02. [video]

[theboywhodied]

[An anxious Cedric appears on screen. He looks from left to right, his mussed hair flying just about everywhere. He taps the screen to ensure that it's turned on---in his mind this somehow serves a purpose. When he's sure everything's working, he waves.]

Hello! This is Cedric again. I've talked about this with one or two of you before. I'm sorry if I'm repeating myself or it's something you've all heard before, but this is something I need to sate my curiosity about. It's just that this world is so different from what I'm used to and there are so many different types of people. If that's even the word you prefer. And sometimes we have conflicts with one another.

So I have to ask: what do you think of people who are capable of using magic? Witches, warlocks, sorcerers, casters, wizards, or whatever you choose to call them. Are they all right, do you think? Or not?

Comments

[theboywhodied]

[Cedric peels his apron off and folds it, smoothing down the creases on his jumper. He glances at the timer---it should take but a few moments more.]

Well I used some magic. I duplicated the sugar and sped up the apple caramelisation, but I find that it tastes best when I do as much by hand as possible. The work's satisfying, in a way---the tea I duplicated doesn't really taste any worse, but it has to be hand-brewed if that makes any sense.

[He smiles and gestures to the couch.]

Make yourself comfortable however you like. It should be just a minute more for the biscuits.

[holy_prankster]

[The amused look never seemed to disappear from Sohki. There weren't people in his world who relied just so much on magic - especially not to the point where they even used it for making food.]

Well if it helps making things a little bit easier, then I see nothing wrong with that~ [He wouldn't disagree with Cedric's statement about things tasting far better being hand made. While most couldn't understand it, the kirin could often feel the emotion lingering within.]

If you insist~ [He wouldn't say no to that. He wasn't one to put in any manual labour, and it always helped when others fed into that side of the kirin. That was why he beamed happily as he made his way over to the couch to sit and wait for their tea time.]

[theboywhodied]

Right. It'll be ready in a moment!

[Two minutes later, Cedric arrives, his wand held out in front of him. He's levitating a teapot, two mugs, a container of sugar, some soft butter, a knife, and a basket of biscuits as he walks, depositing all of them neatly on the table. He sits beside Sohki on the couch, laughing to himself.]

It's almost as good as having more than two arms. Anyway, how have you been settling in?

[holy_prankster]

[The wait was really nothing for Sohki, and the show he got in return when Cedric entered the room made it all worth it in the end. It seemed that the entertainment just kept coming and coming!]

Yes! So I can see! [If he actually had arms...] I have settled in many places throughout my lifetime, and this one is hardly different from any other. [Leaning in to inhale the scent of the delicious food and tea, he didn't bother waiting to ask about it as he took a plate and buttered himself one of the biscuits.] I'm certain that settling in has been far harder on you though, hmm?

[theboywhodied]

[Cedric took a bite of a biscuit and a sip of tea. It was satisfying enough, but his lingering doubts were still on his mind.]

Yeah. I mean...I don't intend to be pompous, but I never lacked a friendly ear at home. I was fairly popular, though I'm still not quite sure why. Here, I'm grateful to have any friendly contacts at all---I do, and I'm grateful people have been so kind and willing to reach out. Meeting people at the separation festival was nice.

The cold and rain aren't new, having to fight isn't new. The worst part is knowing that I can't go home again. But starting over is better than ceasing to exist, isn't it?

[holy_prankster]

[He happily munched on the biscuit while Cedric bared his soul to him. Sohki always had time for those who were worth it. There weren't many that he didn't like, as his usual default was to like everyone far too much at times, so he listened thoughtfully to the words spoken.]

It is a very human thing to miss. Your species has such a remarkable ability to create such strong bonds with others, but it is that strength that is also one of you human's greatest weaknesses. [Sohki did not have such connections, and he never had. His kind thought on an entirely different level than almost all others, and because of that difference, most others could never truly understand. Reaching forward to grasp his tea, he paused before sipping to say.] We are constantly starting over with every new day. If you do not continue to evolve, then you will not survive.

[theboywhodied]

[Cedric kept his head bowed for a little while longer as he swallowed his tea. That stung, it really did---he never wanted to think of his family and friends as people he had to evolve past, he couldn't forget. Love and being loved meant everything to him. His voice dropped to a pained whisper.]

Such a harsh way to say it.

[He kept his eyes closed, mouth stretched in such a way to keep from crying. That was stupid---he'd cried enough. He swallowed to keep it in.]

But I don't intend to be left behind. I'm going to fight for this life, and I've been thinking about how I can best train for that. How I can best protect people, make this a stable and safe place to live.

[He looked up, voice strong and eyes dry.] I know now what I want to learn.

[holy_prankster]

[He wouldn't apologise for his harsh words. The kirin could be coldly blunt when he wanted, and deceptively light at other times, but he felt that Cedric would only further fall into the hope of comfort others may give to one who could never return home. He wasn't here to continue the illusion.]

Perhaps, but you are living in a harsh world, Cedric-kun. A world that will not hesitate in stripping away the innocence that remains around you.

[While he may have been blind, he could tell that the young wizard's emotions were beginning to flare. He kept his silence while the words flowed free. Playing the ever-patient guardian, Sohki leant forward to slip the cup back on the saucer.]

