A Tail’s Misfortune

Sora’s feet sank softly into the verdant grass after Kari had swiftly broken their hug. Hands held at the base of her swaying tail, Sora’s ears twitched while walking beside the wolf, her senses alive with the quiet hum of magic around them. She couldn’t be sure where they were or what direction was north or south, but all that mattered right now was enjoying her time with Kari.

She glanced to her right, spotting the wolf deep in thought, her black ears pulled back and amber eyes scanning the woods for something. Kari was a lot more sensitive than she let on.

Her first initiated hug and accepting my friendship offer is a big step. I’ll have to tell Mary when I see her next… What is she looking for here, though?

Turning her focus back to the thickening woodlands, she pondered the question in the ensuing silence that enveloped them. Is it something in these woods…or in herself?

Avalon’s towering trees stretched skyward, unique birds and familiar rodents ran across the branches, racing up firm trunks to the high canopies, dripping with glowing vines that danced in the gentle breeze. The further they walked, the more it felt like the world breathed with them, an ancient melody thrumming in time with her heartbeat that responded with her soul.

The sounds of Avalon Academy had all but disappeared behind them now, leaving the rustling leaves and distant calls of creatures as their only companions. The weight of the silence settled on her shoulders from the contrast that was the bustle of Miami and busy academy activity. There was a peace here that was different from the more cultured facilities of the school environment—more raw, untamed.

With each step, the pulse of magic within the soil grew stronger, waking to their presence. Her tail flicked with curiosity while spinning slowly in the inviting forest; it almost felt like a path had been laid out for them.

“So,” she whispered, not wanting to disturb the woodlands, “is there anywhere in particular that’s calling to you? Because, uh, I’ve got nothing but good vibes. It’s amazing for my natural energy absorption. Kari?”

Kari’s ears drew back further, but she didn’t answer right away. Her long stride was slow and deliberate, adjusted to her Sora’s shorter stride.

“…Can you not feel it?” Sora’s brows knitted together as the wolf came to a stop and knelt down to place her hand against the ground. “Something below the surface, struggling against something dark.”

“Right,” Sora mumbled, her voice lighter, teasing, “I don’t really sense any of that, to be honest, but I guess the Open House is still going, so might as well explore. There’s just so much magic floating around that it makes it hard to feel anything else.”

Kari’s gaze flicked to her with a resigned look that asked if she could be serious about anything. “If you wanted to, you could filter through it all with your magic. You think I’m projecting, don’t you?”

Sora’s ears flew up as the wolf pressed deeper into the woods.

“Woah! I’m not saying anything of the kind. Personally, this is all just exploring and having fun for me. I know you haven’t been much for humor, but maybe a small, tiny smile could help brighten the atmosphere. No need to be so broody.”

Rubbing her left ear, Kari sighed and shot her a small, very forced smile. “Better? Now can you look into the vibes of the place or should I beg like a dog?”

“Jokes. I like it,” Sora giggled, picking up her pace to walk beside the wolf again. “So, I’m the plan then? I mean, not that I’m complaining. In fact, it feels like you’ve got the leash and control this time,” she added, directing a sly wink up at her new friend.

That earned her a full-on smirk and eye roll from the athlete. “Keep talking like that, and maybe I‘ll put one on you for the full effect. Is that what you wanted to hear?”

“It’s a start! I like a lighthearted and joking Kari. Life isn’t so bad. Now!” Skipping ahead a little to do a twirl while looking up at the forest, she spread out her arms and fed her desire into the very atmosphere to report back to her, only for a pulse of magic to ripple through the wind. “Let’s ask the forest what it—”

“Hey! What are you beast girls doing here?”

Sora almost jumped out of her fur as she glanced up at a green-hued Fairy man zipped out of the thick canopy above them. Kari’s brow set, tail fur bristling and ready for a fight, yet the man crossed his arms in front of Sora’s face.

“This area is currently off limits. You need to return to the main academy grounds; the Silverleaf Woodlands is not accessible to anyone who isn’t a Sprout or above, ladies.”

“Sprout?” Sora repeated before Elder Rosewood’s explanation clicked in her mind. “Oh… Rank Two students.”

“Why?” Kari demanded, closing the distance to glare down at the tiny man, her tail flicking to the left. “What are you hiding?”

The Fairy’s voice came as a melodic warning while floating higher to reach eye level with the wolf, his wings fluttering with agitation. “It doesn’t matter what the reasons are, you’re a beast woman, and a Rank One student. You just follow the rules.”

