Disclaimer: I own nothing from Degrassi; I own my original characters, the dagger the crazy guy uses to cut Marco up with and that's it.
Author's Notes: Whoo! Another chapter. I liked how it turned out. Heh...
Marco: -shuddering- I didn't!
Review Responses
eclipsed: Wow, amazing?! Thank you, and thank you for adding me to your favorites list. Yes, I know, I love perverted humor.
Fucted Up Kid: I love your name. It makes me think of Mest. I know! There are like, no supernatural ficlets for Degrassi. It's so...odd.
Enigmus: Thank you. Well, this story has about 13 chapters, so don't worry, their gonna get together soon. And they have thier little 'moments' scattered about the whole ficlet.
just-nikki: Yeah, I think Marco is a perv too. I don't really think he is as innocent as they portray him on the show...-cough- Well, I'm updating, so please don't send your hell cat. One is enough to deal with...
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Chapter Five: Recap
I snuggle into the warmth of the comforter, cuddling Serge -he's my stuffed tiger, okay? My ma got it for me, and he's cute, so shut up- to me slightly. These past few weeks have been exhausting.
First and foremost, my witch craft training. I swear, Mozzy is such a slave driver! I've nailed my mind speak finally; even though I still tend to talk out loud to her when we're in my room or something. My telekinesis is getting pretty good, too. I still have a bit of trouble reading peoples thoughts. I don't really like going inside other peoples' minds, anyway. A persons mind is supposed to be the one place that their safe; the one place where they can hide all of their emotions, fears, thoughts and feelings without having to worry about anyone else ever knowing. I feel kind of bad, poking through their psyches just so I can learn how to fight some freaky guy who has found a way to worm himself into my dreams.
Oh, and speaking of that freaky guy, he hasn't even been near my mind in a full two weeks. It took a bit for the spell Mozzy taught me how to cast -the one that keeps him out of my mind while I'm asleep- to work; after all, she couldn't cast it herself -despite what she says she is still a cat, and the most she can do is use her mind speak- and I wasn't very skilled in my witchy ways. The fact that I've learned the spell hasn't set me at ease much, though. Just because this freaky guy can't get me in my dreams anymore, it doesn't mean that he can't still get me when I'm awake. I may be growing stronger, but I'm not anywhere near powerful enough to actually fight this man; Mozzy and I still don't even know what he was doing in my mind in the first place. She has a fuzzy idea, actually, but doesn't feel like sharing. Meanie.
I've started casting spells, too. My first one was that one which I cast on myself. It's more like a shield; something that will automatically go up to protect my mind when I can't do it myself. It's a pretty ingenious little spell…thingy…actually. It's kind of like my own personal security system. I've made some potions and done some charms too. Potions are fun; they remind me of chemistry a lot, actually. I forget the names of some of them though. I remember one I made; some type of truth serum dealy. That um…well let's just say that maybe slipping it into my papa's coffee wasn't the best idea. He kind of got thrown out of the bedroom for a week. I probably shouldn't have put that stuff in Spinner's juice, either, but it was kind of funny to see him run out of classes all day in an attempt not to curse out the teachers. All right, so I felt kind of bad, but I haven't slipped anyone anything else.
Unless you count the small mix of sage and rosemary -plus some weird smelly stuff that Mozzy had me buy- that I uh…accidentally dropped into Paige's sandwich. I didn't mean to do it; honest. It just kind of…happened. It didn't do much actually…except turn her hair green for a bit. It was supposed to bring out her more optimistic and kind vibes -basically make her nicer- but I think I added a bit too much smelly stuff. Heh…
Other than that, there's not much else. Oh, I have been practicing summoning the elements though; you know, the earth, air, water and fire thing? I've pretty much only done air and water; their the easiest after all, because air is all around you and I can practice it wherever I'm at, as long as I'm pretty inconspicuous, and I can do water when I'm washing my hands or taking a bath. Of course, it was kind of hard to explain to my ma how come there were huge puddles of water all around the bathtub; I went a wee bit over board when I found out I could make itty bitty whirlpools in my bubble bath. Um…moving on.
