In the dwindling light of a setting sun, the silhouettes of high-rise buildings carved a stark outline against the orange-hued sky. The top floor of one such building, its windows reflecting the last rays of daylight, was the clandestine meeting place for the high-ranking members of the Children of the Lost Sun. Their conversation was tense, revolving around a recent, unexpected setback. It was so recent. In fact, it happened just the day prior.

Seated around a polished mahogany table were three figures. High Priestess Marcella, a woman with a glare as sharp as she was beautiful. Elder Johnathan, an aged man whose eyes held decades of secrets. And Commander Rowan, leader of the military affairs of the cult, his military background was evident in his posture and clipped speech.

“The child of prophecy remains unscathed,” Marcella began, her voice laced with frustration. “Reports indicate interference by a little girl exhibiting fox-like features. An unforeseen variable.”

Jonathan stroked his white beard thoughtfully. “A little girl? Could she be an agent of another group or government? If she’s able to protect that little girl from our members, then her abilities suggest specialized training. Is there such an organization that specializes in illusions who we have a feud with?” He mused aloud, not even considering that the perpetrator who ruined their plans was truly a little girl.

Rowan, whose focus was always on the strategic side of things, added, “We must consider all possibilities. This unknown could be a significant threat, especially if she’s backed by a powerful group.”

Their discussion was interrupted by the abrupt entrance of a lower-ranking cult member, someone directly under Rowan, Lieutenant Vance. “High Priestess, Elder, Boss, I bear urgent news from our Vancouver base.”

“Proceed, Lieutenant.” Marcella’s eyes narrowed at the mention of Vancouver, already seeing that this news, whatever it would be, was going to be extremely good or extremely bad.

Vance hesitated, gathering his thoughts. “Our Vancouver base was raided. Most of our resources and members had already begun relocation, but…”

“But what, Lieutenant?” Rowan demanded, his voice a low growl.

“The assailant,” Vance continued, “was a young child with foxlike features. Her hair and eyes were both pitch black, and she had two tails along with a dragon that we couldn’t identify due to an explosion. Although blurry, we have gotten a picture of the young assailant and a name. The Whirlwind Maestra”

Handing over the picture he spoke of, a heavy silence fell over the room. The implications were clear, and the coincidence too stark to ignore.

Marcella’s voice was cold, yes composed. “This is no mere coincidence. This girl… She’s targeting us deliberately. And now that we failed to accomplish the elimination of the child of prophecy even while causing such a massive event like an [Abyssal Break], we can’t move freely in Tennessee. Damn it, we must ascertain her identity and allegiances immediately.”

Jonathan nodded in agreement. This was a troublesome situation they found themselves in. “This had to be premeditated. How could they have possibly known? We definitely set up countless anti-seer barriers, so how?” He mumbled to himself, unable to think of a possible reason.

Rowan leaned forward, his eyes reflecting the seriousness of the situation. “Lieutenant Vance, use every resource at your disposal. We need to understand who we are dealing with. Focus your efforts on organizations well known for their illusionary dragons first.”

Vance nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of his task. “I will begin immediately, Boss.”

As Vance left the room, the three leaders sat in contemplative silence, each lost in their thoughts. The setting sun cast long shadows across the room, mirroring the growing uncertainty in their minds. The appearance of this mysterious girl had changed the playing field, and the Children of the Lost Sun knew they had to adapt quickly to this new challenge. The stakes were too high, and the path ahead was surely fraught with danger.

—

The next morning, with the sun casting a warm glow over the city, which was gradually coming back to life after the recent events. Slade and Anastasia had noticed a subtle change in the atmosphere, a cautious return to normalcy. With all their paperwork related to Cid done, they decided it was a good day for Aella and him to get to know each other, Suggesting that the older of the two kids show Cid around the city.

Aella, though not particularly excited about the idea, agreed. She had nothing specific to do until tomorrow, when her next meeting with Blair was scheduled. Plus, she understood the importance of welcoming Cid into their family. However, as soon as they stepped outside, she realized the challenge ahead. Cid, still grieving over the loss of his mother, was withdrawn and unresponsive, his young face clouded with the weight of his loss.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Aella, ever the optimist which she pretended to be, tried to break through his shell. “Hey, Cid, let’s go see the big fountain in the central square. It’s really cool, you’ll love it!” she suggested with a gentle smile.

Cid merely nodded, his response lackluster.

