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ATM Rewrite: B3 — 4. Final Preparations
🕑 Added 2024-10-03 22:47:19 +0000 UTCPoV:
1. Sora Moore (Our Girl's Settling Into Her New Life!)
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Sora yawned as she trudged toward the elevator, the morning sun barely creeping over the horizon. Nilly’s energetic persona bounced beside her, more subdued in this stable form but far from gone. Her cat-like eyes wide while pointing out various places in her private realm.
Once in the elevator and rising up to the suite, Kari took a slower pace compared to before, arms folded and leaning against the elevator wall. Whatever transpired between Ylva and her seemed to have seriously lit a fire in the wolf.
Leaving Kari to brood, Sora tugged lightly at her ponytail, focusing on the bright-eyed cat teen across from her. “Do you think Wendy’s up? We weren’t gone for long, right—maybe an hour or so?”
Nilly’s grin widened while bringing around her split tail to examine her fur with mild amusement. “Wendy? I bet she is. She usually wakes up and lounges in bed for a bit to think before getting up. Who knows about the timey-wimey stuff. I don’t pay attention to time. I get to where I get when I get to the place I get to.”
“Sounds on brand,” Sora snickered.
The doors slid open, and they stepped out into the grand suite’s hallway. Sora could already hear faint sounds coming from the kitchen.
As they approached, she caught sight of her mom bustling around the stove, her ears twitching as she hummed to herself, wrapped in a silk nightgown that shimmered under the early morning light. Noelia was right beside her, wearing a blue sun dress while instructing the fox lady.
Of course, Mom’s dressed for comfort. And look at her tails go. Watch out, Mom, you’ll knock off the dishes.
Her father sat at the table, dressed sharp and groomed, as usual, while scrolling through his phone with a content smile on his face. Wendy was in her pink pajamas with cartoonish stars spotting them, sitting across from him, sipping a cup of tea, her bright eyes immediately locking onto them as she entered—her perked up tanuki ears probably heard them before exiting.
“Morning!” Wendy chirped, her bushy squirrel tail wagging slightly. “Where’ve you been? Eyia’s gone, too. Wait, who is…Nilly?!”
Sora waved lazily, making her way to the counter and giving her dad a shrug that put a small smile on his face before returning to his device. “Morning. We were…out,” she muttered, glancing at Kari, who had stopped near the doorway, still tense. “Oh, uh-huh! This is…”
Her mother turned with a raised eyebrow, her red eyes immediately zeroing in on the cat. “Oh, my tails!” A smirk tugged at her lips as she abandoned the kitchen to Noelia to bustle over and sweep the cat into a hug. “Is that really you, Nilly? A teenager? I could have sworn you were always an old cat with those secret silver hairs in your ears,” she teased, earning a huffy glare from the Nekomata.
“I am not old, Mia,” she protested, her ears flicking and cheeks puffing out indignantly. “Well…not right now,” she grumbled, fending off the snickering fox to cross her arms defensively. “I’m always in my prime! Just because I was there when you were born and your mom and I were close doesn’t mean I’m an old cat lady!”
Sora shot a look at Wendy who returned it, both breaking into silent laughter. A round of chuckles escalated from everyone at the table, even Kari smirked slightly from her spot by the wall.
Sora grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl her mother probably had done—cutting fruit was easier than using appliances—and leaned against the counter with a grin. “You do look pretty spry for someone with ‘secret silver hairs,’” she added, dodging Nilly’s playful tail swipe. “I’m just saying!”
“Yes, haha, Nilly is an old lady with amnesia who is playing a little teen!” Before the conversation could continue, a chime echoed through the suite, breaking the calm atmosphere. Oh, guests?”
Noelia pressed a button on the kitchen wall near her before pulling off a steaming cup of coffee off the counter to sip. “Yes, Aiden, come on up. Sora’s here.”
Sora raised an arm. “Why do you assume he’s here only to talk with me?”
Wendy wasn’t the only one who gave her a dull look.
