callmeles | Of Wishes and New Friends (for Zayne)

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Of Wishes and New Friends (for Zayne)

Piper liked Seattle. It was a place they'd never come to and so most of her memories were of her childhood with her Mom, Dad, and sister. Those memories in of themselves were a bit mixed up but they were easier to deal with than places she'd otherwise escape to. A ton had changed (cost of living and the growth of the city) and at the same time, a lot hadn't changed (the weather and the people).

She had heard through a radio advertisement that a magician was coming to town for a few nights. They had warned that his show was so popular that it sold out very quickly in other cities and you should act quick if you wanted to catch one.

Any other night and she'd have rolled her eyes and not bothered. Something that she wasn't going to put a name to urged her to look him up and read what he was about. His name was Zayne and apparently, his act was unique. Unique enough where there were YouTube videos upon YouTube videos attempting to debunk his performance or somehow recreate it. She had to admit, the man was very attractive and seemed very charming.

Huh.

Well, this she had to see. And, if there was something magical about him, perhaps ask him a couple of questions if it was even possible.

Over the last year or year and a half, since then, she had searched for any possible way of bringing Jordan back. She'd always tell Jordan that if she somehow died on her, she'd find some way of bringing her scrawny ass back.

So far, she hadn't had any luck.

Deep down, she knew it was a worthless task but she had to try everything she could think of.

So she bought a ticket, somewhere close to the stage for a stupid exorbitant amount of money (because it was Seattle and everything is stupidly inflated). When the evening arrived, she got dressed in a nice outfit (a little black number) and made her way to the theater. Since being in town, she hadn't really gone to shows but this was an exception.

She found her seat and settled in. Piper listened to the chattering, to the squealing of teenage girls (and women) around her and others who were determined to find some way of debunking him.

Well, this was going to be an entertaining evening. Even if she came away no closer to an answer, she'd was sure the show would be worth it.

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"How else would you put it? Come now. I get magic workers from time to time, but you are off the charts," he says, looking her over. "In every single way"

Taking a moment, shaking her hand and smiling at that. "I'm so glad," he says, accepting that she had given an alias. It's what he would have done in her place as well. "Please, please. Sit down. I mean, unless you were sent to shut me down. In which case, I'll be greatly disappointed."

She wouldn't be the first one sent to prove he was revealing himself, after all.

"I bet you say that to everyone," Piper couldn't help but tease him before taking the offered seat with a shake of her head.

Settling in, she watched him for a moment, crossing her legs. "No, I'm not here to shut you down. Honestly, I didn't know about your show until recently. I had to come and see it for myself." Piper debated for a moment. "So, how private is this place?" The last thing she wanted was for any information about her to get out because of some passerby overhearing their conversation.

"Maybe," he says with a grin and a wink. "But with you I mean it."

And he does. She is definitely on another plane when it comes to her energy and he is finding that he really likes that from her.

When she says she's not there for that, he can't help but smile. Moving to sit down across from her, waving a hand. A chilled bottle of wine appeared before them, two glasses with it. He leans forward to pour them both a glass.

A wave of his hand and there's a shimmer. "It's just you and me," he says with a smile. "No cameras, no recording devices. I am, basically, at your mercy."

Piper laughed and nodded, bringing her drink to her mouth for a sip. She set the bottle of water down then watched as he sat down across from her and summoned the bottle of wine. She reached over and took the glass from him.

She swirled the wine in the glass and watched the liquid for a moment before lifting her glass to look at Zayne. "My name is Piper Allison. I'm not sure how much you know of various prophecies but I was part of a prophecy until my cousin was killed. Ever heard of the Enchanted?"

It wasn't the first time she'd talked about it and honestly, it was starting to get easier to say without wanting to fall apart. "I don't suppose you have the power to bring people back from the dead, do you?" It was said jokingly but she couldn't deny that there was a hopeful note at the end.

He isn't sure what he expected. He's had others others come to his show that sensed the reality but he hadn't found anyone here like this. No one like the woman sitting before him. And then he said something he never thought that he, as a djinn might say to someone.

