Chapter 1: A school morning

In the city of Crystalness holds a school of magic. Mage students that are non-resident to Crystalness may travel by broom to get there, or by bus if they're inexperienced. Guinea pigs and familiars may also travel by bus, or share a broom with a mage in order to travel to the Crystalness magic school. Hazel, a student of the magic school gets ready for her day. In the homely town of Oakville, she checks to see if she's got everything, then checks again, worried that she would forget due to having a not so good memory. She hops onto her broomstick and gets herself ready to take flight. Tony, a rat familiar runs up to her, climbs up, and sits onto the front of the broom. He took Hazel by surprise! “Tony! I forgot! I'm really sorry!” Hazel said, feeling bad about it. Tony turned around and nuzzled against her paw that was holding the broom, happily forgiving her, then goes back to where he was. Hazel wagged her fluffy fox tail, feeling greatful for his forgiveness.

She was about to take flight, until another friend calls out to her. “HAZEEEYY!!” they yelled out. “WAIT FOR MEEEE!!!”. Hazel froze and waited in shock. She slowly turned her head around to check who was calling her, as she doesn't recognise voices too well. It was Cody, running towards her and waving with a smile. Hazel waved back and said “Hiya, w-w-weren't you gonna go with Max today?” She said with a headtilt. Cody responded “Ooh! We was waitin’ for da bus, but den I gets distracteed by ice cream truck.. I has ice cream! but Maxie went without me..” His fox ears and tail drooped in disappointment but then suddenly perk up when he noticed Hazel's broomstick. “OOH! I CAN RIDES IT??!?” He said excitedly with a very waggy tail. Hazel glared in distrust and quickly shook her head saying “Nonononono! You're gonna break it!!”. Cody's tail stopped wagging and ears drooped halfway, starting to look disappointed. How was he suppose to get to the school of magic in time? Tony looked around while he was sitting at the front of the broom, curious about what was going on.

Hazel then said “Sorry about that, I mean you can still be a passenger! I just don't want you flying my broom no offense”. Cody said “Das okie!” as his swift tail went back to being waggy again. “Hop on!” said Hazel, as her and Tony smiled. Cody leaped in joy “YAY!!!” He shouted as he hopped onto the broomstick behind Hazel. Suddenly, he flinched in pain after that large landing from leaping into the air like that. The furs on his tail spiked in shock of this unpleasant soreness. “A-Are you okay?!” Hazel quickly said as she looked behind her, worried and scared. Tony also looking surprised and confused due to not seeing what had happened. Cody nodded slowly with a nervous grin, still in that pained expression. Hazel still looked concerned anyway as she is very easy to worry. “Oookay then...” She said in an unsure tone. “Hold on tight please, I don-I don-I don't want any of us falling or anything..” She worried. The three of them held tight then took flight into the sky. Tony closes his eyes and relaxes, feeling the wind gently hit his face. Cody hugs Hazel from behind, wagging his tail again. Hazel slows down the speed of her flying broom and looks behind her uncomfortably. “Not right now Cody, you're distracting me!” She told him. Cody happily says “Whoop! Okie dokie den” as he stops and holds onto the broom instead.

Chapter 2: The class begins!

The students arrive at the school of magic, making sure they have all their magic equipment and everything they need. They enter the classroom and greet Crystella, the teaching assistant of the magic school, and sit down with their friends while they talk to all their classmates there. Cody sees Max sitting at his desk nearby. “Psssst! Maxie! Haaii!!” Cody whispered, waving to Max, but Max didn't look too happy as usual. “Dammit Cody, I told you not to get that ice cream!” He complained to Cody. Cody said to Max “but is good Maxie!” happy at the fact he enjoyed it. Max tried to quickly say something but it turned into an angry stammer of gibberish. “BUT THEY SERVE ICE CREAM HERE!!!” he exploded. “Dey do..?” Cody said with a confused derp. “GAHD!!” Max yelled out as he looked up with his hands on his head. Hazel quietly muttered “Maybe he just didn't know, that's all..” and thinks to herself “I think I kinda make that mistake too sometimes”. Alfie comes in and greets his students with a gentle wave. His familiar, Tiny the gryphon flies in with her fast wings making a humming sound. She perches on his wooden lectern nearby, sitting gracefully with her wings spreaded out as she watches the students. She lets out a little “peep” sound. Crystella, who was sitting nearby the students, gives Alfie a nod in agreement.

He asks them if they are ready to start todays lesson, but his voice was too quiet to be heard... He then asks again, but he was still unable to be heard... Suddenly, a flash of light brightens up the whole room! It flashed several times like thunder and lightning in the night sky. The students and familiars quietened in shock and confusion. Alfie had his arms out, holding his soaring star wand in one of them, as hints of electricity still surround his wand every now and then. It had gotten everyone's attention to Alfie, the teacher of the magic school. “I apologise for that...” Alfie bowed. He then put away his wand by making it magically “disappear”. “Now that I have gotten everyone's attention” He muttered “I would like to begin our first lesson of the day...” He continues on as he teaches about all the different magic potions and how they can be used, He then provides a very long pop quiz at the very end of the lesson.

The winner of the pop quiz was Thunder, a witch cat. She was rewarded a mana potion for scoring the most points. “WOO!!” Shouted Thunder “I did it! In your face Blizzard, I got there before you!” she laughed as Blizzard, an anthro lizard who came second place glared at her. “Oh yeah?! Well..Screw you!!” He said, not knowing what comeback to pull. Alfie walked over with his hands behind his back. “Settle down..” he said “Let us not begin any hostility on this...”.

Alfie brings out another potion from one of his hands “Blizzard, since you have come in second place, I believe this is for you...” He says as he hands out the potion to Blizzard “It may not be as useful as the 1st prize potion, but I hope this shout potion will come in handy for when you need...” he said with a single nod. Blizzard looked really happy and grabbed the potion from his hand with a big cheesy grin. Alfie had his hands behind his back again. “I ask that you do not use this on myself, I find it to be rather humiliating...” he muttered while looking down to the ground. Blizzard showed Thunder his prize and said “Neh neh! I got one too!” he mocked as he blew raspberries at her. Thunder scowled and hissed as he laughed and blew raspberries at her. “Hey! You two behave!” Crystella said. Zerda was sitting at a desk further away, observing it all. She curved her front paws around her mouth whispering to Blizzard “Psssst! I'll give you something better! Let's trade later!” she whispered as Blizzard stared at her with a single nod, curious on what she will be offering.

Alfie walked up to Hazel with his hands behind his back again. “I have also come to congratulate you too Hazel, you have made it into third place...” he said. Hazel's long fox ears perked up in alertness and her eyes widened. She was surprised she made it this far “I did..?” she said. “Correct..” Alfie nodded. “You have obtained the prize for third place...” Alfie brings out his other hand, which he was holding a bag of cheese flavoured corn puffs. “I hope this gives you a little energy boost for the day..Or perhaps, any day you choose to have them...” He said as he handed out the bag of crisps to Hazel. Hazel wagged her tail and took them gently from his hands “Thanks!” she said with a smile, as she is very fond of corn puffs.

Chapter 3: Library shenanigans

Alfie walked back in front of the giant chalkboard, smiling and wagging his tail at everyone. Feeling satisfied, Alfie says “Now that I have rewarded the items, it is now time for a moment of calm...”. He turned around to face the door, then looked back at his students. “Come...” he said. “It is time for a story to tell...”. Tiny flew up to Alfie with her fast wings humming towards him as she flies. “Cheep cheep, peep!” she chirped then she perched onto Alfie's shoulder. Luckily the students weren't too loud this time, as most of them were paying attention to see if there was more prizes given out. They all followed him as they all headed off towards the library. The magic school's library does not only contain fictional and true stories, but it also holds many of the spellbooks there, aswell as potion recipes and a magic proof cauldron that cannot be changed or destroyed by magic, used for making bombs and ideal for the strongest of potions.

“Here, allow me to warm up the room” Crystella walks up to the fireplace, and uses her pyrokinesis to set fire to the logs in the fireplace. “Just thought I’d create a more cozy environment” She said with a smile, wagging her tails. “Thank you..” Alfie smiled. “It will indeed make it more comfortable...” He bowed. He then looks through one of the bookcases “Now where was this last put...” he muttered as he searches for the book. He then stopped as he spotted the book he was looking for. “Ah..! There it is...” He happily said to himself as he takes it from the bookshelf. Alfie returns to the others and says “Gather around my friends, it is time for a story to tell...” the students were all sitting comfortably on a cushion each beside the fireplace. Alfie goes to sit on his armchair but then stops to find another student has already claimed his spot... Brandon, a sparkle maned wolf was in an anthropomorphic pose, sitting back on the arm chair with his arms behind his head, looking relaxed, smug, and satisfied. Alfie stared down at him, but Brandon did not stare back up at him. Alfie politely said “Brandon.. Please take your seat...” and looks towards the spare cushion that isn't being used. Brandon calmly said “Oohh you mean this seat? yeaaa this is my seat and I am king of seats” while still looking relaxed and satisfied. Alfie closed his eyes and slowly shook his head. He then looked back at the spare cushion while showing him the way with his arm. “Brandon.. Your seat is over there...” He said, and stared back down at Brandon again. But Brandon still wouldn't budge and said “Mmhmm! I am already over therrrrrerererrr” he said happily. Alfie calmly sighed in disappointment, then he said “It appears you misunderstand my friend... Your seat is the spare cushion over there. Please use the cushions provided...”. Brandon sat up alert, like he realised something. “Ooooohhh I get it now! Nah I understood ages ago” he laughed while Alfie looked surprised.

“Brandon! Stop this nonsense and get back to your seat!” Crystella gekkered. Brandon was bouncing on the chair going “I just like the squishy chair, heheh! Squishy squashy squishy squashy bouncy bouncy marshmallow RAWR ima tiger!” then instantly zoomed off the chair to the spare cushion. Crystella was shaking her head in disapproval while Alfie was facepalming in disappointment. Most of the students were laughing, Brandon going “trolololo lololololol” in the background. Cody also started going “LOLOLOLO” and the class was laughing even more. Alfie stared down at his students with a nervous smile, happy to know they are having fun, but also embarrassed due to Brandon's trolling. He thought to himself “even though it was rather humiliating, at least they are enjoying their time here.. Perhaps I shall let them finish their laughter, before continuing on...” he then sat down on the armchair and waited patiently, while reading the back of the book that he chose for storytime. Once everyone had finished their giggles while Hazel was still chuckling away in the background, Alfie announced “Now that we have all...” but stopped for a second as Hazel was still snickering and snorting in the background. He continued “Well.. most of us have finished our laughter, I have a story to share...” Hazel responded “SNORT! sorry..ehehe” as she tried to snicker more quietly. Alfie smiled and said “Settle down my friends.. While I appreciate your joy, it is time for a moment of calm...”. Hazel started laughing less and quietened down to focus, still smiling away and feeling cheerful from all that laughter. Alfie nodded to Hazel. “Thank you” he said. He then turned the book around to the front cover. “This book is based on a true story. And as a matter of fact, it is part of Aplarian history..!” He said as the students eyes widened in interest. “So without further ado, I shall begin to share the story...” He said as he opened the book.

Chapter 4: The history of the haunted castle

Alfie reads out the story to all his students
“A long, long time ago, there was once a castle owned by a large family of brave warriors. Young and old, boy and girl, and everyone in between. The family was very big, so some weren’t related by blood. But still, they lived together like a family and considered each other as such. The family of warriors served to protect Aplaria and to protect the vulnerable. They were very famous and inspired others to become heroes too. Until one day, one of the warriors returned from exploring far and wide. She seemed very tired, though many assumed that she must of had a long day. In the evening, she did not seem too well, so she decided to have an early night and sleep it off. Some of her roommates came to check on her while she was asleep, but later on, they also went to bed earlier than normal, as they grew very tired too. The next morning, the lady’s sickness had gotten worse, and all her roommates who slept in the same room as her had fallen ill aswell.. The disease appeared to be contageous and deadly, and the warriors including the sickly ones were worried that if anyone was to leave the castle. They would put others in danger too including those they loved and protected. So the family all decided that no one was allowed to leave the castle for the safety of others. This meant that they couldn't assist others in need, as they were in need of assistance themselves. But unfortunately they could not reach out to others, in fear that the disease would spread...

The castle went full on lockdown, in order to protect everyone from the deadly disease. Those who hadn’t caught anything yet had put up a sharp spiked fence around the castle to keep everybody out. But eventually, everyone in the whole castle had fallen ill aswell. The family tried to find ways to be cured, but unfortunately there was no cure to be found at the time, as it happened long ago the Aplarians found one. The members of the castle tried all the medicine and remedies they had, but nothing worked... Some of the remedies helped lessen the symptoms, but they did not do any difference to cure the people, since lessening the symptoms was all it ever did. As time went by, each warrior in the castle had passed away due to the deadly disease, until no one else in the castle was alive no more.