Second are my tutoring sessions with Slade. He's so great. I find myself sighing dreamily just at the thought of him. All right, so I'm crushing, but I can't help it. He's just so…I can't explain it. Everything about him feels right. And he's genuine, too. He doesn't beat around the bush; there are no mind games with him. I mean, work comes first and everything -I've raised my English grade back up- but when a lesson is over he's not ashamed to flirt or anything like that. I remember, a year ago or so, when I would have given anything to be like that. To feel so comfortable with who I was.
In fact, I still would give anything to be like that. I always feel like I'm hiding from people. I get nervous when someone asks me where my girlfriend is; I still haven't even told my parents yet. And now with this whole witch thing…
At least when I tell people I'm gay, the worst thing that can happen is they insult me, bash me, or abuse me in some way. But if I told people I was a witch? I'd be locked away in a mental institution. I don't want that. It's just another secret I have to hide. At first, when I was still oblivious to my powers, I only had one side of myself to hide; now I have two. It's hard living like that; it feels like I'm living not one, but two double lives. I wonder if that would make it a quadruple life?
I groan slightly to myself; it's to early in the morning for angst. Especially the kind of angst where a lot of analogies and actually thinking are involved. Much too early for either of those things.
Lazily opening one eye, I spot a big ball of black fluff resting at the end of my bed. Aww! Mozzy is so cute. She really is a very adorable little kitten; you know, if she wasn't so mean. She reminds me of that little insult dog. Never mind that it's a different species, different genders, and the insult dog is a puppet; they have a lot in common. Although I don't think Mozzy has ever insulted Eminem on national television.
I glance at my alarm clock, making out a few hazy numbers. 10:34. Thank God it's Saturday. Usually I wake up earlier than this -even on the weekends- but I've been too tired lately. I've just fallen back into a regular sleep schedule. I mean, this is the first time in months I've been able to fall asleep without worrying that some type of Freddy Kruger guy is going to come after me. Creepy. I shudder slightly at the thought, absently snuggling Serge a bit closer.
I turn over to my side -away from the alarm clock- and stare at the empty space against my wall where my computer desk used to be. God, that was a disaster! My parents did eventually come into my room. I had most of the stuff cleaned up though. They did, however, question me about the whereabouts of my desk, and how come there was a giant hole in my closet. I explained to them that I gave the desk to the homeless and that there was a hole in my closet because I tripped while I was carrying the desk to the homeless. It took a bit of convincing, but eventually they believed me. I'm not allowed to have any more desks, though, so now my computer is sitting underneath the window on the floor, my stereo beside it, along with all of my school books. Slade told me that my room had a nice flow.
You may be wondering why Slade was even in my room. It's not what your thinking! He was giving me a ride home from one of our tutoring sessions, and -being the gentleman that he is- walked me to the door. Well, my ma met him, and she was ecstatic that I made a new friend -once I assured her that he wasn't on the drugs…I swear- that she invited him to stay for dinner. I gave him the grand tour of the house, and I did have to go to my room to put my backpack up. He commented on how I was such a neat freak, and laughed when he saw the hole in the closet. I don't think he bought my whole 'I gave a desk to the needy' story, but he didn't say anything else.
And nothing happened. I don't know if I'm happy about that fact or not at the moment, but nothing happened. Well, he did stay for dinner, and he and my papa got into a heated debate about some type of computer stuff. (1) It was all, megabytes this and hard drive that. I think I was right; Slade is a genius. Anyway, he ended up actually getting along with my parents. He even made them laugh! I walked him out to his car and he told me how great my parents were. Great. He actually said that. Usually people comment on how weird or paranoid they are -they're not really paranoid, they just worry about 'their precious baby Marco'- but never that their great. He didn't even bring up the subject about me not having come out to them yet -I'm sure he must have known it- only said that he had a nice time, and that he'd have to have me over to his place for dinner sometime.
It uh…sounded more suggestive when he said it. Maybe I really am a pervert, but I could have swore he was hitting on me. I think he's trying to seduce me. Not that I mind, or anything.
Idiot.
I jump slightly, banging my head against the head board. "Mozzy!" I yell, pushing myself up. Still clutching Serge tightly, I look down at her, glaring. "What was that for?"
You thought that boy who came over here Thursday is trying to seduce you? Honestly…
I frown at her. "It's only a thought, you know. Besides, it's not that far fetched."
Right. I think you should spend more time working on your studies then some slutty boy.
