It had been a week since the return of Evan Harris, and the death of his mother Lynne. Derrick in that tine had felt as if he was in a haze.
Lessons with Yuriko had paused, the return of the so called Catalyst killer had shaken the entire magical community. For his part he had remained silent, simply watching as both magic and mortal allies mourned Lynne's death.
Derrick had never been to a funeral before and had never been so thankful to have Steph, Hannah, Misaki, and the rest of his friends by his side. Yurikk had used her magic to whisk the teens across the country. There Lynne Harris's remains would be reunited with her husband. Derrick sat quietly as Lynne was laid to rest, noting not only mortal but magical beings at her graveside. Of note to the teen was a middle aged man with receding auburn hair and glasses. Derrick couldn't be sure but he suspected the man and his family were Lynne's relatives.
After the funeral all parties found themselves back at Yurikos. The mood was somber, quiet, the teenage wanting nothing more than to get as far away as possible. That unfortunately would not be the case. "Derrick can I speak with you privately," Yuriko asked.
Derrick simply nodded, saying to his friends he would be back soon. As the two of then entered Yurikos study, Derrick could see several magical beings as well as several middle aged humans.
"Derrick," Yuriko said softly. "After everything that has happened we all wished to talk with you." Derrick simply nodded, taking a seat in front of Yurikos desk as a middle aged woman and the man he had seen at the funeral approached.
"Darren I'd like you to meet Anjelica Kirkman and Brian Harris," Yuriko said. Derrick now waved politely as the two gave the teen a small smile. "Brian is Lynne's youngest son," Yuriko stated. "While Anjelica had helped Lynne with her duties."
"Duties," Derrick asked somewhat confused.
"Lynne was monitoring the other magical realms," Anjelica stated. "Keeping tabs on things elsewhere. She was also searching for my old master, her niece Morgan Carlson. You probably heard of her as Morgan Lefay."
Derrick gaped, nodding at the mention of the ancient witch of Arthurian legend. "Wait those stories are true," he gasped.
"Sort of," Anjelica said quietly. "Much has been changed with the passage of time but at its core it is true. My master was Morgan Lefay before the Catalyst changed her."
"And adopted her as her daughter," Yuriko finished. "Unfortunately she went missing after the Lycans were slaughtered by the Normal. Angelica has spent the better part of her life helping Lynne search for her."
Derrick nodded numbly as the man now approached him. "So," he said quietly. "I here you had a run in with my big brother."
Derrick simply gaped, unsure of what to say. "No need to be nervous Derrick," Yuriko stated. "Brian is a friend. He has offered to help us."
"Is he a wizard too," Derrick asked.
"Not as good as the others," Brian smirked. "Evan was the talented one. I'm actually a librarian. I've been doing research for my mom on the Normal. That is until Evan came back."
"This is bad isnt it," Derrick said softly. The others were quiet, the teen seeing the looks of concern on the faces of wizards, dragons, fairies, even the kitsune leaders. Derrick now noticed as a golden nine tailed kitsune stepped forward. "We have not met yet but my name is Tatsu," he said.
"Tatsu is the ruler of the kitsune," Yuriko stated. Derrick now watched as Tatsu bowed before him, Derrick unsure of how to respond.
"Unfortunately Derrick things are moving rather quickly," Yuriko sighed. "Evans return is not something any if us anticipated."
"Does anyone know how this could happen," Derrick asked.
"We believe its necromancy," Jack stated. "But if thats the case its far more refined than anything I've ever seen."
"It also has opened up a litany of problems," Kellie added. "When Evan was alive the first time he was one of the strongest wizards in existence."
"He also had access to the various magical realms," Tatsu grumbled. "Such as my own."
"We're all worried Tatsu," Tricia said softly, placing a comforting hand on the kitsunes shoulder. "Protection spells are being placed as we speak."
"Still," Matt the dragon king said. "We must remain vigilant. I've already instructed my people to double security."
"Is Evan that dangerous," Derrick asked.
"Very," Brian stated. "My brother was always the strongest out of all us growing up. When he went dark, he nearly killed everyone. Mom was the only one that could stop him. Now, it seems like he's joined up with the Normal. Considering what they've done to not only the Lycans and vampires but to countless other magical races, everyone is concerned."
"Our training is about to become much more intense Derrick," Yuriko said sternly. "The threat has revealed itself. To complete your vision you will have to be mature beyond your years. We shall help you along that path but you must be the one to take action."
Derrick sighed, nodding as he realized what was being asked. The fate of the world he envisioned now squarely rested upon his shoulders.