Second Chance Fate

by Ella J. Smyth

  Two days after I’d finally grown into my powers, Mrs. Palmer had reminded us to find a partner for our final project. Each pair of students was to develop a piece of elemental magic and present it to the class. Beth had already partnered up with Kenzy who she'd been sitting next to all semester.

  Only a few days ago, I’d seen them holding hands coming back from dinner. I smiled at the memory. I was happy for Beth to have found somebody. The two of them complemented each other. Beth was good with all the elements, but together, they excelled at earth magic.

  One night she’d explained to me that her girlfriend was exceptionally gifted at creating life by pulling organic matter from a handful of dirt. The plants she coaxed out of random spots on the campus green were large, with glossy leaves and beautiful flowers.

  Beth, on the other hand, was great at moving particles. She was able to feed minerals to the plants, amplifying her girlfriend’s efforts. The way the two of them worked together and created life out of a barren patch of soil was awe-inspiring. Beth had confessed to me she’d love to work in conservation, like regenerating forests after large fires.

  I sat in class, looking around the room. Finding a partner last-minute was going to be hard. I still felt like a pariah at times, and although people didn't actively avoid me anymore, nobody went out of their way to speak to me, either.

  Most students were already paired up. Kiernan was in the back of the room, talking to Luke. My mood lifted immediately. Maybe we’d get a chance to catch up after class. Watching him, I tried to remember how long it had been since we last crossed paths. Actually, I haven’t seen him at all lately.

  Kiernan caught me looking at him and nodded. I returned the gesture before scanning the room for a potential partner. I would be so embarrassed if I had to be paired up with somebody by Mrs. Palmer. It isn’t like people don’t know I’ve got no friends. But still.

  “Amber."

  I looked up. Kiernan stood right next to me, an easy smile on his attractive face.

  "Yes?"

  "Do you want to work with me on this project?"

  Staring at him in confusion, I asked, "Sure, but aren’t you already paired up?"

  He shook his head. "No, I was sick for a couple of weeks so my parents kept me at home. I've been keeping up with class remotely. But now everybody is already teamed up."

  I nodded. Of course, somebody as handsome and smart as Kiernan wouldn't ask me unless he was desperate. But hey, I wasn't going to complain. There was the small problem that, other than the lightning, I still hadn’t figured out what my particular elemental talent was. I wasn’t sure what I could contribute to the project. My primary power was too unpredictable and potentially lethal to be of much use.

  There was no way I’d turn down Kiernan, though. From what I remembered from the first weeks of class, he was an exceptional magic user. And he’s very easy on the eyes. I couldn’t quite wipe the smile off my face as I answered, "Sure. When do you want to meet?"

  "How about in the library tomorrow? There is a table right at the very back where we can talk without disturbing anybody."

  When I entered the library, Strickland was talking to the volunteer in charge. He interrupted himself mid-sentence and turned towards me.

  "Hello, Amber. I haven't seen you since the meeting."

  I didn't have to ask which meeting he was referring to. The images of that evening were burned into my brain. There wasn’t a single day I didn’t see them when I closed my eyes. Smiling weakly, I waited for him to continue.

  "I understand Ms. Farkas spoke to the tech team in charge of the dampeners. Did it make a difference?"

  I nodded. "Absolutely. My powers are coming much more easily."

  Strickland regarded me with a curious expression, one I couldn't quite place. "And what about your primary ability? Have you been able to practice it?"

  I nearly blurted out, “Absolutely not.” There was no way I was going to play with fire, so to speak. Out loud I responded, "I'm afraid not. I've got too much catching up to do with the other elemental powers."

  Strickland nodded. "It's natural to be afraid of what you can do. You’re one of the most powerful students we’ve ever had."

  Really? That’s the first time I’ve heard of it. All I’d been told since I’d gotten here was how dangerous I was to everyone around me.

  "It's important you’re not afraid of your gift. Please speak to Mrs. Palmer about this. You need to practice, otherwise you won't gain control. Learning how to manipulate the elements with your secondary powers is one thing, but being in control of your lightning has got to be your prime purpose while you're here."

