Hidden Magic

8/13/2019 Hidden Magic

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Chapter IAcacio

I might have said a few unsavory words to Jake when he reported that Adeline had beencaught trying to bilk a game master in the streets. He knows better than to leave the littlewitch alone. She has a reputation for trouble. I suppose thats all right. She is my sister,after all. I cant expect her to act like a lady when shes surrounded by my people all dayand night.

As punishment for this particular crime, she was to spend a day doing labour for one ofthe high-and-mighties around here. I suppose it might be a bit hard on her, since she is achild, but if she can only learn by going through the mill, and the only other option is to payher way out of punishment, then so be it. She could do what the ridiculous higher-ups toldher to do for one day. I am not going to waste my money on a little sister who can't evencheat a man out of his money.If she had to be punished, then it was for her own good. I

didnt want her to end up dead in the night.

She also had her magic. If she would use it like I do, Adeline wouldnt be in her position inthe first place. But she didnt like to use magic when playing games. She said it wascheating, and that she preferred to earn her keep without magic. She said its unfair to cheatwhen no-one else can cheat that way. She would prefer to cheat the old fashioned way. Idont see the point,really.

This is one of her problems. She can deal with it. I, on the other hand, have other thingsto deal with at the moment.

Sylvia, I called, waiting for the petite girl to walk over to where I sat on the rather large

bundle of cloth that served as my bed. I preferred it to the lumpy things the others made orbought off of others.did you beg off enough money from the farmers to let us eat tonight?

Umm... yes, sir. she managed to stutter out, unsure of herself. I think I managed to geta reasonable amount.

Good. Sylvia, I need you to bring me the clothing of a railroader. I said, watching as heruncertainty morphed into confusion, Could you managethat, as well? I asked, smirking.

She bristled at that. she almost looked like a porcupine. A ... blonde ... porcupine.Yes, sir,Its not as if its not a problem, stealing ones clothes right from off their body.

she said indignantly, although a bit timidly. why cant you just use the clothes you arewearing?

Really, Sylvia? These are dirty. I frowned. I dont think that it is very acceptable of meto wear dirty clothes. On the other hand, you arent the one in charge here. I said, leering.I would suggest doing what I asked. And I never asked you to rip clothes off their backs.They might have a few extras where they live. I frowned. Well, they are poor. They mightnot be able to afford a second outfit. Oh well.


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She was pale again. Surely, I wasnt that frightening?

ah, no. she is simply drowning in my own deep brown eyes. Or maybe she believes Iwould hurt her if she acts out. ah, well. cant help that.

I kept smiling. I loved the taste of power. It was almost like magic. Shoo. Skedaddle.

Fetch me some clothing.She was already gone. I guess I had nothing to do for awhile.

This little abandoned vicinity really is quite shoddy. I could probably buy something' tobrighten up the place... I considered the thought for a moment, but I didnt have enoughmoney.Well, I thought, since Im bored, and I am a little short on cash, I suppose I could gobilk a game master. I wont get caught like the little brat, either.

After that...I grinned. I was going to have a lot of fun, wasnt I?

Chapter IILucas

As soon as I got to work that day, I knew there'd be trouble. First, the constables werethere, guns at the ready. They were standing at attention in front of the small office at theback of the dingy railroad station. A few were just wandering down the halls.

I felt my small knife in my pocket. There was obviously danger here, and I didn't want toget jumped.

Checking in with my senior worker, I went back outside. The normal hustle and bustle inthe train yard was gone. There was hardly anyone milling about, and no one conversed atall. Everyone was moving slowly and sluggishly, and so I hunched over as well.

Quietly, I went to the dungy workhouse and asked the supervisor there where I could beuseful.

"Name?" he asked."Lucas Cedarloff," I replied. My real name is Lucille. I work here as a boy to earn money

for my family, because as the only one able, I had to do so somehow. No one except for mytwo brothers knew I was female, but one couldn't hear and the other couldn't see, so they

generally spent their days at home. Isolated. And me? Well, I think I passed pretty well as aguy. Well, as far as I knew I did.

The supervisor checked his clipboard and looked up. "There's some loads of silk comin' indown in the freight yard."

"Thank you," I said as I hightailed it outta there. The workhouse was not one of myfavorite places to work, so I was glad and considered myself lucky that I did not have towork there today.


