*This chapter is part of "The Small Town Magic Arc." This saga began with Chapter 134*

The imposter posing as Jahno pointed at Tamma and laughed maniacally as she wept. The smile then faded from Cyclo's face as he pointed at the doppelganger of his human form.

"Useless minion!" Cyclo hollered as the fake Jahno suddenly found himself being pulled towards his boss. A laser blade shot out of Cyclo's finger and impaled fake Jahno. The imposter helplessly tried to grip the laser blade in a feeble hope of freeing himself, only to find his hands getting absorbed into the laser. He screamed as the rest of his body vanished into the laser, which then retracted back into Cyclo's finger. Cyclo's body then shrunk back into the size of a normal human as his features returned to those of the real Jahno.

"Dearest Tamma, please don't cry anymore, I did all of this to give you the life you deserve!" Jahno pleaded. "Precious daughter, a treasure like you should get the best of the best, including the mansion that has been in our family for generations. But you must realize sweetie, the money to maintain it had to come from somewhere!"

"So you created a monster alias and blackmailed our people to pay you to cover the mansion costs, all while pretending to be a helpless victim?" Tamma protested, standing up and trying to be strong, despite her tears continuing to flow. "I don't want the mansion.... never did! I just want to be like everyone else!"

"We aren't like everyone else, we are better than those commoners!" Jahno replied in disgust. "If you won't accept your rightful place in our family as the superior residents of Aplonica, then you leave me no choice!"

"What are you plotting now Cyclo, or Jahno, or whoever you truly are?" Rick said boldly, as he stood beside Tamma along with Essie, Cerissa, and the Pirate.

"Just what I've been doing all along." Jahno smirked. "I will simply wipe Tamma's memories of this, along with the other townsfolks' as well. Did you really think this was the first time Tamma, or anyone else in town has uncovered my dark secret?"

"You altered my memory?" Tamma cried out in horror. "All of this has happened before?"

"Too many times to count." Jahno laughed. "After all, if an outsider like this Pirate fellow could figure out who I really am so easily, did you really think that people we live with every day couldn't uncover it? But once I eliminate these wannabe heroes and clear your memory my sweet girl, then we can go back to the way things should be. You will only remember me as your loving father, doing all he can to protect his beautiful daughter from an evil monster!"

"This sounds similar to the amnesia Glicko gave us!" Essie cried out to Cerissa.

"You're right." Cerissa said in a troubled tone. "Just like our enemy, Jahno is also taking away memories and manipulating others as he pleases."

"I have a question for you Mr. Mayor." The Pirate calmly asked Jahno. "Where did you get your powers, including that cyclops transformation? Was it given to you by a warlock, or a man posing as a doctor? If that is the case, then you my friend are being used by our enemy Glicko."

To be continued....

"[28] You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’

[30] He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less (John 3:28, 30 NLT)."

I love how John the Baptist didn't seek glory for himself, but wanted people to run to the glory of God instead. John had no qualms about people going to Jesus to be baptized over him (despite his namesake), and John was "filled with joy at his (Jesus') success (John 3:29)." This is an attitude I want to incorporate into my own life. Should any success I have inspire someone, I want people to know that it is all thanks to the blessings and gifts God has put in my life. I want to want Him to get the glory, and I want to want eyes to go on God and not me. This is easier said than done, as getting attention for the things I do well in is certainly addictive and makes me feel good, but I don't want this to be my prime motivation for using the talents and abilities God has empowered me with.

Lord, thank You for once again giving me something to ponder and work on due to journaling about Scripture. Please forgive me for the times I get prideful when I succeed thanks to the gifts that You have given me. Please help me to be better about pointing to You in these accomplished moments, and may people flock to You over me as a result. Please help me to desire this and work on it. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

*This chapter is part of "The Small Town Magic Arc." This saga began with Chapter 134*

"And what exactly are your terms for negotiation?" Rick asked.

"Now that's a good lad!" Cyclo jeered. "You and the Pirate must lay down your weapons, and your girlfriend and the other mage are to come with me. Do this and I will let you two go and live your miserable lives lamenting your failure, although you could take solace in preventing the deaths of Tamma and Mayor Jahno. Or, I could just snap their necks, and then finish the rest of you off. How shall we proceed?"

"Please... don't surrender...." Tamma managed to get out while the possessed Jahno continued to grip her neck tighter.

