A More Magical Union
Chapter 001 - This Is Not A Test
As long as Leylines exist, Magic itself...
Chapter 001 - This Is Not A Test
As long as Leylines exist, Magic itself...
A More Magical Union
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Chapter 001 - This Is Not A Test
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- The Usual Room
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A More Magical Union
Chapter 001 - This Is Not A Test
As long as Leylines exist, Magic itself cannot die. It can be made to slumber for a long time, but it can never truly disappear.
- The First Law of The Existence of Magic.
EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM
PRIMARY ENTRY POINT SYSTEM
ISSUED AN
EMERGENCY ACTION NOTIFICATION
We interrupt our programming. This is a national emergency. Important information will follow..
The following message is transmitted at the request of the United States Government. This is not a test.
At 12:21 PM, previously unknown and dormant Leylines erupted across the world, expelling magical energies that have affected every known person. This has caused many people to explode, and has caused all other affected persons to display various types of phenomenon known as magic
If you find yourself in possession of magic, do not use it until directed to by your local government or to protect yourself or others in an emergency situation. Do not experiment with your new magic. Do not use your magic on other people.
Due to various hazardous conditions, it is recommended that you take shelter for the next 12 hours. Close and lock all external doors and windows, and stay inside. If you have pets, bring them inside.
In addition, various people have undergone transformation into various beings. Many have gained animal-like features. They are not believed to be a danger at this time. However, they are very likely confused and emotional, due to their new bodies. If you have been transformed, stay calm. Stay indoors, or with loved ones and friends.
There are several clouds of expelled magical energy that have not yet dissipated. Do not enter these areas, as they are possibly dangerous. If you come across one, contact local authorities. If you see something inside, do not attract its attention. If something comes out of the energy cloud, run into a safe space or shelter and call 911. Do not try to apprehend it yourself.
Currently, the largest clouds in San Diego County are located in the following areas: Live Oak Springs, Jacumba, Alpine. Rainbow. If you are in one of these affected areas, a Shelter-In-Place warning is in effect. Seal all external exits with adhesive tape or towels. Turn off air conditioning and heating. Do not let anything in or out of your home.
This is an Emergency Action Notification. All broadcast stations and cable systems shall transmit this Emergency Action Notification Message. This station has interrupted its regular programming at the request of the White House to participate in the Emergency Alert System.
During this emergency, most stations will remain on the air providing news and information to the public in assigned areas. This is KNSD. We will continue to serve the San Diego area. If you are not in this Local Area, you should tune to stations providing news and information for your Local Area. You are listening to the Emergency Alert System serving the San Diego area.
Do not use your telephone. The telephone lines should be kept open for emergency use.
- EAS Signal, TV Statin KNSD, June 1st.
White House? What White House? You mean the one that's currently has a fucking dragon on it? Do we even have a government anymore? We don't even have a President anymore! He fucking exploded, man!
Oh God we're fucked. America's fucked.
- Dan Cooler, KNSD news anchor, live on air.
I can't really explain it.
I mean, I can explain it. Obviously, everyone has. Do it all the time. But at the same time, I just can't. Like, anything I tell you just... just wouldn't do it justice. You know, right? Don't matter what they tell you, it not like when you saw those Leylines turn on. Words can't do it. Hell, even videos don't do it justice. I just watched one on PixFlix last night. Football game in Arizona, whole stadium is awash in brown. I watched it, but it didn't feel right. It felt like... I dunno, duller, maybe? Less vibrant? I know it was a different place, but it just didn't compare. Wonder if I could find video of the one at my school.
Anyway, I was on my way to Social Studies with Cindy. Cindy and I, we were inseparable even back then. Utterly inseparable. I still remember what we were talking about. Cheerleader practice. Feels like a lifetime ago now. We didn't have to worry about Calcutta Puppets or if America was going to break apart back then. It was cheer-leading we were more concerned.
So, anyway, we were talking about our routine when this the Leyline cut a path right down the middle of the freaking hallway
I saw it flare through some of the students in front of us. I remember watching it going right through Jeremy, head to crotch. I mean, he survived it, but I didn't know that at the time. Really, I should have been freaking out more that the school nerd just apparently got bisected by a unknown thing. But I didn't really even have time to process it before it cut between me and Cindy. Like, literally between us. Of course, we didn't know about the Leyline quite yet. It was just like a flash, and wham, thin wisp of energy in between me and Cindy. And I mean real thin. About only a few inches. And it was right in front of me.
The Leyline was... would it be corny to say it was literally magical? Like, I know it's literally pouring magic. But I don't think I've ever looked at anything in quite the same way. God, I can't even describe the colors swirling around each other. Chasing after each other, like a game of tag. It was a dark blue and light green, I know that. But every time I've tried to find the exact color, I can't seem to find anything quite like it. It'll always be close. So close. But never the same.
I saw things twinkling inside. Not like the Fae playing their tricks. No, this was more like stars. Like when you go outside the city and it's lights, and just look up? Yeah, it was like a night sky. I know they weren't stars, but that's what I first thought. Like looking into the night sky. Yeah, the whole thing was like looking at the stars outside of all the city lights. I just stared at it. And I swear I heard something coming from it. Don't know what it was, but it sounded like it was full of excitement and passion.
I felt the magic enter me, but I really didn't notice it. I know Jeremy did, but then again he was right in the middle of the Leyline. Didn't notice the popping sounds that was Cindy's brain either. The Leyline was all I could look at. All I could think about. It was that beautiful.
A few of the other cheerleaders survived. Jenny told me she saw a black and pink energy near the flagpole. Said she saw the purest expression of emotion in the Leyline. I don't know how she saw emotion. Shouldn't it be impossible to see emotion? But I knew she was telling the truth. For each of us that survived, we saw something different in the Leylines. Something unique. Something that no video or picture can ever quite catch.
It only lasted about half a minute or so before the Leyline settled down. As I said, thin Leyline. But it still felt like forever. Even when it died down I couldn't quite do anything then just stare at where it had been.
Course, soon enough I noticed the back of Cindy's skull blown out all over the locker. Couldn't handle the magic. Of course, I screamed in horror. Funny thing, though. Somehow I don't remember the ugly things like that till later.
- Harriet Jones, quoted in On The Edge of a New World.
