Nerdology 101: Short Story

Welcome back, nerds! On this weeks segment of Nerdology 101, I’m sharing a little short story I wrote after a trip to Ireland a few years back. It is definitely minature (5400 words), so it should be a quick read that’ll let you get to know a little bit of my style. This piece is paranormal romance. It was better suited than my usual romantic fantasy style since it was never intended to be anything but a way for me to express my love for Dublin after my trip. Still, I thought it might be cool to share it. Also, I never gave it a title. You’re welcome to suggest any ideas you have in the comments.

Story

Stepping off the plane, I relish in the fact that I’m back on Irish ground. It was an eight-hour flight from JFK. I won't deny that I'm exhausted, but that doesn't inhibit my excitement as I rush to grab my luggage off the carousel. I fidget, impatience overcoming me as I wait for it. Luckily, it's only about fifteen minutes before the suitcases full of clothing, hygienic musts, and magical ingredients arrive. After I have it, I step out. There's a line of taxis waiting to load passengers. The yellow sedans are lined bumper to bumper, each with drivers that patiently await travelers. Many of the engines start when the hoard of arrivals I’m surrounded by emerge from the airport. I get into one and my assistant files in the other side, then addresses the driver. "We're heading here."

The driver looks at the written address Shi hands him on a notepad. He must know the place because he starts driving without plugging it into the GPS. As we drive, I stare out the windows at the luscious greenery and beautiful buildings in Dublin. It isn't long before we arrive. When I enter the hotel, there's a bit of apprehension. I wanted to keep most of my money for activities, so I opted to book the cheapest hotel in the area. I hoped that wasn't a mistake.

As the concierge greets me, I look around the lobby, then head over. It doesn't seem too bad at all. I check in and head to my room. It's small, but clean and comfortable. Shi and I will be fine in here. While Shi unpacks, I focus on clearing my mind. I take a long, deep breath. Inhale, one... two... three... Exhale, one... two... three... My intentions become clear to me as the racing thoughts of the day-to-day fade until they're far, far away. My desire is the foremost thought in my stilled mind. Now, I know what materials I need. Wandering around the hotel room, I search for the supplies I need. First, to the bathroom. I collect some fresh water into my silver chalice marked with ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs I had inscribed onto the metal. To purify it, I light a match, then toss it inside. I know from experience how effective fire is as a purifier. This isn't the only ingredient I need though. I wander until I spot a cabinet to the left of the hotel’s microwave sitting on the small kitchenette counter. Shi rolls his eyes. "I just put that away, Kita."

I hum. "And now I need it."

He scoffs, but I can hear the smile behind it without even looking his way. I collect rosemary, a protective herb that only allows positive forces into my life. Next, some thyme. It complements the rosemary well since it’s great for spiritual healing and also acts as a secondary safeguard. Of course, I can't forget the cinnamon either.

Finally, I’m done. I add all the selected materials to my chalice and set it on a makeshift altar. I light the candles on the sides of it, then align the two candles and make a triangle from them and the chalice. I choose a rose quartz from my crystal collection and set it meticulously in the center of the triangle.

Having set the altar, I take a few more of those long, deep breaths before chanting a ritualistic blessing over it. "O', I beseech thee, heed my call. Make my will into fate, accept the offering I make on this day."

With that, my altar is set for the day.

After showering, Shi, and I head straight out, ready to explore and get some food. He found this small restaurant about a block away. It was on the same side of the Liffey our hotel was. PHX Bistro was its name. This is our first date. I've known him for years, but this feels different. It's not like I'm just going to hang out with Shi, my childhood friend and present-day assistant. Suddenly, he's a man and I'm a woman. We don't know each other in that sense. Of course, that isn't to say that I don't want to get to know him in this new way. It's exciting. It's just that I wish it were easier. His asking me out seemed so random. It happened on the plane as we crossed the Atlantic. It's as if he just got tired of searching one day and decided to settle for me. He was usually so non-committal, prioritizing attraction and hook-ups. None of the others resembled me in personality or appearance. I can't help but wonder if I'm just the easiest option to pursue now that he's randomly decided he wants to settle down.