Inwardly letting out a sigh, the new siblings began to move; Aella kept up a stream of cheerful conversation, hoping to lighten his mood. “You know, this city has the best ice cream shop just around the corner. What’s your favorite flavor? Mine’s Mint Chocolate Chip!”

Cid shrugged, his eyes distant. “I don’t know,” he mumbled.

‘How do you not know? Did the depression give you memory loss? Have you never had ice cream before? If that’s the case, I think your mother deserved to die!’ Aella screamed in her mind.

Undeterred, Aella continued, pointing out various landmarks and sharing anecdotes. Some an 8-year-old child probably shouldn’t know, like the history of a statue of a specific Dragon Rider. “Over there is the arcade where I beat the high score in Galactic Invaders. Maybe we can play together sometime? I bet you’d be great a it.”

Out of the many interesting things Aella had been introduced to in this new world, Video Games were up there at the top. As she had yet to make any friends at school, she had no reason to go outside before the Abyss Nest so gaming had taken up much of her free time.

Cid offered a small, fleeting smile but remained silent.

Aella, sensing his discomfort, shifted her approach. “Hey, Cid, if you don’t feel like talking… Just know that I’m here for you, alright? Since you’re my little brother now, nobody will ever bully you! And if they do, you just tell this Big Sister, and I’ll go beat them up real good!”

A reminder that Aella is not above beating up children. This was a legitimate promise.

Cid glanced at her, his expression softening slightly. “Thanks,” he whispered.

‘I’M WINNING! I AM STRONGER THAN SOME MERE DEPRESSION!’

As they finally reached the fountain, Aella sat beside him on the edge, giving him space yet staying close. “You know the Festival that’s held here every 4 years? The one celebrating the advancements in magic technology from craftsmen that are from this lovely city of ours… When I first attended that festival when I was 3, I thought this lake was magical. I remember I made a wish here. Do you want to try it? We can make a wish together.”

Cid looked at the water, then at Aella, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. “Really? Does it work?”

Aella chuckled. “I like to think it does. It’s more about having hope, y’know? And it’s fun.”

Cid hesitated, then nodded. Aella gave him a coin out of her purse, and they each tossed one into the fountain, watching as they disappeared into the sparkling water.

“What did you wish for?” Aella asked softly.

Cid was quiet for a moment. “I wished for… For Mom,” his voice barely a whisper.

Aella put an arm around his shoulders, pulling him gently into a hug. “I think she’d want you to be happy, Cid. Remember, you’re not alone in this.”

Cid leaned into her, his resistance crumbling just a bit. “Okay,” he said, a note of acceptance in his voice.

Aella smiled, her heart warming at the small breakthrough. “Let’s stick together, okay? Big sister Aella has got you back! And just to prove it, I’ll give a service that I don’t give to anyone else! Stormy, would you mind helping me?”

Cid was mildly confused as he pulled away slightly, allowing Aella to stand up.

Stormy let out a happy chirp, and Aella pointed at the fountain, directing Cid’s attention to the sprinklers inside.

Gently dragging two fingers across her throat, Aella began to move her mouth.

“In the light of the moon, you’re not alone, Together, we’ll find a place called home.” She had begun to sing, Stormy catching some of the water from sprinklers with his [Water Manipulation], using the droplets to create minuscule rainbows, not amazing just Cid but also the few other onlookers.

“Through the highs and the lows, I’ll be your guide, In this journey of life, I’m by your side.” She continued. Her voice, to say it was angelic, would be an understatement.

“With every step, in every stride, You’ll find strength with me right by your side.” Her soft, melodic words reached Cid’s ears and only Cid’s ears, encompassing him like a warm pair of earmuffs.

One of Aella’s more prominent talents which she doesn’t show to anyone, was her singing. An unfortunate byproduct of her Aetherstream’s secondary domain being sound was that it fine-tuned her vocal to be as melodic as possible whenever she doesn’t actively suppress it.

Cid was mesmerized by what he had just heard. Never in his life has he ever heard something so beautiful and he would continue to never hear anything as beautiful in his life ahead of him.

With a warm smile, Aella offered Cid a hand. “Let’s go home, k?”

Snapping out of his trance, Cid nodded, and the two began walking home, the entire time Cid subtly glancing at Aella.

“Aella…”

“Yeah?”

“How did you hide your tails and ears like that?”

“Hmm… That’s a trade secret!” Aella chuckled one final time.