Kari grunted, arms crossing over her chest as she tilted her head to the side, unbothered by the reprimand and staring him down. Sora forced a laugh, her tail flicking in mock surrender while pulling the stubborn wolf back the way they’d come.

“Right, right, uh, could you please tell us the reason? It just seems kind of silly to block off some parts of the woods and not others.”

“Off limits, period,” the fairy repeated, narrowing his eyes at Kari’s challenging glare. “But…if you must know, The Darkness has been more active here lately, even during the day—students are to remain clear of these woods until the Shadow Pits are dealt with. Something better students do for extra credit.”

Better students, Sora internally snorted, putting on a polite mask. So, he’s the same rank as Aiden and thinks he’s better than us. Kari isn’t going to take that standing down, but we don’t want to make enemies this soon and without understanding the school dynamic. I’d bet five chocolate cakes that Kari’s going to try to blow him off… Wait, huh?

Kari grunted again but didn’t say anything. Instead, her amber eyes flicked toward the path they’d taken, then back to the haughty Fairy. “Fine.”

With an abrupt turn, Kari strode away, pulling Sora after her.

There’s no way!

“Are you sick?” she whispered as Kari let go of her arm and the smug Fairy disappeared behind them. “There’s no way you’d back down to that dude.”

After a few silent minutes out of the Fairy’s sight, Kari veered off the path, heading into the denser areas.

“Oh, we’re really doing this?” she whispered, a grin spreading across her lips. “The first day and we’re already delinquents? I like it.”

Kari shot her a sideways glance and shook her head. “Not worth the trouble. You made bullying you not worth the trouble from time to time, as well, and I don’t know the hierarchy around here. I’m not stupid… Do you have a better idea?”

“Nope!” Sora skipped ahead, excitement swelling in her belly. “But if we’re sneaking past a Rank Two, we might as well do it right. I mean, what’s the point of breaking the rules if no one notices how good you are at it? I got a plan.” She winked playfully.

Kari huffed. “I’m not trying to measure tails with some worthless nobody. What’s the point of sneaking past someone if you’re caught? They’re using some kind of ward or sensor magic, right? Can you get past it or not.”

Sora blinked in surprise, having expected her to transform and just run around the fairy. Is she…actually asking for my help? That’s huge!

“I could, I think,” she mumbled, cupping her chin and peering through the underbrush before stopping to aim a grin at the wolf. “ But…what’s in it for me?”

Kari paused with an incredulous look. “Unbelievable… You’re really negotiating right now?”

Sora shrugged, her grin widening. “Hey, you’re the one who wants something and is always the gump. I think it’s only fair that I get a little something in return since I’m not the one who wants to go wandering around a forest all day. C’mon! Have a little fun.”

Kari hissed out a growl, but a small smile lifted her eyes that said, ‘I should have expected as much from a fox.’

“Fine. What do you want? My favorite dog toy?”

Sora’s eyes sparkled. “You have a favorite dog toy? That’s so adorable!”

“Ugh. I’m not good at jokes.”

“No, I think that was amazing, Kari,” Sora giggled, her tail swaying with joy at how things were progressing between them. “I could say we watch a scary movie together or do some fun friend things, but I think that joke was more than payment enough. Consider it done.”

“Seriously?” Kari deadpanned. “A bad joke?”

“It wasn’t as bad as you think. Being able to make fun of yourself is good so long as you don’t take it too seriously,” she chimed. “I mean, foxes smell, true enough, and who knows how bad I can smell if I don’t bathe every day, right?”

“Wha—what is even happening right now?” Kari asked, rubbing her forehead. “Are we sneaking into the woods or not? You’re so random. Is that about the smell comments we’d always—never mind.” She sighed and showed a defeated smile. “Maybe you’re trying to bait me but sure, I can try to loosen up.”

Sora feigned shock before calling upon her magic. “You? Now I feel like I owe you one. Observe! I present the all distracting squeaker toy! The ultimate bait!” she boasted, puffing up her chest.

Kari’s head shook a little, her mouth slightly a gap as two illusionary teenage girls appeared between them, their clones. The wolf moved slightly closer to scrutinize her mirror.

“Are you making fun of me?”

“Huh?” Somewhat taken aback by the response, Sora drew closer. “What do you mean? No. I’m not playing any pranks or anything right now. Is it not good enough? I thought it was pretty accurate.”

