Conjurors: The Society Of Imaginary Friends Part 9

I hope I fit in.

You will! Cyrus exclaimed. After all, youre friends with me, so everyone will know youre cool. But you cant tell everyone that youre from Earth. People would ask a lot of questions. Plus, we dont want that Sanguina lady finding out where you are.

Did you ever figure out who she is and what she wants from me?

Azras eyes were clouded when she answered. I have a strong suspicion of who Sanguina is. I must make sure before I accuse her. Rest a.s.sured, when I know for certain, I will tell you.

Valerie nodded. But wont it be obvious that Im not from the Globe? I mean, Ive never been around magic before.

Cyrus smiled. No problem. Well tell everyone that youre from Messina. Its an island in the middle of the ocean. The people there have forbidden the practice of any magic. And they almost never leave their island, so youre not likely to run into anyone who will ask you hard questions. Also, Messina is where Im from, so it will make sense that we know each other so well.

You grew up without magic? Valerie asked, surprised.

Cyrus looked slightly uncomfortable. Its a long story. But yeah, I grew up without any magic, until my parents let me come to Silva for school when I was eight. Ive lived here ever since.

You must miss them so much, Valerie said, trying to imagine why anyone would want to leave their family if they were lucky enough to have one.

I do, but I visit all the time. Its just"I dont fit in there. I love magic too much. Its so hard to suppress my powers when Im home for the holidays. But Ill take you to meet my parents and my sister sometime.

Id like that.

Anyway, Messina is the perfect alibi for you, Cyrus said, changing the subject. Speaking of fitting in, that reminds me, I brought you a charm so you can speak and understand any language. Everyone uses it on the Globe so that we can all communicate with each other. It saves everyone a lot of frustration and confusion.

Valerie caught Cyruss change of subject and decided to drop her questions about him and his family for now. She had enough to absorb. She grinned widely as Cyrus described the charm. No way! Magic can do that? Its such a brilliant idea.

Azra laughed and flicked her tail. Valeries breath caught at the beauty of the sound in her mind, like remembering church bells. Sometimes I take magic for granted after all these years. Its so refres.h.i.+ng to watch you experience it for the first time.

Cyrus gave Valerie a candy wrapped in gold foil. Go ahead and eat it"dont worry, it doesnt hurt at all.

Valerie popped the candy in her mouth. It was sweet, and it made her mouth and throat feel pleasantly warm and tingly. Well? Is it working? she asked.

Azra nodded. Yes, youre speaking in the universal language. It will seem to you like everyone you meet is speaking English. In fact, everyone speaks and hears in the universal language"but they dont realize it.

So the original language fades away? I mean, if I have children, theyll never hear English spoken? Something about that seemed sad to Valerie, like one more thing from Earth that she couldnt hold on to.

The Language Guild ensures that no language is ever forgotten. They pride themselves on speaking to everyone in their own original language. If you ever hear them speak English, youll be able to feel the difference.

Valerie was about to ask what a guild was when they stepped out of the woods. Her heart almost stopped beating at the dazzling sight below her. Nestled in a deep, wide valley, Silva glittered.

The city was wildly different from the towns she had seen on Earth. The biggest buildings were white, laid out roughly in the shape of a giant horseshoe. The path in front of the buildings was constructed of flagstones in many colors. Creatures of all shapes and sizes walked on the path, and the stones lit up when they were stepped on. Inside the horseshoe was a large gra.s.sy area where children played games. A tree-lined path went straight through the middle, leading to the biggest of the buildings at the top of the horseshoe.

The rest of Silva was sprawled behind the main buildings that made up the horseshoe. This part of the city seemed completely unplanned and crammed full of buildings of every shape and size. Even the streets were unusual, twisting and turning in ways that seemed to make no sense at this distance. It was nothing like the grid of north-south and east-west of streets in downtown Oakland where she had grown up. Logically, she thought this hodgepodge should look messy, but instead, the city had a unique charm, and all of the buildings seemed to somehow be in harmony with each other. Nervousness made her stomach churn as she tried to imagine navigating the labyrinthine paths.

