Spellcaster series #1: The Neophyte

The Djinn

HEIDI

Vicky was scrubbing the toilet when I stepped out of the portal. I knew she felt my pulse—she could always feel when I was nearby. She dropped the toilet brush when she noticed me standing in the middle of the apartment. There was something amusing about seeing a muscular elite Vampire bent over the toilet and scrubbing off dirt and grime with a pair of pink rubber gloves.

"You're back!" Was all that came out of her.

From a distance, a long, loud meeeooowww interrupted my thoughts. Butters ran to my feet and purred loudly. He sniffed and licked my jeans and shoes, reaching his paws upwards. I picked him up and gave quick, motherly kisses before putting him back down. He went off to continue minding his business.

Then I sighed, a low, long sigh. I moved to the small, worn-out leather sofa and threw myself on it. Vicky hovered over me, her red eyes wide with worry.

"You're back earlier than you said you would be. And your aura is telling me that it's not for a good reason."

"Could you just read my aura or look at my memories? I'm too tired and frankly a little too embarrassed to explain my misdemeanour."

Vicky sat herself on the coffee table facing me. She scanned my slumped shoulders as I leaned my head back. She told me that my aura was dim and weakly pulsating. She then held my palm and closed her eyes, reaching into my memories. Years ago I had learnt that this ability was gifted to her when she gave in to Vampirism. It allowed her to extend her supernatural abilities to emotions and the spiritual being.

Vicky sucked in her breath when she finished, "Yikes, Heidi. After eight weeks, just like that?" Then she opened her eyes and grinned, "So, Tristan, huh?"

I snapped my head up and widened my eyes at her. What?

She could not hide her smile. "He's attractive."

I felt my face warm but kept my cool. I knew she could read me anyway but whatever. "He suspended me, Vick. I don't know what you're talking about."

"Yeah, and for just reasons."

"I know, I screwed up."

Vicky got up and picked up her brush to resume cleaning the bathroom. I knew I had to shake off my frustration with myself—and Tristan, maybe. "I'm going to the park. I want to practise my magic there."

"Want me to go with you? It's almost sun down," offered Vicky. "Besides, I want to see this magic stuff."

~

We arrived at the park by the time the sun was fully set. I knew a spot that was secluded and I began my practice there.

Vicky sat herself on a large boulder and watched. I practised Practical and Mischief magic spells, casting and warping reality and reverting them to their worldly state. I could feel my aura glow, like an expansion of my spirit surrounding me. I would glance at Vicky from time to time, and I had never seen such a bewildered expression on her pale face. Then she pursed her lips.

"Your aura is so...strong. Even the birds and squirrels are watching you."

I snapped out of my focus for a moment and looked around us. Hummingbirds on trees and squirrels poked their heads out of their hiding holes with acorns in their mouths. They had become my involuntary audience. I smiled and got back into concentration.

"The only kind of magic that I cannot practise on is Untamed magic. I haven't begun my training for that yet and it's frustrating me."

It was as if I jinxed it—I attempted to cast another Mischief spell but it backfired. It burst upon contact with my fingertips and I quickly retracted my arm. Pain shot through for a millisecond.