“No. This…looks too good to be me. There’s no way he’d fall for this,” she grunted, looking herself up and down. “I thought you’d make us invisible, like you usually do with your tail and ears, not some overly pretty illusions to what…seduce the tiny Fairy dude that is fifty times smaller than me.”

Sora almost choked as a snort shot through her nose. “Wait, no way! You did not just say that!” Desiring for the illusion to turn and walk toward her, Sora had it spin in a circle so she could scrutinize the clone and scowling wolf, side by side. “Actually, I think you’re a bit more pretty than the quick work I did here. I got the shade of your skin wrong; it’s more tan, and somehow…your hair is thicker. You just don’t smile a lot. Crazy. No, they’re going to cause a lot of noise.”

“You’re just gassing me up,” Kari grumbled. “Whatever. Can we just go?”

“I want to address that backhanded ‘I’m not pretty’ comment but baby steps,” Sora said with a return scowl. “Let me just say that you’re a freaking wolf goddess. Enough said. Now that that’s resolved, I didn’t like how he called us ‘beast ladies’ as if we’re less than fae or something. So…why not cause a little mischief, hmm?”

Kari’s crossed arms eased a bit as she stared at her smiling face and Sora felt a bit of pain in her own chest upon seeing the reserved disgust hidden behind her gaze. “Whatever you say. I just want to figure out what’s nagging my instincts about these woods. It’s…painful.”

Sora’s drawn back ears lifted slightly at admission; it certainly was different talking to Kari than anyone else in her life. She had no problem degrading and hating on herself or admitting her faults, which was the complete opposite of her brother. The wolf didn’t do it for sympathy either but how she truly felt.

We’ll get you better, Kari… Sora internally promised, sending the illusionary body doubles off into the woods with the magical prompt to edge along the magical wards the Fairy had set up. He’ll know he’s been duped eventually, but how long will it take?

Stepping closer to Kari, she held out her hands with a welcoming look. “If you want me to figure out what’s bugging your instincts, I’ll need to channel the magic from you, I think, which means…”

“Putting down my guard,” Kari groaned, rubbing the back of her neck and staring at her open palms like vipers. “It’s not that easy right now… Before, with Eric and the challenge, I was a lot more…”

“Vulnerable?” Sora finished. “That’s okay. Just try to allow my magic in, even if it’s uncomfortable. I promise, as your friend, I won’t do anything else,” she reassured. “Even if it feels uncomfortable. I’m trying to look for what is bothering you.”

A heavy sigh streamed through Kari’s lips before she closed her eyes and reached out to meet her hands; Sora always expected her palms to be rough due to how tough the girl was but they were smooth and she could sense her tentative reluctance to open herself up upon contacting her spirit.

“Just a bit longer,” she soothed, feeding her desires into her magic to help her understand what Kari was feeling. “Maybe try…picturing closed doors opening up for me? Hmm… Oh, some of my magic is going in. I, uh… Is that it?”

Opening her eyes and breaking contact, she felt a rather significant amount of her reserves drained from trying to push through the wolf’s dense spiritual wall, even if softened as much as possible. However, as she tuned into the sensation, her focus shifted to the ground. Hiking up her dress, Sora lowered herself to the forest floor to press her palm against the earthy soil.

“It’s deep…like roots coming up in reverse—tunnels? Unnatural, and there’s something…fierce running through its caverns, slamming against the walls.”

Kari breathed out a low laugh and shook her head, a shiver running down her frame while shaking out her messy, tousled hair. “Close enough, I guess. I just can’t pinpoint it,” she muttered, glancing around the woodland. “I know it’s here, but it’s…everywhere.”

Pressing her closed fist against her nose, Sora’s gaze drifted back in the direction the Fairy had chased them away from. “It’s deeper in… How about I ask my magic to take us to something or someone who will give us an explanation. Think that will work?”

She caught an unhelpful shrug from the wolf. “You’re the one with the broken magic crap. I don’t know how it works.”

“Yeah, well, you don’t even know how your powers fully work,” Sora said with a half-smirk directed her way. “Or else you’d make it easier on me.”

“Sorry? Do you want an apology?”

“No. No. Just playing… And there’s the genuine smile,” she chirped at the girl’s questioning gaze. “Okay, let’s go!”

The air shimmered as she spun her magic, not holding back in case the Fairy was better than she thought, but she’d gotten good enough to match Aiden. Maybe she didn’t know how she did it, but she could do it nonetheless.

They slipped into obscurity, and upon approaching the wards, her desire spellcraft worked without a hitch. Sora’s heart raced as they crossed the threshold into the deeper woods, the forest closing in around them and the second grade student nowhere to be seen. However, beyond this point, things did change.

