Possible Powers

Chapter 09

Prices We Pay

As Connie squinted into the light, she heard a male voice sound out "it was incredibly dangerous for you to just blindly reach out like that. With the magics of three realities coming together like that anyone could have answered you. But you got me."

Connie blinked as the light died down and looked down at the brilliant magic circle that was below her and Steven. Golden lines crisscrossed with characters of two different languages placed along the edge but the big thing she noticed were the sun and moon placed inside.

The male voice called out again "from across time and space and from within my shop I Watanuki Kimihiro greet you, and will be the one the grant your wish. What is your name?"

"Co_" Connie stopped herself as the whole magical deal making scenario, she was in slammed into her again "Fortune Lass" she amended.

"I see" came Watanuki's voice, he sounded amused. "And your wish?"

"To heal my friend." Was the prompt answer.

The gray-purple smoke drifted in and curled about near Steven making Connie bite her lip but after a moment it pulled back as he said "yes not only has he been injured physically but his very source of magic was damaged."

"Can you save his life?" Connie asked worriedly.

"I can" came the calm response but nothing else making the girls heart sink.

"And the price?"

"Above you." Connie looked up.

Floating above her, was her mask making her pat her face and yup it was gone.

"When did you" "I have been Shopkeeper for many years now Connie Maheswaran" and oh how Connie winced both at the use of her real name and the capital S in that title she could just hear. "I know how to divine things. I'm well aware of my power and from one magician to another" and here his voice turned grave "you would do well to know your own strengths and weaknesses."

Connie bit her lip knowing all too well that her not using an incantation was what led to this situation at least in part.

Clearly, she would never be able to wield raw mana and the price for this lesson was Steven's injury.

Taking a deep breath Connie said "so you want my mask?"

"Physically, and metaphorically yes."

"What?"

"This mask means something to you, in particular it is a mask you use to hide from your parents the truth about the magical nature your life has become. With it as a physical catalyst to fuel the spell Connie Maheswaran your price will be that your parents will learn the truth about everything."

Connie's jaw dropped.

That… was horrifying, with how her parents structured her life and how cautious and controlling they could be. Sharing the truth about magic was uh… something.

But she considered as she looked down at Steven, what was the alternative? Letting Steven die? The person who had introduced her to magic, who had let her be a part of his universe?

It wasn't a choice at all really.

She looked up at the mask and into the blackness and said "I accept the exchange."

"Excellent."

The golden light flashed under her in a blinding display as the purple smoke or energy intertwined with it before converging together and then from with the maelstrom of magic the beautiful pale pink light of Steven's magic lit up and expanded outwards.

And when the light faded the world had returned to normal as Steven began to stir in her arms and Ray Ray and Monroe squinted at them trying to get their sight back.

As Steven got up blearily, Ray Ray stared incredulously as he said "already but… it had only been a second."

"What?"

Monroe looked at a shifty looking Connie and shrewdly said "vision meeting?"

With lips scrunched up like she tasted something sour Connie nodded.

Monroe sighed "okay lass what deal did you make? I'd like to know what we might be dealing with going forward. Dang interest and all that."

"Um… already paid in full."

"Paid in full?" Steven looked at Connie, then at the room he was in, then at Ray Ray and the talking dog none of which matched with what Steven remembered last obviously. "Connie, Ray Ray where are we, what's going? What's this about a deal?"

"Well…"

Minutes later if anyone had been outside the Lee residence had been around, they would have heard Steven yelling "YOU DID WHAT?!"

Going back in the lair they see Steven looking terrified and Ray Ray looked concerned.

Connie was holding a chalant pose that was clearly forced and Monroe just looked thoughtful.

After a few seconds of this Ray Ray looked at Monroe with the whole normies and magical know-how issue who shrugged saying "not my reality, not my problem now if they were local…"

This little discussion was cut off by Connie saying "Steven it's OK, it was my choice to make! Now we need to figure out what to do next…"

Steven let out a sigh but still he couldn't help but ask "are you sure?"

Connie nodded "yes besides I think my parents will be cool with it."

And that might have sounded convincing if it weren't for the look the face.

(Possible Powers)

Back on the Earth of the Crystal Gems a car goes screeching around a corner and takes off with a very loud VROOM! And in the background, we can see a sign saying "Welcome to Beach City!"

(Possible Powers)

In his shop Watanuki Kimihiro looked up at a wall in his shop where the mask of Fortune Lass now hangs, spell, payment, and all balanced and completed and the Shopkeeper smiles.

Author's Note: For those wondering no the CLAMP-verse is not being added to the crossover lineup the idea kinda stuck with me when I was planning this fic out and yeah wish-fulfillment happened. It also serves a purpose that you'll find out about later. Onwards and upwards! I do not own the Ben 10 series, Steven Universe, The Life and Times of Juniper Lee, or any of the works of CLAMP in any way, shape, or form. Reviews welcome.