I've talked with all twenty subjects, and they're telling us the same thing. Upon the magical energy entering into them, they felt a fundamental change inside themselves. It was different for many of them, dependent upon the type of magic they were able to manifest. Both Ice mages felt a sudden coldness in their stomachs, even though it was June and neither of them ate anything cold or frozen. The subject with Chaos magic felt like a million voices were speaking to him for a few seconds. I have added my own experiences into the data, as I felt a sudden and intense temporary hatred for everything around me, even though I did not know any of them.
Each subject responded that they suddenly "knew" that magic was real. Each one also confessed they knew what kind of magic they had, what kind of casting they could do, that it is alive, and how it worked. They did not know how other types of magic or casting worked at all. Again, I can contribute to these findings with my own personal account. I know that I have Hate Magic, and that I can manifest it from myself via my glasses. While glasses as a Focus may seem odd, other subjects have used other various items, such as a phone, a twenty-dollar bill, and a ring. It seems to be similar to how a wand from certain books may act as a conduit for magical use. We believe that there are five different types of casting, though more data is required to confirm this.
As stated, we know that magic is alive. How it is alive we are uncertain. We have noticed groups of non-Changed species have shown up in certain rural areas. We do not know where they have come from, though already theories abound. While we do not know the intentions of most of them, some of them should be friendly. They may have the answers we seek.
- Journal of Doctor Stephen Wu
Parliament Dead. Queen taking over emergency government. Claims to be a lich. Don't let the public find out.
- British telegram found and preserved. The public had already found out by the time the telegram was sent.
I saw a girl beat another girl to death with a Prius.
Sounds like a joke. Probably could make a joke about how that's the only good thing you could do with a Prius. But, as sure as I live, I saw someone literally use that baby blue hunk of junk to kill another girl the same age.
I don't know why. Maybe it was some pre-Awakening beef. Maybe it was self defense. Hell, maybe all the chaos just finally made the bitch snap. I don't know. But I never thought I'd see someone use telekinesis to drop a car on someone over and over again while someone is singing at her. Yeah, I know it's some specialized type of magic, but I'm going with telekinetic, cause I can't be assed enough to look up the right term.
Even when the poor victim was dead and pasted all over the street, the crazy bitch just kept lifting that car up, then letting it fall back down. Up and down. Again and again, doing something with her hands and arms the entire time.
I mean, I know now that she was one of the rare Rank 4s Gesture Casters being powered further by an Incantation from her friend. But how the hell was I suppose to know that? Hell, even all that "inner knowledge" magic gave me didn't tell me a damn thing about this. I was some poor twenty year old who was trying to break into comedy. For fuck's sake I had a rubber chicken as my Focus, and I just happened to have that 'cause I was doing a show for my little brother's birthday party. How was I suppose to take that on?
And it wasn't just her. All around me, everyone had lost their damn minds. People were rioting like it was the end of the world. Hell, we didn't know better, maybe it was the end of the world. We'd just seen President Booker's face explode like it was Scanners. I'd seen a lot of people looting the corpses. Hell, they'd blown up. They didn't need their shit anymore. If I wasn't so damned scared about the police shooting me, I'd probably have lifted some of the stuff I'd seen
So, right after the telekinetic finished playing smash up, I saw a bunch of hoodlums just roll through and start throwing spells left and right out of the window. I saw a lot of people fall and not get back up. One dude got his nuts frozen. Another one got acid right in his eyes. Accidentally caught the local reporter with a stray fireball, but I don't think they cared. They just shot the place up, screaming about the east side. That one telekinetic bitch put the Prius up in front of her. Didn't help her singing friend any. Ate a burst of lead to the head and neck.
Everywhere I looked from my hiding spot was the same. People were panicked. Trying to escape the chaos. Many weren't even using magic, they just wanted to avoid all the riots and craziness. I mean, sure, the President was able to calm things down for the most part. Smooth speaker, that woman. And the military got order restored quickly. But that wasn't for another few hours. Right then, it was just nothing but blood and ruin as far as I can see.
Then I saw one of the gangsters point at someone in the street. Poor Changed Elf who got caught out in the open. Never had a chance. Froze his feet solid so he couldn't run away. I saw him smack his face on the sidewalk.
I don't know how he noticed me. I thought I'd found a good spot to hide. I saw him look at me, blood and snot running out of his nose. I could tell he was begging me to help him.
I wish I could tell you that I pulled a heroic sacrifice. That I used my magic to convince the others to leave him alone. I don't know, maybe I'd make them all laugh or something. Tell a joke or make a bad pun. Hell, I'd probably be dead. Not sure that would have been the worst outcome. But I just watched as the gang of jackals surrounded him. too goddamned scared to make a move. Even when one of them pointed at his ears, then made a motion like ripping something apart.
The only thing that kept them from ripping that boy apart right there was the fact that the bitch with the Prius smashed most of them in one swing of the Prius. She didn't actually save the boy, though. His head caught one of the tires full force. I was told later, he'd suffered "massive head trauma". Collateral damage.
I... I don't remember much after that. I think I fainted from sheer shock. Or maybe it was my mind's last ditch effort to just not go insane. I don't know. All I remember is some paramedic asking me if I was alright. Geeze, I dunno. I just witnessed a lot of people die. You tell me, doc.
Supposedly I'm a Joy Mage. Ironic, cause I haven't felt joy in a long time. I can barely even bring myself to smile, and I only managed that a few days ago. My aspirations into comedy are long dead. Most of my humor nowadays are of the gallows style. Hell, the only reason I still have that damned chicken around is cause it's my Foci and making a new one would just be draining. Even though just having the fucking thing mocks me. Like we're both just a couple of yellow chickens.
I still see that boy in my dreams. Frightened. Confused. Alone. I don't even know what his name was. Or where he was from. But his eyes. His bright blue eyes looking directly into mine. Asking me to help him. Save him. And I couldn't find the fucking balls to do it. Only reason I'm even telling you this is cause my shrink thinks I need to open up. Something about the healing process and letting it all out. Well, the scotch is helping too. Scotch always helps. 'specially when you're buying. Heh, with all those damned Life Mages around, I don't even have to worry about my liver dying out on me.
You know, the President said something about there being a light at the end of the tunnel. I hope, for all our sakes, that it just doesn't turn out to be a fucking bullet train.
Obviously, Robert Phillips would go on to be one of the most successful - and controversial - comedians. In fact, his sense of black comedy was in part due to these very events that would shape him...
