There’d been no small amount of chaos and uproar once Camila and I had parsed the legal jargon.

But it could also be the fact that this Mr. Schroeder had called first.

Just an email. The first tentative contact made to report a mistake.

Was all he had needed.

“Hunter, yes? Good of you to call, now child,” said a thickly accented voice. A man’s. Clearly in a position of power and versed in using it. No other conclusion could suit such a flippant, whimsically disingenuous tone.

It took all my strength to hold back an outright growl. “Can I help you?” Ground out of my throat instead, fist gripping the table.

“Video call for one. So if you would be so kind as to turn the phone from your ear herr.”

“Like a crystal ball.”

And if the man now on his screen, so prim in dark red with rose pink accent, caught the slip he didn’t let on to it.

Instead continuing to correct my own error.

There had been no mistake.

If it so pleased me all expenses for the round trip, accommodation, and any other charge from competition would be covered.

Equipped with the Schroeder brand’s cards and duel disk Hunter Wilde would be some new life breathed into the company image.

“Now I assure you this is not a risk. From what I hear you have some skill yet, and not to mention made an astounding connection. I won’t try to buy your eye with the newest and shiniest cards.”

The man… didn’t seem to be looking down on me. Not in that moment when he sipped a drink put back off screen.

“I can certainly agree there is some… mysticism present in here Pegasus’ delightful game so attachment to certain card types or characters is only natural.”

And not through the whole exchange.

Mr. Schroeder always placed Hunter right at his eyes.

"Yes, of course. I meant no offense in that aspect at all madam."

"Camilla is fine," she redirected coldly. "We're both adults after all."

Or, I could only speculate, that she hoped so.

That was another thing that pricked uncomfortably in my mind. Shroeder did appear quite young no matter how he clearly intended to present.

"Assuming you do believe in me and my skills, not even getting into how you might know I'm anything special," his prime suspicion for a leak of information such as that was Keji of the store. "And you're serious about riding company money on me..."

Could that be some means of guilt to put me in a corner? Controlling and prodding at my willingness to do what would inevitably be asked of me after. Plus, he was in the same business as that Seto Kaiba.

Whom he somehow doubted, quite distastefully myself as Ms. Noceda for this figure, was the type for partners.

Also, like, it would be cheating I was almost certain.

"Guess what we're both trying to ask is how am I supposed to pay you back if your investment goes belly up."

"Ahh, sharp. Appreciated herr child. Yes, nothing is for free. Well, not truly. I can tout generosity all I want but the fact is that you are absolved upon delivery of my terms. No if or but about it, no matter the circumstances you may find yourself during or after."

We shared a look. Camilla already fearing the worst. I'd not told her then about even applying to enter.

"Mama, I really didn't-- lie."

I'd not told her what my plans would have been to get halfway around the world.

I would have lied to her, saying that the entry process permitted paying my travel expenses. But Schroeder shot that idea dead in the boiling water.

"Hunter, mijo," she whispered, gaze trained warily to the man on the camera. "I know, why you wanted to do this. I am not mad, but, ayy you should have told me. Let us figure out something for you together if it was so important to you."

"I know. I'm sorry."

She sighed, turning back to Schroeder. "Well, what did you have in mind?"

"really now, don't treat me with such suspicion. I assure you I am not a cruel man. In fact, from the start I respect you quite a bit. You are clearly a protective, dutiful Mother with a good boy," indicating me with a beat of his head as if it were something that needed repeating.

"Then no more non-sequiter. Just state your terms. If they don't harm my son or myself then I'll consider it."

"Of course," and that calculating, savvy eye trained upon me. Gauging my reaction and seeking my opinion over another's. Namely, the reasonable, responsible adult.

Certainly odd in this human world. But then again, not unheard of even in mundane, run-of-the-mold school. Treating me as an equal, a friend.

"Now, I offer at all because you are clearly in some financial strain. Many companies do, I've set a link to various affiliates and colleagues of mine which have many similar programs for gaming tournaments or even schooling and other higher or specialized service, but, that is more supplementary than anything even if I think it would highly interest a single-parent household."

With a wry smile he fanned out his hands again. Still ever graceful within his plush seat. "As to your, hehe, predicament I wouldn't wish to overtax your resources no. Hardly efficient so assuming on the probability of your not meeting the minimal requirements your parent or guardian; as outlined, will pay a percentage of incurred fees as direct wire deposits. With negotiated payment plan, the rest, will be through your time, either directly at my beck and call in headquarters, or in one of my stores. How yet, I leave that to you. You would not be paid, but other than that treated as any other employee or work-study student seeking experience and good marks on a resume than anything."

Quite a fair agreement. It eased things somewhat, even if he still came off as intolerably smug. But hey, probably it was a rich people thing. Wasn't like I'd met many nice rich people to compare.

"Now what say you now, Hunter?" he preened, clearly having me on to answer just how he wanted.

I was going to do this. One way or another.

Looking to Mrs. Camilla I could see she was still in thought. And though the man didn't inspire much solace or comfort, I knew well enough to sense lies or malice. And Mr. Schroeder far as I could see, had none.

I signed my name sharp and imposing upon the paper, presenting it proud and with chest puffed in confidence.

"A pleasure."

Like that, the screen went black.

Camilla was, very justifiably, in shock. She didn't like it but... there was little she could do.

However, as she'd reminded, didn't mean she wouldn't have a lawyer on standby once she found one. Taking the afternoon to compose a list on this Schroeder Corp, any and every source she could call to know more.

I honestly couldn't bring myself to worry all too much about things. This human, just didn't measure up if he wanted to be 'tough' of all things. With Mama at my corner, I felt safe to just appreciate luck turning in my favor. Whilst putting together a Duel Disk of my very own, and a small, warm warble nuzzling at my neck.

Chuckling and happily petting at the fairies who tried to handle the tools. Only for their minute hands to slip through without consequence.

Those Duel spirits turned into a constant comfort, fiddling at my insides so that the new experience of flying on a gargantuan tin can with clearly no stabilization systems and only simplistic mechanics off a children's toy to guide it, wasn't so terrifying.

"Deboarding, Domino City now. All passengers remember to take all carry-ons and personal items. We at Tokyo Airway are not held responsible for lost or stolen items."

Humans. Innovative as they were, they really should have left flight to the professionals. Witches, if it weren't clear.

Then again, their cities wiped dirty little villages and horse drawn buggies to the ground.

First the clear blue skies stretched far as the eye could see with a fjord of fluffy, soft clouds, and then a second airport. Bigger and more whizzing components than the last. And a whole new backlog of people!

This 'customs' was rigorous.

Odd runes replaced English signature on each and every surface.

And on his way outside of this singular building he found blaring streets of car horns and nearly got mauled by one wild green metal stallion just taking a step to orient himself.

Flight always gave him air legs unaccustomed to heavy land and oppressive gravity!