"I never thought they were real," he says, being honest with her. "Which I never thought I've said," he admits to her. "Though you may have asked the one person that isn't able to help you with his own power. One of the few things that Disney ever got right," he says, shaking his head.

"Genies can't bring the dead back to life."

"That's fair. We didn't know a single thing about it until marks appeared on our wrists," she said with a half-smile before bringing the glass of wine up to her mouth. She would say that she didn't expect someone like him to be real but she'd become less surprised by what was real than ever before.

She nodded in understanding and mentally shifted to move on. She'd come on a fluke, not knowing what to truly expect from the show and while she'd been hopeful, she'd known better than to place her bets on it. "I figured it was a long shot," Piper admitted and settled into the couch.

"The show was fantastic, probably one of the best I've been to. I lost track of how many times I heard how attractive you were and also what were the best methods to replicate your illusions." It was a rapid change of subject, she knew that but there was no point in dragging it out.

"It's kind of neat having a legend here as well," he notes with a small smile. "It's always been interesting living as the things stories are made from. How does it feel for you?"

Because he's only ever talked to a few beings like himself. They were all scattered and tended to avoid one another. Especially genies.

"And yet you get here and you find a genie. I feel like it was kismet," he admits, considering her curiously. He lights up though when she says she enjoyed the show.

"I'm so glad. I wasn't sure what I would have done if you hadn't played along. Thank you for that. It'll be my best rated show and they'll want me to do it again," he admits, giving her a wink. "Might have to glamour you and let you come to another one."

Piper considered his question for a moment in silence. She thought back to when she and Jordan found out who they were and how they felt months after the realization. "I loved it, once upon a time. It was exciting and something different than the normal "boring" life I thought I'd have when I grew up. Recently, I lost a bit of that zeal... I even got to a point where I cursed it. Now? I'm not sure. Of course, if you were talking about being around you, it's fascinating. In all this time, I've never come across someone like you."

"I cannot disagree with that. I came across your ad for the show by happenstance and felt drawn to attending," she admitted. "I figured if anything it'll get me out of the house and do something different for a change."

She laughed when he said he may have to glamour her. "I curse that shapeshifting was not one of my powers because that was rather fun," Piper grinned, allowing herself to relax a little. Since she left London, she didn't spend long periods of time with people - especially other magical people. "I don't know - if it's the right time and right place, I'll be happy to come to another one."

"What would bring you to curse it? I have been doing this for centuries and I love it. I love how mankind changes. I love how interesting it all is," he says, staring at her with a bit of confusion as he lifts a glass of champagne, taking a drink.

"I can say the same. I've met a lot of beings but never one of you," he says, pausing a moment before adding. "Trust is that there are only a few of us left. I couldn't even tell you how many. I haven't run into another in at least fifty years? It may have been more about now," he admits, thinking about it. "At least.

"I put a bit of a charm on the adverts actually. Just in case I could find others. I guess that drew you in."

And he's glad it did.

"You know, I might be able to fashion a charm for you. A bit of my magic that would let you obtain the form regularly. I think the one thing I would have to do is just shift you ever few months, and it would just be the one form. If you're interested. We could do it through various shows?"

"Because I lost two people closest to me due to having magic," she said, looking down at her glass for a moment so she didn't have to look at him. After a moment, she lifted her gaze. "But I swore to them and myself that I would do whatever it took to take them all down."

It was more than she expected to share with the man but it was out before she could hold herself back. "After that, then I'm sure I'll enjoy it for just as long." By this point, she was rather sure that she was still immortal and so long as nothing happened, she was bound to live obnoxiously long.

Piper shrugged a shoulder, bringing her glass up to her lips for a drink. "I'm not sure if there's anything super special about me now except being a more powerful than average witch with a bounty on her head," she said, because she didn't consider herself an Enchanted any longer or any sort of "chosen one" nonsense. "You don't get very many witches or other magical beings coming to your shows? That's disappointing - people could learn a thing or two, I would imagine."

