Sora jolted up to the familiar buzz of her alarm, a jarring sound that ripped her from the warm cocoon of sleep. With a groan, she reached out, smacking the nightstand until her fingers found the button to silence the noise as something rolled off the foot of her bed.

Suddenly, a loud thud and a yelp jolted her fully awake. Sora whipped her head toward the foot of her bed just in time to see a startled Nilly mid-air, her tails stiff as boards, eyes wide in panic as she landed with an awkward flop off the bed, wrapped in a sheet cocoon.

“Nilly?!”

“Gah!” Nilly groaned, wiggling on the ground as she failed to untangle herself. “I’m stuck! Help!” Her voice was muffled through the fabric as she flailed, trying to free herself.

Sora couldn’t hold back the snort, the sight too ridiculous to ignore. She rubbed her eyes, still half-asleep but thoroughly amused. “How…how do you even do that?”

“This is embarrassing,” Nilly grumbled, still wriggling like a trapped fish. “I swear, I was just sleeping, and then—bam! The siren blared, and I got scared! Next thing I know, I’m wrapped like a mummy. Help?”

Sora sat up, yawning as she threw her legs over the side of the bed. She winced at the slight tingle in her muscles from a strange electricity that had sparked in her chest.

“Mmm! Weird… Okay, okay,” she mumbled, kneeling to inspect the bundled cat. Her flicking ears and wiggling split tail were the only thing visible. “Hold still… Wow, you really went all in on trying to become a butterfly!”

“Not nice, Sora… How did this even happen?”

“I’m playing!” Her hands worked quickly, freeing Nilly from the tight mummy wrap, she was pleasantly surprised to see the cat dressed in the sardine-themed pajamas that they’d picked out yesterday. “Did you sleep here all night? Looking cute, too.”

Nilly shrugged, looking up at her with big, innocent eyes and flushed cheeks. “I guess? And thanks… I kind of go to sleep wherever I go to sleep. Last thing I remember is shopping with you, and then…” She yawned, her sharp teeth peeking through. “Then this alarm… Ugh. It wasn’t even a song. Just noise. Mmm. It’s still warm. Prrrrr…”

Sora chuckled, her fingers deftly pulling the last of the cover off the girl. Immediately, she body-slammed her mattress and sprawled out across the bed like a lazy housecat, her tails twitching with sleepy contentment.

“Even stabilized, you’re still such a cat,” she teased, brushing some stray hair out of her eyes.

“Still a sleepy cat,” Nilly murmured, her voice muffled as she buried her face in a pillow, adorable purrs escaping her throat. “I’ll just sleep here a little longer. You can wake me up later, right?”

Sora stood, placing her hands on her hips with a smirk. “There are plenty of rooms open for you to take.”

“No, I’m good.”

“In other words, you’re telling me you want to sleep at someone’s feet again and not sleep alone, huh? Wendy, me…anyone?”

“Mmhmm, thanks for understanding, Fluffy Tail. You’re the best,” Nilly purred, her voice trailing off as sleep overtook her again.

Narcoleptic Cat Founder? Shaking her head, Sora glanced down at her maybe cat friend, an amused smile tugging at her lips. Fair enough. What a very bad and very good kitty you are… Is this how you acted with my grandma? Well, have a good sleep, sardine warrior.

She waved her hand, using her magic to summon several outfits from the closet that she’d had an eye on the previous night, she examined them before going to the closet.

Sora stood in front of the mirror, her eyes sweeping over the options in her closet. It wasn’t just about picking any dress—it was the first day of school at Avalon Academy, and she needed something that felt right. A bit elegant, but not too showy. No, who was she kidding? She wanted to stand out! Confident and true to her bold style.

Her fingers lingered over a dark blue dress floating to her right, its fabric catching the light in a way that almost made it sparkle like the night sky. Threads of silver embroidery wove intricate patterns across the bodice and hem, resembling a tapestry of stars. The design was simple but elegant, hugging her figure before flaring out into a soft, flowing skirt that brushed the tops of her knees in the front and cascaded down in the back like the tails of a shooting star.

Bold…and it looked like the dress code was fairly open, and I can hide my shoulders with my hair with a bit of magic if needed… It would certainly make a statement. I’m not shy! I was scared to wear this kind of thing to school… No more!

“This is it,” she murmured, a small smile tugging at her lips as she phased it onto her frame, her nightwear neatly folding into her laundry basket.

The deep, midnight hue shimmered subtly under her touch, as though the fabric itself carried a touch of magic. The silver patterns danced like constellations, twinkling with an ethereal glow. The designer dress fit perfectly—soft, elegant, and just the right amount of mystique to draw eyes.