The people of Aplaria hadn't heard from them for a very long time, and wondered why they were no longer assisting them. Much later, a curious bat went to investigate their disappearance. The first place he thought of looking was their castle, since that was where they lived. He flew over the spiked fences and went past the “keep out” signs, curious on why they were put there to begin with. He snuck into the entrance and flew into the castle, soaring above the ground. But no one seemed alive... He went to check some of the bodies, poking and squeaking in hopes that they would wake up and respond, but they were cold and as still as a statue, due to their deaths. The bat was shocked and sad to realise that our heroes where no longer with us. He turned back and flew out the castle, returning to share the news with everyone that the heroes were gone. Everyone was saddened to hear, and was worried about the safety of everyone, now that they're no longer here to protect them anymore.

Then they realised something... Those who were inspired by those brave warriors had already become heroes just like they were! The people were relieved, knowing that Aplaria can still be safe with them around. The castle was left abandoned in respect for those who fought well for our country. Though centuries past, and the castle filled with bones, dust, and cobwebs was slowly starting to crumble and collapse. An adventurous squirrel snuck into the castle and climbed onto the door. She perched on the doorknob and played around with broken gaps of the door and the lock like a puzzle. She unlocked the door and the door creaked open. She turned around and looked outside, sniffing the fresh air, then noticing the scent of tree wood from the old wooden door. The squirrel started chewing due to rodent instincts. She gnawed away until she heard a sound. She stopped and climbed down from the door to investigate. She scurried over towards where the noise came from, but couldn't find out what it was. The squirrel decided to explore a little further by climbing onto a wooden cabinet. She went onto one of the shelves and started gnawing on the edge of it. Then... Something caught her eyes. Right beside her was some neatly displayed jewels that seemed to be very rare... She leaped over to have a look and admired how pretty they were. Then”-
“Can we hear about the castle?” Thunder interrupted. Blizzard responded “I wanna hear what the squirrel is doing!”. Alfie replied “Now now, some stories will require some patience.. Worry not, we are almost to the part” He continues reading to his students as they calmly listen.

“Then she spotted a nice red ruby. It appeared to be her favourite out of the bunch, so she tried to stuff it into her mouth, though it was too big to fit in completely. More sounds could be heard, and it was coming closer and closer... The squirrel was on a lookout to find out what and where the noise is coming from. Suddenly, a trophy from the shelf above was falling above her! She quickly jumped out the way with the gemstone still in her mouth. An ornament fell above her too, she jumped out the way then climbed away from it all before another ornament attempted to fall on her. The squirrel was watching how that ornament fell. It was back against the wall a second ago! From what it looked like, these objects didn't fall naturally... They seemed to have slid off the shelves themselves. The little squirrel tilted her head in confusion. Then all of a sudden, the whole cabinet started shaking like an earthquake! The squirrel attempted to climb down quickly, she was halfway there but the shaking caused her to fall towards the ground. She fell on her tummy flat like a pancake, almost losing grip of the gemstone she found. She used her front paws to sort out the grip of the gemstone in her mouth, then her ears twitched.

The little squirrel heard a few whispery voices, and they where echoing throughout the whole castle. She slowly got up and tried to listen out to who was there, she had a look around, but no one seemed to be there. One of the voices she heard had a very intimidating sharp tone. “That's MINE!!!” they screamed. “PUT THAT BACK RIGHT NOW!!!” They scared off the little squirrel and she made a run for it. More objects tried to fall onto her and some of them were even throwing themselves towards her. The squirrel was leaping, dodging, and climbing over the fallen objects, then suddenly another trophy hit her! She fell and skidded along the ground, losing grip of the gemstone that had slipped out of her mouth, but she quickly got back up again, hurried over to grab the gemstone again, and climbed up the wooden door. Since she had already unlocked the door, it was able to slide open and she made her escape with the treasure she found.

The voices inside the castle were roaring furiously... It turned out that they were the ghosts of the warriors who once protected Aplaria, and since they've retired from their hero days, they were enjoying their peaceful retirement in the castle, their own home, until the intruders came in and stole what they had earned. The ghosts of the castle had enough of these uninvited guests, treating their old place with disrespect like this special place in history was nothing important. Due to this, they decided that none shall visit no more. But in order to do so, they would have to do everything they could to scare away visitors like they did to that squirrel. And that was what made the castle haunted, so nobody would dare to visit no more...

That's until a few years later, a large dragon was flying through the sky and looking for a den to call its own, it spotted the abandoned castle and flew into the big crumbling gap through the castle. The dragon decided that she'll take over this castle now, as she was too lazy to build her own den. But the ghosts weren't too happy about it.. They tried to scare her off, but it didn't work. They tried to throw stuff at her, she wouldn't budge. She would even hit stuff thrown at her like a game of tennis, which caused more damage to the old castle. Neither of them were happy about the damage, as they both called this castle home. “I honestly don’t get it. Why can't we just live together in peace and quiet?” said the dragon as she tilted her head in confusion. That got those ghost warriors thinking... So they made a deal, the dragoness can stay and live here as long as she protects the place from further intruders and thieves, and as long as she doesn't steal their precious belongings either.

And thus, that was settled. The dragon and the ghostly warriors gained each other’s trust, and did their part to protect this ancient part of Aplarian history. Anyone who dared visit the haunted castle whether they are thieves or not would get scared away, and if that doesn't work then they have a whole dragon after them until they leave. That's the story of how the haunted castle came to be. Now that you read my book, I have a favour for you now. Please do not visit us, and please do not find out who wrote this book. I would like to remain an unknown author! Anywho, I hope this book gives you a better understanding on why you shouldn't enter the castle. The end”

Alfie closed the book with a confused look. “I never quite understood the end of this book...” He muttered as he put the book on the armrest of the chair. “Is the castle really out there?” asked Thunder with an amazed look, which Alfie responded “Yes, our landmark is still out there..”. Max asked “Is that the same castle we cross by sometimes?” and Alfie responded “Indeed it is”. Cody wagged his tail “Oooo! We can visits??” he asks, and Alfie shook his head. “I am afraid we cannot go there...” he said. “Why?” asked Cody, then Alfie got up to return the book back to its shelf. “The story has already explained why it is offlimits. Major incidents have happened in the past, so therefore, we shall not go there...” he said while doing so. “Awww!” went Cody, as both his and Thunder's ears drooped in disappointment. Hazel looked at Cody beside her while Alfie was checking his phone and Crystella was loafing and relaxing. “I think it's better to be safe than sorry” She told him. “I mean I'm curious 'n' all but I think it's just a bit too risky...” she also said. “I can take risks” Max said, nearby as Cody's ears perked back up. “Yeah me too!” agreed Thunder, as Cody's tail wagged in interest. Blizzard glared at Thunder beside him “Heeyyy.. Uh-I mean, me three!” he said, agreeing. Hazel was very nervous... “I-I really don't think it's safe...” she muttered. Cody then said “Oh it fiiiine!” as he patted Hazel on the back without a worry, firm pats taking Hazel by surprise. “We can alls go together! Den we keeps safe together!” Cody said, feeling cheerful. Hazel gave a nervous grin then looked down, still worried. Tony, her rat familiar, popped his head out of Hazel’s tail fluff. It seemed he was hiding under all that fur, he climbed over to comfort Hazel, who got distracted by his cuteness. Alfie’s phone buzzed with a notification, he almost drops it in fright. “The magic show..!” he realised, as Crystella opened her eyes in shock. “We must prepare..!” Tiny looks at Alfie and tilts her head with a curious cheep. “My apologies to all, I had almost forgotten about the upcoming magic show tomorrow.. Come with me and we shall prepare...” Alfie said, as he begins to walk out the door with Tiny still perched on his shoulder. Crystella gets up and stretches, then follows Alfie. His students follow too, half of them seemed alert.

Chapter 5: Sneaking out

The school went outside to practice their performances before the upcoming magic show, an event that was starting tomorrow. The mages were practicing their magic tricks and testing any harmless spells on the guinea pigs, while Alfie and Crystella were assisting with a few of the mages needing help. Meanwhile, Max, Blizzard, and Thunder were having a secret conversation. “Alright” muttered Thunder, “I’m still going to that haunted castle” she said. Blizzard shook his head, “Not if I get there first!” he said. “I’ll race ya” argued Thunder, and Max said “Race shmace! I’m going in whether I’m first here or not!”. Blizzard then mentioned “Last one there is a hairy potato!” and Max did not look happy. “Am NOT a hairy potato!” He said, folded his arms and not looking very pleased.

Meanwhile, Cody and Hazel were slacking off from their practice work and walking together. He was quite happy to listen to Hazel’s rambling. “and then I had an energy drink cos I was like really tired” said Hazel. “and I was trying to tell my friend I had an energy drink but my stuttering turned it into enerjijijiji-” but Tony peeped up and interrupted her with a squeak. Hazel stopped and paused for a second as she heard Tony ask for her attention. She didn’t realise that all that walking had lead her up to Max and the others. It appeared that Cody had led each other to their other friends having convos of their own. Hazel gave a gentle, slight wave. “Oh heyy” she said, and “Hey” said Max. “Watcha dooiiing?” Cody asked in delight. “We’re going to the haunted castle!” Blizzard answered. “Don’t tell anybody!” Thunder added. “Uuhh..” said Hazel while she scratches the side of her head, “I reeally don’t think that’s a good idea...” whimpered Hazel. “But your secrets are safe with me anyway” she mentioned. “I w-I wont tell anyone!” she said. Cody does a happy hop. “It be fun!” He said. “If you say so...” muttered Hazel, then Blizzard just remembered something. “Oh yeah the race-” but then he stopped to look that Max wasn’t in the same spot as before, he had already ran off ahead. “No fair! He got a head start!” hissed Thunder. “Wait till I see the look on his face when I get there first!” Said Blizzard as he instantly goes off to make a run for it. “Ooooohh..” growled Thunder “Nobody cheats on my books! We’ll see who’s REALLY the hairy potato!”. Zerda nearby had paused her practicing for a short break when she overheard their conversation of the haunted castle. She was quietly eavesdropping on the conversation during her practices the whole time. Her long fennec ears twitch as she listens carefully. The conversation continued: “Not if I get there first!” argued Blizzard and then instantly made a dash for it. “HEY!!” yelled Thunder. “CHEAT!!!” she yelled as she ran after them too. “C’mon Hazey!” Cody eagerly said. He then gave her a sly look and said “Unless you wanna be hairy potatoooo” he mentioned. “Okay okay!” said Hazel with a slightly raised voice, as they both join the race. Zerda was watching the whole thing. She sneaked up to them and followed the gang.

Chapter 6: Adventures and preparations

Max arrives at the creepy entrance to the haunted castle. It was dull, dark, cloudy, and had the old spikey fencing full of cobwebs, warning and keep out signs, and the spikey gate had a sign with red writing saying “DO NOT PASS”. Max had at look at the signs. “Warnings shmornings!” he said, showing no signs of fear. “I’m going in!” He said as he opened the gate. “NOT SO FAST!!!” yelled Blizzard as he catches up to him. “What!” yelled Max. Blizzard had his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath. “This better be important!!” complained Max. Blizzard stood up straight, inhaling. “Cheat!” he said. Max yelled “AM NOT-” then he sighed. “Look I’m not part of your race okay? I’m not interested!” explained Max. Blizzard glared in suspicion. “Nice try Max, but I ain’t falling for that trick!” he said. “IT’S NOT A TRICK!!!!!” screamed Max.

Suddenly, Max and Blizzard get shocked by something static, poking them on the backs. They both get a huge fright, the hair on Max’s head, ears, and tail stick up due to the static, and Blizzard’s hair did the same thing. Blizzard stares at how poofed up Max looks. “What are you looking at?!” said Max. Suddenly, a familiar voice yells right behind them. “You got SOME NERVE cheating like that!!” They said. They both turned around and it was Thunder, she let out a low kitty growl while she had her paws on her hips, tapping her foot, ears back, eyes glaring, and tail swishing away with anger. “Cheating?!” complained Blizzard “I was just trying to win the race and show Max here that cheating doesn’t make you a winner!!” he said. “You started before we even started the race!!” Thunder growled as her tail waves around in anger. “Eaugh.. Who cares about the race?!” complained Max. “I do!!” said Thunder. “So do I!!” agreed Blizzard. “But YOU started it!!” argued Thunder. “No YOU did!!” Blizzard argues also. “Who cares who started?!” complained Max. “I DO!!!” Thunder and Blizzard screamed, as they both yell at Max. Suddenly, a fearsome roar can be heard inside the haunted castle. The three of the face the castle in confusion. Hazel, Tony and Cody were on their way to the castle when they both heard the roar from a distance. Hazel tilted her head in confusion... “What was that?” she asked, while Tony looked scared. “Oh! I dunno!” Cody said in a happy tone and shrugging, feeling curious aswell yet cheery like always. They continue on their way as Zerda peeks from the tree she is hiding behind. She stealthily sneaks her way over.

