As I walked up the path to my family’s home, I had no idea what awaited me on the other side of the door. I turned 18 today and was excited to start my few years in the normal world. My thoughts were focused there, my first steps toward independence and adulthood.
My thoughts were interrupted as I opened the door and was greeted with a loud cheer of “Happy Birthday!” and a shower of confetti.
I stood there slack-jawed, blinking at the disoriented shower of brightly colored paper as my parents stood before me, beaming smiles on their faces. Glancing up, I saw my mom’s familiar-looking mischievously with a popped confetti popper in its talons. From behind, I felt something push past me, hitting me in the leg with his tail. Glancing reflexively down, I saw my Dad’s familiar. He walked up to my Dad, gave a bark from each mouth, and sat at attention.
My mom approached me with a radiant smile, hands outstretched in my direction. “Congratulations! I’m so proud of you and happy for you!” her arms wrapped around me in a warm hug.
My Dad stood behind her with a smirk. “Me too, but I got to run,” He turned quickly and, with his familiar, walked to the back patio.
Mom jumped like she realized something and ran to the kitchen, with her familiar flying after her. “Oh, I’m still cooking too!”
That’s when all the mouth-watering aroma of barbecue and other delicious food hit me all at once. I walked quickly to the back porch and joined my father just in time to see him open the grill to reveal sizzling meat, savory spices, roasting vegetables, and a small pot of cheesy goodness.
With his ever-present smirk, my Dad commented on my drool, “Looks good, huh?”
As I wiped my mouth and took a deep breath, my nostrils were filled with every sweet and savory scent, and my stomach growled in response.
My Dad and his familiar laughed in response, “Just try to hold it in. I’m almost done. I slowly smoked these steaks, and now I’m searing them and the vegetables.” as he said this, he ripped off a piece of the meat from the edge of the over-sized steaks, broke it into 3 and handed me one bit while dropping a scrap to his familiar and taking a portion for himself.
My mom called through the open door, “I’m also finishing up. Everything should be ready in the next 5 minutes.”
Dad nodded, picking up the oversized piece and placing it on the other side of the grill. “Perfect, same here.”
“I can help with anything that you need,” I offered.
My Dad patted me on the back. “Thanks, John, but we’ve got it under control. We are celebrating you, so you just relax.” Looking at my mouth, he added, “Don’t drown in your drool.”
That’s when I realized I had drooled unconsciously to the point it was dripping off my chin.
With a laugh, my Dad turned to his grill and said, “You must have worked up an appetite with your friends. What did you guys do?”
“Mostly the usual stuff,” I replied, munching on the bacon. “We played some racing games, a shooting game, and other stuff. There were even a few games from the non-magical realm. But we all were terrible at those.”
“Who was there?” Dad inquired.
I blushed. “My friends who graduated with me.” Thankfully my Dad ignored my blushing. Unfortunately, his familiar cackled in barking tones from all three snouts. I glared at him, praying to anyone who would listen that my Dad would leave it.
Someone listened because he switched topics, “What was the best game you played?” my Dad asked, checking the meat and vegetables one last time.
I thought for a moment before replying, “Probably either Capture the Flag or King of the Hill. It was pretty awesome.” an involuntary smile spread across my face.
My Dad’s eyes lit up. “King of the hill? That takes me back. We should plan to see if I can still beat you.”
I puffed my chest out with pride. “You haven’t been able to beet me since I was 15. We time out a stalemate every time.”
My Dad chuckled as his familiar rolled all his eyes. “Yeah yeah, but now you are an adult, so I’m not incentivized to spare your feelings” The glint in his eye as he glanced at me deflated my pride and made a chill run down my spine. He was more friendly and continued, “That sounds like fun,” my Dad said, looking interested. “Who did you play as?”
I cleared my throat. “I played as an ice mage defense. On my team were. My friends played as an ice mage offense, stalker, and shadow mage. We had some pretty intense battles. I won 4 of the 5 rounds.” My pride was tickling the back of my brain again.
My Dad smiled. “Sounds like you had a blast. Done.”
I grabbed the platter from the counter and held it as my Dad placed the meat and vegetables and pot of cheese gold for us to bring to the kitchen. My mom finished her half of the preparations, and the two sets of smells combined. This forced me to gulp the saliva hard so it wouldn’t drip onto my platter.
To prevent disaster, I put the platter from the grill on the spot mom left open for it on the table and surveyed the rest of the offerings. I would make up all the calories I burnt playing at the arcade.
