Training for Perfection -open-

[tehchessie]

James liked to escape the town. Especially if it was to his favorite place, Spell Crest, where he could just sit and muck around with his elemental powers. On a normal day, away from work, he would just sit around at home and laze about going from television to games then back to television. To be frank he was getting pretty damn sick of it. Spell Crest, with the legends of witch (and warlocks), not many people visited the crest so he was pretty darn safe to throw around his magic.

The sun had reached its peak in the sky, Lunch Time James thought, and there was but not one cloud in the sky. This is what someone would call a perfect day. The breeze was blowing ever so lightly like it always was and the animals littering the wilderness around him were making themselves present to anyone as they communicated with the others. James layed down on his back with one arm behind his head as a cushion and had the other outstretched in front of him to block the sun. It seemed as if nothing could ruin such a perfect day. The sun was proving difficult so he gave up and mumbled a few words, an incantation, then clicked his fingers to make a small lighter sized flame. The small flame flickered and slowly died as he mumbled again making water engulf the remainder of the flame and keeping it alight. The orb of water and the small flame was something he’d learned when he was only 10, to him it was simple and easy to keep them both going. He grabbed the orb and squashed it making any traces of it disappear into nothing. James rolled over onto his side and sighed.
“Why can’t there be anything interesting around here,” he said out loud, not to anyone or anything in particular.
Restless yet completely at ease he pushed off the ground and sat watching the horizon. With another sigh he mulled over in his head what he was going to do on his day off. After a few minutes of taking in the day he stood up deciding to train a little. Not for war, not for fights not for violence but simple so he could learn new tricks to show the others. He outstretched both hands and spoke clearly two incantations although it only sounded as if it were one. A fire ball appeared in one and nothing in the other. He moved then together and the fire was sucked into a wind orb and it swirled around in a single line around the moving ball of air. In such an open area it was dangerous for any supernatural to be practicing their powers. Spell Crest was no different.

[RacingBelle]

Walking. More walking. Just trying to get everything to make sense. For my life to become that straight line, like it was before I had ran away to Clearstone. So many things were different. Like the fact that I was a gray thoroughbred, not a human, walking up the rise to the top of Spellcrest. I'm a shifter, a shifter is part animal. I just happened to be a horse. You never knew you are a shifter until: A) You were born a shifter and have reached a certain age in your life or had some kind of crazy event happen to you or you get too emotional about something and start to shift. B) You were created, how ever that happened, to be a shifter and somehow you knew about it. C) Your parents are shifters so your guaranteed to be one. In my case it was answer A. 'Those people' (I never called them parents anymore if I could help it) that had raised me were humans. As far as I knew I wasn't created to be a shifter I was just randomly born one. Weird huh? Yup. Weird enough for me. I continued to plod up the mountain until I felt a particularly sharp shot pain. My head immediately turned, teeth bared; ears back to my left shoulder. I was irritated by it. A little over week before an EF cop had threw a knife at me and it had landed in my shoulder. It was meant to pierce my chest and go into my heart but I was lucky enough that the cop had a bad aim. All of the EF did really. I didn't really notice it now unless it hurt too much, and it always hurt a little when I moved it. I continued to stare at it, as if it would go away. It wouldn't, I knew. I just wish that it would magically heal and the scar would fade with all my shifting. That would happen eventually, not the magic part of course but everything else. I ignored it once more and continued silently up the slope and stopped again.