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While I journeyed to the yard, I felt that peculiar feeling that you get when someone'swatching you. Not so as to look suspicious, I slightly turned my head. In the small glance, Icould only see one railroad worker carrying a huge bag of coal. He didn't look dirty withsoot, however. He must have just gotten here.

I rounded a stack of freight boxes piled next to an old boxcar and faked a sneeze,

coughing over my shoulder. Like I suspected, the boy with the bag also rounded the corner.I took a few more turns around a couple of warehouses, just to be sure, and my theoryproved correct; he was following me. I sighed internally. Maybe I didn't have such good lucktoday. I would have to confront him.

Quickly, I took one more turn and waited. The boy, of course, followed, but when he sawme waiting, he started a bit but then smiled, saluted me, and began to walk past.

I folded my arms. "You're following me."He stopped and turned around, smirking. "Well. You noticed. He let the bag of coal drop

from his shoulder. Took you long enough. But, he said, why would I have such an interest

in following you around? What makes you think youre sospecial?I sized him up. He had longish jet-black hair that had probably never been combed a day

in his life. He had a pale complexion, almost like ivory. His deep brown eyes studied meintently, daring me to answer. I came to realize he was testing me, but why I didn'tunderstand.

"I don't know. You tell me," I replied, looking down at my cuticles rather than his face."Well. You must think yourself such a tough guy, he said in mock seriousness, I

suppose I can be straight with you. What is your real name, sweetheart? he smirked again.What does Lucas stand for? Lucien? Lucy? He paused, and looked directly into my eyes.

Lucille?

I carefully guarded my emotions, as I'd had a lot of practice hiding my true identity,although I was kind of freaked out inside. How did he know? Well, first, how did he knowthat I was Lucas, and second, how could he have even guessed Lucille? And calling me'sweetheart' was, in my opinion, a bad move. I could probably hold my own against half theworkers here, and I could swear better than most of them. I fingered the knife in my pocket.If this guy creeped me out any more, then I'd be prepared.

"You're messing with the wrong guy," I said, trying to imply that I thought he was callingme a girly wuss, "you better scram or I'll make you run to your mama with your tail betweenyour legs." His eyes narrowed, but he looked like he was enjoying this, which irked me even

more.

"You do have quite the temper, dont you? he whispered, grinning, but, you really dontwanna mess with this darlin hunk of meat, do ya? he wiggled his eyebrows at me, holdinga fist to his chest. I mean, you probably do, but I get that a lot.

Who was this creep? He stared at me, waiting for an answer. He stretched, and looked atone of the wooden boxes that I was standing by. I didn't really want to attack him - I could


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lose my job, which was all I had. I considered walking away, but he might think thatcowardly. Then what could I do?

After I didn't speak for a few minutes, he began again. "Oh, come on, lass. You cantleave me hangin, now. Not after all weve been through in the last few minutes, he saidcoyly, just admit it. Youve been starin at me like you can see my soul for a little while, and

I, he continued, his voice dropping to a whisper, can already see yours."You're creepin' me out, mister. I'm going to be late, so if you'll excuse me I've got more

important things to do." With that I turned heel and left.

Chapter IIIAcacio

She was walking away. Why was she walking away?

Wait, Luce, or whatever your name is, I called out to her. This was my chance. I couldntruin it. Dont you wanna know who I am?

She stopped, and without turning around, sneered, "I could care less." She continued on,not sparing me a glance.

I ran up to her, and grabbed her arm. Nobody, no matter who, got away with speaking tome like that. What a little brat, I thought.

Aww, girlie, dont get your back up, I simpered, We havent even had a realconversation yet, and youre already hightailin it outta here. I leaned down, and hissed inher ear, If I didn know better, I woulda thought you were tryin to hide somethin from me. Iturned her towards me, and smiled. Care to revise that last sentence, little miss?

She yanked her arm out of my grasp, and all of a sudden she had a knife in her hand,pointing it straight at my neck.

"You better knock it off. I am not a girl. Never have been, never will be. Now. Leave. Me.Alone!" she threatened.

I pretended not to notice the knife that was at my throat. She didnt have the guts to killme. You have an awfully shrill voice fora boy, I whispered, abandoning my smirk for a full

blown smile, Care to explain? I was getting tired of playing this game. She was alreadyjeopardized. Why wasnt she throwing in the towel?

