The Familiar

by Tatiana G. Roces

  Akiko nods. “Yes, Doc Alice gave me an update when I woke-up. I guess she wanted me to be prepared. I won’t be joining in on the ceremony of course. Not in this state…”

  I reach out and hold her hand supportively. “Don’t worry about that now. I’m sure once you’re back to your old self, there will be a way to catch-up.”

  “You know, now that this has happened, I’m starting to realize that maybe I’m not really cutout for this,” she says squeezing my hand.

  Louise reaches out, placing her hand on top of ours. “Of course you are, Akiko. You’re meant to be here just like the rest of us.”

  Akiko smiles halfheartedly. “Thanks, but I think I have to face reality. I just made myself believe it, and with Samir cheering me on, there were times that I really did feel I could pull it off.”

  “I hope you’re still coming to Federation Headquarters with us? It wouldn’t be the same without you,” I say, hoping to lift her spirits.

  Akiko chuckles nervously, looking at me with a straight face. “Of course, I’m coming. It’s the only way I can make sure they get Samir back.”

  Louise glances at the clock on the wall and stands. “Hazel, we have to go. We’ve got five minutes.”

  I nod and look back at Akiko. “We’ll see you tomorrow, okay?” I say, getting up to leave. Akiko grabs my hand and pulls me closer, her grip suddenly forceful. She stares at me for a moment, her eyes penetrating mine. She whispers, so only I can hear what she’s saying. “Hazel… No matter what, make sure they find Samir… I’m counting on you…”

  I turn away from Akiko’s eyes, not sure how to answer without letting her down. “I’ll help you find him okay? We can do it together,” I murmur, trying not to get emotional. But seeing the desperation in Akiko’s eyes makes me worry for her and the rest of us.

  Outside, a group has already gathered by the front steps, the high-energy chitchat and nonstop shuffling of feet, creating a bit of a commotion. Maya stands at the top, signaling for us to quiet down.

  “I had hoped that we would have more time to prepare you for tonight. But given the circumstances, all I can do is give you some advice. Tonight is the beginning of a partnership, one that could potentially last a lifetime. So, I want you to walk into that room with an open mind and an open heart. Embrace this opportunity, and allow it to take you on life’s journey.” Maya pauses, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. “We will accompany each group inside till we reach the entrance of the ceremonial chamber. Before entering, you will have to shift to your alpha, then after that, you’re on your own.”

  Jared, Brad, and Alicia emerge from the entrance and stand next to Maya, their faces devoid of emotion. Alicia hands Maya a clipboard. “Okay, everyone… It’s time. I’m going to project the rankings, and once you see your name, I want you to stand with your group.” She taps on the clipboard once, and the list appears in bright neon letters.

  Louise beams, hugging me when she sees we’re in the same group. When we make our way up front, I catch Jared’s gaze, and hear his voice in my head, “Be careful, Hazel.” I’m startled, jolted by his words.

  I concentrate hard and send him my reply, “I will, Jared… Thanks.” Seconds later, he nods then looks away.

  Maya checks the time, and gestures for Brad to open the doors. There is a hush, as they swing open. “Okay, group one… Follow me.” As I climb the steps one by one, a strange sensation surrounds my body, almost as if I’m walking through an invisible force field. When I pass through the doorway, it becomes even stronger; a slight dizziness passes over me. Though the feeling subsides as soon as I’ve cleared the doorway, it’s replaced with a disorienting sense. The grand lobby of the main house seems different, though the foundation appears to be the same the décor is completely changed, as if a new tenant has moved in, bringing a fresh set of furnishings along. Instead of the leather seating, there are sofas and armchairs delicately upholstered with velvets and feminine brocades. There are curtains, a different shade of blue, area rugs in soft pastel floral patterns, and in every nook and corner sit potted plants with colorful blooms. When we reach the back, we come upon a long hallway that resembles a greenhouse. The entire structure is made out of antique looking glass panes and the pathway is flanked in exotic plants, flowers, and herbs. At the other side, there is another foyer, also decorated with a feminine touch.

