was taking a nap in my cage, she responded. I heard about Ms. Chevalier. Was there anything before that?

Not really, Beth said.

What did I miss? Amy asked curiously.

Beth told her about the unfortunate incident with their bus.

Now that there are secondary realm criminals on the loose, we thought it would be best to practice our magic even more than before, Beth said in conclusion.

You are absolutely right, Amy agreed.

After the children finished eating, they went to James’s room while Louise went to the living room and began watching her favorite soap operas.

Let’s start off by practicing creating dampening fields, Amy instructed. They are the best defense against a wide range of spells.

It doesn’t help when you’re dueling, Tim said.

That’s true but you’ve been attacked many times by mind control spells and long-distance spells, which dampening fields provide effective protection against.

All right, James said before Tim could argue further. He knew his friend didn’t like practicing with magic that he considered boring and dampening fields fit that category. Let’s just start out with making our protection as strong as we can.

Tim appeared disgruntled while Beth looked focused. The three of them stood near the center of the room, quietly working on their dampening fields. Amy stood silently on James’s shoulder and didn’t make a peep for several long moments.

Beth, your dampening field is outstanding. Keep up the good work, Amy said. James, you’re doing well. Stay focused. Tim, concentrate on what you’re doing. Your protection is so weak even a squirrel could cast a mind control spell on you.

Tim snorted in derision at her exaggeration. Squirrels can’t do magic.

You’re lucky they can’t, Amy replied.

They maintained their dampening fields until Amy was satisfied with their progress and they moved on to their individual talents. Amy focused on Beth first.

I want you to create an illusion of a person and also objects in the room so that the illusion looks like it is making direct contact with the objects, Amy instructed her.

Beth’s eyes went distant as she concentrated. James felt magic swell around her for just an instant before his grandmother appeared in the room. Tim flinched and did a double take.

That’s not really Ms. Kafka, Beth murmured.

I knew that. Tim shot her an affronted look.

For several seconds, Louise’s right hand became transparent like a ghost but then the image solidified. She stepped farther into the room and focused her attention on James.

Did you finish your homework? she asked.

James was struck speechless and turned to Beth. Why are you having my grandmother ask me that?

Just go along with it. Beth’s intent gaze remained glued to the illusion of his grandmother as she spoke.

Yes, I finished my homework,