"He's not a slut!" I say in Slade's defense. "He's a really nice guy, and I like him. And there might be a chance he likes me, too. Do you realize how long it's been since I've…"
Got laid?
"…had a crush," I finish, continuing to glare at her. "Especially one who might be crushing on me back."
All right, fine. But study the craft first, pretty boys later, agreed?
I nod to her, sighing a bit as I raise my hand and rub the back of my hand. She shakes her head and crawls up to me, settling herself into her lab.
Your so fragile, Rom Baro.
"I am not fragile," I retort indignantly.
Yes you are. We should work on that. Hey, maybe you should get one of those Bowflex things they show on the TV. Or a Body by Jake. Or Taebo.
I stare down at her blankly. "…I should really stop letting you watch so much TV." I rub the back of her head, causing her to let a small purr of approval. "So, what do you want to do today?"
You should start working on some more elements. Your air control is pretty good, but you need to stop using it as a personal AC. Water needs work.
"Hey, I'm pretty good at water."
Other than making whirlpools, honestly. You really are a child. Plus you need to work on fire and earth too. We also need to go shopping for some more spell and potion ingredients. I found a great herbal shop downtown. We should go there today.
I nod, yawning slightly. "Right. Shopping. I can do that. Just give me an hour or so. I need something to eat, plus I need a shower." She climbs off of my lap and I stand up, stretching my arms above my head. I pat my bare stomach when I hear it growling slightly. I make my way over to the dresser, pulling out a pair of blue jeans, some boxers, a long sleeved navy blue sweater, and a Downtown Sasquatch t-shirt -Ellie and Craig helped me put them together. Their very nice, actually- and head to the bathroom to take a quick shower.
I step into the bathroom and lay my clothes out on the counter. With another soft yawn, I begin removing my boxers -the only thing I decided to sleep in last night- and let them drop to the floor. (a/n: Like your not picturing it…) I walk over to the shower and turn a few of the knobs, getting the water a nice lukewarm before I step inside. The warm water beats down on my skin, soothing my muscles. I rotate my shoulders once or twice, sighing in pure bliss. Opening my eyes -and pushing away some dark hair which has been matted to my forehead- I grab a bottle of shampoo and begin washing my hair, humming slightly as I do. Don't look at me like that; I know I'm not the only one who sings in the shower.
"Total slaughter
Total slaughter
I won't leave a single man alive
La de da de di
Genocide
La de da de dud
An ocean of blood
Let's begin the killing time." (2)
I repeat the verse over and over again absently, now reaching for the apple body scrub I got a few days ago. I know, the lyrics are horrible, but it's a catchy little tune. It's from Trigun, or something like that. I was staying up late one night -nightmares, of course- and was flipping through the channels when I came across Cartoon Network. There were showing this weird show about a half demon or something -I was watching for the psycho older brother who was trying to kill him. Sessh something or other- and then this other weird show came on after it. (3) There was this cute blond guy, and he sung that song. I kind of got it stuck in my head. With a sigh, I begin the verse again.
"Total slaughter
Total slaughter
I won't leave a…"
I trail off when I feel something cold brushing against my back. I blink, my breathing becoming slightly heavier when I look down to make sure that I didn't accidentally turn one of the knobs or something. They haven't been.
I shake my head, laughing nervously to myself. God, I am paranoid. Sighing a little bit, I start the song again.
"I won't leave a single man alive
La de da de di…"
There is a ruffling sound that comes from outside of the shower, causing me to stop abruptly. I turn towards the shower curtain, backing away slightly. "H-hello?" I call out softly. "Mozzy, are you out there? Mama? Papa?" I ask.
There's nothing but silence. That doesn't make any sense. I could have swore that I just heard someone out there. With a sigh I raise my hand, rubbing my forehead before I move back underneath the shower head. It's just my mind playing tricks on me. No one is here. I'm just tired; that's all.
Suddenly I feel something, hear it, smell it; warm breath on my neck, a hand running through my drenched hair, a bare chest pressing to mine, the scent of cinnamon invading my senses. No…not again. Please no…not him…
"Genocide," sings a soft, hushed voice, right beside my ear, warm lips brushing against my jaw line as fingertips caress my collar bone. "La de da de dud, an ocean of blood. Let's begin," it -no, he- sings, and I can feel him smirking against my skin. I let out a soft groan of pain as the soft touch turns rough, razor fingernails digging into the skin of my chest. "The killing time."