As we all sat down, the familiars were positioned at their own spots at the table. Mom’s Familiar sat on her perch, and Dad’s Familiar sat on the floor, all three heads ready and drooling in front of their bowls. It was customary for me, but when my friends came over, they would always find it weird that they would “sit at the table” with the rest of us to eat. It’s not like they slobbered all over the serving plates. They just ate at the table.
Mom said, “Everything is on the table. Let us eat!” and handed Dad a tray of bread loaves.
Dad responded, “Thank you, and I will skip singing Happy Birthday to you.” Pointing to me with the tray of bread.
I blushed and breathed out, “Thank you!” quickly putting food on my table and starting to eat.
My mom smiled with a wry glint in her eyes. “When you were out with your friends, was that cute girl with your group? Or did you not muster the boldness to invite her?”
My Dad’s face snapped to me, with a smile that matched my mother’s, raised an eyebrow. “Oh!”
My face just got redder as I squawked with a full mouth. “She was there with her other friends. I was was with mine.” Swallowing hard, I added, “We played one game of capture the flag against each other.” Quieter, I quickly added before shoveling more food in my mouth, “We lost.”
My parents showed mercy and changed the subject, and we discussed my plans for spending some time in the non-magical world. They shared their experience of doing the same tradition when they were 18. Dad pointed to the barbecue. “That’s where I learned how to cook like that when I worked in a smoke shack in Texas for a few months.”
Mom nodded, adding an extra piece to her plate and the plate of her familiar “And I loved learning French baking from my mentor’s niece.”
Dad asked, “Do you know how many of your classmates are going on a tour of the non-magical realm?”
I swallowed and answered, “I think 3 of my glass of 18. I’m surprised. I thought it was a common tradition.”
Mom shrugged and sighed. “It used to be more common. But most families don’t think it’s important to know the greater world, and they think the non-magical realm is just for ‘mundanes,’ and they have nothing to teach us.”
I responded, “But you agree with me that all realms, and definitely all people, are worth exploring and learning from?” Both my parents nodded. “So I’m surprised more people don’t share our opinion.”
Mom sighed again. “In fairness, we are still recovering from the great war. I’m sure you learned it in school.”
Dad looked at the empty bowls of his familiar with a raised eyebrow, agreed to the begging whining, and added a piece for each head of his Familiar. “All that being true, being scared or arrogant is always a slippery slope.” Changing the subject, he added, “Did you decide where you will spend your time?”
I reached for another helping, but my mom reminded me, “I still have dessert.”
I nodded but still got more food. “Thank you, I’m looking forward to sweets. Dad, I’m not sure where I’m going to go. I’m sure starting with your sister’s/my aunt’s family. I haven’t seen my cousins in a few years.”
Mom smiled. “It’s been what 3 years since they came to visit? And you were busy with school every time we went to them.”
I nodded. “Exactly. And Auntie and Uncle sent me a letter saying they were OK with me being with them for a few months at least. I did some research in several cities of America. But Europe has history and culture, and so does every other continent. So ultimately, I’m not sure.”
My mom looked worried. “Well, in any case, please stay in contact and out of danger. First for your own safety and second to avoid interfering.”
Dad nodded with a sigh. “He’s fully licensed to use magic in the non-magical realms. But, son, you really don’t want to go through tribunals. They are long and exhausting.” His face looked darker as if he remembered something horrible.
I sighed with irritation. I knew what my parents were saying was true, but this wasn’t the first or the first hundredth time they warned me the same warning. I know they are worried. But that doesn’t make the nagging any less annoying.
Finishing my last bite, I said, “Yes, Mom, I will keep in contact to the best of my ability. Please do the same. And Dad, don’t worry. I don’t like fighting or violence.”
Dad smirked, “Your grades for magical combat class beg to differ.”
I shrugged. “Good grades don’t mean I like it. It is not like ‘Your son’ had the option to have bad grades in any class.”
Dad’s smirk dropped, and he said thoughtfully, “You had the option. I simply refused to give you the opportunity.”
Mom jumped in, still beaming her smile. “I’m proud of you. You graduated with excellent grades. When you are ready for university, you will have a great chance of getting into any program you want.”
Smiling, “I know, Mom, but I don’t know if I even want to attend university. I don’t need it until I know what I want to do with my life.”
