The gentle glow of pre-dawn cast a soft light across Miami Beach, hinting at the day's beginning while the world still lingered in the quiet of the early hour. The blinds automatically peeled back as the sun was about to rise over the horizon, bathing the landscape in vibrant hues of orange and pink.
Sora, nestled in the comfort of her bed, stirred as the first rays crept through her window. The city had yet to awaken fully, basking in the serene hush that only these early moments could offer. With a stretch and a yawn, Sora smiled to herself as she glanced at the clock.
She felt a sense of accomplishment—Mary had advised her to get on a good schedule, and it seemed she was finally syncing her routine with the natural rhythms of the day.
Six a.m., huh? she internally cheered. I’m getting back on a good schedule for school! Four more days… Right! Diary entry time…
Sora focused her mind, and with a gentle magical nudge, her diary floated out from a spelled drawer in her closet, landing softly in her hands.
She opened it to the first page, reflecting on the whirlwind of events that were jotted down over the past week. Though some moments had been rocky, it was undeniable that things were looking up. Her family was knitting closer together, weaving a stronger fabric from their shared experiences.
As she pondered what to write, a floating gel pen zipped through the air, responding to her unspoken command. The pen paused above the hovering diary, waiting.
“How do I feel about all of this?” Sora considered, pulling her hair to the side and settling back against her pillow to stare up at the pages as they turned. “Who knew parents could be such troublemakers?” she mumbled, happy and sad each room was spelled for privacy now.
Her thoughts swirled as the pen hovered patiently. The soft hum of its magic was a comforting background noise in the still morning; she was getting far more used to the weaves by observing Noelia’s spells.
Mom and Dad are really trying to patch things up, and I guess that's good, right? But then there’s Noelia… She’s great, I mean, who wouldn’t like Noelia? But it’s complicated. It's like Mom and Dad are on this new adventure, discovering each other all over again. Dad’s even taking Noelia on some private dates now, which is…weird but maybe necessary?
Tail swaying atop her bed, she floated a bit into the air as her desires swirled around her bed, pulling the sheets tight and making it tidy. Dropping back into the comfy mattress, she reflected on the developing dynamic between Noelia, her mom, and her dad. At first, it didn’t really sink in what her mom was proposing—like, Noelia, a part of the family? Absolutely! But she hadn’t expected it like that.
Her gaze returned to her swaying pen, translating her thoughts:
I see Mom trying to hide her discomfort with a smile, claiming it’s for the best. It's strange seeing her so vulnerable after that first meeting we had; she knew everything…could do anything. Now, she’s frustrated using the remote and needs help printing out cooking recipes. It’s cute and totally welcome… Just not what I expected.
And Noelia… I really like her. She’s been nothing but an absolute rock to me growing up, almost like a mom. But that’s just it—I don’t want Dad to feel like he’s being pushed into something because it might make things ‘easier’ for everyone. Wow… Wendy was the one against all of this and now things have taken a total change. Noelia even seems uncomfortable, but it’s obvious she does have feelings for Dad, too. What to do?
Bunching her lips to the side, she flipped to her belly and pulled her pillow to the edge of the bed to rest her chin on it, her diary swapping positions so she could read. Her tail beat left and right, making a mess of the bed she just made.
I want Dad to choose what makes him happy, genuinely happy. Why is Mom being so pushy with this when I can tell she doesn’t like it? Is it for Noelia’s sake? No way. The only thing I can see this coming from is…for me and Wendy. Wendy does need Dad. She needs stability, and Mom’s trying to give her someone who she knows like a mom rather than trying to fit that mold herself… Someone Wendy can already accept.
“Hmmmgm. Life is complicated.”
Mom’s pushing for a polygamist type of relationship between them. Right now, I think Dad’s fine with treating her more like a part of the family, but not anything further… I’ve been rehearsing what to say to him, how to express all these tangled feelings without making it worse. Maybe today’s the day I finally do it. I have to clear the air before tonight’s ritual anyway.
Oh, tonight… Yeah, that’s another topic. Her thoughts drifted to the upcoming ceremony meant to officially integrate Wendy into their family.