At every side, smooshed unto this epicenter were many more buildings. Highway bridges and streets rising to the sky.

It filled my senses it took each and every unused crevice of brain power.

"Woah!"

Including those keeping me upright apparently. Geez. Had I-- no. Nonono.

Have I made a mistake?

The city was so big, I knew no one, and Schroeder only paid for a singular ticket. Nothing Camilla could do about that. Japan's laws around what was considered a "child" differed a lot then those back home.

And like a blow-hardy, annoying fool I'd leapt at the chance to be outside "parental control."

"Enough. Enough sightseeing," I scolded of myself. Though I'd maintained an arm looped around my suitcase I still slapped some reality onto myself. "Now where," the sifting dig at his pockets began to grate quite quickly. Somewhere there'd have to be a note as to where and who to expect for pick-up and transport to his hotel.

Shoot. And he'd made it priority too.

A tap made my hairs stand on end. Wary and already agitated I whirled around an uppercut ready to fight.

"Hunter Wilde?" inquired a man in a tone crisp as a black ironed and pressed suit. His face an immaculate mask of professionalism and disinterest.

Noting the poster board held up with his name in elegant rosy cursive I gave a weak nod.

"Good."

It was a trio of security detail who kept onlookers to a minimum, as well as taking the task of his luggage.

"You will immediately be escorted to Mei-Lei hotel to settle yourself in. Consider me your temporary aide and confidant, whatever you may require sir, I promise to provide it."

"Of course sir," I said, "thank you sir." Giving a slight bow in response.

An action he mimicked, as well as indulging to offer his arm to my own as a guide.

Opening the door to the limo; not untraceable or even particularly subtle in the slightest, was just a bit much though.

But also, the vague notion of being treated like an actual Prince, was in ways haha ironic,

and dramatically, tragically ironic. Schroeder, though clearly doting had his own ends.

There was just one more clause to the contract.

Deliver some piece of programming with no knowledge on what or why, without suspicion, to the Kaiba Corp executives. The pair of brothers Seto and Mokuba.

Exactly why it had to be the Quarter Finals.

These ends he'd selected me to carry out for him since I was in the least able position to choose otherwise. Besides, nothing told me of what boss he would prove to--

All that fled my mind once I saw just what Luz had been on about when I told her the big news.

How the sun could shine upon panes and panes of glass. Metal buildings cutting high and powerful. The heat, even in this car, growing expansively to a heavy shroud.

She'd made me promise to get pictures of any and all "highlights."

Her fault really, for not specifying because right now, everything, every minute detail captivated his mind and any lingering mistrust.

My shutter snapped. I was here now, things hadn't gone to all Hell, and on the off chance I would need help, I and a bunch of weird, loud, devoted witches could be more than up to the challenge.

Plus, wings fluttering in my galderstone clued me in to how excited a red cardinal was right now. A rush of pride overflowing to the point of a few stray tears.

Besides the necessary, his escort wasn't a fan of chatting.

Just fine with me. Of course, by no means was that an indicator of an uncaring employee. In fact, such boundaries usually proved just the opposite. His eye was on the objective and the objective of his pay alone.

"Uhh, sir," he said lowly, keeping a respective distance of Cerbos, "pets are not permitted in this hotel, and considering its-- class we'd face an unfortunate incident with exterminators."

I glared, I couldn't exactly help it, I'd already had one palisman threatened and, failed to protect.

"Okay, Cerbos, hide-and-seek time," I hummed in a dulcet, calming manner.

The way he tickled my hair to hide in the awful nest made me smile just a bit.

And the guard's incredulously revolted face just nearly made me burst out laughing.

But there were way too many people in suits. I'd have to maintain an image if I hoped to get the time and privacy I'd need from here on in.

"Well, we're here." I whispered, "any ideas on what to do first?"

Cerbos ducked his head with a hairy leg rubbing in thought.

About food and when the human would stop being a mess of nerves and bitter homesickness.

Okay, I near lost my mind once I actually got a look at the spacious, elegant bedroom. With kitchen, bathroom, dining area amenities!!!

The tub was the size of a literal algae pond back on the Isles or the Bat Queen's own sleeping hole.

There was a cold box--fridge-- fully stocked with drinks, food, treats, and meats.

And a television the size of the entire side wall right at the foot of his bed for easy, lazy viewing. It was way too much.

Sooo, it was lucky for everyone involved once the guard finally knocked saying I should eat something.

"Will you need help to," I read over the options, "pick. Something. Out?"

As my eyes roved the options the Japanese became English in a pulse of red.

And out of my lips came fluent Japanese in return. "Ah! The gyudon looks aamazing, hey do you want some?"

"N--no thank you. Just umm worry about yourself."

I simply shrugged pointing out a few other things.

Which when came to me steaming or bubbling hot and full of flavor.

Neither did the salmon or shogayakai, shrimp, sushi and omlette samplers or onion soup disappoint.

Behind lacy white curtains was a night sky; clear of stars but no less vast and familiar than back home. The moon was in the same phase too.

Mrs. Noceda, may be looking out at that sky from her bed tonight. Thinking about me. But, more likely Luz.

There were rare few places all the way out in homey little Gravesfield where a person could get a deck.

If a duelist wanted good cards they’d have to troll online-only vendors or trading hubs.

And all were seriously expensive.

Duel Monsters just, for some reason or another, didn’t reach those here or in a lot of countries. Despite the rabble in Europe, Japan, and Korea.

That said, there was a place.

One singular place I knew had donated the school’s ten starter decks with the promise of free employment for the summer months and marketing. Along a small fee.

Turning around it was a mad dash beeline for the game shop at breakneck speeds.

It was a one room shebang called the Gilded Glib’s Duelist Central.

Open.

Thank God.

Opening the door a generic store chime sounded.

All the same I called out to whoever could be present.

The counter person looked up but did little more than hummm at him briefly.

“Eighteen minutes. Have your time cut out for you.”

“Of course?” I muttered.

“Hey.”

“Yes sir,” I yelped somewhat loudly.

“You go to the junior high? Gravesfield one?”

“Huh? Oh mmm yes sir. Why?” I pressed, somewhat suspiciously.

“No reason. Go on. Do what you have to. Till then, let me sleep.”

Sure enough he set aside his newspaper and put his head down beside it.

Quiet pressed upon the shop.

Letting me hear each and every step of mine on the wood tiles.

A last CREAK and I snapped up a bundle of booster packs.

All random spells, traps and monsters. I could organize and otherwise parcel them out however I wanted later.

But, cards were always different attributes, types, and of differing, random series in these packages.

For all I knew I would get a complete hodge-pudge of beasts, insects, light, water, fire-resistant, cold-resistant, opposing monsters, or unusable, useless spells.

I needed a unifier to my deck.

