As Benjamin and Gigi walked along the sidewalk back to their homes, the two of them had a brief conversation before going their separate ways. He looked around, making sure no one listened in on them, before he spoke.

“Hey, thanks again for the help today.”

“You’re welcome,” Gigi replied. She turned once Benjamin stopped in place. “Do you have something on your mind?”

“Yeah,” Benjamin replied. “What did you show Isabelle’s mom to make her change her mind?”

“Oh, just a projection presentation, that’s all. No need to worry about it.”

Is that really all? Why is she telling me not to worry? Well, then again, it’s none of my business, so maybe I shouldn’t pry into it.

“And besides, your partner can attend Rixonia. That’s what matters, right?”

“Yeah, you’re right.” Benjamin did a double-take. “By the way, is Gigi your real name?”

Gigi giggled, spun away from him, and walked a couple of steps before answering. “I’d like to think of it more as a nickname than anything.”

“Is that so? Then what is your real name?”

‘Gigi’ turned to face him and placed a finger between her lips. “That’s classified.” She replied with a wink. “Maybe someday, you’ll find out.”

“I see.”

“Wait, before you go, I wanted to give you something...” ‘Gigi’ walked over and handed Benjamin two gray orbs with an aqua-green streak. He placed his hand on the metallic surface from one of them and stared into the reflection, his jaw gaping.

“This is a holographic communicator.” She explained to him. “You can use this to keep in touch with others. I think it’s rather self-explanatory. Don’t forget to give one to your partner as well.”

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

“Alright, I will.” Benjamin nodded, keeping the device close to his chest. “Thanks.”

.-.-.-.

The next day, Benjamin prepared to get ready for the day ahead. As he got a drink from the fridge, his eyes shifted to Harry and Chi-Chi, sitting on the kitchen countertop. He tried to call out to his familiars, but neither of them replied. The magician walked closer to them. Their minds had wandered elsewhere. He waved in front of them, as the two blinked and turned toward Benjamin, noticing him standing there.

“Oh, good morning, Master.” Harry and Chi-Chi chirped.

“Hey guys, is something the matter?” Benjamin asked.

Harry shook his head. “We were just lost in thought, that’s all.”

“Yeah, thinking about past events and the future ahead,” Chi-Chi added, lying down on the glossy counter.

“Yeah, I know the feeling,” Benjamin muttered, looking away.

Harry looked down and checked out Benjamin’s outfit. “Ooh, you’re already dressed, I see. Are you going somewhere?”

“As a matter of fact, I am. Oh, shoot!”

Benjamin’s eyes widened as he scrambled around the room, searching for something. Harry and Chi-Chi tilted their heads, not sure what was going on. Benjamin returned with a phone in hand, much calmer than before.

“I almost forgot. I need to contact Isabelle about something.” He dialed the number and placed the speaker button on the counter so the others could hear her.

“Hello?” Isabelle spoke up.

“Hey, how’s it going? I hope I’m bothering you.”

“Hi, Benjamin. Doing great. Why do you ask?”

“Well, I was wondering if you have some free time. There’s somewhere I planned on going today.”

“Ooh, no, I’m not busy. What did you have in mind?”

“Well, while I attempted to contact the principal, I ended up finding where Sebastian works.”

“Really?” Isabelle tried her hardest not to squeal in excitement.

“Yeah, I was wondering if you’d like—”

“I’d love to! Hang on a moment.” Isabelle’s voice grew distant, but could still be heard. “Hey, Mom, can I hang out with my friend?”

“Sure thing,” Irene’s voice called out from a distance. “Just come back before sundown.”

“I will!” Isabelle exclaimed. “Ok, where should we meet?”

“How about the park?” Benjamin suggested.

“Sounds great. I’ll see you there.”

Benjamin hung up and smacked his cheeks, pumping himself up. “Alright, let’s get going!”