[ WP ] The King 's court teaches magic to a new class of students every few years , because magic is radioactive and the previous class ends up dying of radiation sickness .

Zen watched the street below from a top a building spire. His cloak fluttered in the battering wind, threatening to pull him off and into the cold air around him. He focused only on his target, zooming with night vision on a particular red building below and prompting red nuclear magic to leak like smoke from the corner of each eye. 
 
 His target, a thief that had been evading law enforcement, was a regular at the brothel below, concealed –quite well he had to say – as a fishing shop. 
 One could quickly learn however that the man behind the counter knew less about fishing than fish do, which makes you wonder what they were thinking. 
 
 The thief made his exit, his features as clear as day. A mature beard. Long black hair. Overweight. Tattoo on his neck. The description was accurate. Air zipped past as Zen flung him-self toward the ground. Light blue traces of smoke formed on the souls of his feet, creating a trail in the air behind him. 
 
 He hit the ground firmly, sending litter and bits of concrete spinning in every direction. The thief - Pudge - fell back in shock, coins spilling out of his pocket as he hit the ground. 
 
 Zen grinned as Pudge struggled back up, “ I ’ ve come to take you in Pudge, you ’ ve been on the run longer then we ’ d like to admit. ” he said. 
 
 Pudge looked up in horror, “ Zen? Zen Lennox? My gard thay sanding you for a lowly cramanal like me? ” he barked the words, wobbling as he stood back up. 
 
 Zen flared battle magic, a red aura leaked from his skin as his muscles were inflated and his height increased. He felt alive, throbbing with so much power he could barely hold it in without exploding. 
 
 “ Hands behind you back or – “ Zen stopped mid-sentence. His body convulsed and he collapsed forward. A plethora of colour began leaking from him as veins on his arms and forehead became more visible. Breath moved in and out at a rapid rate, Zen ’ s efforts to control it was futile. 
 
 Pudge looked on in wonder, the mage fell further forward expelling blood from his mouth before becoming still. 
 He moved away, unsure of whether to run or help. 
 
 Pudge made his decision and turned tail moving as quickly into the night. 
 
 
 Later that evening… 
 
 Joe was enjoying dinner together with his family when a knock at the front door interrupted their discussion. His wife, teenage daughter and son all looked up at him worried about who may be visiting, they never had visitors. 
 
 Joe unhooked his table napkin, and lay it down next to his knife and fork before strolling to the front of the house with a wink at his wife. It was probably the Pandora set he ’ d ordered her for Christmas, he ’ d have to hide it before she came and checked on him. 
 
 Joe grasped the door handle and greeted his guests. A lady and man both dressed in dark leather with gloves, hats, coats and boots to match. 
 
 Joe was surprised at their attire, “ How may I help you sir, mam? ” he nodded to each one in greeting. 
 
 “ Good Evening Joe, my name is Soul and this is Rider, we are visiting with an invitation for your son. ” The dark skinned man nodded politely. 
 
 “ An invitation? ” Joe replied curtly, 
 
 The woman smirked, “ Yes Joe, an invitation to the King's school of magic. ” 

