ATM Rewrite: B3 — 16. I'm Dead

PoV:

1. Wendy (Our Struggling Brooch Girl!)

--------------------

ATM Rewrite Index

Previous Chapter

Google Document (In-line Comments)

--------------------

The faint light of Avalon’s perpetual twilight filtered through the windows, casting muted silver hues across the dorm room. Wendy lay sprawled on her bed, her arm thrown over her eyes as she willed the encroaching morning away. The muffled sounds of the academy waking up outside were a soft reminder that time waited for no one—not even someone like her.

Sora’s gone with Kari to do something stupid… Fingers moving to her turbulent belly under the covers, a light swat struck her fingers, causing her to force a smile. Nilly, telling me not to move and let you rest between my legs? What is my life now…

The gentle rustle of sheets broke the stillness, followed by Eyia’s deliberate movements. Wendy didn’t need to look to know that the Valkyrie was already dressed and preparing for the day. The faint clink of her spear against the floor echoed as Eyia knelt beside her bed, her presence as disciplined as ever. It was a habit now—this morning ritual where Eyia would write something in her strange rune-like script inside her journal.

“You slept poorly again, Sister,” the valkyrie observed, her voice calm but edged with concern.

Wendy’s eyes stayed hidden beneath her arm, but her lips twitched into a half-smile as she poked at the blanket, feeling Nilly’s muscles tense between her thighs, tiny paws following her leading prods. “Yeah, well,” she muttered, voice thick with morning grogginess, “sleep’s overrated when you’re jewelry.”

Eyia tilted her head as Wendy peeked under her arm, her long blonde hair catching the pale light. She straightened, the subtle tension in her stance betraying her thoughts.

Yeah, Sora knows some things are wrong with me, too… I just keep saying I’m fine. Maybe if I say it enough, I’ll believe it…

“Hmm. You should not dismiss the importance of rest, Sister. A weary mind clouds judgment and slows reaction time. What bothers you?”

Wendy snorted, feeling a hollow ache prick deep within. “I wish that I knew what’s mothering me, Sis… All I do is try to make myself believe it’s something I can fix…when I know I don’t decide how I feel.”

Maybe I shouldn’t have said that…

The sound of Eyia sitting on her bed made her cringe. “Decisions of feelings are indeed of the difficult kind,” the blonde whispered, opening up a conversation she didn’t want to go into. “When my feelings of betrayal and lost purpose came with Jin’s revelations, I grew quite distraught. I am still unsure of how to proceed but I still move forward!”

Sure, Wonder Woman, Wendy grumbled inside. The issue is… Is it everyone else’s fault or mine? I can’t ever decide if Sora’s causing me to feel this way, this place, or…my weird new body. And…I think the answer to that question is what I’m most afraid to find, Sparky.

“That’s nice… Umm. Why don’t you check on Nerida?” she suggested, hearing the door across the hall open and the shy siren step out. “You wanted to train today, right? Don’t know if I’m up for that since…I’ve already got plans. She’s hanging outside the door and probably too scared to knock and wake us up.”

“We shouldn’t keep her distant,” Eyia chimed, jumping up to open the door. “And did we not make plans with Sora before she left to do the training? You already had plans?”

Wendy heard the frown on her voice and lowered her arm with a low groan. Nilly had gotten up and was sitting between her legs, starting at the lump poking up where her stomach was, split-tail wagging and waiting for another twitch to strike.

“Yeah, well, I couldn’t really tell Sora I was going to see Aiden…because she’d ask me to ask him cringe questions I don’t want to. She’s been…distracted lately,” she sighed, rising a little to pull Nilly across her chest to pet. “Morning, Nerida.”

Kari’s shy roommate went stiff as a board in the doorway as Eyia threw open the door, half caught between brushing her aquamarine hair back and knocking. Her gaze darted between Wendy, lying in bed like the living dead, and Eyia, the blue-eyed girl’s shining face, the definition of sunshine. She seemed unsure whether to join the conversation or stay quiet.

“Nerida,” Eyia beamed, breaking the silence before her blonde ponytail whipped around while staring at her. “Hold the horses! You have made plans to meet with the Firebird and wish not to involve Sora? Is this one of those surprise parties Jin told me about?”

