{Image ID: A 13-year-old boy, drawn in semi-anime-ish style, is standing with a hand up to a small fantasy creature, who is giving him the tiniest fistbump in the world. The creature is an earthworm, centipede, jelly fish, glow-worm and ghost all in one. Kinda looks like a worm-on-a-string with two long, thin arms hanging near its head like jelly fish tentacles. It also has one, huge white eye on the side of its face.
Jude, the thirteen year old boy, is smiling at the little worm-ghost. He has strawberry blonde hair, white skin, freckles and brown eyes. He's wearing a blue hoodie, and is awash in bright green light from the worm ghost and all its blurry little buddies in the background.
They're in a forest setting with lots of bright green lighting. Little blurry ghost worms are flying up toward what looks to be a nest at the top of the drawing.}
The fire wasn’t exactly the worst part of Jude’s week, but it came as a close second.
On the bright side, Jude now understood the universal law of returning books to the school library on time. Because that’s how this whole mess started. A library book.
Jude was a thirteen-year-old student at Havendale Primary. Upon first meeting Jude, you couldn’t tell that he was a troublemaker because he seemed like such an average teen. Bright brown eyes, strawberry blonde hair, and freckles, nothing out of the ordinary. He was smaller than most kids his age, which was an advantage when hiding from teachers, policemen and disgruntled neighbours out for revenge.
His Dad often turned to Jude’s Uncle Aaron, telling him he was a bad influence. Aaron would just laugh it off, of course. But there could’ve been some corruption there. Aaron had told them many stories of the dumb things he did in his younger life. Pranks he used to pull, things that he thought was smart at the time but later discovered could’ve killed him. The real rebel inspiration, however, belonged to Jude’s late grandfather.
William died three years prior, coincidentally a month before Jude’s rebellious attitude had spiked. Nobody is sure of the cause of his death, but Jude knew something that nobody else had. He still couldn’t quite explain it. When he had reached his grandfather’s house a few blocks away and saw the ambulance, he’d have sworn he had seen something scuttle across the road.
At first, he thought it was his imagination. Then he thought it might have been a bearded dragon. Upon closer inspection, that theory was squashed. The creature had scales that were dark cream in colour. A lamp like object on its head similar to an angler fish. Jude only saw it for a second before it disappeared into the bushes. It was real, and it had come from the house in which William Blake was found dead.
The real story began on a Monday, as a class of seventh graders left their classrooms for break time.
Jude was pretty tired after a whole day of boring lectures from different teachers. He knew a fair share of the topics discussed in class; he just didn’t care enough today to listen to the things he didn’t know. Before he made it around the corner to get to the staircase, he felt a hand grab his arm.
“Hey! wait for me!” Henry Jones said with exasperation, “I was caught at the back of the row, and you sped off like a runaway car. Are you trying to avoid me?” He smirked at him at the last sentence.
“I am not avoiding you,” Jude rolled his eyes at the other boy, “I forgot.”
“Your own friend?” Henry placed a hand over his heart, “I am wounded.”
Jude snorted in laughter, “Don’t expect an apology any time soon.”
Henry pouted but then just shook his head, looking up the staircase, “We have… history after this?”
“Ms Jacobus? Correct,” Jude replied.
They headed up the stairs, into the mostly empty hallway. Henry placed his backpack in the row in front of the classroom. Most students were making their way back so they could join the rest of the school on the field, chattering amongst each other. Jude placed his own backpack next to his friend’s.
That’s when he noticed Henry’s eyes following his every move. He looked at him, confused.
“What are you looking at? Does my face resemble a steak?” Jude asked.
He shrugged in response, “Just wondering what you’ve got up your sleeve for today. Any plans?”
Oh. Right. Reputation.
“I thought I should tone down on the surprises today,” Jude explained, “So my sleeves are all empty.”
“Hey, Blake!” He heard behind him. He knew who it was before he turned around. Amy was making her way toward them, her school monitor badge set blinking on her white shirt collar, mocking him.
“Anything you want?” Jude asked.
“Yeah,” Amy said slowly, “The library book? Do you have it with you? Karla’s been stressing about it all morning. It’s two days late, you’re gonna have to pay.”
Jude tried to avoid looking at Henry, “Library book? The ghost story one?”
Amy crossed her arms, “Unless you have other books that are past due, yes the ghost story one? Please return it today… okay? Give us all peace of mind so Karla won’t have another anxiety attack.”
Jude flashed a thumbs up, “It’s in my backpack.”
Amy smirked as she looked over Jude’s shoulder at Henry, “Good, and good luck.”
She turned around and swiftly walked away. Jude turned toward Henry, who was positively glaring at him. Jude shrugged, grinning. “Whoops?” He said.
Henry groaned, “Why!? You told me you returned it!”
“I forgot,” Jude responded, already rifling through his backpack to look for it.
“I asked you if you gave it back and you said yes!” Henry stuck his hand in his dark brown hair, much like Jude’s father would do if he was frustrated. He sighed, “You have it here, though? Right?”
“I’m looking! I’m looking!” Jude said, “Hold your horses!”
