Rebecca was enjoying herself quite thoroughly as she stood in front of Todd. It wasn't often that the immortals got to recruit someone and being able to see Todd squirm before he joined the rest was quite a treat.
"Are you done gawking? We have a schedule to keep." It was clear Rebecca got over her enjoyment quick. She liked to play with people but usually in a more physical and potentially dangerous way. Not like the small teasing that was happening now.
Todd got ahold of himself and quickly tried to bring up anything he new about Rebecca. She was a movie star that was only featured in a single film. The problem was trying to find someone in the kingdom that hadn't seen the film. It was a love story between her and a man named George. The catch was that the two were so attractive that it was hard not to like it. Even Todd's friend Ron who was known for his love of war films enjoyed the romance between Rebecca and George. They just seemed perfect for each other.
"Right, the schedule. Uhmm… what exactly is on the schedule? You haven't really told me anything so far." Todd replied trying to bring his mind back from his daydreams.
"I'll explain later. For now just follow me and don't talk unless I tell you to." After she stopped talking, Rebecca spun around and opened a portal against the back wall. Todd almost started gawking again. He must be dreaming.
Rebecca spun back around and started with a warning. "You might want to hold your head with both hands. It will help keep you stable as you go through. Ohh… don't worry about getting used to it either since you will have mana by the end of the day."
Todd froze. He could have sworn she said mana, and by the end of the day. He tried to bring his mind back a few seconds but before he could even replay the scene in his head Rebecca grabbed him and forced him through the portal.
As Todd landed on the other side he was surprised to see the familiar stone of the wall. It was clean and fit squarely in place. He wouldn't mistake it for anything else, especially since most things used concrete now and not stone. After a second of staring at the rock Todd began to vomit. He should have taken the warning about his head seriously.
Once Rebecca joined him on the other side of the portal he heard her address someone nearby. "This is the boy. He was glowing like a night light right in the middle of the school."
"Good. That was faster than we were expecting. Alright boy, stand up and face the beast so she can see you in full." The man had a rather soothing voice that also somehow sounded rough. It was not as nice as Rebecca's but still pleasant to hear.
Todd stood up slowly and looked out past the wall. At the edge of the clearing he could see a gold crowned butterfly. A type of magical animal commonly referred to as a beast. It was known for its bright glow that made it impossible to see anything except the crown in its head and the wings to its side.
Todd suddenly heard a voice in his head. [Are you willing to accept little one] said the voice with a tone that Todd could only assume meant it wasn't really a question.
[Will anyone die?] Todd thought back to the voice. It wasn't much but beasts are known for killing humans so it was his first thought.
[Hehehe… An excellent question but much to vague] the voice responded. Before Todd had the opportunity to reply once more the gold crown butterfly vanished.
Todd could feel something in his mind expanding. His body started to burn. Not painfully but with a similar sensation to drinking hot coffee. After a few minutes Todd opened his eyes again and saw the same scene from earlier. His face right up against the stones that made the wall.
"Ok now that the boy is awake let's get going." That same man's voice from earlier came again. It was then followed by a hand grabbing at Todd's collar and him subsequently going weightless.
This time Todd found himself looking at a carpet. From this close he could even tell it was made of silk threads. "That's a strange choice. It must be expensive" Todd said not knowing if anyone was around.
After he got his bearing and stood up he regretted coming here. Not that it was much of a choice but still the scene in front of him was just too scary.
Across the room was a set of 7 steps that led up to a platform. Instead of a throne, or something else you'd expect at the end of an elegant room like this, their was a dragon. It had black scales down its back and white on its underbelly. Its head was resting on a claw that was bigger than Todd's bed. The dragon had a domineering presence that Todd thought must be a magical effect.
Once Todd got over his shock he heard footsteps behind him. He turned to see Rebecca and a tall man step out of a portal that he could only assume came from the wall he was just at.
"Looks like you really do have mana. Sabastion will thank you for not throwing up. These carpets are a pain to get the smell out of." Said Rebecca.
"I'm just glad he didn't scream. Last time we got a new one they woke Advir from his nap. Then we all got sent on missions as revenge. Talk about group punishment." The man was clearly happy to not have to relive his own story. "I'm Teddy by the way."
The man must have been 7 feet tall. He was blond and handsome with a strong jaw. Not too much muscle but still falling in the 'ripped' category.