69. Cancun

We quickly found a good five-star hotel right next to the beach. Leaving the bus in the underground parking, we took our things and went to check into the hotel.

We again rented our favourite type of room, with a living room and two bedrooms. This time, Grandfather paid for everything, because he wanted to pamper us and in this way atone for his guilt.

I did not interfere with him, as it would be easier for him if he could appease us.

As soon as Grandfather paid for the room, we immediately went there and left our things, changed into bathing suits, took towels and immediately ran to the beach.

The beach was just wonderful. Golden sand, azure water, and most importantly, there were practically no people. It's weird, but we're better off.

The infrastructure near the beach was also just great. There were also sun loungers and changing cabins. Also, there were different cafes all over the coastline, so we could always eat.

But most importantly, it was full of all kinds of different water activities, in the form of surfing, wakeboarding, diving and the like.

Although the waves were not very suitable for surfing, this did not stop us from enjoying all these sports.

The girls and I tried almost everything that was on the beach. But, unfortunately, the day ended too quickly and we had to return to the hotel.

After dinner at the hotel, we returned to our room. By the way, the buffet in our hotel was just a masterpiece. We were all so hungry all day that we ate almost half of everything that was offered. Everything was delicious.

Entering the room, we all immediately relaxed and finally realized how tired we were today.

I was more cheerful than everyone, but not by much. It's been a very long day today.

We were all only strong enough to take turns showering and falling asleep in our beds.

_

I was standing on the roof of a skyscraper in the middle of Las Vegas.

A solar eclipse began in the sky. And on a neighboring, higher building, Hex stood holding the Keystone in his hands.

All this seemed to stop in time and absolutely nothing moved.

Ignoring my surroundings, I looked ahead. In front of me stood a sixteen-year-old girl in a crimson cloak.

It was the Charmcaster.

She also looked at me very carefully. I would even say considered. And so intently, as if she wanted to remember all the details.

Finally, after a few minutes of staring, the Witch came to her senses and asked:

- Who are you?

- My name is Lex. - I replied.

- Lex, then. And what are you doing here? - the Charmcaster asked, looking into my eyes.

- It's like my dream. So, counter question, who are you and what are you doing in my dream? - I said.

- Oh yes. I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Charmcaster. - said the Charmcaster, with slight pride in her voice.

- Seriously? Is your name Charmcaster? Who called you that?  - I asked doubtfully.

Hearing me, the Charmcaster blushed visibly and muttered something.

- I'm sorry, what? I didn't hear you. - I said, putting my hand to my ear.

- My real name is Hope. - Hope said more loudly.

- Hope… Hope. Beautiful name. - With a smile, I said.

Wow, she blushed even more. As sometimes happens just with girls. It seems that he told the truth, but she has already melted all over.

To dispel this awkward atmosphere, I said:

- So what are you doing in my dream?

After hearing my question, Hope finally came to her senses and said:

- Actually, this is also my dream.

- So this is some kind of shared dream?" For two? - I asked, tilting my head.

- Apparently. - Hope said thoughtfully.

- And why is this happening? Why with us? - I asked.

- I'm not sure. Something familiar, somewhere I heard about it. - Hope bit her lip thoughtfully.

- Uncle Hex? Are you that skullface's niece? - I asked, pretending not to know about it.

- Skullface? Good said. - Hope said with a laugh.

After a bit of laughter, Hope finally calmed down and asked:

- So, you know my uncle?

- I met him once. He broke into the museum I was in. - I said casually.

- To the museum? So you beat him up and took all his stuff? - Hope asked in shock.

- He ruined my excursion. - I said unhappily.

- Oh, I have to thank you for that. It was incredibly funny. - Hope said contentedly.

- I see you don't have a good relationship. - I said.

- He is my magic teacher, and I am grateful to him for that. But I don't really like him. Too much force hit him in the head. It should have been dropped from heaven long ago. - in all seriousness, Hope said.

- Very wise and mature words. - I said in surprise.

- That's how my father taught me. With power comes responsibility. And there are always bigger fish. Under no circumstances should you lose yourself. - with a sad smile, said the Charmcaster.

- Looks like your father raised you well. - With a smile, I said.

Hope was clearly pleased with my words, but since this is a sore subject for her, she decided to change the direction of the conversation.

- And what did you do with the Staff of Ages? - Hope asked.

