Two weeks passed since the supposed 'break-in' and, as expected, Toft's business was booming!

Emma passed by Toft's Magical Finds daily to check on the poor merchant only to find the tiny store bustling with business. Not-so-loyal locals and curious passerbys, cluttered the messy store. Though, his customers seemed more invested in the stories the mage told instead of the items he sold.

"Twas a troll, you know!" Toft bellowed one day, "Tall as a tree with skin that envied the greenest of leaves. The beast broke into my shop but I caught him! Thanks to this glorious Sword of Stone..."

"...if it wasn't for the Poignant Potion of Perseus," he cried the next day, "then that Ogre would have-"

"-bested that Imp at its own game!" Toft laughed victoriously, "And, it was all thanks to the Valiant Crown of Wisdom which can be yours for a mere price of..."

Toft's stories became more outrageous by the day. And, while Emma was curious to hear what crazed story he'd conjure up next, she became swept up by her studies. She had overcome her slight stutter and tamed her bellowing voice. So much so, that Mr. Peridot teased her with the idea of learning new spells.

Magical Permutations, he called it. Also known as the manipulation of elements. While many mages saw the intimidating lesson to be lame, Emma found it fascinating. The idea of turning water to rivers...stones to golems...fire to - well, much more than a mere candlelight. However, Peridot warned her not to get carried away by daydreams. For she had much more to master before diving into complicated spells.

Still, the lesson crowded Emma's thoughts. Not in a terrible way like Mr. Peridot believed. Instead, it pushed her to study even more. Like Toft, she found herself defeating a new task every day. The mighty pile of assigned reading seemed less tedious. Peridot's long-breathed lectures seemed to stick.

Emma became determined in conquering her simple lessons. She believed that nothing could break her focus. Then, one morning, Mr. Marsh found something quite unusual inside of their chicken coop.

Pounding downstairs, Emma stopped halfway. Low grumbles and catastrophic clinks led her gaze over to one of the nearby wooden tables. There, Mr. Marsh hunched over the wobbly table with a rusty hammer in hand. Surprised to see him outside of the kitchen, Emma and Blu leaned over the creaky railing of the staircase.

A metal cage - or the remains of one - rested on the top of the wooden table in front of him. Its door hung from the rusty hinges looking as though something had tried to tear it off in a very violent manner. The outside of the cage was worse it seemed. With large dents pounded into every corner, it was no wonder why Mr. Marsh was having a hard time fixing it.

"Woah," Emma gaped. "It's completely broken!"

Mr. Marsh jumped from his seat, finally taking notice of his daughter. The dark bags under his brown eyes told her that he must have been up for hours trying to mend the cage. He grinned, lazily, "Emma, I didn't know you would be up so soon. But, uh," Mr. Marsh's gaze dotted back and forth between the broken cage and the kitchen. They returned to the rusty metal in a matter of seconds. "Don't worry. I'll make breakfast as soon as I can."

"I wouldn't count on it," Mrs. Marsh stated. Her freckled nose turned upward as she exited the kitchen. She, too, had dark circles underneath her warm, brown eyes. With two cups of warm coffee in her hands, she slammed one mug in front of her husband. "He's been tampering with that thing all night," she yawned.

"What happened to it?" Emma asked.

"It was a raccoon," Mr. Marsh grumbled, though his voice revealed a sense of doubt in his statement.

"A raccoon?"

"Yes, a raccoon." he repeated, sounding certain. "It was stealing eggs from the chicken coop outback. It was only a few but, still - I couldn't have it scaring the chickens so I tried to trap it, and well..."

Mr. Marsh waved his hand over the cage tirelessly. Emma's eyes glazed over the harsh cavities that turned the cage's once sharp metal edges round. She grimaced.

"That's one angry raccoon."

"It wasn't a raccoon," Mrs. Marsh bellowed, sounding annoyed. "I'm telling you, George, no raccoon could have done this."

Mr. Marsh grumbled as he began pounding on the cage with a hammer. "It was a raccoon. I'm sure of it! I just have to fix this blasted thing then-"

The hammer slipped away from Mr. Marsh's grip. Blu yelped when he noticed the heavy tool charging toward him and Emma. Thankfully, the little creature swished his little light of a tail right on time.