- Robert Phillips, talking to fellow comedian Xavier Green, quoted in Still Hanging Around: The Rise of Black Comedy in the 20's
Don't Leave New Orleans.
The Miasma Protects Us
We Live Forever,
Though We're Already Dead.
- Graffiti found on an abandoned building
...while we believe that most of the people who died in the Awakening died due to an overexposure to magical energy, we can confirm that there was a significant number who died due to other reasons. We have confirmed many instances where the death of another person was a prime factor in causing a chain reaction. One instance was when a man driving a bus succumbed to overexposure in the middle of his route, causing the driverless bus to go over the edge of the bridge and into the local river.
Others were due to mismanagement of magical abilities. Magic being used by panicked individuals. Spontaneous-class Casters Tithing themselves too far by accident. Many incidents that, while easily avoidable today, were a common cause of non-overexposure deaths. Of course, there were those intentional uses of magic to kill somebody, which can be hard to prove.
And unfortunately, there were others where poor health simply killed them before anyone could get to them. The Awakening was one of the most stressful days ever recorded, and the events of the day simply meant there were not enough emergency personnel to save everybody. In our studies, we saw these numbers rise in rural areas, as they had less resources to deal with the Awakening then the major cities.
We will never be able to say with certainty the exact death toll. Besides the sheer impossibility of confirming all of the deaths of every person who died, some countries have either chosen not to hold a census, or to refuse to tell anyone the results. In fact, to this day China still refuses to tell anyone the amount of people it lost, though there are always rumors and speculations.
But by taking the best information we could gather, and running probability simulations and calculating the data for the last eighteen months, we have come to the following conclusion: That somewhere between 1.5 and 2 billion died in the Awakening
- Stephen Wu, Director of The American Institute of Magic at Treasure Island, at a lecture in 2026 at the United Nations at Nairobi, Kenya.
You know how many people ask me that question? "Oh Jada, what's it like to be a catgirl?" "What's it like to have a tail?" "Do you lick yourself?". Just purr-fect, it can get in the way, and none of your damn business.
My apologies, I didn't mean to...
Nah, it's cool. I wouldn't be doing this otherwise. It's just, after a while, it gets a bit repetitive. The same questions by the same ignorant fools. I'm like, damn man, at least ask me something different. Be creative with it.
I understand, ma'am. Mind if I ask about what it was like during the first few days?
Oh man, that was probably the worst day of my life. Sure, bunch of people died, and it was horrible and all. But I was just a sixteen year old girl at the time who just got a bit of cat mixed into her. You know how confusing it is being a teenager? Now add the Beastkin bits mixing in with the Human bits. I'm a bit ashamed to admit it, but I was a bit more concerned with my own problems. I mean, it's second nature now, but at the time I felt like I was losing my damned mind. I felt like I was two different people for a while there. All these new desires and things I wanted to do, even though I didn't know why. Like climbing. I still want to try and climb one of those damned tall apartment buildings, even though I know better. Not to mention my damn senses going crazy. You know, like smell and sound. Hell, I sat in a box for an entire hour before I realized it.
I don't mean to be rude, but you're sitting in a box right now.
Eh, I actually like it now. Especially since they made the box-chairs. So damn comfy. And it fits, so I sits.
Anyways, that wasn't the worst part. If I really focused on it, I could push those kitty bits aside and go about my day. Sure, I was one of the Changed, but I still had my old human nature to fall back on. Nah, it was the fact I was suddenly different. And at my school, being different meant the bullies noticed you. You know, the ones who like to think they're the alpha dog. True before magic, true now. I get why they don't let anyone under eighteen learn or use magic these days. Because of people like Hallie Johnson and her clique.
You'd think that such a world changing event would at least cause them to stop being assholes for a few moments. But nope, once the bitch brigade realized they had magic, and their best target was still grappling with the whole issue of "Suddenly, Cat!", they made my life hell. Pulled my tail, pulled my ears, tossed me up to see if I landed on my feet - turns out I do, whaddayaknow? - and all other sorts of cruel things. Do you know how much that shit hurt?
I tried to fight back. Scratch them up some. Bit that bitch in the arm. God, watching her eyes bulge was awesome. But there was just too many of them to escape, and I never had been much of a fighter. And one of them could apparently heal the rest of them, making anything I did temporary at best.
Then one of them pulled out a rat. Live fucking rat. Got it from biology class. Teacher likes to use it to feed the snakes. And once I saw it escape to the ground, I chased it. I chased after the damn thing I batted it around. I felt powerless as Hallie just laughed and laughed. And then, once I'd gotten bored, and it obviously wasn't moving, I bent down... I bent... and...
I understand why some of those Changed had their non-human parts removed. How they try and deny what they are. Those 'thumpers didn't help any. Neither did those Trumpers. Did you see that shit that one dickwaffle said right after Reyes' message? That we should all be rounded up. "For our own good." Bitch, I studied history. I know what happens to those who get rounded up. I could have been one of them just loathing myself, if it wasn't for my dad.
Your dad? Would that be Martin Washington?
One and only. You heard of him?
Heard he's a legend in Cleveland, though I'm not too familiar with his story firsthand.
I'll see if I can get him to talk to you. Surprised you didn't know I'm his daughter. I figured that's why you wanted to interview me.
Nope. I'm actually trying to get people's remembrance of the Awakening down, before it's forgotten. A couple of people suggested I talk to you.
Damn, then I really need to get you two to meet. Anyways, my dad just drove his damn cement truck into the school yard, looking for me. Thing looked like it'd been through hell. Well, it'd been through Cleveland, but I mean real hell. His partner later told me he'd driven it right through the Cuyahoga as it burned. I saw the video catching it, and I still don't believe it.
So, pulls it right up to where I am. And Hallie's had me by the neck when he gets out, so she's caught red-handed. All of a sudden my dad's suddenly up in her grill, chewing the bitch out and telling her if she doesn't let me go right the fuck now, he'd seal her ass in concrete and leave her buried under FirstEnergy stadium. Magic or no, when a six-nine black man tells you to leave his daughter alone, you do what he tells you. Hallie didn't even try to put up a fight. She and her group just ran their ass out of there.
I was still crying when he took me home. Hell, he had to carry me up the steps, cause I was in no shape to do much. But I could still hear him tell me that he loved me. He didn't care that I was a mix of human and cat Beastkin. He didn't care about the tail or the ears or the pupils. Or the blood and fur all in my grill. All he'd seen was his little girl needed him right then, and he was there. He was always there, whenever I needed him.
