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Book 1 - Of Butterflies and Elves

*~~oOo~~*

Hunter Tracks
"-I'm gonna grab some berries. Be right back!"Below the mountains, an old forest hums in whispered melody by a tender breeze bristling its stiff branches. Its warm wilted red-orange leaves brought a cosy demeanour with the wind plucking one off its brittle stem and letting it fall off, adding to the ever-growing pile below. The surprisingly wide forest floor is illuminated by the glow of sparse sunlight breaking through the canopy.A forest at peace whispers its secrets untold.Till' a girl's bright red boots ran unceremoniously through a pile of leaves, giggling as they exploded everywhere."Pwah, I got some in my mouth," she spits, then resumes her pace through the woods. She darts around the mighty trunks of the great Northern pine, her bright eyes taking in the shrouded atmosphere beneath the canopies.Slowing down, she kneels by a green shrub nestled in the red-orange thicket. Peering through the plant, she uncovers a hidden cove of berries."Bingo!" She plucks a berry and pops it into her mouth, moaning in delight at the ripe, sweet burst of flavour. "This will go perfectly with the lunch Mum made for us."Pushing her blue hair to the side, she quickly forages, taking only what she needs. "I think this is enough," she smiles proudly at the assorted pile in her basket.Dusting off her blue skirt, she jogs and makes a game of jumping into leaf piles along the way. Soon, the wind picks up again. And with the wind in her hair, she propels forth through the flurry of red-orange leaves.Her red jumper and yellow scarf blend with the colourful autumn foliage, starkly contrasting her long, unnatural blue hair. The black beret threatens to be swept off her head, but her resolve remains unwavering as she picks up the pace.The wind dies just as her red boots skid to a stop at her destination—a sunny forest clearing with a lone mossy rock pile in the middle."I'm back!" she announces to no one in particular. She checks her basket, noting the pile of freshly picked berries next to a packed lunchbox and a space that could fit more."We can go back on the trail now," she says, still focused on her basket."Oh! I can't wait to run around the meadows! I bet it's full of all sorts of flowers this time around. And ooh, don't forget the surprise~!" she sings."What do you think, sis—?" She finally looks up and sees no one is there.…"Sis?"She stares at the empty spot where she expects her sister and pet to be. Looking around, she scratches her head and cups her mouth, calling out again."Sis, Twig!""Where are you guys?" she mutters, feeling annoyed.A faint shuffle catches her attention, and her eyes snap toward the pile of rocks, more specifically behind it. She cautiously approaches and peeks over the edge. There, she sees a furry white figure hunched down on all fours. An animal with hooves, antlers, and spots on its rear."Twig?"He shoots up in surprise and turns his tiny snout up to her, revealing himself to be a Deerfox pup.He eagerly trots to her, circling her red boots and brushing his fluffy tail against them before sitting down. A loyal companion. She sighs in relief at the sight of him."Thank goodness you're still here, boy."She kneels to run her fingers through his fur, and Twig the Deerfox mews, burying into her touch.Before she can ask about her sister's whereabouts, she notices his puffed cheeks."Twig, what's that you've got there?" she tries to ask. Twig points his snout away in response."Stop hiding it. Now let's see…" She frowns as he pulls his snout back, gently prompting his mouth open, unfazed by her gross action.Getting a quick peek at the contents, her eyes widen. She lets go and stands up, patting her hands on her blue skirt."Mum's packed baloney sandwich? That's strange." She taps her chin, thinking. "But who could've given you—" She gasps in realization, piecing the evidence together.She lets out a tired groan, dragging a palm over her face. "She ran off, didn't she?" she concludes, shooting him a stink eye.Twig's ears droop as he nods."And she bribed you off with baloney. So you would let her leave?"Twig nods again, guiltily gulping down the last of the baloney."It's okay, boy." She picks him up and ruffles his head."Mum wanted us to take her outside instead of letting her stay cooped up all day." The absence of her sister dampens her chirpy mood. "We've got her out this far. I'm not giving up now."Glancing around, she spots something on the ground. To the average eye, it's just dirt littered with dry leaves and roots. But to an experienced adventurer like her, it reveals a trail of footprints leading out of the clearing and into the woods."Oh, dear sister. A prey shouldn't leave breadcrumbs for the hunter to follow." She smirks. "Plus, she totally went the opposite way of home."Laughing, she places Twig down, letting him sniff around the tracks. Baloney, he smells. He looks up at her and yips."Quick, she couldn't have gone far." Hilda hastily pursues the tracks back into the forest, allowing Twig to gallop ahead and take the lead.
Rocky Staircase
Somewhere across the forest, opposite the girl and her steed, a bush rattles as two arms part it. White shoes and dark leggings step through, belonging to a girl who looks to be the same age and build as the other one.She dusts off the leaves and twigs that cling to her grey sweater."Stupid shrubs,"She casts a nasty glare at the wall of bushes lining the ridge's edge. Combing her long brown hair with her fingers, she adjusts the red scarf wrapped snugly around her neck. She approaches the edge, peering tentatively over.It's a narrow drop to the valley floor below. As the realization hits that it's not just a ridge but a cliff, she squeaks, "Eep!" Vision narrowing, she stumbles back, crawling away from the edge."I don't know how she puts up with this," she mutters, shivering as she catches her breath. Her eyes dart around, lost in her surroundings.High mountains tower over the forest labyrinth below, with a torrenting river cutting through the landscape. Frost clouds roll between the peaks, a biting reminder of the cliff's height. As she scans the valley, she sees no signs of home. Turning around, she is met with the ominous shadow of the forest.A forest at peace holds no interest for those who aren't seeking its secrets."I need to get my bearings…" she mutters to herself, yearning for the comforts of her bed. She grabs her satchel and pulls out her makeshift map. As she peruses it, a pit forms in her stomach at a horrifying realization."I've gone the complete opposite way," she groans, slapping her head at the mistake. "How am I going to get home now?" A hint of regret tinges her tone."Woohooo!…" "Awooo!"Her back flies against a tree when she hears a familiar holler and howl echo in the distance, followed by birds fluttering away.
They're coming for me!
Living in the darkness of her room for so long gives her a kind of pseudo-night vision. From far away, she can discern the silhouette of a person and a small animal making their way through the wall of shrubs. They won't take long to reach her.In a moment of frenzy, she spots a lone tree and immediately climbs its trunk. She presses herself against the branches, making herself as small as possible—just in time as the bush parts and reveals…Moments ago…They sprint through the forest, large smiles on their faces at the thrill of the hunt. Darting over logs and following the trail of crushed leaves deeper into the woods, they approach a fork in the trail. Conveniently, both paths merge in the same direction.The path on the left leads down a mundane trek, a safe and perfectly straightforward route. The second one, meanwhile, leads to rocky terrain, littered with large boulders that tower over the trees.Seeing both options, she doesn't hesitate to choose the latter. After all, you know what they say— all roads lead to Rome."Come on!" she beckons Twig as they hop onto the rocks. Her red boots grip the stones lightly, flinging side-to-side. She nimbly maneuvers around, up and down, performing crude jumps across the boulders. She climbs higher and higher until she's above most of the trees."Yeah!" she laughs.After a running start, she leaps off the tallest rock, soaring through the air. Her beret miraculously stays perched on her head, and her face beams with silent glee. She hears a howl and turns to see Twig jumping after her; she catches him mid-air."Woohoo!"She hollers, and Twig howls by her side. Their voices echo as birds take flight. They land in a pile of red-orange leaves, breaking their fall. Both heads pop out of the leaves, and they share a laugh."That was awesome!" Twig yips in agreement. They swim out of the pile and dust themselves off."This place is a wonderful jumping spot; we should add it to the map!"Excitedly, she takes out her journal sketchbook. Flipping through the pages, she reveals a complete map of the valley, charmingly drawn with crayons. She adds the rocky area between the icons of a mountain and the meadows."Rock Staircase, there!" she titles the location, smiling proudly at this new addition to her ever-expanding map.Twig yips, and she packs up her sketchbook. She runs back along the trail, resuming their search after this quick, exciting detour.The trail leads them up to the top of a cliff, not a ridge as one might mistake it. The edge is obscured by a wall of bushes, which they easily weave through."Oh! Beautiful," she gasps at the view of the valley. The imposing mountains are capped with snow, serving as a backdrop to the forest of pines below, transitioning to a grassy meadow where animals frolic. Clouds roll in between, bringing a cool breeze to anyone who admires the beauty.A soft whine pulls her back to reality. "What is it, boy?"Twig points his snout, and her eyes follow the trail of footsteps ending at a nearby lone tree. She kneels to inspect, noting the freshness of the tracks. "The trail ends here, but where is she?" she asks aloud to no one in particular.She scratches her head while Twig sniffs around the perimeter, trying to catch a scent.Sitting down by the tree, she contemplates. "There's no way she could've actually gone home by herself; she doesn't know these woods like we do." They share a look as she hugs her knees and rests her head on them. "She could be lost…"Absentmindedly, she traces a finger in the dirt, drawing a crude stick figure of herself, Twig, and her sister together. Out of the corner of her eye, she notices a grey figure concealed among the autumn leaves from the tree above.Gears turn in her mind, and she gasps. Instantly, she shoots up and sneakily presses her body against the trunk to hide her frame. From her spot, she squints.A person wearing a red scarf and a grey sweater clings to a branch, burying their face in it and stifling their breathing to avoid detection. A failure on their part.She gasps again as she finally spots her sister. Part of her wants to rush over and give her a piece of her mind for ditching her, but a smirk creeps onto her face as a more mischievous idea comes to mind."Hmm!" she hums aloud, watching her sister tense up."Welp, I guess she's not here, Twig!" she yells, catching Twig's attention and making her sister visibly flinch. The blue-haired girl stifles a laugh as she continues, slowly backing away into the nearby bushes."Looks like she went home, boy. Maybe it's time we go back and check!" she says purposefully, waving over the confused Twig. "Shh, follow me." She beckons him, and they both soon hide underneath the wall of shrubs.From there, she lies patiently, waiting for her scheme to unfold. And she doesn't have to wait long.…Branches creak as she sees her sister climb down, crushing the dry leaves. She swivels around, eyes warily scanning the area. "Are they gone?"Letting the question hang in the air, she relaxes her stance and sighs in relief. "Okay, this might be my only opportunity to get back home," she says, oblivious to the fact that she is being watched."I better catch up, quick. Lest I want to be left behind." She begins to jog back into the woods, navigating through the wall of shrubs. Suddenly, the leaves shake, and a face emerges."Boo!" Her sister and her pet deerfox pop up out of nowhere."Gah!" The brunette yelps, jumping back and unceremoniously falling on top of the shrubs. "Oof!" she lets out before groaning. She hears giggling and cranes her head up, watching it transform into a full-blown laughing fit."Bwahahaha! Oh, that was hilarious!""Is it?" she growls, finding herself with her back caved in atop a bush. She struggles to lunge herself upright like a turtle turned upside down."Ho-oh oh! You should've seen the look on your face! You were all like, 'This might be my only opportunity to get back home!'" Her sister wipes a tear from her eyes, hurling into another fit of laughter, with Twig joining in.She rolls her eyes, unamused. "Fine. Fine, you got me. Happy now?""Very," her sister replies, laughter reducing to snickers. She offers a hand, and with a mighty pull, she is free.The blue-haired girl we already know is Hilda. The one who gets scared out of their mind is her sister Zelda.Similarities in name alone, along with sharing the same height, frame, and face as they stood side by side. 'Twas evident the two are twins, albeit with different hair colours.Zelda sighs in relief. "Thanks." She dusts off her sweater and sends Hilda an annoyed look. "How did you even find me?"Hilda snorts, grinning. "Well… for one, you left a trail for Twig and me to follow."Zelda can't help but facepalm, and Hilda's amusement grows. "I knew I was forgetting something."She redirects her attention to Twig. "And I thought you were supposed to be on my side? Was the baloney not good enough for you?" She points at him, and he looks away, feigning ignorance."Secondly when the trail seemingly ran cold. We were genuinely about to give up-,""Which you didn't,""-If not for your grey hoodie, which doesn't help at all in blending with the leaves, eh?" Hilda raises an eyebrow.Zelda shakes her head and grumbles under her breath as her sister continues, "I say your escape was amateur at best. But what else would I expect from you, little sis?"This earns Hilda a lighthearted jab on the shoulder, which gets her a glare."Don't call me that. You're only five minutes older than me," Zelda retorts, and Hilda waves her hands and backs off.A breeze sweeps between them as Zelda strides past her sister, heading deeper into the forest. Her white shoes are now sullied with mud and leaves. She sighs in defeat, futilely scraping them against a tree bark. "I can't believe Mum forced me to go out here. Away from my books, my bed, and my warm fireplace," she pouts."Come on, Zel. You've been cooped up inside the house for days! It's not healthy," Hilda says, walking alongside her with Twig in tow."I know! But do we really have to do this at the start of fall? It's frickin' chilly out here, brrr." She shivers dramatically."Being outside isn't all bad. You get to explore the woods, run through fields, climb trees, collect funny-shaped rocks, and discover new places!" Hilda gestures to the landscape, her enthusiasm infectious. "Plus, you, me, and Twig can have lots of adventures out here! Experience fun!" she beams."We can experience equal fun indoors. Playing dragon panic by the warm, cosy fire, for example!""True, but Mum basically told me to get you out of the house once in a while. Can't disobey our dear mommy now, can we?""Yeah, you're the model child," Zelda drawls. "Let's see that hold up once she hears about one of your many dangerous adventures.""Good thing we made a pact to never tell Mum any of my traumatizing and near-death experiences," Hilda grins. "You'll change your mind about the outdoors once I show you the meadows, Zel.""Hil, I've been to the meadows before. It's where we held Mum's surprise birthday, remember? Just hills covered with daisies, poppies, and bellflowers." Zelda reminisces childhood memories. "It used to be fun running around, but now it's boring.""Ha! On the contrary, my dear sister!" Hilda dramatically announces, showing off a leather book decorated with flower motifs. "You see, I recently found something interesting about said meadow," she hypes up in a showman's voice.Zelda gives her an unamused stare while Twig tilts his head, intrigued."So quit moaning and get moving before we miss it." Hilda takes Zelda's arm and begins leading her through the forest."Miss what?!" Zelda's cries fall on deaf ears as she struggles to keep up with her more athletic sibling."Trust me, it's worth it. You'll find out soon enough." Hilda grins, her excitement palpable."Ugh, you know I hate running."
Flappy Scourge
Secluded in the valley among the autumn woods, a pristine sea of grass ripples like emerald waves beneath the sun. Unbroken hills cascade endlessly, untouched by the forest's cold embrace.As the cloudy sun reaches its zenith, something extraordinary happens. The sea of grass comes alive, responding to some ancient rhythm of the earth. Before their eyes, the landscape transforms into a breathtaking spectacle of colour and light."Never gets old…"A field of flowers bursts forth from the earth, a riot of hues stretching as far as the eye can see. It's as though a rainbow is woven into the very fabric of the land, even in autumn.This is the Meadows, where flowers bloom at noon and fade in the evening.Memories flood back of the two children chasing each other through the vibrant blooms. Laughter fills the air as Twig runs circles around the sisters while Mum watches from the sidelines, a small smile on her face.The nostalgia hits hard, especially for one of the twins. "Those were the days…"The wind dives into the flowers, creating waves of dancing petals bending in the breeze, carrying pollen to cultivate even more blooms."Achoo!" Zelda sniffles. "So what am I looking at exactly? It's still just a plain field of flowers, nothing new here.""Ever the buzzkill, Zels," Hilda sighs, and her sister rolls her eyes."You'll think otherwise after seeing it. We've come at the right time! Just you wait," Hilda exclaims as she spreads a picnic blanket on a hilltop in the middle of the Meadow."Ugh! I should've stayed home, tucked into bed, surrounded by my plushies and fluffy pillows!" Zelda groans, flopping down onto the warm checkered blanket and hugging Twig like he's her plushie. A soft and adorable plushie, and a good boy."Oh, lighten up!" Hilda grins, nudging Zelda playfully, still in high spirits. "To pass the time, let's dig into the lunch Mum packed for us.""Great, I'm starving!" Zelda exclaims, scrambling upright."Cucumber sandwich, my favourite," Hilda announces, pulling out two plastic bags. "Here's yours, Zel." She tosses one at her. "A bologna sandwich.""Nice, thank you," Zelda says, catching it before tearing a piece and giving it to Twig. "Here, boy. Thanks again for helping me escape, albeit short-lived.""I can't believe you got bribed off like that," Hilda chuckles, sitting by Zelda's side. "You're supposed to be my loyal partner," she cries, feigning betrayal.Mid-chew, Zelda nods. "What can I say? Baloney is a great negotiation tool.""Pfft! What a load of baloney.""Bwahahaha!" The two share a hearty laugh as they continue their picnic, topping off their sandwiches with a pile of freshly plucked berries. As Hilda rummages through the basket for refreshments, she hears something crunch at the bottom."Oh my gosh, I can't believe it," she gasps, catching her sister's attention."We've been blessed with a two-course meal!" she excitedly announces, pulling out a bag of junk food."Crisps!" The sisters celebrate, and Twig howls in agreement. Chips for those Americans."Awesome! Mum normally doesn't allow us to eat junk food. It's always biscuits and crumpets and whatnots," Hilda says, grabbing a handful and tossing it in her mouth.Zelda shrugs. "I eat these all the time while you're away.""I pity you," Hilda shakes her head. "It's a miracle you haven't gotten fat."Instead of taking offence, Zelda beams in response. "I've got some baby fat here and there, but I accept it. It makes me look adorable," she says, tilting her head cutely."Oh yeah?" Hilda sits up. "Ever consider getting one of these?" She pulls up her red sleeves, proudly showing off the start of her toned biceps."Meh, muscles are overrated," Zelda replies, diving back into the basket."Pft, you're just envious," Hilda says, her eyes widening as Zelda unearths yet more junk food from the depths of the basket. It's a testament to their mum's skill in packing efficiently, and the fact that she hadn't noticed while carrying it is rather amusing."There are so many… Speaking of which, how come I never get any snacks in my lunch boxes?" she complains."For starters, our pantry would've run out far sooner with you going out adventuring every day. And these are only reserved for special occasions," Her twin explains."Didn't realize kicking you out of the house was a special occasion," Hilda quips. "Maybe I should make it a regular thing. The rewards will be well worth it—"Zelda pounces on her with a flurry of slaps and jabs on her side. "I kid—I kid!" Hilda raises her arms in surrender.A bad move on her part as Zelda resorts to more unforgiving tactics: tickling. Not one to back down, Hilda pushes her off and retaliates. Soon, the two sisters are engaged in a playful wrestling match, filled with yelps, threats, and even curses thrown around. Twig barks excitedly from the sidelines as the clouds drift lazily overhead.…Exhausted from their journey and the subsequent feast, added to the roughhousing, Zelda soon succumbs to sleep, unsurprisingly. She settles herself on Hilda's lap, with Twig nestled securely in her arms. Hilda takes to drawing in her journal to pass the time, listening to the pleasant snores of her sister and pet. Absentmindedly, she fiddles with her sister's brown hair, which, unlike hers, is soft and silky.
I hope we have more moments like this…
She adds the finishing touches to her drawing when something catches the corner of her eye. "Huh?" Her journal falls forgotten to the side, its page revealing a portrait sketch of her sleeping sister and Twig.She feels the air shift in her gut. Squinting her eyes, she sees shadows rapidly approaching from the forest."Zel! Zelda!" She jostles her shoulder. "Wake up, wake up!" she practically screams in her face."Wah!?" Zelda jolts upright, messy hair framing her face and a trail of drool running down her chin. "What's going on~?" she asks with a yawn, disoriented and a bit annoyed at the abrupt awakening."It's starting. Look!"Snapping out of her stupor, Zelda quickly cleans herself up. "Where?" She swivels her head around the Meadow."There," Hilda points and Zelda corrects her gaze, finally seeing it.A swarm of tiny, colourful bugs flaps their wings."Butterflies? A migration?" Zelda asks, puzzled.Hilda snickers and takes out the leather book with butterfly motifs from earlier. "Not just any old migration."As if the earth shakes, a gust of wind suddenly threatens to take Zelda's scarf off and Hilda's beret. Zelda holds on to her sister's sleeve while Twig cowers behind their legs, and Hilda stands protectively over the two.When she looks up, a shadow passes over them."The Great Northern Butterfly Migration!" Hilda shouts in mad glee.Then, as if on cue, giant butterflies spring forth, wingspans resembling that of eagles. Tons of them descend out of the forest and into the meadow.Their wings display a dazzling array of colours, shimmering in the sun. Each beat of their wings creates a gust that picks up tons of pollen and blades of grass. The sky fills with the harmonious dance of butterflies flitting from flower to flower, their delicate bodies brushing against the petals."Woah!" they both exclaim, standing up in awe, enamoured with the light show filtering through the brightly shimmering wings of the giant insects."They're huge!" "It's beautiful," they breathe in unison.Who knows how long they stand in that spot, eyes widened, mouths agape, simply awestruck by the sight of the giant butterflies.It's only when Zelda hears her sister flipping through the pages of that mysterious book with the butterfly motif that she finally breaks out of her trance."I read it in this Encyclopedia on Insects by J.T. Fabre. Apparently, Great Northern Butterflies annually migrate to the Meadow to mate and lay eggs—" Hilda shows off some diagrams of the giant butterfly's anatomy."They range in size from this cute little thing," she gestures to a small one roughly a few centimetres landing on Twig's antlers. He laughably tries to nip the insect but fails as it twirls away."—to the size of these behemoths!" Hilda points up.A shadow descends on them as purple light filters out from the colourful, scaled wings of a butterfly that spans over six feet long. Moreover, it has more than one set of tiny wings, which it uses to hover over the Meadow."The migration only occurs once every four years; why that remains a mystery. And what's more, it says right here that the migration lasts until the end of the week!" Hilda squeals and Zelda can't help but chuckle along as they vibrate with excitement at sharing the discovery."Meaning we have time to bring Mum for a picnic out here?""Definitely, just like the good old days," Hilda says, hopeful. Though her sister is too preoccupied to notice."Cool…" she gapes."See? Told you it was worth it,"Zelda doesn't even bother looking her way, knowing her sister wears that smug grin."Yeah, you're right; this is well worth it. You don't have to keep rubbing it in," she sighs while grinning. She won't admit it here and now, but for the first time in her teenage life, she's glad she left the comforts of home.Hilda hands the book to Zelda, who eagerly immerses herself in its pages. Downhill, Twig frolics among the fluttering insects, his playful jumps turning into sudden alertness. His ears perk up, his body stiffens, and he darts back to the twins, whimpering.Zelda glances up, puzzled. "How come I've never read this book?" she asks, noting Hilda's sheepish expression."Oh, I borrowed it from Woodman when he wasn't looking," Hilda admits with a mischievous smile."You mean stole?" Zelda's eyes widen in mock horror."He deserved it," Hilda shrugs, and they share a conspiratorial grin.Twig's persistent whines draw their attention. "What is it, boy?" Zelda asks worriedly, moving to comfort the panicking deerfox.Hilda, however, quickly stands up and looks around attentively, much to her sister's confusion. The meadow seems unchanged, save for the butterflies now taking flight en masse. Something's wrong.A gust of wind whips through the air, strong and sudden."Woah-oh! Ah!"Blue and red blur past Zelda and Twig as they watch in dread as her twin falls off the hilltop. "Hils!" Zelda peers over the edge, sighing in relief to see Hilda buried in a patch of flowers, breaking her fall. She retreats to the centre when another gust threatens to push her off."I'm okay!" Hilda reassures them, but the gusts keep hailing from an unknown source. Ignoring her lost beret, she easily hoists herself up, though the same can't be said for the two stuck atop the hill. "Are you and Twig okay?""We're fine!" Zelda yells back. "Where's this gale coming from?! It's like I'm in a hurricane!" she exclaims, with Twig whining underneath her."I don't know!" Hilda's eyes scan the area until she notices the butterflies above, flapping their wings in unison, seemingly unaffected by the wind. "I think it's coming from the butterflies!" she deduces, but there's no time to explain further as another gust surges toward her."Can you get down?" Hilda shouts.Zelda squints against the flying debris, the picnic blanket whipping wildly beside her. She notes their absent stuff, probably sent flying to who knows where by now. She cranes her neck and sees Hilda safe downhill, shielded from the harsh winds.
Better down there than up here.
"I—I think I can try," Zelda says, standing shakily with Twig in one arm and her other shielding her face. She takes a step forward, only to be pushed back by the relentless wind.Hilda, determined, shouts back, "Hold on, I'm coming!" She ties her yellow scarf tighter and begins to climb back up."O-Okay," Zelda replies, her voice trembling.Then a translucent shadow looms over them. Hilda's eyes widen in horror. "Zelda, look out!"The Great Northern butterflies descend from the sky, their wings casting eerie shadows and sending powerful gusts in every direction. The calm shatters and the storm is upon them. A butterfly storm.
Pastel World
Zelda shuts her eyes and shields Twig with her body, bracing for the familiar terror of darkness. Instead, a disorienting burst of rainbow colours assaults her senses. The wing of the giant butterfly above feels suffocating, like being trapped under a monstrous, smothering blanket. Her breath is squeezed from her lungs, her heart pounding in panic, a feeling too close to a certain incident she wishes she could forget.Just breathe, Zelda… She chants to herself, clinging to Twig when the weight finally releases its hold on them. She gasps, air rushing into her lungs as she sits up, trembling and disoriented.She and Twig sneeze at the same time, releasing a cloud of shimmering dust.Zelda rubs her fingers together, the iridescent particles clinging to her skin. "Butterfly scales?" she murmurs, her voice tinged with disbelief and frustration as she looks at the vibrant dust now coating her clothes. "Perfect, just perfect," she mutters bitterly, brushing off the scales with shaky hands. Twig, usually pristine, is covered in the multicoloured dust, looking as bewildered as she feels.With the hurricane reduced to a soft whistling blow, Zelda finally feels safe enough to let Twig go as she stands. From her vantage point, she sees the meadows blanketed in shimmering colourful scales, creating a cloudy haze that reaches the height of three-story buildings."Hilda?" she calls out, her voice barely a whisper in the heavy air.No reply. Panic grips her as she considers leaving the hilltop to search for her sister, but the thought of diving into the dense, shifting haze and confronting the unknown terrors within makes her knees buckle.The sight would have been enchanting if not for the ominous silhouette of giant butterflies swirling in that sea of haze. But dread washed over her as she realized her sister was lost amidst its depths.Twig sniffs the ground before barking, getting her attention, and pointing his snout in a specific direction. He has Hilda's scent. Zelda sighs in relief, though she wonders why he hasn't run off yet. It's because of me.Gulping, she kneels and runs her fingers through his fur. "Go find her, boy."Twig whimpers, reluctant to leave her side. "I-It's okay, I'll be fine," she whispers, her voice cracking as she tears herself away from him.She watches Twig give her a determined look before he takes off into the unknown. Left alone atop the hill, silence engulfs her, leaving nothing but her thoughts for company. It's a dangerous solitude, the weight of recent events pressing down on her like a suffocating blanket."What's going on…" she whines, her voice barely audible. Figuring the encyclopedia from earlier might hold all the answers, she clutches it tighter. "I hope they're okay…"…"…Who am I kidding?! This is Hilda we're talking about," A shaky laugh escaping her lips.Hilda's always been the brave one, the adventurer, Mum's favourite. She's faced dangers Zelda can't even imagine. She'll be fine. But what if this time is different? What if those giant butterflies are more dangerous than anything she's faced before? What if the storm picks up again, and I'm stuck here without them? And what if Twig can't find her?
I should have gone with him.
No, focus. I have to trust Twig. I have to trust Hilda. But what if she needs me and I'm not there?
Breathe, Zelda. Just breathe!"
Remembering her mother's words, Zelda gasps for breath. Her gaze lifts to the towering cloud of shimmering scales against the autumn sky. Despite her doubts, a strange peace settles over her amidst the surreal spectacle.It's kind of peaceful up here, she thinks, a small smile creeping onto her dishevelled face.As if on cue, the giant butterflies stir into frenzied activity. Zelda shivers, gulping at the sight. She just had to jinx it.Their colossal wings unleash torrents of wind, tearing through the air with a menacing roar. Caught in the whirlwind they create, Zelda struggles to maintain her footing. If they weren't terrifying before, they certainly are now. It feels like being trapped in the eye of a tornado, surrounded by a swirling vortex of shimmering scales that blinds her vision.
I-I can't stay here!
With a surge of desperation, Zelda bolts forward, only to collide headlong into the horrifying visage of a giant butterfly. Its gaping maw and razor-sharp antennae loom menacingly before her. "Gyah!" Her screams echo in the chaos as she blindly flees in the opposite direction, her sense of direction utterly lost amidst the tumult.Bumping into something solid, she stumbles and falls, scrambling to escape without even glancing backwards."Zelda!" her sister's voice calls out, but it's drowned in the cacophony as Zelda sprints aimlessly, dodging butterflies and battling against the relentless gusts.Exhausted and disoriented, she collapses, curling into herself to shield away from the overwhelming onslaught."… Zelda…"Zelda doesn't register Hilda's faint calls amidst the vortex, lost in the echoes of an all-too-familiar feeling—harsh winds, bitter cold, exhaustion, dehydration. This is why I never go out..."Zelda! Thank goodness you're okay!" Hilda's voice breaks through the turmoil. Her appearance mirrors Zelda's, both covered in dirt and colourful butterfly scales. If Mum saw this, she'd have a fit.Hilda rushes over, enveloping her in a tight hug, not wanting to let go after meandering through the thick haze to find her. "Zel… What's wrong?" she asks, shaking her gently, but Zelda only whimpers in response."Please, tell me what's wrong!" Hilda's voice grows more frantic as her attempts to rouse her fail, while Twig whines worriedly nearby.Zelda murmurs something incomprehensible under her breath, her eyes stubbornly shut."What?!" Hilda shouts over the howling wind. "Zelda, what's wrong? Tell me!" She gently cups her twin's cheek, and when their eyes meet, she offers a reassuring smile.Zelda's mouth opens as she finally finds her voice."I-I need t-to go back home! I-I'm never going outdoors ever again…" Her declaration is shaky, her resolve crumbling under the weight of something Hilda can't quite grasp.
Never again...
Hilda's heart sinks. "W-What? Why?" she asks, shaking her sister's shoulder, desperate for an explanation. Surely one bad experience in the Meadow doesn't warrant a lifetime of fear. Hilda has faced her share of horrors, yet here she is.
She forgets she's not her...
"I said I need to go—back—home!" Zelda shoves her sister away in the spur of the moment, sending her to the ground. They both gasp at the sudden harshness. Seeing the hurt in her twin's eyes sends a pang through her heart. She opens her mouth, trembling, but the words refuse to come.Instead, she turns away and sprints into the storm, Hilda's cries fading behind her, the tears streaming down her own cheeks unnoticed."Zelda!..."Hilda's arms reach out in vain as she watches her sister's figure disappear into the rain of scales. Clenching her fists, she stands resolute, ready to catch up and make sure her sister is okay. But she pauses when she hears a yelp amidst the turbulence.Looking to her side, Hilda's heart lurches with panic as she realizes Twig is gone. In a frantic search, she spots a group of large butterflies lifting the deerfox a few feet off the ground, vanishing into the swirling cloud of shimmering scales."Twig!" A surge of adrenaline propels her into a run. "Hold on, boy, I'm coming!" She races past their ruined picnic. The encyclopedia lies crumpled among the flowers, the basket turned over with food spilled onto the grass, butterflies swarming over the remnants of their once serene moment.Twig fought back, biting their sticky legs and poking their wings with his antlers. Whenever he takes one down for the count, many more come to replace it, like fighting the Hydra.Twig fights back, biting at their sticky legs and poking their wings with his antlers. Each time he takes one down, more swarm in, like a baseball player facing an endless lineup of opponents."Get away from him!" Hilda swings a nearby branch she grabs, each strike sending the insects flying away with a resounding thud. Twig wiggles out of their grasp and into her arms."We did it, boy!" She grins as Twig licks her cheek in gratitude.However, their moment of triumph is short-lived as an even larger swarm of butterflies swoops down, seizing them both in its powerful grip. Despite their screams and struggles, they are helpless against its strength."Aaah!" Her scream echoes in the tumultuous air as they are carried away, the world spinning around them in a dizzying blur.
She didn't know how she got out, but she did.
Zelda stumbles from the haze of the Meadow and into the safety of the autumn forest. Gasping for breath, she collapses against the sturdy trunk of a tree, finding solace from the relentless gale.As the storm subsides, memories of that fateful day flood her mind. The roaring thunder, the blinding flashes of lightning, the unrelenting torrent of rain—all rush back with overwhelming force.
She could feel the fear gripping her heart as she recalled quivering under the roots of an ancient tree, the water rising around her, drowning out her cries for help.