- I was sorry to break it, but I couldn't leave the staff like that, because Hex would have escaped. So I just absorbed all the staff's magic. - I said with a smile.

- So are you a magician? And what does absorbed mean? How did you do this? I've never heard Magicians do that. - Hope bombarded me with questions.

- I'm not really a magician. I'm just learning. I know, just a couple of spells. And I was able to do so, only because of my Anodite heritage. - I said.

- Anodite? Something familiar, but I'm not sure. - Hope said thoughtfully.

- They are such a magical race. My grandmother was an Anodite, so I'm trying to develop this gift. - I said.

- Yes? And how it turns out? - Hope asked curiously.

- Here. - I said and made a magical construct in the form of a rosebud, threw it to Hope.

Hope caught the bud and looked at it carefully. After a couple of seconds, she exclaimed:

- It's a magical construct. I have never seen such a perfect design. You have almost perfect control.

- Well, if you say so. As I said, it is with ordinary magic that I have problems. I only know a few spells and that's it. It's not easy to find books on real magic. - With a smile, I said.

- But it's still amazing...

Before Hope could continue, our magical energy behaved very strangely. Our bodies began to emit Mana. Mine was blue and Hope was pink.

- What's happening? - I asked.

- Our magic reacts to each other. It's like she wants us to be around. - Hope said and walked over to me.

When we were a step away from each other, the magic raged even more and I woke up.

_

(Hope POV)

I woke up abruptly.

Now I was in a hotel room in Las Vegas. The plan is to get my uncle out of jail on the day of the solar eclipse. That's why I arrived here early.

Remembering my dream, I thought about Lex. All this is very strange. Why do we meet in a dream and our magic reacts this way?

While there is time, I should look for this whole situation in books.

Yes, that's a good idea.

But still, Lex is a very nice guy. I've only seen him a couple of times, and then in my dreams, but I already want to see him again. Especially live.

I really enjoyed talking to him. Also, he said he liked my name.

I haven't been in such a good mood for a long time. I feel so uplifted.

Is it because of Lex? Does that mean I like him? Does he like me? He has a girlfriend? Maybe we can start dating?

Blushing at the thought, I shook my head and pushed those thoughts away. Now it doesn't matter.

Getting out of bed, I was about to go to my things, when I noticed that something had fallen on the floor.

Looking down at the floor, I saw the rosebud that Lex had created for me with his magic.

I wonder how he got here?

Picking it up, I pressed the magic construct to my chest and with a huge smile, humming a song to myself, I went to get dressed.

I need to look information about Anodites.

_

July 11, 2010.

When I woke up, I sat on my bed and thinking about my dream.

Something strange is happening. Never heard of this happening in the original cartoon.

The problem is, I have no way of knowing why this is happening. I'll have to rely on Hope for that.

By the way, why did she say her name so simply? She doesn't like to mention him. Another oddity.

It's okay, we're leaving tomorrow, and in theory, I can meet with Hope in person, the day after tomorrow.

While I was scrolling through all these thoughts in my head, my phone rang.

Taking the phone in hand, I looked who was calling me. The number was unknown to me, so I asked Morgana.

- Morgana, who's calling me?

- [Call source is in Venezuela. Apparently, this is your familiar thief.]

- Shadow? What he needs? - I asked myself.

After putting on a suit so that the Shadow would not hear my real voice, I picked up the phone and said:

- I'm listening.

- Legion? This is Shadow. You said to call if information about something dangerous comes up. So, recently they found a certain Mask of Ah Puch. With its help, you can find the Sword of Ek Chuaj, which, according to legend, is able to destroy the city with one blow. - the thief said.

- I know about the mask and the sword. In fact, I've already dealt with it. You don't have to worry. - I said, trying to hold back a yawn.

- Is that how? You are acting fast. And How? It's true? Is the sword really that powerful? - Shadow asked curiously.

- Not. Maybe once he was such, but after so much time, he just crumbled to pieces. Didn't stand the test of time. - I said honestly.

- It's clear. Well, then I won't bother you anymore. I'll call you when there's new information of interest to you. - Shadow said.

- Even though it wasn't needed anymore, thanks for the warning. If you need help, call too. Good luck in Venezuela. - I said, and before Lee could say anything, I had already hung up.

It was already almost four in the morning. I didn't get much sleep, but I can already get up and go about my business, then I'll sleep on the bus.

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