"There's no way we can give in to him, but Tamma and Jahno.... what do we do, what do we do?" Rick muttered in a panic while Cyclo continued to sneer at him. Meanwhile, the Pirate kept his gaze on the mayor and Tamma. After what felt like an eternity, he finally entered the negotiation with his own thoughts.

"Don't worry Rick, he's not going to hurt his daughter, I can guarantee that."

"Ha ha ha ha, I don't think the good mayor has much of a choice in the matter!" Cyclo laughed.

"Drop the act Cyclo! Or should I call you by your real name, Honorable Mayor Jahno Aplonica?"

"Excuse me?" Cyclo replied, no longer smirking or laughing.

The Pirate drew one of his swords and charged at the possessed mayor, slicing off the hand that was choking Tamma. Jahno's dark red eyes reverted back to normal, and he began screaming in pain.

"How could you Pirate, it wasn't his fault!" Tamma screamed, her face red with anger and soaked with tears. "Hang in there daddy, I'm right here!"

"Don't touch him!" The Pirate yelled sharply, then granting Tamma an apologetic look before addressing her in a softer tone.

"That's not your father Tamma, he's an imposter. I'm not sure if you had any suspicions before, but your father has been Cyclo all along!"

"Well done hero, you are the first to have figured it out!" Cyclo laughed as he clapped enthusiastically. "Do tell me, how did you figure it out?"

"Well, when you are able to afford the price to maintain a mansion while the rest of your townspeople are struggling, it's kind of obvious." The Pirate smiled. "Of course, had I been wrong, then Tamma's wrath against me would have been justified. But if the Jahno over there had been the genuine article, then we could have restored his hand with the Reflection Dimension or through the healing magic of Cerissa or Essie, so I decided to take the chance and undo your little checkmate. Fortunately, you're dumb and arrogant enough to have confirmed my suspicions."

"Daddy...." Tamma said softly as she fell to the ground weeping. "How could you?"

To be continued....

*This chapter is part of "The Small Town Magic Arc." This saga began with Chapter 134*

Cyclo waved his right hand over himself, resulting in all of his cuts and bruises disappearing. He then stood up and stared at Rick and Essie triumphantly.

"This isn't ideal, but I'm sure your magical abilities aren't unlimited." Rick countered verbally.

"True, but do you think you're the only one that has healing items bud?" Cyclo answered while summoning a bottle with a light blue liquid in it. "I have a large supply of ether that I can turn to for replenishing my magic when it runs low. And I can also show you some more healing items in my possession if you wish!"

"Still not a problem for us." Essie said boldly. "If this comes down to being a battle of endurance, Rick and I will prevail, no matter what it takes!"

"You teens have spunk, but I can tell you're bluffing." Cyclo sneered. "However, fighting till one of us runs out of resources was never your intention. No, I believe you were just starting things off till the grown ups in your group were ready to take me on."

"I have no idea what you're talking about!" Rick lied, embarrassed on how obvious he actually came off trying to deny Cyclo's accusation.

"Sorry kid, you're not fooling me. The other mage over there isn't just shielding your pirate leader, the mayor and his daughter with that force field. She is also powering up some other kind of magic, a very powerful attack I am presuming. Am I right, sweetheart?"

"Sorry Pirate, it looks like he's on to us." Cerissa said softly. "I am almost ready though, so we should be ok."

"No worries Cerissa!" The Pirate replied enthusiastically. "You, Rick, and Essie did great! Don't you worry Mayor Aplonica and Tamma, we've still got this!"

"Of course." Tamma smiled appreciatively. "I have always believed in you guys. Don't worry dad, we'll be just fine."

"Will you though?" Cyclo mocked. "You may be in a force field darling, but are you sure that your friend's spell is truly keeping you safe? Here, let me show you what I mean."

Jahno's eyes turned dark red, and he lunged at Tamma, gripping her neck tightly. He then gripped his own neck with his other hand, grinning ear to ear.

"Tamma!" Rick and Essie cried out, as Cyclo laughed maniacally. Cerissa and the Pirate also looked on with expressions of horror.

"Checkmate heroes, your feeble coup is finished!" Cyclo jeered. "Now if you don't want me to snap the necks of the mayor and his lovely daughter, I suggest you negotiate with me immediately!"

To be continued....

For my wife on her birthday :-)

Not so long ago, this world got a lot more beautiful.

Not so long ago, this world became a lot more inspiring.