And then, Mum's voice called out her name in the distance, a beacon of hope in the darkness. But her throat had been too sore, too hoarse to even shout back, as the water seeped in, threatening to swallow her whole. And then, a beam of light shone her way, rescuing her from the depths of despair.
Tears well in Zelda's eyes as she relives the haunting memory. An ugly sob tears through her throat, and she curls up on the dirt, her body wracked with the weight of her emotions.Terrified by the memory, Zelda feels anger at herself for still being afraid after all this time, overwhelmed with shame for abandoning her sister and Twig back in the Meadow. These emotions consume her, tearing her apart from the inside out.And then, amidst her despair, she hears it—"... Help!"The distant screams of her sister and Twig echo through the forest, jolting her back to reality with gut-wrenching force. "Hilda!" A gasp escapes her lips as she tears herself away from her hiding spot, coming face to face once more with the Meadow. Her legs turn to jelly at the sight."Come on, you coward! MOVE! Your sister and baby boy are in danger!" Her voice becomes a fierce battle cry. Without a second thought, she charges into the swirling haze, determination fueling her every step. But the wind is relentless, pushing her back with each attempt, sending her stumbling and crashing to the ground.Blood trickles down her face from a cut, but she pushes the pain aside, her focus solely on reaching Hilda. With each attempt, a fierce gust sends her tumbling backwards. Her red scarf is missing, her white shoes are caked in mud, and her grey sweater is riddled with dirt.And again.She narrowly avoids colliding with a tree.And again.Maybe this time, with a running start.And again.
You know a rock to the head would be fatal.
Panting hard, tears of frustration mingle with her sweat as her sister's screams fuel her panic. That's when her mother's words flood back to her—Breathe… Just breathe. A wave of calm washes over her, clearing her mind. As she observes the swirling air, she spots it—the pollen, effortlessly flowing through the haze."I'm coming, Hils…"Armed with newfound knowledge, Zelda follows the swirling pollen through the thick cloud of scales, working with the current instead of against it. She doesn't know what possesses her—maybe her family's latent adventurous spirit is finally emerging. With the wind at her back, she dodges butterflies with surprising agility.After clearing a particularly thick wall of the cloud, she finally sees it—the behemoth of a butterfly. From the ground, it looks like a mere speck, but up close, it's nearly the size of a small car, with two sets of iridescent wings creating gusts that could knock a person off their feet.The creature's wings shimmer with eerie colours, distorting the air around them in a dizzying, kaleidoscopic effect.She spots Hilda and Twig ensnared by the creature's long, spindly arms. A sigh of relief escapes her lips upon seeing her sister, but terror quickly replaces it as she realizes the dire situation—Hilda and Twig are being lifted off the ground, dangling precariously in the behemoth's grip, each beat of its wings sending powerful gusts of wind that add to the chaos."Hilda!" Zelda yells."Zels?!" Her sister's eyes widen in surprise, taking in Zelda, breathless and desperate to catch up."I've come to save you!""Don't come any closer, it's too—Gah! D-Dangerous!" Hilda nearly slips to her death, clinging to Twig. No longer struggling, she grips their abductor's legs for dear life, her face pale with fear."NO! I won't leave you any more!" Zelda shouts, determination fueling her every step despite the perilous situation. She runs as fast as she can to catch up. She notices the creature isn't flying straight up; instead, it weaves through the thick cloud haze, almost as if it can't ascend directly.
But why?!
Before she can ponder further or formulate a plan, a familiar book catches her eye, lying amidst the debris of their ruined picnic."Hold on!" she yells, veering left for a detour."Zelda, look out!" Hilda's voice echoes through the chaos.Adrenaline surges through Zelda as she dodges a swipe from an incoming butterfly, barely managing to land on her feet. There, on the ground, is the Encyclopedia of Insects by J.T. Fabre."Got it!" she exclaims, grabbing the book with renewed hope.With it in hand, she resumes her breathless sprint, flipping through its pages for something useful. "Come on, come on, there's got to be something!" she growls, her mind racing.Her legs burn from the effort, and her breaths come in ragged gasps. She isn't built for this kind of exertion, but she has no choice. Eyes darting over the text, she absorbs every bit of information about the Great Northern Butterfly."Juvenile and adult Great Northern Butterflies, due to their size, require large amounts of nutrients that flowers alone cannot provide. Consequently, they resort to lifting prey and dropping them from heights, feeding on the mangled remains.""What? We're going to be dropped to our deaths?!" Hilda shouts, panic evident in her voice."Just hang on!" Zelda snaps, flipping through the pages furiously.Hilda glares back, frustration mingling with fear. "You better hurry!"Zelda ignores her, her eyes scanning every line, every footnote, balancing the book awkwardly as she runs. Maintaining her pace while reading is a struggle, but she pushes through the pain and fatigue.Pages flip and flip until…"There!" She laughs. "Though this behaviour is rare due to the high energy cost, Great Northern Butterflies are opportunistic scavengers. They will abandon prey for easier food sources, such as human provisions- one of the bloody even beasts snatched a sandwich off my hand!"Zelda gasps, rummaging through her pockets and triumphantly pulling out a squished bologna sandwich. "Baloney, yes! I knew there came a day it would save us."Hilda snorts at Zelda's delight, even while hovering over death-defying heights. She watches as her sister frees the snack from its plastic confines, lifting it high into the air.The results are immediate. The giant butterflies begin swarming toward her, the wind picking up with their collective wingbeats. But before a storm can start once more, Zelda leans back and chucks the bologna sandwich with all her might at the behemoth. "Here goes nothing," she murmurs.The creature's many compound eyes track the sandwich as it arcs through the air, the enticing aroma of savoury bologna, sharp mustard, and fresh bread wafting through the wind. The behemoth dives eagerly, determined to get there first before any competition arrives. In its haste, it deposits Hilda and Twig into a nearby patch of flowers as it feasts."Oof!"Groaning at the rough landing, Hilda finds an outstretched hand in her face. "Come on! Hurry!" Zelda urges.As she helps her sister up, still shaken, the twins share a weak smile. With the giant butterflies going into a frenzy, they quickly run off before the wind picks up, Twig eagerly trailing behind.Zelda leads the way, using the pollen as a guide.They swiftly navigate the maze of scales and butterflies, making it out of the meadow in no time. Reaching the treeline and safety, they collapse onto the ground, panting and catching their breath.Hilda looks up at the now-setting sky, a smile spreading across her face. She feels grateful for her sister and Twig, thankful to be alive. Meanwhile, Zelda lies with an arm over her face, her dark brown hair splayed out haphazardly, hiding the tears that trail down her cheeks.
They were safe.