I sit down across from him at the candle-lit table, observing the atmosphere of the restaurant. It's not too busy inside, but not too quiet either. The place he chose is nice enough; intimate and romantic. I particularly like the red decor. Red is my favorite color. He smiles.  "Hey, Ki. You look great."

 My heart flutters a bit, but I make sure the only thing he sees is an eye roll. The waitress asks for my drink order before I can reply. After looking over their comprehensive selection, I settle on a wine. After she walks away, I mutter. “Flirt.”

A mischievous smirk graces his face. Has he always been this beautiful? That jawline is so sharp it could pierce vibranium, if it were real.  "That I am, but at least you know that I'll only be flirting with you from here on out."

"I hope so. I'd hate to think that you're just using me as a placeholder until someone more ideal comes along."

His face distorts until nothing but disgust is visible. "I would never. Don't you know you are the ideal."

"I am not."

He laughs so hard it blows out one of the candles as he takes my hand. The soft scent of the vanilla smoke fills the air between us. "You are everything to me, Kita."

I could hear the sincerity in his tone. This was Shi, the man. In that moment, I finally knew that this wasn't a game to him. He wanted me, and damn, did that make me want him.

The waitress returns before I can lose myself in the moment too much. We order food too. Then, a dessert. That was amazing. Everything was amazing. I make a note to habitually recommend it to anyone I know who may visit the area. After that, Shi takes me to the Museum of Literature in Ireland, the place I was most excited to go as we were planning. I was in absolute awe as we made my way there. The architecture is so grand and old. I missed Ireland so much. There's a unique energy here. Everyone is friendly and seems happy. It's a city, but not like back in New York. Here, nature and city life find this balance unlike anything I've ever seen.

When we make it to the museum, my fondness for Dublin further intensifies. I fall in love with it all over again as I wander through the exhibits aimlessly, being sure to carefully observe every amazing piece. From the Gaelic Language Movement and the fight for freedom of speech, to the first copy of the first edition of James Joyce's Ulysses, it is all amazing. Still, there was one piece even more inspiring. Looking up at the ceiling you find pages filled with endless red markings, edited manuscripts from great authors whose names will be remembered for centuries more. I think to myself, "My story isn't bad. It's just unedited."

It's the sentiment I think the piece is meant to give off.

After a while, we return to the hotel and relax some. For all the fun of the day, we were here on witch business and tomorrow wouldn’t be as pleasurable. We rest well in separate, queen beds. Some part of me wonders if some day we will be booking single King rooms instead of Double Queens. It’s a nice thought to dream of while I rest, at least.

The next morning, Shi and I get down to business. Our business involves the Onyx Witch, known for her dark magic and dictatorial rule in her territory. She oppresses quite the number of witches, and our job is to find out what her ultimate goals are and see if we can’t protect those she targets.

We head to Dublin Castle first. To most, this is a gorgeous tourist attraction that commemorates the inspirational history of Ireland. However, those of us with the ancient magic of the Celts coursing through our veins know that there is much more to this palace than meets the eye. As we tour the beauty, we pass a guarded hall, prohibited to most visitors. The guard is one of the Onyx Witch’s own though. He verifies my identity via my magic signature and allows me enterance so I can have an audience with her. He prohibits Shi from entering though. He offers the excuse that lower-ranking magic wielders shouldn’t be allowed on this sacred ground I’m about to enter, but I see it for what it is. The Onyx Witch is up to something, and she wants us separated. I have no choice but to allow her to think she is trapping me though. I give Shi a nod and he settles. “I’ll wait for you here, Kita.”

I nod before heading off down the hall. When I get to the entry way to the Onyx Lair, I open it magically and cross over. I find the Onyx Witch sat upon her throne of ash and bones waiting for me. She wears a black cloth that is barely long enough to be called a dress. At least she bothered to cross her legs. She looks to me, “Kita, what brings you to my domain?”

“I’ve come to demand that you cease your oppression of the Herbal Witches in your territory at once, by order of the Interdisciplinary Council of Witches.”

A scowl forms on her face. “I will do no such thing. Since you’re here though, won’t you do me a favor and die for me?”

