Word Magic

[Do you want power?]

A line a demon might say.

But what stood before me was not a demon, only a pathetic-looking sea urchin.

I narrowed my eyes and glared at the creature.

"If you say anything weird again, I swear you’re dead. If you start talking about human sacrifices or souls or whatever, I’ll grind you up and flush you straight down the toilet."

The black mage swam through the water, looking indignant.

[What exactly do you think I am?]

"What else would a black mage be thinking?"

[...If I only had my real body, I’d show you a thing or two. What a shame.]

"So, do you have any good ideas?"...