Back at the school near the outdoor performance stage, the mages were practicing their performances. Alfie had finished checking up on the other students, he then noticed that several appear to be missing... Tiny was perched on his shoulder, having a look too. “Uh, question...” said Alfie. “Do you perhaps know where some of our students went off to?” he asked. Tiny stared for a moment then shrugged with a cheep. “Odd.. Very odd...” Alfie said, thinking away with one hand holding his elbow, and the other hand resting on his chin. “There appears to be no sign of them, it is very strange indeed...” he said. Crystella had overheard his conversation with Tiny. “Are we missing a few students?” She asked. “Yes...” Said Alfie, looking a little worried. “I cannot find Cody, Thunder, and a few others anywhere...”. Brandon was close by, playing around with some silly spells and transforming his body into the funniest forms possible. “Me thinks they headed to the haunted castle” Brandon mentioned as he looked fine with it while Alfie gave a worried look. “You think?” Alfie asked. “Nah, I already knew” Brandon said, looking very calm about it. “Oh dear...” said Alfie. “This does not sound good at all...” He said. “This wont do!” said Crystella, feeling panicked by the situation. “Why didn’t you tell us sooner?” she asked, and Brandon shrugged. Tiny responded with a worried peep. “Please give us more notice for the next time this happens...” Alfie said, not looking very impressed with Brandon.

“Everyone, I would like to make an announcement..!” said Alfie, but his voice was too quiet to be noticed by the class, who were still practicing for the magic show. Alfie gave a disappointed sigh, he was aware that they were not going to notice him, so he brought out his soaring star wand and used his lightning magic to create a flash and a roar of thunder. Everyone looked surprised, and quickly turned around. “What’s up?” asked Neon. “Now that I have captured all’s attention, I have an announcement to make...” said Alfie. “Several students have gone missing, so unfortunately, it is required that we shall postpone the practice until further notice.. We may even need to postpone the magic show itself...” he said, worried about the safety of the missing students. Some of the students looked disappointed while those who didn’t feel ready, looked relieved about the magic show being delayed. “We have a feeling they’ve entered the haunted castle” said Crystella. “Indeed... They say the haunted castle is a very dangerous place...” said Alfie. “I will have to adventure alone...” he said. “Can’t we come too?” said Neon. “You mean the haunted castle?!” said Yuki in surprise, she then cleared her throat. “I mean yeah I wouldn’t mind going there...” she said, looking away. “I don’t mind staying” said Sakura who was laying down comfortably. Alfie shook his head. “I cannot risk the safety of my students, I am afraid you may not tag along...” He said. Yuki sighed in relief, both Sakura and Yuki feeling relaxed and knowing that they both don’t have to go. Tiny looked at him while still perched on Alfie’s shoulder. “Cheep?” she said. “You are especially vulnerable, but the haunted castle is too dangerous for the likes of you.” Alfie said. “For the safety of my own students, I would have to go alone” he also said. “But it’s dangerous to adventure alone!” Crystella mentioned. “I completely understand the safety of your school but what about the safety of you?” she said. Alfie was looking away, he said “Well-” but was cut off by Crystella. “If there’s just one of you, it will be alot harder to succeed. But if there are many of us, we would be harder to stop yes? C’mon... Lets be a team!” she said, wagging her many tails and smiling sweetly. “She’s right y’know” Neon said. “We could all join in! Let’s work together on this yeah?” Neon said, wagging her sparkly tail and giving a puppy eyed look. “Wooork..?” moaned Sakura. Alfie looked at everyone, then at Crystella. “You all make a valid point” said Alfie, as Yuki turned around with a surprised look. “However, I still would keep a close eye on the safety of all...” Neon slided up right beside Alfie with a smug smirk. “Aaand you sure you wont get distracted?” she said, knowing how easily distracted he tends to be. Alfie gave an unimpressed look. “Neon I shall not be distracted” he replied. “We’re a team! We’ll be fine!” Neon said happily and her tail wagging, while bringing Yuki over by wrapping her arm around her. “Right Yuki?” She asked her. Yuki laughed very anxiously “Haa yeah! Totally..!” Yuki said with a big nervous grin. “Very well” said Alfie, as he gave himself a tidy, sorting out his wizard hat. “We shall prepare for our next adventure...” He said. “Aaawww...” said Sakura, feeling too lazy to go. The school were making sure they have everything they needed, making sure they have all their equipment, and checking to see if they have everything they need in their inventories. “Once all is prepared, we shall go forth” said Alfie. The magic school set off on an important mission to rescue the missing students from the haunted castle. They adventured together on their way to the haunted castle.

Chapter 7: Spookiness approaches

Meanwhile at the castle, the missing students prepare to enter the castle. The spikey gate can be heard opening, it appears that someone had opened it. “I’m going in..” said Max as he begins to walk into the castle’s garden right away. It appeared that he was the one who opened it to go in. “WAIT UUUUP!!!!!” Yelled a familiar voice. “You’re a bit loud...” Muttered another familiar voice. Thunder’s ears twitched and Blizzard turned to look in the direction the voices were coming from. “HEEEYY!!” yelled Cody, waving and running over as Hazel follows. Max stopped as his ears twitched too, he looked behind him and saw Cody and Hazel. “Cody?! What are you doing here?” said Max. “We is joining you!” said Cody. Hazel was having a look around. “I-It’s a bit dark around here...” she muttered. Cody wrapped his arm around Hazel’s back, she jumped a little. “You’ll be fiiiine!” Cody said, feeling happy and confident about it all. Thunder also gave her a gentle pat on the back. “Yeah you’ve got us!” she said. Hazel looked up at them with a nervous smile and her ears back. Tony climbed up and nuzzled her cheek, Hazel looked at him and wagged her tail. “Now c’mon, let’s go!” said Thunder, letting go and walking up to the haunted castle’s spooky garden. A snap of a twig can be heard nearby... Max’s ears twitched and he looked around to see where the noise came from. “Who’s there?” Said Max, bringing out his sword. “SHOW YOURSELVES!!”.

Then, crunch of dry leaves can also be heard. Cody and Hazel’s ears twitch too. “What was that?” asked Hazel, tilting her head in curiosity. “Ooh! I hears it too!” said Cody, in a good mood as usual. A familiar voice can be heard nearby... “Alriiight you found meee jeeeez...” they said, and out came Zerda who was hiding behind the trees. “Oh, right, it’s you.” said Max, putting away his sword. “HIII ZERRYYY!!” yelled Cody, waving franticly as Hazel looks up at Cody in shock, startled by his sudden loudness. “Oh hey! Care to join my epic adventure?” asked Thunder with a smug but confident smile, admiring the sharp claws her paw has. “Don’t you mean OUR epic adventure?” said Blizzard. “Ya, but YOU agreed to JOIN” Thunder said, feeling proud of herself while Blizzard gives a narrow eyed glare. “I meeaan liiike we might not even be allowed??” said Zerda, feeling concerned. “I’m a bit worried we might get in trouble...” whimpered Hazel. “Is fiiine, is no biggie!” said Cody without a care in the world. “We jus visiting, den we leaves!” he said happily, wagging his tail. “I-I mean I guess so... But we should probably be quick about it” worried Hazel. “Ya like, she does have point...” agreed Zerda. “Cody is the only fox here who isn’t worried about all this. You vixens need to follow his example!” Max said. “Alriiight am gonna like try or whatever??” said Zerda who was trotting up to Max, and Hazel sighed in disappointment and slowly joined the rest of the party. “Now that’s more like it!” Max said, feeling confident and wagging his tail with his hands on his hips.

“Heeeyy... No one said you could lead the way!” meowed Thunder. “And no one said I couldn’t!” said Max. Blizzard was watching calmly. “The amazing Blizzard is STILL amazing! Even without leading the way..” he proudly said to himself. Thunder turned and looked at Blizzard. “Oh yeah? Well.. The great Thunder is STILL great, EVEN without leading the way!” she said. Cody then jumps in. “Aaand Maxie is both great and amazing for leading the way!” he said joyfully. Max looks away and scratches the back of his head, slightly wagging his tail a little. He says “Oh uh..than-” he was then interrupted by Thunder and Blizzard. “NO ONE ASKED YOU!!!” they yelled at Cody. But Cody didn’t look too bothered, he just smiled at them both, already knowing that his own best friend appreciates his kind words. “WILL YOU TWO SHUUUSSHT!!!” Max yelled back. Suddenly, a loud roar can be heard within the haunted castle. Cody, Hazel, Blizzard and Zerda looked shocked, and Max and Thunder looked startled, but not scared. “I wanna see where that roar is coming from!” Thunder said, feeling curious and eager. “Uh, me too! And then we make a run for it so we don’t get killed after!” said Blizzard, quietly laughing nervously about it. “Yeah that’s a good plan that..” said Hazel, also feeling nervous. “Let’s go in already!” said Max as he walks up to the castle door and opens it. Thunder slides right beside Blizzard with a smug smile. “Ya scaaared?” she said. “What?! Nu-uh!!” Blizzard said, quickly shaking his head. “Scaredycaaat...” said Thunder as she giggled slightly. “No, YOU are!!” Blizzard snapped. “You’re the scaredy, I’m the cat!” Thunder proudly said with her paws on her hips. Blizzard snapped again. “THAT’S NOT--” they were then interrupted with an even louder snap. “ARE YOU GONNA COME IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNN!!!!!!!!!” screamed Max. The fearsome roar can be heard louder form inside, now that he had opened the door. Everyone stared in shock then joined Max as they headed inside the haunted castle.

Chapter 8: Into the haunted castle

The missing students adventured forth into the castle, Hazel was scared already. “Now it’s alot darker in here! Even-even-it’s-even darker inside!” she said. “ooooOOOOoooo...” said Cody, pretending to be a ghost right beside her. Hazel gave him an unimpressed glare. “Stop it.” she growled. “Is okie Hazey I is jus kidding with ya” Cody giggled. Hazel still didn’t look too impressed “ts not funny...” she growled. Tony was with her glaring at Cody also. “Ehehh, my baad...” said Cody with a nervous smile. Then, Zerda suddenly stopped for a moment. She had stepped on a cobweb with a spider crawling away from her paw. She instantly backed away in disgust. “OH MY GOD EWWW?!!?” she said, raising her voice and trying to get it off. “Shh not so loud!” hushed Blizzard. “Uh wut??” said Zerda, tilting her head in confusion. “Nothin’” said Blizzard, looking away and pretending nothing had happened. “Oh hey look” Max said, walking over to something. He looks up at all the stuff on the shelf “The last owners of this place earned alot of achievements” he said, admiring it all. Hazel and Zerda goes to take a look at some crystals and gemstones. “Oh my god, like look at all these prettyyys..” said Zerda, wagging her tail. “Woaahh...” said Hazel. They admire them with sparkly eyes of interest while Tony was on the lookout incase of any danger. Thunder came up to the shelf and proudly holds the trophy “Hey look everyone, I’m a winner! Hahaaa!” she said, with a victorious pose. Blizzard looked at her then picked up a trophy too. “Uuhh, me too!” he said, feeling proud of himself too. Cody noticed Blizzard’s trophy is a different colour than Thunder’s... “Uh..Blizzy? Das a silver one” Cody awkwardly pointed out. “Haa, you got second place, that means I’m first place! That means I’m number one!” laughed Thunder. Blizzard did not look too happy. “Oh yeah? Well...” He said, giving the silver trophy to Cody and making sure he grabs a gold one instead. “I’m first place winner too! so I’M number one!” he said. feeling better. Cody looked at the silver trophy then wagged his tail. “YAAY!!! I IS WINNAH TOO!!! I second place, BUT DAS STILL GOOD!!! WHEEEEEEEE!!!!!” Cody happily skipped about with the trophy and span around with it. Max turned around and noticed everyone was playing around with all the stuff that was on the shelf. “HEY PUT IT ALL BACK, THE STUFF YOU DIDN’T EEEEEAAAAARRRNNNN!!!!!!” he screamed. The loud roar can be heard roaring through the whole castle... “Shh!” said Blizzard. “Shh!” said Hazel. “Shh!” said Blizzard. “Shh!” said Hazel. “Shh!” said both at the same time. There was then an awkward silence. “..SH!” Hazel quickly said, getting the last shush.

A creepy voice can be heard, echoing away. “He’s right you know.....” They said, sounding crazy. Hazel’s ears perked up and twitched, she looked around her in fear and had gotten the shivers. “Who-who’s there? Is someone there..?” she asked. “I is!” Cody said, happily leaping in. “No I meant someone else, you heard someone too right?” Hazel said, tilting her head in confusion. Cody was then thinking with his hand on his chin. “Hhmmmmmmm... Nope! Just me!” he said happily. “I have a question” said Hazel. “Did anyone else hear someone too?” she asked, tilting her head. Tony gave a confused headtilt and shook his head. “I meeaan liike you did hear Cody I guess??” Zerda said. Hazel quickly shook her head. “Nono it was before that!” she said. Thunder looked confused. “Ya sure all that fear ain’t making you all cray cray? Heh, I bet Blizzard is” said Thunder. “I wasn’t even crazy. That’s rude!” Hazel gekkered. “YEAH, don’t be RUDE.” Blizzard snapped also. “My bad...” Thunder said, scratching the back of her head in embarrassment. “Mmm yeesss... But are you sure you’re not cray cray?” said someone, with a creepy, echoed voice. Blizzard looked surprised with the shivers then shakes his head. “HEY HEY HEY, cut it out!!” he yelled. “W-w-what’s wrong??” asked Hazel. “I HEARD A VOICE TOO!!!” screamed Blizzard as Hazel crouched in fear. “Yyyep, they’re crazy...” said Thunder with an awkward look. “Don’t be so rude.” Hazel glared. “YEAH, RUDE, WE’RE NOT CRAZY!!!” Blizzard screamed as Hazel glared with a nod in agreement. The fearsome roar could be heard again from a distance, but not too far from here. “Hey STOP ROARING!!” Max roared back. The roar can be heard again, but this time it was louder and scarier... “UGH!!” said Max, feeling annoyed about it all. The castle was old and crumbly. Hazel’s long fennec ears were perked up and twitching as she heard some strange rumbling. “I hears your tummy Hazey! Is you hungry again?” Cody giggled. “I don’t think that was my tummy...” muttered Hazel. Suddenly, parts of the ceiling came crumbling down! Tony gave a loud squeak as he looked up at the ceiling. “Look out!” yelled Zerda as she pushed Hazel out of the way. The chunk of ceilling came crashing down right onto the ground with a huge thud! Luckily Hazel, Tony, and Zerda moved out of the way in time and no one was harmed. “You alright?” asked Zerda. Hazel was still shocked and scared “Yeah..thanks...” she muttered, still a bit surprised from it all. Zerda looked back at everyone. “Soo liike, this place is already proving to be like very dangerous, We should probably like head back or something?” said Zerda, feeling concerned. “Nonsense!” said Thunder. “We’re just getting started!” she said. “I think it might be a bit risky...” muttered Hazel. “Ya, she’s right” said Zerda. “Yeah! I mean no? I mean yeah? Uh nevermind, forget that. The castle is too scary anyway...” said Blizzard. “That’s why it’s called a HAUNTED castle! It’s suppose to be scary..not for me at least.” said Max. “It is for some...” said Thunder, giving a sly look at Blizzard while he shrugged in confusion.

