Restoration

This chapter is part of "The Small Town Magic Arc." Links for prior chapters in this storyline can be found here: https://www.theprose.com/post/746871/the-small-town-magic-arc

Essie pointed at the mass of skeletal limbs that encased Cyclo, then clenched her hand into a fist. As the skeletal appendages crumbled, a putrid orange smoke emerged from the decaying bones. Cyclo coughed uncontrollably for half a minute before silence took over. Leaving the toxic vapor to handle the cyclops, Essie turned her attention to her friend that remained trapped in ice.

"I'm so sorry Rick.... now I will take care of you." Essie smiled sympathetically as she held her now glowing hand over Rick. The ice melted within seconds, and Rick gasped as if he had just awoken from a nightmare. Essie beamed and sighed in relief before she started falling forward.

Rick quickly caught Essie and held her tenderly. Relieved tears flowed down her face, and a weak smile formed as she rested in Rick's arms.

"I'm sorry, I guessed I used up too much energy with all those spells."

"You have absolutely nothing to apologize for." Rick said gratefully. "You were amazing back there.... you are an amazing mage and an amazing person Essie."

Rick held out his right hand, and a blue grenade appeared in it. He dropped the grenade, surrounding the pair in blue smoke. Once the air cleared, Essie gave Rick a strong hug before standing on her own once again.

"Thanks Rick, I feel so much better! Between your tech and combat skills, and my magic.... we can win this!"

"I agree, we make a wonderful team!" Rick said with a bow, wishing his smile was visible for Essie to see from under his helmet.

"I used that new spell that I had finally mastered the last time we trained in The Training World." Essie said enthusiastically as he looked at the now fading orange fumes. "It took a lot out of me, but Cyclo shouldn't be getting up anytime soon."

"Sorry sweetie, breaktime is over!"

The smoke finished evaporating, revealing a battered, but bold cyclops smirking defiantly.

To be continued....