As they walked closer to the city, she was relieved to see that at least her appearance wouldnt stand out. Conjurors came in all colors, shapes, and sizes, and everyone wore different styles of clothing, from long robes to dresses made of leaves. Valerie noticed that Cyrus wore a T-s.h.i.+rt and jeans, like guys on Earth. She was relieved that her own jeans and sweater wouldnt look strange"other than being a little dirty from her trek through the tunnel beneath the pyramid. While many of the Conjurors could pa.s.s for human, she also noticed that animals, fairies, and a variety of other creatures all talked, walked, and played together. She would blend right in.

The trio reached the multi-colored path, and Valerie stepped on it, smiling as a red stone glowed under her foot. She couldnt help jumping from stone to stone, watching all of the colors light up.

I made this path light up, ya know. It used to be regular stones, but I charmed them to glow when theyre stepped on. Im up for an award by the city building commission next month, Cyrus said. He tried to sound casual, but she could tell it was a big deal.

Thats unbelievable! How did you do it?

Ill show you my power tomorrow. Its pretty cool.

They reached the first of the buildings that made up the horseshoe. Up close, Valerie could see that each of the buildings was unique in design, but they were all white and had flags with different pictures and symbols on them.

Valerie heard the soft clop of Azras hooves against the stones as she came to stand next to her. This area is called The Horseshoe... for obvious reasons. Azra gave Valerie a wink. These buildings house what we call guilds here on the Globe. Noticing Valeries confused expression, she added, Guilds are much like different professions. We have guilds for acting, writing, music, and language"to name a few.

Im a craftsman at the Society of Imaginary Friends. After I moved to Silva for school, I became an apprentice here. Thats when I became your imaginary friend, Cyrus added. And when you have a chance to get settled, Ill take you around to see all the guilds so that you can decide if you want to apprentice somewhere, too.

Is that how people earn money here?

In Arden, we trade services, but we dont use money. Other countries on the Globe use money, though, like Elsinore, the country to our north. But you wont have to worry about basic necessities, like food and clothing, as you did on Earth, Valerie. Here magic provides those things very easily, so we have more time to do what we truly love. I hope youll find something youre pa.s.sionate about here, and that it will be so enjoyable that it wont feel like work.

Valerie smiled. She already had a few ideas. What about school?

Little kids go to school, but once you apprentice somewhere, you take all your cla.s.ses at your guild, Cyrus explained.

The idea reminded Valerie of going to college"something she hadnt thought she would have to deal with for years. Her anxiety returned as she tried to imagine figuring everything out for herself, without having teachers and guidance counselors to tell her what to do.

She was distracted from her worries as she noticed that the sun was starting to sink in the sky. Her eyes drooped"it had been a long day. Then they flew open wide. Hey! Whats the sun doing here? We dont even revolve around a sun on the Globe, right?

Its an illusion. Really, the stars that are sucked into the black hole provide all of the light and energy we could ever need. But when the Globe was created, we decided to program the weather to be similar to Earth, with summer, fall, winter, and spring. We also decided to include a sun that gives us a twenty-four-hour day. It was hard enough to leave Earth, so we tried to make the Globe as much like home as we could. And I would like to help you feel at home here, too, Valerie.

Valerie was glad that the Globe wouldnt be too different from Earth. She couldnt imagine never seeing another sunrise.

I can see youre tired. And who wouldnt be, after such a trip! The dorm for the Society of Imaginary Friends, where youll be living, is around the corner. Dulcea, the dorm matron, will make sure that you have everything you need. She can be strict, but, as Cyrus will tell you, she has a soft heart and will make you feel at home. The two of you have much in common. Youre welcome to stay there as long as you like. If later you would like to move to the dorm of your chosen guild, we can arrange a transfer.

Trust me, you wont want to transfer. Everyone knows its the best dorm in Silva. Naturally, because its where I live, Cyrus said with a grin. And Ill be just two floors up from you.

Ill leave you here in Cyruss capable hands. But never hesitate to call me if you need me. Think of me in your mind, and I will know how to find you. And please stop by to talk any time. I work in the building at the top of The Horseshoe, Azra said, nodding toward the biggest of the white buildings. It had tall white pillars and a domed roof, and reminded Valerie a little of the White House. She couldnt imagine going inside without everyone wondering what she was doing there. Go to the front desk and ask for me"everyone knows where I am.

Bye, Azra. And thank you.

Remember, anything you ever need. Then Azra touched Valeries shoulder softly with her nose before she left. She smelled like lilies, Valerie realized as Azra disappeared down the path.