“Silly travellers, such foolish travellers... You shouldn’t have entered our castle then should you?” the creepy voice echoed. Blizzard froze in shock and everyone else’s ears twitched as they all heard the spooky voice. Hazel, Zerda, and Blizzard had gotten the shivers from fear... “What was that??” Zerda panicked. “Leave me alone..!” muttered Hazel, crouching in fear. “Yeah! Cut it out already!” said Blizzard. Both vixens had their tails tucked between their legs. Thunder had her ears back with an awkward look. “iiis that the voice they were talking about..?” She asked. “Duh??” Said Zerda. “We hear it too???” Max brought out his sword, feeling prepared. “WHOOO GOES THERE!!” he yelled out. The fearsome roar can be heard again along with loud thudding from a distance. “HII funny voice person!! LES BE BUDDIES!!” Cody said, happily waving at nothing, turning around every now and then to wave at wherever the voice was coming from. “Where is you, funny voice?? Watcha look like? Is you hooman? Is you animal? Is you a plant?” he continues asking what species the voice could be. “Mmmmm maybe I ammm..? Mmmaybe I’m not..? Nobody knoooowwwws...” the voice said in a spooky, mysterious tone. “Mwahah..MWAHAHAH!!” It then let out an insane, echoed laughter “You’re actually concerned about my species?!!? YOU SHOULD BE MORE CONCERNED THAT I’M A GHOST!!! WE’RE ALL GHOSTS!!!!”. Everyone looked surprised and confused as ghosts started revealing themselves, and Tony got scared and hid in Hazel’s tail floof. The group slowly backed away until their backs were facing each other, some where spooked while others where preparing their weapons of choice, ready to fight. As all the ghosts in the room revealed themselves, there began to be a whole room was full of them. Cody let out a loud, high pitched, screech like a child, freaking out about the situation and hurting everyone’s ears with his loud screeching. “Not so loud Cody!!” Blizzard said, covering his ears. “That voice...” Alfie said, standing outside and facing the entrance of the castle and its garden. “They are all in grave danger..!” He said in shock. “Let’s go.” He says, heading straight to the castle’s gates as his students followed on behind him.

Chapter 9: Brewing up some trouble

Roaring and loud thudding can be heard from inside the castle. The fearsome dragon arrives into the room and lets out a mighty roar. “Oh would you look at that...” said one of the ghosts with spikey hair. “You awakened our dragon from her beauty sleep!”. The dragon came over and growled. “How DARE you enter our castle, interrupt my sleep, and disrupt the peace!!” she roared again, almost blowing everyone away. “IT WAS YOU WASN’T IT?!!?” screamed Max. “Just how many times do you have to roar..?” Thunder asked, narrowing her eyes in confusion. “SILENCE!!” roared the dragon. “HOW DARE YOU INSULT ME?!!?! FOR THAT YOU SHALL PAAAAYYYY!!!!!” yelled the dragon. “NO YOU’LL BE THE ONE TO PAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!” yelled back Max.

The dragoness snarled, turned away, and swiped the team with her large, heavy tail, sending everyone flying. Some hit the ground while others crashed into a wall and fell. “Ow..! Crap. Is like, everyone okay??” Zerda yipped. “I th-I th-I think so...” Hazel muttered, rolling back onto her front to get back up again. “Ya I’m good” Thunder said, quickly jumping back up to brush the dust off herself. The rest of the party were beginning to get back up again also. “YYOOOOUUUU-” Max roared, running straight towards the dragon with his sword out. He slashes her with his sword and the dragon screeches in pain. She breathes fire onto Max and he panics in flames. “Ow ow ow ow!!” He ran off then rolled on the ground to try and put the fire out. The dragon turned around and breathed fire onto Cody, but Cody had no signs of pain reaction whatsoever. It appeared that he hadn’t taken any damage from the flames. He looks up to the dragon and smiled. “Ooh! You knows fire too?? DAS SO COOL!!” he said, looking very interested. “WHAT?!” yelled the dragon. “HOW DID THAT NOT WORK?!!?” She growled. Cody jumped and landed with a blue flame in each hand. “PYROKINEESIS!!” he said, confidently. The dragon scowled as she snarled in anger then clawed Cody away, causing him to fall over and slide across the ground. Max had finished putting the fire out, by blowing out the last flames off his tail when he saw Cody being clawed to the ground. “Cody!!” He yelled in concern, sitting right up. “Am okie!” Cody said, sitting right back up with claw marks across his face.

Hazel’s long fox ears twitched as she heard a creaking sound. Suddenly, the door was open! In came the rest of the magic school. “Uh oh...” She muttered. “Yyyep, we’re doomed...” said Blizzard. “The missing students..! You should not be here..!” said Alfie, in shock. “Sorry..” muttered Hazel, while Alfie was having a quick look around. “As long as everyone is safe... All seems well...except, a few injuries here and there.....” He muttered, while noticing the large scratch mark on Cody’s face and Max slightly burnt from the flames of a dragon. “But..! We are not welcome here, we must leave here immediately..!” said Alfie. “SO YOU BROUGHT YOUR LITTLE FRIENDS ALONG HUH?!! HERE TO STEAL WHAT’S RIGHTFULLY OURS?!!?” roared the dragon. “Nono it’s not like that!” reasoned Hazel. “Yaaa we were just visiting like calm down jeez..” said Zerda, crossing her arms and looking away. “Aaand looking at dem stuffs!” Cody said, confidently jumping right back up. “Cody...” Max muttered as him, Blizzard, Hazel, and Zerda did not look too happy with him. The dragon glared and snarled. “So you ARE here to steal!!!” She yelled, then let out a huge roar.

Chapter 10: Let the battle begin!

“Shouldn’t of messed with us to begin with shouldn’t you..?” The spikey haired ghost said in a creepy tone, as the rest of the ghosts let out a creepy cackle and flew about, going right through Hazel, Cody, Blizzard and Yuki, giving them the shivers down their spines. The rest of the school were fending off the ghosts who were throwing objects at them. Splitsune, a member of the magic school dodged a rock thrown by one of the ghosts, then tried to slice at the ghost with one of his swords, but it went right through it... “Huh??” Splitsune quickly looked about in confusion. Suddenly, the ghost was zapped by lightning from behind, it hid and retreated for now as Thunder struck it with a lightning spell. “Leave it to the mages” Thunder said with a wink, and with one paw on her hip and the other still holding hints of lightning. While ghosts may be immune to physical touch, they can still be hit by magic, but not killed as they are already dead. Hazel then noticed that the whole school had entered the castle, including Splitsune, the school cook. “Wait...” said Hazel. “E-everyone is here?!” Splitsune prepares both his swords for any foe who may come his way. “It IS a rescue mission after all!” he said, feeling confident and ready as ever. “Rescue..?-” Hazel was interrupted by the dragon behind her, who swiped her away with her claws. She yipped and tumbled onto the ground. “Think I see what they mean now...” she muttered. “Hazel..!” said Alfie as he saw Hazel and Cody were badly scratched by the dragon. He looked at Tiny who was perching on his shoulder. “Tiny, please attend to their wounds...” he said with a single nod. Tiny let out a high pitched peep then flew off his shoulder, seeing to Hazel while Cody came to them both aswell. She began using her healing magic on them both. The dragon caught Max offguard while he was trying to hit a ghost with his sword, then breathed fire on them both. “DAMMIT, NOT AGAIN!!!!” screamed Max who ran off in a panic due to being in flames again. The ghost who got hit during the firebreath attack was startled and retreated aswell.

Suddenly, a familiar voice can be heard, but this time in a harsh and sharp tone. It was the teacher of the magic school. “I think you have done enough damage.” snapped Alfie. Water came up from under the ground and lifted Alfie off the ground, the nearby students jumped out of the way as he was standing on top of a wave of water magic. He surfed his way towards Max and the dragon with his shining wand and hit them both with a wave of water. The fire on Max was put out, he was saved from the flames of the dragon. The dragon attempted to breathe fire onto Max again, but because she was hit with a wave of water, all she could do was cough out smoke. It appeared that having a wet body had temporary disabled her fire abilities. Alfie’s wand that was glowing was charging its power. As the magic wave of water began to fade, he leaped and fired a powerful lightning attack on the dragon. She screeched in pain as Alfie landed with a fierce glare. The ghosts did not look too happy... Part of the ghostly group had suddenly vanished and disappeared. “Ohh! Well dat ain’t so bad” Cody said, feeling happy and wagging his tail as he noticed some ghosts left.

Chapter 11: A rescue mission gone wrong

But the ghosts did not leave... All of a sudden they appeared, surrounding Alfie in whole a circle of ghosts. Alfie looked very unsure while still ready to make his next move, his soaring star wand was sparking with electricity, and he surrounded himself standing inside a ring of fire that was blazing up from the ground. The ghosts were cackling away... “Found ourselves another troublemaker...” said one of the ghosts in the circle. “Not just a troublemaker, the LEADER of the troublemakers!” said the second ghost in the circle with a spiked up hairdo. Alfie suddenly stopped both his wand and self magic, went from battle stance to standing up straight normally, and gave himself a little tidy up. “I believe you are mistakened.. We are a school of magic, we did not come looking for trouble.. We came to rescue our missing students, who were just having a little exploration...” He said. The ghosts glared... “Oh they were doing MORE than just a little exploration” said the ghost with the spikey hairdo. “YEAH. The fox dude said they wanted our stuff!” said the third ghost in the circle. “Clearly he said he was looking...” said Alfie. “Surely they wouldn’t of stolen a thing...” He said. “Oh you don’t know...” said the first ghost. “You’re not him, nor either of them, so how should you know..?” They said. “Could we not work this out without conflict..?” Alfie asked. Crystella was busy fighting off a warrior ghost lion with her magic when she saw Alfie being surrounded by some very aggressive ghosts. She quickly ran over to them “Alfie! Get out of here!” she yelled out. The third ghost she was standing behind turned around and scowled at her. “BEAT IT, KITSUNE!!” he said, as the lion ghost nearby let out its mighty roar and tried to hit her with a sword. The ghostly lion caused Crystella to jump back and warded her off away from Alfie. “You’re not him, you’re not any of them.. But WE can be YOU!!” said the ghost with the spikey hair. Alfie looked surprised and confused at it all, then suddenly the spikey haired ghost flew right up to him and disappeared! It looked like it went right through him and vanished... The ghosts surrounding him where circling and laughing at him. Alfie appeared to be looking down, it was hard to know how he was feeling with his wizard hat covering most of his face.

Crystella was clawing at the ghostly lion with her paws surrounded by dark, shadowy magic, she manages to swipe his weapon off his large cat paws and the old sword hit the ground. She used her dark magic to scratch him again and defeated the big cat, it then disappeared and retreated. Crystella quickly looked at Alfie in concern. “Alfie?!” she said. The ghosts that were circling Alfie swooped away with crazy laughter. They grabbed their weapons and some fallen objects and fought with the school students. Hazel was backing away with her ears back, frightened from it all. “Oooh no..” she said, then ran up to Crystella and stayed close by her for protection. “I am worried something may of happened to your teacher Hazel...” Crystella said. “Oh no! Is he alright?” asked Hazel. “I don’t know...But I DO know that something had happened...” said Crystella. “What happened?” Hazel said, tilting her head in confusion. “The ghosts” said Crystella. “They’re up to something, but I don’t know what...” Neon used her dark magic to slash a ghost with her horn then came rushing towards the vixens after she overheard the conversation. “Don’t worry! I’ll check on him” she said. Neon walked up to Alfie. “It’s okay!” she said. “Don’t listen to those mean old ghosts, honestly!” but Alfie was still looking down. “Heey...are you okay?” Neon asked, tilting her head as her folded collie ears flop sideways while doing so. “Hmmm mean old ghosts you say..?” said Alfie. “You were the ones who invaded our castle in the first place..!” he snapped. Neon looked very confused “But Alfi-” she was interrupted as Alfie quickly looked up and scowled. “I am not Alfie..!” he snapped. Something seemed different about him, he had a dark, lifeless look in his eyes and was unusually hostile for no reason. “My name is-..drat. My name is-..dammit..! My name...crap..! What use is this body if I can’t use a loud and scary voice to intimidate others..?” said Alfie...Or is it?

