Flash Fiction Friday: Stray

Stray by Cassandra Curtis Ybarra looked up at the swinging metal sign. So, it had come to this. He sighed, not sure who he blamed more, himself or Roxie. The door opened and he darted in. The first thing that hit him was the aroma of burning incense–dark spices and golden tones. He edged past the narrow aisles crammed with candles and willow sticks. Then he saw her, there–over by the large glass jars filled with dried lizards. Bleech! Who in there right mind would use dried lizard? She would. In her hands, anything could happen. She didn’t practice magick. She was magick. Glossy black hair hung past her shoulders in a straight fall, her eyes gleamed with an inner light, made them shine like polished obsidian. In his current state, she loomed tall. He licked his lips and hoped she would forgive him. She used to forgive him everything when they shared a bed–before Roxie. He knew it was stupid to be jealous of the bitch, but he refused to lay there and pretend nothing had changed. He’d walked out after their last fight–walked out for good. The streets were a cold and dangerous place for one of his kind. He had known fear, sadness, terrible hunger, and loneliness. It was that last thing that drove him back to the woman he loved, and the only real home he’d ever known. Where was Roxie, anyway? Shouldn’t she be snarling about now, chasing his sorry butt away? His mistress turned to pick up a jar of dragon’s blood, and stopped mid-motion. “Didn’t expect to see you again, Ybarra.” He looked away, ashamed. He’d hurt her, he could see it in her eyes. She’d been worried about him, probably searched for him. He was an idiot. “I shouldn’t take you back. But I’ve missed you.” The mistress scooped him into her arms and kissed the top of his head. She’d missed him! The words were like sweet cream pouring over him. He nuzzled the nape of her neck and licked the soft spot behind her ear. He curled his thick tail around one of her wrists, like a rope. She set him down on the floor. “My magick and power I share with you, to help you shift and reform anew!” Her fingers glowed as she said the words and carved intricate shapes in the air above him. Ybarra tensed, felt the familiar tingling and tightening as he changed from cat to human. He could shift again! Thank the Gods! He remained on his hands and knees for a minute, then stood, relearning how to balance on two legs. He tried to speak, but he’d been a cat for nine months and could only manage a scratchy, weak mewl. His mistress smiled and guided him over to her little workroom, and had him sit down in a chair. “Stay. I’ll go upstairs and get your clothes.” He sat, shivering. He missed his furry coat. Being able to shift to cat form had it’s perks. Of course, if you didn’t find yourself a witch of power and pledge yourself to her, your first shift to cat form would be your last. She came back, handed him a small stack of clothes. He dressed in quick order and asked the one question uppermost in his mind. “Where is Roxie?” “I figured that was why you left. You never got along.” “She didn’t like me!” “And you never tried. She was only a dog. You’re of the familiar breed. A magickal being created by the Old Ones, but still a human. She was no threat to you.” “She chased me, tried to bite me. And then she insisted on jumping into bed with us all the time. It was like she sensed the cat in me below the surface, and hated me.” “Roxie got adopted. Remember Mrs. Granger? She wanted a dog for protection. And her kids love Roxie.” “Good. No more pets?” “No...well, there is this one cat that just showed up...a stray.” He stepped forward, pulled her closer. His lips a hair’s breath away. “Anyone I know?” “I think you might. Well, he’s not really a cat. He only takes that shape sometimes.” “Hmm. A familiar.” “I hope this time he stays.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Oh, I think he’s home for good.” Ybarra lowered his mouth and sealed his pledge to his mistress once and for all.