Mom had a sad smile. “Well, whenever you do, it will be great.” I saw Dad roll his eyes. Mom noticed, too, and focusing on him, she added, “Ready for dessert?”
Dad jumped up. “Yes, let’s clear the table.”
I tried grabbing plates, but my mom said, “Sit. We are celebrating you.” Me and the familiars all sat at the same time.
My parents didn’t take a minute to return with a cake and a few wrapped boxes. My aunt and uncle introduced gift wrapping and candles to our family, and I loved it.
Placing the came in front of me, my Dad and mom sang together, “Happy Birthday!” the last syllable punctuated by the bark and screech from their familiars.
A single candle on top had the number 18 flickering in the flames. I leaned forward, blowing out the candle, the numbers floating as smoke to the ceiling. “Thank you so much!” I said as Dad put the gift boxes in front of me.
My parents didn’t need to encourage me. I eagerly reached for the first present on the table. It was a rectangular box wrapped in shiny blue paper, and I couldn’t wait to see what was inside. I carefully tore off the wrapping paper to reveal a sleek cell phone box. It wasn’t the latest model, but it was new.
For a second, I just stared at it. We didn’t exactly have mobile mundane reception in the magical realms. Short-distance communication was easy. Then my brain started turning, and I realized what this meant.
“Wow, thanks so much!” I exclaimed, a grin spreading across my face. “This is for my travels. When I’m in the non-magical realm!” my pitch got higher, and I cleared my throat to the snorts and giggles of my parents and their familiars. “This is awesome! Now I just need to learn how to use it.”
My mom looked sad as my Dad said, “Well, you’ll have a few years. I’m sure you’ll upgrade sooner or later, but this one is activated and ready to use as soon as you arrive. Now the next one.”
Next up was a long, thin box wrapped in deep red paper. I carefully untied the ribbon and lifted the lid to reveal a magical scroll. I looked confused. I pulled out my scroll from a pocket and asked my parents, “Why do I need another one? I’m grateful, but it is not like you to spoil me with upgrades before the first one breaks.”
Mom laughed. “That’s cause we didn’t want you to grow up thinking life is easy. But look at the packaging. This one is far more powerful than yours.”
I flipped the box over and realized this one was capable of autonomous imprinting. I looked up excitedly. “Wait, this can be strong enough to even reach from realm to realm?!”
My parents nodded and unison. Dad said, “Now you can fulfill that promise to stay in touch with...” he glanced at Mom for a brief fraction of a second “...us.”
The following package didn’t look like a box. It was more of a yellow-colored envelope that I didn’t recognize, with a metal bit holding the top down. I opened it and pulled out a smaller envelope and a folder. Opening the folder, I read out loud, “Congratulations on opening your personal bank account. In this package, you have your debit card.” I opened the envelope and saw a neat stack of green papers. I looked up at my parents, confused.
My mom smiled. “It won’t fund your whole trip, but this will allow you more freedom than otherwise. It has money from the country your aunt lives in deposited already. You’ll have to ask them how to use it and the values and the card.”
Realization dawned on me. “Oh! Thank you very much. I was going to sell my savings for a little money, but this will help a lot. Thank you very much.”
There was one more box left on the table. It was wrapped in seaweed green paper and had an ocean blue ribbon. When I picked it up, it felt light and heavy at the same time. I unwrapped it, not bothering to be careful this time.
To my shock and joy, it was a full wand. It wasn’t a trainer wand from my school days which would explode if too much power was put into it. It wasn’t the game wands for playing in the arcade with an output limiter that blows back the excess magic if you try to cheat. It was a full wand.
I heard my Dad, without moving my eyes from the wand, “Open it up.”
I obeyed and placed the items from the packaging on the table. There was the wand, but also a bracelet and a book.
My Dad leaned forward, almost as excited as me. “The wand itself is a full standard wand. It was inscribed with 139 standard spells. It’s not quite the complete list, but it is not like you’ll need anything above elementary attack magic.” I glanced up, and he looked a bit worried for the first time that evening, and Mom looked like she was about to cry. “It is rated to level 6, so it shouldn’t explode on you, but if you ever need anything stronger, you’re probably in trouble and need an enforcer, guild, or a mercenary.” Mom smacked him in the arm hard. But he looked unfazed as he continued. “The book there is the wand’s grimmer. Every spell is listed in it.”
I picked up the book, opened it to the table of contents, and glanced at the table of contents. “Um, you sure it’s 139 standard spells. It has 142 entries here.”
