A Boy, a Dog Girl and School Preparation: Part One

“Today we are going shopping.”

Chistos announced his grand plan over breakfast. Zack paused with a fork full of eggs quivering inches before his mouth. Honey continued to lick remnants of meat from her plate.

“Didn’t you take us shopping yesterday when we got here? Thus my stylish little shirt and pants combo,” Zack said, gesturing to himself.

“And my dressie!” Honey said happily through a mouth full of food.

“You both have one set of clothes each. And unless you want to trade daily and have Zack wear the dress while Honey wears the pants…”

Honey looked up excitedly at the suggestion, happily turning to Zack. The boy shook his head slowly, shutting the idea right the hell down.

“…you two will accompany my daughter and myself to town today. We have a list of all the basic items you’ll need to begin lessons at Madam VanVeers. Clothes, pens, ink, books…”

“Father, don’t make it seem so boring,” Chista said. “We’ll also pick up some stuff for your room to make it feel more…yours. Heck, maybe we’ll get a bed for Honey.”

“Why would I want one?” Honey asked, tilting her head.

Zack finished the last of his food and gulped down the fizzy, fruity drink which had come from their weird coffee machine. “Well, I’m game. Might as well learn the city layout.”

“Excellent! You two get in the shower, clean yourselves off while we…”

Chistos didn’t have a chance to finish. Honey grabbed Zack and began to drag him to the bathroom.

“A shower! I can’t wait to be clean again!”

“Wait, Honey, they probably meant separate showers!”

“Why would they? You always gave me baths in the shower?”

“Honey, I think this is a good opportunity to begin teaching you the differences between dog etiquette and people etiquette!”

The bathroom door slammed shut. Water began to flow. Chistos looked at his daughter, eyebrow raised.

“I know, I know! Lay off!” Chista sighed, slumping in her chair.

*

Honey walked ahead of the group, her hair done up into a large braid with two flowers in it, happily humming while holding Zack’s hand. She caught his eye as they left the building.

“What?”

“Nothing. Only…you look good. Human.”

Honey blushed brighter than the sun.

“Now, you have the ticket for the shops? I don’t want the deliveries to be delayed because I have to come all the way back here for it,” Chistos said.

“I’ve only forgotten the ticket a few times!” Chista said.

Chistos held up seven fingers.

“Seven is…and few. Less than ten…”

“Let’s not make it eight. Now, on to…”

“HOLD IT OLD MAN!”

A female voice rang out in front of the apartment building. Everyone turned to see four people approaching. Twin boys about eighteen years old were in the back, black hair perfectly gelled and stylized, tailored clothes crisp and clean.

“Mother is mad,” one twin said.

“Lack of sleep,” the other agreed.

They were not who Zack was focused on. It wasn’t even the woman who had yelled. She was around 40, hands on her hips, hair a dark wave over her shoulder, her clothes a scandalous combination of skimpy and authoritative, gracefully caressing a waspish waist and breasts the size of soccer balls.

Zack wasn’t interested in her, though.

He kept staring at the six foot two man standing next to her. His muscles were raw, rippling, his face handsome and stern, his sword large with an immaculate jeweled handle glinting as it dangled from his hip. And he wore a dress equally as skimpy as the yelling woman.

“I have several questions!” Zack called out.

“Mine first. How about why were you and your girl howling after midnight last night?” the woman asked, bending low. Zack’s eyes shifted lower before returning to her eyes.

‘Where exactly do you expect me to be looking?”

“Cute.” The woman smirked, standing up. “These two saved your daughter, Chistos?”

“Yes, believe it or not, when they aren’t annoying they are consistently brave and likeable,” the old wizard said. “Zack, Honey, this is Vessria Allheim, professor and neighbor.”

“Ah. The bad singer!” Zack said. “Sorry about the howling. It was…therapy.”

“Therapy?” Her smirk widened. “Next time, talk to a psychiatrist. A quiet one. Two cities away. Are we clear?”

“Crystal!” Zack gave a mini salute. Honey followed, not understanding it was supposed to be sarcastic.

“Those are her sons, Hellman and Cortz,” Chistos said with a gesture. They both bowed.

“The GREAT Hellman and Cortz, it you please.”

“Well, as great as eighteen year old wizards in training can be.”

“Which is incredibly great.”

“Oh yes, I do not deny we are great, but we have room to grow greater.”

Zack stared at them awkwardly for a moment, scratching his head.

“Is this what I sound like when I talk too much?” he asked Chista. Then he looked to the broad shouldered man in the low cut top. “And what’s your thing?”

“Oh? He hasn’t been told, has he?” the man said in a polite, soft voice. “My dear young man, I am Isadora Allheim, the polite younger sister of Vessria. If you’re wondering about my looks, it is due to the sword at my side. My sister and I helped save the world several years ago, and this sword could only be wielded by a man of great integrity. So I changed my form to do my duty.”

Zack looked around at everyone. “Oh, wow, you all expect me to think what he…she…whatever, what they said doesn’t sound insane. Okay.”

“You’ll get used to magical peculiarities, young man,” Isadora said, putting a hand on his shoulder.

“So why do you still dress…you know…” Zack gestured at her.

“Because I refuse to let what life required of me change how I live. I like my life. I like my fashion. Even if I don’t look like myself anymore, it doesn’t change who I am,” she said, crossing her arms.

Zack laughed. “Amen to stubbornness, lady.”