  I understood what he didn't say. I needed to learn to control my power if I ever wanted to get out of here. He gave me another friendly smile, wished me a good afternoon, and turned back to speak to the girl behind the desk, who’d been listening to our conversation with great interest.

  Kiernan was already seated at a large table behind the last bookshelf. It was far enough from the front desk that we were able to speak quietly without attracting the librarian’s wrath. I was happy to follow his lead and listened attentively as he outlined his ideas for the project. I added some thoughts here and there, and very soon, we had a plan of what we would try to do. Or at least Kiernan had a plan. I was still doubtful about what I could contribute.

  Most elemental powers worked by manipulating matter or creating life. But my lightning power didn't seem to have any other use except for destruction. What could I really do with it? Strike a pile of sand and melt it into glass? Actually, that might be something to explore for the future. But it won’t help us with our project.

  "Do you want to try something?" Kiernan said, interrupting my negative thoughts. "I'm going to focus on my psychic connection to the soil outside and create a phantom aura.”

  “A what?”

  “I’ll try to recreate an energy field, like an aura of psychic energy. Just go with me here. Let's see which of the elemental powers would be most useful to work with for that.”

  He closed his eyes, and as I watched, I could physically sense how he was grounding himself. He seemed to become heavier, larger, more powerful. Then he held out both hands and put them together, his palms forming a cup. I had no idea what to do next.

  Kiernan waited for a few moments and then whispered, "Take my hands."

  When our fingers touched, my skin tingled like crazy. It was the most peculiar feeling—exciting, but also unsettling. As if our powers combined to create something new. I closed my eyes and focused beyond the physical. His hands were warm and dry, but somehow, a smell of rotting leaves and damp permeated my senses.

  A light wind moved the hair out of my face, and if I didn't know better, I could have sworn I was sitting in a cool forest on a hot summer’s day. I opened one eye to make sure, and yes, I was still in the library. But the moment I closed my eyes again, I was back under the trees.

  "Can you feel it?" Kiernan asked quietly.

  I nodded before remembering he couldn't see me.

  "Yes," I whispered. "It feels like I'm in a forest, and I can smell the earth and plants around me."

  Kiernan chuckled, the vibrations traveling from his hands to mine. "Concentrate harder. Is there something missing?"

  I didn't know what he meant but followed his instructions. Deeper and deeper I sank, and suddenly it came to me. It was too damp, too shady. "It's missing heat, the sun."

  "Okay. That’s good. Can you add some heat to our vision?"

  I focused. I could control water, which would be of no use here. I was able to control air, at least sometimes. I wasn't great at manipulating life, like making plants grow, so what else was there? The closest I had to fire was my lightning power. I scrunched up my eyebrows, thinking harder.

  "Hey, guys. Didn't expect to find you here."

  Kiernan pulled his hands back. And just like that, the vision was gone.

  23

  I could have sworn there was a hint of reg
ret in Kiernan’s eyes before he pasted a broad grin on his face. "Hey, Beth. We’re working on the elemental project. What about you?"

  Beth shrugged. "Actually, I came to find Amber. Slug seems a little… well… sluggish. He's been sleeping all day. I just back to the room, and he hadn’t moved since this morning."

  I’d noticed he’d been a little quieter than usual for the last two days, but it had been a nice change from his usual boisterousness. But not moving at all? I hope he isn’t sick. Shit, he needs me.

  I jumped up. "I'm sorry. I’ll have to go and check on him."

  Kiernan got up as well. "Sure. Let’s continue the day after tomorrow if you’re free. I'd like us to finalize a rough idea before the end of the week. That way, we’ll have enough time to practice. You on board?"

  I like he’s asking for my input. "Yeah, sounds great. Same time, same place."

  Then I ran after Beth, who was walking so fast, I could barely keep up with her. Oh God, maybe Slug was sicker than she’d let on.

  Back at the dorm, I opened the door and entered the room, expecting to see Slug asleep on my bed. Instead I gagged. The entire dorm room was covered in vomit. And there was no sign of Slug. While Beth was surveying the chaos, I rushed towards the bathroom, trying my best to breathe through my nose. "Slug. Where the hell are you?"