The hammer flew through a frosty cloud of starlight before slamming into the hollow wall. Its nose buried itself into a ghastly hole while Emma and Blue appeared again. In a flash of light, they landed before Emma's parents - still as startled as before.

Blu cried with relief while Mrs. Marsh heaved a heavy sigh. She patted her frightened heart before turning furiously on her husband. In one swift movement, the waitress snatched the cage from the awful handyman.

"Raccoon or not," she roared, "you will not waste any more time on this cursed thing! If you are so keen about catching this little egg thief, then I will run to town to pick you up a new one! I have to buy eggs now, anyway."

Mr. Marsh's thick, black beard bristled at the offer. "That's ridiculous, Donna! Do you know how much those things cost?"

"No, I don't, and nor do I care. Anything is better than having you throw very dangerous tools around the house!" Mrs. Marsh pointed at the new hole carved into the family's wall. Emma heard her father mumble under his breath and, glancing at the cage once more, a name popped into her head.

"Mr. Peridot!"

Her father shook his head with a yawn. "Yes, Emma, I know that you have your lessons today. But, at least, let me cook you-"

"No, not that," Emma grinned, pointing a proud finger at the beaten cage. "Mr. Peridot's always inventing new things. I'm sure he can fix it in no time!"

Silence hung in the dining area. Both of her parents wore wide-eyed expressions. They even shared a look that Emma caught on very rare occasions. Both of their brows scrunched together as their noses turned upward at Emma's words. Their smiles, too, became a thin line that sent their honesty back to their throats before a jumble of sugary words came tumbling forth.

"Oh, uh," Mr. Marsh coughed, "I-I don't know, Emma. Mr. Peridot's always messing with uh - you know, magical technology. I doubt he'd be interested in fixing a plain ol' cage because we have a little raccoon problem."

Mrs. Marsh stiffened at the mere mention of the bandit-like critter. Shooting her husband a glare, she plopped down into the seat across from him. She took a quick sip of her own bitter blend of coffee before sighing heavily.

"Even though I hate to do this," she grumbled, "Emma has a point."

Emma and Blu blinked at her words. "I do?"

"She does?" Mr. Marsh grimaced.

Mrs. Marsh shook her head at the two of them before her lips pulled back into that thin, awkward smile. "Yes. This way you will be able to focus on the diner instead of that silly ol' cage. Plus, if he fixes it, we won't have to buy a new one! But, Emma, are you sure he would even have time to look at it?"

"Trust me," Emma began with a toothy grin. "He'd be honored to fix it."

"How fascinating," Mr. Peridot beamed, albeit a bit breathlessly.

Emma and Blu nodded, trying their best to fight the laughter building in their throats. There have been many times Emma thought Mr. Peridot to be a bit silly. However, none ever compared to the way the Grand Mage adored mundane creations.

Mr. Peridot gazed at the broken cage with a bright, curious expression. His emerald eyes glistened as he leaned in to study the beaten crate resting in Emma's arms. She bit her lip as the Grand Mage practically bounced on his heels with joy.

"So," she sang, hoping her voice would be enough to drown out Blu's tiny giggles. "Think you can fix it?"

"M-Me?" he gasped, a nervous chuckle following shortly after. The mage had to run his hands through his floppy curls to keep from grabbing the crate too soon. "Oh, Emma dear, I am not sure. Mundane creations are very complex, you know. Their designs are so intricate! It takes a very steady hand to - um, may I?"

Without another word, she held the creaky metal box out to her teacher.

Mr. Peridot grinned goofily at the so-called intricate crate. His hands shook with excitement before finally taking the cage with a gentle grasp. Straightening, the Grand Mage of Sonder eyed the beaten metal as though he were a child holding a shiny, new toy. He whistled a playful tune as he turned on his heel - completely infatuated by Mr. Marsh's beaten old crate.

Emma and Blu followed the giddy mage upstairs. Usually, the three of them would take a right - waltzing into the wizard's study to begin their lessons. But, this time, they marched to the left.

