Cursed Love Chapter 1

It was supposed to be a normal wedding day. It had rained in the morning. The Man of Honor/ best friend of the bride had insured it would. Knowing his friend was slightly superstitious about such things. It was a common belief in her family that if it was raining on the day of a wedding, it was a sign that the marriage would last forever.

His name was Jalsburg Wensleydale, it was a family tradition to name the first son after the favorite cheese of the father and for the child's last name to be their father's first, Jalsburg didn't like it when people called him by his full name because he knew if it was used in the right spell he would have to follow the caster's orders to the letter no matter how much he didn't want to.

He was the high wizard over the southwest of the United Kingdoms of America; his speciality was ancient and forbidden curses. He didn't restrict himself to just his specialty he dabbled in all forms of useful magic especially weather manipulation.

He was fairly fit, around six feet tall and looked much younger than he was. His hair was long enough to reach the middle of his back and was a very dark blonde. His eyes were a light, almost neon green. He had a scar that ran across his right cheek, a memento from his days as a Dark Magik hunter; he had retired from that position nearly a decade ago, even though he had only been one for a year, because he felt the job was too stressful and a waste of his talents. He was appointed as High Wizard of the Southwest only a year after he retired from being a Dark Magik hunter. Even though he was approaching his mid 30's he looked like he was barely out of highschool. "Must be all that magic you study and use." His parents constantly tease. His wrists had what looked like white chain tattoos, however they were actually restricting spells to keep him from using his full power whenever he felt like it. All registered wizards had them, and they could only be released by the Magic Council.

Jalsburg was reflecting on his friend's courtship with the man she was to wed and some of the other suitors. There was one in particular he was keeping his eyes out for: Asinus Anoitos, one of the bride's ex boyfriends, a fairly violent individual, one of those over obsessive stalker types the kind that would eventually end up on a true crime documentary. Jalsburg had to use a restraining spell on him the day the bride had broken up with him because he had threatened to cut her face so she would have to stay with him. That kid better not show up. He thought having made preparations just in case he did before the wedding. If he showed up afterwards it would be a different story.

He stood in front of the church his friend was to be married in. It looked like your standard Roman Gothic church both inside and out. The traditional religious paintings covered the ceiling with beautiful stained glass windows and religious symbols throughout but not just Christian but Hebrew, Muslim and other religions were represented and all were welcome to worship and teach there.

His worries amplified when he looked at his pocket watch and realized that the wedding was supposed to start in a half hour and he hadn't seen either the bride or groom.

Please tell me they're okay. He said checking the tracking spell he had placed on them. He rolled up his right sleeve to look at the map on the underside of his arm. It showed that they were stuck in traffic. I should've gone a little lighter on the rain. He thought slightly annoyed at himself.

"Ladies and gentlemen I've just heard from both the bride and groom. They are stuck in traffic and won't be able to join us for at least an hour. If you want please feel free to walk around and talk till they arrive." The father of the bride announced calmly, before walking over to Jalsburg. He was a slightly portly fellow, his hair was thinning and turning gray from the stress his daughter had put him through during her life, his ears were slightly pointed and pale compared to the rest of his exposed skin, he would tell people that's how he got his name, he was around five and a half feet tall and he clearly looked his age of 55. "You should have gone lighter on the rain." He chuckled, patting the wizard on the back.

"I was just thinking that myself, Fennec." Jals said, with a laugh.

"Come sit down. I know you're the man of honor but you shouldn't kill your feet just because you're worried about someone." Fennec said calmly, and slightly worried for his daughter's friend. He knew Jals viewed his daughter like a little sister, and took on the overly-protective older brother role very seriously. In fact many of Zerda's ex’s heard Jals more than he which Fennec had no issue with, he rather enjoyed seeing the ne'er-do-wells sweat when he brought up Jals in conversation.

"I'm worried about three people. One I care for, one the one I care for cares for, and one we all dislike." Jals said, knowing Fennec would be able to follow his statement concerning he would constantly say puzzles like that.

"Asinus?" He asked, hoping only Jals would hear.

"Yes. I put a tracking spell on him at the same time I put the restraining spell on him. If he comes within 100 feet of any building that Zerda, myself or anyone Zerda asked me to provide protection to, I'll be notified." Jals said, looking at his map. "They're moving again. Zerda will be here in 20 minutes, Vesper will be here in 10." Jals said with a smile on his face.

"Quick travel spells?" Fennec asked, slightly confused.

"Yep. A bachelor and Bachelorette present from yours truly." Jals said with a mischievous grin forming on his face. Even though he had been invited he felt like he had crashed the bachelorette party to give Zerda the item that contained the spell and told her how to use it. Vesper had invited him to attend the bachelor party and he politely declined saying he had to finish up a report for the council, but gave Vesper his gift and told him how to use it.