  As I pushed against the door, Slug’s motionless body blocked my entrance. I shoved with my full body weight until I shifted him out of the way. The moment I was inside the room, I knelt next to him. He was breathing, but he looked very sick. Yellow slime encrusted his eyes and nose. When he coughed weakly, more vomit dribbled out of the side of his mouth.

  My eyes burned. For a terrible moment I was afraid he’d die right here, on the dirty floor of my bathroom. I needed help. "Beth!"

  My roommate's worried face appeared around the corner. Her eyes widened as she saw the unconscious cat. "Oh, no. What can I do? Tell me."

  I swallowed hard. "Could you please get Ms. Farkas? Tell her to meet me at the hospital wing."

  Beth didn't hesitate. She nodded and ran off. I grabbed one of Sharon’s fluffy towels, wrapped Slug in it, and lifted him into my arms. His limp body was even heavier and harder to carry than usual, but I didn't care. What did you do to yourself, you stupid cat? I can't lose you.

  I got to my feet, staggering slightly as his weight threw me off balance. Then I elbowed the bathroom door open, avoiding slipping in the pools of vomit, and made my way to the hospital wing as quickly as I could.

  By the time I stumbled into the infirmary, Ms. Farkas was already there. I’d expected to have to argue for help, because, familiar or not, Slug was a cat, not a human. Instead, Ms. Farkas took one look at him and said, "Quickly. Bring him this way. I've called a healer to take a look at him. How did you find him?"

  I explained he’d been limp and unresponsive after vomiting throughout the dorm room. Ms. Farkas listened and nodded gravely. "It looks very much like your familiar was poisoned. How about you? Do you feel any ill effects?"

  I nearly said no, but remembered that familiars were supposedly attuned to their humans. So I answered weakly, "I don't know. I do feel a little queasy."

  In my defense, I wasn't thinking clearly. Obviously, the healer would notice straight away that I had none of Slug’s symptoms, but I didn't care at that moment. As long as somebody was able to save my best friend and confidant, I would lie and suffer the consequences later.

  The door opened, and Mr. Odwell entered. He seemed a very different man tonight. Instead of beaming happily as he did in class, his face showed his concern as he bent over Slug. Muttering to himself, he examined my cat. I picked up the odd phrase like, “This is not good,” or, “Who could have done this?”

  Eventually I couldn't hold back any longer. "Can you help him, sir? Is he going to die?"

  The man straightened up, looking at me with shrewd eyes, far too knowledgeable for my liking. "He won't die, but I have to tell you, his condition is grave. It looks like he has been poisoned through magic. He bears all the hallmarks. I will keep him here until he's better, but… how are you feeling? Do you suffer from any lethargy, dizziness, weakness?"

  His stare cut straight through me, tolerating no deception. Like Mrs. Palmer, he had an unassuming appearance, but under his gaze, I felt like a pinned insect. I couldn't lie to him. "No, I feel fine now I know Slug will be okay."

  The teacher and Ms. Farkas exchanged glances. Dammit. They know Slug is only an ordinary alley cat. Now what?

  The head witch put a hand on my shoulder. "You can leave him with us. Trust me, he will be in the best hands. You can visit him any time, although I suspect it might be a few days until he is fully recovered."

  I nodded. Dizzy with relief, I walked back to the dorm. I was convinced they knew Slug wasn’t a familiar. Yet they’d decided to keep the fiction alive. I just didn’t get why they’d do that. Maybe Ms. Farkas was allowing me to keep him so I would have another reason to stay at the academy. Because if other people found out Slug was just a regular pet, he would be taken away for sure. Whatever. All I care about is that he’s be fine and back with me in a few days.

  Opening the door, I’d forgotten about the mess Slug had left behind. I was reminded very quickly by a shrieking Sharon. "If you think I'm going to clean this up, you’ve got another thing coming!"

  Beth was trying to calm her down. My nemesis was having none of it. She turned towards me, her face contorted with anger. "You. You and your stupid familiar. He's puked all over my cover. Where am I supposed to sleep?"