The Grand Mage's home was nothing like the other houses in Sonder. While on the outside, it could fool many into believing it to be simple and cozy with its plain bricks and boards. Inside, Peridot's home was one made up of many complex mazes that made Emma wonder how he ever found his way around it.

Already, they'd passed a series of mysterious doors. All with worn labels that read odd things such as; Too Loud, A Bit Small, Stinks of Lavender. And, if that wasn't enough to convince Emma to not roam the mage's home alone, the long, dimly lit halls definitely did.

She could hear a low murmur coming from the wizard as he started to take mental notes on the mundane object.

"Absolutely fascinating... No spells or charms are holding it together at all. It must be some sort of potion...No, no, no. That can't be. There has to be some sort of mechanic to keep its shape... Oh, yes! How could I forget that humans use little swirly pins for their creations? Alas, what were they called again?"

"Do you mean screws, Mr. Peridot?" Emma asked, causing him to light up at the name.

"Screws," he chuckled. "Such a funny, little name!"

The three finally came upon a tall, green door. Unlike the others, Emma had to admit that this one had to be the dullest. The forestry green paint seemed to have faded with age. Meanwhile, the bronze doorknob croaked in greeting. Though, it wasn't the wear and tear of the door that caused Emma to fear it.

Instead, it was the (very large, very bold) sign hanging in the center of the frame.

Danger! Keep Out!

Emma and Blu watched in horror as Mr. Peridot entered the room with ease. Murderous bangs and squealing whistles fell out of the room and stumbled into the hall. Puffs of blues and purples, too, crowded the ceiling in clouds. Glancing at her pet, Emma found Blu shivering with the same pale expression she was sure to have.

If it were not for Mr. Peridot calling out to her, Emma certainly would have stayed in the hall where it was safe.

"Emma!" he called again, "Have you seen my goggles?"

Emma groaned at the question. Bouncing on her heels, she leaned closer to the open door. "H-Have you checked the study?"

"Yes," he huffed, "but no sign of them. Oh, dear, I do hope I did not lose them. Perhaps, I left them in the kitchens again?"

"The k-kitchens?"

Oh, yes, how could she ever forget the most horrific room in the Grand Mage's home. Located on the first floor, right beside the large parlor where Mr. Peridot often had tea - hid a dark, eerie room forged of stone and marble. At a glance, the kitchen was magnificent compared to the one Emma has at home. Much larger, too. However, it is the wicked pots and pans that Emma fears.

Like everything else the Grand Mage possessed, the kitchens were enchanted. From the great, old stove down to his rusty cutlery. Every item in the kitchen served to feed the Grand Mage and his guests. Though, for reasons even Mr. Peridot didn't quite understand, the kitchens despised the Grand Mage.

In her time as Grand Apprentice, Emma had caught her teacher dodge one too many knives aimed for his head. She'd saved him from a bitter teapot who was set on boiling him alive. Why, even Blu had rescued the mage a time or two.

To think, Peridot went to the kitchens without their protection caused Emma to pale. Stumbling through the creaky door, she gaped at him.

"What were you doing in the kitchens? I-I thought you were banned! Don't you remember what happened last time? That teapot nearly..."

Emma stopped, her mouth hanging open while her eyes chased after the fluttering pages of a book. The thick binding flapped its covers like a bird soaring through the skies. Though, instead of crystal blue heavens, the book flew across berry-scented clouds.

Blu, too, nearly jumped from her shoulder as a thick dictionary stomped through the air. The two followed the fluttering library in daze. Bookshelves of all shapes and sizes lined the room. Meanwhile, tables cluttered the neatly-knit green carpet. Atop them, were dancing vials and curved bottles that mixed potions together effortlessly.

Sunlight welcomed her in. It shined through the arching windows that lined the only vacant wall. Journals filled with ideas and sketches cluttered a large, oak desk that sat in front of the marvelous view of the city.

It was there that she found Mr. Peridot, who blended perfectly inside the majestic room.

"Ah-ha! There they are."

The Grand Mage nodded a thank you to the coat rack that stood beside him. Bending forward, the rack (which was nearly as tall as he was) handed over the bronze goggles he thought he lost. In exchange, the slim stand took the mage's orange coat before waddling away towards Emma.

