Disney Books - Onward Junior Novel Paperback

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ISBN 978-1-368-05805-6

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L ong, long ago, before smartphones, televisions, and even electricity, the world was very different. Sprites and unicorns soared across the sky as centaurs, satyrs, cyclops, elves, and merfolk frolicked below. The world was full of wonder. It was adventurous, exciting, and best of allthere was MAGIC!

During those wondrous days, wizards would cast spells, shouting incantations like Boombastia! and Flame Infernar! and Voltar Thundasir! Magic burst from their staffs with dazzling beams of light.

Those who mastered magic tackled unfathomable challenges. Skilled wizards could make objects float, create fire, or even assist a warrior on a quest by defeating terrible beasts, such as hydras and dragons! Wizards didnt hesitate to help those in need, and everyone enjoyed what magic could do.

But it wasnt easy. Becoming a wizard required patience, practice, and persistence. And only those with the gift of magic could perform the spells. So with new technology, the world found simpler ways to get by. Instead of taking years to learn how to perform the Light Spell, even the lowliest elf could just flick a switch to turn on an electric light bulb. Or they could turn on a gas stove rather than conjure fire with magic. Eventually the students of wizardry tossed away their staffs, ready for the life of ease that technology made possible.

Soon everyone embraced toasters, gas fireplaces, buses, and cars, and became accustomed to all the conveniences of modern life. Sprites traveled for work by airplane instead of using their wings to fly. Centaurs drove instead of galloping across the land. Bored teens played video games or gazed at their smartphones instead of setting off on adventurous quests.

Thus, over time, magic faded away.

T he sun rose over the city of New Mushroomton as residents began their morning routines. Garbage trucks picked up trash along the suburban streets. Scavenging unicorns scattered as the trucks rolled past.

Ian Lightfoot, a shy, awkward elf, was inside his cozy mushroom home getting ready for school. His eyes landed on the calendar on his desk, and he focused on the date. It was circled, and on it hed written 16TH B-DAY . He took a deep breath and headed downstairs with his head held high, ready to take on the day and hopeful that age sixteen would mark the beginning of a bright new chapter in his life.

Loud, pulsing music blared from the living room. Ians mother, Laurel, was dressed in workout gear and exercising in front of the television. She followed along as a cyclops barked out commands: Were gonna get Warrior Z-Ninety fit! Let me hear you say Im a mighty warrior!

Morning, Mom! Ian called over the music. He repeated himself, but his mom still didnt hear him. The familys small pet dragon, Blazey, blasted into the room. Ian screamed as she tackled him to the ground and licked his face all over.

Finally noticing Ian trapped beneath the wiry dragon, Laurel grabbed a spray bottle and squirted the energetic pet with water.

Blazey, down! Bad dragon! Back to your lair! she scolded. Blazey blew a small puff of fire at her before trotting off.

When Ian got back on his feet, Laurel attacked him with kisses. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. ADULT MAN! she squealed.

Ugh, no, Mom! Ian said, laughing as he squirmed away. Ah, gross.

Hey, buddy, dont wipe off my kisses She stepped back and gazed at him.

What? he asked.

Youre wearing your dads sweatshirt.

Oh, you know. Finally fits.

Oh, my little chubby cheeks is all grown up, Laurel cooed, moving toward him again.

Okay, okay, Mom! I gotta eat something before school, Ian said, heading toward the kitchen.

Laurel followed behind. Oh, we dont have much food. I still have to go to the grocery store Ian reached toward a covered platter inside the refrigerator and Laurel smacked his hand. Hands off, mister! Those are for your party tonight.

Ian grabbed the milk from the fridge and closed the door. Its not a party, Mom; its just us. He pulled the last box of cereal out of the cabinet and emptied what little was left into a bowl.

Well, you could invite those kids from your science class. You said they seemed pretty rockin. She opened a container of protein powder.

Im pretty sure I didnt say it like that, Ian replied, and besides, I dont even know them.

Well, your birthday is a day to try new things, be the new you! Laurel poured the powder into a blender, added water, secured the top, and hit the power button. It roared to life with a deafening WHIRRRR. She screamed over the noise. SPEAKING OF TRYING NEW THINGS, DID YOU SIGN UP FOR DRIVING PRACTICE?

NO! shouted Ian as Laurel turned off the blender. No, he repeated, quietly this time.

Laurel poured her protein shake into a glass. I know youre a little scared to drive, sweetie-pie, but

Ian let out a nervous giggle. Im not scared, Mom. He gestured to a board game called Quests of Yore, set up on the kitchen table. Small pewter figurines, dice, and cards had been carefully placed across the board. Im gonna move Barleys game.

Okay, but you know how he gets when someone touches that board.

As Ian approached the kitchen table, he tripped on a plastic weapon on the floor and nearly dropped his cereal. He caught himself, put the bowl down, and reached for one of the figurines. Well, hes gotta learn to clean up his toys

Ian screamed as a thick arm suddenly wrapped around his neck and a booming voice yelled, HALT!

I an was pulled into the hulking chest of his older brother, Barley. Doth my brother dare disrupt an active campaign? said Barley. He wrestled Ian away from the game, knocking the bowl of cereal to the floor.

Oh, come on! groaned Ian.

You know, Ian, in the days of old, a boy of sixteen would have his strength tested in the Swamps of Despair, said Barley, his arm still wrapped tightly around Ian.

Im not testing anythingjust let me go! Ian said, struggling.

Let him go, ordered Laurel.

Barley smiled and released him. Okay, but I know youre stronger than that. Theres a mighty warrior inside you. You just gotta let him out. Right, Mom?

Barley turned to Laurel and pounced, instantly putting her in the same chokehold. She laughed as she fought back, then recoiled. Barley, you stink! When was the last time you showered? They playfully wrestled as Blazey ran back into the room and roared and leapt around them excitedly. In the midst of the chaos, Ian cleaned up his scattered cereal.