Imperfection

[Vlad]

Vlad took carefully measured steps forward. This room would do. Yes, barren walls and a naked floor were perfect for what he had in mind. Not that this pristine state would last for long. After surveying his surroundings, the recently incarnated lich made a mental note to thank Tzimfemme later. Keeping Minta under control was a challenge he knew he was not ready to face.

 

Gazing to the left, the lich internalized the form of the room. Longer than it was wide, a large sliding panel hid the two exits in the corners behind him. The air hung still, yet still ventilated. No noise was present to disturb Vlad's training. It caused him to wonder who had been in this room before him... Cryptomancer? Gyrfalcon? Perhaps even the great Ozymandias? Brushing the thoughts away, he reached in and pulled an object out of his robes.

 

Slowly untying the knot on the pouch, Vlad's hands began to tremble. He knew that the contents could never hurt him, but that knowledge did nothing to quell the pit in what once was his stomach. Opening the bag just slightly, his eyeballs fixed onto the gray powder inside. Ash? Now wouldn't that be unfortunate for someone... The thoughts triggered a soft smirk to grace the lich's face.

 

Gingerly covering two fingers on his right hand with the substance, Vlad set the bag down on the floor near him. Holding his arm in front of him, he visualized the flames he had created once before. A wisp of smoke rose, but no more. Closing his eyes and redoubling all efforts Vlad felt a combustion, but it soon lapsed away. Good, good... Once more now.

 

Hours passed with the same sequence. The fires ranged from raging torrents to matchsticks and cigarrettes. Eventually satisfied with what he considered "Step One," Vlad put the half empty bag back into the safety of his pocket. Fire.. is good. But... it's not... He paused, searching for the meaning of what he had been doing. Not enough.

 

Still not moving from his original location, Vlad reached out and pointed to the far corners of the room. Concentrating on his finger-tips, willing the cosmic energy to materialize, he felt every muscle in his body flex. Holding his breath, slowly it began to appear. A line of frost creeped away from his outstreched hands. Stopping to recollect himself, the magic stopped as well. The suspension ended and two shards of ice shattered upon hitting the ground. Again. I can do better...

 

Arms reclaiming their elevated position, coldness flowed through once more. The frost crawled, then sped up away from its source, an ever-growing bolt. Vlad snapped out of his trance-like state when he heard the ice splinter against the wall.

 

Apparently, other people had heard too, as the sound of footsteps quickly grew louder. Dammit, people.