And that would be?

[He knew, but he wanted to hear the words from the young wizard himself.]

[theboywhodied]

It's hard to face. And I know it'll only get harder. But if I just gave up, that'd be no better than rolling over and dying.

[He clenched his fists.]

I want to learn to fight without a wand. With such an easy disarming spell available, I can't rely on having it all the time. The most powerful wizards can use their magic without one, but it also wouldn't hurt to be able to use physical weapons.

[holy_prankster]

[Whether this young wizard would be capable of doing just that could go either way at this point, but he would be interested to see just which way Cedric would make himself fall.]

That's quite the goal! [His cheerfullness was back as he settled against the couch again. The determination was palpable in the air, and if he was to be honest, rather refreshing!] I'm certain that all wizards are capable of doing such a thing given enough practice.

[theboywhodied]

[Cedric forced himself to take a few calming breaths.]

I was told that my powers would grow stronger the more I trained, that they might even surpass what my limitations were before---if I focused and I was in great need. So that's exactly what I'm going to do.

[He munched away on another biscuit for strength, then cracked his fingers.]

I've been training every day, but I don't think I've been pushing myself hard enough.

[holy_prankster]

[Sohki finished off his biscuit while Cedric spoke. It was such a human thing to overdo things, and he inwardly chuckled to himself as he listened to the admittance.]

Quantity is often far less effective than quality, Cedric-kun~if you wear yourself out overworking yourself, then your attempts to train will get weaker and weaker from fatigue.

[theboywhodied]

[Cedric scoffed and pushed up his sleeve, slapping the muscle of his arm.]

I'm not really worried about that. I've been training every day for years---I wanted to be a professional athlete, it was practically a requirement.

I'm just adding magical training to the physical.

[holy_prankster]

A professional athlete? [The display had him grinning broadly.] Is there anything that you can't do, Cedric-kun?

[Moving to take a sip of his tea again, he considered what his young wizard companion said.] You're rather dedicated. Have you been training with your friend?

[theboywhodied]

[Cedric laughed, looking wistful for a moment.] Well I can't fly at the moment---it was a flying sport I played, Quidditch. Haven't found an enchanted broom yet.

[He shook his head.] Hermione's weapon is different. We have different styles--she's more about collecting useful knowledge and useful items.

[holy_prankster]

You fly around using enchanted brooms? How positively delightful! [Cedric's world seemed to just get better and better!]

Knowledge is quite a powerful weapon. [He nodded in agreement.] You've yet to find a suitable training partner? I am available for whenever you need one.

[theboywhodied]

I'd be glad to train with you. Even gladder to fly.

[Cedric felt a rush of hope and excitement at that prospect.]

Flying's the best feeling in the world. I've been told that there was a witch here before me with her broom, so there's a chance that I can find one. The moment I do, I'm taking off.

[holy_prankster]

To fly? I can't say that I understand that loss, but I'm rather spritely on my feet.

[There was a sudden gleam of excitement running through the kirin.]

It may not be flying, but would you like to experience the next best thing, Cedric-kun?

[theboywhodied]

Hm? What would that be?

[Cedric leans so far forward he's almost face-planting out of his seat. He's interested, that's all. Whatever it is, it could be exciting!]

[holy_prankster]

My dear Cedric~ the answer is simple! [Sohki placed his cup down, along with his biscuit, before he gracefully stood up. Before he said anything further, the kirin shed his human appearance as he appeared before Cedric as his true form. Posing, as he always loved to do, his dull purple eyes locked onto Cedric.]

Fancy a moment of freedom?

[theboywhodied]

[Cedric's delighted---he feels a surge of anticipation and stands as well, tentatively coming closer. But there's nothing tentative about his spirit.]

Absolutely.

[holy_prankster]

[The anticipation was felt within Cedric, and he showed his amusement through his eyes as they twinkled with mirth. Lowering his two front legs, the gesture was more than enough to indicate for Cedric to climb aboard!]

I may be old, but I'll show you the freedom I enjoy.

[theboywhodied]

Wow...

[Ah, he understands. Cedric climbs on, shifting back in an attempt to find the most comfortable position. His hold is tentative and gentle at first.]

Sorry. I just don't have much riding experience---don't want to put stress in the wrong places, you know?

[But he's unspeakably excited. His blood's rushing with anticipation.]

[holy_prankster]

[The boy didn't weigh much, but the attempt to not put any stresses on his old body was both amusing and appreciated. When Cedric was seated, Sohki pushed his front half back up to stand. Finding his balance, he turned his long neck around so that he could sight the young wizard.]

Brooms may be one thing, but you cannot beat the rush of something living giving you such a rush~

[He was confident with that, as he was about all of his abilities, while he made his way over to the window he'd entered in. Stepping up on the ledge, the mirth was back in his tone.]

You'd best to hang on tightly. Travelling with me is not for the faint hearted.

[theboywhodied]

[Cedric nodded once, reaching to find an appropriate place on Sohki to hold. When he was sure he wasn't risking any wind pipes or yanking on a mane, he locked his hands together and laughed.]

I loved flying dangerously. Trust me, I can handle it.

[A pause, then a wide smile.]

Ready!