“I cannot be stable! You know that!”
“Ah yes; Henry Jones, my dear unstable friend.” He rifled through his books until his hand closed around the library book. He smiled and showed it to Henry, “We’re in luck.”
Henry sighed in relief “Great,” He said, “Let’s go return it.”
They reached the bottom floor where kids from grades one to seven were already on the field. Jude could see a few familiar faces; Abu and Hansie were playing ball closeby. The ball almost hit Imka. The girl turned around and started to shout at them. All good fun.
They finally arrived at the school library.
When they entered, the line at the front desk was long, and Jude almost decided to turn back. Karma, art thou a heartless snitch.
“I’m gonna return this,” Jude said “You can look around. Looks like I’m gonna be a while.”
Henry nodded “Yeah, I’ll be over at the Comic Book section.”
Henry left for the comic books and left Jude standing in line alone. He tapped the book against his leg as he waited. The line shortened way too slowly. He really didn’t want to wait this long and waste his break.
He was considering ditching the library and come back during the second break when the librarian called ‘Next!’ and realised he was the next one. He stepped forward and placed the book on the table. He was just going to turn away when Mrs Botha grabbed his wrist. He sighed. Of course. He turned to face her. She let go of his wrist slowly, peering at him over her golden spectacles.
“It’s late,” she said. It wasn’t a question.
“Yes, it is,” Jude admitted, “Would you also be interested in knowing the colour of the sky?”
She sneered at him, “Five Rand Mr Blake.”
“Fine,” Jude sighed, “I’ll bring it tomorrow. Can I be excused so I can enjoy what is left of my break, or will you prefer to keep me in your clutches?”
Mrs Botha’s glare hardened. “Go,” She hissed.
Jude left as fast as he could and looked for Henry. He walked passed the kiddies’ section, avoiding Karla as she organised some books. He saw the Comic Book section up ahead. All of a sudden, a strange feeling overcame him. He saw something scaly move in the corner of his eye. He turned around. A strange creature was making its way around a bookcase and right towards the Computer Lab.
Jude’s eyes widened when he recognised it. Now that he was closer, he could easily make out the bat-like ears and large, yellow eyes. This one was a lighter colour than the one from three years ago, though, but looked to be the same species. A part of Jude wanted to turn around and pretend it never happened.
Alas, he followed it like an idiot.
He supposed a part of him hoped that by following, he’d find an answer to what had happened to his grandfather. Finally, there would be no more ‘maybes’. This creature could hold the answer, and he needed answers.
Jude saw as the creature zipped into the Computer Lab and with little hesitation, Jude followed. He cautiously observed the room. Old school computers were lined on the tables with cables and mouse pads. The blinds over the windows were closed, and everything looked normal. There was no sign of the angler gecko.
He considered leaving. Little did he know that he was at a crossroad. The decision he made now, will directly impact the rest of his life.
He can get Henry and leave. Spend some time with him and finish this day’s school work. Pretend this never happened. But no… he couldn’t. This creature would keep coming back, and he’d just be forced into another encounter one day anyway. With that thought in mind, he proceeded forward into the room. He scanned the room carefully, a strange feeling crawling down the back of his neck.
His chest burned as he moved slowly into the place. Something was holding him back. He shakily bent down and checked under one of the tables. There was nothing. No sign of anything out of place.
The burning in his chest intensified, his ears buzzed. It felt as if the walls were closing in. He got off the floor and headed to the door before he could think. He looked back and saw nothing. Maybe he was going mad after all. He shook his head and left the computer lab, quickly making his way back to the library.
“What took you so long?” Henry asked, placing the comic back.
“The… the line was long,” Jude said, eyes darting to the computer lab. Was it just him or was there sound coming from there? No, he was just paranoid.
Nevertheless, he grabbed Henry by the elbow and dragged him out. Henry made sounds of protest but was shushed by one of the assistants. They exited the library, and Jude picked up his backpack.
“What was that all about?” Henry asked.
Jude nervously smoothed down his hair, “It’s nothing,” He said. He forced a smile as if to prove his point. He jerked his head toward the staircase “Let’s enjoy the rest of break while we still have time.”
They started to make their way down the hallway. What happened next took them entirely by surprise.
There was a loud booming sound from behind them followed by the sound of screams. Henry and Jude whipped around. Jude lost his voice. Bright red flames moved at an abnormally fast speed across the fabrics of the library curtains. The fire roared aggressively. The alarms blared to life around the school. The principal’s voice was heard in the distance.
“This is not a fire drill. Everyone must gather on the sports field immediately. Do not to panic, and proceed calmly.”
“What about Mrs Botha?” Henry asked “And Karla, Miranda, Chris-”
“I don’t think this is our place to interfere, Henry,” Jude said, “We should leave and go to the field.”
“But… Karla’s in there,” Henry said, “Chris is a first grader!”
“We don’t have any experience,” Jude replied “There’s no point. We’ll only die, Henry. We’ll be helping nobody.”
“You’re always prepared to take a risk,” Henry said. Jude was horrified to see his friend move toward the burning library.
