A Touch of Magic

Age 14

(Inspired by several requests. This was probably the most awkward flashback I've had to write. Unfortunately, I bowed to pressure. I think I've had a dozen requests around this topic. There are somethings, however, I'm not comfortable writing about.)

(WARNING: Adultish content)

Dad was lounging on his throne was I came home from school and turned off the old record.

I crossed my arms. "What do even do all day while I'm at school?"

"Stuff."

"Like?"

"Grown up stuff." I pulled a face and he returned the favour. "Nothing like that."

"Good, dads aren't meant to do stuff like that."

He swung his legs off the arms of the throne. "And by stuff like that you mean?"

I cringed. "Please don't make me say it."

"Mal," dad sighed and patted the now empty arm rest. "Sit, we need to have a talk."

I hesitated before talking the offered seat, dad and I never had formal talks, just talks. "What's up?"

Dad looked like he was going to be sick but he spoke anyway. "Mal, you're fourteen now and almost a grown woman. Back in Ancient Greece you be an adult at fifteen."

I didn't like where this was going.

"As a teenager you are going through lots of changes…and you're going to start having certain urges."

I jumped up. "Dad, stop. I don't need to hear this. Remember the period talk." That had been an even more awkward conversation, especially seeing as I had awful cramps at the time.

"Mal, sit down."

"Not if we're having THE talk."

Dad frowned. "You know about the talk?"

"Evie said it was awkward conversation your parents have with you. She wouldn't tell me what it was but it doesn't sound fun."

"It isn't." He seemed to think about his answer. "Well, it can be."

This was going from bad to worse.

"Sit down, Mal."

Taking a deep breath, I retook my seat. "Fine." I may as well get it over and done with. "I take it you're going to tell me where babies come from."

"I thought you didn't know what the talk was."

"I know the outcome, just not the how."

"Well when a man and a woman love each…"

"Bull, you and mother didn't love each other."

"Mal." A warning.

"Fine, I'll listen."

It was the most awkward conversation I've ever had.

Present

I had to give it to her, Lonnie was good with a sword. Excellent, in fact. She didn't need me to teach her anything. In fact, she taught me a few things. All she really needed was someone to spar against.

The clash of our swords echoed around the forest.

Lonnie stopped. "I've never trained against another sword out here before; someone might hear us."

I had an idea. A really, really stupid idea. "Do you have anything against magic?"

"What kind of magic?"

I hesitantly pulled on the string of magic I had inherited from my mother.

"Help us in our act of defiance.

Let our weapons strike in silence."

I hit Lonnie's sword.

Nothing.

Lonnie hit my sword.

Still nothing.

"Cool."

I had to admit the rush of magic was almost as exhilarating as the fire's.

Almost.

I pushed the magic back down until its only job was keeping the fire in check.

I help up my sword. "Again."

Lonnie and I were sweating by the time we called it a night. We were both battered and bruised, but in a good way. It reminded me if my sparing lessons with dad, he never held back and I never asked him to.

Lonnie picked the swords up. "Next time I'll beat you."

I worked out a kink in my neck. "Day after tomorrow?" I needed some time to recover.

"Sounds good."

"Next time," I suggested, "we bring water. Lots and lots of water." Our supply tonight hadn't been nearly enough.

Lonnie to the far side of the clearing. "There's a lake over there if you want to cool off. The teachers can hear the showers running. So, unless you want to wait until morning that's your best bet."

"And you?"

"They know what I do."

"And they turn a blind eye." Double standards much.

Lonnie on shrugged. "I don't get into trouble and I don't get in anyone's way."

"What makes you think I'll get into trouble?"

She only raised an eyebrow in response.

"Fine." Trouble was kind of my thing. "I'll see you later."

"You don't want to walk back together?"

"I kinda feel like finding some trouble."

I didn't go looking for trouble. It usually found me all on its own. Instead I took Lonnie's advice and headed to the lake.

Dad had tried, and failed, to teach me to swim. We weren't made for the water.

I found the shallowest spot I could. I was freezing as I lowered myself in.

Burn.

Well, that's a stupid idea.

Water would just smother the flames.

Instead I just drew on the heat, not the flames. The water began to bubble and steam.

Each time I reached for the fire I was gaining more and more control. Soon I wouldn't need the magic to keep it in check.

Soon I would be free to do with it as I pleased.

Soon I would be free to be me.

A/N: My shortest chapter but Mal is finally starting to control both sides of her power.