Chapter 16.

Cyrus led Valerie further down the lighted path in front of The Horseshoe, and then stopped near one of the buildings. This is the Society of Imaginary Friends, he announced proudly.

Her jaw dropped. The building looked like every kids dream. Giant waterslides extended from some of the windows and splashed down into a moat. Valerie could hear screams of laughter peal from inside. Those slides look like so much fun. I cant believe you get to work in a real castle!

You should see the inside. There are secret pa.s.sages, trampolines, a room made of candy"almost anything you can imagine. Ill have to give you a tour soon. You know, this is sort of where your whole adventure began.

What do you mean?

If the Society hadnt a.s.signed me as your imaginary friend when you were seven, the Conjurors might never have known about your magic. Im the one who figured it out, ya know.

How? she asked, fascinated in spite of herself.

There were lots of reasons. The first clue I had was how youd get super strong when you went into panic mode. But then there was"

She was so absorbed in Cyruss story that she didnt see the man in front of her carefully sweeping the path. As a result, she tripped over him, falling to the ground. The man grunted in pain.

Oh, sir, Im so sorry, she began her apology, but she choked on her words when he turned to her and stared into her eyes. His stormy eyes were blue-gray with flecks of gold in them, somehow reminding her of the sea during a storm. His wild brown hair was streaked with gray, and he looked as if he hadnt cut it in years.

Watch where you tread! the man snarled. Power hummed from him so intensely that she could feel it in her blood, like she had at Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid.

She couldnt even open her mouth to finish her apology. He was still staring in her direction, but he didnt quite meet her eyes. His gaze seemed unfocused. She suddenly understood"he couldnt see her. He was blind.

Cyrus quickly helped her to her feet. He seemed nervous around the man, too. Sorry, Oberon. Well get out of your way, Cyrus said as he hurried her down the street.

Whats his story? she asked as soon as they were out of earshot.

Oberon is one of the founders of the Globe, like Azra. Hes the one who set up the weather system. He has powers over the sun, weather, land, and sea. No one knows the specifics, but he is one of the most powerful Conjurors of all time.

Whats he doing sweeping the sidewalk, then?

Cyruss face became very serious. For years, he was a spy for the Fractus. He believed that Conjurors should be able to move back and forth between Earth and the Globe whenever they wanted. He gave the Fractus some pretty important information, supposedly. But then maybe his conscience bothered him or something, because he confessed everything. His punishment is that he cant use his magic for one hundred years, and during that time, he has to serve the city as its groundskeeper.

Once again engrossed in another of Cyruss stories, she hadnt noticed that they had left The Horseshoe, and were now walking through the twisted streets of the city. But the strangeness of the buildings finally demanded her attention. Never on Earth would a cottage stand next door to an L-shaped skysc.r.a.per"especially when the skysc.r.a.per was completely filled with water and mermaids swam around inside. It reminded her of a giant aquarium.

Part of her wanted to stop to marvel at every new feat of architecture, but Cyrus pulled her along until they stopped at a building in the shape of a tall cylinder. Every floor was painted a different shade of blue, and a silver staircase spiraled up the side all the way to the roof.

What do you think of the Imaginary Friends dorm? Cyrus asked with a grin.

I get to live here? No way! Valerie exclaimed, thrilled. Then she glanced doubtfully at the long, winding staircase. What floor am I on? This could be quite a climb at the end of every day.

Check it out, Cyrus said, leading her to the base of the stairs. Suddenly, the floor beneath her rose, and without warning, she and Cyrus were swiftly gliding up the stairs on a small platform. She smiled as a breeze made her hair stream out behind her.

These platforms are inside most buildings in Arden. You steer it with your mind, by thinking about where you want to go, like when you traveled to the Globe in the bubble, Cyrus explained.

Let me try, Valerie said, and concentrated. She steered the little platform up and down the stairs effortlessly. Its so simple!

The best magic always is, Cyrus announced authoritatively.

Stop at the sixth floor so you can check in with Dulcea, Cyrus said, and she was proud that they came to a smooth stop at a tall wood door with a giant bra.s.s 6 nailed to it.

