A risky future

“Ok, so they put a collar on you to block your magic? And Kali burnt them to ash? Josh, I don’t want to yell at you, but sometimes you’re a giant headache.”

You can hear the frustration in her voice. You spent the last twenty minutes explaining what happened, and Rachel sounded exhausted already.

“I know, Rachel. Do you know of any other way to remove this thing?”

A sigh. “I’ll need to check with our experts, but no. The only option open to us seems to be in the old world. And there’s a chance that you can’t come back. The aura suppression theory has never been tested. Are you willing to risk that?”

You had discussed this with the girls before calling. After some arguments, you agreed.

“We discussed it before calling you. Worst case, it doesn’t work and I need to finish my modified portal to get back”

“No Josh, worst case, you can’t make a new portal and you NEVER get back. I want that to be clear.”

“Like I said. We agreed that the risk was worth it.”

Rachel sighs again. “More like they realized that it’s pointless to try and change your mind once it’s set on something like this. Fine. I will talk to the council, and we will negotiate with the old world to get an artificer. There will be a price, and you will need to pay it. It won’t be money, they will want something from you on the other side. I recommend that you don’t mention that you’re an absorption mage, and DEFINITELY don’t mention your portal research.”

“I understand. When will you be ready?”

“I will call you. On a more personal note...I’m glad you’re ok.”

“Thank Kali for that. We would have lost if not for her.”

There is a pause. Rachel speaks again, quieter. “You’re a pain in the ass, Josh, but you’re a good person. I hope, for your sake and theirs, that this goes well. I’ll be there to see you off when it’s time.”

You’re surprised by the emotion in her voice. Despite your distrust of the motives of the greater AWIO, Rachel was a good person.

“Thank you, Rachel. That means a lot to me.”

There is quiet on the other end of the line for a minute, and then she hurriedly says, “I-I need to go. Talk to you soon.”

As you hang up the phone, you wonder at the curious turn the conversation took. However, you shelve the thought for later consideration. Time to go back to relaxing in the pool.