How The West Was Lost

by banjo2E

Prologue: It Never Fails

“Are you SURE this isn't going to do anything weird?”

“Ugh. Look, I've triple-checked my calculations on this, and I've done plenty of tests using inanimate objects. The worst that can possibly happen is that you'll accumulate an overcharge of thaumic energy that will be violently released two or more times in quick succession. And I've SEEN you doing that to yourself when you were practicing those spells of yours, don't bother denying it!'

“...Sorry. I'm just kind of nervous, you know? Nobody's tried anything on this magnitude before.”

“Well, that's why you're the guinea pig. If anything goes wrong, you're more likely to come out of it all right than anyone else.”

“...That's true, but...”

“Hey, if something does go wrong, we'll all go after you. I think I'm speaking for everyone here when I say there's no WAY we'd do anything else.”

“...Yeah. Thanks, guys.”

“Nah, that's just what friends are for.”