  We stop in front of a large archway with imposing wooden doors. Maya speaks in a hushed voice. “The doors will open, and as you walk one by one, you will have to shift to your alphas before entering. You are expected to go through the room till you reach the display area near the front. There, you will stand till you’re chosen… Is everyone ready?” We nod silently. “Okay, good luck!” she whispers as the door creaks open.

  I am sixth in line, right behind Louise, who’s bouncing in place excitedly. I lean my head over to the side, in an attempt to peek into the room. Through the heads and shoulders in front of me, I’m able to watch Nalani shift and fly across the room like a colorful little rainbow. There are rows and rows of white clothed individuals, all with their backs towards us. The room is filled with lit candles, giving the room an eerie incandescence. At the front, Sybil stands on a circular podium, dressed in ornate, metallic-white robes. She presides over the room like a gloriously carved statue.

  The line moves rapidly, and finally, it’s Louise’s turn. She shifts into a magnificent golden lioness, then saunters into the room as if she owns it. She navigates slowly, zigzagging through the obstacle course of people till she reaches a spot, front and center, displaying herself for all to see.

  My heart is beating out of my chest, and seeing Louise command the room like that rattles my nerves. Since there is nothing I can do to possibly top her, I decide to make my entrance as forgettable as possible, in the hopes that I’ll be overlooked. Then, maybe they’ll decide that going home might just be the best thing for me after all. I walk towards the door and shift, my shiny jet-black fur reflecting the light. Since I’m so small, I can easily stride by unnoticed, barely brushing ankles as I slink along the perimeter of the room towards the dim corner where the display area ends. I sit and curl my long black tail in front of my face.

  I do my best to zone everything out, and as the seemingly endless minutes go by, all I can think about is how guilty I feel for betraying Akiko and Samir. I should be up front with Louise, doing my best to be chosen by a powerful witch or wizard, instead of cowering in the corner. But as much as I feel guilty, I just don’t have my heart in it like Louise does.

  The deafening silence finally ends, and I hear Sybil’s voice calling out names. In the pit of my stomach, I know that the moment is near, and my fur stands on end as I stare down at my paws, trying to ignore everything going on around me.

  I’m startled out of my trance; a fizzy, crackling sound approaches, and as I look up, afraid of what I’ll see, a bright white light zaps me on the forehead. I am lightheaded, like someone just punched me in the face, and I’m blinded by spots in my eyes. The familiar tingling sensation burns through my limbs, and as hard as I try, I have no control over my body as it transforms back into my naked human form. I’m frozen in place, waiting for my vision to focus, and as things start to get clearer and clearer, I find myself staring into the most mesmerizing, warm brown eyes. They stare back at me, and as I pull away from the eyes and see the rest of the face, my body suddenly goes numb as I make the realization that it’s Andy gazing at me from across the room.

  34

  I can’t be sure who’s more startled, but as we stand there in the crowded room staring at one another, it’s almost as if we’re alone in another place, or another time. It feels surreal, like I’m dreaming, but I feel my feet on the cold marble floor, and I know that this is really happening.

  “Andy… You have made an interesting choice,” says Sybil, her echoing voice breaking the silence. I glare at her luminous blue eyes, too stunned to say anything. She smiles at me, obviously amused by my muteness. “You ma
y proceed to the greeting room,” she says, as she points her sparkling wand at us. The cracking sound reverberates across the room, as her wand emits a lightning-like beam, hitting Andy and me simultaneously. This time, I do not feel lightheaded or weak, instead, I feel like I’m weightless, floating inside a shiny bubble. The sensation lasts only for a few moments, then the bubble bursts, and I’m standing in a small cozy sitting room next to Andy. We are alone. The only sound in the room is our breathing.

  Andy takes off his gauzy white robe and wraps it around my shoulders, trying not to violate me with his eyes. I cover my naked body, and look up at Andy. “Did you know?”

  He shakes his head vehemently. “No, Hazel. I’m just as shocked as you are…”

  I feel weak in the knees, and shuffle over to one of the armchairs, trying not to tremble as I sit. I feel confused, and look at Andy for answers. “So, you were here the entire time? How’s that possible?”