“The magic here feels… different,” she reported, leading the way now. “It’s wilder. Darker. Something wrong?” Sora asked, lowering her voice instinctively.

Kari’s pace slowed, snatching Sora’s attention as her amber irises scanned the area. Her ears twitched more frequently, her muscles tensing.

“There’s something so familiar about this place—in the darkness,” Kari muttered, her eyes narrowing. “But I don’t know why. It’s in the shadows…watching.”

They walked in silence for a while longer, the sounds of the forest growing quieter as they ventured deeper and the thickening canopy pulled them more into the darkness. The deeper they went, the more oppressive the atmosphere became. Then, faintly, Sora heard it—music. A soft, haunting melody floating through the air.

Kari stopped dead in her tracks. Her ears were perked, her eyes wide. “That song…” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Sora frowned, her ears swiveling to catch the tune. It was beautiful yet eerie, like a lullaby sung in a minor key. “You know it? It sounds like a flute? No, something else?”

Kari pivoted left, taking the lead. “My mother used to hum it to us at night…”

“What?!” The admission caught Sora off guard. A quake ran from Sora’s ears to her bristly tail. “Okay, that’s not normal. You’re sure it doesn’t just sound similar? Your mom? Did you guys…land here before Russia?”

The wolf shook her head and the song grew louder as they followed the sound, leading them to a small grove bathed in the bright overhead fruit of the World Tree high in the heavens.

Sitting in the middle was a fae boy, his hands expertly playing what Sora took as an ocarina, carved from dark wood. His clothes were simple, almost shabby, but there was an undeniable grace in the way his fingers played with the instrument.

Kari tensed beside her, her breath catching. “How does he know that lullaby? I don’t like it, Sora.”

The boy looked up, his deep green eyes locking onto them with curiosity rather than fright. “You’ve come to listen to the woods, haven’t you?” His voice was soft, almost dreamlike; he looked a few inches shorter than Kari from a glance, which was tall for a fae. “The woods sing this lullaby to those who can hear… Do you hear her crying for the Shadow Wolf.”

Sora’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of a wolf. She glanced at Kari, whose expression had shifted into something she couldn’t quite read. “Kari?”

Without warning, Kari transformed. Her body shifted, elongating into her fenris wolf form, and before Sora could react, she darted into the woods in a storm of wind, her drag carrying leaves in her wake while vanishing into the shadows.

Vision dulling, Sora muttered, “Great. Impulsive as ever.”

Sora stood still, watching Kari’s form disappear into the shadows of the forest. She knew there was no way she could keep up with the wolf’s physical prowess, so she didn’t even try.

Crossing her arms, she turned to the fae boy, who looked somewhat in a state of shock, which was funny considering this was Avalon. It wasn’t long until his curious eyes drifted toward her, now alone with a random fae in the middle of the woods.

You’re trying to get me killed, Kari. What the crap! Ditching me with a stranger. And what is with the way he’s looking at me? It’s like he can see…more than he should.

“Well, that was dramatic,” he said, a small smirk playing on his lips as he lazily turned his gaze back to the ocarina in his hands. “Your friend seems to have a habit of running off by the look on your face.”

The young man tilted his head slightly as he rose to his feet and put the instrument in a pouch attached to his waist. There was something elegant about the way he moved—almost elf-like, yet there was more definition to his features than those she’d seen on the ship.

He almost reminded her of a younger Oberon with his dark hair, sharp features, taut cheeks, and lithe figure, but without the darker skin. For sure, he wasn’t like the other fae she’d seen darting about the realm; his aura was also more refined, more…aware.

Sora snorted, crossing her arms and putting on a brave front; there was something off-putting yet attention grabbing about him that she couldn’t put a finger on.

“Yeah, Kari’s not exactly great with sticking around when things get uncomfortable. So…what’s your deal? We show up and you instantly start talking about the forest singing to a shadow wolf?”

“The Shadow Wolf,” he corrected with a light chuckle, gesturing to a rock near the stump he’d been sitting on. “Care to join me for a chat? I don’t bite hard, I swear.”

“If you can catch my interest,” she challenged, manually controlling her tail so it wouldn’t give her away. “So, you’re doing what?”

“I thought it was obvious.” His eyes glinted with mischief as he smoothly retook his seat and gestured at the magical clearing. “I’m communicating with the woods. And you’ll have to excuse me, but are you here to bully the new students, Ms. Third Rank Vulpes?”