The siren’s slender fingers paused mid-brush, her wide eyes snapping to Eyia and then her, looking like a deer in the headlights.

Wendy sighed, rubbing Nilly’s ears on both sides and causing the Cat Mother to purr and tilt her nose up in pleasure. “I wish… Nope. Just meeting up with Aiden. Anyway, Nerida, come in. Eyia wanted to train with you since, ahem, ‘your abilities require refinement,’ and today she wants to focus on defensive tactics so you don’t become fish food for a dragon.”

“O-Oh, right. Defensive… Fish food? Ouch.” Her voice was gentle, like the gentle lapping of waves, but there was a tremor beneath it. “Mom tried to teach me how to sing… Am I that bad? Sorry…”

Eyia’s tone softened, though her posture remained firm. “What is there to be ashamed of, Young Fish Warrior? You have a splendid voice! It is your physical training that is lacking. We will do the defensive drills while sprinting around the forest. You are stronger than you believe, Nerida. Trust in that.”

Wendy snorted at the creased nose and downward shift of the siren’s gaze. “She means it in the best possible light. She’s not gonna toss you into a pit or anything, y’know,” she chuckled, trying for levity. “Eyia’s all about controlled chaos.”

Nerida offered a tentative smile, though her fingers still fidgetted with her hair. “Correct me if I’m wrong but…none of you have actually trained with Eyia, have you?”

Wendy shifted, propping herself up on one elbow which made Nilly curl up against the side of her stomach. Her gaze flicked to Eyia, who was now adjusting the leather straps of her rainbow armor with practiced efficiency.

“That’s…kind of a fair point. You’ll have to give me the 411. I’m gonna sit this one out, too, so…sorry!” Wendy casually announced while giving Nilly more attention. “There’s some stuff I need to check—”

Her mind blanked as black thorns began to creep out from beneath her bed, Nilly’s eyes darting left and right as they reached outward.

“Sister?” Eyia followed their gaze, her brow furrowing. “What is the problem?”

“Nothing,” Wendy mumbled, being careful not to disturb the cat, she scooted out and swung her legs over the side of the bed. She leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees as she avoided Eyia’s questioning gaze to glare at the nonexistent tendrils. “Just not feeling well.”

Aunt Rose…what is this apprehension and somber feeling? You don’t want us to contact you, but you’re reaching out? So many mixed signals…and Sora has enough to worry about.

“I understand.” Eyia’s voice carried a note of faint disappointment. “Perhaps tomorrow will be better for you.”

Wendy hesitated, running a hand through her disheveled hair, straightening it with a thought as the brooch attached to the front of her nightgown illuminated.

“I’d really like to get stronger and feel good, Eyia… It’s just, hard right now for me,” she admitted. She turned a strained smile toward the nervous siren. “I’m meeting Aiden. You don’t know him. There’s, eh…something I want to talk to him about.”

Eyia’s frown deepened, but she nodded slowly since Nerida was totally lost. “I am still concerned about hiding things from Sora… Matters of the heart are best addressed openly, and you did not express your sickness to her this morning.”

Wendy’s shoulders slumped and she looked away. Don’t give me those pure, innocent stares… There’s something wrong about Avalon. I can’t say that without you both freaking out, though. What am I supposed to say? I want to investigate some stuff?

“This isn’t about that,” she muttered, her tone defensive. “I’m not mad at Sora. It’s…sort of a personal thing. Okay?”

Eyia studied her for a moment longer before nodding. “Very well. I also have the personal problems and understand the heartache in being unable to express myself. If Sora will train with you tomorrow, then I have faith in her guidance. I will expect to see the fruits of her labor!”

“Yeah, yeah,” Wendy waved her off, standing and stretching until her back popped; how did that even work when her body was composed of Null-Void? “Go play knight and squire with Nerida. I’ll be fine.”

Eyia inclined her head, though the crease in her brow suggested she wasn’t entirely convinced. She turned to Nerida, who had been watching the exchange with quiet fascination. “Come. The training grounds await. We must make you capable of surviving the damage of collateral!”

Nerida gulped and glanced at her, offering a small, uncertain smile. “I want to laugh at that but instead my legs are shaking! Umm. Please, tell me what collateral damage I’m supposed to be surviving?”

