The Andre Miller Saga

Andre Miller 58 The Cold

Frankie laughed pleasantly as Hoziha of the 3rd host spun his sword and leaned into the attack. Frankie ducked the strike and maneuvered out of the way of the follow-up. Each attack, one after the other, dodged a moment before it would land, and the entire time Frankie kept his hands behind his back.

Hoziha spun in a tight circle using his wings to hide the direction the next attack was coming from until the last moment when the wings parted and a lung aimed at Frankie's heart stop inches shy as Frankie grabbed the blade between his hands. He twisted and popped the sword out of Hoziha's hands and it landed a short distance away.

"I yield the day Frankie of the House of Hernandez. You are the superior combatant this day." He said with a smile, "Few can match the prowess of the warriors of the heavens, but you have advanced far beyond my abilities. Whatever comes will be hard-pressed by your abilities. I will be honored to stand by your side when that day comes." Hoziha retrieved his sword, bowed, and then launched himself into the air and away.

"I never thought I'd see the day when a man bested a celestial in single combat." Said Andre

Frankie made a small frown, "I don't that I'm a man anymore Andre. The truth is I wasn't trying that hard. His attacks were in slow motion and I could see them coming a mile away. He was fast and strong, but I'm more now. Kris tried to take my pulse the other day, to check how my heart was doing with all the strain I've been under. She couldn't find one. Not on the wrist, neck, or with a stethoscope. My heart either isn't beating anymore, or it's gone. I don't sleep anymore at all. It's been 3 weeks since the 6th lock fell. I feel refreshed and rested. I'm never hungry or thirsty, but I can eat and drink if I want to. I held my breath for 15 minutes yesterday and then got bored with it. I can lift the front end of the van easily. Everything and everyone are a series of auras and energy, I mean I look at you and I still see you, but I also see your aura, how healthy you are, how your karma is doing if you've got a spell going, all of it." Frankie sat down on the patio. "What am I now Andre?"

Andre put his hand on Frankie's shoulder, "You are Frankie Hernandez, father of Celeste, and friend to many. You're a man even if your body is becoming something else. In here," he tapped Frankie's chest, "and up here," he tapped Frankie's forehead, "you are still a good man. I do not doubt that. You change all you need to, but you'll always be the kid I know."

Frankie squeezed Andre's hand affectionately. "Thanks, I think I needed to hear that. We should head back in and see what's for dinner."

"Well, there is one upside to you not eating." Said Andre with a smile.

"What's that?" Frankie asked.

"Our food bill will drop by 40%." He laughed.

"Not likely, Celeste is starting to hit her growth spurt, she's going to eat us out of house and home before long," Frankie said with a smile.

The two men made their way inside and Conroy, Tilly, and Kris were busy in the kitchen making dinner.

Tilly tossed a lemon at Frankie and he grabbed it out of the air in his blind spot. "Did I mention that my peripheral vision is really good now too?" he said as he tossed it back to her.

"That may have come up once or twice." She said with a light laugh.

The family was in a generally good mood. Celeste had just started 2nd grade and was turning 8 in a couple of weeks. Celeste was still practicing the chill rune but hadn't gotten it to work yet, but she was determined she was going to be a mighty wizard like her dad.

Andre, Caleb, and Conroy were handling summoning for the family business. Kyle had just gotten back from a two-week vacation to see his wife and daughter in France. Tilly and Janice had become fast friends from working together every day at the shop doing construction on the talismans, runes, and wards. Frankie, Kyle, and Kitty handled the magical installation and maintenance of Tilly's work. Kris was making various potions for sale at the shop and to keep a stockpile on hand should battle become a necessity. There was also talk of her doing some basic seer work from the shop on occasion by appointment only of course.