Not all men have deep voices. Mine just didn't mature as well as yours. You have anawfully girlish face for a boy," she smirked, "Care to explain that?"

I didnt think. I reacted. I didnt really care that shes insulted me, but I had to teach hersome manners. I focused my power, and transferred the energy and calm that I siphonedoff of the situation into the girl's knife, making sure it would slowly heat up, and melt, starting


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from the tip. I smiled as I watched her face morph into confusion as her eyes flickered to theknife and back to me. I laughed. I usually wouldnt destroy something that she probablyused on a day to day basis, but she was aggravating.

Shrieking, she dropped the knife. Only the wooden handle remained. She looked straightinto my eyes, and I swear they seemed to glow. What? who is she? Suddenly her fist

collided with my nose, sending me sprawling back into the dirt.

What? How did that even happen? I wondered as I looked up at her. I kept my cool,though, even though my nose ached. Hopefully it wasn't broken.

That wasnt very ladylike, Lucille, Hittin me for no reason at all. I said, glaring at her. Ididnt reach up to touch my face, because that would indicate that she had hurt me.Whydont you just give up your secret? I already know everything about you.

She growled and swung a kick at me, but I dodged her attempt and sprung back up to myfeet.

The little witch,I thought as I smiled mockingly at her. Hey, lady. Quit for a second, andIll tell you why Im here in the first place."No!" she shrieked, sending punches and kicks my way. I avoided them, but didn't launch

any of my own. "You've gone way too far!"

Aww. she just wasnt playing fair. I suppose its okay for me to play dirty, if she was, too. Igrabbed her hands when she tried to punch me again, and said, Girlie, think about yourmother. Your brothers. Dont you want to keep them safe? Or have you forgotten them? Idemanded, as I let go of her hands, and jumped onto a nearby crate.

She stopped, panting. Finally she looked up. "Who are you?" she finally gave in, giving aslight nod.

Well, since you have so kindly asked, you may call me Acacio, I said, bowing at thewaist, and kneeling down on the create so I wouldnt be as intimidating, And since youhave my name, I think it would be courteous to give me yours. The real one, I mean," Ismiled, feeling victorious.

"Cedarloff. But I go by Lucas. I'll only answer to Lucas. In every aspect, that ismy realname."

Well, Lucas, I said, prowling off in the other direction, I believe that is all I needed fromyou today. I turned and waved. Watch out for yourself, lass. Ill be back!

I started to jog back to my new place, but decided the effort wasnt worth it. Instead,Irounded a corner, and imagined I was back home. I was gone in a flash.

Chapter IVLucas


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The rest of the day I couldn't concentrate on my work. I kept thinking about the strange,self conceited boy that had approached me earlier. How had he known about me? I'd beenplaying a boy since the age of seven. I ran through names and faces in my mind of people Imight have known, but none seemed to match. Maybe he was the son of one of my parent'sfriends. Not that they had many.

But what about the knife? It's impossible to say that it melted in the hot sun. I wanted toshrug it off, pretend it didn't happen. But when I walked slowly back home after anexhausting day of work, I purposefully went back to the spot where we had met. The knifewas still there, puddle, handle, and all.

I wanted to cry. That knife had been my father's. He had given it to me on his deathbed,and I always felt like I was safe when it was with me, like he was watching out for me.Stifling tears, I considered my options. Walking home unarmed was a very bad idea aroundhere. One step out of the station without a weapon, and I was toast.

Trudging slowly up the walk, I collected my meager paycheck. I stared through the ironbars of the gate, trying to mentally prepare myself. I walked through the open barrier.

Hey, Lucille, Acacio said. I almost jumped out of my skin. I was really tense, and Ihadnt seen him standing in the shadows.

"I'm Lucas, genius. What do you want?" I sneered.Whoa, kitten! he said mockingly. I was just going to walk you home. You really dont

think I would leave you hanging? he looked around, and smiled. There was no malice inthe smile. I still have to tell you about why I was following you earlier. Ill admit, it wasnt mybest move, he admitted sheepishly.

"I still think you're a creep. And I don't feel safe walking with you. I'd rather walk alone,

thanks," I declined as politely as I could.