Some singular type to tie together with effects and buffs. Plus enough variety to adapt any set strategies.

I also favored a more dynamic, cautious structure of dueling. Ways in which I could feel out and pry out a duelist’s battle style and fight accordingly from that.

So, definitely a type that would allow strong defenses and minimal damages.

Gilded’s cases for individual cards were locked tight. Only an owner’s key could open one. Letting customers and younger kids look but not touch.

Or worse… when the vigil was sleeping, steal.

But it wasn’t too troublesome considering the displays were organized by type and unified “chains.” Series of cards that went together and grew in power when used alongside booster spells or coupled monster effects.

A couple cases by were my favorites. The Lunar series of beasts.

“Wolves.”

I wanted them. A start was a start. I could at least start a hand and then la—

—aaaater?

My ears just… popped.

Turning, the howl grew in pitch.

Crying out to the sky.

Mournful and supine, begging to be… held.

But I hadn’t cast a single spell.

I turned around wildly searching, I don’t know for what.

Either some speaker or even model out. A better explanation…

Peeking I could see the cashier still slept.

No hint of gold to my skin or nipping at the fibers of my shirt.

With careful steps, muscles taut and fists clenched in resolve equal to the hardened bone of soldier’s instincts.

I held my breath, howls slowly fading but sharply clear in my head.

What— what was this?

Possession? Glamours? Was I being— what why couldn’t I control my body.

Hands touching upon a beat up old box on a shelf ROAAAAAAAARUGHGGH the beast slathered and snarled.

“Heh heh. Duel Monsters?” I asked at school one day. “What’s that?”

I’d been given a noob deck set. Set against the newest member. Someone who knew the ropes no better than I did.

But could keep his hand to himself.

I noticed quickly the Dueling Club had near no girls.

What also turned clear to me was that… monsters were soldiers. Spells were glyphs.

And I…? I was the God whose hand shook but was a God nonetheless. I, sent ranks to their deaths.

From the first moment I looked into a card’s eyes there was this… this link that always carried out to me. The monsters felt— were— real. Sometimes more real than I felt on some days.

I was scared and I was frantic. Inside me the eyes of everyone, their bated breaths sent me into a dark place. Made the wooden table, the tiled floors, all of it, there was no one. No-thing. I was just me. Solitary. In the dark.

In the dark. And a crowd watching.

So I made the moves. Played the fields. Closed my eyes and bowed my head for each fallen.

And as the murmurs began to prick…

Because basketball, gym, cosplay, sewing, charm, and wit. I was good at it all. Yet here, here’s where Hunter Wilde was beat.

And that was the whole of it wasn’t it?

The monsters weren’t going to stay. Weren’t in a position to defend themselves without me.

So my eyes turned cold. Apathetic. Arrogant.

The Golden Guard took over and won the duel.

Once I’d looked down again it all slotted into place.

Hah! Once the field turned into tactical maps and I got my starter with goblin platoons or toy regiments it was a clean sweep.

Well, okay I had to read some so I didn’t accidentally disqualify myself.

Still… preliminary matches and simulation turned to analysis. Studying stats, style, picking up discs and swag.

Until I was in the monthly betting pool and winning.

“Haha,” I chuckled arms full with a pool of chips, chocolates, gummies, sour string, fruit rolls, and other cookies or salted stuff. “I said it didn’t I? Painless. I’m a man of my word.”

And stuck out my tongue.

The former ranked number two fumed and pointedly ignored me the rest of that evening but so had I. So had anyone else in the bracket for all of fifteen minutes.

Those snacks later found their way to Camila’s veterinary office for kids and others waiting on surgery or… unfortunate news… to munch on.

I spiraled. Down and down, down till my knees near gave way.

Petting fur, watching yet more leap for prey.

And— and sparkling lights. Orbs, bright glyphs.

As pixie fairies nipped just beyond their fangs.

Winked at Hunter— me.

Me. Winking and commuting to me and my heart.

That one.

It was mine for just ten dollars.

The man whose name I found out was Keji allowed me the extra time to register for the tournament.

He’d send away for my forms, writing in the rarest card of the set; a still common, average Brotherhood of Wolf monster. Just a level three.

"We can add this Change of Heart."

"Does it have to be a playing card though?" I wondered.

"Dunno, don't exactly care but we can cover our bases."

He made no promises.

Seto Kaiba’s was an exclusive event.

“Either way I appreciate it,” I said, still somewhat … figuring just what it was that was making my deck vibrate.

Keji grinned slyly. “Don’t, really Wild Child don’t appreciate anything. Don’t say any one word about ‘thank you’s or ‘aww so cool Kej-man.’ Give it three days and you’ll turn around screaming curses…” he broke out into bitter laughter.

“Why— why would—“

“Course that’s hardly skin off my bones. Sometimes you just get all these crazy crack legends from kids searching for discounts and ways to make a ruckus.”

“Legends?” I whispered, not just a little unnerved if fascinated.

“Hah! Yeah,” he said leaning in, waving me on to do the same.

Once I was good and close that he could drop to a whisper he told me. “So it goes that deck there is cursed, possessed. Spirits leaking out of the beasts. Always getting mad at their owners for something, ‘the deck’s not supposed to be theirs or hers or mine,’ ‘cards choose themselves.’ Supposedly the whole game is a modern reboot of some sick occult magic involving human sacrifice and rites to Hell.”

“Woah.” My eyes widened, clutching tight. The cards were still warm.

And— the warmth still fluctuated in a way that beat sedately in my hands.

Almost like the hot stuff was a purr.

I gazed to Keji. Surely he could see or realize— something.

Clutching them I presented my cupped hands.

“All talk of course. Seriously, you have a complaint and you will, I’ll give you your money back so don’t look at me so pitifully.”

“Right,” I said and with a sideways glance whispered back, “Though I figure myself made out of some tough stuff, stupid curse would regret… it. So much.”

Keji shrugged. “Could be. Just as many pros are starting to come out saying they speak and feel with their decks. I will tell you, the holographics are no joke. Fire and brimstone coming at real wizards, seeing it in their faces,” he whistled, “I would hate to be a Duel Monster. Really.”

“Yeah. I get where they’re coming from,” I agreed. “Well thank you… for uh… for the service.”

Keji simply nodded. Sure enough, now without customers let loose and lit a light. Exhaling he came out from the counter, taking coat and some keys.

“Look it’s late. Way too late for you, lemme give you a ride.”

Making me tense.

Among the first rules of the human world, or really any exchange of my life, never let just anyone know where you lived.

“Or not,” he sighed, somewhat defeated but nevertheless let it lie.

“Just be safe alright,” he said with a stern expression as he held the door open for me.

And slammed it just as I began my pedaling home.

Shoot. Cerbos was likely spinning a complete cocoon of the house by now.

***********************

In Germany, a White Castle with blue accents

A man in a cashmere robe lounged on the pool deck of his elegant home.

