Chapter Twenty: Getting the Tint

The rays of the setting sun were not enough to repel much of the dark that had settled into Magic School for the past year and a half. Still, Amos, Billie and Taylor were back to work on their powers and fighting techniques.

The young blonde was at a high table, tossing ingredients in a boiling cauldron; her friends both had their eyes closed, their forehead creased by their deep concentration.

Taylor was focusing on the flopping sounds of Billie's ingredients dropping into the potion. In her mind's eye, she managed to see what exactly Billie was tossing in it before she actually did, whispering each new ingredient under her breath. Taylor saw the brew explode and spoke aloud this time. "Whoosh," she said, just as the potion exploded. She opened her eyes, grinning.

Billie turned to her, one eyebrow cocked. "Did you see that happening?" she asked.

Taylor nodded fervently. "Clear as water." Then some of her high dissolved. "Not that it was not obvious it would happen," she replied dejectedly. "Potions explode, that's what they do."

"Still," Billie cheered her up. "Pretty amazing, T." She winked at her. "Amos?" she inquired, wanting to know how good he had done. She was a little bit put off by the total lack of reaction in their new friend's demeanor.

"Dragon seeds fer distance an' powdered ruby fer the fun," the old man answered, opening his eyes as well. "Missed the beginning o' the recipe," he added sheepishly.

Amos looked at Taylor, then back. "What did you mean, 'powdered ruby for the fun'?" she asked.

Billie grinned sheepishly. She poured some of the potion she had just concocted into a vial and threw it at the floor. It shattered and a red cloud blew out of it, taking Billie along as it retreated within the floorboards. The blonde witch reappeared in the same fashion on the other side of the table.

"I found the red tint catchier," she said with a blush.

Taylor burst into laughter. "To say the least."

Their moment was interrupted by Amos, a new frown dimpling his aged forehead. "Any o' yeh seen Brooks?"