She attacks with a force so great it could break the barriers and bring down the palace in the non-magic realm. It would kill many and destroy a vital piece of Irish history. I can’t allow that to happen. I reinforce the barriers with my own magic right away, but I can’t protect myself and hold them at the same time. The energy expenditure leaves me all but defenseless. Shi, being keen enough to sense the magic from across realms, acts from the other side. I may outrank him, but he knows that Onyx is much stronger than even I. Getting a sense for the situation, he takes over holding the barriers to give me half a chance to escape with my life. When I feel the weight lift some, I know it. He’s come through for me. I don’t waste a moment before I launch the best counter spell I can muster with such little time and energy. It doesn’t do much, but it does give me a moment to teleport myself back to Shi.

The Onyx Witches rage increases though, causing the barriers to fracture even further. It’s too much for Shi to hold. It’ll kill him. I grab hold of them with my magic again. It takes everything I have to push her back, but I manage, albeit temporarily. That seal I cast won’t hold her for long and I’ve drained myself too much. Without a doubt, I’ll have a case of magic deficiency, which will likely kill me in no time.

Shi and I retreat back to the hotel, and he wards it the best he can. He tends to me enough to extend my time about twenty-four hours, giving us one day to come up with a solution.

I rise from my hotel bed as pain pumps through my body with an intensity I have never experienced before. Oh, how I long to get my hands on that grimoire. It may be the only way. As I walk out the door again, Shi follows, trembling at my side. “But Kita,” he must have realized by now what I’m thinking, “the grimoire of the Jade Witch is said to hold unspeakable power. It’s too dangerous!”

“It’s too dangerous not to!” I hadn’t meant to snap at him, but we both know what would happen to me if I don’t get it. “That grimoire is my only chance at survival, and without me, what’s to keep the Onyx Witch from killing the rest of the Herb Witches. I only have a day left before the disease takes me.”

He sighs. “Yes, twenty-four hours sounds about right. It was a large spell to cast singlehandedly, most witches would have already died of magic deficiency. I’m amazed that you even have the energy to search for the grimoire.”

I walk alongside him, feeling my body already weakening. “That’s true. I may not, but it’s the only way, Shi.”

He seems absorbed in his thoughts as he fails to respond. My attention falls to the details of our surroundings to distract myself as we walk, heading for the teleportation point at the top of Arthur’s Seat. The endless daisies remind me so much of my younger years, training with my covenant in these very fields. Who would have guessed that I’d grow to be the strongest of us, especially given how horrible I was at practical magic? The memories are bright ones, albeit slightly embarrassing. The sound of our laughter can still be heard with each whistle of the winds. This is my home. Without the grimoire, I will fall, and it will burn. I must try.

“There may be another way, Kita.” Shi starts, interrupting my peace. “The Diamond Witch, what if we went to her. She creates antidotes for Magic Deficiency Disease.”

I think a moment. Shi isn’t entirely wrong, but there’s no guarantee that the Diamond Witch is actually capable of making a sufficient antidote for MDD this severe. Healing is more of a side gig for her than a specialty, whereas I know for a fact that the Jade Witches grimoire has a solution because my predecessor told me about it. “No, Shi. If we do that, we risk being told no. We could just lose time by taking that detour. The grimoire is our best bet.”

He nods, accepting my decision as we approach the teleportation point. Immediately, he summons the space-time portal. It looks quite like a blackhole and can be intimidating for inexperienced witches, so I’m not surprised when he winces at the sight of it. We hop through the portal to the abandoned Jade temple. ‘

This temple is in Cairo, Egypt, where the Jade Witch once lived. She fell many centuries ago, but her work still echoes throughout the world. It is probable that she was the most skilled witch to ever live. Her temple reflects that too, even after all this time that it’s been abandoned, it remains spotless. Her menial cleaning spells must have been powerful enough to survive without her constantly feeding them. It’s amazing. Who knows what else her grimoire may hold. If we manage to find it, it may even tell me how to defeat the Onyx Witch myself. If I recall, Onyx was around back then too. She was one of Jades enemies, as she is mine now. I’m sure whatever magic of Jades still exists here will bless me and help me find the answers I need. After all, if I can stop Onyx, Jade may finally be able to rest in peace.

Shi and I search the temple, top to bottom. Yet, in all the tomes and information, the Grimoire of Jade is nowhere to be seen. We don’t give up though. Instead, we search and search, over and over, until eventually, Shi spots something promising.