Sweet Home
The twins trudged home, their steps heavy and slow. They left their belongings behind, not bothering to retrieve them or clean themselves up. The sun was setting, and they knew there were far more dangerous creatures lurking in the night.As they neared home, the warm light spilling from the windows and the delicious scent of dinner wafting through the air spurred them on. They quickened their pace, driven by the promise of safety and comfort.Hilda opened the door and softly called out, "We're back." Zelda followed silently, with the exhausted Twig trailing behind them."Welcome back, you two! Just in time for dinner. I hope you had some fun—what happened?!" Johanna's cheerful tone turned to alarm as she saw the state of her daughters.She grabs them by the shoulders, looking them over from head to toe. Their clothes are caked in dirt and sweat, their hair frazzled, and their bodies littered with colourful scales. More concerning are the cuts and scratches covering their arms and legs, especially the big gash on Zelda's cheek.Johanna ushers them into the living room, where the fireplace crackles warmly, casting a comforting glow across the room."I'll be right back," she says, her voice filled with concern, as she heads to fetch the first aid kit. Twig, equally dirty and tired, curls up in one of the chairs, his small body finally relaxing in the inviting warmth of home. The twins sink into the couch, the exhaustion of their ordeal catching up to them as the fire's gentle heat begins to soothe their aching muscles."Ow, that stings," Zelda hisses, flinching as Johanna rubs disinfectant on her wound. She glances over at Hilda, who is nonchalantly pulling out her own set of bandages and disinfectant."Hmm…" Johanna hums with a grim look."What? What is it?" Zelda asks, anxiety creeping into her voice."There are some splinters left over," Johanna sighs, brandishing a pair of tweezers. "I'm afraid we need to pull them out."Zelda gulps, her heart pounding as she whimpers and silently holds her twin's hand. She closes her eyes, bracing herself as the tweezers approach her skin.As the worst of it passes, she flinches when her mother grasps her raw cheek. "Hold still," Johanna coos, her voice a mix of reprimand and tenderness. She carefully covers the clean wound with gauze. "There. All fixed up." A kiss on Zelda's forehead is followed by a quick hug—a small gesture that Zelda wishes would last a bit longer.Johanna turns her attention to her other daughter. "Now your turn, Hilda—""Finished," Hilda interrupts, showing off her neatly bandaged cuts. "Did it myself.""Oh. Guess that's job done then," Johanna says with a hint of surprise, but mostly acceptance. She packs away the first aid kit, missing the fleeting, hopeful glance Hilda gives her. Hilda shifts slightly as Johanna leaves the room, leaving the two alone for a moment."You good?" Hilda asks, staring at the patch on Zelda's cheek. Their eyes meet briefly before both quickly look away."Mm, fine," Zelda replies glumly, covering her cheek with her hand.An awkward silence hangs between them until Johanna returns, arms crossed and wearing a disappointed expression. "Now, care to tell me what happened?" she asks, tapping her foot impatiently.The twins exchange a nervous glance. Zelda subtly nudges Hilda, who rubs her shoulder and offers a sheepish smile. "It's a long story..." Hilda begins, but her voice trails off under their mother's stern gaze.One long explanation later, they didn't have to say much. Once Hilda mentioned the Meadows and the giant butterflies, Johanna got the gist."Of course, how could I forget it's their migration season," Johanna mutters, facepalming. "I should've warned you two to stay away from the Meadows at this time of year." She berates herself softly."You knew?!" the twins shout in unison."Of course I knew!" Johanna snaps, rubbing her temple. "I also knew how dangerous it gets when they all start flapping their wings at the same bloody time."After a frustrated sigh, the conversation falls into a tense silence. Hilda places the encyclopedia of insects on the table, her shoulders slumped. "I'm sorry," she says, crestfallen. "I should've told you where we were going. I wanted it to be a surprise."Johanna sighs and envelops the two in a hug, which they eagerly return. "It's okay," she murmurs. Pulling back, she sits beside her girls and Twig on the couch. "All that matters is you two are safe," she says with a motherly smile."Thanks, Mum," they both mumble."Maybe we'll come back when you two are older and not liable to be picked up like cows in a tornado," Johanna adds lightheartedly."I look forward to it," Hilda beams."Y-Yeah..." Zelda agrees, albeit less enthusiastically.…"Say, how was your first encounter with those winged beasts, anyway?" Hilda asks.Johanna chuckles at the memory. "What can I say? It was much tamer than what you went through, I can tell you that much." She settles in, ready to share her story. "I was much younger than you two when I first discovered the secret beauty of the Meadow. I was with your Aunt Astrid and…" She pauses, her brows furrowing as she tries to recall the details."And?" the twins prompt, urging her to continue.Johanna shakes her head, smiling. "… And we had lots of fun, I assure you." She ends there, her eyes flickering with confusion."How much fun?" Hilda presses, sensing something is off."My memory is a bit hazy on the topic. It was ages ago," Johanna admits, rising to her feet. "We can talk more about it at dinner. Why don't you two go wash up before we eat?""Okay," the twins agree, heading upstairs to their room. Johanna watches them go, noting how Zelda is silently trailing behind her sister. "Careful with the bandages," she calls out."We will!" Hilda replies, punctuating her words with the slam of a door."What did I say about slamming doors?" Johanna mutters to herself, shaking her head. Once alone, her smile fades as she surveys the living room. Muddy footprints mar the carpet, dusty outlines stain the couch covers, and wet wipes clutter the coffee table."I just cleaned here," she grouses. Then her gaze falls on Twig, their Deerfox, soundly sitting on the couch, his once-pristine white fur now caked with dirt. "Come on, Twig, let's get you hosed down," she sighs, picking him up. Twig whines at the thought of a cold wash, but Johanna carries him outside anyway.As they step into the chill of the night, she mutters, "At least you can't slam doors."…Upstairs in the twins' shared bedroom, Zelda browses her clothes to change into after a bath while Hilda waits by the bedside. The room feels stiflingly quiet, the only sound the faint hum of the ceiling fan above. Hilda shifts in her seat, observing her sister, noting the tired lines etched into her face.Zelda's movements are slow and deliberate as she selects her clothes, her hands trembling slightly."Hey, Zels, that was quite the adventure, huh?" Hilda awkwardly begins, trying to lighten the mood. "Sorry, it went downhill pretty fast. These things tend to happen quite a bit." She chuckles nervously, hoping to at least coax a smile.Zelda pauses, her back still turned. She takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Yeah, I guess so," she replies softly, her tone devoid of its usual energy.Hilda winces at the lacklustre response, a knot forming in her stomach. She desperately wants to bridge the gap between them, to erase the tension that hangs heavy in the air.Their shared memories linger in the room, a bittersweet reminder of happier times. Hilda feels a lump rise in her throat as she thinks about how much things have changed since then."Hils," Zelda speaks up suddenly, her voice breaking the silence.Hilda holds her breath, waiting for her sister to continue."Can we... can we keep what happened in the Meadows between us?" Zelda's words hang heavy in the air, laden with unspoken emotion. "I just don't want to cause unnecessary worry for her, that's all," she weakly excuses.Hilda's heart aches at the vulnerability in her sister's voice. She wants to reach out, to reassure her that everything will be okay, but the words remain trapped in her throat."Oh, s-sure,".And with that, the tension in the room remains palpable, the weight of their unspoken feelings hanging between them like a heavy fog."I'm sorry…" Zelda's voice quivers as she speaks, her gaze fixed on the floor.Hilda looks up, taken aback by her sister's sudden apology."Sorry for whining throughout the trip. I know you were only trying to help. A-And I'm so sorry for ditching you and Twig," Zelda continues, her tone filled with remorse as she rubs her shoulder nervously.Hilda's heart softens at her sister's words, realizing the depth of Zelda's regret. "It's okay; it happens to the best of us. Look on the bright side—we made it out alive! Bruised and dirtied, but still. Alive!" Hilda offers a reassuring smile, hoping to ease Zelda's guilt. "-And I only have you and baloney sandwiches to thank!" she adds with a chuckle.Slowly but surely, Zelda's lips curve into a hesitant smile, the tension in the room dissipating as they share a moment of levity."Awkward sibling hug?" Zelda suggests tentatively, extending her arms. It's a gesture they've used for as long as she can remember—a quirky tradition that always brings a bit of lightness to their moments of tension, much to their mum's delight."Awkward sibling hug," Hilda agrees with a soft chuckle, stepping forward to envelop her sister in a warm embrace. "Pat, pat." They both say, patting each other's backs.As they break apart, Hilda watches Zelda head toward the bathroom to clean up. But before she can leave, a thought crosses her mind, and she hurriedly follows."H-Hey Zelda… Back at the Meadows, did you mean what you said?" Recalling her panicked declaration.
Slam.
The bathroom door closes with a resounding thud, cutting off Hilda's question. She stands there, uncertain if her sister heard her or chose to ignore her.Turning away, she retreats into their shared bedroom. An uneasy feeling settles in the pit of her stomach, a silent reminder of the lingering tension between them. Despite their reconciliation, an invisible barrier still separates them—one neither knows how to overcome.Little does she know, slumped behind the bathroom door, the feeling is mutual.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Book 1 - Of Butterflies and Elves

*~~oOo~~*

Mornin'
Howling wind tears through buildings, threatening to rip the roof shingles off houses as it whips debris through the pungent air. The sky is dark and foreboding, low, churning clouds casting an eerie gloom over the landscape.Zelda runs, her tiny legs straining against the powerful gusts that tear at her body. Her throat burns with each ragged gasp. Icy rain stings her skin as water surges along the street, rising fast and reaching her ankles as she stumbles onward.The hurricane's fury is relentless, the elements shaking the very earth beneath her.
I need to find help.
Lightning flashes and thunder roars.
Bang!
She shrieks and falls hard onto the concrete, adding to her already aching body. Smoke fills her nose as a nearby tree groans and crashes down in front of her, splinters flying in all directions, threatening to poke her eye out if she hadn't shielded herself instinctively.Heart pounding, Zelda scrambles to her feet. The air is thick with the smell of smoke and ash. Lightning splits the sky once more. Her brown hair, tangled and messy, whips around her face.Suddenly, Zelda finds herself in a dense forest. A massive tree looms ahead, its roots twisted and gnarled like a gaping maw ready to snap at its victim. Despite the terrifying sight, she darts toward it, sliding in the muck.Underneath the tree's roots, Zelda huddles, her small body trembling, clinging to the faint semblance of safety.All alone with no one to warm her...Her feet are wet. She isn't wearing any shoes. Why?She gasps as she realizes the water is quickly pooling around her. Desperately, she tries climbing out, but the mud gives way, sending her tumbling back down. Damp clothes cling to her shivering frame, legs are littered with scratches, dirt, and blood stuck underneath her nails.There she lies, out of breath, out of strength, out of hope...She simply hugs her knees to her chest."Zelda..." A voice calls her name, barely audible over the storm. It's familiar yet distant, filled with strange warmth. She looks up, blinking through the rain, but sees only darkness and the occasional flicker of lightning."Zelda..." The voice comes again, closer. A searing light pierces the gloom, blinding her. She squints, trying to see, but the light is too intense, washing over her as if she's standing in front of the sun. The heat is almost painful, enveloping her completely.And then she screams."Aaaahhh!"Zelda jolts awake, her heart pounding in her chest. Before she can even register her surroundings, her world flips—literally—as she falls off the bed.
Thud.
"Ow! Seriously?" she winces in pain. For a moment, she lies there, silently staring up at the ceiling. Her eyes fixed on the ceiling fan, turning lazily. She admires how their room is shaped like a trapezoid and not a rectangle—Wait, is that asbestos?Her musing breaks as sunlight streams through the window, casting warm, golden beams across the room, especially her sister's side.Zelda blinks, her vision clearing as she takes in the familiar surroundings: the cluttered desk covered in her sister's crude yet charming adventure drawings, her messy bed, and clothes and boots lying haphazardly on the floor.Her side of the room is a stark contrast, neat and orderly. It has a small reading desk, walls adorned with posters of her favourite artists, and shelves filled with books and merchandise from her beloved cartoons and anime.And most importantly, an assorted pile of plushies on her bed.Uniting the two sides are the large Christmas lights strung up on the walls, a seasonal decoration the twins insisted on keeping all year round, much to their mum's amusement."It's just a dream. Just a stupid dream." Slowly, she sits up, her breathing no longer ragged. The sweat on her skin feels clammy and gross, a lingering reminder of the nightmare."Ugh, I need a shower." Glancing over at Hilda's bed—empty, as usual—she sighs. "Probably already off having some grand adventure," Zelda mutters.It's been two days since the events in the Meadows and Giant Butterflies. Life moves on for her sister, continuing on her adventure as we speak.But for Zelda, she traces over her cheek, the cut miraculously healed nicely in the past two days, much to her family's surprise. For as long as she can remember her body easily mends wounds, she merely attributes it to great genes, to Johanna's amusement.She gets to her feet, feeling a bit woozy, and heads down the hall to the bathroom for a quick shower.Zelda splashes water on her face, the coolness calming her frayed nerves. She dons her usual grey sweater, dark jogging pants, and white kicks. At the sight of her makeup kit on the shelf—a gift from Mum—she decides to start her day looking fresh.Facing the mirror, she began applying some light makeup.Just some powder, concealer, lip balm, and maybe a little mascara for fun."Dammit," Zelda hisses as her hand slips, smudging the mascara and ruining her hard work. "Terrific," she grumbles, already feeling the weight of the frustrating morning.When she reaches up to fix it, she notices her hand trembling. Why? Irritated, she tries to clean it up but only smears it further. She glances at her nails and grimaces.Dark red grime is stuck underneath them, blood.She turns on the faucet and wash her hands. After drying them, they still feel oily, and dirty. Unsatisfied, she washes them again. But the sensation persists.The sight of her ruined makeup intensifies her frustration, and she scrubs her hands vigorously, her movements becoming frantic. "Come on," she mutters, scrubbing harder, yet the phantom dirt and muck still seem to cling to her skin.Water splashes over her face, and her makeup is ruined completely. Her hands, now red and raw, still don't feel clean. The light makeup she had managed to apply runs in streaks down her cheeks, beyond salvage."Great," she sighs, deciding to skip makeup altogether. She wipes her face clean and looks into the mirror at her bare reflection."Good enough," she mutters, turning away, leaving her makeup kit discarded on the counter.
===*~~oOo~~*===

Average Afternoon
In the living room, Johanna sits on the couch, savouring a cup of tea while the sunlight filters through the windows. She's engrossed in the local paper, the headlines murmuring news of the day.
Slam!
The abrupt door slam from upstairs shatters and shakes the house. Johanna flinches, her hand trembling slightly as she sets her teacup down on the coffee table. She takes a deep breath, steadying herself, before glancing toward the staircase.Moments later, Zelda trudges downstairs, her steps heavy and sluggish. She notes her dishevelled hair and the bags under her eyes. Without so much as a glance in Johanna's direction, she makes a beeline for the kitchen, heading straight for the cabinets. The familiar clink of a cereal box and the rustle of packaging fill the silence as Zelda pours herself a bowl, moving on autopilot."Well, good morning to you too," Johanna remarks dryly."Morning, Mum," Zelda mumbles through a yawn, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She shovels a spoonful of cereal into her mouth, as she takes a seat on the kitchen counter.Johanna's gaze sharpens with mild disapproval. "Good afternoon, more like. You slept in quite late today." Her tone is gentle but firm.Zelda pauses mid-bite and glances at the clock hanging above the fridge—1:19 p.m. She sighs, setting her spoon down with a soft clink. "Sorry," she mutters, her voice heavy with lingering drowsiness. "Got caught up with a late-night read.""What was all that commotion about earlier, then?"Referring to the earlier door slam, Zelda's face flushes as she glances away. "Oh, that? I was just messing around with some makeup. I-It didn't exactly go well... got a bit frustrated," she admits, her voice quieter.Her mum's eyes light up. "Oh! Well, if you like, I can give you a hand.""No, not right now, thanks. But maybe next time."Johanna hums in response. She rises from her seat and heads toward the sink, rinsing her now-empty teacup with slow, deliberate motions. The soft trickle of water fills the air, adding to the stillness that settles between them.Zelda returns to her cereal, the morning—or afternoon—feeling heavier than it should, the silence speaking louder than any conversation."Where's Hilda?" Zelda breaks the silence, already tired of the weight it carries."She went out with Twig to collect some unique rocks she read about," her mum replies, briefly showing her a newspaper article about some kids in Trolberg who found unusual rocks in the area.Zelda munches on her cereal, her thoughts drifting to the past week. It's been a whirlwind since the incident in the Meadows with the giant butterflies and the argument that followed. Things between her and Hilda have been rocky—awkward moments mixed with attempts at normalcy, neither of them quite sure where they stand."You could still catch up with her, you know," Johanna's voice pulls Zelda from her thoughts. "She only left half an hour ago."Zelda snorts. "Pfft, yeah right. By now, she's probably miles away. I'd be exhausted by the time I catch up, and she'd already be on her way back." She waves her spoon dismissively. "I think I'll stay in and help around the house, you know.""If you insist," Johanna shrugs, drying her hands. She heads upstairs to resume her design work, leaving Zelda to her own devices.Finishing her cereal, Zelda took a deep breath as she sat and set up to wash her bowl in the sink. "Right let's start the day," She said with a determined smile.

1:05 pm

Zelda wipes the kitchen counters and stove clean, satisfied with the gleam left behind. After that, she organizes the dry silverware and dishes from last night's dinner, putting everything back in its proper place. The clinks and clangs of metal pots and ceramic plates echo through the kitchen as she works.Absentmindedly, she opens a cabinet, her eyes land on the haphazard pile of Tupperware containers. She groans at the sight "For another time, Zelda."A minute later, unable to resist, she reopens the cabinet and dives into sorting the towering mess of mismatched lids and containers. It took a while as she wiped the sweat from her brow, admiring the neatly arranged Tupperware and the clean, orderly kitchen around her."Much better," she says with a satisfied smile.

1:24 pm

Zelda heads back upstairs, pausing briefly at her mother's bedroom. Peeking in, she spots her mum on the bed, gnawing on the end of a pen, her brow furrowed as she studies a design on a stencil. Not wanting to disturb her, she quietly moves on to her room.In front of a bookshelf, her fingers lightly tracing the spines of the books browsing for something to pass the time. She pauses at Grimm's Fairy Tales, a classic.When she pulls it out and is ready to lie in bed and read, her eyes fall on the state of the room. Her bed is dishevelled, and plushies are strewn haphazardly across the floor, a result of all the tossing and turning from her nightmare.She glances over at Hilda's side, only to find it in a similar state—just as messy as her own."Not on my watch," Zelda mutters, rolling up her sleeves as she prepares to restore the status quo.

1:51 pm

After quickly organizing, straightening the sheets, and dusting off surfaces, her side of the room is now clean. She even takes the time to sweep the floorboards. With a satisfied smile, she places the final plushie on top of the pile on her freshly made bed."Phew, that took longer than expected," she mutters, plopping down against the headboard.Reaching for her book, she opens it to the section she bookmarked—Snow White and Rose Red. The soft sound of pages flicking fills the room, blending with the cool breeze wafting through the open window. Sunlight filters in, casting warm rays over her, creating the perfect cosy reading nook.Zelda sinks into the story, enjoying the peacefulness after an afternoon of tidying.

2:27 pm

Immersed in the world of fairy tales, Zelda's peaceful moment is abruptly interrupted by the sharp mechanical rumble of a car engine cutting through nature's silence."Is Mum going out?" she wonders aloud.A quick glance out the window reveals otherwise. An old, rusty pickup truck—belonging to their mailman—rattles to a stop in the front yard."Afternoon! Mail's here!" the old mailman hollers from his rolled-down window.Zelda springs out of bed, zooming past Johanna, who is just emerging from her bedroom. Flinging the front door open, she bounces on her toes, arms outstretched, waiting eagerly to receive her parcel."Oh man, oh man! It's here—it's here!" she squeals.The mailman chuckles as he grabs a large box from his truck, carefully placing it into Zelda's waiting arms."Thank you!" she says, hastily pulling some cash from her pocket and handing it over before dashing back inside, nearly knocking into her mother in the process."Someone's excited," Johanna remarks.The mailman turns to Johanna, handing her own pile of correspondence."Thank you, Mr. Elrond. You're early," Johanna says as she casually flips through her mail."Yes, Ma'am," Elrond replies.Before their conversation can continue, Zelda bursts back outside, holding two letters in her hands."Can you send these, please?" she asks, handing them over with a hopeful grin."Sure can, young lady," he replies, tucking the letters into his satchel with a friendly nod.Johanna glances at the letters curiously. "And who are you sending letters to?"Zelda grins. "Just a couple of novice authors from some of my favourite up-and-coming books. I thought I'd send them some words of encouragement, you know? To keep them motivated.""One of them says something like, 'I hope you continue your amazing work!'" she explains casually. "And the other one? It asks, 'When are you going to update your flipping book? It's been two years!'"."But I made sure to say it more politely." She adds with a sheepish grinJohanna and the mailman exchange a look. "While I appreciate the sentiment," Johanna says gently, "-Maybe don't overwhelm the busy writers with too many letters, alright?""I like to think it motivates them," Zelda says before heading back inside, leaving the mailman chuckling and Johanna rolling her eyes with a smile.Back in her bedroom, box cutter in hand, Zelda eagerly slices open her parcel. As if it emits a heavenly glow, she gasps in awe at the contents.Inside are volumes upon volumes of Manga, stacks of DVDs containing seasons of Anime, and even DIY figurines—all brought from months worth of allowance and shipped from the lands of the East, ready for her enjoyment."Sleepless nights, here we come!" she gushes, her eyes sparkling as she begins organizing her new treasures, adding them to her ever-growing collection on the shelf.

2:42 pm

Sorting and hiding her treasures where her nosy sister can't find them, Zelda heads downstairs to her cosy corner in the living room.A space she's carved out for herself, complete with a plush beanbag chair and a wall shelf crammed with books, a nook she has to begrudgingly share with Hilda. Being twins and all.As she sinks into the soft fabric of the beanbag she flips through a manga about a guy who kills people with a notebook. Definitely too dark for a typical young teen, but thankfully, her mother can't read the Kanji language.

4:11 pm

Restless from sitting for the past hour and a half, Zelda starts pacing around the living room, Manga in one hand and a handful of crisps in the other. Each crunch of the crisps fills the air as she reads, absorbed in the story.Suddenly, a soft crunch beneath her white sneakers interrupts her focus.She glances down to find a crushed chip stuck to the sole. Frowning, she turns to see a trail of crumbs and crisps marking her path, mixed with bits of dirt she dragged in from outside earlier. To the untrained eye, it might seem like the floor just needs a quick sweep, but from her mother's perspective, the living room looks like a pigsty—scuffed and grimy.Realizing she can't leave it like that, she quickly grabs a broom and gets to work, sweeping up the mess she made.As she diligently cleans, Johanna comes downstairs, eager for a cup of tea. She spots her daughter hard at work and smiles. "What a busy bee you are!"Zelda freezes, caught off guard, then offers a tense smile as she turns around. "T-Thanks,""Good job, Zelda," Johanna says, rubbing her daughter's head affectionately before heading into the kitchen.Zelda beams at the compliment, though overshadowed by a wave of relief wash over her. Thankfully, her mother hasn't noticed the overflowing trash bag filled with junk food tucked away in the corner by the sofa.Seizing the moment while Johanna busied herself brewing tea, Zelda silently and swiftly tossed the bag into the outside trash bin, like a ninja, before casually returning to her sweeping with an added whistle.

5:09 pm

The living room is now spotless, with every corner attended to—from beneath the rug to the tight crevices of the floorboards. She even takes the extra step of giving the floor a good wax.When it comes to cleaning, Zelda, the grey one, truly goes above and beyond.Proud of her hard work, she decides she's done for the day until dinner and settles onto the couch, to read. She grabs the remote and inserts a DVD into the player. Snuggling a plushie, she clicks the remote, and an Anime begins to play on the screen.As the action unfolds, Zelda flips through a magazine, multitasking between the latest episode and some juicy celebrity gossip. The cosy living room, with its warm lighting and homey clutter, feels like the perfect place to spend her afternoon.

Bang!