Not so long ago, this world got a lot more passionate.

Not so long ago, this world got a lot more fun.

Not so long ago, this world got a lot more intelligent.

Not so long ago, this world got a whole lot cooler.

Not so long ago, this world got much hotter (in the best way possible).

Not so long ago, this world got a whole lot better.

Because not so long ago, you were born.

*This chapter is part of "The Small Town Magic Arc." This saga began with Chapter 134*

"Ha ha ha ha, she may be hot, but she isn't superior!" Cyclo jeered. "But once you are done relying on her magic, and I have crushed you permanently, maybe I will keep her as a second bride to go along with Tamma."

"No you won't!" Rick snarled as he charged at his foe. Cyclo pointed at Rick and fired an icy blast at him, but it bounced off his armor. Rick answered with a sword slash to the right arm of the monster, not deep enough to remove the limb, but enough to cause his enemy to scream in pain. Cyclo countered by pointing at him and firing a lighting bolt, which also bounced off of Rick's armor. Rick slashed at Cyclo's left leg, leaving another deep cut that resulted in more screams of agony. Once he regained his composure, Cyclo pointed at Rick and blasted him into the air with a gale spell.

"Looks like the buffs are down already!" Essie cried out. "Don't worry Rick, I've got you!"

Rick appeared next to Essie, and he once again caught her as she began to lose consciousness. He summoned a blue grenade into his hand, and threw it down to heal them both.

"Thanks Essie, sorry to tax you so much." Rick apologized softly. "My refills arrived at the perfect time at least."

"That's good." Essie said weakly, smiling despite needing support from Rick to stand up.

"Well well well, you've drained your girl's magic so much that your healing items aren't enough anymore!" Cyclo laughed. "What an awful boyfriend you are!"

"Here Essie, I'll give you another one." Rick said kindly as he ignored Cyclo and summoned another blue grenade. He tossed it down, and this time Essie's strength was completely restored.

"I think it's time to admit that this fight is over kids!" Cyclo declared. "You were in over your heads from the beginning, and your situation is only getting worse. Time to let the grown ups in your crew step in and take over!"

"That's rich coming from you." Rick replied boldly. "If you had a mirror, you would be able to see that you aren't looking all that great yourself!"

"True, you both did inflict some bruises, and those sword strikes are quite severe." Cyclo replied, smiling while wincing from his injuries. "But, did you both forget that you're not the only ones that have healing abilities?"

To be continued....

"[11] My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. [12] For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights (Proverbs 3:11-12 NLT)."

Just like any other human would feel, being told what you're doing could be better, and/or being corrected when you've made a poor choice isn't an easy thing to accept. Yet, being able to accept that we don't have all the answers and can always do better, and that we sometimes have to get redirected from the wrong paths are both an invaluable life skills. As a Pre-K teacher, I not only need to be open to ways I can improve my teaching, but it is my calling to show my students a better way if they are making harmful choices, and I need to continue to work on delivering this information in a loving, supportive way. And through my passion and other calling of acting, it is imperative to be coachable when feedback is provided on how I can improve my performances, and I need to acknowledge that the feedback I am receiving is being given by someone that also wants the show we are performing for our guests to be the best it can be. And as a father, it is extremely important to give loving discipline to my children, and accept the discipline for myself when I fall short in the parenting department.

Lord, I confess that although I am a huge fan of growing and improving in the things I do, I can also grow and improve at not only accepting discipline and feedback, but also giving it in a loving way. As I navigate a challenging school year, I especially appreciate You reminding me the importance of giving and receiving loving discipline in my classroom and beyond. Please help me to not only continue to take this to heart, but to keep growing in not only receiving and implementing loving discipline and feedback, but giving it in loving and caring ways. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

*This chapter is part of "The Small Town Magic Arc." This saga began with Chapter 134*

Now that the smoke had cleared, Cyclo stood before his opponents flashing a toothy grin. Even with the bruises all over his body from the attacks of the skeletal limbs Essie had summoned, he appeared to be ready to fight once again.

"That was the most powerful poison spell I had....." Essie said defeatedly as tears filled her eyes. "I'm so sorry everyone, I thought this would end the battle...."

Cyclo fell to the ground laughing uncontrollably. Once he regained his composure, he stood back up to address the mage.

"Against an enemy as weak as yourself sweetie, it could have worked. But against me, an enemy that surpasses you in every way possible, your spell could do nothing. And I took in more than enough of your poison to prove it worthless."

