Heirs Unapparant | A Miraculous Origin Story

Chapter 9: First Encounters (اللقاءات الأولى)

What happened back there? Nicholas hissed silently, keeping his head low and forcing himself not to glance back at his bag--especially not now that there were other students emerging from the gym behind him. He could feel the shuffle from his books and that only spurred him on. I understood everything that Milo said and I didn't once have to translate into French to respond! That is not normal and I know you had to have had something to do with it!

It's called Omnipotence, Lorr replied calmly--a lot more calmly than Nicholas was feeling at the moment. As I told you before, every kwami can leave side effects on their holders. Trekk's is intimidation, mine is the ability to understand and translate every language known to mankind. You may not have known what Astor was saying, but Omnipotence allowed you to hear his words in your native tongue and for him to do the same for you.

Well, that seems...oddly appropriate, Nicholas granted. Did you know...before...that...that I couldn't...you know?

I had no knowledge of this possibility prior to bonding with you, Master. Many of my flock have not...required such an extensive branch of my abilities. You, Nicholas, are a special case. One I sense may be able to put my magic to better use than those of the past.

And why do you think that? Nicholas inquired, pausing at the crosswalk, watching and waiting with slight impatience for the light to change. A bell jingled from up ahead and he carefully raised his gaze, spotting a small colorful building on the opposing corner of the street and paused, the sweet aroma of fresh pastries drifting across the road and striking him head-on as the door was opened and a stream of people exited. The sign above the door distinguished the corner market as a bakery, though Nicholas had guessed that already by the heavenly scent of dough. Hold that thought, Lorr. Do you smell that?

I am a hippogriff, Master. I have very tiny nostrils.

Oh, come on! You can't tell me you don't smell that! It's amazing! Come on! Let's go take a look!

But, Master, you have no money.

Nicholas waved him off. You don't need money to browse, buddy. That's so weird though. I've been down this way a hundred times and I never noticed there was a bakery there!

Perhaps these last couple of days have made you more in tune with your surroundings, Lorr suggested. When before your main focus was avoiding as much human contact as possible.

Yeah, still not focusing any less on that, though, Nicholas reminded him. The light changed and he hurried among the pedestrians, ducking and weaving until he was safely on the other side and it was clear for the vehicles to turn.

The entrance to the bakery was right around the corner. Nicholas quickly checked his watch. He'd promised to be home in time to help with dinner and watch Nino for the evening while his parents got some work done (meaning he would take his brother out for ice cream or to play in the park or something for an hour or two. Just long enough for his father to catch up on some paperwork and for his mother to get some relaxation that she greatly deserved). It was only a little after three. He had time for a quick run-through. Perhaps he could convince his parents to come back with him one day so they could actually buy something.

The bell above the door gave another friendly tingle as he pushed inside. Instantly, he was hit with dozens of different smells. Several he could make out right away, such as the sourdough perched high on a stand in the far left and the cupcakes, fresh from the oven, on the right. The store was hopping, though, and he had to duck out of the way of several customers as they crowded the main counter, cash in hand and ready.