Zelda barely settles in when the front door bursts open."I'm back!" Hilda's voice booms through the house, as her red boots stomp across the floor. Twig follows at her heels as she heads straight to the kitchen, a heavy bag slung over her shoulder.From the couch, Zelda glares over the top of her manga. As soon as she spots the muddy footprints trailing behind Hilda, her face twists and her jaw tightens. "Seriously, Hilda?" she growls, sitting up. "I just cleaned the floor!"Hilda glances down at her boots, covered in mud and leaves. She follows the trail of dirt back to the door with a sheepish grin. "Whoops," she says, giving a light chuckle. "Sorry about that. I'll clean it up."Hilda yanks open the broom closet, pulling out a mop. Zelda watches in horror as her sister haphazardly swipes the mop across the floor, smearing the mud in broad, careless strokes. The streaks look more like an abstract painting than any kind of proper cleaning. Zelda's eye twitches with every sloppy pass.Hilda scrubs harder, trying to fix it, but only making it worse. "This might take a bit," she says, her voice betraying her growing uncertainty as she wrestles with the mess.Zelda's fingers dig into the armrest, her breathing shallow as she watches Hilda battle the floor. "Just—"
Take a deep breath
She exhales and stands, her posture rigid as she marches over. With a terse motion, she holds out her hand. "Let me do it."Hilda sighs, handing over the mop, a look of guilt softening her usual bravado. "Sorry again."Zelda waves it off, already swiping the mop with long, precise strokes. "It's fine. Just... Be more mindful next time, okay?""Adventurer's honour, I swear it!" Hilda grins, tapping her chest with pride. "Speaking of adventures..." Her face lights up as she pulls the heavy bag back onto the counter. "Twig and I just got back from the riverbed. Look what we found!""Oh really?" Zelda says with barely concealed sarcasm, her focus still on the floor, trying not to think about how long she spent cleaning it earlier.Undeterred by her sister's lack of enthusiasm, Hilda tips the contents of her bag onto the kitchen counter. A cascade of rocks spills across the surface, some sparkling, some smooth, others rough, and all dusty. "Feast your eyes on our spoils!"Zelda freezes, her grip tightening on the mop handle as her eyes dart to the mess. The rocks roll across the counter, sending bits of dirt everywhere, and some clatter to the floor with a sharp crack that makes her jaw clench."What on earth are you doing?!" Zelda snaps, marching over and snatching the bag out of Hilda's hands."What?" Hilda blinks. "It's just a few rocks and a bit of dust! I'll clean it up in a second."Zelda throws her hands up. "That's not the point! Do you have any idea how long it took me to clean this place? And you come in, tromping mud everywhere, and now this!" She gestures wildly at the pile of rocks."Calm down, will you? I already said I'll clean it up!" Hilda protests, folding her arms defensively. "You're blowing this way out of proportion.""Easy for you to say," Zelda huffs, her voice dripping with disdain. "Mum would say otherwise.""Oh, come off it!" Hilda fires back, her face flushing red. "You've been cooped up here all day, lounging around on your beanbag! It's not like you've been working all that hard."Zelda freezes, the words striking a nerve. "Lazing around? Who do you think cleans up after all your messes, Hilda? Me!""That's not true!" Hilda snaps, stepping closer. "I clean up after myself just fine! Mum's always on my back about it. You're just too much of a control freak to let anyone else handle anything!""Oh yeah? Well, maybe if your idea of cleaning wasn't so half-assed, I wouldn't have to redo everything you touch!" Zelda retorts, her voice trembling. "You think a quick swipe with a rag is good enough!"Twig whines from the corner and darts upstairs, his tail tucked between his legs. He came upon Johanna's bedroom door and began scratching it, attempting to get Johanna's attention.Back in the living room, Hilda crosses her arms tighter, clearly flustered now. "You're being ridiculous. The only person who'll overreact to a bit of dirt!""Me ridiculous?" Zelda rubs her temples. "You know what? Just go to your room, Hilda. I'll deal with it.""I'm not a child!" Hilda shoots back. "You're not Mum, you don't get to tell me what to do!""I might as well be since you clearly can't handle anything on your own."Hilda's face flushes with frustration. "Y-You're so annoying!" she yells, her fists clenched at her sides."And you're impossible!" Zelda shouts back, her hands balled into fists too."Girls!"The twins freeze, their heads snapping to the stairs. Johanna stands there, her face stern, hands firmly on her hips, Twig hiding behind her legs."What's going on here?" she demands, her voice low and firm, the tension in the room thick enough to cut with a knife.Both girls look at each other, breathing ragged, before opening their mouths and begin shouting over one another.All hell let loose.
"I spent hours cleaning, and she barges in with muddy boots—"

"Mum! It was just a bit of dirt!"

"—and she started mopping, making it worse-!"

"-I was in the middle of cleaning it, but nooo, she wouldn't let me!"

"-Because you're doing it all wrong! The floor's streaky now!"

"Oh, sorry, Miss Perfect, I'm not good enough for your precious clean floor!"

"And then you dump that pile of rocks on the counter—dust everywhere!"

"I just wanted to show you the rocks! It wasn't that bad!"

"You chipped the counter!"

"-By accident! You're always so dramatic!"

"Because you're always making a mess!"

"Maybe if you weren't such a control freak, it wouldn't be a problem!"
As her twins continue clambering over each other, Johanna stands perfectly still, closes her eyes, and takes a deep breath.
===*~~oOo~~*===

Movie Night

One disciplining later…
Twig is curled up on Johanna's lap, purring as her fingers run through his soft white fur. Johanna enjoys a cup of tea while reading a tabloid, idly fidgeting with a rock from Hilda's river haul.After dusting and polishing the stones, she places the nicer ones on a ceramic dish and displays them on the living room coffee table. "Hmm, these are some good rocks," she comments.Meanwhile, Hilda is mopping the floor and dusting off the kitchen counter, wincing slightly as she gingerly nurses a bump on her head. Earlier, in the heat of their argument, Johanna had inadvertently bonked their heads together, leaving Hilda with a stinging reminder of their quarrel along with an earful.Over to the right, Zelda prepares dinner, chopping vegetables with a shimmering pot on the stove. Whenever they make eye contact, both sisters exchange stink eyes, each believing the outcome of their punishments is unfair—Zelda more so.As a single mother, Johanna loves her daughters but often finds it challenging to manage their clashing personalities in their remote home.After a solemn dinner and tidying up for bed, Johanna invites them to play a board game called Dragon Panic by the fire with some tea and crumpets, much to Hilda's delight and Zelda's dismay, as she would rather stay up and binge on her Manga.Hilda leans back in her chair, sipping her tea with a contented sigh. "I'm really appreciating the cosiness tonight."Zelda, glaring at her tiles and pieces on the board with a bit of a scowl, mutters, "It'd be a lot cosier if you'd stop singling me out and attacking my territory."Hilda grins, not bothering to hide her amusement. "Me? Singling you out? Perish the thought." She deliberately accosted over one of Zelda's tiles, costing her some points.Zelda shoots her a glare. "You're doing it again."With an exaggerated look of innocence, Hilda shrugs. "It's just the way the game's played, sis."Johanna, watching the exchange, gives a soft sigh. "I do wish you girls would get along."They both look up, still bristling from the game.Johanna chuckles lightly, then asks, "I mean. What would happen if I died, hmm?" Her tone is light, but the question lingers in the air like the gentle flicker of the fire.Zelda's brow tightens. "Mum, don't say things like that. You're not going anywhere." She sits up straighter, her frown deepening with concern. "You're far too young to be talking about... that."Hilda, ever the adventurer, leans back in her chair. "Death could come for anyone, anytime. It's just part of life. I mean, I'd laugh in the face of it, but... you know, I'd be polite about it too." She winks at her sister, her casual attitude clashing with Zelda's unease.Zelda shoots her a sharp look. "This isn't funny, Hilda."Johanna smiles gently, her eyes warm as she reaches for her tea. "Well, whatever happens, I'd like to think you two would be there for each other."Zelda glances at Hilda, then back at her mum. "We'll be fine, Mum. We'll try and get along."Hilda shuffles close to them "And I'll try not to wind her up." She says, sincerely.Johanna smiles. "That's all I ask, girls." The warmth of the fire and the simple game before them soften the edges of their day, and for a moment, everything feels a little easier.

Bang!

Of course, they can't enjoy a tranquil family moment without some form of disturbance.A shrill whistle cuts through the air, and who else but their meddlesome neighbour, the Woodman, strides in, flinging the front door wide and letting in a gust of cold. Without a word, he traipses past them, dumps a heap of wood by the fire, and sprawls out unceremoniously on the carpet."It's a tad drafty in here. Someone ought to shut that door," He drones."Rude," Johanna and Zelda mutter in tandem, both scowling at the little wooden fellow, while Hilda remains unfazed, hopping off the sofa to latch the door.Zelda stands over the Woodman, arms akimbo. "Do you always invite yourself into other people's homes like this? How many poor families have you imposed on today?"He doesn't bother looking up. "Bit on the nose there, don't ya think? I'm not here for one of your sermons.""Well, we're not running a hostel, so I guess we're both out of luck," she snaps, eyeing the book in his hands—Giants of the Old. She perks up, but before she can pry further, Hilda returns."Mum!" Hilda calls, holding something minuscule between her fingers. "It's another one of those tiny letters!""Good grief, that's the sixth one this month," Johanna groans."Sixth?!" Zelda exclaims alarm etched on her face. "Why am I just now hearing about this?"Hilda smirks. "We told you. You never listen when I go off on my little tirades."Zelda scratches the back of her neck sheepishly. "Oh... right."Before anything else can be said, the Woodman springs upright with a stiff, sudden motion, startling a yelp from Zelda."I can't read with all this racket," he declares flatly, marching out with his book, narrowly missing Zelda's attempt to snatch it.The family crowds around the table as Johanna pulls out her magnifying glass to inspect the letter."Dear, Residents!By decree, Hilda, Zelda, Johanna, and Stick are hereby evicted from the premises and banished from these lands. You are granted three moonrises to depart. This action is final and non-negotiable. Failure to comply will result in further measures."Zelda's eyes widen. "Well, that's... Ominous.""And downright outrageous!" Hilda fumes. "Who do they think they are, trying to chuck us out of our own home?" She grabs a pen and furiously scrawls a reply. Storming outside, she bellows into the dark, "Oi, listen up, you little pricks! This one's for you lot!" She flings her letter onto the doorstep before marching back in.Johanna arches an eyebrow. "Bit crude, Hilda?"Hilda wilts under her mum's unimpressed gaze, feeling the weight of her scrutiny. "How about we carry on with Dragon Panic?" she suggests, trying to steer the convo elsewhere."Whose turn is it, then?" Johanna relents."I reckon it's Zel's," Hilda replies, glancing over."Zel?" Hilda calls out to her sister, who seems lost in thought, gazing off into the distance."Zelda, it's your turn." Hilda gently shakes her shoulder."Wuh?" Zelda blinks, breaking free from her reverie. "I'm fine, just caught up in something. Don't worry." She waves them off, reaching out for the dice and cards to begin her turn."Probably daydreaming about those new books you'll be reading late at night," her mother jests, a playful smirk on her face. "What are they called again, Manga is it?""Yup, totally," Zelda replies."Well, change of plans, 'cause we're having a movie night after this," She announces."Awesome," Hilda says.Zelda ruminates on the announcement before looking up at her mother with wide eyes. "Can I pick?""Sure," Hilda answers for her, her excitement evident.Moments later, they found themselves nestled together, the soft glow of the screen casting gentle flickers across the room. The film—a lighthearted rom-com—played on, but Hilda, buried under her blanket with Twig, wasn't impressed."I regret my decision," she muttered, clearly not unamused in the romance unfolding on screen, unlike her mum and sister.An hour in, everyone had drifted off except Zelda. She leaned into her mum, listening to the soft snores of Hilda and Twig, but the night's warmth soon claimed her too, as the Sandman gently pulled her into sleep.…………"ZELDA, WAKE UP!""Gah!"Ensuing chaos is the first thing that greets Zelda as she jolts awake, disoriented. High-pitched, disembodied war cries echo around her with unsettling frenzy.
"Heave-ho, you must go! Heave-ho, you must go!"
Blinking rapidly, her mind races to catch up as she takes in the overturned furniture, shattered glass glinting the floorboards, and cupboard doors flailing wildly. A bitter chill from a broken window sends shivers down her skin.The TV buzzes with static, shouting distorted nonsense: "BANISH THE BIG BOOTS! JETTISON THE GIANTS!" before it crashes to the ground in a heap. Its DVD player starts ejecting its discs like a projectile."Watch out!"Johanna huddles her daughters close, shielding them as various objects—cushions, pottery, and anything not bolted down—are hurled across the room. Their winces and cries resonate amid the unyielding assault from their invisible assailants.The tearing of paper snags Zelda's attention, pulling her focus to her little corner of the living room. She gasps as she spots invisible hands tearing through her precious literature."My books!" she shrieks, wriggling free from Johanna's grip and racing to her corner, just in time to save the remnants of her now-ruined book.
Thud!
She spins around and gasps as an unopened package—DIY figurines from Japan—topples from a nearby shelf, crumpling into pieces."My figurines!" she cries on her knees, her heart sinking.The couch flips over, sending Hilda and Johanna sprawling to the floor, a book smacking Hilda squarely in the face."Alright, that's it!" she exclaims, pushing herself up, fury igniting within her. Fed up, she dashes toward a discarded mop, deftly sidestepping an onslaught of flying objects from a nearby drawer.Armed, she launches into a counteroffensive, swinging the mop fiercely at the unseen attackers atop counters, beneath tables, and across the floor. Each strike connects with a satisfying thwack, her grin widening at the panicked shrieks of disembodied voices.
"Ow, ow, ow!"
In the mayhem, Twig, emboldened by her human, bounds after a group of invisible assailants, his antlers glinting in the dim light.The tiny pitter-patter of footsteps begin making their way out of the broken window, dust swirling in their wake. Thus betraying their invisible advantage under the dim light.
Slam!
But their escape route is abruptly cut off by a hefty book. If the tiny assailants had faces, they would pale at the sight of a seething Zelda blocking their path."Oh no you don't!"With a swift motion, she uses a blanket to ensnare them, their invisible limbs wriggling inside the trap. After sacking them, Zelda runs to the front door and winds up her legs before kicking them outside, launching them into the air with comical cries and pleas."On your left!" Her sister yells.Zelda sidesteps, letting Hilda herd the remaining attackers outside, with Twig bounding alongside her. The twins pause, breathless, soaking in the thrill of their victory over the tiny invisible foes.As the last of them flee, Zelda and Hilda share triumphant grins. "Ho-oh! Did you see that?" Zelda beams with pride.Hilda, panting, wipes her brow with a smirk. "Yeah, you really sent them flying.""And you traumatized them," Zelda quips, earning a shared laugh and a high five."I like this side of you," Hilda admits. Zelda shrugs, adrenaline still surging through them. They turn eagerly to share the victory with their mother."Mum, they're gone," Zelda calls—but their excitement dashes at the sight of her brooding figure hunched over the wreckage of their once-warm home.To think an hour ago they sat huddled together on the couch watching a movie.Now the room hangs in a haunting stillness, the devastation stark. Torn pages from Zelda's beloved comics and books lie scattered. Shelves stripped bare; Hilda's treasured mementoes from her adventures are strewn about—cherished sketches crumpled.
Crunch.
The sharp crack of glass beneath Zelda's foot shatters the silence. She flinches, kneeling to pick up a cracked frame. A photograph of the three of them, Twig nestled between them, slips from the shattered glass, causing her chest to tighten.The twins exchange a look and step toward their mother, who immediately pulls them into her arms."Thank goodness you two are alright," she says softly."You too," Zelda replies, leaning in."It takes more than that to rattle me," Hilda quips, trying to lighten the mood as they pull away. Johanna's gaze lingers on the chaos around them, a shadow flickering across her face as she takes a deep breath. An unsettling silence fills the air, hinting at the weight of her next words."Girls, I hate to say it, but we can't stay here."The words hang heavy in the air. Hilda's brows knit together. "What? What do you mean?""Listen, Hilda," Johanna begins, her voice soft yet firm "We've never been attacked like this! I know it's hard to think about but we can't ignore what just happened. I think we will have to move to Trolberg,"Zelda jumps in, her words tumbling out before Hilda can respond, "I agree! As much as I hate to admit it, this place is becoming far too dangerous. Trolls, Forest Giants, Giant Butterflies... and now this! What's next Gnomes?""But this is our home! We've lived here our entire lives!" Hilda protests. "I'm not giving it up for some stinky old city."Zelda counters, "Moving to Trolberg might not be so bad. There are benefits. Like how the comic shop won't take an hour to reach.""Typical. You only care about yourself," Hilda retorts. "Please, Mum," She pleads, her eyes wide and earnest, even holding Twig for added cuteness.Johanna sighs, relenting, "Fine.""Yes—""But if anything like this happens again, we're gone."This sent Hilda into deep thought as she rummaged through the remains of their living room to scavenge a pen and paper."What are you doing?" Zelda asks, peeking over her shoulder."Saving our home," Hilda replies, determination settling on her features as she focuses on her letter, the words flowing with urgency."Dear little guys who trashed my house. Why are you so angry with our family? Let's negotiate so we can all live in peace. All the best, Hilda."Stepping outside, she gently places the rolled-up letter on the front door, her heart racing as she scurries back and closes it with a soft thud."You think it'll work?" Zelda asks."I hope so. I'll do whatever it takes; I'm not giving up on our home so easily," Hilda insists, her words lingering in the air, carrying more weight than intended.The implication isn't lost on either Zelda or Johanna. They share a glance, the sting of Hilda's comment clear. Zelda shifts uncomfortably, while Johanna's face tightens, though she says nothing. The tension settles around them, unspoken but undeniable.Johanna sighs "Let's hit the hay and get some sleep, yeah? We'll sort this out tomorrow." She takes their hands and leads them back to their shared bedroom, with Twig trailing behind.
===*~~oOo~~*===

Bedside
Upstairs, Zelda was fluffing up her plushies before laying down on it to sleep. In the corner of her eyes, she sees Hilda sitting on her bed, looking downcast.Not wanting to have another potential argument, she reckons it best to diffuse the situation early on "Hilda look, about what I said, and—"."Did you mean it?" Hilda cuts in, her voice quiet.Zelda blinks. "What?""What you said downstairs... That you agreed to leave our home?" She says, hugging her knees close. Zelda's heart sinks at the sight of her fierce sister so vulnerable like this. She sits beside her."W-Well yeah a-and… No, not really. I'm not gonna lie, sis, I love living out here too," She didn't feel the need to explain more, as felt those words were enough to do so."I-It's just, I'm scared, and I'm sure Mum feels the same way," Zelda admits, her voice barely above a whisper as she looks away. She gasps softly when she feels Hilda's arms wrap around her from behind."I'm scared too," Hilda whispers, holding her tightly. Zelda closes her eyes and leans into the embrace.Hilda pulls back slightly and grips Zelda's shoulders. "Then help me settle things with the hidden people."Zelda rolls her eyes. "Hils, you know I'm not much of an adventurer," she says, gesturing with her hands."I know, I know. You're more of an indoor person." Hilda fidgets with her hair. "I just need to know you've got my back. That's all I'm asking."Zelda sighs, taking a moment before finally nodding. "Alright, fine. You've got my utmost support.""That's all I need," Hilda replies, her expression softening, though a hint of tension lingers in her voice."I'll support you no matter what. But not to the point of ruin, am I being clear?" Zelda levels her gaze. "If things go south, we've got to accept it and move on.""Crystal," Hilda says, a small smile tugging at her lips, finding the terms fair.Zelda exhales again, visibly more at ease. "I guess I got a bit hasty about moving to the city where it's always noisy.""Yeah, and the traffic," Hilda adds with a laugh. "Hours stuck in cars when we could walk anywhere here.""—Not to mention the judgy looks I'd get when I tell people I live in the woods. Like, really? You lot aren't any better," Zelda retorts with a wry smile."Ugh, and the light pollution. Could you imagine? No more stargazing because the sky would be orange.""Exactly! And don't get me started on the smell…" Zelda trails off.Their conversation continues, a subtle warmth starting to mend the rift caused by the earlier argument. Though not fully healed as the scars from last week still remain, at least the tension between them starts to ease.As the soft sound of their laughter fills the room, Johanna, just about to close her bedroom door, pauses and smiles to herself. "They'll be fine without me," she murmurs, recalling their fireside conversation from earlier.Lying on her bed, staring at the ceiling, an unexpected pang of guilt settles in. She sighs quietly. "Maybe Hilda's right. Maybe I'm giving up too easily."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Book 1 - Of Butterflies and Elves