"Don't sweat it Essie, it's ok." Rick said softly. "I just requested some more blue grenades that should be on their way to my helmet's inventory in five minutes. And you still have plenty of great spells to bring to the table. He talks a big game, but look how beat up he looks! I doubt he is feeling as good as he says he is."

"Thank you Rick." Essie said sweetly as she hugged him. Besides natural endorphins from the embrace, Rick felt his abilities heighten again from the power of mage's embrace. Essie then held a glowing hand over Rick before letting him go.

"I added some buffs to protect you from ice, fire, lighting, wind, poison, and Earth spells." Essie said as her heart melting smile shone once again. "They should last as long as the power up from mage's embrace. If he has any other magic that doesn't fall into those categories, I'll pull you back over here and give you buffs for those too!"

Essie began to fall again, but Rick once again caught her. He then threw down another blue grenade to restore his precious friend's strength.

"You're too kind hun, but I don't want you to overdo it." Rick said tenderly. "You've done enough, and I will make sure I make these gifts you've given me count. Alright Cyclo, I'll show you how superior Essie truly is to you!"

To be continued....

This story is based on the Reedsy.com prompt "End your story with someone saying “I do."

https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/

"This place really is beautiful." Janet marveled as she and her companion Chris emerged from the forest they had traversed for an hour. Their reward was a view of a sunrise over a lake that neighbored the house of Landon, the pre-teen boy they were checking in on. Initially known as the villain Lifer, he had caused torment by bringing inanimate objects to life. After being defeated by the teamwork of Chris, Janet, Mirk, and Tam, Landon had been reformed after taking a trip to the Reflection Dimension, and he now lived with four companions that he had brought to life during his tenure as a former villain. Landon lived peacefully with Mirk and Tam's former helmets and armor that were now living beings in their own right, who could easily pass as armored members of Hugh's hero network. Landon's housemates also included sentient shoes Fred and Shania, whom still worked for Hugh on occasion. Recent reports claimed that Lifer had resurfaced, but Janet and Chris didn't think Landon was the culprit. Landon had returned from the Reflection Dimension, and he claimed that his former powers were gone. Still, Janet and Chris wanted to check in on him not only to see if he could point them in the right direction of who the real enemy was, but to also confirm Landon's safety as well. The possibility of Landon being a threat was very low, so Chris and Janet were dressed in casual civilian outfits. Still, they could summon their helmets if combat became a necessity at any point.

Landon was sitting in a swing on the porch outside, while the helmet and armor humanoid forms that also went by the names Mirk and Tam sat in lounge chairs on either side of the boy that they had vowed to protect.

"Janet.... Chris.... welcome!" Landon squealed, running over and hugging both of his guests. "It is so good to see you!"

"It is nice to see you again too Landon." Chris said kindly, even though he was ready to get to the point of their visit. "I don't mean to be a downer, but we didn't come for a social call. I'm not sure if you're aware, but a specific someone has resurfaced."

"I had a feeling that was what brought you both here, and I am aware of the return of Lifer." Landon replied as he started trembling. "I promise you guys, it isn't me anymore. I really did lose the life creating abilities after returning from that world you sent me to."

"We believe you Landon, and we didn't come here to accuse you." Janet smiled reassuringly. "We came to you to confirm that you and your family are safe, and to also see if you might have an idea who this new Lifer is. I see the Mirk and Tam helmets are here with you, are Fred and Shania also around?"

"They are out currently on a mission for Hugh, checking on some sightings of recent objects that had been brought to life. They were hoping that they could find the new guy and figure out who he could be."

"Fair enough, being creations from Lifer powers themselves would hopefully be helpful in finding out something." Chris mused. "Still, do you have any guesses on who it could be bud? I know you live a pretty private life now, but surely you might be able to think of someone you had encountered before."

"I do have one guess, maybe the one from the beginning." Landon pondered. "He disappeared after he gave me the abilities, but my guess is the doc-"

Two laser blasts emerged from behind the group, each striking Mirk and Tam. The helmets shattered upon impact, and the armored bodies that were formerly attached vanished.

"Mirk! Tam!" Landon screamed, dropping to the porch floor sobbing. Janet rushed to the boy to attempt to console him, while Chris turned to see a figure wearing a bright gold helmet and emerald green armor approaching. He held two smoking laser guns in his hands, now pointing both at Landon and Janet.