“What? Okay, who are you here for, Aiden?” she shouted at the intercom.
The firebird’s laughter made her ears fold back. “Was I wrong in thinking we had plans for shopping today? It’s cool to come up?”
“Not exactly,” Noelia returned while eyeing the problem. “Mia’s not decent, as usual,” she sighed, pausing for a moment as all of them stared at the unabashed fox mom before adding, “but I’ll fix that.”
“Right… Be up in a second.”
The light cut, every eye still on Sora’s mom as she took one more look at Nilly and returned to the stove with a flick of her nine tails to help Noelia with breakfast.
“You look at me like I’m lazy,” Mia mumbled, twisting her hips to examine herself as sparkling light encircled her from the tanuki mom’s flicked tail. “Oh, I like the jeans and blouse combo.”
“It is your clothes,” Noelia mused.
Sora listened to the back and forth, taking a bite of her apple. Then, she suddenly straightened, remembering something important.
“Mom!”
The fox wasn’t the only one to jump at her tone.
“Hmm?”
“Do you think we could do one last hangout today? You know, like a family and friend day before school starts?”
Her mom’s ears perked up, her tails swaying thoughtfully behind her as she looked between her and the others. “A family and friend day? That sounds lovely, My Little Ember,” she said softly, though there was a hint of emotion in her voice. “Are you suggesting Stephanie, the baby, Daisy, Noelia and I should spend time together while you’re out as friends?”
“Mhm! Oh, and Dad can ‘hang with the boys’ whatever that entails.”
Her father chuckled from across the room, stretching his arms above his head. “That sounds like a plan, sweetheart. Besides,” he added with a grin that was directed at all of them, “I could use a break from all this estrogen. There’s a lot of tail in this house, to be fair.”
Every head at the table turned to glare at him, making him raise his hands in surrender. “Half-joking. No need to turn me to ash. Aye, I’m not wrong.”
Wendy snickered, her tail wagging faster now as she leaned toward Sora. “So, what’s the plan then? Shopping…and what? I could use a few more outfits for school if we’re going to be gone for a whole month.”
Before Sora could answer, Aiden strolled into the kitchen, already dressed in casual clothes—a simple button-down shirt and jeans that looked surprisingly well-kept for someone who usually lived out of a suitcase.
He gave a small wave to everyone before quirking an eyebrow at her. “Huh. A new cat girl, huh. Hey, Kari. Nice to see you. What’s got you tight?”
The wolf returned a dismissive grunt, but her swaying tail paused for a moment before looking away. There was something passed between them before the firebird frowned and turned his attention to her, his smile returning.
“So, not a guy’s day, huh?” he teased, leaning against the counter beside her. “Don’t tell me I’m being left out of this adventure.”
Sora grinned, nudging him with her elbow. “It’s a ‘teen shopping day’ for us, buddy, so you’re stuck with the girls. Not like you have any guy friends to chill with anyway.”
“Ouch! Where’s the fire?” he snorted with the other.
“Unless you do have any? Hmm? Hmm?” she asked, scooting closer to give him a penetrating stare.
“Uh…not really,” he admitted with a chuckle. “A ton of acquaintances but yeah…”
Sora’s mind blanked, unsure where she was going with that. “Uh. My bad. Anyway, we gotta make sure we have everything we need for school tomorrow. Although, you’re always on top of everything,” she sighed, probing for info on the boy. “I bet you’ve got to get everything for the dorm, right?”
Aiden laughed softly, shaking his head. “Believe it or not, I don’t have much. Traveling a lot, I usually keep a suit and a few outfits at each location. Simple stuff, really.”
Sora blinked. “Wait, you’re telling me you’ve been traveling the world with only a few outfits? Oh no, we’re changing that today!”
As the conversation bubbled around her, Nilly stole a lot of attention from Wendy and Noelia. However, Sora couldn’t help but notice the way her mother’s gaze lingered on her. Her usually foxy smile was warm, but there was a tightness in her throat, a small constriction that Sora could almost feel.
