The Rise of Sigmund the Sorcerer

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

The Upper Hand

"Okay, smile or pose or something. We're putting these photos on our website for your promotional content, so make them look good!"

I followed what my director, Steven, told me behind the set while the photographer went to work. My parents and I had come to a studio in Berlin after an overnight flight that my management had organized for my first photo shoot. The back and forth travel had already begun and I wasn't even on screen yet. My new show would premiere in a month. Already, I had taken three film rolls of shots and after, I'd be filming my first set of advertisements.

The camera crew tossed silver glitter in the air that danced with the studio lights. Honestly, I hated it. It was getting into my eyes, but I had to pose through it all.

"Good job, Sigmund!" The director called out to me. As the glitter was brushed off my coat, I let out a groan. The director laughed. "We're finished with the confetti, I promise. For the next round of photos, lets see that fire trick."

I nodded and tightened my gloves before doing as he instructed. For the crew, this was the first time they'd actually seen my magic in person. It was hardly anything, just a bit of fire in my hand, but it was enough to get everyone cheering. Steven clapped with the crew around him.

"Isn't he amazing everyone?" He asked them, earning louder cheers as a response. I blushed.

"I guess you've been dazzled then!" I laughed. My father laughed when he heard me use his old reel. My director's smile grew brighter.

"What did you just say, Sigmund?" He asked. I blinked for a moment.

"Um...you've been dazzled?"

"THAT'S IT! That's your trademark phrase!" He announced. My eyes grew and met my father's, who was already beaming with pride. I couldn't just take without asking though.

"Father, is that alright with you?" Steven raised a brow at me. "It was my father's trademark for many years. He always used it in town when he performed. I felt the need to ask."

"Sigmund, I would love that." My father nodded. I nodded back.

"So would I."

Once all the glitter was finally brushed off the set and off my coat, the hair and makeup department rushed onto the scene. I dreaded hair and makeup more than anything.

My hair, to me, didn't look right at all. They had done something to fluff it up and oddly, they parted it down the middle and kept my fringe away with enough hairspray to have me gasping for air. I had always kept my hair pretty normal, free of hair products for sure. I looked like my great grandfather now, no denying it. And don't even get me started on the makeup! I told my mother I didn't want make up anywhere NEAR my face! She told me simply; "It's an image enhancer, Sigmund. If you wish to do well, then a little powder won't hurt!" I really didn't have a choice, it was the blush I hated though. I found it made me look entirely too soft.

After the shoot, they gave me a minute to take a break. I sat in the chair the studio had given me. My director handed me a bottle of water. I conjured myself an apple. The hair and makeup department were at it again, since the fire magic had frizzed my hair. My mother smiled at me.

"Sigmund, you're a real star!" She beamed. I giggled.

"I'm trying, Mother."

"And I'm so proud."

"Thank you."

When they had finished touch ups, I was called back to set by my director. I tossed the remainder of my apple into the trash and followed the crew onto another set to shoot my promo. My father gave me a wave from behind the crew when I was back on set. He was having a good time watching the whole process.