Infinite: Power

Chapter 7: Power

Los Angeles, United States.

Year 2010

Stawen stood up reading one of the billions of astrology notes that one of the Major Trickers, Fendrick Craw, kept in his office.

"I never understood why you make kids take this class. It's boring to the point of illegal." He said. Fendrick chuckled as he signed the Academy's admission papers from many hopeful students.

"Astrology is probably the only discipline by which someone can predict the future without the need of supernatural gifts." He said while reading the admission forms. "Trickers need to have at least one tool to do it, since they're absolutely powerless against, well," His voice lowered. "Against the talents of Orphets."

"Trickers are as important as Orphets." Stawen left the note and glanced at Fendrick Craw with an offended look as he took the seat in front of his desk. "Yes, you have no powers, I give you that. But haven't you people noticed how incredibly special you are? Your humility, your strength through all these years, your goodwill and wisdom, I mean, that is something no Orphet could ever reach! They are blinded by their power and pride, they're cynical and ambitio--!"

"Stawen." Fendrick Craw took off his glasses with a reproving glare. His eyes were as dark and brown as the dozens of wooden book shelves surrounding them. "I appreciate everything you say, I do. But sadly, these qualities you mention are of no practical use to the original purpose the Academy pursuits."

"They are of use to the world." Stawen affirmed. "To help others. Isn't that what both Orphets and Trickers are meant to do? To enlighten humans, to guide them towards a better future? How could any of that happen without the qualities of a Tricker?"

Fendrick Craw seemed unable to repress a touched laughter, shaking his head and putting on his glasses again. Stawen raised an eyebrow.

"I let you come here and work with me for the counseling of Trickers, but I don't want anyone else to hear what you say about Orphets. They could be influenced by you. So contain yourself." The Tricker said. "Most of all, inside of my office."

"You know I'm right, though." Stawen would never give up. He hated Orphets for reasons no one would understand. And he was loyal to Trickers, also, for reasons that no one would understand. "Alright, I'll let it go."

"Hmm..." Fendrick Craw paused while looking at one of the forms, and furrowed his brows. "This isn't supposed to be here. Maybe they missed this one."

"What?"

"The Headmaster's son's form. Tora Parker." There was a bit of worry in the tone of his voice and Stawen thought he knew why. "He's an Orphet; it's not supposed to be in my office."

"So he's coming next term, eh?"

"Alas, my friend." Fendrick replied with a smile. "He was approved in everything he was tested."

"Obviously." Stawen chuckled. "You don't like him, do you?"

"I understand all kinds of teenagers, but this boy is the incarnation of insolence. I don't know what kind of education he's received from the Headmaster, but I was expecting someone..."

"Better?"

"Someone who wouldn't use the f-word twice in a sentence."

Stawen laughed.

"But isn't he supposed to come from a high class family? I mean, the Parker family..."

"That's the reason I expected more politeness, but he's absolutely disrespectful towards all Trickers, and some Orphets. I'm frankly happy that he's turned out to be an Orphet after all."