She’s worried, Sora thought, her heart squeezing as she predicted her mom’s thoughts. My kit is running off to school…and leaving me behind. Aww. Mom. I love you but you’re so much more insecure than I thought someone with your powers would be…but I guess that’s because you gave up all of that for me.
Her mother’s tail flicked, breaking Sora from her thoughts. “A shopping day sounds wonderful,” she said, her voice soft but cheerful. “Stephanie does need to get out. And, as your father said, he could use a break from all the ‘estrogen’ anyway,” she added, throwing her husband a playful glare and earning a sheepish laugh from him as he started sliding through his contacts on his phone.
“Oh, I’m looking forward to the payback on that comment,” he said, raising his hands again in feigned surrender. “I’ll call Ron and the boys. They’ll appreciate the break too.”
“I’m sure they will,” Noelia mused, taking his empty plate with a playful smirk that she wouldn’t have dared do before the fox next to her had gotten ahold of the tanuki. “Emotions can run hot in us women, as I’m sure Mia reminds you often enough.”
“Well, ladies, that’s my signal to leave. Good luck, Aiden,” he said with a wave in his retreat. Yet, upon reaching the hallway leading to the other suite, he glanced back at her. “Ah, sweetie, before you head out tomorrow, I’d like it if we could spend the evening together, kit. You, Wendy, and your mothers.”
Sora’s ears shot up with the other three girls, locking onto him. “I’d like that. Doing…final checks of our bags?”
“We can double-check everything,” he agreed with a soft smile, “but mainly I’d like to watch a drama with you lovely ladies before tomorrow. How’s that sound?”
Warmth spread through Sora’s chest, her tail flicking happily behind her. “I’d love that, Dad,” she said softly, her voice almost catching in her throat. The idea of spending one last evening with her family before Avalon made her feel fuzzy inside.
As the room settled into a comfortable rhythm, conversation flowed around Avalon starting tomorrow as they ate breakfast. Kari eventually joined them after Noelia’s prompt, learning more about their visit to Ylva’s realm. Wendy wasn’t so happy about being left out of the adventure, but she wasn’t so put off once learning it was Kari’s aunt—yeah, there were daggers thrown from her bushy-tailed sister.
Wendy… What am I going to do with you? She groaned, eyeing the brunette as she glared at Kari, taking a giant dish of eggs and bacon to the front room couch rather than the table to eat with them, despite eating at Ylva’s. Is she just upset because she doesn’t have me to herself anymore? Maybe I’m feeling a little guilty about not spending enough time with her…
Nilly, now perched comfortably on a barstool, was preening under Mia’s curious gaze, still puffing out her chest every time someone complimented her new, stable teenage form.
Not halfway through, Eyia walked down the stairs, making Sora almost choke on a sausage. The blonde yawned, looking more drained and sleep-deprived than she’d ever seen a person, equally as bad, she was still in her simple white nightgown that barely covered her mid thigh.
“Uh, nope! Nope! Eyia!” she cried out while jumping up to jog over and guide the bewildered girl upstairs; while descending, her navy blue underwear was fully visible, but luckily Noelia’s magic blocked the view from Aiden. “Where have you been?!”
As Sora ascended the stairs with Eyia by her side, her mind churned over what could be wrong. Eyia was usually unshakable—solid as a mountain. But the Valkyrie’s furrowed brow and downward-cast eyes told a different story.
The second they reached the landing, Eyia paused, gripping the railing with more force than necessary, cracking the wood. Her pale fingers turned white, the knuckles standing out as though she was holding herself together by the thinnest thread.
“Eyia…” Sora’s voice was soft, not wanting to push but needing to understand. “What’s going on? You’ve been…off.”
For a moment, Eyia’s shoulders stiffened, her posture tightening like a bowstring. Then she turned, her icy blue eyes—usually sharp and focused—were clouded with something Sora rarely saw: doubt.
