Psycho Gem

Chapter 22: Moving on

Wonderful Artwork by @PrincessPetals 

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As I walked up to Leo's house, I felt a wave of familiarity and nostalgia wash over me, as well as a sense of warmth and comfort.

It had been a couple of days since the incident at B.U.R.N.E. There wasn't much damage done to the area, but there were a lot of spooked civilians. The power vacancy left by the vegetized chairman has been filled by the vice-chairman until the next election. Agents have swept through Malcolm's tavern base, and arrested every remaining Half-Breed Henchman that escaped our attack.

There hasn't been any appearance from Malcolm since. He may have promised his return, but, likely, that wouldn't be any time soon. We can rest for now, but remaining vigilant is important.

Leo had taken Tracks back to his place for the last few days. We both agreed he was safer there than with me for the time being. As I strolled down Leo's driveway, Abbey appeared next to me.

"Didn't expect to see you here," she said.

I merely smiled in response.

"Magus? You look... different."

I responded sarcastically, "Really? What gave it away?"

"Well, for one thing, you shaved, and you got rid of your cape."

"Not quite," I pointed at my back.

I had gotten myself a long, black dress coat with the remnants of my tattered cape stitched over the shoulders. That way I can keep the memories, without them holding me down.

I saw Leo and Tracks on the back lawn doing some dynamic poses. I remember doing those very same exercises with Leo, Veil and Starlight. It was meant to help relax and focus the body, as well as the mind. Tracks followed along with a bit of difficulty. I could see the stress building up in him with the frustrated expression on his face.

"Plant your feet more firmly," I called out to Tracks as I walked over, "and straighten your back."

"Excuse me, but I'm the Master here," Leo said sarcastically.

"Wait, so you've actually taken him in as an apprentice?"

"Yep! The kid's learning all kinds of useful skills. I'll whip him into a full-time sorcerer before you can say "Bob's your uncle!""

"'Useful skills'?" Tracks interjected, "All he's been doing is making me do chores with the odd lesson in magic! He's impossible!"

"Hey!" Leo cut in, smacking Tracks' stomach with a metre stick, "nobody told you to stop stretching!"

As I looked closer, I saw the scar tissue on Leo's neck. The injuries he sustained from his scuffle with Malcolm still hadn't completely faded, even with the advanced medical science from B.U.R.N.E.

"Actually, I need to have a little discussion with your pupil."

Tracks looked back at Leo, who nodded in approval. I took Tracks around to the other side of the house to have some privacy.

"A private discussion, Abbey," I said, knowing that Abbey was still following.

When she disappeared, I leaned against the wall while Tracks stood in front of me.

"Why do I feel like I was just called to the Principal's office?" he asked.

"How have you been handling your bloodlust?" I bluntly asked.

"I've been... managing," he answered, looking down at his vampiric hand, "Leo's been feeding me things like raw steaks to help keep it satisfied. But I don't know how long I can keep it up for."