  She pointed at her bed with a trembling arm. Yeah, I could see why she’d be upset. There was green slime all over it, and the smell was making my stomach heave. I was so relieved, I was happy to give her a pass for her behavior tonight. "Beth, why don't you take Sharon for an ice cream at the student bar? While you two are gone, I'm going to clean up. I’ll do the laundry as well. Come back in two hours."

  Beth butted in, "And you can borrow my spare cover, Sharon."

  Sharon calmed down quickly. "Fine. As long as we understand each other. I'm not going to lift a finger to clean this mess."

  I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. On her way out, Sharon turned around and said, "And I'm sorry your familiar is sick. It doesn't mean I like him. I'd be sorry for any sick animal." Wow. A friendly word. Maybe Sharon is sick as well.

  A few hours later I had wiped down every surface, mopped the floor, and remade Sharon’s bed with fresh linen. Even better, I felt more positive about the future. Slug was going to be okay, Kiernan seemed a great project partner, and it didn't hurt that he was drop-dead gorgeous. Ms. Farkas hadn’t taken Slug away, and my powers were finally coming along and cooperating.

  But then I thought of why exactly I’d been on my knees, scrubbing the floor. Somebody had poisoned my pet. How? Who would do something that horrible? The teacher had said Slug had been poisoned magically. What did that mean? Had somebody come into our room and mixed something into his food or, like, bespelled him? Was it a warning? Or had Sharon finally snapped and decided to get rid of Slug? None of this made any sense. And suddenly I felt like a fly caught in a web, pulling against constricting strands of silk without ever seeing the spider until it’s too late.

  I shivered. That was a creepy thought, and not one I wanted to linger on before bedtime. Sure wouldn’t hurt to stay sharp and keep my eyes open, though.

  The next morning, Beth’s alarm went off early. I groaned and pulled the pillow over my head. Any moment now Sharon would bitch about the noise, and the cat would jump on my head. Neither happened. Then I remembered Slug was in the hospital wing. Shit. I needed to see him and make sure he was okay. The healer had said he’d recover fully, but my stomach cramped at the memory of last night.

  Sharon was dressed in an outfit I hadn’t seen before. I watched her brush her hair. Something was up. Still a little sleepy, I asked, “What’s happening today? Why are you up so early?”

  Sharon stopped brushing and exchanged
a look with Beth. I sat up. “What? What is it?”

  Beth cleared her throat. “Well… It’s visiting day. I thought you knew.”

  I shook my head. “No. How would I? You know I haven’t talked to my parents since I got here.” And damn, that hurt.

  Beth sat down next to me. “I’m sorry. I just assumed Strickland or somebody in admin would have told you. My dad is coming to pick me up in an hour.”

  Sharon butted in. “My folks can’t make it down from Canada today, but I’m going for lunch with a friend and his parents.”

  I flopped back into my bed. What an awesome thing to wake up to. Not. Looks like I’m spending my Sunday alone, worrying about Slug and who’s behind trying to kill him. Wonderful.

  While the girls got ready, I got up and took a quick shower. By the time I got back, they were both gone. On my way to the infirmary, I tried to ignore the teeming crowd of students, showing their family around the facility. Pushing through a group of people, I found myself within a few yards of Kiernan.

  A woman dressed in a sharp business suit was talking to him. I was about to call out a greeting when he glanced at me and shook his head minutely. My forehead drew together. She must have been his mother, judging by the hair color and facial features. Does he not want me to meet his mom?

  Kiernan turned away from me, listening to his mother intently. His shoulders were hunched forward, and he looked upset. As if he didn’t want to be here at all.

  Next to him was a man I assumed was his dad. A second man might have been an uncle, although I couldn’t be sure. He looked nothing like either of the other two adults. His mom’s voice was rising in volume. Kiernan’s face was like stone, hard and without expression.

  That’s why he doesn’t want me to go over. Because he and his mom are fighting. I felt sorry for Kiernan, but at the same time I was relieved his standoffishness had nothing to do with me.

  Soon they moved on, and I continued until I got to the infirmary door. Slug was still out for the count. The nurse explained it was to allow him to sleep it off and get better. They put him into the equivalent of a medical coma, only magically induced. I stroked his head, watching him carefully. He was breathing easier, and the secretions around his eyes and nose were gone.