- Jada Washington, to Maximillion Banks, By The Light of the Leylines: A Collection of Conversations of the Early Days Of Magic
Breaking news coming in from San Francisco. We can now confirm that at least one member of the federal government is alive. John Burton has more.
Yes, Cindy, we have confirmed it as of ten minutes ago. We have found Attorney General Elaina Reyes is indeed alive and well in San Francisco. The worst had been feared when her motorcade had been found crashed into a Starbucks a few minutes away from the Golden Gate Bridge. However, as we have indeed confirmed, she and a few member of her protection detail were able to call for assistance. As far as we know, she is the only member of the Cabinet that is confirmed to be alive
So John, how exactly did the AG survive?
Mainly by not being in Washington when The First And The Last burned it to the ground. As you know, she was in San Francisco to speak to the students at George Washington High School, where she had graduated from. It was nothing more then good luck that saved her.
Right now, we need all the luck we can get.
Indeed, Cindy. As of right now, she is the government. We believe that most of the government is indeed dead. We cannot confirm the condition of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Billards, though he is believed to be within the Detroit Miasma if he is still alive. Representative Linda McMahon (R) of Connecticut and Representative Barbara Lee (D) of California have been confirmed to be alive as of an hour ago, bringing the total amount of Congressmen alive to 4. However, as less then twenty percent of the government are able to do their duties, the Emergency Continuance of Government Act will go into effect, giving Attorney General Reyes broad power in assuring that America keeps functioning...
- KNSD 6 O' Clock News, 6/1/21
We heard the Fae before we saw them. The childish giggling. The buzzing of their wings. The sound of glass cracking. We didn't know what was happening, since the red fog was making it hard to see anything. Probably what kept us from killing each other like the other big cities. But we were still nervous.
I mean, sure, we know now that Queen Lea-Oon was the best thing to happen to Detroit. But we didn't know that at the time. All we knew was that something was out there. We weren't sure if was going to break in and kill us all. So I was kind of surprised they even bothered to knock on my door and ask if they could come in.
- Unknown contributor, quoted in The Marked of Detroit
I, Elaina Reyes, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
- Former Attorney General Elaina Reyes 47th President of the United States, being sworn in by a local judge
Chapter 001 - This Is Not A Test
As long as Leylines exist, Magic itself cannot die. It can be made to slumber for a long time, but it can never truly disappear.
- The First Law of The Existence of Magic.
EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM
PRIMARY ENTRY POINT SYSTEM
ISSUED AN
EMERGENCY ACTION NOTIFICATION
We interrupt our programming. This is a national emergency. Important information will follow..
The following message is transmitted at the request of the United States Government. This is not a test.
At 12:21 PM, previously unknown and dormant Leylines erupted across the world, expelling magical energies that have affected every known person. This has caused many people to explode, and has caused all other affected persons to display various types of phenomenon known as magic
If you find yourself in possession of magic, do not use it until directed to by your local government or to protect yourself or others in an emergency situation. Do not experiment with your new magic. Do not use your magic on other people.
Due to various hazardous conditions, it is recommended that you take shelter for the next 12 hours. Close and lock all external doors and windows, and stay inside. If you have pets, bring them inside.
In addition, various people have undergone transformation into various beings. Many have gained animal-like features. They are not believed to be a danger at this time. However, they are very likely confused and emotional, due to their new bodies. If you have been transformed, stay calm. Stay indoors, or with loved ones and friends.
There are several clouds of expelled magical energy that have not yet dissipated. Do not enter these areas, as they are possibly dangerous. If you come across one, contact local authorities. If you see something inside, do not attract its attention. If something comes out of the energy cloud, run into a safe space or shelter and call 911. Do not try to apprehend it yourself.
Currently, the largest clouds in San Diego County are located in the following areas: Live Oak Springs, Jacumba, Alpine. Rainbow. If you are in one of these affected areas, a Shelter-In-Place warning is in effect. Seal all external exits with adhesive tape or towels. Turn off air conditioning and heating. Do not let anything in or out of your home.
This is an Emergency Action Notification. All broadcast stations and cable systems shall transmit this Emergency Action Notification Message. This station has interrupted its regular programming at the request of the White House to participate in the Emergency Alert System.
During this emergency, most stations will remain on the air providing news and information to the public in assigned areas. This is KNSD. We will continue to serve the San Diego area. If you are not in this Local Area, you should tune to stations providing news and information for your Local Area. You are listening to the Emergency Alert System serving the San Diego area.
Do not use your telephone. The telephone lines should be kept open for emergency use.
- EAS Signal, TV Statin KNSD, June 1st.
White House? What White House? You mean the one that's currently has a fucking dragon on it? Do we even have a government anymore? We don't even have a President anymore! He fucking exploded, man!
Oh God we're fucked. America's fucked.
- Dan Cooler, KNSD news anchor, live on air.
I can't really explain it.
I mean, I can explain it. Obviously, everyone has. Do it all the time. But at the same time, I just can't. Like, anything I tell you just... just wouldn't do it justice. You know, right? Don't matter what they tell you, it not like when you saw those Leylines turn on. Words can't do it. Hell, even videos don't do it justice. I just watched one on PixFlix last night. Football game in Arizona, whole stadium is awash in brown. I watched it, but it didn't feel right. It felt like... I dunno, duller, maybe? Less vibrant? I know it was a different place, but it just didn't compare. Wonder if I could find video of the one at my school.
Anyway, I was on my way to Social Studies with Cindy. Cindy and I, we were inseparable even back then. Utterly inseparable. I still remember what we were talking about. Cheerleader practice. Feels like a lifetime ago now. We didn't have to worry about Calcutta Puppets or if America was going to break apart back then. It was cheer-leading we were more concerned.
So, anyway, we were talking about our routine when this the Leyline cut a path right down the middle of the freaking hallway
I saw it flare through some of the students in front of us. I remember watching it going right through Jeremy, head to crotch. I mean, he survived it, but I didn't know that at the time. Really, I should have been freaking out more that the school nerd just apparently got bisected by a unknown thing. But I didn't really even have time to process it before it cut between me and Cindy. Like, literally between us. Of course, we didn't know about the Leyline quite yet. It was just like a flash, and wham, thin wisp of energy in between me and Cindy. And I mean real thin. About only a few inches. And it was right in front of me.