Neon was feeling confused, scared, and awkward about it all. Crystella was observing Alfie’s unusual behaviours. She recalled one of the ghosts saying something very suspicious, and the other ghost going right through him. She then remembered what seems like Alfie complaining about not having a loud voice right now.
It all came to her... She figured it out. “Neon!” said Crystella, calling out to her. “Stay away from him, he’s possessed!” but Alfie had already punched Neon with a lightning fist. Hazel gasped in shock as Neon fell over, Max was busy fighting the dragon when he heard all the commotion with Crystella and others. He hit the dragon away with his sword then came over to them. “Wat?? Wat’s going on around here?!” he said. “Max, keep away from Alfie, he’s possessed!” said Crystella. “I’m scared...” said Hazel, crouching and hiding behind Crystella. “Your beloved Alfie is not available at the moment” said the possessed Alfie, but then Brandon suddenly jumped in. “So please leave your message after the beep. BOOOOP!!” he interrupted. “NOW’S NOT THE TIME!!!” snapped Max and Crystella. Alfie then used his wand to swipe Brandon away with his wind magic. It sweeped him off his feet and he was sent flying “MUMMYYYYYYYYYYY!!” said Brandon before he crashed into a wall and fell over. “Oh no...” said Hazel, backing away from it all. “Hazel, please check on Neon and Brandon for me dear, Max and I will deal with the situation” said Crystella. Hazel nodded and came to check on Neon as Brandon from a distance had gotten up and seemed okay. “You okay Neon?” said Hazel but no response from Neon. “Neon..? Uhh...” Hazel said, looking about nervously as Neon was knocked out. She decided to stick close by her incase of anything.

Meanwhile, Max and Crystella were dealing with Alfie, who was possessed by a ghost. “Get outta Alfie’s body, ghost!!” yelled Max. “Oh so you want your precious wizard back so badly huh..? Too bad, this is my body now..!” said the possessed Alfie. “Want him back? Go on then..make me.” he said with a dark, smug smile as parts of the castle was falling behind him and Max glared with a growl. Suddenly, an arm went in front of Max’s chest, it was Crystella’s, she had transformed into a kitsunemimi. “Do not let them get to you Maxwell... They want you to hurt him. We need to be careful!” she said. Max looked away with his wolf ears back, still feeling annoyed about it all. “Heh, I’d like to see you try... Laters..!” said the possessed Alfie as he suddenly flew up like a floating ghost and went through a broken part of the ceilling, that was also the floor to the next floor up. “HEY!!” yelled Max. “This doesn’t look good...” worried Crystella. “Some of us will need to go and rescue him. The rest will need to stop the ghosts and dragon from the floor we’re on”. Splitsune jumped in looking ready as ever “I’m coming in too!” he said. Crystella shook her head and said “Splitsune, I truly appreciate your offer on helping us all! But..You must stay down here, and help the rest of the students... Again I am greatful for your help, but I think the rest of the students need it more...” she smiled sweetly with her many tails wagging. “Got it! I will lead the way!” said Splitsune as he goes off to help fend off the mighty dragon from the students, while the rest of the mages fight off the ghosts from down below.

Chapter 12: The halving of a team [Part 1]

“The two of us wont be enough Max, I think some of us need to come with us!” said Crystella, having a quick look around to see who can join her. Meanwhile, Neon woke up and was very confused. “Wh..What happened..?” she asked. “Oh!” Hazel said in surprise as she quickly looked back at Neon “You alright?” asked Hazel. “Yeah... Wait did Alfie just..-” Neon was interrupted. “I dunno if you remember but I don-I d-I don’t think that was Alfie...” stuttered Hazel. “Crystella said he was being possessed...” she said. Both of them worried. “Oh dear... We have to help him!” said Neon. “But how..?” Hazel wondered. While she was thinking, the dragon pushed her over with its strong, heavy tail. Hazel tumbled over while Neon jumped out of the way as she saw that coming. Hazel got up and glared at the dragon. “Will you stop!!-” she growled as she zoomed over and bit the dragon’s tail with her sharp teeth. The dragon roared in pain and Hazel accidently lost grip and let go. She pounced and bit the dragon’s tail again with her body lifted off the ground as the tail moved, holding on with just her jaws. The dragon turned around at her and snarled. Hazel lost grip again and squeaked as she landed back onto the ground. The dragon did not look too happy... It walked closer as the vixen backed away in fear, then Hazel quickly brought out her wand and zapped the dragon with lightning, then panicked and made a run for it while the dragon stomped after her. “She’s just a little fox compared to you!” said a familiar voice. “Leave her alone!” It was Splitsune who was running after the dragon with a sword in each hand. He leaped up and sliced the dragon with his two swords and the dragon screeched in pain. She turned and glared at Splitsune, her attention now brought to him instead. Hazel, who was panting away from a distance nodded to Splitsune and muttered a thanks. Splitsune nodded back with a smile. A ghost was about to come after Splitsune with a weapon in hand, but Zerda rushed in and stopped it with a shadow attack just in time. The battle continued on the ground floor.

“Max?” said Crystella as Max turned to look at her. “I have a favour to ask. Please get Cody, Hazel, Zerda, Thunder, and Blizzard for me. I would like them to join this party” she said. Max gave a nod and went off to get the others. He goes over to Blizzard, who is in the middle of fighting a coyote ghost. “Agh! Get away!” said Blizzard, defending himself with his magic attacks. The ghost kept trying to come up to him. “Foolish reptile! Let me take control of you so I can get rid of your allies!!” said the ghost. “Blizzard, Crystal needs you” said Max. “Not now!” said Blizzard. “Can’t you see I’m busy??” he says while throwing spear shaped icicles at the ghost. The coyote ghost then dodged the spears and went invisible. Suddenly, it appeared right in front of Max... “Fine then!” the ghost said. “I’ll just take control of your smelly friend then!” he said, going closer to Max. “I’M not smelly?!!? YOU are you stinky ghost!! Do you even have a nose?? I showered this morning ya twat!!” Max complained. He continued ranting on at the coyote ghost who was paying more attention on possessing him, when Blizzard shot a huge icicle through the ghost who then fell onto the ground. “Alright fine..! You got me! but just know something..” said the coyote ghost, slowly getting up. “You can’t kill me because I am already DEAD!!” said the ghost coyote with an insane grin. “Oooohh you haven’t seen the last of me... You haven’t seen the last of ALL of us!!” said the ghost, beginning to laugh. He let out a crazy insane laughter as he sunk into the ground and went through it, retreating from the fight as the creepy laughter echoed quieter and quieter into the distance...

“What a creep...” said Max in disgust, he turned to look at Blizzard. “Right Bliz-” he stopped, seeing that Blizzard has frozen himself in his own ice with a shocked look on his face. “-zard..?” said Max in confusion, finishing what he was saying before Blizzard turned himself into an iced statue. “He’s gone now, you can stop freezing yourself..” said Max, not looking very impressed. Blizzard then fell over like a statue and the ice surrounding him shattered as he broke free. he was curled up on the ground with his tail tucked between his legs, trembling away, but not out of coldness, it was out of fear. He still had that the same surprised eyes from before. Thunder who was nearby, jumped back and scratched a ghost with her lightning claws, letting out a scowly hiss as the ghost retreated in fear. She then noticed Blizzard on the ground, feeling afraid. “Haaa!” she said, mocking him. “That!--” said Blizzard, instantly getting up right after. “You didn’t see any of that!” he said. “Oh suuuuure...” Thunder said sarcasticly. “I was just cold?!” lied Blizzard. “Mmmhmm.” said Thunder, slowly nodding in disbelief.

Max looked at the both of them. “Seeing as you’re both here, Crystella needs the both of you!” he said, turning back, about to return. “C’mon!” he said, looking back to the two mages. The three of them ran back to Crystella. “One, two, three.. There’s just three of you! We need the other three too!” said Crystella. Max slouched and sighed, beginning to get tired of being told what to do. He went back to find Cody and Hazel.

Chapter 13: The halving of a team [Part 2]

Hazel had annoyed the dragon again by zapping it several times with lighting, attempting to help the rest of the team. She then backed away as the dragon got closer and closer, remembering the injuries and bite marks the vixen had caused on the dragon’s tail. The dragon bent over its long neck to attempt to bite her back, until the dragon’s eyes widened as she saw a stretched out paw with long, sharp claws. Hazel had scratched the dragon in the face then instantly made another run for it. While she zoomed off as fast as she could, she looked behind to check whether the dragon is still behind her or not. It was stomping after the little fox, but it seemed that the slowness of the large dragon was no match for the fennekit’s speed. Suddenly, Hazel had crashed and bumped into Max’s legs by accident! She was too busy looking far behind to see if she can lose the dragon, that she forgot to realise what was in front of her. “Sorry!!” She yipped, rushing over to hide behind his legs instead of in front, cowering and shivering. “Hazel you really need to be careful... Listen, Crystella needs us!” said Max. Hazel looked up and tilted her head at Max, looking very curious. “D-d-d-d-do y-do y-do y-do you know where she is?” she stammered. “I’ll lead the way!” said Max, feeling confident as he marches off, Hazel following behind him. The little fox felt much safer staying close by a friend instead of fighting alone all the time. Meanwhile, back where the dragon was, Splitsune bit the dragon with his fangs which drawed her attention to him. “I’M the only fox you should be fighting!! Quit picking on the vulnerable and fight ME instead!!” gekkered Splitsune. “UGH!! WHAT IS WITH YOU FOXES?!!? WHY YOU GOTTA BE ANNOYING??” roared the dragon. She then raised her front leg to claw at the split coloured kitsune. Splitsune pounced at the dragon, also ready to slice it once more with his two swords. They began fighting while some of the other students joined in and helped him out aswell.

Max arrived back at the others with Hazel with him. “Oh good! Now we are down to just one left” Crystella said, feeling happy about Max’s hard work. “Cody isn’t it...” said Max, thinking about how much of a pain in the neck he can be at times with all that energy. “Where IS he anyway?? I haven’t seen him at all!” Max said, looking all over for him. “Oh ya I just saw him” said Brandon who was suddenly right beside everyone with a calm look and a smug smile. “Where??” asked Max. “He ran by us not long ago” said Brandon. “Seemed freaky outy, screeched the words” He then does a Cody impression and puts on a squeaky voice. ”I doesn’t wanna be a ghost too!!” said Brandon. “Dammit Brandon!!” yelled Max. “Why didn’t you catch him?!!!” he asked. “Great, now I gotta go after him...” said Max, feeling tired of it all. He then suddenly zoomed off. “CODYYYYYY!!!” he yelled, getting quieter and quieter as he runs off into the distance. Brandon had his paws on his hips. “There he goes!” he says, feeling happy. “You know you could of saved us alot of time and effort right..?” said Crystella, unimpressed. “Daah-aw well...” said Brandon, slouching with a silly smile.

Max was running after Cody, who is zooming off in a panic. “CODY!!” yelled Max, and Cody screeched like a little kid in response, running about in a panic. “COME BACK!!” yelled Max from behind, but Cody screeched again, still running off. “CODY-ugh. DAMMIT!! Stop running! Crystella needs yoou!!” yelled Max. “DEM GHOSTS WANNA KILL MEEE!!!” screamed Cody, still running off in a panic. “Cody the ghosts aren’t even near you!” said Max as he began to slow down and start panting. “Just...Stop running okay??” said Max, who had stopped to catch his breath. Cody was too fast for him, and he did not have enough stamina to keep up with his shenanigans. Suddenly, Cody stopped. “No ghost???” he asked, still very alert. Max was still trying to catch his breath, crouched with his hands on his knees. “No...” he said. “They’re not near you..!” said Max, panting and wheezing. Then all of a sudden Cody zooms straight back to Max, suddenly looking happy again. “OKIE DOKIE!!! You needs me??” said Cody with a big grin. “More like Crystella needs you!” said Max. “TO STELLYYYYY” yelled Cody as he was just about to go running off again. “HOLD IT!!!” yelled Max, grabbing Cody by the arm. “Do you even know where she is??” he asked. Cody stopped and stared for a second. “.......nope!” said Cody with a smile. “Then follow me” said Max as he went to guide Cody back to Crystella and the others.

Chapter 14: A separate party

Max and Cody arrived back at the others with Crystella, Hazel, Thunder, and Blizzard. “Good work Max” said Crystella while Max wagged his tail a little. “Now all we need is...” Crystella stopped as she saw Zerda defeating a ghost with her dark magic. The fennec then tidied herself up afterwards. “Zerda!” said Crystella, then Zerda’s long ears twitched as she heard her name being called. She looked over and saw Cody waving with the others. Zerda hurried over to the group. “Hi. Is there like, something up?” she asked. “Yes...” nodded Crystella. “And I will tell you why...”

