by D. Levesque
Marrisa nods and walks over to the sofa, bringing the leg piece down so she can sit where I had been sleeping.
“For pay, you do get paid. My sister is doing the paperwork. Now that you are a citizen, she can do it. The pay is roughly 60,000 credits per month. In Earth terms, or more like US terms since that is where you are from, it’s about $75,000 a month, give or take.”
“What!” I say in shock. “You get paid that much and you live here?” I wave around her tiny one-bedroom apartment.
“Remember that whole floor-level thing that Vampire William talked about?” Marrisa says defensively.
“Yeah?”
“Well, I live on the third floor of a building that is close to downtown and work. So I pay a premium. I pay roughly 30,000 credits per month for this place.”
“What the hell!” I say, shaking my head. “There goes my idea of getting my own place then. Is that normal prices around here?”
“Not really. You can get something further out, or in another city, and pay cheaper. Though with you being a new citizen and since technically we are married, it will look kind of odd if we live apart.”
“Shit,” I say, forgetting that part. “How would someone go from city to city? I don’t remember seeing any cars.”
“And you won’t. Most people run or use Magic. There are many Magic users who are what we call Porters, who will move you from city to city.”
“Expensive?” I ask her.
“Not really. Think of it like a bus. You all get into a large room, and the Porter portals everyone to a specific city. Usually, most cities have a Portal to some other city every thirty minutes. It’s been years since I used the service, but I think it was about 25 credits.”
“So, roughly over 30 US dollars for a portal?” I ask. “That can get costly,” I say with a whistle.
“Don’t worry, as a M.A.G.I. Bounty Hunter, you will get a standard-issue Portal stone. Also, a standard-issue communication stone.”
“So, wait, I meant to ask. How did you know that your sister wanted to see us and all that yesterday? Communication stone? Is that what you all use here instead of phones?”
“Yep,” she says with a smile. She gets up off the couch and runs to her room, where she grabs something I can’t see and comes back. She hands me two items, one is a long thin black stone, and the other is a round black stone. Both are smooth to the touch, and they don’t have any markings.
“So the round one is my Portal stone, the other is my communication stone. Since they are assigned to me, or magically designated to me, they only work for me.”
“How do they work? I don’t see any kind of buttons or anything,” I ask her, looking at the rocks closer.
“Magic,” she says, wiggling her eyebrows up and down.
I smirk. “Of course.”
Surprisingly, she laughs at that. Honestly, when Marrisa isn’t being a bitch, she can actually seem nice. Her laugh is adorable. It’s nice not feeling like I need to tell her off for a change.
“Once it’s been designated to you, you will be in tune with it. As an example, you will need to give someone access to your communication stone’s signature as everyone’s is different, and then they can call you. I’ve been on Earth and used a cell phone. Think of it as, instead of hearing a ringtone with your ears, you hear it in your head.”
“So no video calls?” I ask her with a raised eyebrow.
“No, no video calls. Though I hear that some of the stronger Magus who’s job it is to make those,” she points to the communication device, “are trying to see if they can add that feature.”
“Man,” I say, sinking back into the couch and handing her back her Portal and communication stones. “This is a lot to take in. Magic, Vampires, Changelings and other creatures, and just the fact that I am in a different world. So, where is this world in relation to the galaxy and Earth?”
“No clue,” Marrisa says with a shrug. “We use Magic to travel between worlds, so we never really looked up at the stars. Most of our bigger Magic spells only work on Earth. The theory is that it’s because Earth was our original world. It’s where we were born as a species. So the Magic is stronger there for those big spells. Though Magic can be found all over the galaxy, Earth seems to be more abundant in it. Which is odd since humans, who are also of that world, cannot use it.”
“Except me now, it seems.”
“Except you,” Marrisa says, nodding. “Even my dad is curious as to how that is even possible. You are the first person, human sorry, to ever have Magic, and at such a high level, that he wants to study you.”
I start to panic. Shit, am I going to be prodded and poked like a lab rat? Marrisa must see my concern since her next words ease my mind.