Wendy grinned, the expression not quite reaching her eyes. “Eyia will fill you in on the battle royale. Don’t let Eyia scare you too much. She’s a sweetheart who only wants to help you.”

The two left, Nerida more than a little nervous, and the door clicking softly behind them. Silence settled over the room, broken only by the faint hum of magic from the glyphs embedded in the walls that illuminated the space now that the crack of daylight had risen.

She stood by her bed, staring at the now-closed door. The residual energy of Eyia’s determined stride and Nerida’s hesitant footsteps lingered like a phantom presence on her tongue.

How creepy is that, she internally groaned, bringing her fingers up to her lips. I can taste them… Sora doesn’t understand that. It’s all magic, boys, and mysteries to discover in this adventure. But… What really am I? I’m whatever Dad and Aunt Rose are…but what is that?

Silence settled like a heavy blanket, and with it, the weight of her own thoughts pressed against her chest. Her gaze drifted to the mirror mounted on the far wall. The reflective surface seemed larger than she remembered, its pristine edges catching the muted light filtering through the curtains. She stepped closer, drawn to it despite the unease curling in her stomach.

Her reflection stared back—a perfect image of what she wanted others to see. Her long brown hair fell in silky waves over her shoulders, her tanuki tail swayed lazily behind her, and her skin glowed faintly, not that others would see that since it was her understanding that this was all fake—Null-Void—a decoy body.

I’m gorgeous, like I’ve always wanted, and everyone is jealous of my tail… Fingers moving to her turbulent belly, her nails creased her green nightgown. But…it’s all a lie.

Her hand hesitantly reached up to her collarbone, brushing the brooch pinned to the fabric. The intricate accessory gleamed in the faint light, its design intricate and almost hypnotic—a swirling vortex of black and silver threads.

Am I really fine? Breathe… Just breathe. She wanted to close her eyes, yet she couldn’t turn her gaze away from the brooch. Dad isn’t like me. He doesn’t have an artificial body. So…why do I? I don’t want to be this way…but I don’t know what else I can be. I’m fine… I swear, I’m fine. Yeah… I’m fine.

Her fingers curled around the brooch, nails scraping against the smooth surface. She tugged at it lightly, the pressure sending a shiver through her entire frame. It wasn’t pain, exactly, but a strange, hollow sensation, like peeling apart something that wasn’t meant to be separated.

If I separate it…my body collapses, and I don’t know what that would do.

She let go, exhaling sharply. Her reflection seemed to mock her—a perfect facade hiding an imperfect truth. “Is this even me?” she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. The words hung in the air, unanswered. “Aunt Rose?”

As if in response, black thorns beneath her bed expanded, creeping along the edges of the room, curling out to weave their way up the walls. They pulsed faintly, their glossy surfaces untouched by the dim light in unsettling ways. The vines seemed alive, shifting ever so slightly, as though breathing in sync with her uneven breaths.

Wendy’s gaze snapped to the nearest cluster of thorns, her heart pounding. The thought of her new aunt brought a fresh wave of unease. Their presence felt like a warning, a cry, or perhaps something far more sinister. At first, she’d wanted nothing more than to talk to the mysterious black lady. But now…she wasn’t so sure.

Her hand twitched, as though tempted to touch them, but she resisted. The last time she’d tried, they’d cut her, and the wound had been…wrong. Not that she’d told Sora that.

It’s like…you’re telling us to stay away…but reaching out still. Your touch didn’t hurt, but…it was…wrong. I’m so confused.

The memory of it sent a shiver down her spine.

The sound of a yawn broke the tense silence.

Wendy’s head whipped around to see Nilly sitting cross-legged on her bed, her feline tail flicking lazily behind her. She looked sixteen again, her rumpled nightgown slipping off one shoulder, her hair a chaotic mess that only added to her mischievous charm. Her golden eyes gleamed with a mix of sleepiness and curiosity as she stretched her arms over her head.

“Morning, Broochie,” Nilly drawled, her voice light but tinged with amusement. “Why so glum? Mirror tell you a secret you didn’t like? It does that to me sometimes, like your tail is ugly. So I scratch it. Did I miss anything?”