Crystella looked at all the students gathered, she did not look too happy... “Who’s idea was this, bringing everyone here?” The team stared at her including Thunder and Blizzard, who was pointing at each other. Zerda also pointed at Max, and he noticed. “What--HEY!!” Max yelled at Zerda. “This was YOUR idea!” snapped Blizzard. “No IT was YOUR idea.” snapped Thunder. They both glared and growled at each other in rivalry. “Enough!” said Crystella. “It’s clear that this was a group idea. A very bad one indeed. That or someone has lied.” the rest of the team talked, argued, and reasoned with each other and Crystella got annoyed. “Enough already!” she said. Crystella then sighed out of disappointment. “I suppose there’s no more going back now... Best we can do is solve the problems we’ve caused” she said, looking down. “Is okie Stelly!” said Cody, feeling optimistic. “We is gonna help Alfie!” he smiled. “After that, I think we should make a run for it because the-the-the dragon and ghosts are cuckoo! cuckoo!” said Hazel, feeling worried. Crystella smiled at them both and said “Cody, Hazel, I’d like to say a few things.” She said. “First of all, I appreciate your encouragement Cody, you make a very good point” She said with a smile and a nod. Cody smiled back and wagged his tail in response. “Secondly, that’s a very good idea Hazel. It’s not the bravest option, but sometimes you have got to play it safe. You are right to remain cautious on situations like these” said Crystella, moving Hazel’s hat back to pet her on the head. Hazel’s long fox ears flattened, allowing Crystella to give her headpats. Her tail was still down, but the tip was wagging slightly.

Crystella stopped as she just realised. “Sorry! I just realised we should be rescuing Alfie! The chit chat helped in some way but we must hurry immediately!” she said as she quickly turned to face the stairs. “Onwards. Let’s go!” She said as she ran up the stairs. The rest of the party followed her up the stairs.

Chapter 15: An important mission

Crystella, Thunder, Max, Cody, Zerda, Hazel, and Blizzard dash up the stairs while the battle on the ground floor continues. Meanwhile at the top of the castle, the ghost possessing Alfie was admiring their new body they took control of. He looked in the mirror and gave an evil grin. “Perfect.....” said that spikey haired ghost controlling Alfie. “It’s like I’m alive all over again hehehe..!” he said. “Maybe I’ll keep this body for possssion until it dies, then I can find a new body to play with..!” said the possessed Alfie with a sinister snicker. “NOT SO FAST!!!” roared Crystella who had just arrived at the top of the castle along with Cody. “You again...” said the possessed Alfie, turning to face her with a glare. “What do YOU want...” he said. “Give us Alfie back!” glared Crystella. The rest of the party arrive up the stairs aswell, they stop to catch their breath due to the stairs being quite the climb to run up to. Thunder and Blizzard were pushing against each other when they made it to the top. “I win...” panted Thunder. “No..I win..!” panted Blizzard. Zerda was also out of breath. “Um..so like... Pretty sure..Cody and Stella..made it first..?” said Zerda. Hazel wanders up the stairs and sits down to try and catch her breath. Max arrives up and flops onto his front first thing. He then looks up to Cody and Crystella and yells “How are you not tired?!!?”. Hazel sprawls onto her side and is panting away, trying to regain energy. She stares at the place around her with her long fox ears turning alot, trying to stay alert incase anything comes for her. “Tired already?” asked Cody, looking back at the others behind him. “What does it look like?” said Max. “It looks like yous is tired!” smiled Cody. “NEVERMIND!!” yelled Max.

One of Crystella’s fox ears had turned to hear everyone behind her, but then turned back to focus on the mission. “His body is not your’s to play with!” said Crystella. “Oh but it is..!” said Alfie, still possessed. “I like having a body for once.. He will be my new toy until he dies..! Then I can go find a new body to own hehe.....” said the possessed Alfie with an evil grin. “YOU’RE A GHOST. ACCEPT IT!” yelled Crystella as she rushed over and slapped Alfie in the face, attempting to snap him out of being possessed. “Accept?-ohh like hell I would..! Do you think we even chose to die..?” said the possessed Alfie. “Nu-uh??” said Thunder, pouncing in to help Crystella. “Ofcourse not!” said Blizzard, also stepping in to help them both. “Then why are you telling me to accept being a ghost..!!” said the possessed Alfie, throwing fire at the party. Max jumped out the way and dodged the fire attack, he scowled and brought out his sword. Crystella turned to look at Max as she heard him getting ready to strike back. “Max no!” she called out. Max paused and looked confused and a little surprised. “It may not be Alfie in control, but it is still Alfie! If you try to hurt the ghost, you’ll hurt him too!” said Crystella. “Oh, crap..didn’t realise...” said Max, awkwardly putting his sword away again. “But wha-bu-how on earth do we even stop them??” he stammered in frustration. Crystella sighed. “We can fight him..but we have to be careful not to badly injure him. A sword could easily kill anybody.” said Crystella. “You have a point...” said Blizzard, while Thunder was looking at her sharp kitty claws with a snicker. Her ears were twitching as she heard Crystella and Blizzard, she then looked up and realised. “Oh, right. Uhh..yeah! I knew that!” lied Thunder, retracting her claws back in.

Cody did not seem to be paying any attention, his hands were surrounded by big blue fire. “How bout a nice warm hug!” said Cody, happily running up to Alfie with his arms out, covered in fire. Hazel stammered in a panic and said “Nono Cody I-I don’t think--” but she was too late to tell him... Cody was already hugging the possessed Alfie, both surrounded by fire. But Alfie didn’t seem to show any sign of pain, and Cody seemed to enjoy a nice toasty hug. Crystella quickly came to say “Cody, it wont work. He’s a self magician who knows fire magic just like you do!”. Cody looked surprised, ears perking up while he was hugging. “Huh??” He said in confusion, and Hazel said “Um, well um technically he’s a super mage-” but suddenly she stopped in fear! The ghost possessing Alfie had thrown Cody off him! Cody screeched as he was thrown against the wall and fell over. Cody painfully looked up. “I’m okay!” he said, before a fall of a magic waterfall fell onto him and drenched him completely. Cody coughed out smoke then flopped back down again, the possessed Alfie had used his water magic on him to put out his fire.

“Cody?!!?” Max yelled, looking over to Cody in shock. He then turned to glare at the possessed Alfie. “Nobody hits MY best friend and gets away with it!!” he snaps. The spikey haired ghost who was controlling Alfie gave a smug smile. “Oh, but I already did...” said the possessed Alfie. “THAT’S IT--” snapped Max as he rushed over and punched Alfie in the face. He tackled Alfie while doing so and both fell down. “No sword remember” said Crystella. Max looked behind him and stared at Crystella who was not too far from him. “I KNOOOW...” said Max. “Get off of me...” said the possessed Alfie with narrowed eyes. “nnnNO!” said Max, slapping him in the face. “Drat..! I forget how much of a drag having a body really is...” he muttered. Then he had an idea, a very terrible idea... “Really..?” said the possessed Alfie. “Is that all you got? You slap like a little brat...” said Alfie with a smug grin. “wh-HOW DARE YOU!!” screamed Max. “I’ll show YOU a real slap!!” said Max as he started hitting faster and harder than before. “Perfect...” the ghost thought as he sank down into the ground and escaped to the ground floor. Max was attacking still when Alfie then realised something. “Ow..! What is happening..?” said the possessed Alfie? Max was in full on rage mode while still on Alfie and slapping him still. “Ouch..enough..! Do not make me use my freeze spell on you-ow...” said the possessed Alfie..or is he?

“Stop!” said Crystella. “That could be him this time!” she said. Max stopped and looked surprised. “What?!” he said with his ears down. “I do not recall travelling to this part of the castle...” muttered Alfie. “Where are we now..? What..happened..?” he asked. “What’s my favourite colour?” said Hazel, who was suddenly right beside Max. “WAGH!!” screamed Max as he fell off Alfie in fright of Hazel. “Are you seriously sneaking up on me now??” Max whined. “Sorry!” said Hazel with her ears back. “Your favourites are yellow and pink...” said Alfie, sitting up. “It’s really you?” asked Hazel, tilting her head. “Yes..it is me...” said Alfie. “Ohh phew, I thought you where the ghost...” said Hazel with a nervous grin. “Ghost..?” said Alfie in confusion. “Yeah, I he-I heard you were possessed, it was really scary...” said Hazel looking worried. “This does not sound good...” said Alfie, getting up. “Crystella, please fetch our students... We need to leave immediately..!” Alfie warned, but it was too late...

Chapter 16: Round two

Suddenly a whole gang of ghosts came rising up from the ground with evil laughter. Hazel jumped and yipped in fright of the ghosts and came zooming back to Zerda and the others. Alfie and Crystella alertly looked about in surprise, unsure of what the ghosts are plotting next. Max and Thunder jumped back and prepared for combat, glaring in suspicion. Hazel and Zerda were facing each other and holding handpaws scared, shivering and staring at the ghosts coming up from the ground. Blizzard was crouched and curling behind the two vixens. “I’ll be taking the body back, thank you!” said the spikey haired ghost, rushing right back into Alfie again and possessing him once more. “No.. Stop it!” said Crystella. “You’ve controlled him enough already, please just give him a break!” she persuaded. “Nah I’m just getting started..!” said the possessed Alfie. Crystella turned to face the others. “Okay new plan...” she said. “Max, you were good at dealing with Alfie last time, I’d say you try again” suggested Crystella. “uuuUUUGH” groaned Max with his head up and ears back. “The rest of us mages will have to deal with the ghosts” said Crystella, getting ready to fight. “If you cannot battle for any reason, I suggest helping the vulnerable” she suggested.

The ghosts came swooping in to attack. A curly haired ghost threw a shampoo bottle at Max and it hit his face. “ow-HEY!!” he yelled out as he came charging at her with his sword, but he went right through her... The curly haired ghost turned around behind him and threw a bottle of conditioner at his head with a mischievous snicker. “DAMMIT!!” screamed Max, feeling a little dizzy, he shook his head and snapped out of it. “Ugh! Why can’t I strike ANY of them?!!?” said Max. Thunder was nearby, zapping a few ghosts coming at her with lightning. “If you knew magic like I then only that can stop the ghosts” she said in an arrogant tone. “Great...” said Max, slouching and looking bored and annoyed. “Just focus on Alfie, Max” said Crystella. “We’ll deal with the ghosts!” she said as she used her wand to fight off ghosts with fire magic.

Hazel was trying to ward off a lynx ghost away from her with her lightning magic from her shooting star wand. She was standing back while zapping away until a hole in the ground trapped her back leg! She yipped in fear as she saw the creepy ghost looking like it’s about to grab hold of her with its large handpaws. “Oohh you’re MINE now!!” he said with an insane grin. “I have you now...” he said as he beings to try and reach Hazel to grab her with his grubby paws. “Get lost.” growled Hazel as she prepared a powerful lightning attack and zapped the creepy cat completely, it then disappeared and retreated. Tony peeped his head out of Hazel’s floofy tail with a little squeak in concern. “It’s okay I think I got it--” said Hazel trying to free her leg stuck to the hole in the ground. She then carefully freed herself. “There we go!” she said with a happy nod, Tony also giving a relieved nod in return before hiding back inside her tail floof. As she shook like a wet dog, she then heard someone crying nearby.

Chapter 17: Ghostly problems

Hazel went to investigate who was in tears, she came across a little girl ghost who was sitting and facing the wall and loudly crying. Hazel cautiously sneaked up to the little girl. “Are..you okay..? What’s wrong?” muttered Hazel. “I wanna be a hero but I can’t!” cried the little girl ghost. “Why not?” said Hazel, tilting her head. “I was a human..but..but..now I’m just a stinky old ghost!!” cried the little girl. “Maybe it’s not too late? Maybe you could be a hero ghost!” Hazel suggested. The ghost turned to look at her with a teary face. “It’s not the same! Everyone’s scared of me!!” said the little girl ghost while Hazel tilted back with her ears back, tail down, and front paw lifted in fear. “I wanted to be a hero, an ALIVE hero, just like my ma... But I didn’t get to! It’s not fair!!” cried the little girl. Then she turned around to sit down facing Hazel. “What bout you..did you follow all your dreams?” asked the little ghost with a sniffle. “Uhh not all of them I’m afraid...” said Hazel with a nervous grin. “Well..Maybe I wont be alone no more...” said the little girl with a bittersweet smile. “Yeah..!” agreed Hazel, also giving a bittersweet smile. The little ghost suddenly got up. “Because you’ll get to die along with me! With no more followed dreams!” said the little girl who suddenly went from innocent looking to creepy and insane. “Whuh..?!” said Hazel in shock and confusion. “COME JOIN ME LITTLE FOX!!!” snapped the little girl ghost with a very insane grin. “No..go away!” said Hazel, shaking her head and crouching with her tail now between her legs as she slowly backs away. Zerda was watching when it all happened. She suddenly ran up and stepped in front of Hazel and hit the little ghost with her paw surrounded by dark magic. “Oh my god like leave her alone!” said Zerda. Hazel stopped and was surprised. “If you can’t continue your dream as a ghost then it’s like, totally not our problem??” said Zerda. “Doesn’t mean she should like die along with you or whateverrr...” Zerda shrugged. “Yeah, you do have a point just there Zerry...” thought Hazel. “IT’S NOT FAIR!!!” yelled the little ghost, stomping as she yelled. Zerda looked back at Hazel. “It’s alright I’ll deal with her” she said with a grin. “Thanks..!” said Hazel with a nod before she ran off to see if she can help others somehow.