“Don’t worry,” she says hurriedly. “My dad has no intention of giving you to the Council members and their labs. He has taken it as a personal project, and has promised me and my sister that he would not harm you in any way, physically or mentally. Now, if any other member had found this out, things would have been truly different. Kevin, you have to understand. The hate for humans in some worlds runs deep. There is still that hatred because we were made to leave Earth, our mother world. Many out there would love nothing better than to have all humans die off and leave Earth back to us. Not all of us are like that. But just as your Earth has its radicals, so do we.”
“Damn,” I say, shaking my head.
I can’t imagine being a race that was hunted and killed to the point that you needed to leave Earth altogether just to get away. I am sure I would hate the people who caused that as well. Her dad had told me the story of how they all left Earth thanks to the Gods. Does that mean Gods are real?
“So, are Gods real then? Are they here in this world?” I ask her.
Shaking her head sadly, Marrisa explains. “The Gods are real, but most are bound to Earth. They are still alive, but weaker than before. They used a lot of their own powers to allow us the ability to create portals between worlds. The portals use a lot of Magic. That is one reason that in order to be a M.A.G.I. Bounty Hunter you need to be at the very least a level eight Magus.”
“What level are you again? Or is that the same as asking a woman her age?” I ask her warily.
“I’m a level nine, closing in on a level ten Magus,” Marrisa says with that cute laugh of hers.
“Oh, so the levels can increase?”
“Yes, as you get older and more experienced and use Magic more, you become stronger. One of the reasons that being a M.A.G.I. Bounty Hunter is so sought after is that we use more Magic in our job, so we become stronger. It’s not unheard of for someone in the business to gain three or sometimes four levels just by being a Bounty Hunter.
“Wow, so…” I start, but Marrisa holds up her hand to stop me. She gets an unfocused look on her face, and then she holds up her communication stone and waves it to let me know she is getting a call.
“That was my sister. Your paperwork is done and finished, and now you need to go for training for two weeks. I won’t be with you for it. But lodging is being supplied, with a bed,” she says with a laugh. “That works out, as I have things to do while you are gone.”
“Hmm. What about clothes? I was wondering if I could get some of my clothes from my world?”
“That might be wise. How far were you from your place from when I got you?” she says, thinking about it.
“Five minutes or so? I was walking through that warehouse’s field to get to my street and then up to my place,” I tell her.
“Then put your shirt on and let’s go,” she says, grabbing my cup from the coffee table and bringing it to the kitchen with hers. That’s when I realize that all I have on are my pants. I never even thought anything about it since at home, I walk around in my underwear. Guess I will have to make sure to bring pajamas with me.
Reaching down to the floor next to the sofa, I grab my shirt and socks and put them on. At least I am wearing my underwear, but damn, they need a change. I put my runners
on as well. While I am doing that, Marrisa goes into her room and closes her door, and I assume she’s getting dressed as well. I doubt that what she was wearing would have been a proper outfit to wear outdoors. It looked like her lounging outfit.
Hearing the door open, I look up and see that Marrisa is now dressed in a pair of cut-off jeans again, with a pair of boots, socks, and a black t-shirt. Don’t tell me that didn’t come from Earth. It’s a damn Metallica concert t-shirt. I look at her with a raised eyebrow.
“What?” she says defensively. “It was an amazing concert!”
“Wait, you went to that concert? Which city?” I ask her.
“Pick one,” she says with a grin. “I went to every one of their concerts on that tour. Well, no, all except one. I missed one because I was chasing someone across Lotri, the Fairy world. I was not very happy with that Bounty,” she says with a growl.
“Anyhow, shall we head out” she says.
Nodding, I follow her as we head out of her apartment and go down to the main floor. She stops and turns around in the lobby. She holds up her hand and in it is the Portal stone. She gets that look again, but no Portal shows up. “Good. It’s late there. We should be good.” And then next to us is the black portal. She waves me ahead, and as always when I walk through, I hold my breath, expecting the worst.