Mom has been planning and preparing us for this for a week, and I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and dread. There’s something off about the whole thing. Not in a disastrous way, but like a picture slightly askew on the wall, I guess. It’s unsettling my stomach, and maybe that’s because I can’t tell exactly what is making me frown at the subject.
Am I just overthinking it? Maybe I’m just nervous about Wendy officially becoming part of the family. It's a big change, and big changes always feel a bit scary, right? Is it because something always goes wrong, and I don’t want that to happen to Wendy?
But what if it’s something more? We’re not sure about Dad’s side of the family, and I get the feeling we’re really skirting that topic… Not that anyone can seem to talk to me about it… Stupid forgetfulness magic or whatever. I’ve been seeing Aunt Rose’s thorns every so often, but they’re more like hugs at this point… She does seem lonely.
Shaking her head as if to clear it, Sora watched the pen pause, waiting for her next thought. I need to talk to Dad about all this. Today. Before tonight's ritual.
It was now or never; it had been on her mind for a week. She needed clarity…and perhaps, so did he. Her stomach twisted at the very thought of bringing her concerns to him, but it also felt necessary. After all, wasn’t that what family was about? Being able to share your deepest worries?
Okay, deep breaths, she coached herself, the diary’s pages fluttering slightly under the spell of her burgeoning magical abilities. The sun’s first light had started to fill the room with a gentle warmth that eased some of her anxiety. Tonight’s going to be big. I just hope it brings us closer together, not tear us apart.
The pen danced across the page, capturing her stream of consciousness without missing a beat. Sora let out a small laugh, breaking the intensity of her thoughts.
Who knew having magical parents would lead to such drama? I guess every family has its quirks. Morning stretches while we move on to the next topic!
Bouncing up and unfolding a mat from under her bed, she started doing some meditation stretches while trying to calm her inner turmoil with more positive thoughts. The windows were wide open, and the Miami beach stretched out below her, the early sunlight painting everything in gold. The waves whispered secrets to the shore, and the palm trees swayed gently in the breeze.
Maybe I just need to breathe and take things one step at a time, she mused, watching the city awaken. Maybe today will be simple and sweet.
Her magic neatly scribed away, the pen dancing over the page, capturing her rising hopes. Her room, bathed in the gentle light of dawn, felt particularly cozy as her thoughts drifted to her friends and budding sisters.
The interactions with Kari lately have been intriguing, to say the least! I swear the distance between us is melting away, although Kari is still an enigma in so many ways… She can be really shy, cute, and sweet, then super bossy, distant, and agitated—get out of my face! Mary says she’s just trying to figure herself out. A.k.a.: she’s learning how to be friends, so give her a break.
Speaking about Mary, Kari visits her a lot…like, a lot-lot! I’ve gone twice this week, but she’s there, like, every single day. I guess she does have a ton to unpack, though. She’s opening up! Maybe she’ll share more about what’s on her mind soon because I get the vibes she’s working up to it. Maybe she’ll actually say she doesn’t see me as her master! That’d be cool.
Let’s skip over to Eyia, she internally chimed. I think Kari and Eyia are becoming closer friends than I thought they’d become. I think it’s primarily because Kari can challenge Eyia, and she’s been lacking that since Jin left. I’m more of a fun stress release, taking her to do new things, but Kari connects with her in more of a sport and battle-type way than I can.
Finished shaking off the morning stiffness, her tail flicked with joy as she went into her closet and slipped into a soft dress that flowed around her like a calm stream. She went through a few looks in the body-length mirror with a smile.
And then there’s Wendy, getting closer and closer to Noelia. I’m a little jealous, to be honest. I want to spend time with them, too, but the all-important ritual requires them to be truly bonded as mother and daughter… It must be difficult for them, both hurting in ways, but I want them to heal, so I can’t butt in too much.
The only time I get to spend with my Mom, I can tell she’s biting her tails with Noelia and Dad off on their own. Why are they making time for Noelia and Dad to be together? Hmm. Mom, Dad, and Noelia have been spending a lot of time together, too, so Dad’s kind of overwhelmed… I’m back to thinking about Dad. I guess that’s where my heart is right now.
Finally ready, Sora swiped her dress left and right, seeing how it framed her. The fabric was light, perfect for the day’s warmth, and her tail swayed with a rhythm, enhancing the cuteness.
