The Apprentice's Apprentice

Part 12

Cora had only just reefed her locker door open, her book filled backpack still pulling at her shoulders, when she felt someone come up behind her. She turned, smiling, expecting to see Zoe's spiky black hair. Instead she found herself looking at a t-shirt covered chest. She looked up and found Warren staring down at her, eyes steady. She frowned.

Warren glanced around, but the only person nearby had headphones in. He leaned in closer and said quietly, "I talked to my master last night. We'd like you to come in and speak with us both. About the...well, you know, and about how you fit in with all of this. We could go after school today if you have time."

She met his gaze squarely and raised her eyebrows. "No. You're nuts and I'm not playing your game. And I'm definitely not going with you, a complete stranger, to somewhere I don't know, to meet someone you call 'master'. In no way does that sound like a smart thing to do to me."

He winced. "Look, I know how it sounds but we do honestly just want to talk to you. You might only have just found out about this, but sooner or later, your power will reveal itself. The fact it hasn't until now is a miracle. I don't know what type you'll have an affinity for, but all magics follow will. If you're pushed into a situation where you feel threatened, or scared, or angry, it's very likely your power will come pouring out and probably in an unpredictable way. That won't be good for you or for anyone around you. What if your friends or family were to get caught up in it?"

"That might be a legit concern if, you know, magic was real. Since it's not, I'm not terribly bothered," Cora replied, one hand closing into a fist. She tried her best to ignore the goosebumps that had rolled down her arms at his words and tone, but it was hard. She swallowed and did her best to project confidence. "But thanks for the heads up. Now, why don't you go play wizard somewhere else?"

Warren ran a hand through his hair and looked around again. Cora could see a few beads of sweat beginning to appear along his hairline but ignored them. He deserved it for freaking her out and his borderline stalking of her. "Look," he said, eyes back on her. "What if I could prove it to you? Prove to you what I'm talking about is real? Would you come meet my master then?"

Cora opened her mouth to refuse but then thought better of it. If he tried to prove it to her and failed, that would let her know that he was nuts and she could ignore him safely. If he did somehow prove it to her... Then she really would have to go with him to talk to this "master" of his. "Alright then. If you can prove this to me I'll play your little game. When did you want to do this?"

"Are you free at lunch? We can go to the football field or something. Somewhere private."

"Fine. Pick me up at my locker once the bell rings. We'll figure out the rest from there."

He smiled, the lines that had creased his brow and radiated from his mouth smoothed away. "Sounds good. I'll see you then. And you'll see what I'm talking about and change your mind, I know it."

Warren turned and headed back towards his locker, smiling at Zoe as she passed him. She followed him with her eyes for a moment before turning to face Cora, a grin spreading across her face. "What was that about?" she asked.

Cora stifled a groan. She slid her backpack off and dumped it into the bottom of her locker before she unzipped it. "It's not what you think," she said, voice echoing out of the metal box.

"Really? Because it sounds to me like you were setting up a date with Warren at lunch. And that you're too embarrassed to admit you've already changed your tune about him."

The look on Zoe's face was a combination of smug satisfaction and unholy glee. It made Cora want to throw something at her friend's head when she leaned back to look at her. "It's not a date and I haven't changed my mind about him yet."

"Yet?" Zoe asked, eyebrows going up and grin widening.

"Damn it, no! We're just going to be talking or something. He just...he wants my help with something but I think he's nuts for it. He's just trying to prove to me that he's not crazy and that I can really help him. It's really complicated or I'd explain it to you. And will you please stop smiling like a psycho? You're starting to freak me out."

"I'm just so happy that my little baby's all grown up and off to date people."

"Do not misquote Mulan at me. I will hurt you," Cora said with a dark look in Zoe's direction.

"But what if he makes a woman out of you?" Zoe asked with wide eyes though the wicked edge to her smile completely ruined the impression. "Let's get down to business, to date, this hunk. Did they send me slaughters, when I asked, for fun?"

A laugh escaped Cora. Zoe might be tone deaf, but she was quick with the lyrics. "Did you seriously just make that up on the spot or have you been thinking about it for the last couple of days?"

"Thank you, thank you," her friend replied, mock bowing. "I know my dazzling intellect is wasted on such pedestrian hobbies but I fear I love them too much to give up. But seriously, don't just shut him down before anything starts just because I've been joking about it. He's a nice guy and even if you don't date him, you could still be friends. You need more friends. I know it's hard to find people who can match my sheer awesomeness, but it's okay if you have to settle a little."

Cora rolled her eyes. "If you're so amazing, why do you always copy my French homework?"

"Because you're better at languages. And if I didn't have some flaws, why, I'd be too perfect to live with," Zoe replied, eyes dancing.

"I'm glad you're so modest too," Cora said sarcastically.

"Well of course. If I wasn't, no one would be able to stand me."

"Does Moira know you're apparently this angelic being of perfection?"

"Of course. Why do you think she's dating me?"

Cora laughed. "I'm so telling her you said that. I can't wait to see the look on her face!"

Zoe crossed her arms over her chest. "Hey now, play fair. No ratting me out to my girlfriend. Hoes before...shit, that doesn't work for me."

She chuckled as the bell rang overhead. "I'm sure you'll come up with something eventually. It's not like you won't have time in Biology. I get the feeling we'll be doing those stupid worksheets all week."

Her friend sighed. "You're probably right. Oh the joys of the first week back. Still, it's better than being slammed with homework."

Cora nodded as she dug out her binder and kicked her locker closed. "True enough."