*~~oOo~~*

Gunpla
After a harrowing night, the family finds solace in a quiet morning at their home in the wilderness. At first daylight breaks, they set to work cleaning up the mess left behind by the hidden people. The stale air, brought in by a broken window, carries a faint, musty smell that lingers through the house.Their bodies are tense in solemn motion, but their eyes are determined as they sort through the wreckage. Eventually, a majority of the mess is put back in its place, and the remnants of last night's mayhem are slowly dusted off, becoming a distant memory.Powered by coffee, Johanna insists on finishing the cleaning, and the girls reluctantly settle down for breakfast in the kitchen. Zelda sits munching on a bowl of cereal, while Hilda opts for a refreshing salad. On the floor, Twig scuffs down his own bowl of feed.They eat in silence, with the sound of a broom and dustpan sweeping in the background. Zelda suddenly sneezes at the dust swirling around the room, rubbing her nose before her gaze falls sadly on the crumpled box of a figurine shipped from Japan, now ruined after falling hard to the floor during last night's uproar."Sorry for your loss," Hilda says softly, her voice breaking the silence."It's fine," Zelda sniffs, though her expression betrays her disappointment. "It's just a hobby I thought of getting into.""What is it? I don't recognize the language on the label," Hilda asks, tilting her head at the box."It's a Japanese DIY figurine called Gunpla. It's about Gundam, the anime. Basically, it's a show about robots fighting robots," Zelda oversimplifies, her fingers grazing the box's edge."Sounds cool," Hilda replies, her curiosity piqued."It was," Zelda says, her expression falling as she pulls out a piece from the box. Broken plastic parts scatter across the table. She sighs, disappointment washing over her.Hilda looks troubled. "Wait, so it's not built right out of the box?""Yeah," Zelda confirms, her voice a bit strained."Then it's not broken," Hilda says bluntly, a hint of optimism in her tone.Zelda takes a deep breath, shaking her head. "Hilda, I don't want to listen to your innate logic right now. I'm grieving.""Okay, hear me out," Hilda insists, her eyes brightening. "If all the pieces are still there, even if they're broken, you can put them back together. Building it from the ground up!"The brunette owlishly blinks."Huh? I guess you're right," Zelda concedes, considering the idea. "But it'll be a long, gruesome task. 'Not sure it's even worth it.""Well, life's hardly easy. It's the journey that counts, in my opinion," Hilda replies with a soft smile."Thanks… Maybe with this one, if we have the time, we can fix and build it," Zelda says, a flicker of hope in her eyes. "Together.""I'd like that," Hilda whispers, sharing a moment of understanding with her sister."Welp, time to store this one with the others," Zelda said, her voice nonchalant as she put away the Gunpla box.Hilda raised an eyebrow, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "Others? You mean there are more?"Zelda feigned a dramatic gasp, hand over her heart. "You didn't think I'd stop at just one, did you?""Oh?" Hilda's voice dropped into a mischievous tone, a grin creeping across her face. "And where, might I ask?"Zelda smirked "In my secret stash," she replied, dragging out the words for effect.Hilda leaned in, her voice lowering in a mock-serious whisper. "And where exactly is this secret stash located?"With a playful roll of her eyes, Zelda waved off the question. "Tough luck, sis. That's classified."Hilda crossed her arms, her grin widening. "Is that a challenge?"Before Zelda could respond, Johanna, having finished wiping down the coffee table, popped her head into the kitchen, smiling at the twins' banter. The living room was now in decent shape, aside from the broken window and busted TV—a fact Zelda would no doubt lament over later. For now, though, their lighthearted conversation filled the cabin with a much-needed warmth."Girls, I slept on it and—I've been thinking." Johanna steps into the kitchen, her voice soft and unsure as she approaches the twins from behind. "Maybe I rushed into things when I said we should move to Trolberg.Zelda's eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "Really?"Hilda, her face lighting up, nearly bounces in her seat. "You mean it?"Johanna nods. "Mhm, I'd like to give this negotiation thing a shot."Hilda pumps her fist in triumph. "Yes! Speaking of… okay, I know this might sound weird, but last night…" She pauses, glancing at Zelda before continuing. "I met one of the hidden people—the ones who wrecked the house. Apparently, they're tiny, invisible elves."Zelda freezes mid-chew from her breakfast, blinking. "What?"Hilda nods excitedly. "Yeah, the one who came to me was called Alfur. He actually agrees with me and wants to help us out." She then retells the whole encounter with her family. Ending with a concerned Johanna and a mildly relieved Zelda.s"I can't believe I slept through all that," Zelda mutters, still chewing her cereal.Hilda grinned. "I tried to wake you up, but you're like a brick when you sleep, sis." Zelda rolled her eyes."This Alfur fella', you sure he can be trusted?" Johanna asks, her doubt clear.Hilda sighs, holding back the urge to roll her eyes. "It's the only chance we've got, Mum. He's setting up a meeting with the Mayor as we speak."Johanna isn't convinced. "And where exactly is this Mayor? I don't want you ending up who knows where."Hilda waves off her concern, trying to sound calm. "Relax, it's nearby. Alfur said it's about 200 elf miles."Zelda, who's been listening quietly, suddenly pipes up. "What's an elf mile?"Hilda shrugs. "Don't ask me. I didn't exactly get the details."Zelda, not one to let things slide, grabs a pen and paper, her curiosity piqued. "Alright, let's figure this out. How tall is Alfur?"Hilda leans in, her face thoughtful. "About 2 inches."Zelda snorts, clearly amused. "Can't believe those wee little guys are the ones responsible for attacking our home," she says, shaking her head with a smirk. "It's always the tiny ones with the biggest bark,"She sketches out a rough diagram and units of measurement on paper, her eyes gleaming as she goes through the work."Right, let's break this down," she begins, tapping the paper. "If Alfur is about 2 inches tall, and a regular human mile is 5,280 feet, we've got some converting to do. So, let's take a standard 12-inch ruler and compare it to the average human height—around 5'9" or 69 inches." She pauses, then snorts. "Of all the numbers...""Now, if we shrink that 69-inch human down to 2 inches, we're looking at a ratio of 34.5. Divide that by a 12-inch ruler—so, 12 divided by 34.5—and we get roughly 0.348 inches. Convert that into millimeters, and you've got around 8.8 mm. At that scale, 8.8 mm equals one foot. Multiply that by 5,280 feet, and boom—46,464 mm. So, an elf mile? Roughly 152 feet. Give or take"Zelda concludes with an air of finality.Johanna, clearly impressed, claps slowly. "That's quite something."Hilda blinks, trying to process all the jargon. "You did all that... from your head?" She asks in disbelief.Zelda grins, leaning back, satisfied. "Told you, I'm the smarter twin." An eye-roll was all she got in response from her twin, while her mother pats her head."Let's finish up breakfast. We don't want to be late for our meeting with the Mayor," Johanna nonchalantly says."We?!" Hilda and Zelda shout in unison, startled by the surprise addition.Johanna winces, rubbing her ear. "That's right, I'm coming with," she says with a sly grin, turning toward Zelda. "What do you say, Zelda? Fancy a little family outing?"Zelda refuses to meet her gaze as she twirls a finger around her hair. "Sounds nice, but no thanks," She softly says offhandedly, her gaze drifting out the window."C'mon~," her mum's pleading, playful tone worms its way into her ear. Zelda bristles as Johanna closes the distance, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.Instinctively, Zelda leans into the soft, familiar fabric of her mum's brown sweater, breathing in a scent that's indescribable yet familiar, filling her with warmth.Hilda stifles a giggle, watching her mum expertly guilt-trip Zelda. But her smile fades a bit as she notices how close they are. "C'mon, Zels. It's been forever since we all took an adventure," Hilda says, feeling the need to chime in."That's right. How long has it been since we all went out together?" Johanna pouts.Zelda doesn't even hesitate. "Three weeks and four days ago, when you dragged us out for that picnic by the fjord," she says, tilting her head slightly with a deadpan expression.Johanna blinks, momentarily thrown off. "R-Right," she stammers, trying to regain her momentum. "But please, for me?" She pulls out the same puppy dog eyes that Hilda often uses on her.Zelda groans, seeing right through it. "Fine, but we're skedaddling at the first sign of trouble. Got it?""Wonderful," Johanna beams, clapping her hands lightly.
*~~oOo~~*
"Ugh, Mom, c'mon, we're going to be late," Hilda huffs, tapping her foot impatiently, eyes darting to the clock as she stands at the front door waiting."Hold yer horses, I'm just getting some snacks together in case we get hungry," Johanna replies, calmly wrapping up sandwiches at the counter, Zelda by her side, "helping."Zelda catches Hilda's eye, smirking as she slows her movements to an exaggerated, snail-like crawl. Hilda flashes a glare back, fist clenched. If Mum weren't here she would have flipped her off."Zelda, don't wind up your sister," Johanna says absently, not even looking up from her task."It's literally a short walk away! We won't get hungry!" Hilda groans, throwing her hands up in frustration."Well, you never know how long we'll be there," Johanna counters, sliding the snacks into a bag. "Could go past lunch.""I'm always down for food," Zelda chimes in.Suddenly, there's a knock at the door.Hilda rushes to open it. "Hey, Alfur!" she greets, seeing the tiny elf standing on the doorstep. Standing at only 2 inches, he has pale skin, a white tuft of hair, and stubby sticks for arms and legs. The friendly Elf wore an all-red outfit consisting of a red conical hat and tunic."Mornin', Hilda! Are you ready for the meeting with the mayor?" Alfur asks, his voice is cheery despite the early hour."Almost," Hilda sighs, shooting a glance back inside. "Just waiting for these two. They decided to tag along, last minute.""Oh, the more the merrier! This should clear things up nicely with the house matron there," Alfur remarks, standing proudly.Johanna finally joins Hilda at the front door, a bag packed full of food slung over her shoulder. "Alright, let's go," she says, a satisfied smile on her face.Zelda drags herself out behind her, looking less than enthused. As she steps outside, her white sneaker comes down dangerously close to a trembling Alfur."Sis, wait!" Hilda grabs Zelda's arm, yanking her back just in time."What now?" Zelda stops, confused, glancing over her shoulder."You were about to squish Alfur!" Hilda exclaims, quickly crouching down to scoop the tiny elf into her hands."Oh, Alfur's here?" Johanna peers around, squinting as if expecting him to appear from thin air."You both really need to sign those papers before we go anywhere," Hilda grumbles, giving them both a pointed look.Johanna rolls her eyes, while Zelda just shrugs, unbothered."Unfortunately, Alfur doesn't have the necessary paperwork right now, so I think it's best if you guys just have a picnic somewhere while we…" Hilda starts, trying to steer her mom and sister away from joining her in visiting the Mayor, despite her enthusiasm earlier."Actually," Alfur cuts in, "I've got the necessary forms right here! All prepped in advance, just as I planned. Ah, forward thinking~." He sighs contentedly, a hint of pride in his voice."Who said that?" Zelda jolts, eyes going wide as she whips her head around, searching frantically."Like I said, Alfur," Hilda repeats, holding out her palm where the tiny elf stands, giving a wave toward an oblivious Zelda."Right… Still not used to hearing disembodied voices," Zelda sheepishly chuckles and rubs the back of her neck."Let's go sign some paperwork," Hilda sighs, resigned, as she shuts the front door and drags her feet back inside.
*~~oOo~~*

Rushing Mayor
"This clause here," Johanna says, holding a magnifying glass at the document, "'Excessive gawking, staring, or attempting to catch an elf off guard shall be deemed as unwelcome conduct and may result in temporary suspension of visibility rights.' How does that work, Alfur?" She directs her question politely toward where she assumes the invisible Elf is standing.The living room, once snug and tidy, is now scattered with tiny papers. The family, Alfur, and Twig gather around, with Zelda and Johanna meticulously reviewing the contracts in their palms.They pore over each article, clause, and footnote in excruciating detail. After every section, they pause to ask questions, confirm details, and then sign off—only to move on to the next part and start the cycle over.Hilda, on the other hand, is on the verge of pulling out her blue hair. "Just sign it already!" she exclaims, her impatience growing by the minute. She's spent the last half-hour listening to dry, tedious legal jargon while her desire to escape into the outdoors pulls at her relentlessly."Hilda, hold your horses. We just need to make sure everything's in order," Johanna responds. "Now, Alfur, are we not allowed to surprise you elves at all? Or is this more about... etiquette?" She trails off.Hilda leans over to her sister, whispering, "Psst, how about you, Zel? Think you can just sign all at once and leave them to it?"Zelda doesn't even look up from the document in her hands. "No, thank you. I prefer to be thorough when signing something that involves giving away my personal identity and consent," she says with her usual dry tone. "Who knows what I'm agreeing to,""Here, here!" Alfur pipes up. "By the way, it's hard not to hear what you're whispering when we're all in the same room, you know," he adds.With an exaggerated sigh, Hilda slumps back onto the couch and grabs Twig from the floor, absentmindedly petting his fur to calm herself down."Are you sure you aren't adopted? Cause we're having a splendid time here," Zelda teases, making Hilda grumble insults her way."Zelda, be nice to your sister," Johanna says absentmindedly, flipping another page of the contract. "And Hilda, be patient. We're almost done.""Well, you can forget about it—we're late!" Hilda says, her finger pointing to the clock.Everyone's heads whip toward it, eyes widening as the realization hits."Oh dear, we are late!" Johanna states the obvious."Quick, sign here, here, and there!" Alfur squeaks, waving his tiny hand over the contract. In a frantic rush, they scribble their signatures on the miniature papers, barely legible, but it'll do.The front door flings open, and they tumble out in a flurry. Zelda momentarily flinches at the sun, while Hilda immediately bolts out to enjoy the cool fresh outside air, away from all the stuffy paperwork.Johanna locks up the front door with a swift turn of the key. "How much time do we have left?" She calls over her shoulder."Ten minutes!" Alfur announces, hopping onto Hilda's blue hair."We'll never make it," Zelda groans."Not if we book it!" Hilda shouts, exchanging a determined look with Johanna as they brace for a sprint. Zelda, on the other hand, stands planted, giving the whole situation an unenthusiastic glare."Ugh, running?" Zelda's small whine goes unheard, except for Twig and Alfur who shoot a sympathetic look her way."Come on!" Hilda calls out, already taking off. She waves her arms to hurry the others along as she and Johanna break into a swift pace, their breaths measured, their legs eating up the distance with ease. Twig, ever faithful, bounds alongside them, his small paws scattering dirt as he keeps up.Zelda reluctantly starts jogging, but quickly falls behind, her steps dragging.Hilda glances over her shoulder, catching sight of her sister's brown head further shrinking in the distance. She turns to Twig, barely breaking her stride."Best if you stay with her, boy," Hilda calls to the deerfox, who gives a small, understanding nod. With a quick turn, Twig dashes back toward Zelda, whose pace has slowed to more of a disgruntled shuffle. He circles her, trying to keep her moving.Ahead, Hilda and Johanna continue their sprint, pushing through the valley with ease. Alfur clings tightly to Hilda's ear, his tiny body nearly flung off at their breakneck speed. "Keep it up, we're only 100 elf miles away!" he shouts, squinting ahead."100?! Isn't that, like, super far? I thought an elf mile was just 150 feet?" Hilda questions, the confusion evident in her voice as she jumps over the uneven terrain."Who told you that?" Alfur scoffs. "An elf mile is about 25 human feet!""Ha! So Zelda was wrong!" Hilda exclaims—,
Thud
But she nearly stumbles in the process, narrowly avoiding stepping on a tiny elf house buried in a hill."Hilda, focus!" Johanna snaps, steadying her with a quick grab of her arm. "We've got five minutes!" She says from a glance at her watch."Right, sorry!" Hilda blushes, shaking off the conversation as they push forward, the clock ticking down, the goal now so close yet so far.As they hurry along, Johanna slows down and takes in the sea of tiny houses populating the valley. She never knew an invisible society of Elves lived just outside their door. However, this newfound awareness comes with the added difficulty of carefully manoeuvring around them to not step on the poor things.Johanna already dreads how she'll do lawnmowering in the future."We're here!" Alfur announces in relief. "—And just in the nick of time!"Hilda slows to a walk, panting slightly as they reach a white town hall building.A two-story structure, and somewhat plain architecture, sits atop a boulder, asserting its presence over the county. Johanna falls into step beside her daughter, glancing around for Zelda, who has yet to appear."Not bad, Mum," Hilda laughs, and the two share a small smile."Now remember, allow me to handle the introductions; there is a protocol," Alfur warns them, hopping down to the front steps of the building. Wherein he stands in front of a large staircase, the whole first floor dedicated to a walkway staircase leading to the second storey. That's elven architecture everyone.He pulls on a pulley, ringing a bell that signals the start of fanfare music. A red carpet rolls down the steps, and out comes the Mayor, showered in automated praise. His little legs stride through the commotion, a stout figure with a beard, in a white suit and top hat, carrying a fat, pregnant cat.As he approaches, his eyes narrow, confronting the giants at his door with a gruff impatience. Alfur stands poised, bowing slightly. "Honorable Mayor, may I introduce—""Yeah, yeah, I know who you lot are," the Mayor interrupts, shushing Alfur as he strides past him. "The giant, the menace!"Hilda and Johanna narrow their eyes."Oh dear," Alfur gulps, dreading the upcoming confrontation.The Mayor continues, his voice dripping with disdain. "So, you finally notice us now, can you? Took you long enough!"Hilda scoffs "Are you kidding? How can we notice you if we can't see you?""Young lady, the forms are very straightforward and widely available from any authorized Elven figures." The Mayor sputters, gesturing to Alfur. "We've had enough! Of your ruthless occupation! I say good riddance to you—the wild blue-haired girl in the big red boots and the grey quiet one."Before Hilda can reply, Johanna steps in."Ahem! Excuse me, but that's my daughter you're speaking to," Johanna interjects."Mum I-I," Hilda tries to stop her."Oh, it's you again," the Mayor snaps, pointing a stubby arm to her. "My predecessor and all Elven folk celebrated when your family moved away. But nooo, you had to come back! Bringing those little tykes along with you!" He spits on the ground in front of him."I beg your pardon!" Johanna stomps forward, the ground shaking the nearby elf houses. With a livid expression, she began shouting in the Mayor's face."If you think you can insult my family that way again I'll take that silly little top hat and shove it up your—!""Ah, there it is! The giant's wrath! What are you gonna do? Vandalize my town hall now? Attack our historic city!?" The Mayor provokes, stroking his white beard as he stands defiantly to the mother-daughter pair."Mum please." Hilda manages to pull her back before levelling a stern gaze at the Mayor "We're not here to attack. We're here to negotiate. We didn't even know you existed until recently.""Pure ignorance!" the Mayor barks."You're invisible!" Hilda retorts, throwing up her hands.Alfur steps between them, waving his hands. "Let's all take a breather, yeah?" He chuckles awkwardly, glancing between the two sides. "Well... this's not exactly how I imagined our round of negotiation would go."Both sides glare at a standoff. Alfur coughs, wearing a deadpan expression "My point exactly."Hilda is the first to drop her gaze, exhaling as she steps back. Johanna crosses her arms, clearly holding back, but begrudgingly follows her daughter's lead.A sharp, whining meow slices through the tension. Angelina, the Mayor's cat, purrs and rubs against his legs."My poor Angelina!" the Mayor gasps, scooping her up. His voice softens as he strokes her fur. "Please, lower your voices. She's in distress. And heavily pregnant." He emphasizes by showing off her fat belly."But you were the one who—" Johanna begins but Hilda shoots her a sharp look, and Johanna swallows the rest of her words, settling for a frustrated sigh.Hilda kneels slightly, lowering herself to the Mayor's eye level. He haughtily looks away, his nose in the air."We apologize," Hilda says, her voice calm, trying to defuse the situation. "We really didn't know. I love my home, and I don't want to leave it. Please there must be a way we can live together peacefully." She lowly pleads.The Mayor's face tightens as he turns to the girl. "I'm afraid that's impossible. Your stomping causes tremors. You're very loud, you keep babies awake, your lights are far too bright at night, and you're always stepping on us." He says as a matter-of-factly."But stepping on you doesn't hurt if you haven't signed the forms," Hilda points out. "I saw Twig's legs go through one of your houses unharmed.""Still traumatizing to see a foot coming through your ceiling!" The Mayor huffs.Hilda glances at Alfur, who gives her a silent nod, confirming the truth in the Mayor's words.The Mayor didn't relent as he continued "—Unintentional or not, the damage you and you're family caused is irreversible. Not only to the elves, but others too. Every creature is affected by your presence. Woff's, Trolls, Forest Giant, and especially our local Forest Spirit—Woodman."He rubs his eyes and sighs heavily, his eyes falling back to the cat in his arms. "Why my poor Angelina here she's..." He pauses, "S-She's been through so much. This is her second pregnancy. She lost her first litter because of the stress."Hilda lurches at the thought of it. She instinctively reaches for her mum's hand, squeezing it as the weight of his words settles in."Fetch the cot, please," the Mayor orders, his voice quieter now. Alfur solemnly salutes and quickly returns with a small cot. The Mayor gently lays Angelina down, stroking her fur. "There, there, my dear."Hilda takes a step forward, her voice is soft and sincere. "We're really sorry for all the pain and distress my family have caused. W-We didn't know."She hesitates before carefully continuing."If we promise to turn off our lights earlier, keep our voices down, and be careful when we go outside... will you stop the attacks? Please, don't evict us."The Mayor sighs, his shoulders slumping. "It doesn't work like that."Hilda's heart sinks. "It doesn't?"He shakes his head. "Wheels are already in motion. Plans are in motion, letters sent, and forms are being filed in... So many forms." He shudders.Johanna steps in "You're the Mayor. Surely you have the authority can do something.""I'm only the Mayor," he replies, throwing up his arms. "The orders come from the very top—from the Prime Minister. It's out of my hands!" He glances at his arms with a snort. "And I don't even have hands!" He flails his arms dramatically."Then we'll take it up with the Prime Minister," Hilda declares, resolute. "Where can we find him?" She requests right up his face.The Mayor leans back and crosses arms. "I won't disclose that. It's classified.""Tell us, please," Hilda pleads, stepping closer."No, I—"
Meow
Angelina's soft meow cuts through the tense silence. Unbeknownst to anyone, she has sneakily crawled her way into Hilda's blue hair, curling up contentedly in the strands, purring in satisfaction."Angelina!" The Mayor's eyes widen, and with a startled leap, his tiny legs bounce as he reaches for her. Before he can grab his pet, Hilda straightens up, gently cupping the pile of blue hair where the cat has nestled. Pulling her out of the Mayor's tiny reach."Wha—give her back!" The Mayor's voice wavers between fear and fury, his tiny fists shaking in the air as he sees his beloved pet in Hilda's grasp."Hilda!" Johanna scolds at her daughter's sudden action. Even Alfur looks shocked at the unexpected turn of events."Mum, he won't tell us where the Prime Minister is," Hilda defends herself. "Besides, I won't dare hurt the poor thing. I'm just gonna make sure she lives in my hair forever." She smirks.Her words taunt the Mayor "Oooh! You fiend, you brute! I can't believe I ever opened up to you!" He stomps the ground, his little frame trembling with indignation."Hilda, we don't take other people's pets," Johanna's voice is calm, but her eyes speak volumes, a stern motherly gaze that makes Hilda flinch."Hilda, we don't hold people's pets hostage," Johanna berates her, stepping forward, her voice low but commanding. Under her stare, Hilda hesitates, her resolve wavering slightly. Her mother took a breath before softening "This isn't how we solve problems."She places a hand on her shoulder as Hilda looks to the ground."We can't resort to such things just because it's easier," Johanna continues, her eyes not leaving Hilda's. "In moments like these where we have the choice to push, to demand, but the right path is rarely the simplest one." She holds out her hands."We do things properly, no matter how long or hard it takes."Hilda's eyes look around as she mulls over her mother's lesson. Before finally she hands over Angelina, her gaze softening as she makes eye contact with her Mum. Johanna gently cradles the cat before passing her back to the Mayor, who snatches her up.He pulls her close and hugs her tightly, relief flooding his features as he nuzzles into the soft fur.For a moment, there's silence, and Johanna knows the right words to break it."I'm sorry for my daughter's actions," Johanna apologizes as Hilda rubs her arms and shyly digs her boots in the dirt. "We're here to fix things the right way, without resorting to things like this. If you could help us, it would mean everything."She pauses, letting her words sink in. "Please… If not for us," she adds, nodding toward the purring cat in his arms, "—then for her."
Deep down she knew what she doing what she said those selfish words.
The Mayor looks down at Angelina, then back at her. His jaw clenches, eyes narrowed, but the tension slowly ebbs away. With a weary sigh, he gives in. "Very well," he mutters, "I'll tell you where the Prime Minister is."Hilda's eyes widen in surprise, and gasps "You mean it?""I suppose... diplomacy should be considered before resorting to such drastic measures," the Mayor admits, his gruff demeanour softening. "Perhaps we've all been too blinded by outrage to consider another way."Alfur, still standing in the middle, breathes a quiet sigh of relief as the Mayor gestures for them to lean in. "Now listen carefully," the Mayor sternly says. "The location of the Prime Minister is highly discreet. I won't repeat myself."Hilda and Johanna lean in as he whispers the Prime Minister's location.Pulling back, Hilda's face brightens. "I know that place!"Johanna nods. "Me too.""Right, let's go then—" Hilda starts to dash off, but Johanna's hand clamps down on her shoulder, halting her."Hold on," Johanna says, raising a hand as her eyes scan the distance. "We need to wait for your sister.""Oh yeah, I forgot she came with," She chuckles, unabashedly rubbing the back of her hand.
*~~oOo~~*