Blinking, the tension in Wendy’s shoulders eased slightly. “You could warn a girl before popping up like that, Nilly. Yeah, you missed a lot…and not all that much, to be honest. You doing okay?”

The Cat Mother grinned, her normal, pearly teeth catching the light and showing she was stable again. “Not sure! Where’s the fun in knowing that anyway? Besides,” she added, patting the bed beside her, “you looked like you needed a distraction. Cats are good listeners.”

Wendy sighed, crossing the room to sit beside her. “You’re a lot more outgoing than you were. I suppose you’re getting more used to us now. And distraction from what, exactly? My life is a distraction. I’m a total fraud.”

Nilly tilted her head, the bell around her ankle tingling as her ears twitched. “A fraud? Hmm. These eyes see something different.”

“And what’s that?”

Plopping down beside her, the mattress squeaked as the Cat Mom shifted to look at her directly in the eyes, making her stomach knot. “Not fun. You hate yourself. Blame it on the hand that you’ve been dealt. Well, lay all those knots on me.”

“Nilly,” Wendy gulped, restraining a cough. “You…aren’t supposed to just…say that!”

The cat gestured toward the mirror with a flick of her tail, taking her hand with an understanding smile. “You’ve been staring at that thing like it owes you an apology. You know, I’ve been mad at mirrors for a long, long time. Nilly understands,” she giggled and put her free hand over her mouth. “Whoops! Third person squeaked out.”

Wendy’s gaze dropped to her lap, a forced giggle sliding through her throat. “I’m not sure if I should punch you in the shoulder or cry on it. Ugh. No. It’s…nothing.”

Nilly snorted, the sound a mix of amusement and disbelief. “Oh, please. You’re practically oozing existential dread. Spill.”

Wendy hesitated, her fingers curling around Nilly’s and into the fabric of her nightgown. “I guess you’re the one to talk to since…you know, you’ll probably forget.”

“Hsss! You don’t need to poke fun at my swiss cheese brain that much!”

Chuckle more real this time, Wendy ended it with a depressed sigh. “It’s just…this.” She gestured vaguely at herself. “All of it. The brooch. The Null-Void body. The fact that I’m not even really…me anymore, I guess? I don’t know…if I even exist.”

Nilly’s expression softened, a rare flicker of seriousness crossing her features. “You’re still you, Wendy. Just…a shinier version.”

“That’s easy for you to say,” Wendy muttered, her tone bitter. “You’re not the one stuck in a body that isn’t yours.”

“Is that right?” Nilly shrugged, her grin becoming melancholy while squeezing her hand.

Stiffening, Wendy mumbled, “I didn’t mean that. I know you have it…insanely hard. It just…came out wrong.”

The Cat Mother’s eyes lowered, her voice dropping to a whisper as she stood to face her. “Everyone I knew and loved…who I risked my lives to protect see me with shame. Who wants to hang out with the embodiment of their failures…which I corrected? I’m a nuisance. A menace. A poor reflection across time. A fraud… Stuck in a paradox. So, I think I win this round of boo-hoo.”

Wendy let herself be pulled up, heart clenching at the sagacious and understanding look in the cat’s face. “Paradox? I’m sorry, Nilly. I don’t mean to whine…” Tears began to form in her eyes; fake tears since they were imitations of the human condition as Nilly brought her in front of the mirror. “Schrödinger’s cat?”

“Yup. See me, swallowed up in eternity. Do you exist? Do I exist? I think so! Am I alive? Am I dead? Nobody knows ‘cause nobody opened the box.”

Rubbing away the liquid and feeling it dissipate into nothingness against the back of her hand, Wendy stared at the unreasonably hopeful cat who died nine times so far back that Sora’s mother was probably only a teenager.

“I guess you do know what it feels like to just…never fall and land on your feet.” She turned and pulled the feline into an embrace. “Thanks, Nilly, for being here for me… Ever since I learned about my mom—Jane’s true feelings… You’ve been here for me whenever I need someone… Thanks.”

Nilly’s thin arms accepted her, tightening around her back, her words soft. “Truthfully, I think I’m only able to be in this stable state now…because of you, Wendy, which is why I’ve been drawn to you. Thanks to you…I can start to live a little again. So, thank you.”