Her eyebrows rose at the offer and tilted her head a little in consideration. It could actually come in handy. None of those who were coming after her, or rather (and more importantly), those she was going after would even begin to expect it. And, the little voice inside her mind said, she could get out a bit more, and if it meant seeing him at various shows, well... who was she to pass up that sort of opportunity. "That could come in handy in my future plans and it would be enjoyable to show up at various shows," she said after a moment, a smile curling on her mouth. "I'd be up for it."

"Everyone loses people. Magic isn't the only reason, though you say take them all down. So you know who killed them and why? I assume magical beings then?" He's not sure he could think of any other reason she worded it the way she did.

Though he can't help but shrug. He doubts what he's about to ask but then he can't help but wonder. "They you're taking out isn't me and why you're here, is it?" Because if so, he had led her into a place to kill him all on his own.

"Every now and then I get someone. A few vampires who actually come often when I'm in Atlantic City and New Orleans. A handful of witches here and there. Some sense I'm different but they can't figure out what I am. Most don't recognize we exist, after all."

And it's why most didn't guess what he was. They heard hooves and thought horses, even when in the midst of the unicorn.

"I admit, I'm offering to help, sure but mostly it's for an excuse to see you again," he admits with a playful wink.

What he said was true and she knew that. People died every day - magic or not. But if they hadn't been the Enchanted, would Jordan have died? Would they have attacked that night?

Never mind the fact that if they hadn't been the Enchanted, would she and David have gotten together? What about Jordan and Ben? Probably... probably not.

Life would have been ~~blessedly~~ ~~obnoxiously~~ normal.

"If we weren't the Enchanted, they wouldn't have come after her," Piper finished, trying to keep her voice even as she looked anywhere other than at him. "It was a group of vampires, demons, and a few witches who came after them that night. We were supposed to be some force of good in this world and they couldn't have that. They felt threatened, no doubt."

Her mouth quirked up. "No, I wouldn't be nearly as nice if I thought you had a hand in what happened a year or so ago."

When he admitted it was so that he could see her again, her wry smile grew more genuine. "I'd like that then." She was told by a few people that she needed to get out of her head but they didn't know the situation or knew her.

Edited (because html.) 2021-12-22 21:41 (UTC)

He considers that. All of it. Not just who had done the deed and why, but how she said that about why they had been targeted.

"A force of good," he says, nodding even though his nose wrinkles. "Maybe I should be concerned. Being anything but good, of course," he adds, but he knows he's not on the level with those she's seeking. Not in that he might not be good but he's not evil either.

"How long have you been in town? I only ask because a demon tried to gain entry a few nights ago and my people turned them away. Now you're here and I have to wonder if the two things are related." He is warning her, and giving her more information than he had to but he was definitely trying to help.

"I can try and find out what I can about them and fashion your charm and then we could meet again?"

Piper considered him for a long moment before finishing off her glass of champagne and setting it down. "Hence the term 'was supposed to be'," she said with a snort. "It's only been a year and much to my ancestor's consternation, I've become increasingly grey. I'm not their precious 'chosen one' nor am I ready to root for the same bastards who killed my family. So. I'm on Team Me right now." After she said it, she rolled her eyes to herself. "Which sounds really childish, I realize."

"I've been in Seattle for the last six months, keeping primarily to myself...," she started to say and brought a hand up to rub at her temples. "You're probably right. It's been my theory they're anticipating an easy kill now that Jordan's gone. I appreciate the warning, thank you."

She'd known it was dangerous, she didn't want to pull others necessarily into her life drama. Piper was just going to make a fashionable excuse to go so she didn't bring more trouble on his head when he offered that.

"Would you? I would appreciate that... how long are you all staying in town? Where are you set to go next?" She hadn't really looked at his tour schedule to see where he went after Seattle, only that he was here now and she had the night free. The fact that he was offering this was a surprise.

"Not at all. It sounds smart, and certainly how I live my life. You were born for you, not for some family thing or to follow in the wanted footsteps of others. You have to put you first, no matter what. So it's not childish, it's the words of a survivor that won't follow others blindly. Seems that of a smart woman to me."

And he knew it was how he did things. He supports himself first and foremost because it won't do him any good to die for others. That and he's a selfish bastard.