Emma watched the coat rack march towards her in awe. She was even more amazed when the rack stopped mid-step. It's bronze head seemed to catch her gaze. It even eyed her - seeming as curious as she was - as it waddled around her and over to the linen closet hiding by the door.

Peridot put the goggles on his head with ease. Though, before he could cover his eyes with the dark-tinted lenses, his gaze found Emma's. She knew her mouth was still hanging open when Mr. Peridot simply waved her forward.

"Well, don't be shy," he grinned. "Come in! Come in!"

A thin, leather-bound book tapped her shoulder. Its pages fluttered, as though in greeting before heading towards her teacher. She blinked in awe before jumping to follow it. Her awed expression shattering into a jittery smile.

"This room is amazing, Mr. Peridot," she beamed, skipping over to her teacher. "Did you do all this?"

"I did and, thank you, Emma," the mage chuckled, catching the book with a single hand. Ozker hummed in thought as the book offered him one of its many pages. His eyes combed through the words quickly. Then, with a simple shake of his head, the book flipped to another.

Emma and Blu beamed when the coat hanger returned with a bowl full of cherry-flavored candies. Both took a hefty handful.

"Why haven't you ever shown me this room before?" Emma asked loudly. Tossing two candies into her mouth, she decided that she would have much preferred this room over the war zone that was his kitchen.

"Never seemed to cross my mind, I suppose," Peridot shrugged. Looking up from the pages of Ludwig's Guide for Mages: The Art of Repairing Mundane Objects, Mr. Peridot's eyes suddenly widened. "Actually, now that I think about it. I don't think I have brought anyone in here."

"Really?" Emma gasped, nearly spitting out the hard candy on her tongue. Even Blu fought to keep from spitting his large mouthful out from shock. Wiping the drool from her mouth, she peered over Mr. Peridot's shoulder as he slumped in the leather chair.

"No one?" she pressed, "Ever? Not even Alphonse?"

"Not even Alphonse."

Mr. Peridot's words seemed to surprise even himself. "Hm. I never realized it until now but - Oh, stop!" The book in his hands jumped at his sudden order. Its spine cracked as it revealed a wrinkled page to the mage.

Mr. Peridot nodded proudly, "Yes, that is exactly what I was looking for."

Emma sat down beside Mr. Peridot as the wizard plopped the book down on top of the desk. Curious, she peeked at the fraying page.

Mr. Peridot rolled up the long sleeves of his sunny button-up and grabbed his goggles. His eyes disappeared behind dark, tinted lenses. "Emma, do not worry," he began, "with this charm, your father's metal box-"

"Cage," she corrected.

"- will be fixed in no time! Now, you said that your father was trying to catch a thieving raccoon, correct?"

Emma nodded, glancing down at the busted cage on Mr. Peridot's desk. She mumbled through four of the cherry candies, "Mom doesn't seem to think so, though."

"Makes sense," Mr. Peridot giggled. "If a raccoon did this then, we'd have to put the critter in an arm-wrestling contest!" Blu and Emma shared a confused glance as Mr. Peridot snickered at his own joke. "Nevertheless," he sighed happily, "I will say that the attacker was an animal and as for fixing it..."

Mr. Peridot's finger rose to tap his chin in thought. The chair he sat in stood on its two back legs. The act caused his golden locks to reach towards the floor. Emma could see his brows come together to decipher the many ideas fumbling inside his head. Then, with a loud bang, Mr. Peridot's chair hit the ground and he raised his wand proudly.

"I got it!"

The Grand Wizard's wand flew over the beaten crate. Emerald sprinkles dusted the metal walls while the words "Rectorus Épinette" left the wizard's lips. The metal crate began to glow. Its rusty metal straightened and the rounded corners became sharp once more. The crate beamed at the three of them, glowing brighter with every speck of magic that landed on it.

As the room became filled with the powerful light, Mr. Peridot's gaze fell to Emma and Blu. The two were enjoying the little light-show, never taking notice that the charm was about to enter its dangerous finale. Taking them both by surprise, Mr. Peridot covered both of their eyes with his hands.