The Leyline was... would it be corny to say it was literally magical? Like, I know it's literally pouring magic. But I don't think I've ever looked at anything in quite the same way. God, I can't even describe the colors swirling around each other. Chasing after each other, like a game of tag. It was a dark blue and light green, I know that. But every time I've tried to find the exact color, I can't seem to find anything quite like it. It'll always be close. So close. But never the same.
I saw things twinkling inside. Not like the Fae playing their tricks. No, this was more like stars. Like when you go outside the city and it's lights, and just look up? Yeah, it was like a night sky. I know they weren't stars, but that's what I first thought. Like looking into the night sky. Yeah, the whole thing was like looking at the stars outside of all the city lights. I just stared at it. And I swear I heard something coming from it. Don't know what it was, but it sounded like it was full of excitement and passion.
I felt the magic enter me, but I really didn't notice it. I know Jeremy did, but then again he was right in the middle of the Leyline. Didn't notice the popping sounds that was Cindy's brain either. The Leyline was all I could look at. All I could think about. It was that beautiful.
A few of the other cheerleaders survived. Jenny told me she saw a black and pink energy near the flagpole. Said she saw the purest expression of emotion in the Leyline. I don't know how she saw emotion. Shouldn't it be impossible to see emotion? But I knew she was telling the truth. For each of us that survived, we saw something different in the Leylines. Something unique. Something that no video or picture can ever quite catch.
It only lasted about half a minute or so before the Leyline settled down. As I said, thin Leyline. But it still felt like forever. Even when it died down I couldn't quite do anything then just stare at where it had been.
Course, soon enough I noticed the back of Cindy's skull blown out all over the locker. Couldn't handle the magic. Of course, I screamed in horror. Funny thing, though. Somehow I don't remember the ugly things like that till later.
- Harriet Jones, quoted in On The Edge of a New World.
I've talked with all twenty subjects, and they're telling us the same thing. Upon the magical energy entering into them, they felt a fundamental change inside themselves. It was different for many of them, dependent upon the type of magic they were able to manifest. Both Ice mages felt a sudden coldness in their stomachs, even though it was June and neither of them ate anything cold or frozen. The subject with Chaos magic felt like a million voices were speaking to him for a few seconds. I have added my own experiences into the data, as I felt a sudden and intense temporary hatred for everything around me, even though I did not know any of them.
Each subject responded that they suddenly "knew" that magic was real. Each one also confessed they knew what kind of magic they had, what kind of casting they could do, that it is alive, and how it worked. They did not know how other types of magic or casting worked at all. Again, I can contribute to these findings with my own personal account. I know that I have Hate Magic, and that I can manifest it from myself via my glasses. While glasses as a Focus may seem odd, other subjects have used other various items, such as a phone, a twenty-dollar bill, and a ring. It seems to be similar to how a wand from certain books may act as a conduit for magical use. We believe that there are five different types of casting, though more data is required to confirm this.
As stated, we know that magic is alive. How it is alive we are uncertain. We have noticed groups of non-Changed species have shown up in certain rural areas. We do not know where they have come from, though already theories abound. While we do not know the intentions of most of them, some of them should be friendly. They may have the answers we seek.
- Journal of Doctor Stephen Wu
Parliament Dead. Queen taking over emergency government. Claims to be a lich. Don't let the public find out.
- British telegram found and preserved. The public had already found out by the time the telegram was sent.
I saw a girl beat another girl to death with a Prius.
Sounds like a joke. Probably could make a joke about how that's the only good thing you could do with a Prius. But, as sure as I live, I saw someone literally use that baby blue hunk of junk to kill another girl the same age.
I don't know why. Maybe it was some pre-Awakening beef. Maybe it was self defense. Hell, maybe all the chaos just finally made the bitch snap. I don't know. But I never thought I'd see someone use telekinesis to drop a car on someone over and over again while someone is singing at her. Yeah, I know it's some specialized type of magic, but I'm going with telekinetic, cause I can't be assed enough to look up the right term.
Even when the poor victim was dead and pasted all over the street, the crazy bitch just kept lifting that car up, then letting it fall back down. Up and down. Again and again, doing something with her hands and arms the entire time.
I mean, I know now that she was one of the rare Rank 4s Gesture Casters being powered further by an Incantation from her friend. But how the hell was I suppose to know that? Hell, even all that "inner knowledge" magic gave me didn't tell me a damn thing about this. I was some poor twenty year old who was trying to break into comedy. For fuck's sake I had a rubber chicken as my Focus, and I just happened to have that 'cause I was doing a show for my little brother's birthday party. How was I suppose to take that on?
And it wasn't just her. All around me, everyone had lost their damn minds. People were rioting like it was the end of the world. Hell, we didn't know better, maybe it was the end of the world. We'd just seen President Booker's face explode like it was Scanners. I'd seen a lot of people looting the corpses. Hell, they'd blown up. They didn't need their shit anymore. If I wasn't so damned scared about the police shooting me, I'd probably have lifted some of the stuff I'd seen
So, right after the telekinetic finished playing smash up, I saw a bunch of hoodlums just roll through and start throwing spells left and right out of the window. I saw a lot of people fall and not get back up. One dude got his nuts frozen. Another one got acid right in his eyes. Accidentally caught the local reporter with a stray fireball, but I don't think they cared. They just shot the place up, screaming about the east side. That one telekinetic bitch put the Prius up in front of her. Didn't help her singing friend any. Ate a burst of lead to the head and neck.
Everywhere I looked from my hiding spot was the same. People were panicked. Trying to escape the chaos. Many weren't even using magic, they just wanted to avoid all the riots and craziness. I mean, sure, the President was able to calm things down for the most part. Smooth speaker, that woman. And the military got order restored quickly. But that wasn't for another few hours. Right then, it was just nothing but blood and ruin as far as I can see.
Then I saw one of the gangsters point at someone in the street. Poor Changed Elf who got caught out in the open. Never had a chance. Froze his feet solid so he couldn't run away. I saw him smack his face on the sidewalk.
I don't know how he noticed me. I thought I'd found a good spot to hide. I saw him look at me, blood and snot running out of his nose. I could tell he was begging me to help him.