"Now they may not be here for you but the truth is, I don't want to take that chance with you even if they might just be here for your standard seeking out the djinn kind of thing."

He rolls his eyes at that. "Sadly all manner of beings seek me out given how few there are and the legends and stories about us. But it's certainly possible it could be for you and not me."

He nods at her, smiling softly. "Of course. Us unique ones need to stick together." And it's more that he's curious about her now and doesn't want her wandering off. Or worse, dead.

"I have three more nights here and then a week break. I tend to do a week and then a break. Easier to set up once for several shows than that dreaded different city a night thing that bands do. Why even would you do that to yourself?"

"If my ancestors had their way, we'd have been taken from a young age and "trained". But they are a bit old-fashioned for being 500 years old," Piper remarked with a roll of her eyes.

It settled something deep in her mind that she wasn't purely being selfish for putting herself and her goals first.

Was it a healthy coping mechanism? Probably not. But, at least she wasn't drowning herself in a bottle of whiskey every night or snorting a bunch of cocaine. Not that either would do very well in her system.

Her mouth quirked up at the mention of unique ones and nodded. "I suppose so," she agreed. "Either way, I will be doubly on my guard knowing someone has been sniffing around." She'd have to double and triple check her wards back home too, just in case.

She snorted in amusement. "It sounds exhausting to go to a different city a night," she agreed. "Though, when I was younger, the prospect would have been exciting. I imagine it loses its appeal very quickly."

"I can return tomorrow night or in a couple of nights before you leave. It doesn't even have to be here," she said, motioning to the room with her hand. "But somewhere else in Seattle or its surrounding area." She found the prospect promising. "What can I do for you then? Show up on occasion and be the ever fabulous assistant? I find that I have a talent for that."

"Ooooh training. The kind that means staying far away from others and not learning to think outside the box. I know of that sort of education." His people practiced it as well. He could imagine what they would think of what he's doing now and how he's using his magic.

He nods at that, glad to hear it. "Good. I'll keep up with what I can find."

He snorts at that, rolling his eyes. "You have no idea. I like travel but the setting up and tearing down, even if I don't do it, its annoying. Also makes it hard to guard things when it's obvious people are snooping around to find out my secrets. I have to keep actual stage magic props around just so anyone snooping doesn't realize the truth."

He needs no props but himself and the games he plays. But can't have people realizing that.

"Somewhere else in Seattle. So like a date?" Oh but he lights up at that. "And don't tempt me or you'll end up tour with me."

Piper laughed and nodded. "Exactly. Ensuring that we would be dedicated only to what we were destined to do for the rest of eternity." She rolled her eyes at her own words before shaking her head. "They're not thrilled with my new found path but I didn't care then and I care even less now."

"I wonder if there's a ward or charm to make people see what you want them to see or expect them to see," she mused, considering what he said about the tear down process. "Manipulative perhaps but," she shrugged. "Sometimes we need a way to keep our secrets."

She snorted with an amused grin. "If that's what you want to call it." She could imagine being on a true date with a man like him would be an experience. "As tempting as that is..." And it was tempting. But the guy didn't need her drama infiltrating his world.

"Wow, that sounds entirely fun," he says in flat, dead tones before making a face. "And they don't get why you aren't interested, do they?"

He can only imagine how unimpressed they're likely to be about what she's doing, or more than that, her there with him. "Do they tend to follow you about or did they give up on that?"

Not that he's paranoid but he can't help but to wonder about what they might think of her there, or him. Which actually amuses him more than it should.

"I have managed a handful of illusions but for them to hold and be physically there, they can't be touched or inspected. The moment they start pushing to look past it, they could end up seeing the truth. You think there might be another way?"

Because he's more than willing to try whatever she might know that could help him to keep his secrets and its looking like she might have an idea or two.

"Oh don't start that with me. It's more than tempting and you should think about it. What's stopping you?"

"The most fun," she said dryly before laughing. "They don't understand why I can't just do what they want me to do."