Sipping a cold, tangy cocktail.

Smiling and setting down the glass when his laptop chimed.

An email with a file attached that addressed the recipient as Schroeder Zigfried.

On it did he find his rousing Champion by the name of Wilde. No older than sixteen and vagabond appearance from a school ID photo on his information sheet.

**********************

“Okay maybe I didn’t think that far ahead happy now?” I sniped at a burner phone.

Where on the other side none other than Luz giggled. “Very,” she cheekily replied, before sighing, “it was really a good try, nice gesture.”

“I’m going to do it,” I enthused. “One way or another.”

I was at the foyer now, backpack in hand to meet with some of the library staff. Having asked about a small job. A one time thing to organize a community athletics event for kids. The pay was nothing to write home about but I’d been told to ask around. See if moms needed lawn work or garages organized.

“Oooo. Am I gonna have a famous dueling brother, well I better get an autograph while I can on all my notes… Yuchi Mouto won’t—“

At that point I was really losing my head with her. Not caring at this moment right now she’d happened to save my life once, twice. Or more than I could ever repay.

Who was counting though? Hardly mattered to the cackle beginning to nettle under my skin.

Just a second away from hanging up Luz composed herself.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Look I don’t know dueling. Almost no one does but everyone knows the best in the game whoever it is in whatever game. And this Japanese kid, he’s the King.”

That was when the doorbell beat me to getting the knob.

For a moment I recoiled, tensing as Camila always made a point to inform me of guests. Mail was delivered every Friday, three days away, and trash or other maintenance assigned did not engage with residents unless outright summoned or required by a regulatory or functionality issue.

“I am absolutely certain you just misnamed that big shot.”

And by Dueling stats and tournament wins Hunter was near certain the “King” was still that hot air, egoistic billionaire Kaiba with his Battle City throw down.

And surely either/or she expected a snide remark. Some promise to introduce the Titan to this soft human preener.

Hmm. Well no need to keep whoever waiting. And if it was some human scam or ambush well… Luz very well should remember I’d stared down a King before. “I’m… going to have to call you back. Please stay safe and try not to come by with ash and a new mullet.”

“Weh. Wait a— Hunter?”

I cut her off there.

I’d text later.

Slow typed my foot.

Opening the door I found no one to greet. No indication at all there was any guest.

But my foot did in fact find evidence.

On the step was a sizable package, the sticker stenciled with our home address and my name in bold, thick lettering.

Not to mention a whole other letter tied to the corner.

Hefting it inside I found it to be barely a burden. Certainly something bulky was inside, and solid but other than that…?

Mrs. Noceda continued her washing in the kitchen.

“Mijo. Was that the neighbor? A few kids?”

I simply shook my head quite intent on the true mystery. Then again the who may matter just as much.

“Not sure,” and I not my lip slightly, “umm it’s against the law? Opening others’ mail right? Your name has to be on it?”

“Yes. Honey did you by chance, see something you really liked?” an uncertain note came to her voice.

Though I knew much better than to be wary. Give me some credit.

A person may just as likely mistake the checkout for check-it-out on that Internet.

“Haven’t been on those sites,” those confusing, scammers who can’t not know what they’re doing, “won’t allow it at school anyway. And Keji didn’t email me back yet about equipment.”

Camila sighed. “Well nothing more to do then. Go on mijo.”

When I cut open the front center of the box, to say I was surprised and more than a bit disconcerted was putting it quite lightly. Often the way Luz liked to say the nightmares were just little nicks from bed bugs.

Which didn’t make anyone less concerned being how bed bugs could bleed her dry if given an inch.

A duel disk ready for assembly lay in the box under layers of foil and bubble wrap. That and a single device that could only connect to a computer.

Then the letter.

Reaching for it, I found Camilla ahead of me and staring to the paper perturbed.

“Excuse me while I get my phone.”

Camila had drawn herself taut. Just as battle ready as she was clearly stressed.

Taking a look himself Battle City immediately registered.

A contract, just one page.

The bottom fold marked only with an X.

Whipping out his cell Hunter opened a new email.

The weekend morning started steel grey and cold.

The water still not heated but I was way too grimy and gross from last night.

I could appreciate a glass of blueberry blast, even an icy one across my scalp in hot, deadly simmering summer heat.

But smelling of artificial syrup from head to toe...

Yuck.

I went into a harried rush in and out, leaping about with nothing more to protect me from the chill than a mustard yellow towel and throw over my hair.

The bite of a small portable heater up my second floor bedroom was welcome, creating a pleasant throb on my skin.

Shivering, I let my hair free of the thick wool then moving on to my torso, frantically drying myself. Lucky for me, it was ingrained in scouts to dress swiftly and correctly for morning inspection. Lest the emperor grow angry.

Either way, I was warm in fifteen seconds. No complaints, no contest.

On my shoulder and out of his enclosure was my Palisman. A sizable and ghastly spider with lithe, hairy legs rising and falling in a stretch.

Cerbos.

Shaking his head up against my own face indicating he demanded attention. Namely that of prey.

“Okay okay,” I relented offering my fingers for a friendly nip before the big travelled up my arm.

Finding our way to what served as the kitchen. Not far from the main foyer of the old place. Where we’d once painted the bird tube and done Spanish from scary Dual-Lingo.

Eda in all her ways still didn’t totally understand human pipes and wires. She got me water for the faucet and shower but for the life of her couldn’t fathom a full on fridge. So, she did the next best thing.

A portable mini usually meant to be in an RV and siphon from the gas of the car. This one’s unit was outside.

And it did the job.

Keeping the loaf cold and safe from bugs. Or more namely, a snotty arachnid with a taste for fire beetles. The cold of the machine keeping them stupid and wings fluttering feebly but flaring to life once out.

Even so, I handled them with care, before tossing them around the webs.

Inevitably caught and devoured. Gruesomely and involving bloodied crumbs and odd clear fluid from empty eye sockets for me to clean off the counter.

Cerbos was then content to nap in my hair. Now a festive Jewish hat. I’d have to ask Vee or Camilla what those were called again. I certainly remembered not liking the looks those times some coworkers came by, or patients in the vet’s office, or some of his schoolmates who wore those “religious head coverings.” Hats and also hi-jabs. Only remembering the latter from old movies.

Ones I was warned compulsively by Luz and her mother to not take as fact or use in any normal conversation.

With that done, everything checked, and phone hanging off my fingers…

Damn keys. Key, where—

A dangerous tip caught me off kilter but was quickly fixed. Acutely reminding me why I lived alone.

Much as I loved my friends to death and back, I was not one to be so mercilessly mocked! I mean Willow was one thing, she was Willow, she never meant it to be annoying. Not that— not that such a thing was in her. No, she made people double trip on crossing her. And anyway, when she laughed it was the nicest—

Tossing the phone and letting it slide to better grip, taking the glazed vanilla bread like a book.