The door opened automatically to a scene that looked like a picture from a storybook come to life. At one end of the room was a giant bed with a pink canopy. The wallpaper that went around the entire circ.u.mference of the room was decorated with lollipops, cookies, and candies of every kind. The sweet smell of chocolate filled the room, making Valeries mouth water. Giant pillows were in the center of the room, and plopped right in the middle was a woman with golden ringlets who was popping candy in her mouth as she read a book.

As Cyrus and Valerie approached, the woman looked up with wide, innocent eyes. She reminded Valerie of a grown-up version of Goldilocks. You must be Valerie! Im Dulcea! Welcome! she said in a happy, bubbly voice. Have a chocolate.

Thanks, she said, feeling overwhelmed by Dulceas energy. She sank down on a pillow next to her.

So, tell me about yourself, Valerie. I know the basics. Youre from Messina, and youre a friend of Cyrus"which I wont hold against you, Dulcea said with a grin. But what are your pa.s.sions? What gets you up in the morning? Who do you want to be?

Valerie had no idea what to say.

Sheesh, take it easy on her! Shes had a big day, Cyrus said to Dulcea. Then he turned to Valerie and explained, Dulceas training to become a Master in the Society of Imaginary Friends, and shes writing her thesis on finding your pa.s.sion through imagination. She asks everyone these questions, and no one knows what to say!

Valerie relaxed slightly. Well, I know I want to help people. And go on adventures!

Its so wonderful to see such enthusiasm! Dulcea exclaimed. Then she quizzed Valerie on everything from her hobbies to her favorite color. Valerie found it dizzying trying to keep up with her as she jumped from topic to topic. Finally, Dulcea seemed to notice her exhaustion. I was so interested in what you were saying, I didnt notice the time. Cyrus will take you to your room. Its all ready for you.

About time, Cyrus said, finally getting a word in edgewise.

Dulcea handed Valerie a small book. Here are the dorm rules. Curfew, dinner hour, that kind of thing. As long as you follow these few rules, things will be sweet for you here.

And if you break the rules, things can get really sour, really fast, Cyrus muttered under his breath to Valerie.

My door is always open. Come by any time to talk, and grab some candy on your way out!

Thanks, Dulcea.

Finally escaping Dulceas sugary presence, Cyrus led Valerie up another two floors, where the platform paused. The door to the eighth floor opened automatically, and the platform glided down a hall of red carpet and stopped at a door at the very end. She could hear music that sounded a lot like American hip-hop blaring in the room.

Cyrus grinned. Youre gonna love your roommate. With Kanti, youll never be bored.

A m.u.f.fled ba.s.s pounded through the closed door. He opened the door to reveal someone doing the most complex break dancing Valerie had ever seen in her life"clearly unaware that anyone was watching. The girl was graceful, and she moved faster than any human break-dancer that she had ever seen. Cyrus applauded mockingly, and she stopped dancing and collapsed on the floor laughing.

Wow, you really love those Earth dance moves, dont you? You look like youre pretty into it. I wish I had a picture of this for blackmail, Cyrus joked.

The girl grinned and teased, Whatever, Cy. I could tell your friend here some pretty entertaining stories involving you and your attempts to master the art of flying.

All right, you win. You keep that story to yourself, and I wont tell the gang at the Society about your super cool dance moves, Cyrus said, shaking his head and laughing. Kanti, this is your new roomie, Valerie.

At first glance, Kanti reminded Valerie of a wicked witch in a fairy tale. Her skin had a yellowish cast, and she had two huge warts on one of her cheeks. She had long greasy dark hair that fell above her shoulders and thick black eyebrows that were growing out of control. But her smile, which revealed her buckteeth, was so genuinely warm and friendly that it eased any awkward tension.

Its really nice of you to share your room with me.

Are you kidding? Ive been waiting and waiting for a roommate. Were gonna tear this town apart.

Ill let you guys get to know each other. Val, Ill come by tomorrow for the rest of your tour. Let her sleep, Kanti. Shes had a really long trip.

Yeah, yeah, got it, boss, Kanti said as she shooed Cyrus out the door.

Night, Cy. Valerie felt very alone, more alone than the first time she stayed overnight at the hospital and no one came to visit her.

Kanti closed the door, and Valerie looked around the room for the first time. She gasped when she saw that one side of the room was already decorated in her favorite color"green. Everything from the curtains to the bedspread on her side of the room was how she had always imagined her room would look one day when she had a place of her own.

Who did this for me?