The chaotic room bloomed with warmth. Emma could hear the crate dancing against the wooden desk. It's tapping feet rattled the room. The glass vials clinked with fear while the bag of steam beside them shrieked with a whistle. The books, too, shuffled to the bookshelves to hide from the glorious glow that came right before-

BOOM!

Emma and Blu gasped at the thundering roar. Peridot's hands fell from their gazes so he could cover his cough. Light gray clouds crowded the mage's desk while the Grand Mage swatted them away.

"W-Well," Mr. Peridot coughed, clearing his throat, "Emma, what do you think?"

What did she think?

Emma expected to see her father's old, rusty crate sitting unharmed - better perhaps. Instead, a large glass box stood in its place. The box was larger compared to her father's crate and the rusty metal bars were replaced with thick, shiny slabs of glass. The opening to the crate was now a sleek, wooden door that had 'Welcome' painted in shiny, green letters.

"Wow, Mr. Peridot," she began, "this is-"

"Amazing? Phenomenal? Better in every way?"

"Fancy."

Mr. Peridot lifted the goggles from his eyes to reveal his ecstatic expression.

"I know!" His green eyes twinkled as he gazed at the new crate, patting it lovingly with his hand. "With this, your father will have no problem catching that nasty raccoon of yours."

Mr. Peridot's gaze, then, fell to Emma's handful of cherry candies. He grabbed one, causing him to receive a rather cold look from Blu.

"All you have to do is bait the creature," he explained. Tapping his knuckles against the glass, the top of the cage disappeared into specks of light. He placed candy in the middle of the box and upon removing his hand, the top reappeared. "Then," he sang, turning to Blu who was gazing at the candy longingly, "you wait."

Blu longed for the lonely piece of candy. He couldn't stop himself from recalling the delicious cherry flavor rolling over his tongue. Unable to control the rumble in his stomach, Blu jumped from Emma's shoulders with a mere swish of his whimsical tail. In the blink of an eye, he appeared before the pair - but, this time, trapped. He swallowed the cherry drop triumphantly, never noticing the steel bars slammed over the wooden door.

Emma paled, causing Mr. Peridot to chuckle cheerfully. "No need to worry, Emma," he assured her. "Blu is completely safe there."

At the sound of his name, Blu returned to reality. He swished his whimsical tail in order to escape the Grand Wizard's enchantment but to his surprise, he hadn't moved. He swished it again only to be disappointed. Worried, he turned to Emma with tears in his eyes - his wispy tail swishing swiftly behind him again...and again...and again...

Emma gasped, "He can't use his magic."

"Correct," Mr. Peridot grinned before tapping his creation once more. When the top faded away, Blu jumped out of his prison to rejoin Emma. The girl held Blu in her arms, petting his long ears to calm him. "Not only does this crate trap creatures," Mr. Peridot continued, "but, it also suppresses the magic of its prisoner. This way, raccoon or not, it can catch almost anything."

Emma's gaze shifted into awe over the crate while Blu's turned red with hatred. She was positive the mischievous egg thief that had caused her father so much strife was not going to get away this time.

At home, Emma showed her parents Mr. Peridot's charm and, like her, they both agreed that the wizard had gone a bit extreme. However, that didn't stop them giving it a try.

Emma helped her father bait the cage with a freshly baked Lemon and Honey Tart that night before bed. She, then, waited patiently to see the mage's enchantment in action. Though, it wasn't until the moon hung high in the sky that the thief had made its triumphant return.

She had fallen asleep against her bedroom window. It was an uncomfortable position where her only comfort was the cool glass. Though, the pain in her neck wasn't the reason she woke up. Instead, she startled awake to the sound of loud crashes coming from outside.

Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she gazed down to see purple smoke hissing out of the chicken coop in her backyard.

Chickens yelped as the wooden walls shook with each crash, causing Emma to narrow her gaze. She leaned closer to her bedroom window to see a flock of hens running out of their tiny home. In a fit, the enchanted cage flew out of the chicken coop, and, to Emma's surprise, someone flew out with it.