  He pauses, shaking his head, as if he still can’t believe this is happening. I stare at his brown eyes, and he finally speaks, his voice cracking with uncertainty. “This place… is enchanted… A long time ago, one of its founders cast a spell, enabling the Academy and Camp Chameleon to coexist in the same place but in different dimensions. That’s why we never crossed paths… until now.” My mind is throbbing, and as the information sinks in, I feel the sting of betrayal.

  “So, it’s just a coincidence that my best friend happens to come from a family of witches? Am I supposed to believe that all of this just conveniently fell into place?” I ask him loudly, feeling the anger rise from deep within me.

  He shrugs, looking at me innocently. “I have no idea if it’s a coincidence or not. But believe me when I say that I’m just as surprised as you are. When my family escaped to Safe Harbor, my mom knew it was enchanted. That if we moved there, nobody would be able to find us… But there was no way for us to know if there were any other witches living there. Don’t you think it would have made life a bit easier if we’d known the truth all along?”

  I think about what he says, trying to make sense of it. “So, your mom is a witch and your dad is a wizard?”

  He shakes his head. “No, just my mom. That’s why we left Cuba. Her coven felt betrayed that she was marrying a human, like it would somehow endanger their existence. They even threatened to take me away from her. So we fled to the one place she knew they couldn’t find us.”

  As I listen to his story, I feel the anger inside me start to subside. Mom took refuge in Safe Harbor for the same reason, to hide from her previous life. So how can I be angry with him for doing the same?

  “Have you always known that you’d be a wizard one day?” I ask, glancing up at him curiously, like he’s someone completely new, standing before me for the first time.

  “My mom wasn’t sure if I would inherit her powers… But yes, I knew about my background, and I was aware that one day I might have powers,” he says, inching his chair closer to mine.

  My heart feels heavy, the gravity of it all filling me with too many emotions. My eyes well up with tears, and I turn away from Andy, avoiding his once familiar gaze. He takes my hand gently in his. The warmth travels up my arm, making me tingle all over.

  “Hazel, it’s me… I’m still the same guy you left back at Safe Harbor. Nothing’s changed, except, well, now I’m a wizard and you’re a shape-shifter,” he says with a slight grin on his face. I can’t help but giggle, as I gaze at him adoringly, the dimpled smile making me feel like I’m at home again.

  “You know, I really did miss you,” I say, slightly embarrassed by my admission. He pulls me close and embraces me, his strong arms pulling me against his chest. I lean in, feeling his heartbeat on my cheek, and suddenly as if by magic, everything just falls into place.

  “I think I missed you more,” he whispers in my ear. I smile and say nothing, letting him have the last word.

  I flinch at the unexpected sound of twinkling behind me, turning my head as I pull away from Andy. On the wall behind us, a door has materialized. On it hangs a set of brand new clothes for both of us. For me, a sleek white uniform with gold threading and an embroidered collar, and for Andy, skinny white pants with a long fitted jacket and simple white shirt. His jacket has the same embroidery on its collar as mine; in the lining, there are compartments for his wand and other accoutrements. I jump up and shriek, feeling a bit like Louise as I grab my new uniform, holding it up, as I primp in front of the oval mirror in the corner. I turn away from Andy, and let his cape fall to the ground. Even though he’s probably staring at my naked butt, I don’t dwell on it; instead, I toss the garment up and let it drift towards me until it snaps, adjusting to my size perfectly. I smooth it down, and turn. Andy is awestruck, ogling me till my cheeks blush.

  “Wow, that’s pretty cool!” He grins with a mischievous twinkle in his eye and points his wand at his clothes hanging on the door. The outfit is swiftly enveloped by a swirl of sparkles, and after a poof sound, they disappear into thin air. When I look at Andy, he’s already wearing them, his old clothes are nowhere in sight.

  I scrunch my nose at him and pout. “Show off!” Even as he laughs hysterically, I can’t help but notice how handsome he’s become. Whatever they’ve been doing at the Academy has matured him, his body is rippled with lean, sinewy muscles, and he even looks a bit taller, as he stands with his posture straight and proud. His bronze complexion stands out next to the whiteness of his clothes, and his hair falls perfectly on his strong jaw. I catch myself gawking and feel my cheeks getting hot once again. When he’s finally done laughing, he sidles over and offers me his hand.