“Me the bully, and third rank? Uh, I’m new, bud,” She scoffed, creasing an eye and uncrossing her arms to shoot him a skeptical smirk. “And communicating with the woods? Okay, sure. And, uh, how’s that going for you? All I’m getting is dark vibes below the surface.”

He glanced at her single tail, a spark of amusement in his gaze as he became more comfortable in his speech. “Better than I thought it would go, in all honesty. A First Rank, you say? I call Pixie.”

“Pfft. Is that supposed to mean bullshit here?” Sora scoffed.

“I thought so. An outsider,” he chuckled, brushing his black locks back and crossing his legs to scrutinize her. “It’s just hard to believe you’re a single-tailed vulpes with how unique your magic feels. The woods speak of you…and they seem curious, welcoming, and not just the light side of her roots.”

Is he flirting? Sora’s ears twitched, and she shifted her weight, caught a little off guard. She couldn’t help but notice how smooth his voice was, how casually he complimented her as if it was no big deal. Is this how fae talk, or is he just trying to throw me off balance? His aura’s doing enough of a job for that… It’s unlike anything from the other fae we’ve passed, but I can’t tell exactly how.

“Well,” Sora replied, trying to keep her cool as she slowly moved around the clearing to allow her tail a little freedom to flick, “it’s not every day the forest talks about me behind my back. I hope they’re saying good things. Wait, ‘talking to the woods’ code for Dryads?”

Gah! I need to get better at understanding magic rather than running off vibes.

The fae boy’s grin fell slightly as he slid his fingers over the wooden trunk he sat on. “No, the Elf instructor that oversaw these woods fell to The Darkness. Now she cries for her lost caretaker, and the Dryads that served her have abandoned her shade in fright of the encroaching shadows.”

Sora’s gaze lowered to the vibrant grass, her tone lowering to match the tragic turn of the topic. “Oh. That sucks… Sorry.”

A short pause fell between them, yet it didn’t feel awkward. After several seconds, he looked up at her, his voice smooth and soft, moving past the sorrow. “Nature is cruel and nature is kind. The woods are not typically ones for gossip, but she does appreciate novelty, such as yourself. A positive, mischievous force of change. As for good or bad intentions…that depends on you, doesn’t it?”

What is with this guy? Sora thought, a mixture of feelings welling up within her chest. “So…what’s a fae like you doing out here anyway? Well, other than talking to the grass,” she asked, deciding to poke back. “Not that I’m saying she’s a bad conversationalist! I’m sure botany can be interesting. You’re new to Avalon too, right?”

He chuckled, the sound light and almost musical. “Very new… No, I’m a native but new to the Academy and High Fae society, you could say.” His eyes flashed with playful sarcasm, making her wonder if there was some kind of twist in words there.

The boy lifted the ocarina out of his pouch and began absently spinning it between his fingers. “As such, I’m compelled to get to know the land I’ll be staying on. What better way to spend the Open House than talking to the various guardian entities here in the academy to build rapport. Like I said, I’m communicating with the woods.”

Sora’s eyes narrowed slightly, more intrigued by the second and not sure if she should be feeling this way but not one thread of his unusual magic had touched her; it almost seemed to thread through the very space he occupied, wrapping around him like a blanket.

“Guardian entities, huh? I’m totally new to this magic stuff. But I’m a bit curious about what you said earlier. What’s the deal with this Shadow Wolf? You seemed to know something about it. Is it underground?” she asked, probing for information she could feed the impulsive wolf when she realized she was lost and had no idea what she was doing.

The boy’s laughter was soft while shaking his head. “I’m not quite the expert you seem to think. I’ve only just started my conversations with the woods. We’re still in the introduction phase. Spirits take their time warming up to people, you know. Patience is a virtue.”

His lips quirked into a smile that hinted at a deeper mystery he was inviting her to bite onto. “Though, I’ve had plenty of practice. If you’d like, I could give you some private lessons. Not that I’d boast of myself as a teacher.”

“Forward. I’m not necessarily against it,” Sora hummed, holding the backside of her dress to smooth it under while sitting on the rock and crossing her legs. “What, do you just go around chatting up forests and random fox girls for fun?”

He leaned forward, resting his arms on his crossed legs. “You’re not exactly like any other fox girl I’ve met, to be fair. And these woods are not like the ones I knew back in my humble abode, near the shriveled roots of the World Tree.”