“Kita, look!” His exclamatory tone reflects the hope he must be feeling. My eyes dart his way, and I see it, a distorted wall. It’s a magic one. Only the most skilled of witches would have noticed it. I’m proud that he had grown enough to see it. I approach the wall, observing it for a few moments.

“You’ll have to do it, Shi. I can’t. I might kill myself faster if I expend much more magic.”

He removes the magic, and we enter into a library filled to the brim with grimoires. Every last one of them were hers. Finding the one we needed in the twelve hours we have remaining would be challenging, to say the least.

We both start scanning the grimoires. Shi moves through them faster than I because he can use magic to help him, whereas I can’t right now. As the hours pass, we both grow nervous that we won’t find what we need on time. All the while, I grow weaker and weaker until I’m not even able to help.

With only one hour left on the clock and myself barely conscious, Shi calls out. “Kita! Kita! I found it.”

He starts to prepare the spell right away. I fight my weakening body to stay conscious just in case he has to as me anything. He does, a few times, and with just thirty minutes left, he’s ready. Shi heals me using its spell and once again, I can fight the Onyx Witch.

Shi

She stands before me and I’ve never been so happy to see her. Her long, kinky curls flow like a waterfall.

“Kita…” I sound so scared, like I’m the one who was dying. “You’re alive.”

The emotional rollercoaster that is her presence; it tears me to shreds. Yet, that quick-witted mind is somehow oblivious; or perhaps its insidious, using her feigned ignorance to make me delirious. It's like Dionysus intoxicated me with the wine called her soul. Every touch is an unwelcome rush of unbridled lust. I can't live without her; she's a must.

“Yeah, Shi.” She takes my hand. “I’m alive, you did great. Thank you.”

To describe her is to steal the air from my own lungs, a heart attack and a stroke rolled into one.  Every emotion is a more difficult one. So complex that I can't even deny that she's one. She's poetry and literature. She's every beautiful thought that I've ever sought. I'd try to resist her, but it would be for naught. Heavens, how does she make me so distraught?

Kita

            Out of nowhere, Shi kisses me. I have no idea what was going through his mind, but I’m glad it was. He saved my life, but more than that, the way he looks at me is just so intense. How could I not fall for him?

            My lips intertwine with his as I kiss him back. It means everything to me. I don’t know how it escaped my notice for so long that he and I belonged together, but right now, it’s abundantly clear as he takes me into his arms and holds me against his chest.

            We stay like that for quite some time before he finally lets go. “So, now what?” He asks me that as if I have any idea.

            I think a while, then look up at him. “We keep reading. Now that the pressure is off, we read through these grimoires until we find something that will help us stop Onyx. No idea is too out of the box. Theorize about how every single one of these spells could be used against her until we find something that works.”

            For three days and three nights, we did exactly that. It took some work, but in time, we found something. It was a risky spell that could just as easily backfire and kill us, but it was our best chance. Jade called it Sever. The spell is exactly as the name implies. Through the power of twelve witches, a full coven, the spell would sever the tie between the target and their magic. However, Jade noted that if the twelve weren’t strong enough, that the spell could decide to sever them from their own magic instead. That’s the thing about spells, there is always some risk. This one was especially unique though. Not many spells required this much risk. Where the hell would we find twelve witches willing to risk losing their magic? Or ten at least, considering that Shi and I would cast with them.

            “We should make a list of twenty witches we think might. Ten that are ideal and another ten that are possible alternates to the ideal.”

            Shi nods, but I continue before he says anything. “Furthermore, if at least five of the ideal ten don’t consent, we can’t risk it. The plan will be dead in the water, and we’ll have to find another way. We can’t risk our power if we are likely to fail because then we can’t fight her either. So, we need to choose wisely.”

            Shi agrees. “Okay, well… Want to start with the New York convent? We know them best.”

            I shake my head. “And every last one of them is lower ranked than you. That would be pointless. They won't have the amount of power we need. We should start with the Dublin Herb Witches. They are her targets, so they are the most likely to want to take this risk.”