“I am…” she hesitated, searching for the right words, her English worse than usual. “The block of heads… The stupid of dull spears.”
The declaration hit Sora like a punch. Eyia? Stupid? That was ridiculous. But before she could react, the Valkyrie continued.
“Jin… She told me I was not of dense rocks. But…inside, there is this poking finger with a nail of sharpness that speaks foul things—speaks the venom of Jörmungandr… It says she is lying to spare me the humiliation of disgrace.” Eyia’s hand trembled on the railing, and it splintered, causing those below to jump and look up at them as the blonde looked down at the wood fragments across the floor. “I…have never faced an enemy like this before.”
Sora blinked, taking a step forward. “What do you mean, an enemy? Is someone in Avalon messing with you? No… You’re stronger than like…almost everyone. What’s going on?”
Eyia’s lips pressed into a thin line as Sora ushered her into her bathroom to cancel out the noise and give themselves privacy. “No. This foul foe is…within, as my father says. I do not know how to fight it, and he speaks in riddles I do not understand the meaning… I am the stupid head. My brain thoughts…they twist everything Jin says, make it seem like mockery, like she enjoys seeing the flounder of flopping fishes. I have never…never dealt with such irrational fears I could not silence.”
Sora bit her lip, watching her friend struggle to verbalize something so out of her comfort zone. This is worse than I thought… For Eyia to be this shaken, it had to be something deep-rooted, but is this something I can really handle? Should I get Mary? No, but she needs help now.
The Valkyrie had always been so structured, her life revolving around a code of discipline and honor, and now, that very foundation was being shaken due to her opening herself up to being friends with Jin. Jin’s hot and cold attitude wasn’t something someone as stalwart as Eyia was accustomed to.
“I’m not sure how to help with that, Eyia,” Sora admitted, stepping closer and resting a hand on her friend’s tense arm before pulling the taller girl into a hug that the blonde returned, her body trembling. “But I know you aren’t stupid. And whatever’s going on with Jin, it’s not like she’s trying to mock you. She’s just…blunt…and very bitter about her life, I think. Maybe too much so.”
Eyia nodded stiffly, but the worry still lingered in her sniffles and quakes.
“It’s like…that voice, the one telling you Jin is lying,” Sora continued, trying to pull from all her therapy sessions over the years to feel her way forward, “it’s not based on fact. It’s something deeper—irrational, like you said. Maybe, umm, maybe we need to figure out where that voice is coming from.”
Eyia pulled back, her deep blue eyes swimming with uncertainty. “How?”
“Well…” Sora thought back to her own experiences with anxiety, recalling the techniques Mary had shown her for dealing with intrusive thoughts. “Maybe you could think of it like this. That voice isn’t you. It’s just a thought—a really annoying, mean thought that doesn’t have any power unless you give it power. Shoot, how do I describe this in a battle scenario…”
Eyia frowned, her teary eyes considering her words as if droplets of water in a drought. “I am…supposed to ignore the yapping, as Jin told me?”
Oh, great, she told Jin about it when they last talked… Don’t tell me Jin told her she’s stupid! Ugh. No wonder Eyia’s spiraling.
“Not exactly,” Sora mumbled, finding Eyia’s hands to squeeze them and reassure the red-cheeked girl. “Acknowledge it, but don’t let it control you. Like, when it says, ‘Jin is mocking you,’ you could respond with, ‘That’s just a thought. It doesn’t mean it’s true.’” Sora smiled gently. “It’s not easy. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of stupid thoughts that made me feel awful… You’re ugly, you stink, your hair is a rat nest!”
Eyia’s body shook with confused laughter, tears still falling down her cheeks. “That is such nonsense, Sister… You are a very lovely and fragrant fox, and I have seen nests of rats in the hair of giants. You have the very pretty locks of fire…copper gleaming in the waxing sun.”
“Thanks, Eyia, I love that imagery,” Sora giggled, trying to build on that humor and break in the downward spiral. “See. You’re smart. This isn’t easy in the moment, but over time, you get better at recognizing them for what they are… Those thoughts are the rock heads, not you! So boo them and tell them they’re not welcome.”