Piper considered the question for a moment, thinking over the last year or two if she's felt them around, and shook her head. "No, I think they've given up on that. I've also done my best to mask my power signature so perhaps that's working." But she knew, if they really wanted to find her, they had their ways.

She did have to wonder what they would think if they knew she was here with him. The thought endlessly amused her.

"There might be. It's something I will have to look into and experiment with," Piper considered for a moment, thinking about the implications and what exactly she would need for it to work. Not only would it be helpful to him but to her as well.

Piper watched him for a moment and tilted her head. "The last thing you need is any of my drama coming back to you."

"Well isn't that everyone's desire? To follow the rules no matter what they want?"

He rolls his eyes, the two of them both knowing that isn't how anyone wants things to be.

"Have you tried to find a way to change it? Like a full time cloaking? Can your kind do that? Might work better if someone not one of yours did it, because then it has no even connected energy lingering.

"Oh no. The first thing I need is more excitement, always. Drama is just excitement with emotions and I have no horse in the raise. So it's just excitement to me. I mean, if you wanted to." Then he pauses, adding with a wicked smile. "You never know. Being close to me regularly could bury your scent, as it were."

"It's almost as if they don't know our family line very well," she remarks with an amused look. "The family was once full of rebels but now they have the audacity to be shocked that I'm not stepping in line. That we didn't step in line. It really pissed them off when we got involved with vampires."

Her toe tapped on the floor as she considered the question of cloaking before shaking her head. "I've never come across something like that, yet. I'll have to look into it though."

Piper snorts at his wicked smile. "You raise an excellent point, with enough time it could. If you're serious... I'll have to think about that." There was the potential to learn a lot from him and she had to admit, it would be enjoyable being around him.

"Obviously they've worked hard to change things, and they expect you to change as well," he says, shaking his head and not at all impressed. "Sounds like it's time to show them who your ancestors were," he points out. Which sounds amusing and helpful to her at the same time.

"Look into it, and I can show you the means of it I know. Maybe we can test it against your magic to see."

"I am absolutely serious, so you should think about it. I think it could be a lot of fun for us both."

She nods in agreement and when he says she should remind them who her ancestors were, she hums in consideration. "I really like that idea," she says with a slow grin. Not only did it sound amusing as hell but for the first time in the last year, since she's been on this revenge mission, it sounds like something she would have happily done before.

Piper watches him for a moment, curious about how in the long term his magic and hers would blend. "I'll look into it tonight." Because did she really have anything better to do?

"It could be a lot of fun," she admits with a laugh. "Do you even have room for me on this tour?" She would get to travel to whatever city he's going to which would be enjoyable in of itself. And people did seem to get a kick out of their play earlier in the show.

It had been thrilling.

"I'll give it some thought," she confirms. Because she can't go into anything half-cocked. Not anymore. She didn't have an idea of how far her powers went now and she found herself desperately wanting to find out. While also sticking to her plan. "Since you're here for another few days, how about lunch in a couple of days? It'll give me time to look into what I have on my end on if I can come up with a charm that will make people see what you want them to see without it being broken for your tear-down process. And I'll have an answer for you."

"Not coming from someone that could definitely enjoy the company of a very powerful witch," he says, a bit of that mask of humanity and joviality dropping as he leans closer, resting his elbows on his knees. "But as someone that is very powerful and living the life he wants... Do what you want. Be who you want. They will never match you and they can't stop you and they only try and do it so you don't become as powerful as you can be and leave them behind. They get something from you and its time to ensure that no longer happens."

Is he sowing chaos? Definitely. Does he believe he's right? Absolutely.

He nods then, grinning at her.

"Okay so... I have a huge bus, lush and well appointed. I'm the only one that travels in it. You can come with me. If you don't like that? I'll get you your own," he offers with a grin. Just like that, offering to get her her own bus. Just so she goes along with him.

"Take all the time you want," he says. "Even if it's after I leave. If you choose to join me, I'll get you there with me. And lunch... sounds perfect. I'd love to. I'll even get up early for you," he offers with that same wolfish grin. "Let me know if there's anything you need if you choose to come with me. We can work it out, okay?"

Of Wishes and New Friends (for Zayne)

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