Fishing my jangling ring I locked the knob.

Mrs. Noceda sent a couple texts as I made the serene stroll down, whistling a tune to myself.

Shower before morning. O Que te salve Dios de gripa.

Can’t wait to see you mijo.

Mijo. May just be my favorite word.

“Hunter! Huuunter!”

Deftly he swung himself away from a streak in a white shirt, jogger pants, and an unruly blend of yellow and blue hair.

Vee stumbled, flailing arms to catch herself and glared fiercely in my direction as he laughed.

“Ahhh. Hey I tell you not to run patata,” I crooned.

She stuck out her tongue, quickly forgetting her irritation.

This time I let her crush me into a hug.

The delicate way she held my cake, eyes gleaming and already drooling could have been a factor too.

Mrs. Noceda was much the same. Burying me in a hug and even giving Cerbos a pet.

I returned him to staff form and let him lean in the living room next to a window sill.

Lunch was delicious as usual.

We talked and we laughed. We caught up.

I couldn’t waste this chance in teasing Vee when she’d brought up her friend Masha’s name.

“Stooooop,” she whined putting her head down the kitchen table.

“Mija,” Camila soothed with a hand patting her back. “Mija sabes Que no intenta mal.” There was still laughter in her own voice as she said it.

“Ya se Mama,” she conceded. And now had a sly smile on her face. “Y Que es unos rumores entre amigos?”

Vee still had some gestures from Luz. Namely the look she had when planning mischief.

“You know last Willow had called she was pretty disappointed you’d been out with those sweaty guys you hang with. Instead of your lonely little sister,” she pouted impetuously.

For a moment my breath hitched.

I puckered my mouth, refusing to let anything go.

“Hate you.”

Vee gasped. “Whyyyyyy?”

“I love you.”

“Hmmmm?”

“I love you.”

“Sorry still, still can’t hear you over my loving heaaaart.”

“I love you patata!” I finally enunciated fiercely.

Leaping she smothered me again, making me flail once I realized I really couldn’t breathe.

***********************

“So expect Luz to come by for next weekend. Oh you know what we should tag team. Augh but I also really do want her advice. Being in a healthy, romantic relationship.”

“I’m sure the human can take a joke,” I assured.

It was well into the night outside.

Near eight and I suppose the routine of a scout hadn’t wholly left me as I yawned at every other sentence.

For the moment Vee and I had moved for the living room.

Took out a few board games and began to play.

Though for all through it I could sense something was up.

For all she rambled on about her “maybe/maybe not” over Masha, commenting on the witch of Hunter and his status in school, and of course the Isles there was something she hadn’t mentioned. Something nipping at her happy demeanor.

I wanted to know what to do. I should have. We’d gotten way, way closer ever since staying in the human world.

Sometimes we treated each other to a movie or the zoo. We showed each other off to our friends. There was always laughter when we hung out.

We were friends.

I was her older brother.

Seeing that frown while she pondered her checkers pieces, before catching my stare and making a move she shouldn’t have made.

One we both knew she wouldn’t make.

Especially since she taught me the strategy part of dueling.

I placed one of my vital pieces in her black one’s jaws. Boxed in, inevitable to be caught and the game won.

She noted the play with significant confusion.

I was not subtle. I was not gentle and sensitive to others the way my friends were.

“What’s bothering you? It isn’t the girls at your school is it?”

Vee had decided to completely start fresh.

That meant no Gravesfield Junior High where Luz used to go to and “came back” to after camp.

Instead she’d chosen a somewhat more turbulent place. Meadow Lane.

A somewhat farther school with less than stellar records on passing students or graduation. But she said it was fun if not a bit loud and the kids really weren’t all so bad as they were made out to be.

There were even much more Hispanic kids to practice Spanish with. A lot who’d been understanding to their “situation” as not from around.

Still, I couldn’t watch over her the way I could at my school. Protect her with that popular status.

“No— n—n-no. No no it’s not that,” she said whiling away her finger, already beginning to curl on herself. “School is great. It isn’t anything.”

“Vee,” I breathed, “please. Please tell me. I’m your brother.”

“I— she said… she said not to—“

“Who! Who said!” I urged, not liking her voice at all. Someone, something was hurting her! Hurting her deep and often to be like this. On the edge of sheer panic.

“Camila.”

Camila.

“Mrs. Noceda,” I repeated somewhat skeptical. That just didn’t fit. What would she want to— no. No no no no.

Something wasn’t, he was sure now he was absolutely missing something.

Now if only she would—

“Camila said to please not worry,” Vee continued and it did loosen the knot that had constricted his chest just a bit.

She just meant not to keep it in and worry. Of course she was.

“She said it was fine. That we just— we weren’t a bother and she loves us.”

Now if that wasn’t distressing in its own way.

Only that was all I got out of Vee before she started crying.

She threw herself onto me. I couldn’t do much at that point except hold her.

She blubbered something about Camilla seeing her like this. I muffled her cries in my shirt. But that wasn’t the right thing to do.

Though for now, despite the fact that Vee needed what I couldn’t provide, the issue right now was getting her through this moment. So, I did.

Vee breathed, buried in my body. I guided her best as I could.

To calm down and to please, please tell me anything.

Turns out, therapy, family lawyers, special needs toys and anxiety tools weren’t cheap.

“I found the bills one morning Camilla just passed out. Not like passed out out but, she was just so tired.”

She’d said so in a whisper now leading me along.

Slowly tiptoeing so as to not make a fuss, into her own room.

Where she had snatched some of the receipts and letters herself.

I read it, looking up from the numbers, admittedly as torn as she was.

So of course Vee wrung her hands in worry.

“I— I don’t know what I can do. I mean Hunter,” she rasped voice thick with emotion.

I huffed softly. More thinking than anything.

I couldn’t make her do anything. If she wanted me and only me then I would have to respect that. Offer her a stress free place to get away for the weekend if nothing else.

I’d found ways to occupy my time around town without spending money. It was a system that worked.

Then again me? I needed answers.

“Okay look,” and tear-filled eyes gazed up. I kept my cool, “Vee it wasn’t the way to go. You can’t be taking this stuff—“ he treaded very carefully, making sure she realized he wasn’t exactly scolding her.

“I know that,” she defended nervously.

“I know you do but, look, I can stay here with you. I can listen. No,” I corrected, “I will listen. That I can do for you but, I also need to address this. With Mrs. Noceda.”

“Hunter but— she said,” and then her stance hardened. “No. We shouldn’t. I mean it’s fine really.”

“No. No it isn’t,” I insisted. “Look I’m worried okay. And, I know you are too. You don’t have to join me but that’s why I’m saying. If you still need me than fine but, me. I need to address this with Mrs. Noceda. Figure out just what’s up.”

