The Gift
Richard's Storyline, Chapter 7.3
copyright comidacomida 2018
It was a good feeling to see both of my Spirits working so well together, and it felt even better when both stepped up and embraced me from either side. There was something otherworldly about being surrounded by Spirits and feeling nonexistent body heat wrapped around me at the same time as ephemeral arms... and yet they were both so real and so solid. It had taken a lot to get us to that point and I let out a contented sigh; it had been worth it.
Balam released me first, which made sense I suppose since Jack was definitely the more 'clingy' of the two, and the Jaguar bumped the side of my head with his snout, whiskers tickling my ear from the gesture. "You have been through much, Seer... you should take some time and rest today so you will be ready for tonight."
It wasn't a bad idea, to be sure. Waiting patiently for Jack to disengage, I smiled at the Jaguar then the Gryphon before running a hand through my hair. I hated thinking about it, but I still hadn't managed to get any groceries. "You know... I-- I... still need to go get some eggs."
Balam gave a single succinct nod and then wandered off out of view; his emotionless response left me wondering whether he approved or just wasn't willing to object. Jack was a much easier read; he stepped up beside me, feathery cowl of his head rising as his beak parted in his signature smile. "I shall attend thee, Richard. Tis a good course of action to have at least one Spirit in thy presence lest thou court discontent and danger."
I smiled inwardly when I realized he was trying to preempt any argue from me to the contrary but, truth be told, I didn't mind the idea of having some company-- not after the Raccoon Spirit at the grocery store the previous time. "Sure, Jack... that sounds great. Let me grab my wallet and we can go."
The Gryphon nodded eagerly and went to the exit before stopping to look back and monitor my progress. Once I approached he reached out and turned the knob, pushing the door open for me. "After thee, Richard."
It was undoubtedly a gallant act of courtesy but I couldn't help but snicker; fortunately his attention was so focused on the door that I don't think he noticed my slip up in the humor I found in his action. Once I was outside he followed me and about-faced, closing the door with just as much attention. I waited until he had stepped aside so I could lock it and, after putting my keys back into my pocket, I looked to him; he was waiting expectantly for me to provide direction. Motioning toward the sidewalk I inquired "Shall we?"
His beaky smile was the start of his response, ending with a straight forward and enthusiastic "We shall!"
The walk to the grocery store was a pleasant one. It was late enough in the day that people were out and about so I had no trouble letting him do most of the talking, which he did quite readily. It only took a quick word or an inquiring sound to get him to expand on any number of subjects regarding the 8th century onward. He talked about England, France, Germany (with some reflection on the area that had once been known as Gaul) and then Europe as a whole and in separate parts.
Jack jumped from the topics of daily life to kingdoms and nations seamlessly, and ultimately decided to spend some time talking about the world as seen during the Middle Ages. Eventually he discussed Iberia, and took special note to explain that it was different from the Iberian Peninsula, and then provided me a brief lesson in both Middle Age geography as well as politics. While 'social studies' had never been a strong subject for me I had to admit that it was enjoyable with such an animated and enthusiastic teacher.
He had excellent timing too, as the history lesson slowly came to a close as we approached our destination. Although he had only just reached the 1700s he concluded his narrative with "And then, I made the journey to the New World... but methinks THAT story is best left for another time."
The trip left me smiling, and that expression lasted right up until I approached the automatic doors; it had a page of coupons on it to advertise specials but when it slid open I was able to look into the grocery store and what lay beyond. For some reason my eyes immediate caught sight of the single lighting fixture in the building that was not on; there was no fluorescent bulb in it and, unless I was mistaken, the aluminum housing had a bullet hole in it. The man who had tried to rob the store put his gun under his chin and shot upward into his own head; I didn't know at the time how I knew, but I did.
I recognized Phil's voice the moment he called to me from off to the side of the entrance. "Just couldn't stay away, could ya, kid?"
If I'd sidestepped quickly to get away from the Raccoon then Jack could easily have been a blur; before I knew it the Gryphon was standing between me and the other Spirit, sword drawn and clasped in both talons in what looked like a very imposing combat stance. "Back away, knave... I shall not warn thee twice."
There were a lot of people in the supermarket so I had to maintain my composure or risk having people take notice of 'the weird guy', but I was trapped between the shopping carts and a two Spirit showdown. I fumbled with pulling one cart free from the rest of the stack, which is significantly more difficult when paying more attention to a Raccoon Spirit than the cart itself.