Positive, Sora! Think positive! Aiden’s invited me to check out Tammy’s settlement tomorrow. A date, you ask? Who can tell with that boy?! I swear, he’s nailed my vulpes charm. It’s like he matches my energy! I can’t tell if he’s just being the flirty friend or if he’s implying something deeper, which is… Ahhh! It’s ahhh! But…also kind of confusingly cute and funny when he does it. He’s got a good voice, too, but I guess he is kind of a songbird. What comes will come!
Her reflection in the mirror smiled back at her, and with a nod of approval at her choice, she turned her focus back to the diary. The pen paused, then continued, swirling elegantly as it noted her final resolve.
Today, I’ll support my friends and family. Whatever comes from this ritual thing, we’ll face it together. I should drop by to see Stephanie since she woke up yesterday and was resting. Howie and Daisy have been acting suspicious lately, too. Let’s go!
As Sora exited her room, the soft murmur of the suite in the early morning wrapped around her like a comforting shawl. Her ears picked up the unmistakable sounds of her father moving in the master bathroom—his steps measured and unhurried as he shifted between the closet and bathroom.
Curiosity nudging her forward, Sora tiptoed toward the master bedroom door, pressing her big ear against the smooth wood, a practiced maneuver to bypass the persistent silence spell Noelia had cast for their privacy.
Inside, the steady, deep breathing of her mom and Noelia resonated softly; by their positions, Noelia was inside her single mattress in the corner. A simple read of their spiritual waves escaping their bodies suggested they had likely talked late into the night and were now lost in dreams.
Sora's heart warmed at the thought. Was she worrying needlessly or had it been more serious? The bonds in her family were complex, threaded with both tension and tenderness.
Leaning against the cool wall, she waited, her mind fluttering with the anticipation of speaking with her dad one-on-one for the first time since he’d awoken—things had been chaotic.
The door finally opened, and Jarlath stepped out, his presence immediately filling the door frame. His smile was a bright beacon in the dim corridor, his Irish accent enclosing her like a familiar hug as he greeted her with an endearing term.
“There’s my abhaillín,” he whispered with a father’s gentle face; Sora squealed inside at the Irish word for ‘little apple.’ “Look at ye, all dolled up and perfect as a picture.”
“Aww, thanks, Dad!” she chirped while eyeing his attire. He was dressed casually in a golfing outfit, the kind he wore when he wanted nothing more than a day of simple pleasures. “Are you and Tom hitting the greens today? I hope I’m not intruding, but could I, umm, maybe, you know…”
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“Join in?” he asked with a laugh.
“Uh-huh.” Sora’s tail lowered a little while looking to the side. “I know you’ve been up to your ears this week with, eh…everything. I just haven’t had any time to talk to you, and I feel like, I don’t know…maybe this is the best time since everyone’s passed out.”
Her dad’s eyes sparkled with a mixture of surprise and delight. “Actually, Love, it’s just me today. Tom’s caught up in court. I’d love nothing more than to have you join me for a father-daughter outing. What do you say? And we don’t have to play golf; I know it isn’t your strong suit.”
Sora’s heart leaped at the invitation, and her tail swished in uncontrollable joy behind her. “Oh, I think I’m more than a match for you with a little magic,” she giggled with a playful grin. “Are you sure you can handle my amazing golf skills? I wouldn’t want to steal the spotlight!”
Her father’s suppressed laugh followed, the sound shaking his chest. He stepped forward, closing the distance between them, and wrapped her in a warm embrace. “I think I’ll take the risk. Let’s grab some breakfast before we head out, yeah? We’ve got a big day ahead, and I’m all…ears,” he added, holding up his palm to his head and wiggling it to make her give him a playful scowl and twitch of her big fox ears. “I’m always free for ye, darlin’.”
“Are we taking one of the cars?” she asked, pulling apart as her father led the way downstairs to collect their clubs. “Where were you thinking—some junk food?”
“If that’s what you’re feelin’. Why don’t I get our gear, and you get the car ready?”
“Ooh! I get to pick, huh? And nice touch having them bring back the normal stairs,” she chuckled, skipping down the classy, marble steps. “The future light elevator was cool, but way too much. You’ve been really working the Foundation!”