"Tam, is that you?" Chris asked incredulously. "Where have you been? And more importantly, how could you?"

"Those two were an abomination to my late brother and me, and those helmets were never his to bring to life to begin with!" Tam snarled. "Besides, Lifer is back, and it has to be this kid! That brat probably rigged his time in the Reflection Dimension and came back with his powers. If he wants to bring more fake lives to life, he can now do so thanks to that Reflection Dimension joke you all swear by. But unlike you hacks, I won't let him. I will do what you and the rest of Hugh's failure of an organization should have done the first time. I am going to take this kid out, and put Lifer's machinations to rest for good."

"Not if we can help it." Janet said with a quiet determination, standing up in front of Landon while a dark helmet appeared in her hand. She quickly donned it, summoning armor to her body. Chris summoned his own helmet and armored himself as he joined Janet in guarding Landon.

"Ha ha ha ha, fine by me!" Tam laughed maniacally. "I was going to kill all of you anyway, and save the rest of the world the trouble of your failures."

"Tam, you need to stop!" Chris yelled, then catching himself so he could respond more softly. "We all miss Mirk, truly we do. But it isn't our fault that he died. You are going after the wrong people!"

"Oh don't worry, I may be working for Leftover right now, but when my work is done, both his organization and Hugh's network will be no more. Then with both parties that caused my brother's death decimated, my brother will truly be able to rest in peace!"

"Ok, back up a second Tam, you're in league with the one that killed your brother by his own hand?" Janet asked in shock to their former ally. "How did that even happen?"

"He was my first stop, and I tried to take him out." Tam explained in a calm, yet cold tone. "He spared me and offered me the opportunity to build up my skills if I helped him destroy Hugh and the rest of you. My ultimate aim is the fall of Hugh, Leftover, and anyone involved with both. Using Leftover to up my skills and destroy Hugh will give me the power to then go back and murder him next."

"Tam, this is insane!" Chris pleaded. "How can you believe a word of what you're saying?"

"Please Tam, come back with us." Janet added. "Let us help you carry the burden of your grief, and we'll stop Leftover the right way, together."

"I'm sorry old friends, but the Tam you once knew died the same day Mirk did, even if he left me behind to set things right, and cleanse this world of those that took away the life he loved living. Now step aside and let me take out Lifer before he causes any more trouble!"

"Ha ha ha ha, I'm sorry, but this drama is too much!" An unfamiliar voice bellowed. "Guess it is time to reveal the truth before the murder of an innocent child is added to your list of growing crimes Tam!"

The group turned around and found a man in his mid 30s standing before them. He wore a white lab coat over a blue button down shirt and khakis.

"Dr. Sly!" Landon cried out, as he stood up and dried his tears. "Are you the one that created a new Lifer?"

"Created a new Lifer?" Tam asked Landon curiously. "Please explain what you mean by that, boy."

"He is Dr. Lionel Sly, the doctor that visited me at the orphanage. He gave me the Lifer powers, then I never saw him again. He's got to be the reason Lifer is back, not me!"

"Guess Hugh's Reflection Dimension didn't mess up after all.... yet." Tam chuckled, turning to Dr. Sly and pointing a laser gun at him. "Alright doc, start talking! How do you give out Lifer powers, and who is the latest recipient that I now have to hunt down?"

"Very well, I will tell you who holds the Lifer powers now." Dr. Sly said with a devilish grin. "I do."

To be continued....

"[3] For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3 NLT)."

We never want to be wrong about things, and the icing on the cake would be finding someone that not only tells you that you're right, but also tells you that it is ok to keep on doing whatever it is that you want to do. If you're honoring God by following Him and serving others, then this kind of teaching could very well be fine. However, if the teaching you are seeking is encouraging poor habits and keeping you from making necessary changes, then the teaching will drain you and keep you in a place that you may justify as feeling good, but is actually harmful to not only you, but to those that are in your life.

Lord, thank You for no shortage of good teaching out there, especially from those You have called to instruct. Please help me to seek and continue to learn from teachers that help me to grow in my relationship with You, teachers that show me how to honor You, teachers whom help me to be of better service to others, and teachers whom encourage me to move away from negative practices that I need the reminder to reject. Please help me to also teach my upcoming new class of students in a way that reflects You, is encouraging in the right way, and helps those in my care to grow in only the best way possible. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.