I whimper softly, raising my hands in a feeble attempt to push this unseen attacker away. There is a chuckle, and suddenly I feel myself being pushed against the wall. I strike out blindly, trying to hit him. He laughs again.
"Get away from me!" I yell, trying to struggle, even as he catches my hands and pins them above my head. "Let me go!"
"You are mine, Marco," he whispers in my ear before planting a kiss on my shoulder. I wince, feeling sharp teeth graze against my flesh.
"No! No…don't…please…just leave me alone!" I cry out, still trying to get my shoulder away from the teeth. It hurts…I feel warm blood on my chest and shoulder, rushing down; I hear his chuckling as I continue to fight him, praying to God that he will leave. "Just let me go…"
And suddenly, he's gone.
My wrists fall to my sides and I open my eyes, once again seeing nothing but an empty shower. I quickly turn the water off, scampering out of the shower as quickly as possible. I reach out for my towel, wrapping it around my waist and moving towards the sink, grabbing my clothes and pulling them closer to me. Shaking, I look up in the mirror, only to find that my bloody chest is no more. I let my clothes drop to the floor carelessly as I raise a trembling hand to trace my chest and stomach, seeing no wounds or blood.
No, that can't be right! I know someone was here. He was here. It was so real…there was so much pain…My breathing stops completely as my gaze travels from my chest to my shoulder blade, right where that creep bit me.
There are teeth marks right where my shoulder blade and neck meet, a few drops of blood mixing with the trail of water that runs down my arm.
Well…crap.
-
Are you sure?
Of course I'm sure! Did you hear me screaming in the shower?
Well, I heard something about genocide, oceans of blood, and then you were screaming something like 'no, no!' and making these noises. You are one twisted little puppy, you know that Rom Baro?
I sigh heavily, shaking my head and rolling my eyes as Mozzy and I continue walking down the street. I glance around, my eyes scanning the few people who are walking near us. It's not unusual to see a boy and a cat walking down the sidewalk, but if said boy begins screaming at the cat about the crazy invisible guy who attacked him the shower…well…you get the point.
He was there. Didn't you see my shoulder?
Calm down, I believe you.
I blink down at her a bit. You do? I ask.
She nods as we round a corner. Yes, I do. I had a feeling that this man would attack you outside of your dreams. I was just waiting for my suspicions to be confirmed.
And you couldn't have warned me about this because…? I question her irritably, reached into my jacket pocket and pulling out a crumpled map. Let's see, we turned right back at Degrassi street, made a left on Harvard, made another left on Yale…
Because I just didn't, all right. You are going to have trust my judgment. You may be in more danger than I first thought. I think I know why this man may want you so badly.
Why is that? I ask idly, still surveying the small map. Mozzy and I have been traveling from shop to shop, picking up herbs and other ingredients. She's been trying to get me to visit the Magic Shop -which is only a few blocks from my house- but I just can't go in there. Someone -a friend of my parents, if not my ma or papa themselves- could see me. I'll go another time. Like, when it's darker; say around midnight.
Well at first I was confused as to why someone would want to corrupt you and bring you to a dark coven. It's not as if it takes a lot of power to invade someone's dreams, just patience. I was wondering what you had that would make someone willing to spend all this time and energy on you. I mean, your not all that strong, and…
Gee, thanks. Your doing wonders for myself esteem. Can you please get to the point?
I think this person has chosen you as a partner.
Um…what?
How to put this more simply...? This man has chosen you, for reasons that are unknown to myself, as an apprentice; someone who he will teach his trade, someone who will ultimately become his 'sidekick' as you call it, and his lover. Well, most likely anyway, by the way you describe the attack in the shower.
"HIS LOVER?!" I screech with wide eyes. The few people on the street turn to me, staring blankly. A few angry mothers place there hands over their children's ears, while an elderly lady gives me a disapproving glare. Another man, around his forties, gives me a kind of creepy leer. I blush and look away from them. Glancing down at my map, I make sure I know exactly which route I'm taking before I begin jogging towards the next herbal shop, the one Mozzy originally wanted to take me to.