It wasn't my shoulder, it was the aura of power that I had sensed. It wasn't as powerful as the one that I had met before but it was powerful enough for me to sense it. Was it her? I continued up the slope, ears back, neck low, and whites of my eyes showing slightly. If it was her then I could expect more twisting and winding lines to become my life, not just that one straight line I wanted. What I saw was a man, a warlock. I watched fascinated as he messed around with his powers. His magic was elemental magic if that wasn't obvious, and he seemed especially good with fire and water even though the two contrasted from each other. I materialized in front of him like mist in the morning and I whickered gently. The afternoon sun made my coat glimmer, the breeze tousling my mane and made my tail blow over my right hind leg. I swished it, expectantly. I made sure to keep my left side out of sight, I preferred not to let people know about that cut. You could say I was showing my good side. I wouldn't change into a human unless I knew that he wouldn't throw some fireball or something of the sort at me. So basically friend or foe. Plus it amused me to see how people, if they caught me like this or I reveled myself, would react. Some treated me like a normal horse but the few Supernaturals that I had met knew that I was a shifter. I had a feeling this would be one of them.

[tehchessie]

James keeping the flame and air orb going conjured up a ball of water and slowly joined them together. The water was sucked up around the air and fire. He knew exactly what he was doing. His plan was to put the four elements together and then break them apart hopefully not destroying the amazing orb. All his concentration was on the orb and focusing on each movement. From the blurry vision of his focus on the orbs he saw an animal, four-legged, tall and possibly harmless. Without looking up her murmured under his breath and the orb dissolved into a ring then to a snake. A three element snake whirled around the animal and finally his focus was on it. A horse. A stunningly silver horse stood unmoving in front of him. With a small smile he dropped his hands to his side and as he did the snake disappeared.
“Why hello there,” he said as if he had expecting the horse.
Unfortunately had it been any other supernatural they would have guessed it wasn’t a normal horse but James being, well, James that thought didn’t even cross his mind. He approached the horse hands raised and took two slow steps towards it. A wild horse in Spell Crest, who would have thought!, played through his mind as he neared closer and closer. Somewhere deep deep inside James’ head there was a voice, a voice that only made itself present when there was a supernatural around, screaming at him o not only be cautious but that the beautiful mare in front of him was in fact a shifter. Of course he pushed that thought aside and let out a small laugh at the voice. Hopefully is random laugh didn’t frighten the horse. He exhaled slowly and took a few more steps closer. When James was younger he somehow, without a spell, conjured fire when he ‘let himself go’ or was ‘too relaxed’ . Now he was slightly too relaxed and before he knew it his hands ignited in bright orange flames. Horse’s hate fire, raced though his mind and he jumped back to dodge any injury and see what the horses reaction was to the heat of the flames.

[RacingBelle]

I watched amazed as the elemental snake slithered around in the air. I kept my ears pinned, that horse side of me wanting to rear and strike it down. After all, horses didn't like snakes at all. They killed them. I whickered again and turned my head toward him as if I approved. Closer and closer he crept, both hands out as if showing me he didn't mean to harm me. Man, he thinks I'm a true wild horse! Something of a silent rumble vibrated my body. It was my way of laughing. I was going to let him get inches away from touching me and then dance away, inviting him on. Until, that is, his hands burst into flame. I reacted a bit violently, pawing the ground and rolling my eyes. I half reared, ears pinned nearly flat and then shooting straight up again before flattening as I went up into a full rear and then another rear. Finally I stood still with my skin twitching, watching him wearily, trying to figure out why he had done that. Was he trying to brand me or something!? No he didn't look like he meant it. Like when ever he relaxed that happened. He even seemed a little surprised himself! I let out a shrill whinny and pawed the ground. I was waiting and teasing him. A tauntingly mystical grey horse is right in front of you and you can tame horse for yourself if you dare! I hadn't had this must fun in ages! I tossed my head and swished my tail. I blew gently through my nose, pawing the air. Come on! I seemed to say. Come if you dare! It was a challenge and one I didn't know if he would take. I didn't even know how long he would take the bait that I wasn't a shifter! Another rumble went through my body. Man I couldn't wait to see his face when I shifted!

