10 Minute Tales

Jun 8

"It's bonding? Impossible, it's hardly bloomed...!"

"I know what I'm looking at. She's staring at it, her expression was panicked but now it's dull, consistent with hypnosis victims."

"... so it's bonding. What do we do now?"

"It's dangerous to intervene at this stage. If the target does have some latent power, breaking her out of the trance now could result in uncontrolled casting."

"And the Cinniúi?"

"We have to suspect the L-class is awakening properly. Continue observation, prepare for extraction when the flower dies."

"What if it blooms?"

"We'll see about that when the time comes."

-----

Felicia stared at the flower, hardly believing herself. She had created this fantasy from one bad dream, and now she was hearing the flower speak. Had the stress finally gotten to her?

"All I need to do is feed you?"

"Yes, that is all I need. Thank you for not simply discarding me already... I understand that an intelligent flower is not the norm for the Uncasting..."

"I'm sorry, Uncasting?"

She's being taught.

"One that cannot use magic."

"... so, what, you're magic?"

"I am. It's how we're communicating, I'm using a telepathy spell."

"Whoa, okay, hold on..." she straightened up, more confused than ever. "You're telling me, all this time, that magic's existed? How long has...?"

"I am only a bud myself, but I believe it has existed for a long, long time. It seems as though there are three distinct classes of magic-user among the humans."

"How do you know all this?" Felicia asked, sitting down on the sofa. "You weren't even talking yesterday."

"I am one with nature. I can feel the pulse of magic, the pulse of life itself. I feel its use. I know we are being watched."

"W-watched?" she looked around, startled.

Oh, great.

"The roof out of your window." the Cinniúi informed her. Felicia looked, but she couldn't see anything. "There is a Keeper on the roof. He has several devices, though I understand none..."

I had to move.

Felicia stared, squinting. "I don't see anything."

"You won't. He's moving away now."

"Right... so, well, I..." she sighed, going back to the sofa and sitting down. "I have so many questions..."

"I will answer what I can, Felicia."

"H-how did you know... oh, right, telepathy."

"Indeed."

"Okay, so... tell me again what you want with me?"

"I must grow. I want for my flowers to spread further."

"So how does that involve me?"

"I depend on you. As I am, I cannot fend for myself. When I have my roots, then I will need planting in a large plant pot."

"And from there?"

"I will still need your assistance, though as I grow in size I will grow in power."