            Shi and I get to work, throwing out everything we know about the witches in the Dublin Herbal Sect. We narrow it down to four possibilities. First, the Head Witch of the Hedge Witches. She’s especially talented and had a history of taking huge risks anyway. The only issue is that this might be asking too much. She’s the only reason her people aren’t already obliterated. She’s their best defense. Asking her to do this would be asking her to risk abandoning them and I’m not sure it’s ethically okay to even put her in this position.

            The second option wasn’t ethically bad, but it was less ideal. This witch was young and while her talent is immense, her lack of experience could be dangerous in these circumstances. Given that Shi was casting too, I worried that having two inexperienced people casting with us on talent alone wouldn’t go over well at all. Besides, it would do little to convince other experienced witches to go along with us.

            The third was better. Experienced. but even younger than the second. He had been casting since a young age, thus experience was there, as was talent, but at only thirteen, we would be asking a child to carry the burden and risks adults should be taking and that doesn’t set right with me at all. It’s even more unethical than asking the Head Witch. In my mind, I knew it’s not a road I could ever bring myself to take.

            Finally, the fourth. He was about our age, less experienced, but not inexperienced. He presented no ethical dilemma either.

            Shi sighs. “I say the Head Witch as first choice and the fourth guy as back up. She is more ideal magically and frankly, that’s what we ought to be making choices based on.”

            As much as I hate to admit it, he’s right. “Okay. Put it down.”

            We repeat this process several more times with witches from Japan, Nigeria, Venezuela, Italy, and Bahrain before completing our lists of ideals and alternatives. Geographically, it was all very scattered, so we split up. Shi would work from Egypt out to the east, and I would work from here out to the west. Then, we’d meet back in Dublin to gather the last witch.

            It takes about a week for us to gather them all. We were able to maintain communication throughout it though. Granted, it was all very businesslike and left me missing just being able to talk to him for enjoyment. Besides, we still haven’t had the chance to define our new relationship dynamic and that bothered me more than I’d ever admit out loud. Ultimately, we managed six of our ideal, which I didn’t think was too bad. I decided to focus on that success during the long flight back to Ireland rather than my anxiety about Shi and me.

            Upon our arrival, we all gathered at the Herb Witches hideout in Wicklow, a beach town to the south of Dublin. There, we presented her and our alternative with our idea. “Well, it is bold. You’re right to believe it’s our best shot.” She sighs. “Your point about possibly abandoning my people is well taken, but if this plan has a higher chance of success with me taking part, I must. Besides, I primed my people for my downfall long ago. They know what to do if I fall.”

            With that, we had our full team. We took some time to get to know each other’s abilities better knowing that it would help with breaking down and assigning the many components of the spell we will need to prepare. First, Shi and I explained that we are caster-types from New York and would do best focused on the part of the spell that required us to break down casting dynamics and plans.

            Naturally, the Head Witch of the Hedge Witches was the best choice for herb and plant gathering since it’s her specialty. So, we let her focus on that task. Especially given that I haven’t even heard of most of the plants and herbs listed in Jades grimoire.

            Then, there was the summoning-type witch from Japan. He would be responsible for figuring out the safest way to summon the Onyx Witch into the center of the casting circle to cast the spell. With him, we paired a barrier-type witch from Italy. She’s the daughter of the witch who cast the wards around the Vatican, so I have no doubt that she can figure out how to keep Onyx from attacking us while we cast.

            A spirit-type witch from Nigeria focused on figuring out how to contain the magic energy in this realm alongside a second barrier-type from Venezuela who would help her pin it so it the massive amount of magic energy didn’t leave our immediate surroundings and her people. They would work closely with the previous team as well.

            Finally, the witch from Bahrain who specialized in dark magic would act as a consultant to let the rest of us know how things may differ when dealing with Onyx who also uses dark magic, except much less responsibly. With her, was her assistant, which she never worked without. They reminded me of Shi and I a lot, but with much less annoying romantic and sexual tension interfering.

            Nearly a month passed before preparations were fully completed. All the while, we bore witness to the suffering of the Irish Herbal Witches. It broke each and every one of our hearts to see how our delay had harmed them, costing so many their lives, but we knew we couldn’t be hasty with a spell like this one. We would have but one shot at this, and if we failed, many more would die as a result.

            With the date of casting set, we had a few days while we waited for the new moon. Many assume more powerful spells all require a full moon, but no real witch thinks that way. It all depended on what the purpose of the spell was and for this one in particular, a new moon was perfect since what we wanted was a new beginning for the Herb Witches of Ireland.