As Hazel went by, she saw Cody at the same place he crashed into the wall and got soaked. He appeared to be defeated.. “Poor Cody...” Hazel muttered. She then saw a raccoon ghost holding a dagger trying to sneak up to Max who was fighting with the possessed Alfie. Hazel used her lightning magic once more and zapped the coon with her wand. It floated away from her and Max, but she was thinking it might come back again. So she chased after it, continuously zapping its bottom until it gave up and retreated. Hazel put her paws on her hips and nodded in satisfaction. Max also noticed her while he was fighting with Alfie, he goes to say “Tha-” but the possessed Alfie interrupted him as he hit Max with a lightning punch. “GAAH!!” yelled Max as he fell and landed on his back. Hazel rushed over in concern. “You okay??” She asked. Max responded with a groan as he sits up with just his upper arms holding him up. “Just let me keep the body..” said the possessed Alfie, looking down with a glare. “You can’t keep his body! He needs it more than you do, you already had one when you were alive!!” yelled Crystella. “Alright then...” said the possessed Alfie. Hazel’s eyes widened in surprise and interest. “Does this mean you’ll give him back..?” she asked with a hopeful look. “Naah..” said Alfie while Hazel suddenly looked shocked as if there was no more hope. “If I can’t have this body then no one can..! I’m jumping off the castle so not even your troublesome leader gets to keep it...” said the possessed Alfie, staring up at the edge of the roofless wall, and getting ideas. “Oooh no you don’t, FREEZE!!” Crystella called out, casting a freeze spell on Alfie who fell over frozen like a statue. “Do you think it’ll work?” said Hazel, walking over beside Crystella and sitting beside her legs. “Now we have to wait for the ghost. He should be out by now...” said Crystella, watching carefully as the frozen Alfie begins to twitch due to the spell beginning to wear off a little. “He better be, because I’ve had enough!” said Max, folding his arms in anger.

Suddenly, Alfie started flailing very fast! It appeared that he had very limited movements and was trying to break free from the spell to regain control. “Uuuuuuhhhhhh.......” said Hazel, feeling unsure about it all. The students were still fighting with the ghosts on the top floor aswell as the ground floor. Alfie suddenly regained control and was on his hands and knees. “Uh..Alfie is that you?” asked Hazel. “I’m not Alfie, your freeze spell froze me aswell..!” said Alfie still possessed and glaring up at the others. “That wasn’t me it was Crystella this time. Uh..” said Hazel. “Oh well” said the possessed Alfie, getting up and brushing dust off himself. “Either way it kept me in my new body at least..” said the possessed Alfie, feeling happy about himself. “Not for long!” said Crystella. “Cos I have got a plan up my sleeve” she added, feeling confident about herself. “You sure it’ll work?” asked Hazel with a head tilt, feeling unsure after the first attempts failed. “Oh I’m sure...” said Crystella, getting her wand ready with a determined smile. “It wont work.” said Max with a bored and unimpressed look. “Shush Max, you don’t know what I’m planning!” said Crystella while Max gave a started but very annoyed look at her. Crystella began casting the spell. “Oh let me guess... Another spell to force me out of this body..?” Crystella was thinking and then she gave a sly look. “Why yes! You could say that..” she said. “Well guess what..! Your freeze spells ain’t gonna work on me... I’m staying right here..!” said the possessed Alfie, feeling confident. “Oh this isn’t a freeze spell, but sure if you want to sleep” said Crystella with a sly look. The spell was about to be casted, the possessed Alfie suddenly went from feeling confident to looking surprised. “Oh hell no.” he said, and the ghost rushed out of Alfie’s body before the spell hit him aswell. The spikey haired ghost had fled and hid, he could not stand going for an early bed, so he escaped. The spell however hit the real Alfie, who had just regained control of himself.

Back in control, yet very tired, Alfie tries to stay standing but stumbles forward. Crystella hurried over and caught him. “It happened again didn’t it.....” muttered Alfie. “I’m afraid so, but thank goodness the ghost shows no sign of interest posessing a tired body” said Crystella, feeling relieved. Alfie slowly looked up at her. “I would like to ask a favour Crystella.....” said Alfie as Crystella listened to his request. “Could you perhaps guide the school...back to Crystalness..? We need to leave the castle immediately.....” said Alfie, nodding off a bit. “Ofcourse! I will lead the way until you’ve rested” smiled Crystella. “You’re in charge, as for now.. Thank you...” said Alfie with a weak smile for a moment, but then fell asleep not long after. Crystella looked up at everyone around her and noticed the school and ghosts are still in battle. “You heard him, we have to leave!” she said. Zerda slapped a wolf ghost with her paw surrounded by dark magic, she looked behind her and stared at Crystella. “Wait who-like what??” said Zerda in confusion while the ghost wolf was snarling. “We were gonna leave I think” said Hazel. “NOT SO FAST!” said the wolf ghost as Zerda looked back at her in shock. “Your intrusion and fighting caused ALOT of castle damage! Now you must PAY THE PRICE!!” yelled the ghost wolf. “Uhh whut??” said Zerda. “Help fix our castle, or we’ll make you..THROUGH POSSESSION” the ghost wolf threatened. The spikey haired ghost reappeared “Yeess, let me keep another strong body to possess... and not a tired one! I must have ALL the fun I can get at using them...” he said with an evil smile and his finger tips together. He then got shocked by electricity by Thunder who was standing beside him. “Not on our watch...” she said with hints of electricity still surrounding her a little. The spikey haired ghost rubbed his side where he was zapped while glaring at Thunder. Zerda was still talking with the wolf ghost and others. “Uh helloo?” said Zerda. “You ghosts were like starting the fight anyway??” she stated. The curly haired ghost shook her head. “Nah, pretty sure that was our dragon” she said. “YEAH... YOUR dragon who is on YOUR side!!” Max added. “Wait a minute, MY?? I think you mean US!” said the curly haired ghost, but then she quickly covered her mouth in shock. “oop!” she muttered. “HA! SEE?! I KNEW IT!!” Max said in confidence, feeling happy that he caught them all in the act. “No time to be triumphing just yet Max, we are not out of the woods yet...” said Crystella, but Max did not notice... The wolf ghost glared. “You all came into our castle, that’s what started this mess! So CLEAN IT UP!!” she snarled. “nnNEVAH!!!” yelled Max. Thunder looked beside her and the spikey haired ghost was missing, she looked very confused. Suddenly, the spikey haired ghost appeared right in front of Blizzard. “WOW!! Jeez! Don’t creep up to me like that!” he said in shock. “You look like you would know alot of magic, so YOUR BODY IS MINE!!” said the spikey haired ghost with an insane grin, going closer and closer to Blizzard. “NO NO NO NO!!!!” screamed Blizzard in fear.

Chapter 18: The truth behind the book

“Stop it everyone!! Stop it right now!!!” said a voice. Then another ghost made its appearance, but this time it was a small, cute one that didn’t look like insanity got to them. Everyone stopped, the school didn’t see this ghost before, and seemed cautious and suspicious as he was one of them. It was a little dogboy who looked like he was part pomeranian puppy. “I’m so sorry for what we caused, alot of us didn’t want to die and weren’t ready to...” said the little ghost boy. “It’s not another trick is it..?” said Hazel, narrowing eyes in suspicion. “This one seems legit!” said Zerda, walking up to Hazel and sitting beside her. “You sure??” said Hazel in surprise, and Zerda gave a calm nod, Tony also peeping his head up, curious on what’s happening and whether it’s all safe. “I wanna ask.. How did you know about our castle?” said the little ghost, feeling unsure. “We read a story about it in our school library we said. We were interested in learning Aplaria’s history!” said Crystella. “Story? On a book..?” said the ghost dogboy. “Um ya?” said Zerda. “Wait.. Was that the book that said not to visit and find out who wrote it? That was me!” said the little ghost dogboy. “What?!” said Thunder, Blizzard, Hazel, Zerda, Max, and Crystella, all shocked. “I’m so sorry... I wanted us to be remembered somehow, but I didn’t know yous were gonna visit us despite telling yous not to!” said the ghost dogboy, feeling awful. “It’s okay! We shouldn’t of came here and ignored your warnings...” said Crystella with a bittersweet smile. “Right guys?” she said, glaring up at Max, Thunder, and Blizzard, as Thunder and Blizzard gave a nervous grin and Max yelled “What’re you looking at me for?!!?” and “Riiight...” said Blizzard. “It was his idea!” said Thunder, blaming Blizzard. “What? No! You were the one who wanted to go there!” said Blizzard. The two of them began arguing and complaining until the spikey haired ghost came right up to both of them. “You BOTH look powerful..Which body shall I possess and keep forever?!” the ghost said with an evil snicker.

Suddenly the little ghost dogboy was missing... He then suddenly appeared right beside the spikey haired ghost, not looking very impressed. “Haven’t you possessed enough for one day..?” he asks. “UGH..Fine!” said the spikey haired ghost in anger. “But next time, oooh next time for REAL...” he said with a big evil grin and glowing red eyes as he slowly disappeared until only his face with with an evil face with a spikey toothed grin and glowing eyes was only visible, but eventually he went fully invisible and retreated. Both Thunder and Blizzard looked surprised. “Yeesh, what a creep...” said Blizzard, looking surprised and scared. “Glad I wasn’t possessed...” said Thunder, also shocked. Then she turned to look at Blizzard “Ha, you’re scared!” Thunder mocked. “I’m not scared, YOU are!” said Blizzard. “Um..well, the truth is, I think I saw you were both scared...” said the ghost dogboy. “WHAAAAT?!!?” shouted Thunder and Blizzard, as the little ghost flied away from them, startled from their yelling, he then hid behind Crystella. “Always arguing. Every single time...” said Crystella, slowly shaking her head at Thunder and Blizzard. “We want to apologise for intruding little ghost, we didn’t realise your place was offlimits” said Crystella, looking at the little ghost behind her. “I guess the students wanted to explore, but we had to come and rescue them” she said. “It’s okay!” said the little ghost. “Yous are nice!!” he said with his arms out, happy with a wagging tail. he flew up to glomp Crystella but he went right through her and gave a sad slouch with his ears and tail drooped. “Oh...” he said, disappointed that he could not give hugs as a ghost. “No hugs? That must be difficult as a ghost, I’m sorry...” said Crystella, feeling bad for him, then Hazel had an idea. “Wait, do you have any favourite soft toys?” she asked. “Yeah.. I have this nice big one I really like” said the little ghost. “If ghosts can pick up objects, but not people, maybe you could hug your toys and pretend it’s your friends?” Hazel suggested. “That’s a really good idea! Thank you so so much!” said the little dogboy ghost, he came flying up to hug Hazel too, though he went right through her aswell. “Oh yeah, I forgot...” the little ghost said, scratching the back of his head with an embarrassed smile.

Chapter 19: The reunition of a team

Suddenly, Yuki came rushing up the stairs, panting away. “Still..fighting... Splitsune..defeated... too..dangerous...” she panted. Yuki then stood up straight. “Oh I mean uh.. not that I was scared, oh no no! I mean at least we beat the dragon, yeah..!” said Yuki with a nervous grin and ears back. “The ground floor!” said Crystella in shock. “Oh crap I forgot...” said Max, also in shock. “Me too actually...” said Hazel, surprised too. “We seriously forgot..?” said Zerda looking confused. “Huh? Ooohh I thought you knew! Wait that was the plan right?” said Thunder. “We left them too long by mistake...” said Crystella, feeling bad. “Yeah I forgot too. Wait...Too long?? There was a limit?!” said Blizzard in surprise. “Wasn’t that obvious..?” said Max with narrowed eyes. “I do apologise! I didn’t realise we’d be here this long.. Though I suppose I should of mentioned that as part of the plan, but I was so caught up with rescuing Alfie aswell as you students...” Hazel put her paw on Crystella with a bittersweet smile. “It’s alright, accidents happen. Everyone make mistakes” said Hazel. “Thanks Hazel, but lets hurry downstairs!” said Crystella. “Wait.. I have to go all the way back down again?!” said Yuki looking surprised. “Okay y’know what, my legs are tired, I’ll just fly outside and meet you guys there alright?” said Yuki, already spreading her wings. “Yes, please meet us at the entrance..!” said Crystella. “Entrance.. entrance..okay.. got it!” said Yuki, keeping note of what she was told. The winged fox took flight to the sky out of the room’s broken roof. She soared up behind the full moon shining bright in the starry sky, it seems the battle and exploration had lasted all day, so now it’s dark out. Yuki looked down at the castle as she flew through the night sky. “The entrance should be where we came in from right..?” she said. She then found a familiar looking place with an old wooden door and a spooky garden. “That’s the one!” said Yuki as she glided down to the spooky garden. “Gee whiz, this place is even scarier at night...” muttered Yuki, looking around and feeling unsure about it all. She then saw a flying fox bat perched on top of one of the gravestones. “Oh I mean uh.. yeah! scary for most, but not for meee!” said Yuki with a big nervous smile. The bat just sat and stared, Yuki staring back with that same big smile. The awkward staring went on for quite a while. “SCREECH!!!” The bat let out a shrieky screech then flapped away as it swooped off, giving Yuki a fright so big that even she flapped her wings and yipped in fear. Yuki looked about awkwardly to check if anyone else was watching. “Copying! I was copying..the bat...” she lied.

