Wiggin Academy and the Forbidden Curse

John Wiggin reluctantly stepped into the Meadow of Creepy-Crawlers. Legend says; that anyone that steps foot into this part of the land, would lose the very foot they stepped in with. John knew that the dangerous creatures called Sprawlers, were always watching with their glassy eight eyes and just as fast with their hairy eight legs. As cool as they sounded they smelt horrible, but thankfully the heavy smell of Moringa trees masked their putrid smell of spoiled eggs.

John wouldn’t have chosen this path if he wasn’t short on time, he had already missed the orientation at the academy, he let out a loud grunt when he thought of his older brother who was probably tapping his fingers along the arm of his chair, saying something probably along the lines of how; some things never change.

So, he decided to take the fastest way to Wiggin Academy, even though many stayed clear from the meadow by taking the path through the mountains, but it was too bothersome to go through the mountains that were the home for giant trolls.

If Bard the key-holder was with him it would have been no problem, since the giants only accepted Bard on their territory, but that wasn’t the case, so at the end, John chose the meadow. He wasn’t too concerned to go through this path because whatever pests lingered in the darkness here wouldn’t dare touch his feet, especially if they knew what was good for them, right?

Suddenly, the far grass rustled and it wasn’t because of the crisp autumn breeze. Everything in the meadow became so still that John’s feet froze on their own, when he realized he was being followed.

Letting out an aggravated sigh, John pulled his hand out of his trench coat pocket. “Okay Sprawler, you’ve got my attention,” he announced as he could feel the heated electrical energy spill out of his palms and hover over his hand, not leaving until he commanded it to.

He brought his hand in front of his eyes and saw the familiar thick dark ash spew out of his palms and create its own form. Swirling his fingers around the black smoke, that began to resemble the flame his brother always conjured.

His lips twisted into a grin, as the electric energy that thundered from his body sent out a blazing ring flattening the meadow and halting the Sprawler in its tracks.

The black smoke disappeared because John noticed the Sprawler had dashed away in the opposite direction as quick as it could, when it realized who its opponent was.

But the fun didn’t end there, the meadow’s temperature suddenly dropped resembling the one in Antarctica when he went to go meet his old friend the ice-dragon, Blazer. A chill crept up his neck making every hair stand up when the only thought that hovered in his mind was, grim reaper.

“Oh, it is you,” a deep solemn voice hissed behind John.

John turned nice and slow because last time he had scared a reaper he was bed ridden for three weeks with no sign of recover from the wound that clawed his chest- which he didn’t mind because when the horrid fever had hit him he and Caden both knew that the reaper had taken a chunk of his soul to the underworld.

Caden had to enter the gates of the netherworld to retrieve the remnants of John’s soul, otherwise he wouldn’t be on his feet like he is today.

But when he studied the cool-grey cloaked figure and the dark bony face with small red beady eyes, John recognized the reaper that floated in front of him. Even though all grim reapers looked pretty much identical, they had their distinctive features, which only some could pick up, if spent enough time with them.

“Well if it isn’t, Solace,” said John. “I see you’re still guarding the academy.” John’s arms naturally laced together because he knew this reaper was no threat to him.

“Until Headmaster Caden Wiggin doesn’t dismiss us, we shall stay by his side,” said Solace.

John smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes as they grew glum. “I don’t think a day goes by where my brother doesn’t think about releasing you and your kin,” said John.

“My kind is indebted to your brother,” said Solace.

“Many are,” John mumbled under his breath that had become visible to the eye as fog.

Solace nodded his agreement. “So until he does not need our service we shall serve the Wiggin brothers.”

John was surprised to see a small smile curl up the reaper’s thin long lips, but Solace was always more sensitive than the others.

“I was surprised when I sensed your power,” said Solace. “I thought you had arrived when the students did in the afternoon.”

John looked at Solace puzzled. “What are you talking about I was still at Beaver’s Pub.” John regretted the moment those words spilled out of his mouth. “Don’t tell Caden,” John added because he knew the reapers told his older brother everything. And if Caden were to find out the reason for him being late was because he lost track of time at a Pub, he’s pretty sure Caden would burn his head off and feed his body to the precious snapping dragons in the east-wing garden.

Solace’s chuckle sent shivers down John’s back, he could never get used to the chilling sound of a reaper’s laughter.

“You haven’t changed,” said the reaper.

John’s lips couldn’t help but rise. “Never will.” He winked at the reaper before he turned to leave.

“Shall I accompany you to the gates,” Solace suggested. “No creature shall hinder the rest of your walk.” John shrugged letting Solace do what he wanted because there was no stopping him.