Chapter 19

THE TALENT SHOW

A few weeks later, the school was alive with activity as everyone prepared for the talent show to begin. Lucy was excited. Although all her friends had gotten parts in the production, she preferred to be behind the scenes, and was happy with her choice to be the stage manager. When Adam had asked her why she wasn’t showing off her hunting skills, she had replied, “I like to hunt alone, and I hunt so I can provide my friends with food. I’m not someone who wants to be on stage.”

Adam had understood, though he was excited to be a part of the show. He was going to brew potions on stage.

But the day of the performance, he found Lucy backstage. “I know you dislike being on stage, but would you consider being my assistant?” he asked.

Lucy paused. She wanted to help Adam, and she knew how important this show was to him.

“We work so well together. I know you’re what I need to make my act perfect,” Adam said, seeing her hesitation.

Lucy groaned, but she nodded. “I hope you make me disappear with one of your potions.”

“I will! But I’m also going to make you reappear.” Adam grinned.

It seemed like seconds later that Lucy was on stage with Adam, who stood next to her and brewed a potion.

“This is a potion of weakness,” he announced to the audience before splashing it on Lucy.

She felt terribly weak.

“This is a potion of strength.” He splashed the next potion on Lucy, and she felt incredibly energetic.

“Now I will make Lucy disappear,” Adam announced.

Lucy was relieved when he splashed the potion on her. Since she had access to the schedule as the stage manager, she knew her part in Adam’s act was almost over. Though, as Adam made her visible once again, she realized she had actually kind of enjoyed being part of the act and seeing the audience’s reactions from the stage. Maybe being in the spotlight wasn’t so bad.

Everyone applauded when Adam’s act was over, and Phoebe caught Adam and Lucy backstage. “Adam, you were great! And Lucy, you make a fabulous assistant.”

They thanked Phoebe, and then rushed to find seats in the audience. They wanted to see Debbie’s battle.

Debbie was paired with another skilled swordsman. Both fighters stood in the center of the stage.

Victoria announced, “Let the battle begin.”

Debbie and her opponent struck each other with their powerful diamond swords. Debbie slashed at the woman, and she dropped her sword. When she reached for it, Debbie delivered a final blow and her opponent was destroyed.

“We have a winner!” Victoria announced. “And Debbie, you have also set a record for the quickest fight in the show.”

Debbie was beaming. She hurried over to Maya. “Can you believe I actually won?”

“Of course I can,” Maya said with a smile. “You’re one of the best fighters in the Overworld.”

At the end of the show, Isaac gave out awards for the best performances. Debbie received one for being the best fighter in the show.

Adam was shocked when his name was called. Isaac announced, “Adam, you were not only a master alchemist, but you also put on a fantastic show. You should thank your assistant, Lucy, for helping you.”

Adam leapt onto the stage and asked Lucy to join him. “This is also your award, Lucy.”

Lucy looked out at the crowd and smiled. Yes, she definitely did like being on stage after all.

When the final winners were announced, Isaac’s job was done. Lucy saw Victoria begin to escort Isaac back to his jail cell, and she felt awful. Isaac had been an excellent judge, and he had really helped them during the battle with the rainbow griefers. How could Victoria not see that? She ran after them, touching Victoria’s elbow to stop her.

“Does Isaac have to go back to jail?” she asked.

“Lucy, now isn’t the time to talk about this,” Victoria replied.

Isaac turned and said to Lucy, “I know you mean well, but you’re wrong in this case. I should go back to jail. I did an awful thing to the Overworld, and there are still many people who have to rebuild their lives because I destroyed their homes. I don’t mind being in jail. It gives me a lot of time to think about how to be a better person.”

“But Isaac, you were such a good judge,” Lucy said to the old headmaster.

“Thank you. I’m so grateful to have had that opportunity. It made me remember how much I enjoyed being a headmaster before I threw that life away. But now it’s time for Victoria to run the academy. She is a great teacher and leader, and you’ll learn a lot from her.”

Victoria said, “Isaac, you know we will call on you a lot to help out the academy. Lucy was right, you were a good judge.”

Isaac smiled as Lucy and Victoria walked him back to the jail.

As they returned to the festivities, Victoria asked, “Lucy, why weren’t you in the talent show? I’ve seen you hunt, and you’re impressive.”

“I am going to audition next year. I realize I still have a lot to learn, and I’m glad I’m here at the academy. Maybe next year the time will be right for me to go after one of those awards.”

Lucy was thrilled to see all of her friends at the party following the show. Phoebe, Jane, Maya, Debbie, and Adam took Lucy aside. “We have something for you,” Maya said.

“What?” Lucy couldn’t imagine what they would have to give her.

Adam handed Lucy bottles filled with potions. Jane gave her a cauldron. Phoebe offered Lucy a bunch of torches. Maya handed her wooden planks and many tools for building. Debbie gave her arrows and a stone sword.

Phoebe said, “We wanted to help you restock your inventory.”

Lucy was speechless and thrilled. “Thank you!”

With a full inventory and good friends, she was ready for her next adventure.