Calaquendi Elf
A few minutes later on cue, Zelda's brown hair and grey sweater stumble into view, looking quite ragged. "I'm here!" Zelda breathless calls out "I made it,".Twig, trotting dutifully at her side, gives her a deadpan glance, clearly unimpressed by her sluggish pace."Took you long enough," Hilda quips, though there's a teasing grin on her face. "Good news, Zel. The Mayor told us where to find the Prime Minister. He can help us sort out this whole mess with the elves!"Zelda leans forward, hands on her knees, gasping. "That's nice, Hils. And where exactly is this Prime Minister, then?""Up the hiking trail, behind the Fjord!" She bluntly answers. Pointing far off in the distance where the snowcap mountains melt to the waterfall below.Zelda's eyes widen in disbelief. "You're jokin'. More running?!""Not running, hiking," Alfur corrects with a faint smile, clearly trying to soften the blow.Zelda stares at them all, then flops dramatically onto the grass, well away from any nearby elf houses. "I just got here! My lungs are screamin', my legs are dead, and now you want me to hike up a mountain? I'm nae a miracle worker!""Zel, we don't have all day!" Hilda's arms fold as she looks down at her sister.Zelda waves a limp hand, still lying on the ground. "Can we not take a break? Just five minutes to breathe and maybe, I don't know, eat somethin'? I'm practically wilting here."Johanna is about to open said bag full of food but Alfur chimes in. "Ah, yes, about that… I'm afraid the Prime Minister's Office hours are rather strict. Nine to five, you see. And we're a touch behind schedule.""Alfur's right," Hilda pulls on her sister's arm. "C'mon, up you get!""No. Nope." Zelda refuses, flopping down even further into the grass. "Like I said. I'm out of breath, I'm exhausted, I'm sweaty, and every step feels like my legs are about to melt off. So unless this Prime Minister is magically going to teleport me there, I'm staying right here!"Hilda throws her hands up, exasperated. "Why do I even bother?""Just five minutes, Hils."Hilda rolls her eyes. "No. Because five minutes becomes ten, and before you know it, we've missed our chance. I don't want a repeat of the last time we were late!"Johanna, watching the back-and-forth with a sympathetic smile, steps in. "Maybe we let your sister rest for a bit, Hilda. You and I can go meet with the Prime Minister."Zelda perks up immediately. "See? Mum's got sense. Off you go. I'll be right here, recoverin'. I'll catch up later—maybe." She says laying sprawl across the grass, with Twig hovering over her with a tilt of his head."Fine, but next time we're off on an adventure, you're stickin' with it 'til the end," Hilda shoots back."Yeah, yeah," Zelda mutters, barely paying attention as she absentmindedly grabs Twig, who gives a little wriggle, surprised."Oh, and by the way, your calculation about an Elf Mile? Completely off. It's 25 human feet, not 150 or whatever you said. Alfur told me." Hilda just had to say it, but Zelda, flat on her back with her arms behind her head, couldn't care less.Hilda huffs, her lips tight, before turning on her heel and heading towards the Prime Minister's trail, her frustration clear in the quickness of her steps. Mum appears next, looming over Zelda with a paper bag dangling in her hand."Here, fuel for the belly," Johanna hands over the lunch, and Zelda mutters a half-hearted thanks, sitting up to grab it, Twig still snuggled in one arm, all squirmy. Zipping her bag full of supplies closed, she turns to her daughter for one last thing."If you want to follow us, stick on the trail and try not to get lost okay?""Probably just head home, to be honest," Zelda quietly admits, out of Hilda's earshot. Johanna gives a small nod and heads off to catch up with her twin.Twig gives another wriggle, eyes darting after them, clearly wanting to follow. But as they disappear from sight, he lets out a resigned huff, nose all pouty, and nestles begrudgingly closer into Zelda's arm.Zelda lies stiffy back on the soft grass, feeling the gentle breeze brush against her skin. Her gaze drifts upward, the sky stretching endlessly, a quiet expanse of blue. There's a stillness to the scene, the kind that makes her usual unease about being outdoors fade just a little, though it lingers beneath the surface.The clouds shift lazily, drifting across the sky, offering moments of shade that dance over her. She watches them quietly, letting the peaceful landscape settle her nerves, if only for a while. For now, she simply lets it be, the world quiet around her, the vastness of it all almost comforting."How long are you planning on staying here," The Mayor pokes the giant girl."Wha? Oh, it's you. The Mayor, I assume." Zelda sits up and offers him a handshake. "I'm Zelda by the way, Hilda's twin sister.The Mayor eyes the hand but doesn't take it. "Yes, yes. I'm well aware. And while I might sympathise with your family's plight on remaining in this valley. I don't appreciate you loitering around any longer." He emphasizes."And why is that?" Zelda crosses her arms, standing to her full height, towering over him. "You said it yourself, I've got the same right to be here as anyone else. If I fancy lyin' on the grass for once, then I'm well within my rights." Her tone is calm but firm.The Mayor takes a deep sigh, containing himself, before looking at his cat "These kids, getting on my nerves. Don't say I didn't try to be polite, Angelina. But—""Get off my lawn!" The Mayor hollers eliciting a squeak from the girl "You're crushing my Petunias," His stubby arms point to said flower patch crushed under her.Zelda winces, rubbing the back of her neck. "Whoops, sorry~." She steps off the flowers, sounding far too much like her sister for her own liking. Realising she's overstayed her welcome, she starts trekking back in the direction of home.As she moves on, Twig scratches at her heel, a soft whine rising from him.Zelda stops, looking down at him. "What is it, boy?"Twig points his snout in the direction where her mum and Hilda disappeared."You want me to go after them? Join in their trek to the Prime Minister?"A little nod from Twig.Zelda sighs, shaking her head. "Sorry to disappoint Twig, but no way am I risking my life to catch up to them now." She starts. "Do you have the slightest inkling of the ways I can die in the forest? Too many to count I'll tell you, the outside is terrifying." She shudders.Twig tugs at her sleeve again, the soft whimper pulling at her. She can't help but waver a bit."I know, I know. You'd rather be off with them than stuck with boring old me." She lets out another sigh, softening. "Tell you what, though—I'll make it up to you once we're back at the cabin."Twig tilts his head, ears flopping to the side."How 'bout we play your favourite game, Egg Hunt?" At that, his ears perk right up, and Zelda chuckles at the sudden shift, watching his tail wagging excitedly."I'm glad we've come to an agreement," Zelda mutters with a soft, content smile, eyes shut in quiet amusement as her hand absently strokes Twig's head.The deerfox, now settled, falls in step beside her as they start their long trek back to the house. Which was 200 elf miles, or roughly a human mile away.As they walk, Zelda's gaze wanders to once hidden world around her. At first, the scale of it was a little off-putting— houses, roads, and people, all so minuscule in comparison. She steps lightly, instinctively cautious, her eyes flicking from one tiny structure to the next.There's a rhythm to this place, subtle but present. The longer she walked, the clearer it became.There's a post office tucked into the crook of a towering root, its door creaking open as a flurry of letters get whisked away by tiny hands.A fire station next to it, with a miniature bell perched on the roof. Beyond that, a guard house, the pointed ears of Elven sentinels barely peeking over the walls as they watch her pass by with wide-eyed caution.Office buildings that look like houses line the streets, peeking in you can spot a busy Elf typing away a stack of paperwork which is then transported into a nearby library. So many libraries, Zelda points out, their shelves bulging with endless paperwork.And lastly, are the taverns bustling with quiet chatter and merry chants of rowdy Elves, with a cup of brew in their hands.Twig pads along, his snout twitching as the scent of hearth fires and simmering meals drifts from the chimneys above. He sniffs the air, intrigued, pausing here and there at the doorways of taverns and pubs, curious and maybe hungry.Zelda watches him with a small smile, her mind reeling at the realization that this isn't some quaint hamlet or village—it's a living, breathing city.As they pass by all this, she notices the hush that follows her.Eyes peek out from windows, faces duck behind curtains. Conversations fade into murmurs as the enormous human girl strolls by. A few Elves even scatter, fleeing her looming shadow like startled birds.It's only when she nearly stumbles upon an older Elf lady that she snaps from her reverie. The Elf dressed in a flowing white gown and missing the iconic Elf cone atop her head to show off her long and pristine twin-tail hair.The Elf lady has her nose buried deep in a large, ancient-looking book, completely absorbed in its pages. She meanders down the path, oblivious to everything around her, including the giant figure blocking her way.Zelda halts just in time, her breath catching as the woman bumps straight into her white sneakers with a soft thud. The Elf sprawls backwards onto the grass with a startled "Oof!" The book flies out of her hands, landing a few feet away, its pages splayed open on the ground."Excuse me, are you alright?" Zelda crouches down, concern etched across her face. She reaches out a hand but hesitates, suddenly aware of how massive it must seem to the dazed Elf below."Oh~, I'm fine just a little rattled is all." The Elf Lady says, rubbing her back. She then proceeds to look around for her missing book."You should pay more attention to your surroundings, Ma'am," Zelda says, pinching to grab her book before depositing it back in her arms.The Elf lady looks up in surprise to see she is actually talking to a giant girl. "Oh, you can see me now?" She says, in surprise."Yes, Ma'am. Signed the forms and all."The Elf's expression shifted, her lips curling into a wry smile. "Hmm, well that's a bother. I suppose now I must take care where I tread.""Not exactly something you should be lettin' happen anyway, don't you think?"The Elf gives a small, indifferent shrug. "Ah, but before, it wasn't a concern. Your feet, as you put it, would have passed right through me." She waved a hand dismissively as if the whole concept of being squashed by a giant wasn't all that troubling."Sorry for the inconvenience, Ma'am?" Zelda offers, a bit unsure how to feel about being physically present now."No worries, young warrior,"Zelda raises an eyebrow, barely hiding her amusement. "Young warrior, me?" She says, mockingly pointing at herself."Yes, you. You've got the spirit of one inside you," Told the old Elf, pointing her finger at her chest.Zelda chuckles "Ma'am, I'm afraid you've got me mixed up with my twin, Hilda. She's the one with the warrior spirit. I'm more well… Not that." She says with an offhanded wave.The Elf shakes her head, undeterred "No, no. I'm rarely mistaken. It's you, without a doubt, who's got the warrior's spirit." She insists."If you say so," Zelda raises a brow, amused but deciding to play along not wanting to argue with the elderly."But please call me by my name, Frielen. All this Ma'am nonsense is making me feel old. I'm only a thousand years old after all," Frielen says with a wink."Well please to meet you Frielen. I'm Zelda," She offers her handshakes which the tiny Elf accepts clasping her hands with her own.She freezes mid-shake as suddenly the rest of her words sink in "Wait—hold on, you're a thousand years old?!" She exclaims, her shriek shaking the ground slightly."Don't shout, young warrior! I might be old, but I'm not deaf!" Frielen scolds, rubbing her large, pointed ears with a frown."Sorry!" Zelda cringes, then leans in, lowering her voice in a dramatic whisper, with Twig even joining in "Are all Elves... immortal?"Frielen snorts. "No, no, young warrior. I'm a different race of Elf."Zelda tilts her head in curiosity. "A different race?"Frielen nods. "Mhm, like there are different races of humans."Zelda leans in closer, intrigued. "So, what are you then, if you don't mind me asking?"With a nonchalant shrug, Frielen replies, "Oh, I'm a Calaquendi Elf.""A Cala... Cala-kwen-dy what now?" Zelda butchers the pronunciation, blinking in confusion.Frielen just chuckles softly. "Close enough." She says with a wave of her hand."It's a long exposition young warrior, basically the distinction between us and other Elven folk is that, one we're nigh immortal and the second-," Frielen lifts her arms to Zelda.Zelda squints, leaning in closer, only just realizing what she hadn't noticed before, given Frieren's small stature. "Wait... you have hands!" she gasps."Mh-hm," Frielen hums, her wriggling fingers on display, a subtle smirk tugging at her lips. "High five."Zelda blinks in disbelief, but instinct takes over. She awkwardly raises her hand and meets Frieren's palm with hers, the soft smack confirming the Elf's solid presence. They stare at each other for a moment, the air still between them, as if both are trying to process the strange connection.After what feels like an eternity, Frielen sits up and pats down her dress, tucking her old tome under her arm. "Welp, I should be on my way," she says, dusting herself off casually. "It's been... quite some time since I've spoken to one of your kind. I assumed they'd gotten rid of you all.""That's hardly surprising considering we're the only humans around for miles," Zelda says, standing up and brushing grass off her clothes."Hm... Thank you again, young warrior. I'll be on my way." Frielen gives her a wave, already burying her face back in her book as she starts to wander away. "Until we meet again,""Bye, Frielen," Zelda returns the gesture, watching as she disappears into the distance.She barely catches the Elf's muttered words, carried on the breeze, "I wasn't talking about humans~."Zelda's brows furrow. "What do you—wait, where did she go?" she spins around, but Frielen has vanished into thin air.Zelda and Twig exchange a baffled glance, silently shrugging before they both turn to head home, still confused about what the Calaquendi Elf had meant.
*~~oOo~~*

Egg Hunt
"Home sweet home," Zelda sighs, stepping through the door, and closing it shut with a soft thud. Twig bounds in after her, tail wagging, his hooves tapping eagerly at her feet."Want to play Egg Hunt now?" Zelda asks with a grin, bending down to his level.Twig barks softly, eyes bright and ready."Alright, fine~," She laughs, racing toward the kitchen, and grabbing a tray of eggs from the fridge "I'm sure Mum won't mind,"Egg tray in hand she returns to Twig. "You know the rules, boy. I hide them, you find them!" She says, twirling a finger at him to face the wall, to which he does so with a wag of his tail.The house soon becomes a playground. Zelda scurries around the living room, tucking eggs into obscure places.One slips into the crack between the couch cushions and another gets hidden under the throw blanket draped across the armchair.She sneaks one behind a stack of books by the window and wedges another in the corner of the kitchen, snug between the toaster and the blender.Twig, whose back is turned, sits patiently, his body tense with anticipation. His ears twitch, swivelling slightly as they pick up every sound Zelda makes."Ready!" Zelda calls, standing in the centre of the living room, feet bouncing slightly in anticipation.Twig's ears perk up, and at her signal, he's off! His small hooved feet pad softly against the floor as he darts toward the couch first.With determined energy, he uses his little antlers to poke and prod at the cushions, managing to nudge one egg loose. With a triumphant huff, he carries it proudly in his mouth, his eyes gleaming with the thrill of the hunt."Good boy! Now where's the next one?" she teases, hands on her hips.Twig dashes around, sniffing wildly. His paws slip slightly on the kitchen floor as he makes tight turns, a blur of white fur and excitement. He zips over to the bookshelf, nudging the egg out from behind the stack of books. The moment he spots it, he leaps forward, snatching it up with a playful flick of his tail.Then, he races to the kitchen corner, his tiny hooves clicking against the tiles. He sniffs eagerly around the appliances, and with a swift nudge of his antlers, he uncovers the last egg nestled between the toaster and the blender. His expression is one of sheer triumph as he scampers back to Zelda, all three eggs proudly displayed on the floor in front of her."Good job, boy," Zelda praises, beaming down at Twig. "Now you may reap your rewards!"Twig doesn't hesitate, diving into his spoils with unrestrained enthusiasm. He crunches through the delicate shells, savouring the rich taste of the yolk that fills his mouth.He nibbles eagerly, his tiny hooves tapping on the floor as he shifts around, trying to find the best position to devour his feast."While you ruthlessly devour your prey," Zelda chuckles, shaking her head, "I'm going to set up the next round." She glances around the room, her mind racing with creative hiding spots as she prepares for the next egg hunt.
20 minutes later…
After multiple rounds and one empty egg tray later, both of them flopped onto the sofa, breathless and worn out. Twig's belly is full, having "feasted" on all the eggs, and he sprawls lazily, his fluffy tail thumping lightly against the cushions.Zelda chuckles, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow. "Still think it'd be fun going along with those two?" She asks, glancing at Twig.Twig makes a soft whine, his eyes drooping but still managing to nod in response."Oh, come on, boy." Zelda shakes her head, laughing. "No offence, but they'll be fine without you." She leans back, stretching her legs out.Twig lets out a small bark as if to argue."It's not like they're going to be attacked by a rabbit cavalry or something," Zelda teases, ruffling his fur.
*~~oOo~~*
"We're being attacked by the Rabbit Cavalry!" Alfur screams, his tiny voice barely audible over the thundering of tiny rabbit paws."Run!" Johanna shouts, her eyes wide in panic as she pulls Hilda along, dodging the relentless bunnies.Hilda, Johanna, and Alfur sprint down the mountainous path, desperately trying to outrun the stampede of rabbits. Each rabbit is ridden by an Elf in police garb and wearing that tall bearskin headdress."I wish Twig were here!" Hilda cries as the rabbits close in.
*~~oOo~~*
"Yup, they'll be fine," She shrugs it off, closing her eyes for a moment of rest. "I'm beat, Twig. We'll continue playing after a short break."Twig gives a quick nod, then bounds over to his cot in the living room. He circles the cushions a few times, pausing to paw at them with his tiny feet. Satisfied, he lowers himself down, curling into a tight ball. With a contented sigh, his ears flicker once before his eyes slowly drift shut, already drifting off to sleep."Or maybe not," She chuckles.Feeling restless, Zelda hops off the couch, adjusting the red scarf around her neck. She heads upstairs, legs wobbling with each step, the exhaustion from the day catching up to her. Her initial plan was to grab a book from her shelf for some light reading, but her eyes lingered on a picture frame.A family photo from a picnic, with an extra familiar face in the middle."Auntie Astrid," she whispers.Her aunt, an ample elderly woman with greying cerulean hair, tied together by a simple stick, stands out. She's wrapped in warm clothes, sandals on her feet, adorned with bracelets, necklaces, and all sorts of trinkets that clink softly in Zelda's memory. A smile tugs at her lips as she recalls their last visit when she and Hilda were just ten.With a soft sigh, she rummages through her belongings, searching for something. She pulls out a small, handmade charm—a gift from Aunt Astrid. The charm, crafted from an Oak Tree called a Dair, is said to grant courage."She said you're supposed to help me face going outside," Zelda murmurs, turning the trinket over in her hand. "But I doubt you can fix that," she chuckles, though there's a warmth in her voice, fondness for her aunt clear despite her scepticism.Her irrational fear of the outside feels too big for a mere piece of wood to tackle.She remembers Hilda's gift—a river stone said to offer protection. That stone had quickly become a skipping stone at the lake, not that Auntie Astrid would have minded. Zelda smiles at the thought, the charm still clutched in her hand.Taking a deep breath, she sits at her desk, pulls out a pen and paper, and begins composing a letter."Dear Aunt Astrid,
I'm writing to you to update you on what's been going on in our secluded life out here in the wilderness. Recently we got into a feud with the hidden people called an Elf. Stuffy creatures, they are, and very iffy on paperwork. So strict that they remain invisible to those who haven't signed the proper forms. They demand us to leave the valley and our home.

But you know Hilda, she won't go down without a fight. As I write to you now, she's off with Mum and a friendly elf named Alfur on their way to resolve the situation with their Prime Minister.

To be honest, I'm not confident they'll succeed, and sooner or later we'll probably end up moving to Trolberg anyway. If not the elves driving us off, it'll be the Trolls, Forest Giants, Giant Butterflies, or maybe even the Woodman.

I hate the Woodman, he steals some of my Manga without me looking.

Enough about me. How's life been on Tofoten? When are you planning for your next visit? Provided we don't get kicked out of our home.

If you do decide to visit, can you stop by the bookstore there on Tofoten to buy some books for me?