Eyia stared at her for a long moment, then nodded slowly. “I will…try this scare and reverse mockery tactic. Loki would be proud.”
Sora grinned. “That’s the spirit! Good. And remember, you don’t have to face this alone. We’re all here for you, okay? If those thoughts start ganging up on you, your sisters-in-arms are here to guard your back.”
The Valkyrie’s expression softened, the tension easing from her posture, just a little. “Thank you, Sister. You are…a good friend. Jin has been good to me…very excellent. It is just…challenging to understand her position and the…the shoes of sizes she walks. There is much bitterness in her for her family that…troubles me.”
“Yeah… Walking in Jin’s shoes can’t be easy,” Sora whispered, reflecting on how innocent and loyal the Valkyrie was toward her own family and ideals, despite being exiled by her stepmother during the collapse of her Existence, when she was only a child.
While holding and comforting Eyia, her thoughts reflected on what Ylva had warned her about. What is happening with the Primordials? I can’t see Eyia turning against me…ever. But, if her family demands it… I really worry about your future, Eyia. You’re so pure… You deserve better.
Revitalizing the blonde to the point she didn't seem to be about to collapse, Sora guided her back to her room to get a change of clothes. Her mood improved as they went on, and Sora realized that the real reason Eyia was so exhausted was because she was facing her toughest opponent…herself.
They descended the stairs together, Eyia’s steps lighter than before, though Sora knew this was just the beginning of her friend’s battle. Tomorrow would be a whole different beast: Jin’s class.
When they reached the bottom, Sora was a tad shocked at the sight of Stephanie and Daisy. Both were already dressed to the nines—Stephanie in a chic yet comfortable outfit perfect for a mom's day out, and Daisy carrying the Celestial’s baby with a shocking amount of practiced ease for a Succubus.
“Oh, there you are,” Daisy greeted with a bright grin, adjusting her grip as she gave her and Eyia a once-over. “I was starting to wonder if you’d decided to sleep the whole day away, as your mom teased.”
Sora waved off the comment with a grin and pointed glare at her ‘innocent’ mother. “Nah, we were just getting ready. You two heading out with Mom and Noelia?”
Stephanie gracefully nodded, moving closer to Daisy with a fond smile while fussing over her baby. “Indeed. Your mom has a whole day planned for us. A spa, some shopping, lunch at a café she’s been raving about the last few days… All ‘mom-approved’ activities, I’m told.”
“Although, I’m not a mom yet,” Daisy added with a strained smile.
“Is that so?” Noelia asked, moving closer with a twinkle in her eyes that made the blonde newly wed woman gulp. “Your son is growing cuter by the day, Steph.”
“Wait, what was that comment about, Noelia?” the Succubus mumbled. “What’s with that tone?”
Sora laughed as the tanuki continued to gaslight the blustering woman. “Sounds perfect. I hope you have fun!”
“Don’t get into too much trouble while we’re gone,” her mother added with a teasing smile while bumping hips with her in passing. “Although, knowing who your mother is, that might be asking the impossible.”
“Oh, please,” Sora called after them as they moved toward the elevator, “what you lack in cooking skills, I make up for in knowing how to have a fun time!”
“You cheeky kit!” her mother playfully huffed, flipping around to point a threatening finger her way. “Just you wait until tonight, My Little Fire Starter! You won’t know when, but I’ll get you back for that comment.”
“Keep dreaming! Wait, I already saw them last night!”
“What?! You little vixen! Hehe. Maybe I shouldn’t worry about you,” she said with a fond smile, her tails wrapping around one another. “Just…don’t forget about your old fur…”
As if I could, Sora internally sighed, figuring that was code for saying ‘old and split-tailed mom, worrying about her vulnerable little kit.’ Noelia simply waved at Wendy, exchanging a curious look that had Sora’s ears falling back with interest. I feel like I’m getting left out of the loop with some people…
Once they were gone, she turned back to the others and clapped her hands, ears flying up. “Alright, let’s get ready for our shopping trip! Wendy’s probably bouncing off the walls by now.. Am I right?”