Vee closed her eyes. Straining, struggling with herself fiercely.

Before finally crying out.

Holding my hand and the pair heading together in an urgent gait.

********************

“Children?” Camila asked peeking in from the kitchen. Having finished the dishes and finding quiet. “Vee? Hunter? You two where have you gone… off—?

Odder still when she spotted the abandoned games. Both checkers and some more of those Dueling cards Hunter borrowed from school.

“Here,” Hunter said. Without fanfare, tone trite.

He stood stiff and worse yet expression solemn as when he’d first sought refuge along his friends almost a year ago now.

And Vee was cowering behind. Looking almost ashamed and— almost refusing to meet her eyes.

“Mijos? What— what is. It?”

“Please don’t lie,” he then said struggling to get the words out. “We’re— we’re sorry for peeking.”

Crumpled in his hands were papers she’d never wanted them to see. The last thing they needed right now— was to see the monetary costs imposing on their getting better, getting everything that should have been given them from the start.

Unbidden, her legs nearly fell.

She could tell her expression was falling. Putting a hand to her mouth…

Hunter was so fast in catching her.

“Sit down, please. And please don’t. This isn’t your fault, we— we worry too. And I need to know.”

_________

There’s been no way to know how the conversation would have gone.

I was relieved though, that Camila was scared for us first and foremost.

Money was tight.

She had admitted as much, admitted how important it was that Sasha Waybright be their therapist.

Since she knew the ins and outs of magical worlds.

She promised to elaborate; laughing a little, if not strained.

She kissed Vee and urged her to go to bed for now. She’d be up with some chocolate and the rest could be for the morning.

Still sniffling Vee nodded.

Camila took me through just what the expenses were.

The sheer wear of the financial burden obvious on her face.

“The lawyers promised to let me pay in installments with a bit of grace all things considered. Without certain paperworks…”

“…then I’m not a person here either. I don’t, wouldn’t, have a shot of making something here.”

Camila nodded. “Yes and neither would Vee. Social Services would have come and they protect kids but,” she smiled in a way all too much like her daughter when keeping up the ruse of know-how when in a bind.

Briefly it weighed on me how lucky it was Luz learned from and admired her Mother so much. As Camila had forgiven him almost as easily as Luz.

“It’s create a lot of awkward questions on where I proofed from and if you were maybe lying and holding me prisoner.”

This time both shared a hearty laugh.

“I wanna help.”

“Oh baby,” Camila soothed hand on my head.

“No, Mrs. Mom,” she put a hand to her chest.

I kept my gaze.

It had been a huge step.

Calling her Mom just then.

“Honey I— I appreciate you may feel…”

“L— le- let… let me sp- sp- speak.”

Crap.

It had been so huge.

I’d— I’d never dared overstep the way I had.

Acknowledging Mrs. Noceda as my Mother, my family, dating to believe this could last it shorted out my voice, much less composure completely.

Sure enough I was scorching red and surely making an expression ripe for ridicule and cartoonishly unsightly.

But either way I did speak.

Focusing on the table.

Making rings with my finger as I did.

“I’m not suggesting anything crazy but, well, I cannot stand by whether you want me to or not. It just isn’t my way,” I declared, false ruefulness when I shook my head.

“Well alright I suppose,” she hummed thoughtfully with a pensive hand to her chin, “ah! I could use some help organizing coupons.”

“Send me off with a stack!”

“Hmm your house though, it is very old plus it is a little more humid there.”

“My gym locker is out too then. Not much better after all.”

Camila winced. “Never bring those back if they’ve been with your clothes the whole day.”

“I’m with my clothes the whole day.”

“Now you know what I mean and I know you do,” she teased. Ruffling my hair where her gaze stayed on my face for just a little longer.

She looked away first. “I suppose you will want the Wanteds too. I know half-baked isn’t a word in your vocabulary.”

“No ma’am,” I puffed with considerable pride even if Camila were more exasperated than amazed.

“But,” she affirmed right down to the Mom finger and soul-piercing, pin his butt to a chair stare. “You start small, after all you’re schedule is choked up enough as it is with all those clubs you’re a part of. Not to mention going in all directions for those friends of yours.”

I wanted to look abashed but I couldn’t.

Not my fault people found scars a draw. And not that I had to dole out anything on the how.

Sooo, mysterious bad boy reputation for the foreseeable future.

Very much not sad!

“We are,” she said drawing and feeling it out as she did, “also going to have to dial down your birthday. Now I know, I know I promised and we’d already put plans together…”

Usually I don’t interrupt Camila whenever she speaks.

I was still getting used to being addressed and permitted to answer questions.

Not that she was asking rhetorical, subtly scathing questions any half-wit witch would know to bow their head and wait to be addressed.

Either way I did end up laughing.

The nervous, still somewhat unhinged or derogatory laugh I favored. Or, used to favor more than any.

“I don’t need a birthday. To be honest, I mean never missed out back there so yeah. Besides I never did get the point of that human custom not to mention we don’t know when I and not Caleb was born. Which, would be way… weird…?”

Any playfulness or laugh lines on Camila’s face vanished.

Replaced in tandem with the peaceful, meandering atmosphere into something sharp and dreaded.

“Hunter that isn’t— I, you know Amity celebrated birthdays right? So did Willow and I’m sure Gus.”

I simply blinked.

“Huh.”

“Again—“

“O-okay then scrap that then. Well uhhh then a trip,” I proposed.

“Where to. Keep in mind our options are a bit limited. Though we could do a lunch in the park, the beach.”

“I was sorta hoping, we… visit Luz.” I smiled hoping for approval, “y’know over… there.”

“I— I mean we could but mijo is that— will you be okay?”

I mulled it over. Taking great care and thought. Before overall settling, even with a shaking hand, I was probably ready as I would ever be.

Melancholy had begun to grow.

Maybe not for the sulfurous air of the Isles or rib cage maze of forest and gulch of the Isles itself…

But, for the people there. The energy and feel of his friends when they were completely unbound, unfettered.

Sure magic ran wild in Camila’s house, and he smiled just thinking about it, but it was always with the knowledge to be careful else she’d be the one footing the bill right after hosting.

And that wasn’t fair.

“Yeah! I… wanna see the Boiling Isles again.”

***********************

There was a lot to do before I could even begin talking birthdays or trips touring around Hexside, Glandus, the now Consortium out of the old castle.

And shopping in the renamed Owl House Market Square. Made infamous for the Owl Lady herself making her shop and business there.

As well as obscurely known as the meeting point of teacher and student.

Though at the moment, my mind was more on Wanted ads. Coffee shop. Grocery, mall, barber… Junior teacher?

But… that didn’t seem like me. I would have done anything sure but, BY TITAN! He had no idea what most of those words were.

Sure, he had heard them in passing. He’d watched enough TV.

A good portion of the evening was spent pacing.