Once we emerge on the other side, we are back at the warehouse near my place. Marrisa steps through the Portal behind me and looks around, and the Portal disappears.
“Now, show me your apartment,” she says briskly.
“Yeah. And she’s back,” I say sarcastically.
Marrisa looks at me but then blushes, getting what I meant by that. “Sorry. I’m trying, Kevin. I am truly trying.”
“That’s all I ask. This way,” I tell her with a nod and head the way I was originally heading the first night I ran into her.
Chapter Fourteen
Just before we get to my building, which is not even ten feet away from us, Marrisa, who had been walking next to me, suddenly puts her hand out to stop me. I glance at her and she’s looking around suspiciously.
“Is that you, Mavin?” she calls out quietly.
“By the Gods, Marrisa, how in the blazing petals do you do that?” says a tiny voice from above me in exasperation.
Looking up, I get a surprise. Floating in midair is nothing but a swear-to-God Tinkerbell, except it’s male.
“You make it too easy. I smelled lilacs in the middle of a city block,” Marrisa says with a laugh. “What are you doing here, Mavin? I thought you were stationed more up north?”
“I am. But I am on a special assignment. For this human, I guess. We are to protect his area. Make sure no family members get nabbed to force him to do anything. Standard stuff.”
“Wait, what? People will get kidnapped because of me?” I cry out in shock.
“Of course,” Mavin snorts, flying down until he is floating in front of me. “You are the first human who can do Magic. You are a wanted man. The only reason no one is going after you is because of her dad,” Mavin says, waving at Marrisa next to me, who nods. Mavin slowly flies around Marrisa and me, but I can tell his focus is on me. His wings are gossamer thin, and I have no clue how he is floating since he isn’t even flapping them. Magic?
“As far as humans go, I have to admit, you are a pretty one. Don’t worry. Not into men. Just saying, I have seen some uuuuuggglyyy humans.”
“Mavin,” Marrisa says sharply. “While I agree with that statement, you don’t say that in front of other humans.”
“Are you saying that all of you of the other races are beautiful?” I ask them with a snort. They both look at me but don’t answer.
“Are you fucking serious?”
“Of course. We are magical beings. Magic makes us beautiful,” Mavin says with a chuckle.
“You know, if that’s true, I don’t think humans only wanted you for your Magic,” I say with a sigh. “I would say they hated you for your beauty.”
“Really?” Mavin says, unconvinced.
“We humans are always looking for ways to make us more beautiful. I mean, our cosmetic industry alone is worth trillions of American dollars. If you had a race who could do Magic, and every single one of them was beautiful, what would you think?” I ask both Marrisa and Mavin.
At first they look at me in confusion, but then Mavin’s eyes open wide in surprise. “They would have thought that having Magic would make them beautiful as well!”
“I mean, I could be wrong,” I tell him with a shrug.
“Holy petal powder! I will need to bring that up to the Council. Hey Marrisa, would your dad be offended if I contacted him for this? Don’t worry!” Mavin says, turning to me quickly. “I will use you as the reference. My Gods, we never even thought about that!”
“Probably because most of the time when we are talking to humans, we are trying to kill each other,” Marrisa says thoughtfully. “I think my dad, when he tests you, might also want to get the point of view of a human who isn’t trying to kill us.”
“Want me to mention that to him?” Mavin asks Marrisa.
“Yeah, go ahead and do that. So what should we know about Kevin’s area?”
“Pretty quiet. Magically I mean. Nothing out of the ordinary. There was one male who showed up at the building earlier, and went to his,” Mavin points at me, “apartment, but then he left.”
“Did he look like this?” I say, taking out my wallet and bringing out a picture of me, Mike, and Jim. I point to Mike.
“Yes, that was him. He banged on the door but didn’t try to get in. He gave up after ten minutes.”
“Shit. I’ll have to call him,” I tell Marrisa.
“Is that your rich friend?” she asks me, grabbing the picture and looking at it.