[tehchessie]

James watched cautiously as the sliver mare reared away from his fiery hands. How he hated when it happened. Hopefully next time when he approached her it wouldn’t happen. He promised himself he’d have more control over his little outbursts. There was a brief moment when both the horse and James looked at each other, eye to eye, and that little voice from before was louder. She’s a shifter, James! Get it through your thick skull would you!, the voice screamed. And for once he listened to the voice before pushing it aside. It was true the eyes resembled that of closely to a human. Yet he couldn’t get past the fact that it was a horse. Brushing his hands on his pants he wiped whatever flammable liquid he had on his hands, of course there was none so it was invisible liquid. The horse pawed the ground and whined as if taunting him only James didn’t see it that way. He saw it as a simple movement but when his eyes crossed hers he knew it wasn’t as simple as that. It was a challenge that she was offering and one that James was more than willing to accept. Alright Warlock, it’s your time to shine, show this shifter whose boss, he thought giving himself a pep talk. He shook his head at the shifter part but he couldn’t shake the feeling so he went with it. This horse was a shifter and mighty fine at acting as a true horse. James stood as tall as he could with legs slightly apart.
“I accept your challenge, Silver.” After he spoke he immediately shifted his weight and with knees bent was ready for some fun. With a smirk he inhaled but as he did he spoke a quick and simple incantation. Wind enveloped him but it wasn’t noticeable except for the faint movement of his hair which most wouldn’t notice because of the lovely spring breeze. The Wind allowed him to move faster, he liked to call it the ‘Quick Step’. He sprinted towards the horse then darted around and circled the horse just like the 3 element snake had done. Watching warily he made a jump for her back lightly hooking her neck so he would be flung into the air where hopefully he would land on her back.

[RacingBelle]

Silver? Alright. Let's go. I reared. That was the first thing that came into my mind as he started to circle around and around... Then the warlock hooked his arm around my neck and I let loose like a rodeo horse after the gate swung open. I didn't know if he succeeded to get on my back but this wasn't really what I was expecting. I had only bucked like this when insane lady from the EF climbed on my back. This warlock being on my back only brought back those fresh memories. This only made me buck faster and wilder, forgetting that I wasn't really a wild horse or a horse at all. I forgot about the human side of me only to give into my horse side. I hadn't let this happened before, at least not against my will. But this time I really had no control over what I was thinking nor doing. I hope he doesn't see it...last time someone did it was that wimp of a man and he had freaked out. Mostly because he was a doctor and hadn't know about the EF. Get off of my back! I raged. It was not a good thing to get me mad. Not at all.

[tehchessie]

To say James landed gracefully was an understatement before he even landed on her she bucked like mad. This brought back memories of when he was a child watching the country channel on television. The rodeo was something he enjoyed watching especially when there was rodeo clowns, they were crazy. As he tried to stay on she bucked even more frantically. Clearly she wasn’t in the slightest bit comfortable with him on her back. But none-the-less he refused to let go until he really had too. With a smile he moved with her bucking just like the cowboys would on a horse at a rodeo. This is one of the best things I’ve ever done! I’m so happy, he thought to himself. Had he of been paying attention he would have noticed his hand slowly letting go of the silver mane he was holding. With a single buck he flew off her back and went straight for the ground. He was sure to break a bone or something falling off with as much force as he did. His mind whirled with various spells till he found one that would help break his fall. It was a somewhat simple spell to create a strong burst of air which can be used almost like a large pillow used in stunts. He landed on the ground as if he was laying down on the grass himself. He mentally cheered but wasn’t out of trouble yet. Her hooves were hammering the ground from rearing and bucking.
“You win! You win!” he said cowering away from her hooves, “Just down stamp me into the ground!”

