Twin Sparks

Phineas and Paisleigh Argent attempt to clear their uncle's name.

The great lawn of Augustus School of the Magically Gifted glittered with runes and glowing sigils. Students gathered for the graduation exhibition, eager to show the magical world what they could do. Among them stood Phineas and Paisleigh Argent, hands clasped tightly, hearts beating in sync.

“This is it,” Paisleigh whispered. “They’ll finally see us for who we are.”

Phineas nodded, scanning the crowd. “We’ll show them we’re more than our name.”

They stepped forward, conjuring their twin magic. Blue and gold light wove together, swirling into a brilliant phoenix that burst skyward, feathers raining sparkles of protective magic. Gasps and cheers followed.

But then, the magic shifted.

The light turned crimson. The phoenix screeched, unraveling into something dark; something chaotic. A surge of wild energy cracked through the sky and shattered one of the protective wards. Teachers scrambled to react.

“What were you thinking?” Professor Emeris bellowed, striding toward them. His eyes glowed with alarm. “That spell was ancient and forbidden. Who gave it to you?”

Phineas opened his mouth, but no words came. Paisleigh’s hands trembled.

“We...we got it from Uncle Barnaby,” she said quietly. “He said it would help clear his name.”

Gasps erupted around them.

Emeris’s face darkened. “Your uncle has manipulated you. That spell nearly unleashed a binding curse on us all.”

The twins stood in stunned silence as Barnaby’s betrayal sunk in.

Their light show was meant to prove they were different. Instead, they had almost repeated the very thing that had tainted their name.

But Paisleigh lifted her chin. “We made a mistake,” she said. “But we’ll fix it. Together.”

Phineas nodded. “We’re not him. We’ll prove that...even if it takes a lifetime.”


Word Count: 282
Prompt: Write a story that includes the line: “What were you thinking?”
Written for: "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"