The boy tilted his head with a self-deprecating snicker. “I could also be blunt and say I don’t have many friends to occupy my time with, and chatting with a pretty girl with a tail has its advantages,” he smoothly replied, his tone light but with a trace of something else beneath it—something more personal.

Sora mirrored his head tilt, studying him for a moment to gauge his sincerity, which showed through in his violet-hued aura. “No friends, huh? Well, that’s rough, and I can relate—at least I could a month or so ago.”

She paused, then added with a grin, “And If you’re that desperate to admit it, I’m sure we could find something in common. Besides, I’m new here too—the academy, that is,” she narrowed in with a smirk, “and I could use a few more friendly faces in such a big place.”

The fae boy blinked, clearly caught off guard for the second time, but this time, she was the cause. He glanced off to the side, a slightly uncertain look flickering across his face.

“You must be foreign to Avalon with that kind of attitude and sincerity,” he gently teased, shaking his head. “You certainly do sound more interesting than the usual girls around here. Like the sun drawing nearer rather than the sea rising to drown you.”

“Usual girls?” Sora repeated, her tail flicking behind her. “Why do I feel like that’s both a compliment and an insult?”

He stood up, brushing a few leaves off his leathery pants. “Maybe it’s a little of both. Who knows?” He gave her a sideways smile as he started to walk away, his tone shifting to something a bit more formal. “In any case, I should be heading back. It’s almost time for the closing ceremony at the stadium. After all, I am the highest-graded fae Merit Student, and they’re expecting a speech. Sorry I missed yours since you’re obviously a Special Admittance Student. I’m sure it was riveting.”

Sora’s ears twitched in surprise. “Wait, what? Merit Student? You’re giving a speech?! I didn’t take a test to get in. Is it not open enrollment?” Her mind reeled for a moment. “Hang on… I was supposed to give a speech? No one told me about that!”

He chuckled, throwing her a knowing glance over his shoulder. “I suspected as much from what the woods told me. Sounds like your guide forgot a few key details.” His smile softened as he added, “It’s a bit of a maze here. I could guide you back if you’d like but personally, I’d probably skip it, given Elder Rosewood’s personality.”

Sora groaned, rubbing her forehead and having internal visions of the stern elf woman, the Dean of Magical Discipline’s, stern visage flashed across her mind.

“Ugh, yeah, I’ll take your advice. Freaking Ember, really? I knew she’d forget something important.” She shook her head. “Thanks for the offer and warning. I’ll go find Kari. She’s probably out there running in circles, chasing her own tail…like usual.”

His smile pulled in with a soundless chuckle, nodding in understanding. “Fair enough.” He paused, his expression softening. “If you do end up needing a friend—or if you’re just curious about what else the woods might say—don’t be a stranger.”

Sora grinned, giving him a playful salute from her sitting position. “I’ll keep that in mind, fae boy. You never know when I might need someone to interpret cryptic forest messages or give me a rundown on the key players here at school.”

He chuckled, waving as he began walking down the path. “Take care, unique fox girl. You’re a breath of fresh air compared to Avalon girls. Maybe I’ll take you up on that friendship offer.”

Sora watched him go, her mind spinning with the strange interaction. Avalon boys sure know how to keep things interesting.

As his figure disappeared into the distance, she couldn’t help but wonder why he had specified “Avalon girls.” Why that emphasis? Was he hinting at something? Or am I just reading too much into it? Why are boys so confusing?! Hmm… Wait!

She stood up, a pout and glare coming on as she realized a few details that hadn’t even crossed her mind. He didn’t even give me his name! And if he’s a First Rank, like me and Kari, then…how did he escape the Second Ranks. In fact, where are they? And he kind of didn’t give me a lot of answers…but it felt like he did in the moment. Interesting. Interesting.

Sora looked off into the dark woods, considering running after him to ask a few direct questions but decided against it in the end.

I’ll see you around, mysterious, lonely fae boy. Why does it feel like every boy flirts but never makes a move! It’s infuriating! Or am I just that dense and they are making a move? Is it because I’m flirting and they’re testing the waters? Am I flirting? Ahhh! Just…let it die, Sora, and get out of your head!

Sighing, she shook her head and turned her attention back to the forest, hoping she could track down Kari before the wolf caused any more trouble or ran into a Second Rank.

Please, don’t beat anyone up. I’m probably in enough trouble as it is skipping my speech. I can’t believe Ember forgot!

Setting off into the forest, she followed the magical light orb she conjured to track down her impulsive wolf friend.