[RacingBelle]

My eyes rolled in mock terror. My coat was flecked with white lather. My mouth was open to where you could see all my teeth. It was hard to breath but I wouldn't give up! Buck, sunfish, buck higher. Boy did I not envy those poor rodeo horses. This was hard work! I felt the weight leave my back. I let out two more tremendous bucks before I stopped to pant. I rushed over just a few feet away from the man and reared. I was out for blood... Then I realized what I was doing. I pulled my human mind forward, tightening the reins on my horse side. That's enough! I shouted mentally. It fought back, trying to gain control of my body again. It didn't want to give up it's freedom, much like a mustang being taken off the range. I turned away trotting to the edge of Spell Crest, still fighting. Once I had gotten myself under check I shifted back. My hair became shorter and brown. Everything about me shrunk and pulled in. I was covered in sweat. "That was...a...workout." I gasped. I stayed standing but I wanted to flop down and wait until my breath slowed. Taking deep breaths and willing my heart rate to go down I finally could talk without gasping. "That was pretty cool what you were doing! You obviously know how to control you magic. Sorry about that I guess...I was too caught up in having some fun! It was fun anyway, the most I've had in a while." I grinned. Yeah it was fun but maybe he would appreciate it too much. Hey, it was his choice anyway, what was he thinking jumping on my back anyway? I shook my head. We were just having fun! That's what it was all about, my whole stunt anyway.

[tehchessie]

For a normal person facing death they say your life flashes before your eyes. James didn’t see that instead he just watched as she reared once again almost stomping him. He was bewildered at Silver’s self control as she trotted away from him to the edge of Spell Crest. That was a little embarrassing, he thought. He pushed off the ground and sat cross legged watching as the silver mare shifted into a rather pretty looking human. James’ mind screamed at him, accusations of how it’d been right. James as usual pushed it aside and stared more interested than ever. He knew of the shifters but he’d never seen one change before. It was really something odd to see. The halfway form wasn’t the most appealing to see but somehow it was still amazing.
“I knew it!” he barked throwing a fist in the air, “A shifter!”
She seemed a little out of breath though to speak a full sentence without gasping for some much needed air. James jumped up quickly and strolled over casually.
That was pretty cool what you were doing! You obviously know how to control your magic. Sorry about that I guess…I was too caught up in having some fun! It was fun anyway, the most I’ve had in a while.” She spoke with a grin.
Unfortunately James’ mind didn’t register anything beyond ‘you obviously know how to control your magic’. With a huge grin he mumbled a word and created a small pool of water in his hand. He flicked it up into the air and the water was sculpted into a magnificent rearing horse. Landing in his hand he blew on it, freezing it.
“You ain’t seen nothing yet!” he beamed at her handing the horse to her. “I’m James, mind if I call you Silver?”

[RacingBelle]

I took the horse, fingering it. He wasn't that bad...maybe a little inattentive but that didn't matter! "Yeah surprised you didn't get that from the start." I said like I was a little annoyed. "Um...actually my name is Ashleigh or Ash but I guess you can call me Silver. Doesn't really fit when I'm a human now does it, though?" My grin continued to get wider and a little cockier and crazier. James eh? I was energized again and wanted to play, joke around a little. Though I was pretty sure that I looked playful already with my crazy grin. "I haven't have I? Sure, I know a little bit about a witch's, or warlock's in your case, power." That I did. I knew James was just playing around right now and could probably do something more serious if he wanted.

OOC: Oh man all the shortness...

[tehchessie]

With a grin he watched her prod and probe the ice horse. He was happy with the results but she seemed slightly annoyed but then she eased into a smile. James smile only grew wider as he twisted a water string through his fingers.
"Ashleigh? I would not have picked you as an Ashleigh. Now that you say it, it does suit you now. And whether or not your nickname makes sense doesn't matter does it? I know and you know." He danced around on his feet fighting the urge to show off his abilities anymore than he already had. The urge to show off was growing as she continued to speak. With a beaming grin which showed how cocky he was he took a step back.
"Would you like to see some more? I can do lots!" He spoke an incantation and a tiger appeared flaming and roaring. "Elemental animals is one of my specialties! Impressed?" he folded his arms satisfied but then again was she impressed? The tiger stood wary watching Ashleigh with blank yellow eyes.

