Chaos and Order, Darkness and Light

When Do We Start?

TORI

What a total Jackass!' I thought as I walked to the large four poster bed. 'Takes me from my apartment, my school, my whole life and then yells at me for it!' I was fuming.

Before I even noticed what I was doing I was out in the hall and sneaking around corners hoping I could find them. Surely if I eavesdrop I could learn a thing or two. As it so happens me I didn't need to walk around all the much there was a large bronze door that was inscribed with a star. I think Erik called it a pentacle, the symbol of their order. Pressing my ear to the wall I heard a voice. But it didn't sound like any of them. Masculine definitely. Maybe it was the other guy, Nathan. I was sure that was who was talking until I heard what he said.

"It is impolite to eavesdrop miss." The voice said. It seemed as if the person speaking was right next to me. My head flew off the wall and I looked up and down the hallway. No one was there, and yet the voice sounded so close. Suddenly the door knocker lifted itself and banged hard on the door.

I jumped as the door opened and Erik Jodi and Mom walked out.

"Tori! Why were you trying to eavesdrop?" My mom asked.

"Of course not mom I was trying to look for Erik, I want him to apologize for being so rude to me just then." I lied quickly. Mom's face softened and she turned towards Erik.

"What did you say to my daughter?" She asked.

"I gave her the gist of the information, light and dark, the claiming, the order, I apologize if my lack of sugar coating it was unfamiliar to her." He said looking down at my mother. Before anyone saw it coming the slap echoed across the hallway.

"You can attack Tom and I all you want Erik, but Tori is not to blame for this, you may want to remember that Erik, I am the only one here that can cancel out your powers." She threatened and Erik paled.

"I'm sorry Elain but surely you understand that formality and niceties can't be payed attention to right now. We have a lot of training to do before she is ready to defend herself."

I spoke loudly " But I can teleport remember, I don't need to fight."

Mom and Jodi looked confused and Erik looked at me sour faced. "You teleported out of reflex, which is mighty damn impressive, but it's not like you can travel across the globe. With your raw power and quick reflexes, you've got maybe two or three good jumps in you before you pass out. That skill takes a lot of energy and you jumped into a shed. Without proper training next time it might be a wall, or right in front of an oncoming train. You have to be careful. in many situations it is better to fight than run. Come with me," He said as he took my arm and led my away from the others. " We will prepare you to cast complicated magic, to know when to fight or when to run. We still aren't entirely sure how bad the current situation is. The Darecki can meld into the shadows, traverse long distances in a matter of minutes during the night, come out of any shadow that isn't in a warded area. You will be at risk every time you walk out the door, so training is better started sooner rather than later."

We approached a large steel door. "In this room you will practice your offensive magic. Because you haven't been claimed I'm not sure how good you'll be. But you will be the best you can be once you finish."

I took one look at the door and pushed it open. I walked inside and without turning around I asked, "When do we start?"

I looked at him and that's when I saw the fire ball.

"Now"