One Month One World One Year Challenge 2022

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The next morning Cale tended to his garden and harvested what he could. A snapdragon plant growing in his yard since he claimed this lot for his own, had also finally produced flowers! While he was busy picking the red blooms, he heard what sounded like leaves rustling and someone giggling with glee.

When he turned around to see what was going on, he saw the lady he'd shouted at, saying some terrible things about her she didn't deserve.

He had vowed to himself if he ever saw her again, he'd apologize. Cale walked over to her as a light mist began to fall.

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Cale had been in Mt. Komorebi long enough to know by now the traditional way his neighbors greeted each other was to bow. It was a way to show respect. He wasn't sure if he was supposed to say anything while doing it, so remained silent. Hopefully she would understand.

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"Hi, do you remember me? I'm--"
"Cale, yes, I remember you. You're the young man that advised me to go back to my kitchen. I am L. Faba."
(How did she know my name?)
(She probably asked someone that knows you.)
(Who do I know she'd know?)
(I have no idea.)

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"I don't know how you knew I needed to brew some potions for my spells, but thank you for the reminder."
"Potions? Spells? What are you a witch or something?"

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"Oh Honey, I'm much more than that, I'm a Sage, but for the sake of understanding on your part, let's just say that I am a witch, a very powerful one."

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"You're not going to turn me into a frog or something are you?"
"Now wouldn't that be interesting, a frog...that might be fun."

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"Don't even think about doing anything like that, I'm warning you lady."
"Well, perhaps a donkey would be a better idea since you're acting like the backend of one, wouldn't you say?"

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"Man, I didn't mean that. I don't know why I always do that. I just can't seem to help myself.."
"I think you could if you tried harder. Think before you speak dear."

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"I came over here to apologize and then blow up at you, can you...would you...maybe, uh, forgive me? I mean, for before, and now I guess too?"

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"I'm sorry, I don't deserve it, but I'm asking anyway."
"I know you are Cale, it doesn't make what you did okay, but I appreciate the gesture."

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"Does that mean you forgive me then? You didn't really say it."

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"Yes, Cale, I'll forgive you. But I'd like you to do something for me to show you mean it. Actions speak louder than words, as the saying goes dear."
"Okay, anything, just name it."
"Every time something makes you angry, close your eyes and count to ten. If you're still angry, take three deep breaths. Still angry? Call out to me in your mind, say 'L. Help me!' I'll try to talk you through whatever it is if I can, okay Honey? (and watch your back) Can you do that?"
"Talk to you in my head? Really? You'll hear me? That's unbelievable."
"Oh believe it Honey, I'm a 'witch' remember?"
"Yeah, that's what you said. I can do that, I'll try anyway."
"Don't just try, do it. I have to go now Cale, take care of yourself and remember, be nice!"

L. turned around and walked away. Once she was out of Cale's vision, she transportalated back to the Magic Realm.

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(A witch just forgave me without any consequences. Wow! Well, that was easy. I got off scott free!)

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(Wait a minute...did she actually say 'and watch your back' or did I just imagine that?)
(I don't remember hearing her say it...did I? Meh, whatever...she's probably not even a real witch or Sage or whatever. Right?)

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The weather cleared up later that afternoon so Cale decided to go for a walk on the Bamboo trails. He saw some forest sprites and smiled.
(Cha-ching!)
As he walked toward them, he started to feel funny and heard a buzzing noise.

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(What is that? More bats?! Gah! Maybe I can outrun them!)

Cale quickly started to sprint toward the forest sprites who were fading away. He reached the middle of where they had been and then stopped, frozen in place, his eyes wide.
*GASP*

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*ZWIPP!*
(Oh No! Uh...Help me L.?)
(Not this time Honey, your actions DO have consequences, remember that. But next time. I promise.) *snicker* (MUWAHAHAHAHA!)
"Dangit!"

Cale had not thought to ask what kind of witch/Sage L. happened to be, since he didn't know there was more than one kind. Hopefully he'd remember never again to mess with the Sage of Mischief Magic!