Throat constricting, Wendy couldn’t stop the heat from rising up her throat and into her nose. “That…means a lot, Nilly. At least I’m helping someone. Because…I feel so stagnant. So…useless. Sora keeps learning things and getting all this magic stuff and…I feel nothing but hunger, smelling everything I can eat.”

The cat squeezed her tighter before guiding her back to the bed. Once seated, Nilly gave her a consoling smile. “You’ll find your place, Wendy. I know it’s hard. Sora’s going through a tough time trying to help everyone…so just give her a little time to see you’re struggling. She thinks you’re so much stronger than her—no, really!”

Wendy rubbed her nose and puffed out a long breath. “That’s so…stupid. I’m the one who ran from Kari…who couldn’t even stand by her side when her world was falling apart. I ran. I’m anything but strong. I’m stupid, and thought…my mom loved me. I’m just… What good even am I? Well, other than helping the mother of all cats smile again.”

Nilly’s ears folded back, sniffling a little. “Aww, that’s so sweet!”

“Hah… It didn’t sound that way to me, but sure,” she mumbled, glancing away.

The cat pulled her in again. “It’s not what you said…but the intent and willpower it took to put that at the end. To say you are doing something important…that I’m important.”

“I…guess I did,” Wendy whispered, a small smile lifting her rosy cheeks. “You are important to me, Nilly… Can you be my kitty forever?”

“Aww! Pinky promise, useless-nobody friends?” she asked, holding up her pinky with a big, teary smile. “I’m the biggest screw up, so that means you’ll always be second place.”

Snorting, Wendy linked her pinky and gave her a playful scowl. “I take that as a challenge, Ms. Cat Mom. So…can you tell me what happened to you?”

Nilly puffed out a long breath and threw herself back to lay across her frumpy bed to stare up at the ceiling. “I don’t know most the details right now. But…Frankie did his weird gobbledygook magic from another place, and now here I am—both and neither at the same time.”

“Does…that mean I’m talking to myself?” Wendy asked with a true laugh, falling back beside her. “I’m a real nutcase, but I guess I am sort of part squirrel. Maybe?”

“Well,” Nilly chimed matter-of-factly. “If you are talking to yourself, then that means you’re real and I”m not real which is a win in my book! I am the nothingness cat victor! Bua-hahaha!”

“Pfft!” Wendy nudged her with her elbow, thick tail weaving back and forth. “Who is the First Generation Cat Mother Nilly?”

“Who knows?! Maybe I’m the cat, maybe I’m the box or…maybe I’m the whole damn experiment wrapped in a pretty bow!” She winked as her shoulder-length hair bunching around her ring-looped cat ears. “Mystery makes me cute, don’t you think?”

Despite herself, Wendy chuckled. “You’re ridiculous.”

“And you’re too serious,” Nilly shot back, poking Wendy’s arm with a clawed finger. “Lighten up, Broochie. Life—or whatever this is—is too short to spend moping. Right? This is confident, cute, annoying Nilly, so get with the program!”

Wendy shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. “You’re impossible.”

“And yet, you’d be lost without the great Cat Mom,” Nilly smugly returned, over to nudge her back. Her gaze shifted to the thorns, her expression turning thoughtful as they continued to curl around them. “You know, your Auntie Rosy isn’t all bad.”

Wendy frowned, following her gaze. “What do you mean?”

“She’s like us,” Nilly whispered, reaching up to dance with the vine, never touching but moving left and right. “Weird, scary, and kinda misunderstood… If it hurts like hell, you know it really happened… And now you’ve got another story to tell, innocent little angel”

Wendy didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, or roll her eyes. “…Wow. Thanks for the vote of confidence, my imaginary friend.”

Nilly grinned, throwing her legs up into the air before pushing herself up and off the bed. “Anytime. Now, c’mon. Let’s get moving before you spiral again and Aiden gets worried.”

Wendy hesitated but eventually stood, the weight in her chest feeling just a little lighter. With Nilly by her side, the world didn’t seem quite as overwhelming.

