Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #15 June 2015 | Page 79

***
Margo was walking across the mall, her hands filled
with bags. Jake and Patrick were walking on either
side of her:

before. A warlock would cast a spell on a facility,
surrounding anything non-magical in a protective
aura that stops all movement, and keeps everyone
safe while a team would go in and extract the magical
party. Or, in this case:

“Did we get everything?”
“Yeah I think so.” Patrick lifted up his hands, both
filled with bags. “We all have enough clothes for
now.”
“And I have the toiletries and potion ingredients we
were low on.” Jake lifted the bags he was carrying. He
then turned his head to Margo. “Are you sure —”
“For the last time, yes, you can stay with me at Malik’s place. I did invite you.” Margo interrupted Jake.
“As long as we are not intruding,” said Patrick.
“You are not.” Margo stopped to look at a store window with a red leather jacket. “In fact, I would prefer
if you moved in.” She had thought about it ever since
she heard Jake praying. She never realised how much
she hated being the lone wolf. How much she wanted
to have people she could trust. So, as soon as they
woke up in the morning, she asked them both if they
wanted to stay with her.
“You want us as permanent roommates?” Jake
laughed. He had always liked Margo, and he would
jump to the chance of he and Patrick living in a place
where they would not have to hide. It still felt weird
when Margo was openly nice. He never doubted their
friendship and how much she cared, but it always
came with abrasive comments and smirks. She was
the type to save you from drowning and then punch
you, calling you an idiot.
Margo pointed to Jake. “You are one of the handful of
people I trust.” Margo then pointed to Patrick. “And
if Jake risked that much to save you, it’s enough of
a guarantee. Plus, you are a very good cook.” She
winked at him.
Then everyone around them froze. Margo dropped
the bags and took out her daggers. She had seen this

“Get down!” Margo extended her daggers, blocking
an energy ball. Jake moved in front of Patrick and
punched the demon coming at them. Margo spun
around and, turning one of her daggers into a throwing
knife, managed to take out one of the demons targeting
her. She turned around just to notice a bug-like demon
come down from the ceiling right behind Patrick.
“Look out!” she screamed, but she got fired at again.
Patrick turned around and extended his hand. The light
blue shield extended from it, stopping the demon’s
hit from connecting. Patrick expanded his shield and
knocked the demon off her feet. The shield vanished
and Patrick ducked. Jake extended his hand and the
same shield appeared, stopping the energy ball coming
at him, and trapping the demon that fired. He pulled
out a gun, turned around and shot the bug demon in
the head. By that time Patrick was already next to him.
Jake dropped his hand to pull out another gun and
Patrick raised his han B