I wish I could tell you that I pulled a heroic sacrifice. That I used my magic to convince the others to leave him alone. I don't know, maybe I'd make them all laugh or something. Tell a joke or make a bad pun. Hell, I'd probably be dead. Not sure that would have been the worst outcome. But I just watched as the gang of jackals surrounded him. too goddamned scared to make a move. Even when one of them pointed at his ears, then made a motion like ripping something apart.
The only thing that kept them from ripping that boy apart right there was the fact that the bitch with the Prius smashed most of them in one swing of the Prius. She didn't actually save the boy, though. His head caught one of the tires full force. I was told later, he'd suffered "massive head trauma". Collateral damage.
I... I don't remember much after that. I think I fainted from sheer shock. Or maybe it was my mind's last ditch effort to just not go insane. I don't know. All I remember is some paramedic asking me if I was alright. Geeze, I dunno. I just witnessed a lot of people die. You tell me, doc.
Supposedly I'm a Joy Mage. Ironic, cause I haven't felt joy in a long time. I can barely even bring myself to smile, and I only managed that a few days ago. My aspirations into comedy are long dead. Most of my humor nowadays are of the gallows style. Hell, the only reason I still have that damned chicken around is cause it's my Foci and making a new one would just be draining. Even though just having the fucking thing mocks me. Like we're both just a couple of yellow chickens.
I still see that boy in my dreams. Frightened. Confused. Alone. I don't even know what his name was. Or where he was from. But his eyes. His bright blue eyes looking directly into mine. Asking me to help him. Save him. And I couldn't find the fucking balls to do it. Only reason I'm even telling you this is cause my shrink thinks I need to open up. Something about the healing process and letting it all out. Well, the scotch is helping too. Scotch always helps. 'specially when you're buying. Heh, with all those damned Life Mages around, I don't even have to worry about my liver dying out on me.
You know, the President said something about there being a light at the end of the tunnel. I hope, for all our sakes, that it just doesn't turn out to be a fucking bullet train.
Obviously, Robert Phillips would go on to be one of the most successful - and controversial - comedians. In fact, his sense of black comedy was in part due to these very events that would shape him...
- Robert Phillips, talking to fellow comedian Xavier Green, quoted in Still Hanging Around: The Rise of Black Comedy in the 20's
Don't Leave New Orleans.
The Miasma Protects Us
We Live Forever,
Though We're Already Dead.
- Graffiti found on an abandoned building
...while we believe that most of the people who died in the Awakening died due to an overexposure to magical energy, we can confirm that there was a significant number who died due to other reasons. We have confirmed many instances where the death of another person was a prime factor in causing a chain reaction. One instance was when a man driving a bus succumbed to overexposure in the middle of his route, causing the driverless bus to go over the edge of the bridge and into the local river.
Others were due to mismanagement of magical abilities. Magic being used by panicked individuals. Spontaneous-class Casters Tithing themselves too far by accident. Many incidents that, while easily avoidable today, were a common cause of non-overexposure deaths. Of course, there were those intentional uses of magic to kill somebody, which can be hard to prove.
And unfortunately, there were others where poor health simply killed them before anyone could get to them. The Awakening was one of the most stressful days ever recorded, and the events of the day simply meant there were not enough emergency personnel to save everybody. In our studies, we saw these numbers rise in rural areas, as they had less resources to deal with the Awakening then the major cities.
We will never be able to say with certainty the exact death toll. Besides the sheer impossibility of confirming all of the deaths of every person who died, some countries have either chosen not to hold a census, or to refuse to tell anyone the results. In fact, to this day China still refuses to tell anyone the amount of people it lost, though there are always rumors and speculations.
But by taking the best information we could gather, and running probability simulations and calculating the data for the last eighteen months, we have come to the following conclusion: That somewhere between 1.5 and 2 billion died in the Awakening
- Stephen Wu, Director of The American Institute of Magic at Treasure Island, at a lecture in 2026 at the United Nations at Nairobi, Kenya.
You know how many people ask me that question? "Oh Jada, what's it like to be a catgirl?" "What's it like to have a tail?" "Do you lick yourself?". Just purr-fect, it can get in the way, and none of your damn business.
My apologies, I didn't mean to...
Nah, it's cool. I wouldn't be doing this otherwise. It's just, after a while, it gets a bit repetitive. The same questions by the same ignorant fools. I'm like, damn man, at least ask me something different. Be creative with it.
I understand, ma'am. Mind if I ask about what it was like during the first few days?
Oh man, that was probably the worst day of my life. Sure, bunch of people died, and it was horrible and all. But I was just a sixteen year old girl at the time who just got a bit of cat mixed into her. You know how confusing it is being a teenager? Now add the Beastkin bits mixing in with the Human bits. I'm a bit ashamed to admit it, but I was a bit more concerned with my own problems. I mean, it's second nature now, but at the time I felt like I was losing my damned mind. I felt like I was two different people for a while there. All these new desires and things I wanted to do, even though I didn't know why. Like climbing. I still want to try and climb one of those damned tall apartment buildings, even though I know better. Not to mention my damn senses going crazy. You know, like smell and sound. Hell, I sat in a box for an entire hour before I realized it.
I don't mean to be rude, but you're sitting in a box right now.
Eh, I actually like it now. Especially since they made the box-chairs. So damn comfy. And it fits, so I sits.
Anyways, that wasn't the worst part. If I really focused on it, I could push those kitty bits aside and go about my day. Sure, I was one of the Changed, but I still had my old human nature to fall back on. Nah, it was the fact I was suddenly different. And at my school, being different meant the bullies noticed you. You know, the ones who like to think they're the alpha dog. True before magic, true now. I get why they don't let anyone under eighteen learn or use magic these days. Because of people like Hallie Johnson and her clique.
You'd think that such a world changing event would at least cause them to stop being assholes for a few moments. But nope, once the bitch brigade realized they had magic, and their best target was still grappling with the whole issue of "Suddenly, Cat!", they made my life hell. Pulled my tail, pulled my ears, tossed me up to see if I landed on my feet - turns out I do, whaddayaknow? - and all other sorts of cruel things. Do you know how much that shit hurt?
I tried to fight back. Scratch them up some. Bit that bitch in the arm. God, watching her eyes bulge was awesome. But there was just too many of them to escape, and I never had been much of a fighter. And one of them could apparently heal the rest of them, making anything I did temporary at best.