“It’s the least they can do,” her dad shot back with a familiar grunt. “A man doesn’t go into another man’s house and tell him how it should look… That’s the wife’s job,” he said with a wink that made her giggle. “When there’s two, ye just gotta step aside and let the pair enter the arena to duke it out.”
Sora held her elbow behind her back, twisting on her heels to watch him for a moment as they split apart; she could tell he was making the joke to try and affirm himself, and it was a gentle push that told her he knew what she wanted to discuss—her dad wasn’t stupid, after all.
“I love you, Dad. See you soon.”
Going through the glass door to the car showroom garage, she easily went to the most comfortable driving experience in his collection—the Bentley Flying Spur. She grabbed the keys out of the box and held the button to pop open the trunk. Lying the seats down before using the digital interface to line the car up to go down the vehicle escalator, she felt proud of herself for figuring it out herself; it did have instructions clearly labeled, but she did it!
Her father entered the garage and put their pre-packed golfing kits into the back; the sports clothes inside should still fit her, and a little magic would help provide a place for her tail. She heard Kari leaving her room when entering the elevator, but they were already on the move!
As Sora maneuvered the Bentley Flying Spur towards the vehicle elevator, her dad leaned against the sleek frame of the car, a twinkle in his eye. “You know, Sora, you should drive more often. You’ve waited long enough to take the wheel, and if you like the Bentley, it’s yours. I was planning to go car shopping with you, but…well, the whole vulpes madness got in the way.”
Sora paused, her hand on the door handle. “Wait, really? Like, really, really?!” The excitement in her voice was palpable, and her tail wagged so vigorously it seemed it might just detach. “I can take it out and have fun with Eyia, Kari, and Wendy?”
“Really, really,” her dad chuckled, giving her a nod. “It’s high time you had your own wheels, Love.”
Grinning, Sora slipped into the driver’s seat, adjusting the mirrors and seat with a bit of trouble as her father finished the process of getting the car into the proper place using the interface. The plush interior and leather made her tail bristle with anticipation as her father entered the passenger side and buckled up.
They entered the elevator, and as it began its descent, Jarlath settled into the passenger seat, which looked weird since her dad always drove, his expression one of contentment.
“So, uh, where are we grabbing breakfast?” Sora asked, trying to loosen up as they reached the bottom. Frank squinted at them in the underground garage, eyebrows rising upon seeing her in the driver’s seat, and gave her a thumbs up.
“I was thinking something quick and easy. How about a drive-through? Whatever you fancy,” her dad casually suggested, being far too laid back for the simmering emotions hiding underneath that tickled her senses, belying the depth of the conversation they were about to have.
Exiting the hotel, the early morning sun cast long shadows on the road as they pulled out of the hotel and onto the Miami Beach roads.
Sora’s smile brightened with how easy it was to handle the $300,000 vehicle. “Fast food it is, then. There’s something about greasy breakfast sandwiches that feels just right for a day like this, right?”
“You said it,” he said, leaning against the side of the door, his soft green eyes on her and not the road. “When did you start growing up so fast? I remember when you were hardly up to my waist, fuming over Japanese arcade games. Now you’re acting as your old man’s chauffeur…about to go off to magical girl school. Time flies.”
Sora smiled at the comment, her tail curled around her side and beating against her thigh. “What am I supposed to say to that? When did you start talking like an old man, Mr. I Can Do Anything?”
As they drove, the city began to stir around them, the streets slowly filling with the morning rush. The Bentley glided smoothly, its powerful engine barely whispering as Sora took a confident turn toward a nearby fast food place.
“Hmm. Maybe it’s your mom coming back into our lives,” he whispered. “Did I ever tell you about my first car?”
Sora’s eyebrows drew together as she glanced over at him, which made her nervous, driving such an expensive car, and returned her eyes to the road. “I don’t think it’s come up. As I remember the stories, you were working three jobs in college to make it through since you didn’t believe in student loans. Ahem…”
She puffed up her chest and took on a gruff tone to mimic a parent’s speech. “What did you say—walking to school is hard? Back in my day, every Tuesday, a pack of wolves were waiting for us at the doors. One of them was named Tom—Tom was the fastest. One time, Tom caught one of our friends… We had to let him go.