Wendy, totally acting oblivious, glanced up from brushing her bushy tail. “Huh? Oh, you’re still here?”
“Oh, shut up! Bushier doesn’t mean better!”
“Wait, I’m getting a call… It’s from…who’s jealous!”
It didn’t take long for the group to gather, laughter following—Aiden, Eyia, a somewhat reluctant and amused Kari at their antics, Wendy, who was indeed bouncing with excitement, and Nilly, who seemed thrilled to join in on anything fun.
They hit the stores with enthusiasm, Wendy and Nilly darting from rack to rack, pulling out outfits to show off. Kari hung back, her arms crossed but a tiny smile tugging at her lips as she watched Wendy try on increasingly bold outfits—at least for her. Eyia, as always, remained composed, though she seemed to enjoy the experience in her quiet way, listening and learning.
Aiden, confident in his style, picked out a few sharp pieces for himself, even as they teased him for being so put-together. “Hey, what can I say?” he smirked, adjusting his collar in front of the mirror. “I’ve got to keep up my businessman image if the monsters are going to respect me.”
Sora laughed, tossing a hat at him. “That sounds so backward! Wait, is that stereotyping? Monsters and fashion?”
He rubbed his hands together and gave a suave pose to the side, puckering his lips a bit as if waiting for a photo shoot.
“Okay, yeah, yeah, don’t let it get to your head, Mr. Drip.”
“What was that thing I heard that guy say earlier? Drizzle, drizzle.”
“Next!” Sora and Wendy cried out in unison, shoving him back into the changing room and tossing in some more casual outfits.
The shopping trip was filled with laughter and banter, Wendy trying on increasingly wild outfits and making Sora phase the back of every outfit to allow her tail through. Wild for the brunette composed of crop tops and mini-skirts, or things Jane would always glare at since she couldn’t wear such items.
Kari begrudgingly participated as Sora nudged her to get a few more outfits if she wanted since she’d probably rip a few with her typical activities, with Aiden backing her up. The wolf surprisingly picked out a few simple yet flattering clothes, mostly shorts and tanks, but branching out with colors and designs.
Nilly was the star of the impromptu fashion show, twirling in a variety of playful ensembles. It wasn’t until halfway through that Sora realized the cat had literally bitten out a place for her tail to exit in nearly every outfit she tried—meaning to say, she had the most clothes by the end of the trip.
Between shopping and food breaks, the light started to grow dimmer in the sky. As the day wound down, they made their way back to the hotel, the sun setting behind them, casting long shadows across the crowded Miami Beach sidewalks.
Sora sighed contentedly, glancing at her friends, Kari actually getting into a bit of a playful argument with Aiden as the firebird poked at her ‘safe’ fashion choices.
Our last day together before school…and maybe we won’t see each other as often. It was a good day. And who knows, there’s a lot to do in Avalon, and Aiden is a grade higher… Plus the size of Avalon is huge. New adventures. New friends… New enemies, no doubt. I hope Ember is okay…
Her thoughts returned to Diane, The Foundation, the weird vibes she had on the Moon Base with that creepy silo, the Wizard’s Tower, and that wasn’t even half of the looming threats.
Sora’s gaze lifted to the starry skies, her enhanced vision penetrating the light pollution to see the cosmic visage hidden beyond, the moon already in the heavens.
Diane’s warning about the Kumiho who broke out, The Darkness, Mom’s worry about Fen and Aunt Inari, Sela’s recovery, Wendy’s Null-Void problems, Aunt Rose, Dad, Nilly’s change, Jin, other Founders and Primordials and so many other mysteries…
The lithe image of the fae boy she’d met in the forbidden woods bubbled to the surface, and she smiled. Whatever awaits us in Avalon, I know it will be exciting.