Even though his entire being screamed to grab Henry and run, he knew there was no stopping his friend. It was one of the things that they shared along with freckles and being shorter than most of their classmates.
Jude followed Henry reluctantly into the burning library, cursing himself for doing so. When they were inside, Jude stared around. The fire crackled on the walls and, electronic sounds came from the lab.
The lab… Jude’s eyes found the door hidden behind a burning bookcase. He didn’t see the angler-gecko anywhere. Whether it made it out already or if it died in the explosion, Jude wasn’t about to find out. He saw something else move from the corner of his eye.
While leading the other kids toward the exit, Mrs Botha stumbled away from the bookcases, a small boy in her arms. That’s when she set her eyes upon Henry and Jude.
“Move!” She shouted “Move outside! Now!”
Jude didn’t hesitate. He grabbed Henry and pulled him along, Mrs Botha following soon. The boy in her arms coughed, eyes darting around the room as they made their way out of the library. When they got out, coughing and shaking, Jude took time to see if everyone made it out. To his immense relief, they did. Karla was standing there, looking frazzled.
There were cuts on all of them, but Mrs Botha definitely took the brunt of it. She had a bruise forming over her eye, spreading to her temple and her glasses were shattered and bent. It was then that Jude realised the way she was looking at him.
Her face seemed to be filled with hatred, her glare beyond murderous. Jude knew the only reason she hadn’t tossed him off the third floor yet was she was carrying a first grader.
But the message was clear. Jude Blake was her main suspect.
“All of you — follow me to the field at once,” She said, “Before there’s another explosion that kills us.”
“Kills us?” The first grader asked.
“We’ll be fine,” Mrs Botha assured him. They headed toward the staircases, Mrs Botha telling them to form a line. Jude was relieved when they finally arrived outside of the school building, heading for the field. Every Havendale student stood there for roll call. Principle Mollow had the list and was calling out names.
That’s when he noticed them. His face turned to shock and surprise “How in heaven’s name did you get out of there alive!?” He asked.
“Long story,” Mrs Botha said, gently putting down the young boy, who stood there, shaking. A fifth-grade girl that must’ve been his sister raced toward him.
“Did everyone get out?” Mollow asked.
Mrs Botha nodded. “Continue the roll call with the others, though.” She gave Jude another dirty look before limping over to the nurse, who had a paramedic kit ready.
That’s when he heard the sound of fire truck alarms blaring. A red truck was speeding towards the school, and the sirens that followed meant there were cops as well. He looked back at the building, thinking of the strange creature. He’d observed that thing a few times before, but this was the first time it caused havoc. Actually, there were a few creatures he had seen this past week.
He’d convinced himself that it wasn’t real, but it became more and more real as time went on. The ghoul he’d seen crossing the street last week Wednesday. It had saluted him and then disappeared into thin air, right in front of him. None of his schoolmates had seen it.
Then there was last Friday when something small, fluffy and round had stolen his favourite pen. He felt pretty confident that hamsters weren’t into taking stationery. He tried to ignore it. But he was starting to wonder… maybe ignoring it wasn’t the best decision?
Some “behind the scenes” as I make progress on Worldbuilding for my fantasy series.
Jude Blake’s mischievous endeavours come to an end after he’s wrongfully accused of setting his school on fire. He’s got three months to become a better person at a disciplinary school called ‘Komodo Juvenile Hall for Criminal Kids’. Little does he know that this is just the first step in discovering a secret world. The world his late grandfather used to tell him about.
A Sneak peek: https://medium.com/@kiarapride67/the-thaumaturge-world-teaser-1c56be53086e
Chapter three is finally done!!! *Celebrating noises* I’m so happy my writing motivation has returned from the war. I missed it so much. I’m gonna go to bed right now and it’ll be edited by tomorrow. So far I think it’s very long but I’m proud of it.
Just in case you might need a refresher on the story since it’s been gone so long, here are some links (and if you are new - welcome! I take a while to update but I’m doing my best to start updating more regularly.)
Here’s the homepage? I think that’s what it is.
Here’s a direct link to chapter one.
Here’s a direct link to chapter two.
Would love to know your thoughts on the story so far! Your critique or support would be very much appreciated!
Thank you for your patience!! I hope you have a lovely day/night and that you’re taking good care of yourselves!
hi I have a question for your wip if you want it or not...Tell me one fact about your favorite OC and which genre do you like writing more: sci-fi or fantasy?
Hey! Sorry for the rather late reply.
So, I have loads of favorite OCs but I’m going to choose Jude for this since he’s my main character.
One fact about Jude: Nobody would guess it upon first meeting him (since he seems like your typical tween daredevil), but he gets disgusted pretty easily. Meat disgusts him, a full trashcan disgusts him (he refuses to take out the trash), and he can’t wash the dishes because he doesn’t like seeing wet food either. Pretty much any bodily fluid has him turning green too.
Genre: This is a difficult one to answer, since I’m not sure which one I like more. But it’s probably science fiction, especially humans meeting aliens or just a space crew traveling to different planets. Then again, I do end up putting some sort of magic system in sci-fi most of the time.