Turning slightly, she admired the way the dress swayed with her movements. Her copper hair tumbled down her back, matching her fiery tail that flicked in anticipation behind her, the soft waves of her hair complementing the shimmer of the dress.

She added a choker, emerald necklace to match her eyes, silver bracelet, and a sapphire hair accessory. Bringing up her two-inch heels to cycle through them, a smile tugged at her mouth as she selected a deep blue pair, using a bit of magic to add a similar design to them as the dress before slipping on an anklet piece to the opposite leg as her bracelet.

“Perfect,” she whispered to herself, the weight of the moment settling in her chest. Today wasn’t just another day—it was the start of something new, something magical.

Today’s the big day… First impressions at Avalon Academy. I need to make a statement.

Satisfied with her fit, Sora quietly slipped out of her room, careful not to wake Nilly. As she padded down the hallway, she listened intently, surprised to hear the faint sounds of conversation downstairs. Wendy’s already up? I guess she was usually up before me as kids.

Passing by her parents’ door, she noticed the soft glow of light coming from under the bathroom. The only question was if it was just her dad, or if her mom was in there with him, because without a doubt, if she was up, he was up.

When she reached the kitchen, she was greeted by the smell of something savory and the sight of Wendy and Noelia, already bustling about. Wendy shot her a bright grin, her squirrel-like tail twitching with excitement as she pointed toward the table.

“Morning, sleepyhead! Oh, you little vixen… I’m going to have to change if you wear something like that! I’m in a jacket, tank top, and skinny jeans!”

“ Eyia’s still knocked out, but she left a note.” The brunette giggled, pointing at the piece of paper on the table. “It’s…well, you’ll see.”

Sora wandered over to the table, picking up the note. It was written in perfect cursive, each letter flowing gracefully across the page. But the content… She couldn’t help but laugh. Eyia had gotten the word meanings wrong, but the execution was flawless.

“Dearest Sisters,” Sora began, clearing her throat, “I has decided to sleep for more of the thirty minutes longer than is the time of meals. Much of energy has been the spent in training! Fear not, as I shall awaken with sword of sharpness and heart of sturdy steel.

“May today bring glory and much of honor to pancakes! Please be well in the doing of today’s morning happenings.

“By the words of wise All-Father: Sleep much, so mind much.

“Eyia…” Sora snickered. “Flawless victory!”

“Right?” Wendy returned, setting down a glass of orange juice in front of her. “I love Eyia. She’s so pure and honest. It makes me want to be better.”

“Speaking of flawless…” Sora’s smile faded as she glanced at Noelia. “How’s my mom? Not holding up well, I assume.”

Noelia’s smile turned sad, her hands busy flipping the blueberry pancakes on the stove. “She’s…a little upset. Didn’t get a wink of sleep. I took the night watch, trying to calm her down all night. Your dad took over about an hour ago so I could start getting things ready.”

Sora groaned, running a hand through her copper hair. “As cute as that is, what am I going to do with her? She’s totally helpless without me around.”

The tanuki’s voice softened as she returned to her cooking, bumping tails with her daughter to initiate an adorable fencing war.

“Your mother has lived for millions of years, Sora. She’s never had to experience life like this… Vulnerable, without her powers. Imagine looking perfect your entire life without a thought. Never worrying about food, going to the bathroom, or other bodily needs…or crushing guilt. She’s struggling, yes, but she’s trying to show you her real self—the new mother she’s become compared to her selfish me-me-me Mia of the past.”

Sora’s heart clenched, warmth and pain swirling inside her. “She’s a perfect mess,” she murmured, “and I love how hard she’s trying.”

Wendy perked up, trying to brighten the heavy atmosphere. “Sounds like my mom. She’s new at this whole ‘being a mom’ thing too, but Noelia’s doing great, too! Better than great! I win—ack… How did you get my tail in that angle?!”

Her tanuki mother gave her a wink and half-smirk. “A little thing called experience.”

The morning buzz of the household filled Sora with a quiet satisfaction. Between the playful jabs, the warmth of pancakes, and the company of her friends and family, it felt like the perfect calm before the storm of their Avalon journey.

Sora took a slow sip of her juice, her ears twitching as she listened to Wendy banter with her mom, enjoying the joy in her sister’s voice. When a familiar scent drifted down the stairs, she swiveled in her chair upon a bathroom opening up and a certain nine-tailed fox descended the stairs. Her mother appeared, looking absolutely frazzled with her dad in tow, his arm lovingly draped over her shoulder.

