LEVICORPUS
Cardiff, Wales
Alis Hanover ; 2100

It had been a grueling day at Dad's gym; today's classes had been about self defence post Levicorpus spell. Her shoulders ached as she dutifully helped tidy up. By the time she'd put the last mat in its place her knuckles had stopped bothering her, and only they were left.

The fifteen year old caught her reflection in the mirrors as she flicked off most of the lights. The fight with Jackson was visibly taking its toll, and she sighed. Then she had an idea.

"Dad, could I be alone please?" the fifteen year old asked, and watched her dad nod and leave as she made towards the music player. She needed to dance. Not ballet, never again. But dance, move around, express herself.

Without the confines of ballet technique, Alis flew across the space, spinning, leaping to a brooding cacophony of violins and drums. With every dizzying crescendo her body threw itself in a different direction, pouring anger and frustration into her movements. It felt incredible. It felt right.

Lying breathless on the floor several long minutes later, Alis found herself laughing. Perhaps she needed to be hoisted up by the ankles twenty times a day, more often.