After a long day of shopping, they entered the suite. The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a twilight glow over the city. Sora stretched, feeling a sense of fulfillment from the day spent with her friends. Yet, the weight of tomorrow’s journey to Avalon loomed over her.
Surprisingly energized, Kari stayed in the living room to argue with Aiden. The two had struck an unexpected topic revolving around a wolf and human bonding books—kind of romance, kind of not, or at least, according to her.
Apparently, her former bully had a secret hobby in middle school, one Sora hadn’t known about. The wolf girl’s interest in novels was something Aiden had pointed out but romance? Sora made a mental note to probe later. Maybe there was something they had in common. Hey, she’d never tried those types of novels, so how could she judge?
Aiden, the smooth talker that he was, was amused by the conversation, teasing Kari about small details that allowed her to defend her positions and state her interests. It was a master class. Of course, he had known her all his life and was practically her brother, so it made sense he’d know how to press her buttons and get her to open up.
Eyia, on the other hand, excused herself to meditate, her stoic demeanor hiding the emotional turmoil she’d briefly shared with her earlier.
Sora gave her a hug at the stairs, trying not to get distracted by Kari’s snorts while trying to explain ‘simple concepts’ that Aiden totally got but played dumb to get her to talk.
“Are you sure you’re okay being alone?” she asked as Wendy jogged further into meet up with their parents. “You can join us if you want.”
The blonde shook her head with a determined smile. “I appreciate the offer, Sister. I need to practice what you’ve taught me if I am to perfect the mockery of self doubt,” Eyia said before squeezing her and retreating to her room.
The thought of leaving her alone worried Sora, but she knew better than to press Eyia when she needed space. She still didn’t entirely understand the warrior’s culture or mind state.
She sighed softly and glanced at Wendy, who poked her head out from the hallway with a light glare. “Are you coming or not, slowpoke?”
“Coming! Wait, where did Nilly go?” she asked, moving toward the media room. “I didn’t even notice she disappeared—the elevator?”
The brunette shrugged. “Last I saw her. She’ll probably show back up at some point.”
“Right…”
Brow furrowing and drifting to the floor, she rubbed her elbow as a prickle ran down her spine. Is it just me or…does it feel like Nilly’s everywhereness is like…she’s running away from something that’s chasing her? I hope she’s okay. What am I even thinking! She’s Nilly, the freaking Dead Cat Mother—1st Generation Founder of the flipping Cats! But…I’m still worried.
Her ears flew up as a shock reverberated through her whole body, making her go stock still and making Wendy shift into the hall.
“You okay, Sis?”
Forcing a laugh, her ears flattened as she jogged forward to join her. “Yeah… Maybe I’m more like my mom than I thought. I worry…a lot.”
“Join the club! But you ready for some quality family time?” Wendy asked, her wide, innocent eyes sparkling with excitement. Despite all the emotional chaos swirling around them, Wendy could always find a way to brighten the atmosphere. “My mom’s going to magic us up some otherworldly treats she found in her travels!”
“Yeah, let’s do it,” Sora replied, her tail flicking slightly as she followed Wendy.
As they entered the media room, their mothers were already there. Noelia was chatting with Mia, while their father sat on the couch, scrolling through his phone and making her a tad curious at what he’d been looking at recently. His calm demeanor contrasted with the lively conversation between the two women.
Her mom noticed them first. “Well, look who finally decided to join the party! I didn’t know you inherited your father’s turtle side,” she joked, a playful smirk on her lips while nudging him.
“Oh, please, Mia,” Noelia snickered, “if it wasn’t for me, you’d spent four hours in the bathroom.”
“Ahh! Traitor! We don’t talk about the bathroom,” she gasped, smacking the woman with a pillow and making the brunette snicker and defend herself. “I’m still learning proper fur care, okay?!”
“Sure. Sure. I hear Aiden bothering Kari about books?” Noelia added, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “She seems to be doing better.”