The room came alive with muted sounds as she and Nilly shuffled around. Wendy pulled open her wardrobe, the rows of outfits Sora had helped her pick out feeling more like costumes than clothes when not standing beside the fashionable fox. Instead of going the full-on gown and accessories route, her fingers trailed over a simple, olive-green hoodie and a pair of dark jeans.

“This’ll do,” Wendy muttered, tossing them onto the bed. She removed her nightgown and slipped the hoodie over her head, the fabric soft against her skin—or, well, her projection of skin. Pulling the jeans on with practiced efficiency, she caught Nilly spinning in front of the mirror, her tail swishing like a pendulum.

The Cat Mother had opted for a short navy jacket with silver embroidery over a loose white shirt and black leggings. Her hair was brushed out, the curls framing her mischievous grin as she struck a pose. “What do you think? Do I look sixteen or sixteen-and-a-half? Big difference.”

“Sixteen-point-one,” Wendy deadpanned, tugging at the hem of her hoodie. “Come on, before you change again and start riding around on my shoulder like I’m a witch.”

Nilly stuck her tongue out but fell into step beside her. They left the dorm room behind, the hum of Avalon’s energy growing louder as they took the portal to the Vulpes District. Arriving at the area in a flash of light, the pathways of Avalon stretched wide. It was noticeably less busy with students and instructors alike. The missing sounds of laughter, flirting, and concentrated shouts mixed with bursts of magic that crackled through the air.

Nilly’s gaze darted around, her golden eyes catching every flicker of movement. “Wow. So, I guess weekends make even magical schools go dead. I bet everyone is out partying and drinking since there’s no age restriction here.”

“Probably that or…something else,” Wendy mumbled, though a small smile tugged at her lips. “I’ll let my imagination run wild and leave those thoughts private. I’m kind of shocked Dad let Sora come to a place like this, now that I think about it, but I guess Mia had a hand in that.”

As they turned a corner, the dead walkways were totally different from the colorful fur-filled streets of the lecture days. On one side, a group of gray-furred students—Kumiho—practiced their transformations, their figures shifting between animalistic and human forms.

A lump formed in Wendy’s throat, her tail bristling and catching Nilly’s gaze. Yeon-ah said I should go to Mistress Katie Milla’s class to find her… I guess she’s doing lectures on Saturday… Why do I feel like I’m being manipulated?

Before Nilly could question her agitation, Wendy spotted Aiden near the edge of Professor Kurosaki’s lecture hall. He stood with a group of vulpes girls surrounding him, making Wendy’s ears fold down with a low growl.

Popular, handsome guys… What even is Sora’s relationship with him? I don’t know if she knows right now. She needs to grow a spine and just ask straight up.

She immediately swapped directions to join the blonde haired boy, rainbow flames licking his fingertips and illuminated the captivated girls, who weren’t looking at his fire. The Firebird looked at ease, his broad shoulders relaxed as he gestured animatedly, clearly explaining something to the others as if he were the professor.

“Show-off,” Wendy muttered under her breath.

Nilly giggled. “Isn’t that the point of a Firebird? I remember his grandfather was always flirting with me. Gotta burn bright, or what’s the point? His tails were so hard to catch!”

Aiden noticed them then, his sharp multi-colored eyes lighting up. He waved them over, the flames at his fingertips extinguishing as he excused himself from the disappointed girls. It didn’t take long for claws to come out and scowls to be directed their way.

Great… First, we’re hated because Sora hangs out with the hot superstar Fae, who is Oberon’s adopted son. Now, I’m hated for getting the attention of the flashy bird they want to suck energy out of… Flipping vulpes. I’m yelling at you, Sora! Cover your tail…

“Wendy!” Aiden greeted, his voice warm as he jogged over. His expression softened as his gaze landed on Nilly. “And…uh, is this…”

Her bold cat friend beamed, giving him a mock bow. “Nilly, your local cat expert and certified troublemaker. Nice to meet ya, Son of Homā!”

Aiden chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Nilly… Yikes. I should be the one bowing to you, Cat Mother. You look…really good. Uh, sorry, first time meeting a 1st Generation. Well, I think we’ve met just…not like this?”

“Ho-oh! You understand my greatness!” Nilly roared, puffing out her chest and returning the glare of the hissing vulpes girls in the distance with a smug laugh. “Joking! Joking! I’m just your above average, cute cat girl right now. See? Look at my smile! Aren’t I adorable?”

