You Don't Belong

Chapter 23 - Practice

As it turned out, it was nearly three months before Tori learned anything about Russell, or the abilities he had. Work and the girls kept her busy, but one day, when the twins were spending the weekend with their grandparents, Nichol appeared and said that he had found several spirits that were willing to help out as guinea pigs. Tori felt a little guilty that she'd forgotten to ask Bern how long it took for a spirit to pass judgement, but Gina had reassured her that it was different for everyone, and Nichol and the four volunteers were due to arrive at the shop at six. After serious discussion they decided the shop was the best place to conduct the experiment, she still hated spirits turning up at home where the girls were susceptible to the spirits. One thing she'd vowed when she had the girls was that she would keep them away from most of the spirits she encountered. Spirits couldn't hurt the girls, and thanks to Gina it was determined the girls couldn't hurt spirits like their mother could, but she wasn't about to take any risks.
"Are we ready to do this?" Tori heard, and she turned to look at Gina.
"What did the Judges say about how long we wait after the spirits pass through the doorway?" Tori asked, leaning against the counter.
"They said it's hard to determine due to the way the time is different between this world and the next, but an hour should be long enough, they feel, before summoning the spirits back. They also said it's good to take some names where you can for each spirit, for some it feels instant, for others it may feel like several lifetimes. They are happy that you are experimenting like this, it will help you in the future. I can't say how, I've been told not to say, just in case." Gina said. Tori was surprised, but smiled at the bit of praise from the Judges.
"I understand. Some things are not meant to be known. Sorta like not wanting to know how one dies, and when." Tori said. Gina nodded, relieved Tori seemed to understand. Nichol appeared then with Marge and four other spirits. Looking at each one, Tori felt nothing but anxiety and slight skepticism. Lachlan had gone home, but he was only a phone call away. The shop was locked, so Tori, Gina, Nichol, Marge and the four spirits headed out to the back of the shop, and Tori got everything ready, sitting down on a chair as her leg was starting to ache. Gina stood next to Tori, and Nichol and Marge stood near the door they had chosen to use for the portal. The four volunteers stood to the side, their eyes on Tori.
"I wanted to thank you all for doing this. I really appreciate it. I won't detain you too long just a few minutes, then you can pass through and be happy until I summon you. I know Gina has talked to you all, and I am grateful. So if two of you wouldn't mind giving your names, I can write them down and try to summon you once you pass through judgement." Tori said. One mane stepped forward, moving sprightly despite the age he appeared.
"My name is Vincent McNeil, if that will help you. I wish you good luck, young lady." He said, and took Tori's hand, kissing it gently. Tori smiled.
"Thank you, Mr. McNeil." Tori said. A young woman had moved closer too, standing just behind the old man, and once Vincent had stepped back Tori turned to her.
"I'm Rachel Jones." She said softly. Tori smiled warmly.
"Thank you Rachel. I am grateful you're doing this for me." Tori said, and Rachel seemed to relax slightly.
"You're welcome." She replied, and moved back to the others. Tori turned her attention to the two that had remained silent.
"I am grateful to you both as well. It is an opportunity for me to learn, and to help more people. I swear I won't abuse my gift." Tori said. All four spirits nodded in understanding, and she could feel a general sense of pride from her three friends.
"When the two unnamed people go through, I want you to keep your senses open, feel for her summon. Others may try to piggy-back through, but you just tell them to wait their turn. They'll listen to you." Gina told them. All four nodded. Tori watched Gina and felt, for the umpteenth time, that she was so lucky to have a friend such as her.
"Evocator?" Tori heard, and she looked at Rachel.
"Yes?" She replied.
"What is it like, on the other side?" Rachel asked meekly.
"I honestly don't know. I do know it's different for everyone. My Nana seems happy, well she looks happy when I see her." Tori replied. Rachel listened, as did the others, and they all appeared to relax a little more. Nichol looked at Tori.
"Are you ready?" He asked. She nodded.
"I am." She replied, and moved just a little to face the door. Gina moved closer to her and took Tori's hand.
"You can do this." She reassured Tori, who smiled back.
"I hope so." Tori murmured. She brought up the image of the door in her mind and focused on the closet door. Tori recognised the look of awe on each of the four faces, and each one moved through the door and vanished. Once the last one left, Tori released the doorway image.
"Now we wait." She said, looking at her watch. "Maybe we should go home and do it there. I'm tired and need to rest." Tori added. Nichol moved over.
"We'll be there for you, and if anyone comes through that is unsavoury we'll push them back through. And if this works, and you do manage to summon the spirits, if we fall through you can summon us back, after an hour." Nichol grinned. Tori smiled up at him, and stood up, picking up her cane, and after making sure everything was locked, she headed home with a few items she needed.