The picture was of us at Christmas one year at Mike’s place. With a huge foyer behind us and a massive Christmas tree. We are all wearing cheesy Christmas sweaters. I won that year since I found one with reindeers, elves, a large Santa, grinning with rosy cheeks smack dab in the middle of my chest.
“Yeah. They are the two guys I grew up with. I’ve known them since grade school. That would be since I was about five,” I say at their confused looks. “That’s Jim with us. I’m surprised that Mike came himself instead of sending someone. He must be worried about me. Can we head up so I can call him, because of your sister hasn’t he will be worried.”
“Sure. I’ll let her know you’re calling him instead since we are here. I noticed you don’t have a cell phone that all humans seem to have?” Marrisa ask me curiously.
“No,” I tell her, blushing. “I couldn’t afford one. So I have the phone line that comes with the apartment. It sucks at times since other people call to talk to someone who doesn’t live there anymore, but it’s free,” I tell her with a shrug.
“Sure, let’s head up,” Marrisa says.
“Want company?” Mavin asks.
“You just want to see his apartment,” Marrisa tells him with a chuckle.
“Of course! Marrisa, I’d be going inside the apartment of the only human who can do Magic! Do you know how many female Fairies will be eating out of my hand at that story!” he says with a big grin on his tiny face. That’s when I notice he has tiny ears that look like Elf ears.
Marrisa gives me a questioning look. “I’m fine with it. But won’t it look odd seeing a Fairy flying next to us as we enter?” I say.
Snorting, Mavin says, “Marrisa, has he not taken any of the classes yet?”
“No, we were coming to get clothes for him, then I was bringing him to the training center,” Marrisa says with a shake of her head.
“Petals, he needs to get trained,” Mavin tells her. He then turns to me. “No, they won’t see me. I’m a Fairy, and our specialty is stealth. No one, unless they are a Magus past level six, will see me.”
“I thought a Fairy’s specialty was eating? Loads and loads of food?” Marrisa teases him with a grin.
“Oh, spindlef
ox. That too. Gods, I would kill for food right now,” he says, putting a hand to his stomach.
“Let me guess, the last time you ate was hours ago?” she asks him with a raised eyebrow.
“Oh yes. Two hours at least.” He says it with such a straight face that I can’t tell if he is serious or kidding, but Marrisa snorts.
“Yes, then you must be starving. I’m sure Kevin will be a good enough host and give you something,” she says, looking at me.
“Sure, though I have no clue what Fairies eat,” I tell her with a shrug.
“Anything sweet,” both Marrisa and Mavin say at the same time, and they both look at each other and laugh.
“Come on, show me your apartment,” Marrisa says, waving us forward.
I head to the building’s entrance and take my keys out of my front pocket and open the door, letting us in. I look around and don’t see anyone. Then I look at Mavin, and I can still see him. Right he said level 6. I am level 10 or higher. I move into the lobby, which is a typical lobby for a building. It’s not the Ritz, but it’s not a motel 8 either. I walk to the elevator and press the button, but then remembering at the last minute, I rush to my mailbox, open it quickly, and grab the mail inside it, and then rush back to the elevator just as it opens.
Both Mavin and Marrisa look at me curiously. “Sorry, wanted to check my mail,” I tell them.
“Ah, a human thing. I remember reading up on that,” Mavin says. “Should we remove anything in that little box you just took that stuff out of as we watch your area?”
“Sure? Can you do that without my keys?” I ask him gratefully.
Mavin looks at me as if I had asked a stupid question, but Marrisa comes to my rescue. “Mavin. He hasn’t had the training yet.”
“Ah, sorry Kevin. I keep forgetting. I can feel the Magic in you, so while you look human, you don’t feel like one.”
“What do I feel like?” I ask him curiously.
He gets a frown on his tiny face as he floats next to us in the elevator. “More of a Changeling. A powerful one. You don’t have a feel of any of the other races. Your Magic has much of that Changeling Magic,” he says.