Then one of them pulled out a rat. Live fucking rat. Got it from biology class. Teacher likes to use it to feed the snakes. And once I saw it escape to the ground, I chased it. I chased after the damn thing I batted it around. I felt powerless as Hallie just laughed and laughed. And then, once I'd gotten bored, and it obviously wasn't moving, I bent down... I bent... and...
I understand why some of those Changed had their non-human parts removed. How they try and deny what they are. Those 'thumpers didn't help any. Neither did those Trumpers. Did you see that shit that one dickwaffle said right after Reyes' message? That we should all be rounded up. "For our own good." Bitch, I studied history. I know what happens to those who get rounded up. I could have been one of them just loathing myself, if it wasn't for my dad.
Your dad? Would that be Martin Washington?
One and only. You heard of him?
Heard he's a legend in Cleveland, though I'm not too familiar with his story firsthand.
I'll see if I can get him to talk to you. Surprised you didn't know I'm his daughter. I figured that's why you wanted to interview me.
Nope. I'm actually trying to get people's remembrance of the Awakening down, before it's forgotten. A couple of people suggested I talk to you.
Damn, then I really need to get you two to meet. Anyways, my dad just drove his damn cement truck into the school yard, looking for me. Thing looked like it'd been through hell. Well, it'd been through Cleveland, but I mean real hell. His partner later told me he'd driven it right through the Cuyahoga as it burned. I saw the video catching it, and I still don't believe it.
So, pulls it right up to where I am. And Hallie's had me by the neck when he gets out, so she's caught red-handed. All of a sudden my dad's suddenly up in her grill, chewing the bitch out and telling her if she doesn't let me go right the fuck now, he'd seal her ass in concrete and leave her buried under FirstEnergy stadium. Magic or no, when a six-nine black man tells you to leave his daughter alone, you do what he tells you. Hallie didn't even try to put up a fight. She and her group just ran their ass out of there.
I was still crying when he took me home. Hell, he had to carry me up the steps, cause I was in no shape to do much. But I could still hear him tell me that he loved me. He didn't care that I was a mix of human and cat Beastkin. He didn't care about the tail or the ears or the pupils. Or the blood and fur all in my grill. All he'd seen was his little girl needed him right then, and he was there. He was always there, whenever I needed him.
- Jada Washington, to Maximillion Banks, By The Light of the Leylines: A Collection of Conversations of the Early Days Of Magic
Breaking news coming in from San Francisco. We can now confirm that at least one member of the federal government is alive. John Burton has more.
Yes, Cindy, we have confirmed it as of ten minutes ago. We have found Attorney General Elaina Reyes is indeed alive and well in San Francisco. The worst had been feared when her motorcade had been found crashed into a Starbucks a few minutes away from the Golden Gate Bridge. However, as we have indeed confirmed, she and a few member of her protection detail were able to call for assistance. As far as we know, she is the only member of the Cabinet that is confirmed to be alive
So John, how exactly did the AG survive?
Mainly by not being in Washington when The First And The Last burned it to the ground. As you know, she was in San Francisco to speak to the students at George Washington High School, where she had graduated from. It was nothing more then good luck that saved her.
Right now, we need all the luck we can get.
Indeed, Cindy. As of right now, she is the government. We believe that most of the government is indeed dead. We cannot confirm the condition of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Billards, though he is believed to be within the Detroit Miasma if he is still alive. Representative Linda McMahon (R) of Connecticut and Representative Barbara Lee (D) of California have been confirmed to be alive as of an hour ago, bringing the total amount of Congressmen alive to 4. However, as less then twenty percent of the government are able to do their duties, the Emergency Continuance of Government Act will go into effect, giving Attorney General Reyes broad power in assuring that America keeps functioning...
- KNSD 6 O' Clock News, 6/1/21
We heard the Fae before we saw them. The childish giggling. The buzzing of their wings. The sound of glass cracking. We didn't know what was happening, since the red fog was making it hard to see anything. Probably what kept us from killing each other like the other big cities. But we were still nervous.
I mean, sure, we know now that Queen Lea-Oon was the best thing to happen to Detroit. But we didn't know that at the time. All we knew was that something was out there. We weren't sure if was going to break in and kill us all. So I was kind of surprised they even bothered to knock on my door and ask if they could come in.
- Unknown contributor, quoted in The Marked of Detroit
I, Elaina Reyes, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
- Former Attorney General Elaina Reyes 47th President of the United States, being sworn in by a local judge
A More Magical FAQ
- Location
- The Usual Room
- Pronouns
- He/Him
A More Magical Union FAQ
So, Novus, what the hell is this?
This is A More Magical Union, a story where America (and the world) gains magic through a cataclysmic event called the Awakening. It is based off one of my old quests called The Continuance of Government, with various changes. I liked the world too much to let it die forever, so here it is. It's taken me a few months to get it going, but with the help of my friends, it's up and running!
...and which friends did you rope into helping you?
Welp, I got the following people to help me on this magical endeavor.
@Hydroplatypus
@Xalgeon
@Archeo Lumiere
@Fission Battery
They've given me ideas, reigned in my insanity, and have given me some very good feedback. Without them, this would be nothing.
Alright, so what's your inspiration for this story?
Well, for inspiration on the format, I've been inspired by such stories as A World of Laughter, A World of Tears and That Wacky Redhead. I enjoyed the snippets of different documentation and media, so expect it to go like that. As for content, I have gotten idea from many different magic stories and concepts, as well as a few other different ideas. Too many to really give a good list.
Where's the main focus of this story?
The main focus will be what happens within America. We will look at various people from many walks of life as the Awakening affects everyone still alive. Some people may be quoted or referenced more, but not exclusively. Also, from time to time we will look on what happens in different parts of the world.
So, how often will this be updated?
Can't give an honest answer to that. But I will be active in working on this universe.
What if I have a question?
Feel free to ask! I love questions.
So, Novus, what the hell is this?
This is A More Magical Union, a story where America (and the world) gains magic through a cataclysmic event called the Awakening. It is based off one of my old quests called The Continuance of Government, with various changes. I liked the world too much to let it die forever, so here it is. It's taken me a few months to get it going, but with the help of my friends, it's up and running!
...and which friends did you rope into helping you?
Welp, I got the following people to help me on this magical endeavor.