Rising from his deep bow, Aiden returned the laugh and put a hand on his hip while following their gaze to the glowering fox ladies. “Right. Well, consider me charmed! Alva always spoke highly of you in the stories I heard.”

“Liar!” Nilly snorted, giving him a sly smirk. “Your mom probably told you to run as far away from me as possible. I’m a dangerous kitty, but not when Wendy’s around. But you can’t be too careful, so watch your tail feathers!”

“Jokes, I hope. I love it! So, what can I do for you?” He looked over their heads to the portal in the distance. “Is…Sora coming? You said yesterday that we needed to chat?”

Wendy rolled her eyes at the dripping charm, feeling somewhat bitter herself at how totally invisible she was beside Sora. “No, just…thought I’d check in and see why you haven’t stopped by since we got here. How’s the whole Firebird thing going? You look…comfortable.”

Aiden’s grin widened, and he gestured toward the gaggle of fluff accessories. “Better than I expected, honestly. The instructors here actually know how to teach some rather advanced techniques—like, really teach. Alva didn’t really get into how I can use my powers. I’m finally getting a handle on my abilities without feeling like I’m going to blow up the neighborhood if I let loose.”

“That’s good,” Wendy mumbled, crossing her arms as her tail darted to the left like a whip. The faintest trace of envy curled in her chest, but she pushed it down. “So, you’re, what, the star student now in the second grade or whatever it is?”

Aiden forced a laugh, the sound easy and genuine. “Hardly. There’s this kid from the Highlands who keeps wiping the floor with me during sparring but maybe it’s because I keep giving him a feather to make the fight more even. Causality and all. I’m learning a lot. More than I ever did on my own just winging it.”

“Hilarious.” Wendy hesitated, her gaze dropping to the ground and not exactly sure what she expected from this meeting. “That’s…really great, Aiden. I’m glad you’re doing well.”

He frowned slightly, catching the shift in her tone. “Hey, what’s up? I’m getting the feeling you’re, uh…”

“Cryptic? Moody? A disaster?” she supplied, her voice laced with self-deprecation.

“Hey, I didn’t say that,” Aiden replied, his tone gentle while glancing at Nilly for support, yet the cat only maintained her smile and observed. “But seriously. What’s on your mind? Is it Sora? Is she okay?”

Wendy glanced at Nilly, who gave her a subtle nod of encouragement. Her tail nudged hers. Taking a deep breath, she finally met Aiden’s gaze. “I…feel nervous about Sora.”

“Okay?” Aiden’s brows knitted together as he considered her words. “Nervous how? What can I do to help?”

Damn perfect boys. Be a little resistant! Call me out or something. I don’t know… Gah! What is my problem?!

“Honestly? Yeah. Maybe…” She brushed her bangs back and fidgeted with her hoodie strap. “Sora’s been really…Sora lately. I know that sounds stupid.”

“No.” Aiden sighed, running a hand through his hair and giving her a shockingly understanding smile. “Let me guess. Sticking her nose in places they don’t belong. Being pushy and biting off more than she can chew? I’m guessing this is about Kari. I know you’re, eh…let’s just say not the biggest fan of my sister.”

“…Kind of?” Tail lowering, Wendy rubbed between her eyes, fighting past her uncomfortable feelings. “There’s just…something really off about Avalon. I just thought I’d see if you could vet some people and do some checking around…like this Fae boy she keeps talking about.”

Aiden’s smile fell at those words. “Oh? Hmm… Sora is the type of girl who has too good of a heart and can be taken advantage of with the right story. Fae can pick up a lot on that kind of thing, too.”

“See, you get it!” Wendy groweld feeling vindicated. “Like, sure, Kari’s a bitter taste on my tongue. But I get Kari. I know she’s…working on herself,” she said, trying not to gag. “I just feel this…shiver down my spine like something’s watching her…and is really hungry.”

Please, don’t be a projection! Her magic is super tasty, but I don’t think it’s me…

Rubbing his chin, he glanced at Nilly. “You know, there’s been some weird stuff happening around the Academy lately. Diane’s name keeps coming up in a few conversations with the assistant instructors. I have been looking into some things… I was going to bring them up to Sora later but I’ve been trying to give Kari and her some space to work things out. Thanks for the heads up, though.”

