Honor of Euroka

Chapter 10 - Shades and Pasts

Honor had grown up without a mother. His dad liked to say it was because they had grown apart, but it was clearly a lie. Every time her name was brought up, he flinched and avoided questions. Why? Because he himself didn't know what had happened to her. It was a painful reminder that her murderer got away with little more than an inconvenience or two.

However, the family had to deal with it because they just weren't in the position to study her death. For one, they didn't have the time or energy. They always had to work exceptionally hard in order to ensure their safety throughout the winter. Second, it would require major magic into past events, and not only were they not allowed to do that without a license, but they didn't have anywhere close to the materials. But perhaps that could change now.

***

Honor always tried to find the silver lining. He was currently invested in finding the silver lining to be a witch apprentice. So far, he had only thought that the paychecks he received were given to his family. They could live more comfortably. That said, Honor and his family didn't have the closest relationship with each other.

Honor wanted to know what was in it for him.

That was a difficult question. He thought of it for a month, ever since he had been appointed. He had passed a week of school and was starting to understand the subjects better. But no matter how many questions he solved using his new skills, he couldn't find an answer to his personal question. Until now.

"Magic... nobody can hide from magic." He mumbled, flipping through a dense book. He wouldn't stop mumbling. He ignored the looks his team gave him. Yennefer and Evelynn, of amusement. Sekena, of concern. He refused to explain anything to them. On a side note, Xian took a special interest in Honor.

"Xian, get off." Honor said grumpily, shoving the cat off of his book. Xian hopped back on and plopped back onto the book, licking himself indignantly. Honor sighed. It seemed he'd have to take a break from his book.

Honor went to his room and opened his dresser, and reached into the hidden compartment in the back that he had added himself. He pulled out the broken mask. There was something about the mask that was unnerving. It was almost as though it had a conscience.

Would it fit me? He wondered randomly. Of course, it was against WMA (or Witch Magic Administration) protocols to interact with magic-infused items without knowing the consequences. Honor was 90% certain that the broken mask was of some magical significance and so should leave it alone or have it tested. Strictly speaking, he was breaching safety protocols just by interacting with it and keeping it in his room.

In spite of that, Honor had an insatiable curiosity towards the mysterious mask. Who had it belonged to? Why was it broken? Where was the other half? And so, he guiltily indulged himself. He fixed the mask in place. Half of his face was covered by it now, and he felt nothing. He knew it was a possibility, but he couldn't help but feel bitterly disappointed. He had hoped for something greater.

Maybe it doesn't do anything without its second half? He wondered. It seemed logical. Honor put his hand on the mask to remove it, but something held him back. He had felt something just now. He looked to the right. Nothing. To the left. Nothing. Honor reluctantly turned around and barely avoided shouting out loud. He was no longer alone.

Standing there was a person. Or, more correctly, the shade of a person. They were almost see-through. Like a ghost. Honor didn't look at it for long. He didn't want to see its features. He swiftly turned around and removed the mask, tossing it into the hidden compartment.

He quickly slammed the drawer shut and fearfully glanced over his shoulder. It was gone. The shade was gone. Honor backed away from the dresser and left the room. He yelped when he turned around to see Evelynn right before him.

"You look like you've seen a ghost," She stated suspiciously. Well.... she wasn't exactly wrong. Honor didn't know if that was a ghost or not, but it certainly looked like one. His extended silence made Evelynn even more suspicious.

"No... I- uh- I just..." He stammered. He was a horrible liar, and he knew it. Fortunately, Evelynn didn't seem particularly interested in bothering him. With one last suspicious glance, she walked away and left the house. Honor sighed in relief.

He was surprised when Xian went to Honor's room and hissed at the door. Oh, that's right... don't cats have a natural affinity for supernatural things? Honor had heard that from Sekena. That said, he was fairly certain what he saw wasn't a ghost, but a shade. The past owner of the mask.

Honor picked up Xian and walked to the living room. He sat on the cushy couch and put Xian in his lap, petting his ears. Although it was a nice bonus, Honor actually just did this so Sekena wouldn't suspect why Xian was hissing at Honor's door.

Honor picked up the book he had been reading earlier titled Magic Evolution: the Past. It was a stupid name, but Honor was relieved by it. If anybody saw the title, they'd assume he was reading the history of magic, not how to read history using magic.

"I finally found a purpose in this job... and I will find the answer... nobody can hide from magic." He mumbled to himself. Xian looked up, uninterested.

"What are you mumbling this time?" A voice said, and Honor jumped. He looked up to see Sekena, arms folded.

"Oh... was I mumbling?" He asked. She nodded. Honor decided he'd have to stop mumbling to himself, or he'd be caught. Sekena took Xian and left to go do witchy stuff or whatever. Honor was finally left alone. Perfect.

"Now I can have the house to myself..." He said, walking back to his room. He opened up the dresser compartment and grabbed a certain broken object.