I put on my pajamas.

Camila bought all the clothes I had now.

Brushing my teeth while the water ran, in the mirror numbers spread across the glass.

Spitting, I could hardly… I pitched my head down toward the sink.

Crying out in my frustration, feeling as my breathing turned erratic.

Slowly trying to parcel my breath, keeping focus on my chest and the way my lungs tightened and tightened. Further… further…

Dizziness began to run through my nerves, turning my legs against me.

Narrowly did I stop from completely tumbling.

Instead, lurching for the door.

And out of the Whittibane house down each step and out to where a rudimentary metallurgy had been slapped together.

Inside I stepped into an arched back, slowly finding the shining coat of Oxford paint on a two wheel bike.

Made for a tall teenager.

I imitated each click.

Synchronized my steps.

Each in harmony at the cool breeze of a Saturday night.

I took my bike through all the paces.

Grinding on the asphalt, slapping on it, speed growing and the resistance turning almost taut.

Feeling the rush of my body and my other organs left behind.

I kept going, kept pushing, and kept pace as the neighborhood turned to a blur.

Coming to wild turns, several near misses and not for the first time forcing the bike on its side before I was able to re-stabilize myself.

My breath now caught by adrenaline.

Slowly, my problems started becoming small.

I could, think it through.

Camila had promised to talk more tomorrow. Suggested to me that I bring my worries to Ms. Waybright.

Getting a job might require sacrifice and really, I’d probably gotten as good with sewing as I cared to get.

Giving that up, ceding the team to Cedar or at lest put us on equal footing instead of Captain and best player could absolutely happen. The coach had been one of the most attentive to his situations.

Embarrassing, but later quite vital.

When I took to the street again it was at much slower pace.

I was entombed raw, cold to the bone in a two-layer night shirt and loose, wide legged pants.

Still, I felt I had some more in me.

It was probably not too far from midnight by this point.

Slowly, the dark ceded to a strip a bit further by his neck of woods, awash in lights.

Plenty of neon signs for restaurants, the coffee place he picked up late lunches or played hookie a daring two times.

A much more upscale building flashed ads.

A new hotel.

The channel turned to static.

Before blinking back to life just as quickly. Except this time with a person of definitive features, sharp, callous azure eyes, and some skin-tight sleeve and belts deal under some long silver coat.

It did not do that emaciated, starved frame any favors.

I would bet money the guy was short.

Though either way he had my attention.

In the light, the spectacle, and much more in a voice demanding attention, so boisterous it had to compensate for something.

“…To Domino City! Open to all the rabble who figures themselves duelists. A survival of the fittest battle royale, the winner the indisputable King of Games,” he swore, clenching a fist taut and veiny to the screen. Expression cold and eyes empty. Yet with no less grit to his bold declaration.

The guy announcing the event dubbed Battle City was throwing his hand into the gauntlet too.

”Be ready. Only the best will be permitted…”

”Two weeks from today!”

Just as promised the next night was a wild flurry of sweat, adrenaline, and the repressive sphere of a crowd. Parents and teachers, classmates, and adorers all cramped into cheap metal bleachers and the cordoned edges of the gym floor. Wide, excited eyes waiting for that final shot.

The change of the red tally numbers.

All riding on a single play.

One minute.

In a deep huddle of humid body odor and taut bodies I gave a sweeping glance to the team. Closer than kin and driven by nothing else but success of the mission. "Okay we're at the straits, best team in the league, we have them by the balls..." I began, feeling it in my own heart, the pounding pressure of it all.

The pride of our school.

This small niche we can call ours.

"You have to take it," Riley urged.

I shook my head. "No. I can't."

To my own right, between Devin and Ed. was that one. Cedar Wong.

"You're our best at pressure and that's what we need right now. Someone who is anywhere and everywhere."

"But if one person has the ball--"

"right they'll all charge--"

"Wong will be our rear, a decoy in our Blitz play. Feint and let the ball pass to Number eleven."

"Huh!!"

"Hunter you're insane."

"Am I?" I dared with a sly smile.

"Look I-- I can't. I can't do this," Cedar insisted growing agitated by the second.

"Yes. Yes you can."

Because Wong had always been the second in command. Never needed practice, could always skive off when Michaels led the team.

When it was only because of him that he was anything.

People who are that controlling were always threatened by talent and strength.

When it shined, they shined brighter than stars.

"Hunter, come on this is it. We can't--!"

"No you can't," I cut in, "you cannot keep hiding yourself away. As your captain I will not accept that. You are talented Cedar, Braddock wouldn't have bullied you into thinking otherwise if you weren't. I told you then and I will keep telling you until it gets in that stone skull of yours... You are not under me, you don't belong to me, you belong to no one except yourself Cedar. So, are you seriously going to let us down when your friends need you and only you?"

"Is this the best shot?"

"it's the only shot and I'm sure everyone agrees," I said directing my confident stare unto the rest.

"You're the man C."

"Yeah."

"No one better."

"Can we see your place?" Cedar asked.

"I will think about it."

Cedar nodded, the verv back in his expression.

"One. Two. THREE! Break!" we declared as one, hands out to the ceiling.

We did the run, fluid and effortless; Eddie to me, me to Will, Will down the center and doing a sidesweep of the ball.

Shing Hu coming on behind the Scorpions Captain Ryan Adderway.

10...

9...

8...

Cedar.

Sound fell away.

The cascading waves of the crowd turning to thick cotton, a note of shrill static.

At an Abomination trudge three front fielders lunged for the leaping beacon.

Hope and grit on his face, his entire soul bared on the gym. To prove himself.

And escape a dark shadow.

The buzzer cut through sharper than a knife.

"The Gravesfield Gadflies... HAVE WON!!!!"

I was subsequently swept in a euphoric tangle; atop the shoulders of seniors. Beside me was Cedar Wong, blue punch cascaded onto our heads into a quickly sticky turning cocoon.

Together we held a trophy aloft my smile straining under the arms of Mrs. Noceda hugging me with pride.

We ended that night at a pizza parlor.

Gabbing on about everything and nothing.

Camila and a couple other parents footing the bill.

Looking upon it all from the skylight of a sighing old relic out in the woods, so slightly slanting in the wind the word coming to mind...?

Absolutely perfect.

Slowly the fuzzy feelers of my eight legged friend scuttled about my face and down to the waist for a pet. Settling to sleep at the sill from bed.

Absolutely perfect.

Once I had wanted to play Flyer Derby.

Once I had wanted to attend Hexside. As a normal student.

I wanted to study wild magic! And carve palismans!

I had never wanted to step in that throne room again!

But then I had to.

I had to scout out the night markets and villages of lower Titan. Issue orders of release for those having been in Conformatoriums. Deliver letters of resignation, all manner of threats to my friends.

Track down Odalia Blight.