“When I went to school, I walked twenty miles, uphill—both ways, in a blizzard, twenty-six hours a day on one foot! My other foot was working a job…when I was nine years old! When I was nine years old, I was twenty-five!”
Her father’s chest shook with laughter as she stopped behind a line of cars; he picked up where she left off. “Oh? We also got chased by lions. Back in my day, you didn’t have the internet. So, if you wanted to learn physics, you had to find Newton…and ask him yourself! You think History is hard, Love—I’ve seen your report cards. Hard? I had to fight the British people at Pearl Harbor! What are you talkin’ about ‘hard?’ ”
Sora snorted, giving him a quizzical look, and replied, “Dad, you went to middle and grade school in Ireland?”
“Exactly!”
Joking and having fun with her dad, it wasn’t until they reached the golf course that she realized she’d totally blown past his car story. Her magic lifted the items out of the trunk, and her dad shut it.
“Wait, what was your first car?”
“Ah,” her dad whispered, walking toward a bench that overlooked the green as the sprinklers went off across the area; their fast food orders hovered after them. “It was an old clunker, more rust than metal. But freedom—it felt like freedom is what I wanted ta say.”
Sora laughed. “I can't imagine you in anything less than something swanky these days.”
“Aye, well, we all start somewhere. You’re just starting a bit…higher up the ladder,” he replied with a grin. “I worked hard to make sure my only daughter had everythin’ I didn’t.”
They settled in while Sora passively sipped her extra-large coffee and poked at a pile of pancakes. Her dad went for more of a modest bagel sandwich type of breakfast. As they sat and ate for several seconds, Sora’s thoughts turned back to the family.
“Dad, about tonight…and everything with Noelia and Mom.” She shivered, shifting to look at her dad, one hand thrown over the back of the bench while scanning the green. “Are you really okay with how things are going?”
His face sobered as he finished chewing what was in his mouth and took a deep breath. “It’s complicated, Love,” he whispered, his gaze drifting to the horizon. The early morning sun cast long shadows over the lush green, creating a peaceful yet poignant backdrop.
Sora’s tail flicked nervously. “I know it is. I just…I guess I want to understand how you really feel about everything. About Noelia, especially. It’s all so new, and, I’ll admit, I didn’t actually take Mom seriously when she first said it, but now it’s getting…a little weird. I don’t know what she’s thinking.”
A silence passed between them as he sighed, a weary sound that seemed to carry the weight of the world. “Noelia,” he began slowly, “has been a part of our lives for a long time, Sora. She’s taken care of you, been there for you when I couldn’t be…trusted you when I didn’t, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”
Sora nodded, her eyes never leaving his face. “I get that. She’s been like a second mom to me in so many ways. But now, it’s different. Mom’s making her…more than that. I get that she's got super-future vision or whatever. I don’t know; it feels forced, like even she’s uncomfortable with it. How do you feel about it?”
Her father’s green eyes softened as he crumpled the wrapper and set it to the side. He reached out to gently hold her hand, scooting closer.
“What are my honest feelings about it? Hmm. Noelia is a wonderful woman, and she has a good heart. She’s always had your best interests at heart, and I see that more clearly now than ever before. Your mother sees her potential and believes in her, and so do I…I really do. But it’s not easy to share something you never expected to share, Sora. It’s not easy for any of us.”
Sora felt a lump form in her throat. “So, I’m getting that you’re…okay with her being, umm—ahem…more involved? Like, really involved?”
Jarlath took a deep breath, his grip on her hand tightening slightly. “Mmm. I’ve talked with your mom and Noelia at length about much of this. Am I 100% on board with what your mom believes to the fiber of her being is necessary moving forward? No… I’d be lying if I said I was,” he mumbled.
“That being said, I’ve come to understand your mom has her own insecurities and needs…and it’s a husband’s job to accept that while trying to find a way forward. It’s not perfect, by any means, and there are things between your mother and me that are private…things we need to work through on our own.”
Sora’s fur bristled as he went on, listening intently and leaning in against him. Her ear folded against his chest, hearing the thump of his heart and letting his aura pulse through her.
“I just don’t want to see you forced into something you don’t want… I’m worried about you. Mom’s…well, Mom. She’s millions of years old… I get she comes from a totally different culture and way of life. I just…also see her struggling, when she was the one to propose it in the first place. I don’t get it.”