We reach it about ten minutes later, both of us somewhat out of breath. I survey the outside of it the shop, looking in through the glass at the bottles and boxes that fill the shop window.
Nice going, she informs me sarcastically as I push open the glass door, a jingling filling the shop as we enter. I am very tempted to allow the door to slam back on her tail, but I decide against it.
Be quiet. Are you serious?
I can't answer you if you want me to be quiet.
Do you have to take everything so literally? I ask her, shaking my head slightly as we enter. Absently I begin looking around, flipping my map over, revealing the list of things I'll need.
Yes.
Fine then. Please, tell me if your serious.
Of course I'm serious. I wouldn't lie to you about something this important.
I nod slightly, knowing that she's telling the truth. This is just to creepy. First I think this guy is going to kill me, and now I find out that he wants to corrupt me.
In more ways than one, she adds.
"Perverted hell cat," I mutter, causing her to hiss at me.
"May I help you?" a voice says from behind me. I turn, seeing whom it was who spoke. I see the store manager -I'm guessing- looking at me. He smiles softly, causing the small wrinkles near his eyes to become even more obvious. He has black hair -I can't tell the length, since it is pull back, into a braid I think- and dark eyes, almost the same color as his hair. He's wearing a dark red button down shirt and black slacks. I'm guessing he's somewhere in his very late thirties to early forties.
"Yeah," I tell him, handing him the crumpled map. "I'm looking for some of this stuff. They didn't have it anywhere else," I inform him.
He takes it, still giving me a warm smile, and scans his dark eyes over the list. He looks back up at me, his smile a bit more -mischievous?- and brighter than before.
"Another witch," he says happily, and I nearly fall backwards with surprise. "Come with me." I nod dumbly, glancing down at Mozzy before I begin to follow him. He looks back at me, chuckling softly. "You can bring your familiar as well. I know her, Mozol is a good girl. A bit rude at times though."
He hasn't changed a bit, she informs happily as she begins trotting beside me. My mouth opens slightly and I look between them, blinking.
"You know each other?" I ask.
"Of course," he answers. "Mozol didn't tell you?" he asks, looking down at her with a shake of a head. "She always was a sneaking little girl. Trying to keep secrets from her charges."
"Secrets?"
"Oh, nothing too big. Just the connections she has and things. By the way, my name is Rajko. It's nice to meet you…?"
He is watching me, and I stare at him. Suddenly I realize he must be waiting for me to introduce myself. "I'm Marco Del Rossi, nice to meet you. So um…Rajko. Is that gypsy to?"
"Romany," he corrects as we walk up to a large, cherry wood door. He pulls out some keys, jangling them a bit before he unlocks the door. "And yes, it is. Ah, here we go," he says, swinging the door open and moving aside, motioning for Mozzy and I to enter.
"What's in there?" I ask curiously, stepped in through the entry way.
"Just specific herbs, ingredients, a few spell books; stuff I don't really like the public to see. I'm sure Mozol can help you around."
I nod to him in thanks, giving him a smile as I turn and begin looking through some of things. "Oh hey, Rajko," I call as he turns to leave.
"Yes?"
"What does Rom Baro mean?"
He chuckles, shaking his head. "Does she call you that?" he questions, motioning down towards Mozzy. I nod in the affirmative. He laughs again. "You should be more kind to your charges, Mozol. But I am glad to see you aren't still caught up in the old language. It is good that you are learning to use the new phrases." (4) He turns his attention back to me, and I merely blink at him in confusion. Don't pay any attention to her, he tells me mentally, and I blink again.
A-all right. Can all gyps…I mean, people that are Romany use mind speak?
Not all, but many can. Just don't tell Mozol I've been using it with you. She'll scratch my eyes out! He chuckles good naturedly again and walks away, leaving Mozzy and I alone in the back room. I look down at her, glaring.
"One of these days, I will find out what that means."
-
Rajko's shop was really helpful, actually. We got tons of stuff, and I even got another spell book; I'd found one, with Mozzy's help, but this one is better, and has more advanced spells and rituals. Rajko himself was pretty cool. Wish I would have gotten him as a familiar.
You wound me so, Rom Baro. You really do.
I glare at her, taking a sip of my vanilla shake. We decided to stop at the Dot before we went home, since I was really hungry. I skipped breakfast after the shower incident. Which still has me shivering a bit. I hope Mozzy and me find this guy soon; I don't know if I can take being this jumpy.