[RacingBelle]

"I guess it doesn't matter if it makes sense right now or not." I replied. I was quickly starting to sink back into my quiet, observatory self. I've been on my own for a little bit too long. Not that I was ever a social butterfly. More like a lone wolf, like Flicka. "Sure why not. I have nothing better to do." I cocked my head as he said something I couldn't understand. I didn't like how cocky he had become...nor as demanding. Shrinking back, I started to feel out of my element. I had the urge to run and hide or just disappear back into some sort of shadow. The tiger looked at me like a blank wary puppet. "Yeah. It really does look like a tiger." I replied with a small smile. I was a turtle crawling back into it's solitary shell. My joking expression went away and with it came the black storm of who I was, a girl that didn't like to be the one in the center of attention. Unless she brought it upon herself. I wasn't this time so I didn't like it. I didn't like to be the one someone demanded attention and opinions from. I was just the girl who laid back in the shadows to watch and learn. Occasionally stealing the spotlight for herself.

[tehchessie]

"Well, Silver, wait till you see this!" With a smile James waved his hand and the flaming orange tiger stood on it's back legs and began to twirl. As it did it slowly morphed into a man. The fire man danced a waltz by himself and then with another incantation a water woman appeared and the two elemental people waltzed together. As he continued to cast his magic he noticed that Ashleigh seemed a little secluded, uncomfortable. So he casually sat down where he was standing and watched as the pair danced.
"It really is better when it's night time. The fire illuminates the water and it creates this truelly magical glow on the ground." He sighed at the thought of it then turned to Ashleigh. "Silver, are you okay?" A question he had been thinking since he noticed she was secluding herself. James had always been one to ask if someone was okay even if he didn't know them well enough. He was a genuinely kind person whose soul goal everyday was to make sure everyone around him was happy and carefree.

[RacingBelle]

I watched, silently mystified. James kept calling me Silver but that was ok by me. I choose to sit on the ground, that at least felt me feel more out of the spotlight. I wonder how witches and warlocks found out they had powers... I hope it wasn't as dramatic as when I first found out I was a shifter. Though it may be dramatic looking back but I was terrified. Truly on my own for the first time in my life and being chased after by 'snobby cops'. I snorted. Today's me would have thought that was fun. "Huh?" I blinked and shook my head. Always getting lost in your thoughts. Don't you ever pay attention! "Oh yeah. I'm fine. Just not used to being around people like you." I hardened my face warning him that I wasn't going into the detail about what I had said. Best to leave him wondering whether it was his cheerful nature or being a warlock. "You can continue on. What your doing really is fascinating." I said it with earnest. I really did mean it. I watched him expectantly. What is he going to do now? I gave myself something to think about. A problem that involved my wits was one that usually perked me up. Now let's see...

[tehchessie]

James glanced at her when she said she was fine but deep down he had a feeling that she wasn’t but the look she had given him, a look which many people have given him, made him leave it at simply that. If it weren’t for that look he would have dug a little deeper. Found out more about her. And somehow find a way to make her happier more cheerful.
“Okay, I shall respect your privacy.” He said, eyes turning back to the dancers.
People like me? he thought worriedly. Was he too cocky? Was he too happy? Did she not like him showing off? Was it because he was a warlock? He began to silently panic but none of it really surfaced but it was clearer than broad daylight that he was worried. The two dancers began to distort. The fire grew a blue tinge as if it was too hot and the water was slowly freezing over form being too cold. James’ didn’t notice this he was still thinking to himself about what she could have meant. The two dancers slowly joined into one and sent a huge splash of fiery water up into the sky. This made him snap back into reality and he mumbled something and the fire and water separated and multiplied into a large group of dancers as if there was a ball here and only they knew about it.
”would you like to see anything in particular? I like to try new things.” He was happy and perky. No signs of his earlier hysteria present. Completely recovered he looked at Ashleigh waiting for an answer.