"With friends like you who needs expensive transportation?" Fennec said with a laugh before patting Jals on the back. "Good news folks, the groom will be here in about 10 minutes and the bride in about 20. Leave it to the man of honor to make sure the wedding starts on time." Fennec said his voice was almost booming in the church.

“Do you find it odd that Zerda picked a man to be her Maid of Honor?” Jals heard one of Zerda’s relatives half whisper to Fennec.

“Jals has been Zerda's friend for years; he's more like her adopted brother than friend at this point. He's helped her through some dark times, and if it weren't for him we wouldn't have been able to reserve this exact church.” Fennec responded, just loud enough for Jals to hear. It brought a small smile to Jals face to hear Fennec talking about him that way. When they first met Jals was trying to be polite and courteous to Fennec but things went haywire, a spell he wanted to use misfired and caused quite a bit of chaos. It was before he had gone to the schools that taught him how to control his magic to near perfection, so even though at the time they didn't laugh, now both of them could.

Vesper arrived 5 minutes earlier than Jals predicted. "You should have gone lighter on the rain." He said when he saw Jals. "But thank you for doing that. It calmed Zerda down quite a bit." He added, straightening his clothes. Vesper was only slightly taller than Jals but nowhere near the same weight, he was almost skin and bones Jals would constantly catch himself wondering if he could cast a petrifaction spell and throw Vesper like a spear he never voiced this out loud to anyone because he felt it would upset Zerda. His hair was an inch or so long and pale enough that one could easily mistake him for being bald. His eyes were dark red, the color almost looked like red wine or drying blood. Vesper had a mild tan and had no visible scars despite having gone to multiple battles. He was climbing the military ladder of command fairly quickly. He was wearing his dress uniform with all the medals he had earned on full display. He also wore a sword at his side, one could easily make the mistake of thinking it was merely decorative, but it was meant for battle. On his left wrist was a white gold watch with various gems embedded in the watchface. He extended his hand to Jals for their traditional handshake but Jals flicked his finger, casting an anti wrinkle spell on Vesper’s uniform, and gave him a hug instead.

“Promise me you'll take care of her. That she will always be protected.” Jals whispered into Vesper's ear.

“I swear it.” Vesper responded, returning the unexpected but welcome hug Vesper knew Jals rarely gave people hugs and only reluctantly received them when at social gatherings, so he considered it an honor. Which Jals released shortly after.

"I know I overdid the rain. I was aiming for a light drizzle. I'm sorry." Jals explained.

“Well all I know is that Zerda was worried about how things were going to go and when she saw the rain it cheered her up, and brought her a small measure of peace.” Vesper acknowledged, with a nod and smile. He took his place in the wedding procession receiving salutes from his groomsmen and best woman. The best woman joined Jals at the front door.

“Vesper asked me to keep you company.” She said not even cracking a smile. She wore her army uniform and very few medals were pinned to it even though she had earned just as many as Vesper. She was a very intelligent woman and she wasn't overly attractive but just enough that Jals caught himself examining her through the corner of his eye.

“I'm keeping my eyes out for one of Zerda's ex’s.” Jals explained, cracking a smile.

“Jackass?” She asked, trying to make Jals laugh.

“Yep.” He chuckled, he hadn't realized that was what Asinus’ name literally translated to ‘jackass’. “Is there a plan for when he shows up?” Jals inquired.

“You really think he'll show up?” She responded, her demeanor unchanged.

“Yep.” Jals replied quickly.

“Then I'll have to think of something quick.” She said, before turning on her heels, walking to Vesper.

There was a quick and quiet conversation between the two that Jals didn't bother to listen to because he hoped the plan would be relayed to him shortly.

“Vesper told me you have a restraining order and spell on him. What happens if he gets too close to Zerda?” she asked, calmly.

“The spell I cast will paralyze him till he's removed from the spell's radius.” Jals answered, his eyes scanning the area.

“I was hoping for something more entertaining. Like his skin turning green or something like that.” She added, her voice carrying an annoyed tone.

“That's actually considered mild Black Magic.” Jals informed her before quietly adding “It was extremely tempting though. Personally I prefer a more humiliating color like yellow to insure everyone knows he was a coward.”

“I'm Pyrus.” Vesper's best woman said, finally extending an invitation for introductions.

“It's a pleasure to finally know your name. I'm Jals.” He responded, extending his hand for her to shake.

“Want to meet up after all this is done?” Pyrus asked, slightly flirtatious.

“Hamburgers or hot dogs?” He asked, slightly joking and trying his best not to smile.

“If they have chilli and cheese it doesn't matter.” She responded, patting Jals on the back just above his backside.

Five minutes later Zerda arrived and said almost the same thing as Vesper. However she started with a ‘thank you’.