“I know, Sweetie. I know…”
He held her for a time, watching the sun continue to rise. It was early morning on a Thursday, which was not peak hours for golfers, so the area was mostly deserted, giving them privacy. After a few minutes, her dad found his way through the emotional turmoil twisting his gut.
“…I’ve come to accept this for one simple reason, Sora…or I should say, I can accept this for one reason. Your mom is…damaged in more ways than either of us can fathom. Some people think immortality is a blessing, and it can be…to a certain extent, but with that time also comes an eternity of baggage…of trauma, and it isn’t as if people with trauma like willingly confronting that.”
Sora swallowed, thinking about how that now applied to her moving toward infinity. “So…millions of years of trauma have led to this situation?”
“I’d say so, Love,” he sighed, stroking her hair. “I’ve come to accept that Noelia is a crucial part of our family because I’m now confident she can do something I cannot… She can help your mom in ways I cannot. With that on the scale, the decision is easy…the path, not so much.”
A softness he’d heard when talking to her mother entered her dad’s voice. “Noelia is a very, very simple woman, Sora…an innocent and young woman at heart, despite her age. She’s not replacing your mother, and she’s not taking anything away from you. In fact, she’s adding to our family…adding to Wendy’s life, and giving her the love she’s always needed.
“Your mom and I…we’re trying to navigate this new path together. But I believe in what we’re doing. I believe in our family. And that now includes Noelia.”
Sora’s heart ached at his words, but she also felt a sense of relief. “I just want everyone to be happy. I know that Mom must be doing this because of me—it has to be because of me or else she’d never let anyone touch you. That does hurt a little, but I’m old enough to get it, I think. I see how you two love each other. I may not understand it yet…but I get it.”
Her father’s hot breath entered her ear as he leaned in with an emotional chuckle. “Aww. You’re wise beyond your years, my little fox. I know it must be as hard on you as it is for us. You’re torn between Wendy finding a mom she can believe in and this new dynamic after regaining your actual mom…knowing how far she’ll go for you.”
“Mmm. Yeah, I just…I don’t want you or Mom to feel forced into anything—for anyone to feel that way. It’s like Kari feeling trapped… I don’t like that. And I don’t want Noelia to feel like she’s just…filling a gap, either. Gah! I want to cry now.”
“Then cry, Sweetheart. I’ll cry with you,” Jarlath smiled, a small but genuine smile that reached his eyes. “We’re all figuring this out together, Love. Noelia isn’t filling a gap; she’s bringing something new to our lives—to my life. She’s been a source of strength and stability for you, and she can be that for all of us. Your mother and I, we’re committed to making this work, to finding a way forward that honors everyone involved, including you girls.”
Sora’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “I love you, Dad. I just…I worry. About you, about Mom, about Wendy, and Noelia too. It’s a lot. Ever since I got these powers and learned about everything… It’s a lot.”
He kissed her ear, his low voice gentle and reassuring. “I love you too, Sora. And it’s okay to worry. We’ll face these challenges together, as a family. We’ll find our way, one step at a time. How about after we spend some time together, you take your mom and Noelia out to clear the air with them, as well? How does that sound?”
“It sounds…right,” she sighed, releasing the tension in her chest. “I honestly don’t know if I’ll be able to call Noelia Mom anytime soon, but she’s Wendy’s mom—my sister’s mom. So, in a way, I can get behind that. It’s just a bit confusing for me, is all.”
As they sat there, the morning sun climbed higher in the sky, and Sora felt a renewed sense of hope. Her family was complex, threaded with tension and tenderness, but they were united in their love and commitment to each other. The den was growing, and as she knew from experience, there were such things as growing pain. In the end, her parents were devoted toward each other, and that was undeniable.
With a soft sigh, Sora pulled back and wiped at her eyes. “Okay, Dad. Let’s focus on us for a bit. We’ll figure out the rest as we go.”
Her dad nodded, his smile warm and encouraging, even a little puffy. “That’s the spirit, abhaillín. Let’s make today a good one. Now, let’s see if you can really beat your old man at golf…even when cheating.”
Sora laughed, the sound light and free. “You’re on. Let’s see what you’ve got, old man!”