All the best in the world,

Your niece, Zelda."
Three days pass before the letter finally reaches Tofoten.Inside a certain tower, Aunt Astrid sits comfortably, sipping her tea as she finishes reading. A soft smile graces her face as she places the letter down on a small table. At her feet, Loam, her ever-faithful companion, snoozes peacefully.Loam is no ordinary creature—she's a sentient slab of dirt, with patches of grass growing on top and long legs, a quadruped. Astrid absently pets the tufts of grass on her back, watching as the blades sway under her hand."Well, it certainly has been a while since we visited, hasn't it, Loam?" Astrid muses, glancing down at him. "What do you think? Fancy a trip to the woods to see the family?"At the mention of a visit, Loam perks up instantly, shaking excitedly, little clumps of soil shifting in her enthusiasm.Astrid chuckles at her response. "Alright then, let's not keep them waiting! A surprise visit it is.".

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Book 1 – Of Butterflies and Elves

*~~oOo~~*

Handy Hardware
“Are you sure this isn’t some ploy to convince me into moving to the city with you?” Hilda asks from the back seat, eyes narrowing in suspicion.“Ugh, for the last time, Hils, it’s not a scheme!” Zelda huffs from the front seat, slouching against the window, while Johanna taps the steering wheel, with a weary face from this now-recycled conversation.The family, minus Twig, is on their way to Trolberg for hardware supplies to fix the broken window from the Elves’ attack the night before.But, somehow or predictably, Hilda’s convinced it’s a plot to drag them into city life. As if one simple trip will prove her right—that they're on the verge of leaving their home in the wilderness for good.The small yellow car, affectionately named Gertrude—Hilda’s choice—rumbles along the familiar dirt road. The fresh, cool air of the wilderness fills the car, carrying the scent of damp earth and pine needles. Outside, birds chirp faintly in the distance, and the crunch of gravel beneath the tires.Hilda grabs her sketchbook, sketching the autumn leaves clinging to the window. She frowns slightly when a soft breeze sweeps them away, sending them twirling into the horizon. Her gaze follows until the looming walls and bell towers of Trolberg come into view.Soon the last of the dense woods fades behind them.The dirt path slowly gives way to the cracked concrete of the city outskirts. Sparse woodlands now dot the landscape, broken up by scattered farmhouses, fields, and homesteads.
Brave souls who live outside the safety of the walls.
Leaving the isolation of the wilderness, Hilda’s nose scrunched up as she felt the air grow thick and warm. The natural scent of pine and moss was gradually replaced by something stale and heavier.“We’re here,” Johanna announces as Gertrude the car joins a long queue inching toward the city gates. The quiet hum of the engine is drowned out by distant honking and the growing cacophony of city life.All three of them wear matching deadpan expressions as Gertrude crawls forward, slowing to a near standstill. The one thing they can agree on, city life or not—no one enjoys traffic.Hilda winces as the blaring of a car horn cuts through the air. She glances back, seeing a driver leaning on his horn as if it might magically make the line move faster.With an irritated huff, Hilda rolls down her window with a fist.“Hey! Beeping’s not gonna make it move faster, mate!” she shouts, giving the driver a pointed glare. The man glances away, shamefully lifting his hand off the horn.Satisfied, she rolls the window back up and slumps in her seat with a humph. Her mum doesn’t even bat an eyelid.“Soo, how’d it go with the Prime Minister?” Zelda asks, sitting up and leaning against the headrest to face her sister.She never really got the full story of their trip; they’d come home, eat dinner, and hit the hay, too knackered from the hike and subsequent fighting off the blasted Rabbit Cavalry to explain anything to her.Johanna and Hilda perk up at the question, eyes darting to the window, suddenly very interested in the passing scenery.“It was…” Johanna nervously trails off.“Terrible. It was bloody terrible,” Hilda sums up, crossing her arms.Zelda raises an eyebrow, clearly expecting more.“Apparently, the Prime Minister and Parliament said they'd kick us out just to get voted in! Can you believe that? The nerve of ‘em. And when we tried to negotiate a peace, they said it was out of their hands!” Hilda fumes.Johanna nods. "Mh-hm, our whole plan would’ve been scrapped right there if it weren’t for Alfur—bless him—agreeing to take us to see the Elf King.""Yep," Hilda confirms. "—Wouldn’t know what else to do without him...""Wow," Zelda mutters, slouching into the headrest. Her face barely shifts, showing a hint of boredom more than anything else. "Sounds like a right rollercoaster.""It was." Hilda sighs, shaking her head like the whole ordeal drains her just thinking about it.The car lurches forward as the traffic finally starts moving. When they reach the city gates, Johanna grumbles as they stop to pay the toll—five pounds, which feels like daylight robbery to both her and Zelda.As they pass through the shadow of the ancient gate, sunlight spills across the highway stretching ahead, leading into the heart of Trolberg.The city sits nestled between snow-capped mountains, with the glistening Björg Fjord stretching to the north and imposing southern walls and bell towers looming behind. The mighty Bjorn River winds through, dividing the city into distinct districts, each with its own purpose and way of life.The streets, both paved and cobbled, are flanked by a patchwork of pastel-coloured wooden houses with red-tiled roofs. Each building stands mid-story tall, its unique façade proudly distinct, creating a kaleidoscope of colour and shape along the city’s winding paths.Gertrude glides along the streets, pausing every so often at crosswalks or intersections. Each stop jolts Zelda forward, her head bobbing lightly before sinking back against the headrest. The constant rocking stirs an uncomfortable feeling in her throat and her head begins growing heavy as a queasy warmth builds.Johanna’s eyes flick to Zelda, catching her daughter’s pale, limp form in the seat. With a quiet sigh, she presses a button to crack the window open."Feeling car sick?" Johanna asks, glancing ahead as fresh air slips in."Yep, thanks," Zelda mutters, her voice weak, as she leans toward the window, letting the cool breeze brush her face. She tries focusing on the passing buildings, their bright facades blurring slightly in an attempt to distract herself from the nausea."How d’you get car sick in the city?" Hilda pipes up, peeking over from the back seat. "We’ve been drivin' through the wilderness for miles!""I dunno, Hilda. I just don’t," Zelda groans, her eyes half-lidded as she slumps deeper into the headrest, not caring to explain further.Hilda peers out the window, eyes wide as people dart along the streets—kids her age miling about, shoppers weighed down with bags, and couples laughing together. She blinks, taking in the sea of strangers, their unfamiliar faces and vibrant activities swirling around.A frown creases her brow as she struggles to make sense of it all, much less the appeal.Thankfully, the ride sways to a stop, and Gertrude parks with a soft rattle in front of the hardware store. Zelda immediately stumbles out of the car, taking a deep breath of the relatively fresh air.“Finally!” she sighs, steadying herself on the pavement, her queasiness vanishing the second her feet hit solid ground.
Ding—ding.
Inside, a little bell tinkles above as they step through the door. It’s a modest place with a handful of customers scattered about. The store bears the faint whiff of sawdust and metal.Johanna gives her daughters a firm look, "Behave yourselves," she tells them before she grabs a cart and heads off down the aisles.Hilda wastes no time, bounding toward the shelves, glancing at whatever trinkets the store has to offer to pacify her boredom.Meanwhile, Zelda hangs back and drifts over to a magazine rack. She traces a finger lazily over the glossy covers. Her eyes brighten at the sight of a magazine, Comic Jump.Specifically, the cover image of Zombies drawing her in. With a gasp, she pulls it down, her excitement bubbling over.“Ooh! The latest issue of The Walking Dead! Finally!” she squeaks, as she buries her nose in its pages.
Beep… Beep…
Johanna listens to the rhythmic beeps of the cash register as she joins the queue for checkout, her cart brimming with supplies needed to repair their home. The clatter of shopping bags fills the air, and she shifts her weight from one foot to the other as she waits.Suddenly, she feels a tug on her maroon sweater and looks down to find Zelda, eyes wide and hopeful.“Hey Mum, can I go visit the comic book store for a bit?” she asks, her fingers fiddling nervously with her thumbs.Johanna glances outside, where cars zip by and crowds bustle along the sidewalk, then back to her daughter, who shifts her weight, biting her lip. “Zelda, dear. Are you sure it’s okay for you to go off on your own?”“She won’t be alone; she’ll be with me!” Hilda pops up beside her sister, throwing an arm around Zelda's shoulders. She grins and points a thumbs-up to herself.“What are you doing?” Zelda grits out.“I’m bored out of my mind in here. Just let me tag along,” Hilda whispers back, eliciting an eye-roll from her twin.“I’ll be fine, Mum. The comic bookstore is just a block or two away—you’ll know the first thing if something goes wrong,” Zelda assures her, pushing off her sister to stand a little taller.Johanna furrows her brow, studying her daughters. Zelda’s gaze melts into a puppy-dog look, and Hilda quickly follows suit, mirroring her sister’s expression.The twin combo of puppy-dog eyes is too much to resist, and she lets out a heavy sigh.“Fine,” she concedes, a smile breaking through her hesitation. “Hilda, you two stick together, yeah? Don’t wander off from each other.”“Aye aye, Ma’am!” Hilda proclaims like a certain sponge character, puffing out her chest and saluting, drawing curious glances from the other shoppers.“At ease?” Johanna chuckles, shaking her head at Hilda’s antics, adorable.
Ding—ding.
The bell jingles above the door as they exit the store, and Zelda turns to Hilda with a teasing smirk. “Aye aye, Ma’am?”“It just popped into my head,” Hilda replies with a roll of her eyes and the two share a laugh.Inside the store, Johanna peeks out the window, smiling as she watches her daughters walk along the pavement and disappear from view. She’s used to them roaming the woods alone, dealing with whatever creatures the wilderness throws their way. But here, in the city—supposedly safer and all—she can’t shake a small knot of worry that tugs at her.For now, she tells herself to let it go, trying to ease her mind as she moves forward in the checkout line.
*~~oOo~~*

Pocket Grass
Zelda leads her sister down the block and around the corner, the comic bookstore just across the street. Hilda skips alongside her, glancing at every corner and storefront.They come to a halt at a small, grassy pocket park tucked awkwardly between the buildings, a thin strip of green amid the concrete.At its center, two Sparrow Scouts—a scouting troop sporting a yellow jersey, sashes and badges, and a red scarf—hover around a crumpled, half-collapsed tent, which flops uselessly on one side.Hilda stares while Zelda squints; even she, who barely leaves the house, could put up a sturdier tent than that.“You’re not listening, Aaliyah!” shouts a boy with a mop of blond hair, pointing an accusing finger at a girl in a magenta hijab. He holds a bent tent pole, brandishing it like a weapon. “You’re meant to stick this bit through the loop!”"Yeah, I know that, Sinon!" Aaliyah snaps, yanking the pole from his grip. "If you’d stop yammering and let me focus, I’d have it sorted by now!""Oh, focus, right," Sinon retorts, crossing his arms. "Focus on what, making it even worse? If you’d just pay attention to what the manual said, we’d be done ages ago!”Aaliyah rolls her eyes, twisting the pole with unnecessary force. "Pay attention to you? Like you’re the expert! Why don’t you just stand there and let me handle it, yeah?""Handle it? Sure, because you’re doing such a brilliant job," he snaps back, edging closer. "Look, you’re making a right mess of it—”"Will you just let me do it!” Aaliyah practically growls, shoving his hand off as he tries to grab the pole again. She spins around, fixing her glare on the pole, pointedly ignoring him.They pause, glaring at each other in steely silence before turning away, arms crossed and each muttering under their breath with the same dramatic huff."Can’t do anything right," Aaliyah mutters."Always has to be in charge," Sinon grumbles right back.Hilda watches the scene, lips twitching with a barely contained grin. “Think we should lend a hand?” she asks, glancing at Zelda.Zelda gives the struggling Scouts one look, then flicks her hair over her shoulder and starts to turn away. “No time. We’re off to the comic book store, remember?” She waves a dismissive hand, not even looking back.“Right…” Hilda murmurs, biting her lip, eyes darting from Zelda’s retreating figure to the two scouts in their tent disaster.Zelda catches a flash of Hilda at her side, hands twisting together and that telltale, sheepish grin creeping onto her face. She sighs, already knowing where this is going.“Hey, Zel. I know I promised Mum I’d stick with you, but… can I—?”“Go on, Hils,” Zelda casually says, cutting her off with a half-smile, not needing to hear the rest.“Really?” Hilda’s eyes light up like she’s just been given the keys to the kingdom.“Yeah, just don’t wander too far, alright? Be back in ten minutes, or Mum will have a fit.” Zelda firmly says. “Besides, it's about time you mixed with kids your age.”“You’re the best!” Hilda’s arms fly around Zelda for a quick hug, catching her off guard. Then she’s off in a heartbeat, already bounding toward the clueless scouts with a grin.Somehow Zelda watches, feeling a weird flicker of pride. It’s strange seeing her sister that way—usually, the shadow at her side, now fully caught up with other kids—but, honestly, she’s a bit pleased.
But why is there a small ache?
Ignoring the lingering feeling, the sisters go their separate ways—one to make new friends, the other to stir up trouble in a comic store.
*~~oOo~~*

End Scene
Chapter 4 - Gertrude the Car
*~~oOo~~*

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Book 1 – Of Butterflies and Elves

*~~oOo~~*

F.R.I.E.N.D.S
Sinon and Aaliyah, a pair of Sparrow Scouts, stand toe-to-toe, locked in a heated staring match.The faint rustle of leaves and the distant hum of city life almost make the moment seem calm—almost.Here in this little pocket park, tucked between buildings, all their focus is fixed on one thing: who’s right about setting up this tent? The crumpled fabric sprawls awkwardly between them, a silent casualty of their disagreement.A girl with striking blue hair appears in their peripheral vision. She takes in the scene—two tense scouts, a half-collapsed tent, and the scattered supplies with a look of mild curiosity.“Hey!” Hilda calls out, “Need some help with the tent?” She offers, “I’ve had my fair share of camping in the wilderness. I’m an expert.” She confidently says.The two stop their bickering to stare at her. Before Sinon can open his big fat mouth and dismiss her, Aaliyah slaps her hand over it.“We’d be delighted to get some help!” Aaliyah says eagerly, shooting Sinon a glare that makes him roll his eyes.Hilda steps closer, inspecting the deflated tent sprawled awkwardly on the grass. “Alright, first off, you’ve got the poles all wrong. They should go here,” she instructs, as she kneels to correct it. “That doesn’t go there and—mhm, and this should go in here.”Aaliyah watches as Hilda works her magic. “What’s next?” She asks.Meanwhile, Sinon at the back, follows along with the manual.“Then you need to tension the guylines properly to keep the structure stable,” Hilda explains, pulling on said line and the two Sparrow Scouts yelp in surprise as their stent erects up. “—And make sure the fly is anchored down; otherwise, it’ll sag and collect water.”With deft hands, she ties some essential knots with quick precision, her focus unwavering. A quick tidying here and there, followed by the thud of a wooden stake hammered into the ground to tether the tent securely and wallah!“There! Good enough to withstand a tornado,” Hilda declares, stepping back to admire her handiwork.“Amazing. You make it look so easy,” Aaliyah murmurs, as she runs a hand along the now-sturdy tent.Sinon circles the structure, glancing back and forth between the setup and the manual. To his surprise, it looks strikingly similar—if not, dare I say, better than what’s illustrated.“Thanks,” Hilda replies, a hint of modesty creeping in as she rubs the back of her neck.“No, thank you! Without you we would’ve been at each other’s throats than building a tent,” Aaliyah says, shaking Hilda’s hand earnestly. “I’m Aaliyah.”“Hilda,” she replies.“And this chubby grub is Sinon,” Aaliyah adds, nodding toward the boy with short blonde hair.Sinon scoffs, crossing his arms defensively. “It’s baby fat! I’ll grow out of it when I hit puberty and tower over you lot.” He grumbles. “But yeah, thanks for the help,” he mumbles, giving Hilda a begrudging nod of appreciation.…After an awkward silence, the three of them shift on their feet, each stealing glances at the others as if expecting someone to break it. Hilda taps her fingers against her thigh, eyes flicking from Sinon to Aaliyah and then to the tent.“Sooo,” she finally says, drawing out the word and raising an eyebrow, “Why are you setting up a perfectly good tent in the middle of the city? Are you planning to camp here?” The corners of her mouth twitch upwards, finding the notion absurd.Sinon snorts. “No, no. We’re not that stupid,” he says, his eyes darting to Aaliyah, who chuckles and rolls her eyes. “We’re doing this as a refresher for our badge activity—the Wilderness Survival Badge,” he says with a bit of mock importance.He puffs out his chest to show off said badge on his red sash. Along with the neatly arranged badges that catch the sunlight.Aaliyah, not to be outdone, also shows her own sash and adds, “It’s all part of our preparation for the end-of-the-year camping trip to the Huldrawoods,” she explains, her eyes lighting up with excitement.“And, as you can see from our, uhmm,” she pauses, searching for the right words, “—Stellar attempt at setting a tent earlier,” she gestures with a sweeping motion, “We definitely need all the practice and help we could get.” She sheepishly admits, rubbing the back of her neck.Hilda nods, albeit stifling a chuckle at the memory, “I guess that makes sense,”.“So, I suppose you’ll be going over the other basics of camping?” She asks with a tilt of her head.“Yup, that’s today’s Sparrow Scout activity,” Aaliyah says, straightening with newfound confidence.“Then, have you guys gone over how to make a fire?” Hilda’s eyes glint with the question as if probing for more than just a simple answer.Sinon immediately holds up a tiny red box. “Sure did, with simple matchsticks!” He beams, the small wooden sticks rattling as he shakes the box lightly.Hilda’s brows knit together as she leans forward slightly. “Oh? But what if the wood’s damp or you lose your matchstick?” Her voice stays steady, but there’s a pointed note that makes the two Scouts glance at each other, uncertainty flickering between them.“Uh, then we’d just go old-school with the sticks and all that,” Aaliyah ventures, looking at Sinon as if hoping he’d jump in. Sinon shifts, and just shrugs.Hilda’s grilling didn’t waver. “And what about foraging for food?” she presses. “Let’s say you’re out in the wild and your supplies run out. What would you look for?”Sinon’s mouth twitches. “Well, that wouldn’t happen—our parents would pack us loads of food,” he says, almost defensively.“Humour me,” Hilda prompts.Aaliyah’s cheeks flush as she fumbles for an answer. “Um, berries, maybe? The red ones?”A small, knowing smile tugs at the corner of Hilda’s lips. “Red isn’t always safe,” she says, her tone steady but carrying the weight of caution. “You’d need to know what you’re picking—like wild blueberries or dandelion greens. Otherwise, you’re risking getting sick. Or worse.” The way she says it as if it’s a simple fact, sends a shiver through the moment.Sinon’s brow knits, processing the new information. “Okay, but we know how to purify water. We’ve got the tablets for that,” he says, a bit of confidence returning to his voice.“Good,” Hilda nods. “But what if you’re out of tablets?”Sinon straightens, crossing his arms. “That’s easy, we’d boil it,” he says firmly.“Right,” Hilda approves. “So, you’ve got your tent, your fire, food, and water. What about keeping bugs and other creatures out of your camp?” She playfully states as if to scare.Aaliyah, keen on redeeming herself shoots up an answer “Keep the food inside the tent?” she suggests, voice still unsure.“Nope,” Hilda says, shaking her head and the girl lets out an aww. “That’s asking for trouble. You need to hang your food in a sealed bag, high up in a tree, and far from your camp.” She gestures at a nearby tree, its sturdy branches reaching into the sky.Aaliyah glances up, whistling. “That’s pretty high up.”Sinon steps forward, determination written in his features. He rolls up his sleeves and strides toward the tree, gripping the rough bark. He tries to hoist himself up but slides back down, landing on the grass with a soft thud.A laugh bubbles up from the girls, lightening the moment.Hilda steps forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Not every tree is climbable,” she assures him.“Even an experienced adventurer like me would have trouble scaling a big ol’ oak like that.” She trails off. “In these situations, you have to work smart, not hard.”She picks up a rock and deftly ties a length of rope around it.The two scouts watch with wide eyes as Hilda takes aim and throws the rock with a practiced flick. It sails over the branch and falls back down, the rope wrapping snugly around the sturdy limb. The end dangles within reach, ready to hoist up a bundle of food.“Woah,” Sinon breathes, giving her a small round of applause at the feat.Aaliyah walks up to her gushing. “You’re a natural at this stuff! Where did you say you lived again?”Hilda’s chest swells with pride as she looks at them. “I’m from the wilderness,”“How far away from the walls?” Sinon probes.Hilda blinks, momentarily taken aback. “Oh no, not close at all. I live in the valley, where we’re the only humans for miles.” She didn’t miss the flicker of disappointment crossing their faces.“Oh,” Sinon mumbles.“That’s... that’s scary,” Aaliyah says, a shiver running through her as she imagines it. “Living in a place where Trolls roam,” she shivers at the notion, sinking further into her magenta hijab.“No, no. We stay far from the mountains to keep away from the Trolls,” she explains. Her voice takes on a more mischievous tone as she continues, “The real troublemakers are the tiny, invisible folk called elves.”“Elves?” Sinon echoes, leaning in as if to beckon for more.A sly look spreads across Hilda’s face. “Yup, Elves. Don’t underestimate them. They may be tiny, but they’re ferocious and frighteningly strict when it comes to paperwork,” she adds, a playful gleam in her eye.The three burst into laughter, the Sparrow Scouts finding the thought of tiny, ferocious elves both absurd and strangely believable, especially given the detailed way Hilda describes them.“You’re quite the character, Hilda. If I were the Raven Leader, I’d be trying to recruit you for the Sparrow Scouts,” Sinon says, half-joking but with an earnest gleam in his eye.Aaliyah's eyes widen with excitement. “That’s a brilliant idea, Sinon!” she jumps, giving him an enthusiastic pat on the back that makes him flinch. “One of your rare good ideas, I must say,” she adds in a playful matter, drawing an irritated look from Sinon.Hilda’s heart skips a beat. “Really?” she breathes, eyes bright with curiosity and anticipation.“Absolutely,” Aaliyah nods with a wide grin.Sinon takes a step forward, “So what do you say, Hilda? Care to join the Sparrow Scouts?” He says with an offering hand.A spark of excitement flares in Hilda’s chest, and before she can stop herself, the words tumble out, “I would love to!” Her eyes brighten, and she nearly reaches out to take Sinon’s outstretched hand but hesitates, her arm falling limp at the last moment.Sinon’s smile falters as he watches her enthusiasm wane, his hand lingering in the space between them before dropping to his side.A shadow drifts over Hilda’s face, her bangs shifting to partially veil her troubled expression. The rush of joy she felt moments ago fades as one unsettling thought takes hold.
Joining the Sparrow Scouts would mean living in the city.
The idea weighs on her, stirring up conflicted feelings. Sure, it’s been nice helping Aaliyah and Sinon, showing them the proper way to set up a tent, guiding them with survival tips—an interaction that’s lasted, what, ten minutes?Yet, those brief moments ignited something long buried: a longing for companionship. Friends. It’s what her mother had talked about countless times, her main argument for moving to Trolberg.But was she truly lonely? She had her sister, Twig, and even Woodman, though she admits with a slight, wry smile that he’s hardly a reliable friend. Nope, he doesn’t count, not really.
She feels greedy to wants the best of two worlds.
The silence stretches, pressing on her, and she swallows hard, feeling the tightness in her throat.The awkward pause deepens as Sinon’s eyes narrow with concern and Aaliyah’s cheerful smile softens into something more tentative. They exchange a quick glance, sensing the sudden shift in the air.“Hilda, what’s wrong are you okay?” Aaliyah’s voice is gentle, almost hesitant, the single word hanging between them, unanswered. Hilda’s gaze drops to the ground as if searching for an anchor, the ache of indecision gnawing at her. Two worlds, once connected, now feel impossibly distant.“I—I can’t,” she finally stammers, the apology barely escaping her lips. “I’m sorry. I can’t join the Sparrow Scouts,”And before they can register what she said, she does the only thing that comes to mind: she runs. The motion is instinctive, a rush of energy that propels her forward, reminding her of the Zelda had fled in the Meadows with the Giant Butterflies.She’s halfway turned when a sudden flash of light splits the sky, freezing her mid-step, heart pounding as the unexpected brilliance casts long shadows around them.
Kra-koom

