Balance. It is one of the most important things. Across the earth, the universe, the cosmos, it is a law that will always come to be. In a world where magic is attainable by few, there are strict regulations to ensure the safety of its users as well as those unaware. It is a secret that, when betrayed, can sign a death warrant. Being the other side of the coin, those who are blessed by the touch of magic still live amongst those who only dream of it. 




Kaia was one such person. Having known of the secrets in her blood since she was a child, she chose the path of a witch. Knowing of gods and entities with power beyond comprehension, she chose to follow the energy of the universe, often finding herself guided by the Wheel of Fortune. She embraced balance, knowing and understanding that the river will always find a way to flow, even if it requests the aid of a storm to clear a fallen tree. 




Wavy platinum blonde hair fell in a mess over her shoulder. Kaia sighed as she descended the step ladder, having confirmed her suspicion; she was out of snapdragons. She'd bypass the ingredient, if it wasn't one of the main ones in her preferred protection spell. It had to be done today because, like an idiot, she already got rid of the old one. There was no choice, then, she'd have to go out to restock on a few ingredients. Barely pulling a brush through her hair, she went through a mental list. Deciding it better, she tore a page from the book on her desk, scribbling what she needed down with a nearby pen. She'd have to make a trip to the grocery store, too. Kaia slipped on a white shirt with a pair of dark blue jeans. Tattoos decorated from her hands to her shoulders, each of her own design. She'd spend weeks to months on each, their beautiful appearances incorporated intricate spells. 




The streets were busy, even for a Saturday morning. Her thoughts scattered between her errands and work to the café across the street. She'd have to eat when she returned. Kaia breathed in the morning air, autumn had arrived. What a sight it would bring. Passing by an electronics store, she froze, the TVs ran different news channels. [i]BREAKING NEWS[/i], the banner read. [i]Church bombed during function. 37 confirmed dead with many injured and critical[/i]. The footage taken from a helicopter showed a horrific scene of smoke and blood. "No suspects," she read, peeling her sky-blue eyes away from the screens, "How sad for those families." She continued on to her destination. 




Producing the list from her pocket, she knocked. Kaia preferred to keep visits here short, the man always made her feel uncomfortable, but he was the only one who supplied her sometimes obscure ingredients. The chubby man opened the door a moment later, "A! Kaia! My favorite customer." He smoothed back his already flat, buttery hair, "How can I help today?"




"Morning," she quickly responded, almost shoving the list into his hands, "Just in need of a few things I ran out of, if you'd be so kind."




"For you, my dear, anything." His eyes scanned over the writing as he stepped to the side, "I can help with about half of these. For the rest, you might want to check the grocer down the street." He motioned her in.




"Of course. Sorry, should've made two lists." She stepped inside. His home was lined with shelves of boxes and jars containing many an item and ingredient. She's enquired before on where he gets everything, he simply responded with "[i]I know a lot of people[/i]". Kaia thought she should make polite conversation before he tried asking personal questions again, "How's business been? I hear people are stocking up early on some things for winter."




"You know how it goes," he grunted, "old traditions die hard. The newer generation insists on getting their ingredients fresh and drying it themselves." He led from shelf to shelf, gathering the items on her list into separate small paper bags. "I suppose I should be grateful, no? I see many businesses on our side of the world closing. They fear being exposed." He opened the next box, "Damn, I forgot to refill this one. Come, follow me downstairs."




Before Kaia could request to wait where she is, the man had already disappeared around the corner. Reluctantly, she followed to the basement.