The dark circles under her eyes told the tale of a sleepless night, and her puffy fur was more reminiscent of an anxious, stressed-out fox than her usual seductive and playful self.

“Morning, Mom!” Sora chirped with a grin, setting her cup down as her mother shuffled into the kitchen. “You doing okay? No, who am I kidding? You look great!”

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Her mom gave a tired but fond smile, her tails flicking with a half-hearted wag as she examined her from head to toe. “Mmm, enough about my train wreck, you look stunning, sweetheart,” she mumbled, her voice soft, though it lacked its usual sass. “That dress… It’s like you’re trying to outshine the stars. Well, you already do, so it’s like you’re rubbing it in at this point.”

“Aww! Thanks, Mom.”

“Only speaking the hard facts… You’re going to knock them dead at Avalon,” she choked, fighting tears and trying not to rush forward to smother her in hugs and kisses.

Her dad chuckled, smoothing down the wild strands of her mom’s hair before looking at Sora with pride glimmering in his forest-green eyes. “You do look amazing, a chroí,” he said warmly, using the Irish term for ‘my heart.’ “I always knew you’d grow into a real heartbreaker.”

Sora blushed slightly, brushing her hair back as Wendy gave her a smug look for some weird reason. “Thanks, Dad.” She turned to her mother, offering a soft smile. “You should go fix your fur, though. Unless you want to look like you fought a lightning storm.”

Wendy snorted into her juice, then quickly wiped her mouth. “Now I really need to change. I can’t have Sora being the only one looking like royalty.”

“Royalty?! What?” Sora glanced down at her outfit. “Bit of a reach there; I don’t even have a tiara.”

“Like you need one!”

Mia sighed dramatically but managed a teasing grin, though it didn’t quite reach her ruby eyes. “I guess you’ve all outdone this old fox, huh? Well, I better go…tame this,” she muttered, gesturing vaguely to her fluffy tails before slipping out of her husband’s embrace. He followed her upstairs to make sure she didn’t trip over her own feet, being the klutz she was, giving a thankful smile back at Noelia, who returned it.

Not soon after they vanished, Kari strode into the kitchen, dressed in her usual attire—tank top, shorts, and sneakers. She wordlessly grabbed a giant plate of pancakes, offering a curt nod to the room before heading out to the terrace.

Wendy narrowed her eyes, glaring daggers at her retreating back. “Kari! That’s like…half the pancakes!”

Kari just gave a dismissive wave over her shoulder, not even bothering to turn around. “Better get to them faster next time,” she called back, her voice flat but a smirk tugging at her lips and thoroughly shocking Sora as the wolf’s tail flicked back and forth.

She didn’t!

Wendy huffed, crossing her arms as she watched the wolf’s tail disappear outside. “Ugh. Why do I even try? Just take what she wants.”

Sora just chuckled. “C’mon, Wendy, she is a hungry wolf and we’ve got a lot of batter.”

“That you and she didn’t help make,” the brunette shot back. “Blah!”

“Boop.” Noelia’s tail snaked out to jab her daughter in the nose, making her stumble back.

“Mom!”

“Be nice.”

“Mmmgm. Eyia!”

Eyia descended the stairs next, dressed more practically in a blouse and jeans, her icy blue eyes focused as ever. Aiden rang the bell shortly after, his casual tone making Sora’s heart rate pick up. It didn’t take long for him to reach the kitchen, attire looking sharp as always.

And finally, Nilly appeared last. To Sora’s surprise, the cat girl was actually wearing what appeared to be a school uniform—complete with a pleated skirt, dress shirt, and jacket that looked suspiciously similar to the logos at Avalon Academy.

Sora blinked, giving Nilly a once-over. “Are you serious right now?”

Nilly grinned, twirling around. “Like it? It was just there, hanging on the stand! I think the Herald dropped it off for me. I’ve never been to school before!”

Aiden arched an eyebrow. “You look…surprisingly normal, Nilly.”

“Right?” the cat beamed, her split tails flicking back and forth with pride. “Nilly’s the cutest—ack! Me, I…I’m the cutest… Mmmgm.”

They all giggled as the cat buried her red face in her arms.

“You certainly are the cutest,” Sora smirked, waving her hand to summon their suitcases out of the front room and making them float with a desire. “Alright, let’s get this show on the road. We don’t want to be late… Where’s my mom? Still upstairs?” she whispered, looking that way with a sad smile. “Let me go get her.”

Sora moved to stand at the bottom of the stairs, staring up toward the closed bathroom door. Taking a deep breath, she pushed onward to the upper level. She gripped her elbow upon nearing the door, ears falling flat and a melancholy smile lifting her lips as the sound barrier lifted.

