Magicae

Chapter 26: Training

"Cool," Alex said. "So we're gonna get to learn our other powers now?"

Penny shook her head. "I... I don't know. I can still barely control the fire, and I'm afraid of hurting anyone."

Mrs. Justus smiled kindly. "Don't worry. Your other powers won't hurt anyone-- in fact, one of them does the opposite."

"Healing tears," Penny remembered.

"That should be the perfect one to start with, as you are already somewhat teary," Mr. Magister said.

"But none of us are hurt," Juliette pointed out.

Mrs. Justus held up a hand. "Not quite." She unwrapped a band-aid from around her index finger. "I got a bad paper cut earlier."

Penny stared at the wound. "So I just-- cry on it?"

Mr. Magister nodded.

Feeling incredibly awkward, Penny stepped up to Mrs. Justus and leaned over her pointing finger.

The tears were still damp on her cheeks, and it didn't take much for them to flow again. One droplet landed on the paper cut and rolled off the finger. Instantly the cut sealed until there wasn't even a scar.

"Good job!" Mrs. Justus said.

Mr. Magister smiled. "Good. I suspected as much."

"What do you mean?" Juliette asked.

"That these powers would come easier to you. All the powers you are not using in class are more instant. Penny's tears are always healing, and she and Alex both should naturally be able to communicate with animals that match their magical creature. Alex will naturally be able to breathe underwater, and Juliette, you will naturally get glimpses of the future. Once you are able to turn into a unicorn, your horn will immediately strengthen other's magic."

Alex raised a hand and a question. "When will we be able to turn into the magic creature?"

"Presumably once you have mastered all the other powers, except in Juliette's case, as one of hers requires her to be in unicorn form." Mr. Magister looked at them. "Please remember that I have never taught the Fabulosa before, so I know only a little more than you."

Alex nodded. "Can I try one of my powers now? Like, do you have a snake or something that I can talk to?"

Penny tuned out, without meaning to, of the conversation. She thought back to the illusion.

It hadn't felt like an illusion... it was all too real as her siblings, then her mother, then her friends were killed one by one.

The worst part was that Penny knew that if she stepped up, she would be killed. And if she were killed, everyone else would live.

But Penny couldn't move, couldn't make herself do it.

She wasn't brave enough.

Penny snapped back to reality to see Mrs. Justus transform into a lizard. "What the-- how?"

Juliette looked at Penny. "Didn't you hear her? Mrs. Justus is another dual power. She can shapeshift into any animal."

"Oh." Penny watched as Alex leaned over.

"Um, hello Mrs. Justus. This feels really weird," Alex said to the lizard. "So, since you're technically human you can probably understand me, but, uh, can you, like, say something to me? In lizard language or whatever?"

Mrs. Justus looked at him. Alex blinked. "Wait, what? How did I-- that is so cool!"

He looked at the others. "I can understand her!"

Mr. Magister nodded and smiled as Mrs. Justus turned back into a human. "Great job, Alex. Thank you, Mrs. Justus. Penny, now she will turn into a bird and you can try."

Beside Penny, Juliette shifted from foot to foot. "Hey, how about letting Juliette try one of her powers? Alex and I both have, so it's kinda her turn."

Juliette shot Penny a grateful look, but Mr. Magister shook his head. "Premonitions cannot be forced; they will just happen. I'm sorry, Juliette, but you will have to wait."

Juliette stopped shifting. "Oh. Alright." Penny could sense the disappointment in he voice.

Mrs. Justus turned into a small sparrow and fluttered over to Penny. "Um, hello," Penny said, now knowing how awkward Alex must have felt.

Hello.

"Woah!" Mrs. Justus hadn't spoken aloud, but somehow Penny understood the flutter of feathers and the tilt of the head. "That is so cool!"

Congratulations, Penny. The sparrow flew back to the desk and turned back to Mrs. Justus.

"Great job to both of you! I think that is enough for today... we will see you next Saturday at the same time. Thank you!"

The three kids nodded as they filed out of the office. Once they were gone, Alex burst out, "That was so cool! I can talk to lizards!"

Penny nodded absently as Alex raced down the stairs. "See you later, guys! I've got to go meet Justin!"

Penny looked at Juliette. "I'm really sorry that you can't use your other powers yet. That really stinks."

"Thanks." Juliette smiled slightly. "It's just frustrating... why am I so bad at magic? I've teleported once. Once. And you and Alex have used your powers tons of times, and you can use your others too..."

Penny held up a hand. "Truthfully, I'd rather have only used fire once than have to worry about burning everything down any time I practice."

"Really?" Juliette didn't sound convinced.

"Well, maybe not. But you'll get your powers, and once you do, you'll probably be the best of all of us at them. It just takes time." Penny wanted Juliette to feel better.

It seemed to be working. Juliette smiled. "Thanks Penny. You're a good friend."

Penny smiled back, but inwardly was frowning.

If she were such a good friend, why couldn't she sacrifice herself in the illusion to save the others?

Yay, more powers!

Random Question of the Chapter:
Best book to movie adaptation? (e.g. stayed true to the book and was a good movie in general)
Comment your answer!

But a fair warning: if you say the Percy Jackson movies I will scream.