Chapter 26: Chapter 26

I got up slowly, and followed Kaitlyn out the door.  "So, are you and Savannah related?"  I tried a little small talk.

"I'm her guardian."  She moved gracefully down the stairs.

"Like, legally?"

A small smile played on her perfect red lips.  "I'll let Savannah explain it all to you.  I don't want to rob her of her girl talk."

I nodded.  "Sure, sure." I murmured.  I figured it wasn't as clear cut as it appeared.

"Katie!"  Savannah was sitting at a long table in front of a huge spread of food.  There had to be enough food there to feed a small country.  "Come join us."

Kaitlyn took her seat to Savannah's right, while I took the chair on her left.  "Are you expecting guests? Maybe the New Orleans Saints?"

She laughed.  "I enjoy my meals.  One of the great things about being a Caster is perfect metabolism.  My appetite can be quite voracious, especially if I have been using my magic.  It takes a lot of energy to cast properly."  She reached for a serving tray of steaks.  "I figured we could get to know each other while we eat."

She began passing food to Kaitlyn, who seemed to have the same penchant for large meals.   They both piled food high on their plates, and looked at me, expectantly.  I didn't want to seem ungrateful, so I started loading my plate with the delicious offerings.

"So," Savannah picked up her fork and looked at me.  "Tell us about yourself."  She daintily scooped potatoes into her mouth.

"There's not much to tell."  I poured A1 sauce on my steak.  "I'm from Stransberg, up north.  I have two brothers, and my parents own a sugar cane plantation.  I'm studying Art at SLU."

She nodded, moving on to her massive green salad.  "How did you meet Dustin?"

"His sister Dani is my roommate."

She tilted her head and looked into my eyes.  "I can sense your nervousness.  Why don't you ask me some of the questions rolling around in that prolific mind of yours.  I have nothing to hide, so feel free."

I swallowed my bite and thought for a moment.  I really wasn't up for a game of 20 Supernatural questions. "I'm not sure where to start."

"I find that it's easiest to start at the beginning."  She smiled knowingly at Kaitlyn.

"Okay," I set my fork down.  "How did you become a Magic Caster?" Way to get right down to it, I snidely congratulated myself.

She sipped from her wine glass, and began.  "Magic Casters aren't created, they are born. My parents were both Casters, so of course, I was born in their image.  Casters reach casting maturity at different rates, and I didn't have magic until I hit puberty, hence my youthful glow."  She smiled, broadly, like a pageant contestant.  "Some casters are born with active magic, while others must wait much longer to be able to use their gifts.  That's why some casters look very young, while others appear very old.  We stop aging physically when our magic completely matures."  She stopped to take another bite.

"What can you do?  I mean, I know you can cast spells, and that you can talk to me telepathically, but what other "gifts" do you have?"  I was praying she didn't have a penchant for voodoo or sacrificing small children.

"There isn't a set number of things a Caster can do."  She replied.  "It depends on your family Line, and how well you develop the skills you are taught.  I can influence the elements."  She raised her hand in a circular motion, and the tablecloth began to stir.  A moment later, huge gusts of wind rattled the serving plates on the table.

"Wow."  I murmured.

She dropped her hand and the wind stopped just as fast as it began.  "I can manipulate fire and water."  She flicked her wrist at the lit candle on the table and it instantly grew to a huge flame.  Just when it looked like the fire might get out of hand, she wiggled her fingers, and the water from my glass splashed over the flame.

I was speechless. She was a regular Sabrina the Teenage Witch, with her adolescent blonde looks and her crazy skills.  I looked around for a talking black cat.

"Like you, I possess the ability to move things with my mind."  She narrowed her eyes at Kaitlyn's plate, and it rose into the air and hovered over the table.  Kaitlyn smiled as she waited for her plate to return, fork in hand.

"I have many of the same traits that Dustin and Brian do.  I have enhanced strength, super speed and the ability to control someone's mind.  If I am fully charged, I can even manipulate my form like a shape shifter, but I'll save that demonstration for another time."  She winked at me.  "Basically, if I practice enough, I can embody most Supernatural traits."