Thanks, Noelia… What she heard with her heightened senses made her heart ache as she listened in silence, listening to her mother’s sniffles. Oh, Mom. I can’t leave you when you’re like this.

She lingered, shifting to the wall and being quiet, the dread in her mother’s voice gripping her stomach. Mom… You won’t let me in, so I don’t know how to help. Dad, please help her.

“I know she’s ready, but…Jarlath, she’s going to Avalon. That place, it’s… What if—”

“Mia, love,” her dad’s deep, calming voice cut through her mother’s sobs. “She’s stronger than you think. You’ve done everything you could. She’s capable. Sora’s got this.”

“But what if she’s not ready and…and she hates me? What if I’ve…failed her in the end? Fen, The Foundation, everything awaiting her within that broken realm. If something happens to her and I’m not there… How can I protect her when I can’t even use a hair dryer, much less handle any unforeseen threats?! What was I thinking…”

Sora’s throat tightened, pressing her lips together as the words struck her heart like a dagger. Her mom had always been strong, independent, and had lived solely for herself for millions of years. It wasn’t just enemies she was trying to predict and counter, but herself. It was also hard to hear this side of her confident mother—the raw, unfiltered anxiety and fear—was something so unlike yet exactly the same as the mom she’d first met after transforming.

Her dad’s voice softened, and Sora imagined him pulling her mother into his arms, just like he always did when she was at her most vulnerable; she’d seen it over the week from time to time.

“Mia, you haven’t failed her. You’ve given her all the tools she needs. Avalon may be dangerous, but she isn’t going there alone. Wendy, Kari, Aiden, Eyia, and, apparently, even Nilly will be with her. And if anything happens, we’ll be right here for our daughter. You’re not in this alone.”

A small chuckle broke through her mom’s sobs. “You always say the right things… How do you do that without any abilities or powers?”

“Years of experience as a mortal, I guess,” he replied, his tone light but steady. “I’m her dad, just like you’re her mom. We both want what’s best for her… And giving her space to grow into the woman she wants to be is what is best for her.”

Dad…

Her mom sniffed again, her voice trembling but laced with a hint of amusement. “I’m just… I don’t know how to stop worrying about her. She’s going off on her own, and it feels like everything is slipping out of my hands.”

Sora closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she steadied herself. She couldn’t stand outside and listen anymore. With a gentle knock, she rapped her knuckles against the bathroom door. There was a pause before the door cracked open, and her father’s warm, familiar face peeked through.

“Sora.” His voice was soft, a smile tugging at his lips. “Give us a minute?”

Before Sora could respond, her mother, voice still thick with emotion but tinged with a forced lightness, called out. “It’s okay… Let her in, Jarlath.”

The door opened further, revealing her mom sitting on the bathroom counter, her usually flawless fur—Noelia’s handiwork more than her mom’s—was disheveled, and her red eyes puffy from tears. Her mother attempted a smile, but it was shaky at best.

Sora stepped inside, her heart aching at the sight of her mom. The powerful, confident vulpes who could command a room with a flick of her tails looked fragile—like spun glass—and Sora could feel it in every twitch of her mother’s ears.

“I’m sorry you had to hear that, sweetheart,” she whispered, scooting off to reach out to pull her into a hug. “I’m just… No trouble. I’m just…” she made an awkward, indecisive gesture, like she was grasping at straws and struggling to find the right words.

Sora melted into the embrace, wrapping her arms around her mother’s waist as her tails encircled them. “It’s okay, Mom. It’s okay to feel like this. I’m scared too.”

Her mother’s breath hitched, her sweet hold tightening as if afraid to let go. “You’re my Little Ember, Sora… I just…don’t want to see you snuffed out…to lose you.”

“You won’t,” Sora whispered, her voice trembling slightly as she squeezed her mom tighter. “I’m not going anywhere, I promise. Avalon is just another step…and you’ve prepared me for it, right? I’ve got friends and support from the highest people in Avalon.”

Her mother’s chest fluttered against hers, chuckling through her tears. “You’re too good at this… Too good at being the strong one when I should be the one comforting my little kit, off to the battleground that is school. I thought I’d be the one giving you a pep talk… How silly of me.”

Sora pulled back slightly, looking at her mother with a small smile. “I mean, who’s my mom again?”

Her mom’s eyes glistened, her lips quivering as she leaned over to kiss her on the forehead. “And that’s what I’m worried about! Well, at least you’re not like your aunt Nari or Seiōbo… I love you, My Little Ember.”

