The Gathering

The Gathering

The group moved through the forest lost in their own thoughts. Their favorite professor, Dr. Scopone, passed away. They had studied with him most of their lives. The sadness was intense as they gathered to grieve.

Their school was small, this group together since preschool, Dr. Scopone had always been around them. In their earliest years, a constant visitor, reading to them, playing with them. In year five he became their permanent teacher. Consequently, for them, it was like losing a parent.

One early year, they studied the dark arts and were fascinated by it. Always encouraging, Dr. Scopone had helped them to delve into it as long as they wanted. He never knew, however, how far they had delved. This spot was their temple now, they met here regularly, learning and practicing the dark arts together. They were good too. Today, however, the only thing on their mind was Dr. Scopone.

Arriving, they quickly formed a circle around the alter. The twelve students kneeling to grieve for their mentor. Suddenly the alter began to glow and before them appeared Dr. Scopone himself.

“My children!” he said to the shocked students, “My curse was my earthly body; with death my power is free. I molded you for a purpose. The time has come, you are my luck, my key, now we are thirteen. Through us, my power and your strength, I will finally rule the world!”

The students looked at one another, then Jared stood, “Figures, all he wanted was our power. I’m outa here.” The other students stood and followed.

“Ah” said Dr. Scopone, “I can’t follow you... Hello???”

As his presence faded he could be heard moaning, “I thought I got it right this time, I don’t want to start over! Come on, give me another chance...”