Go back to the hovels of Latissa where once I'd almost handed over a batch of palismans to slaughter.

Scouts new and old straightened and saluted.

In brief moments I was the emperor.

And then it was Ms. Clawthorn and then Amity Blight or the old Head Ms. Lilith. Mrs. these days.

I couldn't much go to Hexside either.

My friends were only growing and getting better. Without me.

Something wasn't working. Something was missing. I couldn't sew without the steady thrum of a trembling machine. My fingers were often clumsy, my stitchwork too tight. Cluttered.

At some point I had tried beast taming. There was a brief window where I waited so eagerly, for the Bat Queen to give her blessing from one of her pets. Err, children.

I could get a wolf. As good as, at least.

After that snarling Greyback nearly bit my hand off. The cubs had wings and scorpion tails. And their eyes, they weren't proud. They didn't glint like steel or perfect gems. Instead they were empty and grim.

There was nothing inside them. No magic, no soul. Nothing at all.

Not... not the magic I was looking for.

Hexside, Derby, palisman.

Wild Magic.

I tried to learn, I did.

I don't know why I tried so hard honestly.

Just what was I flailing so desperately for anyway?

Why did I refuse to see?

That the castle rooms were too big, the Blight manor's guest room, the unused suite Odalia once owned, all too cold. Not mine in the least. The Owl House was better. Cozy, felt more like home.

That didn't last too long either.

Our worlds would one day, not be ours anymore.

I knew that.

They did too.

One day, either in the far future or closer, we would say goodbye. For the last time.

What we also knew, is that they were all I had. And maybe, that wasn't healthy. But it just may be, that I may never start over there. Never not be the Golden Guard on those Isles.

I had never had a Mother before.

I had never had cafeteria food or pop quizzes.

I'd never had to memorize lines about being a refugee or decorate what was once a clubhouse for us, what used to be his ancestral home.

"I'm gonna crash if that's fine. Caleb? Mr. Wittabane? Silence means yes."

A pair of heavy cases clunked on wooden flooring, kicking up a storm of dust.

And a skittering thing...

Shit. They had termites.

Magic just, wasn't a part of my life anymore.

It was fine. Really, it was fine. Living for sure without the thing that dictated and defined my life or even... allowed me to exist in the first place.

Made of... magic... and all.

I didn't miss it. Nah. More trouble than it was worth really.

I certainly don't shake or convulse sometimes(but, just my hand) so chill, just chill deal? Deal.

But hey so what? I mean, I did two or so of the things I set out to. And considering where I started that-- that is big, it is a huge deal.

HUGE deal. Huge!

Ah, humans have these games called baseball and basketball.

And while I don't mean to brag, all the old Golden Guard stuff, right down to the "cutting throats" served now and again. No contest. Showed them!

Take that Braddock Michaels!

I know I'll be the first Freshman captain on the team.

The guys are good in throwing sure, but they are completely unfocused and uncoordinated. Wait till I get done with 'em. Few weeks of infantry tactics and a night out in these woods, they'll see a feint or fatal knife attack from a mile off.

I should probably stop now.

*************************

The new picture went a lot better. Used to the flash now I could put on a small, shy smile for the camera. Absently I couldn't help but trace just where the scars were on the real thing. Large and imposing over my eyes and where my ear would be if not hidden by an illusion stone.

Instead of the bomb threat terror of last time. And the one before that, the one before that, the six before...

"You have got to stop losing these Wilde," Hal sighed.

I simply laughed, an awkward, buck tooth grin coming onto my face, setting the ID down. "I know, I'm sorry."

"That's fine. Now off to class."

"Yes sir," I said saluting, before remembering not to accidentally toss the small card again.

Packed in my bag I made sure to heft my books; only for someone to crash straight into my chest. Or did I shove my chest at their face? I don't always remember.

Either way the poor boy yelped like a kicked Vee.

"Sorry, sorry I am so-- I shouldn't even be talking! I don't-- I didn't--!

He went crimson. Outside of helping him with his own materials; including what could only be office assistant stuff, I tried to nod and listen.

I kept a firm and careful squeeze of his shoulder, hoping to convey he was by all means free to escape. "Hey, hey, hey I don't wanna hear that nonsense, just focus on me 'kay, okay?"

"Okay," he whimpered.

"Now is there anyone else here?" I murmured voice now no more than dust.

He shook his head.

"Good, that's good--"

Turning his head back I continued in a quick, comforting whisper, "now in--" he took in a gulp of air.

And with fingers raised counted down as I slowly exhaled.

The younger freshman copying it.

"Come on," I said picking him up off the floor.

"Thanks, so so much Mr. Hunter."

"Please Mr. Hunter--" then again his Father was either a corpse or a tree. Belos was well, Belos. "Anyway, you hit me up next time whoever it is is throwing shade you got that."

He nodded, now smiling and eyes brimming with awe.

We continued chatting. Mostly about classes, making sure he wasn't late, handing in the forms in his place.

"We should make him a hall monitor." the vice-principal commented absently, while watching the pair leave in good spirits.

Both smiled fondly to the older freshman.

I stopped cold.

Rules and authority. My worst enemy.

But no problem couldn't be solved with snacks.

"You ever seen M&Ms disappear within five seconds! Cuz you're gonna right now!"

Ripping open the bag I did just that to the freshman's, I'm sure, amusement, no matter how he tried to pretend calling me crazy. After all, the poor schmuck worshipped 'Mr. Hunter.'

"Mr. Hunter no!"

"Hunter YES!"

Eddie, Saanjik, Shing Hu, Saravi, and Claire were some close-ish friends. My b-ball team and Claire's posse from the cheer squad.

"Feeling good about the game tomorrow night?" Claire needled, brow raised, and voice taking on a sardonic note. "Is a whole lot riding y'know. This whole school's pride this season is riding on the new guy who barreled his way in to the team, some may say... unfairly so."

"Ha. Am I supposed to be intimidated, because I'm not," Hunter laughed. "If there is one thing I can deliver on it's demolishing the competition." And to show that point I gave an extra hard slam of my locker door, punching dead center without a glance.

Smiling I tried to swallow the rush of pain and throbbing of what I was sure is a lurid red on my fist.

Sooo stiff. It shouldn't be stiff should it?

"Alright then settle down," Claire laughed cheekily. Much like an annoying human witch I knew. Was this really the brutal bully that made that brave witch cower?

"So it's that Chem exam you have next right?" With a wink she added, "mind sneaking a cute friend of mine the answers for tomorrow?"

I mounted my best deadpan. The very same I used to use against dumb Wild Witches who tried to talk their way out of arrests.

Sure, it was different for me. Being popular, whatever that meant.

I shouldn't be calling Claire a friend should I? No, I really shouldn't. She wasn't always so nice and fun. Sometimes she genuinely got the joy of making me nervous.

What she always called 'keeping me on my [human] toes.'