“Do not leave anybody behind!” said Crystella, checking to see if everyone is with her including Alfie in her arms. “Wait, Tony?” said Crystella. “He’s here” said Hazel with Tony in her paws. “Ah, good.. WAIT, CODY!!” said Crystella in surprise, startling Tony as he runs up Hazel’s arm and jumps back into her tail fur again, Hazel also surprised and confused. Max picked up Cody who was still out cold. “How dare you forget about my best friend!” said Max. “Did you forget about him too?” asked Crystella. “I never forget about my best friend!” said Max in the same tone as before. “Okay good, everyone’s here..let’s go!” said Crystella, already heading down the stairs first thing “Wait for us, jeez!” said Zerda as her, Thunder, Blizzard, Hazel with Tony, and Max with Cody follow Crystella with Alfie down the stairs.

The party arrives downstairs, alot of the ghosts and the school were still fighting and some of the school were injured or defeated, especially the guinea pigs of the school. “Oh yea I’m fine!” smiled Brandon as he tried to get up. “Waaiit--” he said, losing balance. “Oh no I’m not!” said Brandon falling back down again with a nervous smile. “My fabulous legs have died” said Brandon, looking down at his injured body and legs. “I’m sure they’re fixable, but please let’s get out of here!” said Crystella. “Help the injured and bring them with us!” she said. Some of the school that still had a bit of fight in them left went to pick up those who were injured and defeated including Splitsune, Tiny, the guinea pig students, and some of the other mages aswell. Neon came over while Brandon in her arms. “What happened? Are you guys okay? Is Alfie still possessed..?” Neon asked, head tilting with her folded collie ears flopping in a cute way. “Yea I’m okay, wait-no I’m not” said Brandon. “Not you, silly! But sorry you aren’t okay...” said Neon. “Yes, we’re alright except maybe Cody needs our help too... And Alfie is fine, he is asleep so the ghosts cannot possess him” said Crystella. “The non mages could only defeat the dragon!” said Neon. “But they couldn’t fight back the ghosts... Me and Tiny tried to heal everyone but I used up all my mana and Tiny was down in one hit...” Neon said. “We didn’t have enough potions to help everyone, whoops...” she added. Then, the ghosts here on the ground floor noticed that the party from upstairs has returned. “There’s the other lot, GET EM!!” said the coyote ghost, and they all flew after them.

Chapter 20: The great escape

The little dogboy ghost just floated down the ceilling and saw it all. “Oh no, RUN!! I’ll try to stop them!” he panicked. The whole school quickly ran off with their hands full and headed towards the entrance door as the other ghosted chased them. Yuki was just chilling outside to regain energy until she heard alot of stomping and trampling on the ground behind the front doors she was behind. “Huh..wonder why it got loud...” Yuki muttered. Until THUD!!! Both doors flung right open! Yuki was surprised and confused why everybody was running away. “W-w-w-what’s happening?!!?” said Yuki feeling scared. “RUN YOU GUYS!!!” yelled Zerda. “Yuki, follow us!!” yelled Thunder. “Huh??” said Yuki until she saw the crazy ghosts coming after her and the school. She let out a fearful scream and scampered as she turned around and ran to the school and flew not long after to try and catch up to them.

As the school was running further and further away from the haunted castle suddenly a ghost appeared right in front of Crystella who was leading the way! She was stopping and skidding until a familiar voice called out to her. “Wait! Don’t slow down please, keep running!” said that familiar voice, it was the little pomeranian ghost boy. Crystella began picking up her pace again and sped up. “Little ghost? What are you doing here?” said Crystella. “I’m so sorry! I forgot to give you my name, my name’s Louie and I was training to be a warrior, but now I’m a ghost...” said Louie, the little dogboy ghost. “Well it was nice to meet you Louie, I’m Crystella and this whole group is the Crystalness Magic School. But why are you here? We are still running from your ghost family...” said Crystella. “Well I wanted to apologise and say thank you... But maybe you’ll see me again! The castle can be boring sometimes...” said Louie. He then looks behind him and notices his ghost family is starting to catch up to the school. “Uh oh! I think I gotta stop the other ghosts... Baaii!!” said Louie as he flew right above the school running to see if he can stop his family of ghosts. The school managed to get away thanks to Louie’s distraction and reasoning.

Chapter 21: A cozy night

Later, the whole school had returned to Crystalness. The group was chilling in the library, recovering from their fear, injuries, and exhaustion. There was a warm cozy fireplace where the logs were lit on fire, and the room was surrounded by a warm light of cozy lamps and scented candles. Crystella was getting to work by brewing up all different kinds of cure potions in the school library’s cauldron. She prepared a potion in a bottle and looked at Neon. “This one’s for you Neon” said Crystella, then Neon quickly came over with a waggy tail. “Thanks!” said Neon, gently taking the potion bottle from Crystella’s hands. Neon drank the magical potion and felt alot better instantly. “Wow, this really helped alot! Can I help too?” asked Neon with a happy look. “Yes dear, if you hand out the potions, I can go a little quicker on make more!” said Crystella with a sweet smile. “Okay!” said Neon as she helped hand out the potions that Crystella made to the school. Neon also used the revival potions on those who were defeated in battle.

“CRUMCH!!!” Yuki, Blizzard, and Sakura quickly looked over to where that sound was coming from. It was Hazel munching away on some cheese puffs she won during class time earlier. “What..I was hungry” said Hazel, then Max’s stomach had grumbled. “Now you’re making ME hungry!” he moaned. Sakura’s stomach grumbled aswell. “Me too actually.. Man I could do with some yummy delicious cheese puffs...” said Sakura, daydreaming about food. “You’re in luck” said Crystella, giving Splitsune a revival potion. “I’ll see if Toast can whip us up some dinner” she said. “Dinner??” said Sakura, perking up in interest. “Whuh? Wh-where is this? What’s going on??” said Splitsune as he woke up. “Oh good, you’re back!” said Crystella, feeling happy and relieved that he is okay. “We fled from the haunted castle!” said Blizzard. “Yeah we’re back in school where it’s much safe-er I mean..warm and cozy...” said Yuki. “That explains...” said Splitsune who was sitting up and scratching his head. “Do you think you could prepare us a feast for the night?” said Crystella. “On it!” said Splitsune, getting up to go out to prepare some food in the kitchen.

“Why did we have to run away? We could of fought them and won!” meowed Thunder. “No way, running away is a safer option!” said Blizzard. “But fighting is the BETTER option” said Thunder boastfully. “Nu-uh?!!? Running away is better!” said Blizzard. “HEY!! Who said running away has to be safer AND better?” growled Thunder. “I DID!” yelled Blizzard. “Well that’s not fair because you already said your’s is safer and now it’s better all of a sudden??” Thunder ranted. “Uhhhh.. I really hate to admit this but well..let’s just say that I kinda agree with Blizzard?” muttered Yuki. “Wait wha??” said Thunder. “Nothing! I said nothing, I agree with you too! Yeah..!” lied Yuki. “Let’s all settle down now, no more arguing” said Crystella who was just finished on making potions. She goes to sit on the sofa with the others. “We’re safe now, that’s the main thing...” said Crystella, feeling relaxed. “Ya you’re right, we shouldn’t be arguing” said Zerda. Alfie was then waking up. “Where are we..? What happened..? Did we all make it to safety?” he muttered. “Oh, hello” said Crystella, looking behind her and not realising she was sitting in front of Alfie’s legs on the same sofa. “Yes! We have returned to the school safe and sound” she said. “We asked Splitsune if he could prepare us a large meal. We hope that’s okay with you!” said Crystella. “That’ll be quite alright Crystella..” Alfie said, sitting up. “I think we have all grown to be quite famished have we not?” said Alfie, and Crystella gave a nod. “Cheeeep!” Tiny came flying over to Alfie and nuzzled against him, purring. “Hello Tiny, good to see that you are well too” said Alfie, wagging his tail with a smile. He then noticed the clock in the library. “Is it that time already..? I may have an idea...” said Alfie, thinking. “Idea?” said Hazel with a head tilt, and Tiny responded with a peep. “Yes.. Perhaps we could stay here the night, that way I will know all is safe tonight...” said Alfie. “And we have our magic show tomorrow so I’ll make sure that we are up in time then” said Crystella. “Wouldn’t wanna forget that would we?” said Splitsune who had just returned. “Oh hey, when’s dinner?” said Max. “It’s ready, otherwise I’d tell you to be more patient” said Splitsune. “I can’t be patient, I don’t have time to be patient!” said Max. “Well too bad because you just gotta learn to be” said Splitsune to Max, not looking too happy at each other. “Anyway, come get dinner! It’s in the canteen” said Splitsune. The school got up and had their stretches, then left the cozy library to follow Splitsune to the canteen. Sniff sniff, the hungry students caught the scent of delicious dinner. Cody and Sakura then rushed over first thing. “Oooo dat looks GOOD!!!” said Cody. “They all look so tasty!” said Sakura. “Oh wow, which should I eat first?” said Hazel, coming over aswell. The three of them were staring excitedly at all the food. Brandon sneaked in and found a banana. He put it to his ear. “Banana phone!” he said, as Cody, Hazel, Sakura, Yuki, and Zerda giggled. “Help yourself” said Splitsune, presenting with his handpaws. “There’s enough for everyone!” he said, wagging his tails with a smile. The school enjoyed a nice big dinner before returning to the library. All nice and full, the school was relaxing in the library. Some were even enjoying a good story book or a comic. “I think the library is a perfect place to rest for the night...” said Alfie, feeling happy. He then prepared some comfy places for students. And as they got comfortable, he tucked them in as they rest for the night. Making sure that everyone is safe and sound asleep, Alfie then goes to bed aswell.

Chapter 22: The next day

It was the next day and the school was awakened by alarms and each other. They then got a bit of breakfast and took care of all their morning stuff. The school was getting ready for class to learn more about the magic they use. Alfie comes in and stands behind his wooden lectern. “ARE WE READY TO BEGIN-..WHY IS MY VOICE SO LOUD?!!!?!?!” screamed Alfie, which instantly got the class’s attention. The class started giggling. “IT APPEARS I CANNOT LOWER MY VOIIICE!!!!!” screamed Alfie, and the whole class was laughing away while some looked disturbed. “Is..he going to scream all day now? Hey Alfie stop screaming!” said Max. “Did someone use a potion or spell on him..?” Crystella wondered. Alfie was paying attention to what the class was saying while he was uncontrollably loud. “OOOKAY, WHO HAS BEEN PULLING PRANKS?!!?!” he screamed. Zerda was laughing her head off the most while thudding her arm on the table. “IT WAS YOU WASN’T IT?!!?” Max also screamed. “I put a shout potion in his breakfast” Zerda wheezed when hysterical laughter. “Oooh so that’s why we traded!” said Blizzard, finding it hard not to laugh. “OKAY NEW PLAN!!! CLASS WILL START LATER UNTIL THIS WEARS OFF!!!! YOU MAY PRACTICE YOUR MAGIC FOR THE SHOOOWWWW!!!!!!!” screamed Alfie, then he stopped and covered his mouth, blushing in embarrassment. “Well this is rather humiliating...” he thought. “Perhaps I shall remain quiet until this spell wears off...” he thought, feeling awkward.

The school went outside to practicing their magic before the magic show this evening. Later, as they were heading out to get ready and perform their magic show, Hazel was feeling rather nervous... “Did I practice enough..?” she asked. “Yes Hazel, you will do just fine..!” said Alfie, having confidence in her. It appears that the effects of the shout potion had wore off. “But what if I mess up?” asked Hazel, feeling worried. “Do not worry Hazel, you will do wonderful out there!” said Crystella, patting Hazel on the head. “Thanks..!” said Hazel, feeling a little better. “I’ll try my very best!” she said. “That’s the spirit!” said Splitsune with a happy nod. The magic school was about to start, the audience is here and talking away. Suddenly, it starts! Amazing music plays as the mages show off their fascinating magic tricks, some of them were dancing while showing off their magic skills. The non mages were dancing away and showing off their dance skills aswell. Some of the mages teamed up to perform magic tricks with others. There were colourful lights, fireworks, bubbles, flowers and petals, sparkles, and rainbows. The students put on quite the show! In the end, the school thanked the audience and gave bows and curties. The audience was clapping and cheering, and in that crowd was Louie the ghost! He appeared to have made himself visible only to the school, and was giving his applause aswell. He was smiling up to the school on stage, and some of the school noticed him aswell and smiled back. Crystella gave a nod to him and his tail wagged happier than ever. Louie got to see something amazing from his new friends, in which he would treasure this memory for a long time. And the school were also happy that they performed another successful magic show, especially when their friends, old ones and new ones came and enjoyed the show.

And that was the story of The Magic School And The Haunted Castle. The end!