@Hydroplatypus
@Xalgeon
@Archeo Lumiere
@Fission Battery
They've given me ideas, reigned in my insanity, and have given me some very good feedback. Without them, this would be nothing.
Alright, so what's your inspiration for this story?
Well, for inspiration on the format, I've been inspired by such stories as A World of Laughter, A World of Tears and That Wacky Redhead. I enjoyed the snippets of different documentation and media, so expect it to go like that. As for content, I have gotten idea from many different magic stories and concepts, as well as a few other different ideas. Too many to really give a good list.
Where's the main focus of this story?
The main focus will be what happens within America. We will look at various people from many walks of life as the Awakening affects everyone still alive. Some people may be quoted or referenced more, but not exclusively. Also, from time to time we will look on what happens in different parts of the world.
So, how often will this be updated?
Can't give an honest answer to that. But I will be active in working on this universe.
What if I have a question?
Feel free to ask! I love questions.
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Chapter 2 Snip: Guarding Lollipop
- Location
- The Usual Room
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Alright, so, every so often I'll post snippets that are done and ready. These will generally (but not always) be part of the upcoming chapter for now. So, hope you enjoy this.
We are now being told that President Reyes will be giving a speech to the nation within the hour.
- KNSD News, 5:10 PM
--
People ask me what it was like, hearing that iconic speech up close. I couldn't even tell you. I was too damn busy making sure LOLLIPOP wasn't turned into a bloody smear in front of a national audience.
We were worried about how it would go. Hell, we didn't even like the idea of the President being on the ground floor of City Hall. Out on the front steps? Jesus Christ we were crapping ourselves through the whole thing. We only had about a third of the Service members survive the Awakening. Nobody could be flown in on that short a notice, and the local precinct couldn't loan us a damn cop. Worse, the magic we'd gained wasn't protective at all. And I doubt our bodies would have done much to stop a fireball
If anyone wanted to off the President right then, there wasn't much we were going to do to stop it.
We told her as much, of course. Didn't change her mind at all. She was going to do what she thought was right, and damn the consequences. Sure, it was what made her the hero she was, but man did it make protecting her a right bitch.
- Dmitri Velasco - Guarding Lollipop
We are now being told that President Reyes will be giving a speech to the nation within the hour.
- KNSD News, 5:10 PM
--
People ask me what it was like, hearing that iconic speech up close. I couldn't even tell you. I was too damn busy making sure LOLLIPOP wasn't turned into a bloody smear in front of a national audience.
We were worried about how it would go. Hell, we didn't even like the idea of the President being on the ground floor of City Hall. Out on the front steps? Jesus Christ we were crapping ourselves through the whole thing. We only had about a third of the Service members survive the Awakening. Nobody could be flown in on that short a notice, and the local precinct couldn't loan us a damn cop. Worse, the magic we'd gained wasn't protective at all. And I doubt our bodies would have done much to stop a fireball
If anyone wanted to off the President right then, there wasn't much we were going to do to stop it.
We told her as much, of course. Didn't change her mind at all. She was going to do what she thought was right, and damn the consequences. Sure, it was what made her the hero she was, but man did it make protecting her a right bitch.
- Dmitri Velasco - Guarding Lollipop
Chapter 2 Snip: Dr. Wu
- Location
- The Usual Room
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Why did the President pick me to run the American Institute of Magic? Simple matter, Maximillion. The moment the Awakening happened, I started gathering data.
Right away? Without a second thought?
I can understand why that might be strange. Unlike many of my colleagues, I have no living family. No close friends outside of work. No personal plans other then the pursuit of science. I could afford to start working on the matter right away thanks to those lack of attachments.
All right. So, what did you do first?
I took the information magic gave us all, and started creating hypothesis. First, me and my colleagues experimented with our own magic. Once we were satisfied with the results, we started bringing in other subjects. We offered them compensation in exchange for experimentation. I believe you've read my journal of that day?
Yes, I did. Very interesting stuff.
Yes. It was not as orderly as I would have wanted, but we had to make do. We were lucky to get the volunteers we did. Many of them just didn't want to get caught in the chaos outside. Anyways, we put out that information on all of the outlets we could. News, internet, radio, anyone who'd listen to us. Granted, it was rudimentary at best, and liable to change at any time, but it was information that could save lives.
Right after the President said that she wanted to study magic, we got the call. They wanted us to spearhead magical research. As for why I got chosen as the head, that was mainly thanks to the other scientist.
They respected you that much?
And they didn't want to get stuck with the extra paperwork, mostly.
Anyway, the plan was to transform Treasure Island into our personal home of magical science. Don't know why she chose it, but she was the boss now. Basically, she gave us three mandates. Gather the brightest minds. Study everything we could about magic. Don't blow up the island.
- Doctor Stephen Wu, to Maximillion Banks, By The Light of the Leylines: A Collection of Conversations of the Early Days Of Magic
--
Did you think I was gone forever? I've got so much to write...
Right away? Without a second thought?
I can understand why that might be strange. Unlike many of my colleagues, I have no living family. No close friends outside of work. No personal plans other then the pursuit of science. I could afford to start working on the matter right away thanks to those lack of attachments.
All right. So, what did you do first?
I took the information magic gave us all, and started creating hypothesis. First, me and my colleagues experimented with our own magic. Once we were satisfied with the results, we started bringing in other subjects. We offered them compensation in exchange for experimentation. I believe you've read my journal of that day?
Yes, I did. Very interesting stuff.
Yes. It was not as orderly as I would have wanted, but we had to make do. We were lucky to get the volunteers we did. Many of them just didn't want to get caught in the chaos outside. Anyways, we put out that information on all of the outlets we could. News, internet, radio, anyone who'd listen to us. Granted, it was rudimentary at best, and liable to change at any time, but it was information that could save lives.
Right after the President said that she wanted to study magic, we got the call. They wanted us to spearhead magical research. As for why I got chosen as the head, that was mainly thanks to the other scientist.
They respected you that much?
And they didn't want to get stuck with the extra paperwork, mostly.
Anyway, the plan was to transform Treasure Island into our personal home of magical science. Don't know why she chose it, but she was the boss now. Basically, she gave us three mandates. Gather the brightest minds. Study everything we could about magic. Don't blow up the island.
- Doctor Stephen Wu, to Maximillion Banks, By The Light of the Leylines: A Collection of Conversations of the Early Days Of Magic
--
Did you think I was gone forever? I've got so much to write...