"You're welcome. I'm sorry for overdoing it with the rain. I was trying to make it a very light drizzle, but two extra drops fell in." Jals explained.

"It's okay. You already made up for it with that quick travel spell. I just wanted to save it for something else." Zerda said as she removed the bracelet. It, like Vesper's watch, was white gold with various gems embedded throughout it. Zerda had a medium sized build. Some would tell her that if she lost just a little weight she could be a supermodel, her face was gentle yet had a fierceness if needed, her hair was down to her shoulders and somewhere between a ginger and a strawberry blonde. She was just a little bit shorter than Jals but didn't let people treat her with any less respect and those that tried quickly found out why Jals almost always held her back. Sometimes he would step aside just to let Zerda have some fun.

"I remember telling you it has unlimited uses." Jals said, his eyebrow raised.

"I forgot about that." Zerda said, putting the bracelet back on.

"Are you ready?" Jals asked his friend, a tear starting to form.

"Yep. Are you?" Zerda asked, giving her friend one last hug as an unmarried woman.

"Not really." Jals responded truthfully, his voice almost breaking as he fought back tears.

"Hey she's out there." Zerda said as her father approached.

"Are you ready to get married?" Fennec asked his daughter, tears forming in his eyes.

"I think the better question is: are you two ready for me to get married?" Zerda said, trying to keep herself from crying.

"No." Fennec said truthfully, the tears winning the fight.

"I wish you had waited till I had finished my investigation on Vesper." Jals said only slightly jokingly to which Zerda punched his arm.

The wedding was peaceful until after the announcement of husband and wife when Jals' watch started making a high pitched beeping.

"Asinus is here." Jals said as he started walking down the aisle. Before he got half way the doors flew open, the light almost blinding everyone there. "What are you doing here? You weren't invited nor wanted." Jals yelled at the man in the doorway.

"Sorry I'm late. The weather was dreadful. I swear the weather report said it was going to be clear skies. I have no idea where that bloody monsoon came from. I just wanted to give Zerda one last chance to reconsider." Asinus said, his eyes locked on Zerda. Asinus matched Jals in height, weight and skill in non-magical combat. The only thing that gave Jals an edge was his ability to use magic. His hair was black and quite messy as if he had just spent the morning walking around in heavy rain and used a restroom air-dryer to dry it only to forget he didn't have a comb or brush to make sure he was presentable. His eyes were black, soulless, somewhere between a doll and a shark. His arms were covered in scars due to his self-employment as a back alley knife fighter/thug for hire. A fact he had hidden from Zerda and Jals, but was uncovered accidentally when Jals saw him harassing a man over an overdue debt.

"Remember what she said when she broke up with you? And I quote 'I'm tired of your lies and excuses. You don't love me and you never have. You only want my family's money. I never want to see you again' she meant that. Now leave!" Jals said holding back from using his magic in the church.

"No. She's mine, no one else will have her." Asinus said, his gaze not moving from Zerda. The last time Asinus said those words Jals and he started using his fists instead of words.

"As Zerda's husband I order you to leave." Vesper said, one hand moving towards his sword, the other around his wife's shoulder.

"You can't draw your sword here. Nor can Jals use his magic." Asinus said with a smile on his face.

"The proper word is 'shouldn't' and I have authorization to use magic if you violate the restraining spell and order Zerda had me and the courts place on your useless backside." Jals said preparing a quick teleportation spell just in case Asinus didn't leave of his own accord.

"This is your last warning Zerda: come with me and nothing bad will happen." Asinus said, extending his hand.

"My final answer is 'no'. Leave Asinus." Zerda said. Her voice was full of confidence and strength. Jals couldn't help but smile.

"Then I have no choice." Asinus said as he drew a dagger from his coat. After muttering a few words that sounded like nonsense to everyone else but Jals, who started to run towards Asinus, he stabbed himself in the heart and twisted the dagger ensuring he would die from the wound.

As soon as Asinus's body hit the floor Vesper dropped to his knees clutching his stomach in pain.

"What's wrong Vesper?" Zerda asked, her voice almost breaking.

Instead of words leaving Vesper's mouth an animalistic growl.

"Zerda, get back. He's been cursed." Jals said as he cast a confinement spell on Vesper. Opaque blue walls surrounded Vesper as his uniform started to tear apart because of his expanding body.

Everyone looked on in terror as Vesper turned into a large red wolf.

"Asinus. What have you done?" Jals said as he looked at the wolf.

"Please tell me you can reverse this." Zerda said, slightly panicked.

"I'm pretty sure, but it's not going to be easy. I have to find the exact counter spell for the curse. The problem is the caster is dead." Jals said, looking behind him at the corpse. "But I'll undo this even if I have to kill the devil and take his place as ruler of Hell." Jals said, turning back to face Vesper.