Dad smiled wide, and Mom rolled her eyes. “The last 3 aren’t in the wand but the bracelet. Put it on.” I obeyed. “Open to spell 140, and activate that spell.” I obeyed, and the wand appeared in my hand, but I dropped it with a clatter to the table. My Dad snorted. And I repeated the spell, this time grabbing the wand in my hand. “Good job. It took me a lot more than that to catch my wand.” He commented.
I smiled with a stupid accent. I said, “I’m a genius.”
Dad rolled his eyes. “Yeah yeah! Anyways the next two, put the wand into dimensional storage space if you really need to keep it hidden. And the last one is a...” he trailed off like he was trying to remember.
I flipped two pages and read “Defensive barrier level 7.”
Mom looked pleased. “I insisted on that being one of the spells. It makes me feel safer. I read in a magical journal that the level 7 barrier was tested against non-magical projectile weapons. That barrier level managed to stop everything they got their hands on.”
Dad raised an eyebrow. “Well, it is still a limited area it blocks, and it is a manna glutton.”
I activated the spell and saw a circle about 3 feet across from in front of my wristband. And after 2 seconds, I could feel my manna start reducing. Before I depleted, I deactivated the spell, and the barrier flickered out. I activated the dimensional storage, and the wand de-materialized.
“Thank you, Mom and Dad. I really, really appreciate the gifts.” My parents smiled at me as my mom cut and served 7 pieces of cake. She served everyone’s cake, starting with Dad, me, the Familiars, and finally herself.
After I finished my second piece of cake, my Dad glanced at his watch and looked up at me with a severe expression.
“John, it’s getting late. You need to start heading towards the gate if you want to make it on time,” he said.
I looked at the clock on the wall and realized he was right. I had lost track of time in the excitement of my birthday and the surprise party my parents had thrown for me. Now, it was time to start my travels.
“Right, I better get going then,” I said, standing up from the table.
My parents also stood up and shared a group hug before I approached the door. As I put on my coat and grabbed my backpack and gym bag, my Dad said. “I’ll walk you to the gate station. And please hand this to your aunt. It’s a care package.”
Mom carried something to the kitchen and said, “I’ll clean up here.” My heart pinged in pain, hearing the tremble in her voice. But I wouldn’t allow myself to not see the world.
Exiting the house, I felt a chill run down my spine. It wasn’t just the cool evening air hitting my face but also the realization that I was about to leave my familiar world and be independent for the first time. My Dad walked beside me carrying the box, his Familiar trotting by his side.
The three of us walked toward the gate station, approximately 20 minutes away. As we walked, we passed by several different species of magical beings. There were centaurs galloping by, their hooves clicking on the pavement. A gnome walked by, whistling a merry tune as he carried a large bundle of mushrooms. As we passed an arachnoid, he tipped his hat to my dad “Evening, Zephyr!”
My Dad smiled and called back, “Good evening Alabaster! Be safe.”
The strangest part was as we walked further from home, I couldn’t help but feel a little homesick already. But I forced my legs to keep pace with my Dad.
“Just remember, John, the non-magical world isn’t like ours. They don’t accept magic, and few believe it even exists. You are licensed, but still, be careful.” He reminded me.
“I know, Dad. You’ve told me a hundred times already,” I replied, rolling my eyes.
My Dad chuckled, “I just want to make sure you’re prepared, that’s all.” after a sigh, he added, “I am worried. I just don’t show it the same way your mom does.”
As we continued walking, we passed several stores catering to magical beings. There was a shop that sold various potions and elixirs, another that specialized in magical artifacts, and even a store that sold familiar accessories. I couldn’t resist peeking into a few of them, admiring the various displayed items.
Eventually, we arrived at the gate station. It was a large, circular building with various portals leading to different parts of the non-magical world. We walked inside, and my Dad guided me toward the portal that would take me to my destination. It wasn’t one of the permanent stations. It got reconfigured to various gates as needed.
As we stood before the portal, my Dad turned to me with a severe expression. “Remember, John, you’re representing our world and our family. Make us proud.”
I nodded, feeling nervous and excited, with a final hug from my Dad and a pat on the head from his familiar. Then I took the box from my Dad and went to the waiting area. Before I made it, they announced that the following portal to Chicago would be opened in the next few minutes. I glanced and saw Dad waiting for me to step through the portal. As soon as the porter stabilized the portal, I stepped through it with false courage and confidence.