Chapter Text
The idea of magic and witchcraft was always seen as fantasy or an idea that people would want to believe to be true. It would affect people's lives if magic did exist in the ordinary world they live. Good and evil would be on different sides though, and in the eyes of a young grade schooler, that was a revelation. A sorcerer greets you as you enter ‘Arcana Cabana’, giving you a ring. The man introduces himself as Maxim Horvath. You couldn't remember much, but he was very large. He tells you that if the ring ‘tolerates’ you, it will be yours. That was a very annoyed tone he used instead of lightheartedness. His strick look shifts when the ring hooks onto your finger and refuses to let go. Finally, after all these years of perusing, it was settled. Unfortunately, another had other plans for you. In the name Balthazar, he claims that your master was only to use you as his apprentice to work for morgana. The fight broke out short, but very rough. Balthazar opens a vase in your direction feeling your well-being fade into dust. Horvath, however, came to your aid quickly and shoved you out of the way allowing him and Balthazar to be trapped in a vase. You felt that all this was just a bad dream. But that was ten years ago, things were about to change again.
“Y/n that's crazy and you know it.” This guy wasn't exactly a friend, more of a very distant acquaintance. After starting college, you decided to spend some time away from home and stay on the college campus. A random guy was assigned to you as a roommate. There is no hate between the two of you, just stupidity. His name was Clay, no one was a fan of them. “I'm telling you it's true!” Ever since that day when you witnessed two sorcerers fight, you were convinced that every event was real. As for clay, it was all fiction.
“The only time magic and shit like that is real when you write it down. People like you need to know the difference between real and fiction.” clay flips through his English textbook only half listening.
“What about everything I told you?” Everything on your side of the room were notes about magic existing. There was some science to it in theory, but no one would stop to listen.
“It was probably one of those vivid dreams that felt like a memory. Just put it to rest Y/n”
You finally sigh, too tired to deal with Clay’s opinions. You knew what happened was real, but there was no real proof besides the ring you still held on to. That ring is all you had left from the event. You'd wear it occasionally, but nothing special would happen. Even if nothing happens, that ring was like a good luck charm. Everywhere you take it, a strange form of good luck surrounds you. Who knows, maybe it was in your head. You decided to go to sleep, another day of college was yet to come. A certain pair of eyes were on you, but it wasn't Clays. In fact, the eyes were coming from outside your building, far from where anyone could see. Something was out there searching for you.
-
Faster than usual, class for the day was over. The common chitchat from other students gets clouded away by your internal thoughts. Most of the students didn't request to go to college, they were either forced or paid. You however didn't have much to say. The classes are ok, just more social than you’re used to. From the looks of everyone including yourself, they looked as if they were dressed in the dark. All you wore sweatpants and a T-shirt. Every day while walking back to your dorm, you pass the same dark alley where all the trash is kept that gave you the shivers. You’d think after walking by the same area all the time, you’d be used to it. But every day feels as if it's getting more bone chilling.
Today things were different. It would always be study, eat, sleep, repeat. Some time out of that box you call a dorm is needed. You find a quiet spot in the courtyard, away from other groups of dumb students. There wasn't much to do, just study, write, maybe doodle, other than that there was nothing.
“Awwwww! Look at the fluffy Kitty!” a group of girls screeched getting your attention instantly. A group of about five people were surrounding an animal that you assumed to be a cat. They were doing that weird baby talk that pet owners would do. Depending on what animal it is, you'd cringe at how far they take it. The ‘aww’s’ and cutesy compliments stopped immediately when that cat you still can't see starts hissing and scratching. Though from that reaction, a baritone voice boomed “GET YOUR REVOLTING HANDS OFF ME!!” Looking around, all the students were yelping or screaming. There was no sign of a grown man.
The animal finally came into view, and holy crap. You weren't sure if this was the exact type, but this cat looked like a Persian. It's fur was dark and extremely fluffy, it's paws had a light shade of Gray. Those students failed to mention the tiny bow tie and top hat it was wearing. Maybe someone lost him, he looked more like a show cat who'd hold his head high disgusted over canned food. His tail swayed in a sas like manner, though fluffed out showing his feelings of being threatened. What caught your attention most of all were his eyes. Normally cat eyes were mesmerizing enough, but these felt more special. It was like staring into a pile of jewels left unguarded, whatever this cat was, was nothing like the others.
It sways past you, leaving a glare and hiss before he loses vision of you. “What are you staring at?” that voice comes back again. Wait a minute, was that cat talking? Clay already thinks you're crazy enough, this better not be in your head. How the hell were you supposed to ask, ‘are you talking?’ to a cat. “Wait!” You stood from your chair catching not only the cat's attention but the students too. You awkwardly shuffle away from that group to the dapper looking fellow. With each step you took, the furball continued to hiss “Get away you mere mortal!” His ears fold down and his eyes grow sharp. Now you know you aren't crazy, you can really understand what he was saying.
“Shh shhhhh I can hear you.” You whisper while at the same time trying not to freak out over a talking cat. Now that you really think about it, why isn't anyone else freaking out over a talking cat, that's what's crazy. Immediately his eyes soften, but keeps his ground held. “You are just as gullible as those young mortals. I will be on my way-” he stops. It took him some time, but you think the realization finally hit him.
“You... Can you hear me?” His tone sounded more at peace. You nod still staring at him. “After all this time, no mortal has been able to hear me.” He sits, lightly pawing at his red bow tie. “You’re the first human to hear me after 10 years. Unless...”
“My apprentice is that you?” Oh my God, you couldn't believe what you were thinking, your master was a cat. Laugh or cry, this would be hard to explain. God you were freaking out, your master has returned. “M- maxim, right? You're a cat!?” he huffs an embarrassment, tail curling on the ground. You've never wanted to have an animal so badly. Could you blame yourself, as powerful maxim was, he looks so soft.
“Don't patronize me. Balthazar did this, and I can't change back. Now that I've finally found you, I have a better chance of changing back into a human.” True, Horvath lost his body but still has his knowledge.
“I'll do anything to help Sir” you make a little salute. Internally you were laughing that yourself for saluting a cat. You're not crazy anymore, that was a relief.
“Please, its master.” Horvath holds his paw up as if it was his hand. You were holding back the urge to squeeze the little beans on the underside of his paw.
“Yes, yes right.” If maxim was a human, it would probably feel normal to call him master. As a cat though, it felt kind of weird. Though you were ready to make anything work for him. As of now, Horvath will train you to the best of his limited abilities, it's better than finding Balthazar unprepared. Plus while training, you can possibly find a way to change Horvath back.