It's dangerous to walk alone in the dark, miss, he said, walking even closer to me, andyou have to admit, even though you dont feel safe around me, I havent done anything toharm you, he said, and Im better than the alternative, dont you think?

"Not if I want to keep my sanity." I really really really could notstand the nerveof this guy.Well, darlin, how about this, he said, I wont say or do anything that you dont ask me

to do first. Ill be silent for the whole walk, if you so wish."No thanks. I can take care of myself, thank you very much. I might as well offer to walk

youhome, sweetheart." He stared at me, giving me the puppy eyes. He looked so sincere,

and with that face I had no doubt that he really just wanted to help."Fine," I relented, "walk me home, but I expect you to leave me aloneafter this."I absolutely dont think that will work. You arent exactly in a position to bargain with me,

doll, he said cheerily, I have somuch more leverage over you than you do me, he smiled,and continued, saying, Im only offering out of the goodness in my heart. Cant leave a girldefenseless in the dark. Its not in my nature.


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We started walking in the direction of my house. I made sure to keep my distance fromhim. An idea started forming in my mind. About the knife. About everything. "You're awitch," I said slowly, then more confidently, "I'll tell them you're a witch."

He just laughed. He didnt even attempt to deny it. Who would believe you, lass?Witchcraft was proved not to exist centuries ago. Theyd all think you were crazy, and then

you would end up in a madhouse, he paused for a second, and then laughed, saying, Youwould leave your brothers to fend for themselves?

"And who'd believe youif you told them I wasn't a boy? Huh? I've worked here since theage of seven. What proof do you have?"

Well, since the age of seven as you put it, you have blossomed. The other boys havealready started talking. It wouldnt be hard to convince them that everything theyvesuspected about you is true.

"You are downright evil. I hate you." We rounded a corner and started walking down MainStreet.

He thrust his hands into his pockets, and stared at a point in the distance. Im not evil,he whispered, I simply do what I must to survive. He looked over at me. Just as you do.

"And ruining a total stranger's life will save yours? I don't understand."I wouldnt call it ruining. As you said, I am a... witch.I can fix almost anything. Even your

broken little family. He looked at the ground and then back up at me. Of course, you wouldhave to pay me something with a value equal to that of the magic I work, he paused, But,thats not why Ive come. You have something I want.

"What could you possibly want from me?"He looked at me, a smile playing on his lips. Interested, are you? I think Ill keep that little

tasty bit of information to myself. He curled his lip a little, but told me, with the most seriousvoice possible, I dont want to, um, run to my mama with my tail between my legs, was it?

"You're killin' me here!"I dont know what to tell you, girlie, he said in a low voice, I dont think its something

youre willing to give -"- tell me already!" I interrupted.I really would like to, but it seems as if we have already reached your destination, he

turned away from me, and called back over his shoulder, Maybe Ill tell you later, hestopped and turned back around so he was facing me. You look like a resourceful girl,Lucille. Meet me at my place tomorrow. He turned back, and kept walking. I started runningafter him, but then he turned a corner and was gone. Like magic.

What could he possibly want? Could he truly heal my family? I didn't really like him allthat much, but now the curiosity wouldn't leave me alone. I'd be traveling to his placetomorrow. And I had a feeling I knew exactly where it was.


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When I walked in the house, my family was already asleep. I reached in my pocket todump my paycheck on the table. With a panic, I realized that the money was gone. I turnedthe pocket inside-out, just to make sure. It was definitely gone. But how?

Acacio. He must have pick pocketed me. I didn't talk to anyone else. I was mad. He hadboth exposed me and stolen money from me in the same day. He was going to feel my

wrath.

Chapter VAcacio

I looked up at our new place of living. If it even deserved to be called that. All it was wasa little worn down wooden box that looked like only a minimal number people could

comfortably live in it. It had been the town orphanage, but when the caretaker died, theplace was shut down, and the children sent away. That was when we moved in.

I hopped through the window, and walked myself to the little gallery to eat. My little sisterwas waiting for me there. I looked over at her and smiled. Hey, Adeline, I said, walkingover to where she sat, You okay? Why are you here?

She looked up at me and grinned cheekily. Hey Nicholas, she said, knowing I hated thatname, You know Im fine. And I live here, blockhead. I chuckled, ruffling her hair assheshrieked.