Her dad stood by the door with his arms folded, smiled softly at the exchange. “Mia, we have an amazing daughter. She’s going to be fine. And when she’s not, she’s got us.”

After a few more minutes of comfort and shared warmth, her mom finally pulled away, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. “Alright…alright. We should get going before we make ourselves more of a mess and you’re late… My, what a beautiful young woman you are. You’ve got more of your grandmother in you than me, I swear!”

Sora chuckled, rubbing her arm. “That makes no sense, Mom. And you’re not a mess; you look great!”

“Liar,” she snickered, a hint of her usual sass returning as she tousled her hair. “I’ll get cleaned up, and we’ll head down.”

“Let me help…”

Her mother’s shiny red eyes creased. “I’m so hopeless without you.”

Giggling and spinning her mother around to face the mirror, she wrapped her in her magic, soothing her soul. “…And I feel the same way about you. Thank you for all you’ve done for me, Mom,” she whispered, kissing the back of her head and making her mom’s body quake again, but this time with tears of joy.

Once finished and downstairs, the rest of the group had gathered, waiting for them.

Wendy had already darted back up the stairs to change. Eyia stood near the door, her practical blouse and jeans giving off an air of readiness, her long blonde hair tied back in a neat ponytail. Kari was leaning against the wall, quiet as always but with a look of determination in her amber eyes for…something. The wolf had changed a lot since that talk with Ylva.

Once Wendy returned with a bold red dress that had Sora clapping, their father and mothers joined them at the elevator. Mia’s arm tucked around Jarlath’s. As they approached, Mia’s gaze softened, her expression still vulnerable but more composed, Noelia on the opposite side.

“I’m proud of you, Sora. So proud…but I’m going to miss you. Every second.”

Sora expression softened, her own heart squeezing at the sight of her mother’s barely contained emotions. “I’ll miss you too, Mom… I’ll be back before you know it. Just…try not to burn down the building and lean a little on Dad and Noelia.”

Her mom’s lips trembled, and she swallowed hard before leaning in to kiss her forehead one last time. “Be safe, My Little Ember.”

“I will,” Sora promised, her voice barely a whisper as she stepped into the elevator with the others. Waving them off, she breathed out a long stream of air when the doors closed, Wendy nudging her side and offering a supportive grin.

That’s it… We’re off!

It didn’t take long for them to reach the portal to Avalon Academy, and Sora blinked in surprise when she saw Ember waiting for them at the gate.

I totally forgot Ember was meeting us!

“Ember!” she waved, but the Fire Fairy didn’t zip over to chat, instead waiting for them to approach. “Ember?”

Her cheer diminished as the flickering, tiny lady gave her a formal curtsy. “Lady Sora, it is a pleasure to serve you. I apologize for not being there to guide you, as was my duty. We should first visit the dormitories to deposit your goods.”

“Yeah…”

Sora gave Nilly and Wendy a glance, their heads tilting at the formal exchange, but none of them had spent nearly as much time with Ember as her to realize the strange cadence shift.

Something feels…off. There’s no weird flux or change in magic, though. Weird.

Gone was the bubbly, ditzy Fire Fairy she’d come to know. Ember floated there with a graceful, almost regal composure. Her fiery hair flowed down her back, and her usual playful expression had been replaced by a cool, respectful demeanor.

“Ember?” Sora asked, ears flipping back as Kari watched with a bored expression and Eyia scrutinized their interaction. “Are you okay? You don’t have to be all formal with me. What kind of punishment did they give you?”

Ember’s lips curved into a small, restrained smile. “The punishment is something I cannot disclose, Lady. But I’ll continue to do my best to guide you.”

The distant tone in Ember’s voice made Sora’s heart sink. She reached out, hesitating for a moment before carefully pulling Ember into a hug; her flames were hot against her fingers but didn’t burn. “I don’t know what that punishment lady did…but I’m sorry if this changes things between us or you got hurt.”

Ember stiffened for a moment, before relaxing slightly in her gentle embrace. “I appreciate your concern, but it’s nothing to worry about. My role is to assist you, and I will continue to do so to the best of my abilities.”

Sora eased up, allowing her wiggle room to float back. With one final glance toward the elevator and Stephanie’s cottage, Sora turned back to Ember.

Something’s definitely changed. Okay, Ember, I guess Avalon’s mysteries start here. It’s time I learn how to properly use my powers. No magic I can detect controlling Ember, but something definitely changed… And I’ll find out what it is. I want my ditzy Fire Fairy back!

Looking between her sister, Eyia, Kari, Aiden, and Nilly, together, they stepped through the shimmering portal, leaving behind her family and entering Avalon.