  “Shall we?” I take his hand in mine, feeling the electricity between us. The door opens, and we take a deep breath, before walking through. Somehow, the seemingly mundane action feels symbolic of our new lives together, a renewed relationship with a brand new sense of purpose.

  At the other side, is a grand ballroom with a high ceiling, ornately tiled floor and several magnificent crystal chandeliers, the crystals, shimmering as the light bounces off. There is a long table with an elegant spread. The room is filled with people, laughing cheerfully, voices booming with excitement as they become acquainted. I scan the faces, recognizing many of them, and then I spot Louise across the room. She’s glowing, her golden hair creating a halo around her head. Next to her, stands a tall, strikingly handsome guy. His dark brown hair is groomed impeccably, and his muscles bulge in all the right places, an air of confidence exuding from him.

  Andy follows my gaze and catches me looking at Louise and her companion. “That’s Vlad, he’s one of my friends here at the Academy,” he says cheerfully. I grin, finding it amusing that Louise would end up with a friend of Andy’s.

  We hold hands, weaving through the throngs of people to cross the formidable room. Louise spots us through the crowd, jumping while waving excitedly. The noise of chatter and laughter is almost deafening, but suddenly I hear something out of place, almost like the hum of a large machine. I pause and pull Andy close to me, just as the lights go off and the room goes black.

  People are screaming, and the only other thing I can hear are the chandelier crystals above my head, like giant wind chimes echoing through the room. Andy holds me tight, almost cutting off my circulation with his grip. My face is leaning up against his collarbone, and his heart beats against my chest, thumping a mile a minute. The lights flash, and for a moment, I can see Louise in Vlad’s arms. She looks scared, scanning the room frantically. We meet eyes for a second, and then it’s dark again. The screams pierce the room in small stabbing bursts. I pull away from Andy, craning my neck out into the darkness, listening for any clues as to what’s going on. Andy’s body tenses, and I know he’s on alert mode, grasping my back firmly with his forearm. His warm breath grazes the side of my neck, almost tickling me before whispering, “Hazel, stay close.”

  The words are barely out of his mouth before all hell breaks loose. The lights flash on and off, frenetic surges, like a nightclub
in full swing. Sounds echo and bounce from all directions, a confusing jumble of screams, footsteps, crashing objects, breaking glass and the electrified zaps of wands as they emit incandescent beams across the room. It’s one of those beams, a molten purple laser that almost hits me on the cheek, but Andy’s reflexes save me, his weight pushing me down towards the floor, so the beam whizzes between us, missing me by an inch. As we fall to the ground, I look out into the flashing room, and for an instant, I catch a glimpse of Akiko through the crowd, her pale face frozen with fear as she stands alone by the entrance. My heart stops and I let out a blood-curdling scream, hoping that Akiko can hear me.

  “Akiko! Get down! Akiko! Get down!”

  But I can tell by the way her expression remains unchanged, right before darkness prevails, that my efforts have been futile. Just before we hit the floor, Andy grabs me, wrapping his arms around my chest, and leaning his body over so that it’s him who hits the ground first, absorbing the brunt of the fall while cushioning me with his chest. He groans slightly on impact, “Ugh!” as the hard tile smacks his back.

  The shock wears off and I frantically push myself off his chest. “Akiko… she’s my friend. She needs me!”

  But it’s too dark to see anything. The room like an inky cavern, only brief reflections of light allow nightmarish glimpses of the crowd. As I attempt to fumble to my feet, Andy clamps onto my wrist with his hand.

  “No. Hazel, it’s too dangerous.”

  I try and pull myself from his iron grip, but it’s impossible. “Andy, let go! I have to do something!”

  His hold eases slightly. “Wait. Let me help.”

  I can feel him reach into his jacket, cold metal brushing up against the tips of my fingers as he lifts his wand inconspicuously. A series of barely audible chants drift from his mouth while he traces the contours of our bodies with the radiance of his wand. Whatever it is he’s doing, doesn’t take long. My skin from head to toe tingles and my pores seem to be radiating the same glow as his wand. I look up at Andy, momentarily transfixed by the ethereal shimmer emanating from him.