Oh, come on, Addie. I just want to hear how you got out of your punishment this time. I

said, laughing.

Well, I was working for Miss Shaw this time. You know who that is? I mutely shook myhead, and she continued. Shes one of the rich folk here, but shes a nice old lady. She justcouldnt believe that such a nice little girl could gamble in the streets, let alone cheat. Weboth laughed. So, I just let her think that. I might have added a few details about howscared I was, having to pass the game master all the time in the streets, and how he wassucha dishonorable liar, but thats about it. She said as she grinned up at me.

You little liar! I exclaimed. she giggled. You wanna see something? She nodded. I gotthis off a girl pretendin to be a railroad worker, I whispered conspiratorially to her as Iopened my fist to reveal a dollar. Its for you.

She glared at me, and said If this is a trick, Ill murder you in your sleep, Cacio.Nope. Its genuine. Spend it how you please. I said as she shot her hand out and

grabbed it. I gave her a hug, and could almost feel her buzzing with happiness. I wish Icould be pleased so easily.

Wow, she whispered, A whole Dollar! Thats enough to get me a new dress! shelooked up at me excitedly, and said,Thank you so much, Acacio!


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Now, Adeline, You need to be careful with that, I told her seriously, Thats a lot ofmoney. You know how to guard from other thieves, and defend yourself, right?

Of course, Acacio, She said, I am no fool.Good. Would you please go wake Walter and Nellie? I asked her, and as an

afterthought, said Also wake Dollie. Tell them they are needed. Good night, Addie. All right, Acacio. Good night, she said, knowing that the fun was over, for now. I waited

for the others to come inside. A few moments later I heard Adeline scream and then a slap.And a whole lot of groaning.I smiled. Shed definitely woken them up. Addies method forwaking people wasnt the wisest, but it was the most effective. It also had the added bonusof making me smile. Once everyone in the room was awake, she told them that I neededWalter, Nellie, and Dollie in the next room over. A little while later, I heard a voice in theroom.

Whatdo you want, Acacio? We need our sleep if were to do our duties, I heard Waltersay.

Yes, I would like to know why you call for us at this unearthly hour also, sir, Nellie saidto me.

Wheres Dollie? I asked them, waiting for the girl to show herself.

Im right here, I heard her annoyed voice behind me, What do you want?I sighed. She could be so infuriating sometimes, but she did make the best food.Walter, Nellie, sit down somewhere. Anywhere. I said, gesturing around theroom at the

numerous couches and cushions. I need to speak with you. Dollie, I said, pausing, Makeme some food. Im famished. She disappeared without a sound. I waited until I was sure

she couldnt hear our conversation before speaking. I had the sneakiest people here.You do know why I had my sister wake you up, right? I asked my two friends. My only

friends.

No, we dont, Acacio, Nellie said, sounding irritated, Why dont you tell us so we can goback to sleep? Its not like we can live forever.

Well, then, for your information, I might have something that could save us all, I saidwith as much mysteriousness as I could muster. I think Ive found her.

Who? Acacio, Youre not making any sense. Walter murmured sleepily, frowning.

Yes, I am. Remember what Nellie said when she went into that trance a few weeksago? I asked, looking at him intently.

Which one? he asked, she goes into them a lot.And she also says pretty much the same thing every time. I responded, a little vexed.

Its a warning. We all must be quite dull, not to have seen it. I halted my speech for a


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moment, and said, Actually, I still haven't seen it. All I know is that it is there. This is whywe need help. Or a sacrifice. Ive found theanswers for us all.

You found someone who is willing? Nellie asked, surprised, just as Dollie steppedinside with some food for me. All conversation ceased as she handed me my meal, and left.Nellie leaned in and whispered, Is she a spirit guide? or a sacrifice? she looked hopeful

that the drop of information might turn into a stream. Which it wont.I took a bite of the sandwich. yum. Well, she is willing to do anything not to expose

herself or her family. She just doesnt know what shes volunteering for. I said, takinganother bite. seriously, most amazing sandwich ever, Dollie,I thought to myself. Nelliefrowned, and looked as if she was going to say something, but Walter beat her to it.

Excellent. Wed better prepare then, shouldnt we?Yup, I said, grinning at them, weve got a job to do.

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