I set my fork down and sat back.  "How are you going to help me?"

"I'm going to train you just like my parents trained me.  I'll teach you how to manipulate things in your mind to achieve the results that you want.  I'll show you how to completely block things from your mind, and conversely, how to imprint things onto other's minds.  When we are done, you will be able to function normally, while still being able to utilize all your new powers.  It's going to be intense for a while, and you won't get it right away, but if you are truly serious about learning, it will happen."

"How long do you think it will take?"

"It depends on what effects the Link has awakened in you.  From what I can tell, a lot of what you are experiencing is similar to what a Caster experiences during our first magic shift.  Although, I must admit that I have never seen Auras and I have to actively pursue visions, as opposed to having them come, uninvited.  When we are done, you won't be at the mercy of those visions, and instead, you will be able to pick and choose when and where you see them."

I began to feel a bit hopeful.  It was obvious that Savannah knew what she was talking about, and she seemed truly interested in helping me.  I wondered if I would be able to create windstorms and play with fire once I was trained.

"We shall see, won't we?"  She read my mind again, reminding me to keep my thoughts pure, especially around Dustin.

I turned to Kaitlyn.  "What about you?  I know you are a telepath, but do you have any other powers, like Savannah?"

"Very few people have powers like Savannah."  She smiled, cryptically.

"Kaitlyn is my guardian.  Each Magic Caster has one.  We were paired once my magic matured, and I decided to leave the comfort and safety of my parent's home.  Guardians possess telepathy, but they also have enhanced strength, as well as mind control.  Their job is to protect the Caster, at all costs.  She also serves as an adult figure, keeping my appointments and generally acting as a protector of sorts.  I like to travel, but a thirteen-year old girl doesn't regularly travel alone, so I introduce her as my big sister.  All my properties and possessions are in her name, so as not to raise any suspicions.  I don't go anywhere without her."  She gave Kaitlyn a loving look.  "I wouldn't know what to do without her."

Kaitlyn bowed her head slightly, a small smile on her lips, and continued eating.

"How did you become the Caster for Dustin's Line?"

"That is a matter of familial duty."  She paused to fill her plate again.  "My mother was their Caster for many years.  Once I reached maturity, she passed the duty down to me.  The Line is made up of six families, of which the LeFores are the newest.  Dustin's parents were wonderful people, and I was present when they made the decision to change all four of their children.  Unfortunately, we lost them to the Shadowfall almost a year ago, and it's been very difficult for Dustin and his siblings.  So, you can imagine my surprise when he told me that he had healed a human.  I didn't think he would ever accept another stranger into his life, much less the life of his tortured sister."

I shifted, uncomfortably.  "He didn't want me around at first.  But after I proved myself, he gave me a chance."

"And how did you prove yourself?"

"By beating up a bully and teaching Dani how to fight." I brought my eyes to hers.

Savannah raised her eyebrows.  "Is that so?  Danielle has had a very rough time of it this past year.  Her self-blame has been eating her alive, so I suppose Dustin would endear himself to anyone who could bring her back to her strong, unaffected self."

"I didn't really do anything, except be a good friend." My heart stung at the reminder of what Dani had been through.

"Then you suffered the consequences of your actions, I assume?  Angering aShadowfall is never wise, and it appears this particular one didn't fight fair."

I shook my head and looked down.  "I should have been more careful.  I had no idea what was really out there when I went after Anya.  If I would have listened to Dani and Dustin, none of this would be happening."

She looked thoughtful for a moment.  "I'm a big believer in fate.  Things happen for a reason, and this situation is no different.  Although we may not know exactly why yet, I am convinced that you will play an important role in the lives of the people you care about."

"I hope so."  I responded.  "I just hope, when that time comes, I don't let them down."

Savannah and Kaitlyn exchanged an unreadable glance.  "Katie, I think you will be surprised at what you will be able to do, if you truly want it."

Author's Note: Sometimes all you need is a little vote of confidence to face your fears! Looks like maybe Savannah might be that person for Katie. Who's your strongest supporter? Vote and comment below. Luvs as always!! AM💜