Fortunately, Phil didn't seem inclined to attack; he held up his paws in a calming gesture. "Relax, Red Coat... I'm not here t'cause problems for you or yer Seer... nothin' to be gained by that anyway."
Jack gestured me past him while he kept his main talon on his sword, tip still pointed toward the Raccoon. "Be that as it may, thou shalt keep thy distance from my Ward. I am his Herald and his Guardian; I shall not let thee jeopardize that with thy trickery or misdirection... thou art not wanted here."
I pulled a cart free and quickly followed Jack's direction, moving away from the front door and the Raccoon at a fast enough pace to look like I was in a hurry but not so hurried as to look like I was running from a Spirit Raccoon that had encouraged a man to try and rob the place before killing a someone and then himself. The Gryphon followed after me but remained facing the other Spirit, who, despite keeping a respectful distance, followed us regardless. "Y'know... you still got the kid walkin' around without a clue. You ever plan on teachin' him a thing or two about bein' a Seer?"
Jack maintained his professionally curt tone. "What I do with my Ward is none of thy business, Rogue. If thou dost truly seek to avoid conflict then I would ask thee to depart."
I would have won an acting award if anyone realized what was going on behind me as I walked the aisles toward the back; why do the eggs always have to be at the back of the store? Silly question, I know-- it's because the supermarkets know if they convince you to walk through everything there's a good chance you'll buy something. That doesn't work on me because I know how to stick to a shopping list, but definitely didn't work during that visit because I was distracted by the two Spirits walking after me.
Phil, despite Jack's warning, followed. "Hey... I know you're used to a king or a queen or whatever, but this here's a free country, Red Coat-- folks here fought and won to make it that way."
Finally making it to the eggs, I looked over my options; I could get a six pack but that meant the eggs were almost 30% more expensive individually. An 18 pack was an option because it meant I'd buy them at the cheapest price, but would I go through all of them before they went bad? My usual approach to figuring out the best option in my head wasn't easy with a discussion going on behind me. Jack was getting increasingly agitated. "I shall not warn thee again, Scoundrel. Give way, and leave us in peace."
I picked up the dozen eggs and turned to put them in my cart, sparing only a quick glance at the Raccoon. His eyes were on me and, once he realized that he'd gained my attention he didn't miss the opportunity. "Sure, Herald... I'll go... but I want the Seer to tell me himself."
Undoubtedly he knew I was at a disadvantage; there were at least six separate shoppers near me, not to mention the lady who had three kids with her. What he didn't realize, however, was that I had no problem with problem solving. I pulled my phone out and raised it to my ear before looking right at him. Right when I was about to speak up though, he quickly added "Of course... maybe the Seer could use a little more help learning about bein' a Seer from the guy who's helped three since before Washington got his dentures."
I--
I'm sure his spirits will teach him EVERYTHING he needs to know, and in a timely fashion too, if he will just resolve to focus on them and not get distracted.
A.
-TGU.
B) -- shook my head, and turned around to head for the check out. "No thank you. I'm already happy with my current service provider. Goodbye."
C) -- sighed, shooting Jack a glance before looking back to the Raccoon. "You have a few minutes while I'm waiting to check out to convince me, then I'm gone."
D) -- shrugged, realizing he wouldn't give up easily. "I'm busy getting groceries right now, but if you'd like to set up an appointment for tomorrow I can give it some thought..."
.
Voting is now open, and will close as of midnight (pst) on Thursday, December 6th.
........................
A) "No Jack. I have no need for that. Dispose of it, I don't care how." I see no reason to feed the 'coon.
Just kidding! Although I would vote for that one if it did exist, I think.
Gonna go with B) here. It's a little less hostile and also clearly states that he is HAPPY with how things are progressing with his spirits, and not looking to change. Seems slightly more final and less defensive, no?
Was Phil one of the potential spirits for "The Gift" or...?
[I]Well I have you down for E![/I]
And, yes-- Phil WAS originally one of the possible spirit options for The Gift, but he was eliminated at the semi-finals. Personally, I would have loved to see him and Philip in the same group constantly arguing over who gets the name, but other Spirits came in to win the semi-finals so he was not available.
That's a shame actually, I think he'd be quite an interesting spirit to interact with? That, and I quite like raccoons - Especially since I bought my first house from one ;D
[I]Because I'm worth it![/I]
I'm happy with Kon either way, just makes me feel bad for the missed opportunities. Same goes for Bart, poor fella.