"Marco?"
I look up, a wide grin spreading across my features. "Hey Spinner," I say. "What are you doing here?"
"Nothing," he says, setting a large bag of take out on the corner of the table. I raise an eyebrow and he looks down at the bag, shrugging a bit. "I'm bringing it to Paige. She wasn't feeling well this weekend."
I wrap a few fingers around the side of the bag, pulling back the paper and peering inside. "Yeah. I'm sure a cheeseburger and some fries will really make her feel better."
"She asked, all right," he tells me. "She's been kind of…I don't know lately. I think she's mad at me about something, but I don't know what."
His face falters slightly, and I can tell that there might be something more behind that story. If he wants to tell me, he will; he knows I'm here for him. "Why don't you pull up a chair," I suggest. "Sit with me for a while."
He smiles a bit, nodding. "Kay," he says, reaching back and pulling a chair up -I wince along with the rest of people in the restaurant at the sound of iron bars being pulled across the tile- and swinging it around, sitting down with his arms swung around the back. "So how's…is that a cat?" he questions blinking.
I look over to see Mozzy -sitting in her seat across from me- staring at Spinner blankly. "Oh yeah," I tell him. "This is Mozzy."
"Since when did you have a cat?"
"A while now," I tell him. "I uh…found her on the street and brought her home with me."
"Oh," he says. He smiles and reaches out to pet her. She merely hisses at him, giving him an evil glare. He sticks his tongue out at her as he pulls his hand back. "Not very friendly, is she?"
"You have to get to know her."
Who's this Dilli? (5)
I raise an eyebrow, not sure what that name means. "This is my best friend Spinner," I inform her.
He looks at me strangely. "Dude, what are you doing?"
"Introducing you to my cat," I inform him matter of factly.
He blinks. "…right." Shaking his head he reaches out, grabbing the bag of food. He stands up and turns the chair back around, once again placing it at it's original table. "I have to go. Paige is gonna kill me if I'm late."
"All right," I say, extending my hand. He slaps it, and we both fist out hands, punching them together before he turns to leave. "See 'ya later."
"Yeah, bye man!"
I look over at Mozzy, who has her head tilted to the side. What was that strange hand shake you did with that boy? Some type of mating thing?
What is with you? Why am I surrounded with perverts?
Well, what was it?
It was just a handshake, no mating!
So…you do not wish to mate with that Spinner?
I groan and roll my eyes, allowing my head to hit the table. No, I tell her.
Well, judging by the way he was so worried, it seems that he and this Paige person are having problems. It looks as if you were worried as well.
I am, sort of. I mean, Spinner is my best friend, and he cares for Paige a lot. It would kill him if they broke up, I say, realizing that he's among the hand full of my friends who are having relationship problems. I blink, an idea slowly forming in my mind. A grin begins to spread across my face. Hey Mozzy, you know how you told me I needed to make some more potions?
…why am I suddenly afraid?
Well…I just thought of one.
---
(1) In 'It's Raining Men' Marco's dad says that his company is making those freaky posters. I don't know what he does exactly, but it seems like it might have something to do with computers.
(2) That song is the Genocide Song, sung by Vash the Stampede in the lovely anime Trigun. It's really funny; Vash is like this peace loving guy who wouldn't even kill evil sand worms, and he sings that song to scare people.
(3) The show about the half-demon is Inuyasha, another anime. I'm obsessed with anime so I end up referencing it in everything I write. I could see Marco -if he was an insomniac- stumbling onto it, and watching to see Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru is an extremely pretty man, with nice long silver hair and a big fluffy! Fluffy like a boa, perverts.
(4) Rom Baro, as I said, means chief or big man. The saying for chief or big man has always been around, but Rom Baro was only used after World War II. I figured that Mozzy, even though she is old, would start using the newer versions of things.
(5) Dilli -I think I spelled it right, my stupid computer won't let me get to my Romany reference page!- means 'retarded' or 'idiot'. Heh.
This chapter was fun to write. Especially the shower scene. I love my psycho evil guy.
Marco: I don't! Every time he's in there he keeps cutting me up.
I know! It's such great fun. Anyway, this chapter turned out differently then plotted, but I liked it anyway. Please review!