A.N. I forgot to mention that parts of this story is co-written with Jase Shadowstar. That's why my twin is writing another story on Daren. I would also like to thank the people who reviewed. ^_^ Oh yah, and I wouldn't know if it were like Magic because I know next to nothing about Magic. One more thing, the creatures and items are both somewhat int the cards, but the creatures live in a sort of pocket world of their own, and the spells are only represented by the cards, not actually in them. I hope you like the next section!

Star Of Sorcery

First Crossings

The main hall was crowded with the new arrivals, as well as some of the older students who didn't mind listening to the introductory speech again, or had simply never heard the Sorcery introductory because they had entered for something else. Jay was one of the latter. He had decided to come listen because he'd entered as a technology student, he'd never heard either the Sorcery, Arts, or Nature speeches. Las year he and Falcon had gone to the Nature intro, so this year they went to the Sorcery speech, which Irene had already heard.

"There sure are a lot of people for this one," Jay remarked as the two squeezed their way through the mob.

"That's because it's far more interesting then any of the others," Falcon smirked.

Jay just rolled his eyes as they found a moderately less crowded spot near the dais.

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"Ladies and gentlemen! I would like your attention please!" a tall woman with wavy, waist-length auburn hair shouted through the microphone, that hovered in midair before her.

The crowd hushed and she continued, "You have all chosen to study Sorcery as your main curriculum, so there's a few things you should know before you start."

"First off all, you need to understand the risk involved. Sorcery is extremely dangerous. There are those who have died trying to master its powers. That has not happened often, but failure to understand what you are doing will very likely be a damaging mistake."

"The second thing you need to know is to treat your creatures with respect. They are living beings like yourselves and deserve the same treatment you would give another human. They are not bound to obey you. They have chosen to be your partners, and they can choose to desert you as well," her piercing gaze swept the hall before her, looking into each uneasy, eager, or confused face.

Then she smiled at them all, breaking the mounting tension, "I know some of you don't have creatures of you own yet. Don't worry about it, they will come to you eventually it you are patient. With that, I would like to wish you all luck as you take your first steps on this journey that may, or may not, take you to the mastering of the wild powers of our world."

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James was too busy thinking about what he'd just heard to notice the large, rough looking silhouette in his path as he walked out of the hall.

"Hey! Watch where you're going kid!" the ruffian snarled, towering menacingly over smaller boy.

"Sorry, didn't see you there," he raised a mental eyebrow, "though I have to say, you're kind of hard to miss. I mean, really, how much did you eat to get so big?"

"Why you little-"

"Hey Ralson!" called a tall girl with flashing green eyes, "picking on the smaller ones again?"

"Stay out of this Chang," Ralson growled angrily, whirling to confront one of the school's best physical fighters.

"Hey James!" hissed a somewhat familiar voice in his ear.

James turned and gasped in surprise, "Jay! Is that Falcon over there? I'm really glad to see you two again I-"

"Later," Jay said, dragging the clueless James away from the area as quickly as possible.

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Daniel stood, preparing to leave the hall behind the mob so as not to get squashed. The dark haired boy he'd been sitting next to had given him an uneasy feeling, Dan was glad he'd already left.

That's strange, he thought, I don't think it's supposed to be this noisy.

Suddenly, the volume of the voices doubled-tripled! It was as if everyone in the vicinity was shouting in his ears. He stumbled backward, clamped his hands over his ears but it didn't do a jot of good. It was like having a thousand thundering waterfalls roaring in his head!

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Jay ushered James back into the hall so they wouldn't get trampled and it'd be easier for Falcon to find them. That was when he noticed that there was someone kneeling among the rows of his hand over his ears and his eyes squeezed shut.

I wonder what's wrong with him. Jay wondered as he pulled the still confused James over towards the trembling figure.

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"Are you okay?" someone asked from somewhere above him.

He opened his eyes and looked up into a pair of concerned blue ones and a set of curious hazel ones.

" . !" he managed to gasp out, " .loud."

"Too many people, too loud?" asked a girl coming up behind the others, "What's that supposed to mean? Jay, what's going on here?"

Jay's eyes widened in realization, "Falcon! Where are the least people likely to be right now?"

"The library?" she suggested, reserving her questions for later.

"All right, let's go to the library."

Jay pulled Daniel to his feet and they hurried off to the library, Falcon leading the way and James trailing behind.

A.N. Reviews and suggestions on how to improve are both highly appreciated!