            We took the time to rest and prepare ourselves mentally for what was to come. While we did, I thought it best to talk to Shi. If this went bad, I didn’t want to leave any unfinished business. Besides, he deserves to know how I feel one way or another.

            Together, we go on a brief walk for the privacy. Although, I used fresh air as a thinly veiled excuse to create said privacy, I’m sure he, and everyone in our vicinity, knew better. Once we were alone, I spoke. “Shi, there’s something we should discuss.”

            “No. Don’t, please. If you say it now, it’ll feel like a goodbye. I don’t want it to be a goodbye, Kita.”

            “But Shi…”

            He stops me. “But nothing, Kita. You may be my teacher, but I simply can’t listen to you here, gorgeous.” He turns and kisses my forehead. “If things go bad, die knowing I knew what you wanted to say and that I will find you in the next life so we can say it there.”

            Unable to argue, I relent. “Fine. As long as you know.”

            “I do.” He paused, “And you know too, right?”

            I can’t help but smile. “Yeah, Shi, I know.”

            Soon after, we return to the hideout. We ate with the group in the closest thing to a feast the Hedge Witches could offer in this hideout, then partied until midnight before passing out and resting well before the next night came ushering in our potential doom with it.

            The next night, around ten at night, we began the casting. Each of us trying our best to do our part. First, the summoning, followed by the various barriers. Each of which were successful. This was our shot. The herb witch lit the fire and began burning the herbs she gathered. Meanwhile, the dark witch and her assistant began to cast their half of the spell. Shi and I would do the second half when they were done.

            About fifteen minutes passed before that time came. Shi and I stepped up and started casting. We knew it was working when Onyx, yelling irately, began to thrash against the barriers the others were helping to hold in place. She was getting scared.

            Our half of the casting took about another fifteen minutes and then it was done. The Onyx Witch, powerless, fell to the ground. Several of us tested to make sure it wasn’t a ploy before lowering the barriers and calling the Council to take her into custody.

            They arrived within minutes and carried her off with little congratulations. Jerks. Nevertheless, those of us who helps cast gather is a group hug. The Head Witch cried as she realized her people were free again. Once more, they could enjoy the lush Irish greenery and live as their ancestors did. It was for that reason; I knew her tears were of joy and relief.

            After everyone passed around hugs and celebratory words, we went and gathered the herbal witches and escorted them and the Head Witch back to Dublin Castle where they joyously reclaimed their territory. We all stayed the remainder of the night, exhausted from the casting, but the next day, everyone went their separate ways. We would remain close friends, but it was time for us all to return to our own peoples.

            As for Shi and me, we decided not to return to New York. Instead, we petitioned the Council to let us reopen Jades temple in Egypt citing the need for her knowledge and magic if anything like this happened again. They agreed, though not without slapping us with a list of bounds and expectations. It wasn’t like we wanted anything like what Onyx did. Our temple was for the good of all witches, so it didn't bother us much to have to play by their rules.

            One month after opening it, I named Shi’s training completed and certified him to teach others. With that, he enlisted others to train in our temple’s ways. We were doing so well that by the end of the second month, we had nearly one-hundred member witches.

            Then, one night, he and I had dinner to celebrate. To commemorate our first date, we teleported to Dublin and went back to PHX. There, he finally told me he loved me, but he made it worth the wait by doing it on one knee while offering me a ring. Of course, I said yes. We could hardly wait to get married, but there was so much tradition to focus on that it took our temple nearly a year to prepare.

            Impatiently, we waited, and soon enough we were married. Our closest allies, the Herb Witches of Ireland, were perhaps as happy as we were during the wedding. Not that Shi and I could look away from each other long enough to celebrate with them.

End.

There it is! If you enjoyed this piece, I highly recommend checking out some of my books. I have so much more space when writing novels to play with story elements I just don’t in a short story. To get you started, check out The Fate of Angels and Demons! For the special edition hardcover, visit my STORE. For the paperback and ebook, you can find it at just about any major retailer. I’ve accumulated some of the links to those HERE to make it easy. I hope to see you back for next weeks segment of Nerdology 101. Until then, have a nerdy week!