Wendy stiffened at the mention of Diane. “That witch? Yeah, we smelled her at Sela’s lecture hall the first day. It could have something to do with her.”

She tried to temper her voice but her twisted nose gave away her odium. Maybe I should test my Null-Void powers on her. Would I forget all about her ripping my heart apart?

“Nothing concrete,” Aiden admitted, glancing around as if to make sure no one was listening. “Just…a feeling, which is usually something I like to follow, given my powers. She’s tied to a lot of things, and not all of them make sense to me. She’s a part of the Foundation, and was kicked out, but…seems to have a lot more influence here at the school than I’d expect.”

Nilly tilted her head, her tail curling around her ankle. “Sounds like a classic case of spooky conspiracy. Love it! So it’s decided. You’ll do a bunch of snooping about and all the hard work so we can play and have fun!”

“Eh?” Aiden shot her a wry smile. “Yeah, well, I guess that’s one way of doing things. I’d expect nothing less from the Cat Mother. Consider it done.”

Way to go, Nilly!

“Thanks, Aiden. I’ll be doing my own investigation on the side but the Diane angle is a good one. Sora mentioned her a few times this week, but honestly, I think she’s too distracted with…other things. Uh, about Aelion…”

Aiden nodded, his frown deepening in a way that made Wendy’s left eye crease. “That’s the Fae boy’s name? I’ve heard of him. Not…all great things. I’ll look into him, though.”

Deciding to take the plunge, Wendy cleared her throat. “Aiden.”

“Yeah?” His brow lifted as he looked down at her, innocent rainbow eyes glowing with helpful energy. Nilly’s tail went totally still, listening intently, eyes big while darting between them. “Something else you needed to discuss?”

Wendy’s fingers tightened, fighting past the nervous twist in her gut. “Do you…like Sora. And you know what I mean.”

Aiden’s face became somewhat troubled, averting eye contact by looking off to the side.

Awkward silence was not what she’d expected, every second a tight grip around her heart squeezing harder. No, does he?! Should I have asked that? Is Sora going to twist my tail? No, she doesn’t need to know…if this goes wrong.

 “…Hmm. Honestly. That’s…hard to answer. I somewhat felt like this question would come up with how you were acting. I’m not sure as to why you want to know…but the simplest answer is because maybe I left some kind of hints that left that impression.”

Will you just shut up and stop edging me?! What kind of answer is this? Yes? No? C’mon!

Fingers running through his feathered hair, he had the courage to easily look her right in the eyes, locking the air in their lungs. “Is Sora beautiful? Yes. Am I attracted to her? I think most men would be and I do fall into that category. She’s fun, spontaneous, and has…a really good heart. She’s also a vulpes, which…I will say makes me cautious. No, that’s the wrong word…guarded?”

He nodded and chuckled a little, glancing back at the listening vulpes, who were all whispering to one another in the distance, obviously listening. Maybe she should have taken this to a more private place but she wasn’t really in the mental state to plan this through.

“Honestly, I think Sora deserves someone far better than me and others would agree. Plus, she has so much going on that I wouldn’t want to stretch her too thin… She’s a dreamer. I like that about her. When I learned what she did for Daisy… That’s just…” He shook his head, sincerity burning in his rainbow eyes. “Just wow. That’s my answer.”

What…kind of answer is that?

Somewhat stupefied, she felt Nilly’s hands close around her wrist as she pulled her away before she could pursue the topic. “Time to head out? Try not to get murdered! The shadows can get pretty dark when you start poking around them!”

“Huh?” Wendy mumbled, her voice quieter now and brain somewhat cooked—and she didn’t even have a physical brain. “What?”

Drawn toward Mistress Katie Milla’s lecture hall, Wendy felt as if he’d punched in the gut and slapped in the face at the same time. Does that mean she’s not worth chasing? He cares too much to chase her? He finds her beautiful but too…scary? What the hell was that?! How can I feel even more anxious now? No way I can tell Sora what he said. Not a chance!

----------------

Next Chapter