“Yup,” Sora grinned, figuring she’d created a barrier where they could speak without ‘interrupting’ the siblings. “You should hear her defend it as an ‘emotional’ bond. It’s deeper. She’s totally locked in.”
“Oh, I’ve heard them,” her mother giggled, setting down her fluffy weapon. “That girl could debate for hours about this ‘wolf semi-romances.’ Who knew she had such a soft side?”
Sora flopped down next to Wendy, her ears twitching with amusement. “Okay, enough teasing Kari. I’ll do most of that later. I’m picking the show tonight,” she announced, grabbing the remote.
“Oh no,” Wendy said, narrowing her eyes with mock suspicion. “What’s it going to be this time? Don’t tell me…another Japanese romance drama?”
Sora smirked, scrolling through the streaming service. “Hey, if we’re going to have a chill night before we head to Avalon, we’re going all in, Ms. Magical Girl. How about ‘Love in Tokyo’?”
Noelia raised an eyebrow. “You mean that ridiculously sappy one with the clumsy girl and the genius guy?”
“Exactly,” Sora said, her grin widening. “It’s perfect for a certain someone.”
Her dad chuckled from across the L-shaped couch, holding hands with her mom; ten tails were locking him in place from getting up. “Well, as long as it’s not one of those intense action-packed things. I could use a break from all the fighting.”
Wendy groaned. “Fine. But if it gets too cringey, I’m calling it quits. I’m all for drama romance—trust—but some of your stuff, Sora…”
“Call my taste trash! Hehe. C’mon. And…play!”
They settled in, the first episode playing on the large screen. As the characters stumbled through their awkward, dramatic romance, the room filled with laughter and playful jabs at the over-the-top moments. Sora couldn’t help but glance around, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. This—these moments with her family and friends—this was what she cherished.
Between episodes, they took breaks to double-check their bags and prepare for tomorrow. Sora had packed along their daily shopping trip, but she still went through her suitcase again, making sure she had everything she needed for their stay at Avalon.
Wendy was meticulously folding her clothes, while her mother offered tips on what might come in handy at the academy. It was the kind of calm before the storm that Sora had come to appreciate.
Once they were satisfied that everything was packed and ready, they returned to the media room. A few more episodes later, everyone began to feel the weight of the day catching up to them and it was time to call it a night.
Sora yawned, stretching her arms above her head as she glanced at the clock. It was late—later than she had expected. Tomorrow, she’d be setting up in Avalon’s dorms, starting a new chapter in her life. The thought made her both excited and a little nervous.
I’m leaving home. A quake ran through her bones, an unfamiliar pang of anxiety twisting her gut, unlike any she’d felt before while looking between her dad, mom, and Noelia. I’m leaving home…
Her mother stood up first, her tails swaying behind her as she stretched side to side, now dressed in fuzzy pajamas. “Alright, kittos. I think that’s enough drama for tonight. Time to call it.”
Sora gave a sleepy nod, standing up and giving her mother a quick hug and kiss on the cheek. “Thanks, Mom. I’m glad we got to do this… That you’re here when I need you.”
Her mother’s expression softened, her red eyes glistening with affection. “Me too, My Little Ember.”
One by one, they all said their goodnights. Wendy stayed behind for a few extra minutes, chatting with her mom before heading to bed. Aiden gave Sora a casual wave, heading off to his suite across from Howie’s place with a yawn, while Kari stayed back, still flipping through the book he’d surprised her with—though Sora could see she was only pretending to read, her mind clearly elsewhere.
As Sora settled into her bed, her room quiet and still, she found herself staring at the ceiling, her thoughts drifting to Avalon. So much has happened in such a short time. It almost feels like I’ve had magic all my life at this point… I need to learn the basics around it, though. I’m stronger than I was. My family is whole.
With a deep breath, she pulled the covers up and closed her eyes, her tail curling around her legs as a jingle and weight pressed between her legs. Smiling, she didn’t even have to check who it was—Nilly was home. With that, she drifted into her dreams.
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