Halo: Magicka

Jameson, who had just caught up to me, threw his hands up in mock surrender. 

"Okay, okay, I admit it," he said, grinning. "You're faster than you look."

I raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Of course, I am. I'm magic," I teased, but there was a part of me that couldn't help but let the joke slide in my usual manner.

"But let's see if you're strong enough to be king of the hill though," He said as he began clambering to get to the top of three intricate platforms that were placed at increasing heights. 

Getting to the top, He smirked at me and the rest of the guys that just arrived on this side of the park.

"Rules?" I asked.

"Nothing above the head or... there," He said with a ghastly face as he remembered a trick I pulled on him that made him collapse. 

I giggled as I swivelled my head to the others,

"Sure, you guys okay with that?"

They nodded.

"Alright, you heard him guys," I called out, readying myself, "No mercy, right?"

Jameson's grin widened, and he shifted his stance, clearly prepared for a fight. "You better not go easy on me, Eli. I want this crown."

As the others closed in, I set my eyes on the nearest target: Toby. I wasn't about to let him take me down easily. I took a step forward and then, without warning, used a burst of mysticism to push him slightly off balance. It wasn't a huge move, but enough to make him falter.

"Whoa!" he yelped, scrambling to regain his footing.

At the same time, I made my move toward Jameson. He was caught off guard for a split second, and that was all I needed. Using a combination of speed and a quick Alteration spell, I slid toward him, knocking his legs out from under him and sending him tumbling onto the second platform below.

"Ha! Gotcha," I smirked, standing tall and firmly planting my feet.

But the battle wasn't over. As I turned to face the others, I saw them quickly gaining ground. Jace had just pulled himself up onto the top platform, his face set in determination.

I quickly assessed the situation: the top platform was crowded now, and if I didn't act fast, I'd be knocked down just like Jameson. So, I bent low, using a quick [Remote Manipulation] spell to snag their feet.

It wasn't much, but it was enough to give me the edge. As the others tried to advance, I took my chance and shoved Jace off balance, sending him sliding down toward the second platform with a startled yelp.

"Not today!" I called out.

But then, from behind me, a force hit me square in the back, sending me stumbling forward. I spun around just in time to see one of the other guys, Ethan, grinning as he reached for my leg. Before I could react, he shoved me hard, pushing me off the top platform.

"Gotcha!" Ethan yelled triumphantly.

I felt myself falling, but at the last moment, I used [Remote Manipulation] to land on the second platform rather than the ground. I shot a glare at Ethan, who was still standing proudly on top.

"Oh, it's not over yet," I muttered, already knowing my next move.

Grabbing onto the highest platform, I noticed there were only two left, Ethan and J who'd managed to get back to the top. 

Swing!

I watched as J grabbed Ethan by the arm before spinning and launching him off of the platform.

Swing!

I launched myself up and looked J in the eyes,

"Just us then eh?"

"Looks that way..." he grinned back.

I got into a wrestling position which he mimicked.

We both moved in at the same time, crashing together with a force that rattled the air. I immediately found myself in a sumo-style lock with J—his grip on my arms was solid, and his stance was unshakable. We were both pushing and shoving, trying to use our strength and leverage to throw the other off the platform.

For a moment, I thought I might actually lose this one. J's legs were planted firmly, and his body was a wall against mine. Every time I tried to twist, he countered, his grip only tightening. I could feel my energy slipping away as we both struggled to maintain balance.

My muscles were starting to scream, and I knew that I couldn't outmuscle J like this—not without some help. I had one card left to play, and I wasn't going down without a fight.

With a surge of willpower, I focused inward, drawing on the magic I'd trained with for so long. I could feel the [Remote Manipulation] spell humming under my skin, ready to be used. I wasn't just going to rely on my physical strength anymore. My body might be tired, but my magic was still strong.

I closed my eyes for a split second, taking a deep breath as I tapped into my inner power. I could feel the energy surging within me, the surge of Magicka flowing to my limbs. [Burdening Touch], I pushed my body once I felt the slight change in his strain.

That gave me the strength to break J's grip. I twisted, launching myself upward with a sudden burst of power, lifting J off balance. The shock registered in his eyes for a split second before he tried to brace himself.

But it was too late.

With a quick twist of my hips and a final surge of magic, I grabbed J's midsection and, with an overwhelming push, threw him off the platform. His body flew through the air for a split second before crashing onto the ground with a heavy thud.

I stood at the top, panting heavily, my chest heaving with exertion, but my grin was wide and victorious.

"Guess I win," I said, my voice breathless but full of satisfaction.

J sat on the lower platform, stunned for a moment, before he chuckled and shook his head.

"Alright, Eli, you've earned it. That was a hell of a move."

I offered him a hand to help him back up, still grinning. "Thanks, J. I did tell you I was magic."

He accepted my hand, pulling himself up with a wry smile. "I didn't think you'd pull that off. You're full of surprises."

I laughed, giving him a light shove as we both climbed back to the top. "You were a tough opponent, but you can't beat the magic of Elysius Howl."

J gave me a playful shove in return and rolled his eyes at my 'jokes', "Maybe next time, magic-boy."

But for now, the victory was mine. The thrill of the fight, the challenge—it all made the weight of everything else seem a little lighter. And for a moment, I allowed myself to just enjoy being in the moment, surrounded by friends.

"Hey Mum, I'm home," I whispered, noticing that my little brother was asleep with [Minor Detect Life] gently pulsing in the back of my mind. His presence was peaceful, and I could sense the soft rhythm of his breathing from the other side of the house. The magic was subtle, not needing much concentration, but it was useful when checking on him from a distance.

I made my way quietly into the living room, where Mum was sitting on the couch, reading a book. She looked up, her eyes brightening as she saw me.

"You're back a bit late mister," she said softly, her voice a gentle mix of concern and relief, her emerald green eyes showing care, "How was the park?"

"Great, just hanging out with J and the others," I replied, slipping my jacket off and hanging it on the coat rack. "We played some games and just… you know, relaxed."

Mum nodded, her smile never fading, "Good. You deserve a little break, Eli."

I nodded, still feeling the rush of the afternoon's activities. For a moment, everything felt normal. Peaceful. Like nothing was wrong.

But, deep down, I knew I couldn't stay in this bubble forever. The Covenant would come, and when they did, I would have to be ready. Magic, strategy, strength—it was all part of the preparation. For now, though, I allowed myself to enjoy the calm.

I glanced at the clock. My dad would be home in a few minutes,

I let out a soft sigh, taking a seat next to Mum. "How's everything here? Baby brother still on his weird sleep schedule?"

Mum chuckled. "Yep, but he's doing alright. Just a little fussy at night." She paused, her eyes meeting mine with a hint of curiosity. "Eli, are you sure you're alright? You've been kind of quiet lately."

I froze for a second, but the worry in her eyes made me smile softly. "Yeah, Mum. I'm fine. Just thinking about stuff."

She studied me for a moment, but then she put her book down and gave me a hug, trusting me for now, "Alright, but remember, you can always talk to me. Whatever it is you're worried about, we can face it together. You'll always be my amazing little boy."

"I know, Mum," I said, as I reached out and returned her hug, "Thanks."

*Ting*