*~~oOo~~*

A Long Time
Lightning tears across the sky, followed by a crack of thunder that seems to shake the city, as an unexpected downpour unleashes itself. Sheets of rain drench the streets, catching out the unlucky souls without an umbrella.But tucked away in a pocket park, Aaliyah and Sinon are fortunate—their tent, firmly tethered to the ground with a solid frame, stands strong against the sudden onslaught. The rain flap above redirects the water, keeping their shelter dry, the synthetic material holding up admirably against the pounding rain.Sinon pokes his head out, eyes squinting against the pelting drops, and mutters, “The weather spirits and their rubbish timing, honestly.”“Raven Leader did say this might happen,” Aaliyah replies with a wry smile. “—Told us to pack it in and continue the badge activity tomorrow if it came down to this.”With a resigned sigh, Sinon zips the tent closed, sealing out the deluge. The rain patters steadily on the roof, the sound muffled but constant, the cool dampness seeping through the ground and into the tent floor beneath them.A beat passes before their gazes drift to Hilda, who sits a bit farther back, thoroughly soaked, her damp hair clinging to her face and her sweater drenched through. She was the last to make it inside, and though she managed to escape the worst of it, she was far from dry.Aaliyah rummages in her bag and pulls out a towel, offering it to her. “Here, you can dry yourself off with this,”
A Sparrow Scout is always prepared.
Hilda accepts it with a grateful nod, moving carefully as she begins to pat down her sodden red sweater. “Thanks,” she murmurs, feeling the welcome warmth of the dry fabric against her skin.Slowly, she works the towel over her arms and down, until she shifts her focus to her blue hair, running the towel gently through her damp locks.Sinon and Aaliyah can’t help but watch, their eyes tracing the way the fabric slips through each strand.“Wow, your hair’s really pretty,” Aaliyah blurts, her admiration plain.Hilda stops midway, caught off-guard. “T-Thanks,” she stammers, cheeks flushing slightly.
It isn’t every day that someone outside of her family compliments her hair like that.
“It’s so well-kept and vibrant,” Aaliyah steps closer, inspecting the blue strands with curious eyes. Hilda, alien to this kind of situation and never one to push others away, lets the excited girl marvel.“What kind of dye do you use? And, like, what’s your routine?”Hilda’s blush deepens, and she laughs nervously. “Erm, I-I don’t use any hair dyes,” she confesses.“Sure you’re not,” comes Sinon’s voice from the side. Hilda jolts, surprised as he absentmindedly twirls a strand of her hair between his fingers.“All the girls who dye their hair say that—.” He snorts. “Still, it really suits you—makes you look like some kind of wild, punk adventurer.” He nonchalantly says.Do these two have any boundaries? Hilda wonders, caught between them as they sandwich her, eyes fixed on her hair.“Ehh~, complimenting other girls, are you now, Sinon?” Aaliyah teases, covering a sly smile with her hand. “You fancy her or something?”The boy scoffs, not biting at the obvious bait. “You wish, Aaliyah,” he says with a smirk. “You won’t know about good hair since you always got it tucked away under all that fabric,” he claps back, and his fellow Sparrow Scout pouts.Poor Hilda finds herself wedged in the middle, sensing the rising tension between the two. She quickly decides to steer things in a different direction.“I-I like your head scarf... thingy,” she blurts out, her voice uncertain. Then, gathering a bit more courage, she adds, “It’s really pretty. Compliments your skin and all that.”A warm smile breaks through the olive-toned girl. “Why thank you, Hilda. This one’s actually special—it was a gift from my baba while he was overseas.” She reaches up, running her fingers over the magenta fabric with a touch of fondness.Hilda leans in with genuine curiosity. “If it’s not too rude to ask... why do you wear a scarf over your head? Doesn’t it ever get, you know, all... stuffy?”Before Aaliyah can answer, Sinon pipes in, ever the know-it-all. “It’s not just any scarf, Hilda. It’s called a hijab,” he corrects, as though it’s common knowledge.Aaliyah gives him a gentle nudge before turning to Hilda. “It’s part of my culture,” she explains patiently. “A way of dressing that shows respect, keeps a part of myself private. I wear it to express my beliefs and who I am, more than just, you know, for fashion or anything.”Hilda nods. “Okay. I think I understand,” she says softly, ruminating on the newfound knowledge."And don’t even think about sneaking a peek under it," Sinon snarkily chimes in. "Apparently, it's only allowed off in private or around family. Trust me, I’ve been trying since we were kids.""And every time he does, I poke him in the eyes," Aaliyah retorts, her smile sweet as she raises two fingers in a scissoring gesture, inching them menacingly toward Sinon’s face. He backs away, mock-fearful, while Hilda stifles a laugh, imagining the scene in her head.The mood lifts, lightening the tension between them, despite the drizzling rain. But Sinon’s curiosity lingers, bubbling to the surface in an unfiltered question that he’s been holding in the back of his mind."So… not to be a nosy bloke, but why did you say you can’t join the Sparrow Scouts?" Sinon asks, the words out before he can catch himself.Aaliyah’s hand flies out, smacking him on the back of the head. "Ow!" He winces, rubbing the spot."And what did I tell you about sticking that big mouth where it doesn’t belong?" Aaliyah chides, rolling her eyes before looking apologetically at Hilda. “Please ignore him; he is a loose cannon sometimes. You don’t have to answer him.”Hilda’s gaze softens. “It’s okay; I can answer.”The two scoot closer, watching her intently, as Hilda takes a slow breath. She hesitates, feeling the weight of it all, before beginning. “It’s just… well, we’ve been dealing with some problems back in the wilderness. The elves I told you about, they’re not exactly fond of us.”“More like they hate us, dare I say.”Hilda’s voice dips as she recounts everything, from the series of eviction letters following up to the night the elves attacked her home. She tells them about the heated argument with the Mayor, the long, fruitless trip to meet the Prime Minister and the upcoming meeting with the Elf King—with her friend Alfur’s help, of course.Sinon and Aaliyah listen, silent and intent, as Hilda’s words settle over them, full of the vulnerability of someone sharing a private struggle with people she barely knows.
They watch her, feeling the sincerity behind each word, humbled that she’d open up like this.
Aaliyah sits quietly, absorbing Hilda’s story, while Sinon’s temper flares.“Those slimy gits,” Sinon grits out, clenching his fist in frustration. “If I got my hands on them, why I ought to—” He makes an exaggerated wringing motion with his hands as if throttling an invisible elf.A hand rests on his shoulder. Sinon looks down to see it’s Aaliyah’s, giving him the ever-pointed look. Not now. He sighs, dropping his fists, but crosses his arms, tapping his fingers in frustration.“What you and you’re family went through was awful,” Aaliyah murmurs, shifting closer to Hilda. Her face softens as she rubs soothing circles on Hilda’s back. “From the looks of it the worst has come to pass, but still I’ve got to ask are you okay?”Hilda nods slowly. “Yeah, I’m—We are fine.”She repeats herself, more confident. “We’re managing. The only reason we’re in the city today was to pick up some hardware, and try to fix up what the elves destroyed.” She hesitates, letting out a dry laugh.“But… I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think this whole trip was part of some scheme to convince me to move to the city. Funny, innit?” She tries for a smile, but it flickers, not quite reaching her eyes.She pulls her knees close, a bit worn after recounting the trouble at home. Our upbeat, adventurous Hilda from earlier seems a world away now, displaying a rare sliver of vulnerability.“Sorry for unloading all that on you guys. I may be from the wilderness but I know in the city, you’re not supposed to go spilling your troubles to people you’ve just met.”Aaliyah scoots closer, shaking her head. “Don’t be. You’d be surprised—sometimes strangers make the best listeners. My mama always says bottling up emotions is just asking for trouble. It’ll eat away at you, you know?”She leans in, her eyes warm and understanding. “And, really, what you’re dealing with… it’s a lot. I’d feel the same in your shoes.”Hilda’s shoulders relax just a bit, “Thanks. It’s just… hard. My mum and sister, they’re already so on the fence about moving to the city. Sometimes, it’s like... I’m the only one really holding on.” She doesn’t what came over her to admit that, but it felt great.Aaliyah reaches over and squeezes Hilda’s arm, her hand warm and steady. She doesn’t say anything—just offers a gentle, reassuring smile that seems to lift some of the weight from Hilda’s shoulders.They fall into a comfortable silence, listening to the patter of rain on the tent, a quiet that soothes as much as it fills the space.Hilda can now breathe more easily, feeling a glimmer of lightness she hadn’t expected. She watches as Aaliyah dries herself off, and Sinon, restless, stands up and paces the spacious tent, occasionally glancing over."So... you want to join the Sparrow Scouts," he starts, breaking the silence. "But also keep living out there in the wilderness?" he adds, laying it out clearly.Hilda nods, a bit unsure. “Uh-uh, but it’s... complicated. The city’s pretty far. Long commute and I know can’t just come here every time there’s a Sparrow Scout meeting or whatever you call it. Nor do I want to live in the city.”Sinon taps his chin, thinking. “Right, right—an hour’s drive at least. And not to forget all those, um, dangerous creatures between here and there,” he trails off.His eyes narrow, a thoughtful frown pulling at his face before a lightbulb seems to flicker above his head. "Wait a minute," he says, "What if... we bring Sparrow Scouts to her instead?"Hilda perks up at the idea, though confused.Aaliyah tilts her head. "Hmm, so you mean setting up activities in the wilderness where she lives?" She raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "You think Raven Leader would be up for that?""Maybe not all at once," Sinon replies with a shrug. "But we could start small—like a badge activity just near the city walls. Something low-key, y'know? Nothing too freaky and dangerous.”“—And then we’d have to get permission from everybody’s parents,” Aaliyah points out, a hint of skepticism in her voice.“They’re bound to worry about Trolls and... well, everything else out there. But we already camp out in the Huldrawoods and the Forest of Nott. We could pitch it as branching out! There’s got to be some kind of angle they’d agree to.” Aaliyah ruminates further.Sinon grins, bouncing ideas back and forth. “An angle Yeah! Start with baby stuff like bird-watching or tree identification. Then, if they’re okay with that, maybe we push for a little hike or even an overnight camp in the wilderness.”Hilda glances between them, trying to keep up. "I mean, I know it sounds too good to be true, but doesn’t all of this feel... a tad complicated?"“It’s a mouthful of a plan,” Sinon admits, running a hand through his blonde hair with a wry smile. “And probably a bit convoluted, yeah. Tons of holes. But it’s something, innit?”Aaliyah nods, her eyes bright. “It’s worth a try. If we frame it right—make it seem like a great experience, we can get a few parents on board—and eventually be able to convince Raven Leader. Sure, it’ll take some work, but...” She glances at Sinon, and he nods back, both of them grinning.“But we’ll figure it out,” Sinon says with a confident shrug, clearly undeterred. “If we keep pushing, we’ll find a way to help you balance Sparrow Scouts and keep you out in the wilderness.”Hilda looks at them, wide-eyed. "You’d go through all of that... for me?" Her voice is laced with disbelief.Sinon shrugs nonchalantly as if it’s nothing. “Sure, anything for a friend.”Our blue-haired adventured is a little stunned by the ease of it. Her eyes flicker between them. “W-We’re friends? Just like that?”.“Of course, you’re our friend now,” Sinon says with a grin, glancing at Aaliyah. “Anyone willing to share their whole story like that is a good person in our book.”Hilda’s mouth falls open, caught in a swirl of thoughts. Is it really that simple to make friends?Aaliyah catches her gaze, her voice light but understanding. “Yes, it’s that easy.” She giggles softly as if she’s read Hilda’s mind.Hilda stands up, gathering herself as she fixes the Beret on her head. And for the first time since being trapped inside the tent, a bright smile graces her fair face as she sheds off any doubt she has.“Alright then, we’re friends now,” she declares, a flicker of her old confidence returning. “I’m Hilda, wilderness adventurer girl.” She titles herself, before pausing as a blush creeps.
Why did I say that?
Aaliyah raises an eyebrow. “We don’t usually reintroduce ourselves, but alright then,” she says with a shrug, standing up and extending a hand. “I’m Aaliyah, I’m a—erm, peacemaker? I dunno!” She sticks her tongue out at herself, her cheeks flushing a little at the oddity of it.Sinon snorts, clearly amused.Aaliyah rolls her eyes playfully. “Oh, hush you,” she says, nudging him with her elbow.Sinon steps in with mock seriousness. “Well, if we’re doing it like that, fine by me,” he says, extending his hand with a flourish. “Sinon—Master Planner!” He grins as Hilda meets his handshake with her own enthusiasm. “Pleasure to be your friend and liaison for your future as a Sparrow Scout,” he jokes.“Please forgive his bluntness,” Aaliyah says, giving Sinon an exhaustive pointed look.“But when he sets his mind on something, he’s relentless. Doesn’t usually have many bright ideas, though… I don’t know if today’s a fluke, but he’s actually come up with some decent ones lately.” She whispers.“I am on a roll!” Sinon declares, clearly proud of himself.Hilda, a bit unsure of how to respond, squints slightly and says, “Sounds like he can be a bit extra…”“Tell me about it,” Aaliyah says, rolling her eyes playfully.Sinon pouts, crossing his arms. “Hey, we’ve only been officially friends for a minute, and you two are already ganging up on me.”“Sorry,” Hilda says quickly, eyes wide, feeling a bit guilty. She stops when she notices Sinon’s face is more playful than serious.“I’m just kidding,” he says, giving her a playful nudge. “Wow, you really don’t know the first thing about having friends out in the wilderness, huh? We’ve got some serious catching up to do if you’re gonna survive the Sparrow Scouts.”“Oh, I’m sure I’ll manage,” Hilda replies with a smirk, her usual confidence flaring back up. “I’ve survived worse, after all.”
Kra-koom!
Thunder crashes directly overhead, so loud the tent walls quiver. The storm has intensified, rain hammering against the fabric like it's trying to break through. Aaliyah lets out a small whimper, while Hilda and Sinon flinch, sharing a quick, startled look.“It’s raining cats and dogs out there!” Sinon says, glancing outside, trying to sound unfazed but visibly restless.“Cats and dogs?” Hilda’s eyes widen, ready to peer outside with worry. “Is this a city thing? Oh, the poor things!”Aaliyah snickers softly and Sinon’s muffled laughter echoes in the back. "No, Hilda, it’s a figure of speech." She reassures."Oh..." Hilda sits back, her cheeks flushed."Seriously though, this rain just won’t let up." Sinon complains, flopping down with a dramatic sigh, "This has got to be the longest rainstorm of my life! Thirty minutes, and it’s still going strong. I’m already bored out of my mind." He glances at his watch and grumbles.Hilda raises her brows, surprised. "Thirty minutes already?"Aaliyah nods, settling beside Sinon. "Guess time flies when you’re with friends," she says with a soft smile, lying down and closing her eyes."Yeah... friends," Hilda murmurs, the word feeling both odd and comforting on her lips. She lets herself fall back beside them, stretching out with a tired sigh. “Thanks, you two—for listening, and for cooking up the whole Sparrow Scouts plan on my behalf.”“No probs,” Sinon says with a casual grin.“You’re very welcome,” Aaliyah replies warmly.Hilda grins, her adventurous spirit flaring up. “And hey, if the plan doesn’t work out, I’ll take you both on a grand adventure—even better than anything the Sparrow Scouts could dream up.”“We’d love that, Hilda,” Aaliyah says, smiling at the thought.“But as much as I’ve loved hanging out with you guys,” Hilda stretches, feeling the weight of the day, “I think I’m ready to head home to the wilderness. Today’s visit was... quite the adventure.”"Same here," Sinon says, rubbing his eyes. "A bed sounds like heaven right about now.""Mmm, yeah…" Aaliyah adds, but then, a thought strikes her. "Hey, Hilda, what do you do when there’s a storm like this out in the wilderness?"“Probably the same way as you,” Hilda replies, her voice going soft with nostalgia. "I’d curl up on the couch, snuggling up with Twig while Mum mixes hot chocolate in the kitchen. And I’d soothe my sister Zelda, telling her it’s okay, that it’s just a bit of rain—”…She stops mid-sentence, her voice trailing off as a daunting realization hits her. Her eyes go wide, her face pales, and a chill races down her spine.Zelda. Zelda’s terrified of storms.“Oh no—!” Hilda bolts upright, panic clouding her face. In one swift motion, she unzips the tent, and a fierce gust of icy rain slams into her, stinging her cheeks."Hilda, wait!" Sinon shouts, his voice nearly drowned out by the howling wind and pelting rain.But Hilda doesn’t hear him. "Zelda!" she screams, her red boots already braced, ready to plunge into the storm when a strong arm pulls her back."Oof!" Hilda lands with a jolt, glaring up to see Sinon standing above her, his expression stern."Are you out of your mind?" he scolds. "You can’t just go out there—you’ll be soaked and shivering to the bone!"“That’s the least of my worries!” Hilda snaps. "My sister needs me!" She stands up, resolve written across her face.Sinon frowns. "Why? Is she, what… four years old?" he scoffs. "It’s a bit of thunder. I’m sure she’ll be fine, yeah?"A flicker of anger lights in Hilda’s eyes, and she stiffens, her fists clenching. "Don’t talk about my sister like that. You don’t know what she’s been through."Sinon falters at the unexpected sharpness in her voice, taken aback by her fierce protectiveness. But he holds his ground, blocking the exit.Hilda glares, her jaw clenched, but she softens slightly as she turns to her side. "Aaliyah, do you have an umbrella? Anything at all?"  Aaliyah looks down and shakes her head, “No, I’m sorry, Hilda.”“Then I’ve got no choice,” Hilda says, steeling herself as she grabs for the tent zipper.“No!” Sinon cuts in sharply, his voice carrying over the pounding rain. “Can’t you see it’s brutal out there? I told you to wait—it’s fall. Temperatures drop and that weather could make you seriously sick.” His tone is firm, warning her of the danger.Lightning flashes, illuminating the tent for a split second as they lock eyes, each unwilling to back down. Hilda has to crane her neck to meet his glare, her resolve unwavering despite the storm raging outside.Aaliyah shifts, stepping carefully between them. She gently rests a hand on Sinon’s arm, and he softens slightly, taking a breath. Hilda, however, stands her ground.“Let’s all calm down and think about this, yeah?” Aaliyah’s soft voice rang out, glancing from Sinon to Hilda.“Hilda, where is your sister? Is she with your mum?”Hilda shakes her head, tugging anxiously at a strand of her blue hair. “No. She… she said she was going to the comic book store, but that was over half an hour ago. I don’t even know if she made it to the store or back to Mum. She could be stranded anywhere in the city for all I know,” she says, her voice tight with worry.Aaliyah gulps “Regardless, Hilda, it’s too dangerous to go out there.” She steadily says as she gestures toward Sinon. “You should listen and trust Sinon—his mother’s a weather forecaster on the news.”Hilda hesitates, eyes darting back to Sinon. His gaze has softened now, a hint of reassurance in his expression as he nods. “Just trust me on this,” he says quietly. “My mum said the storm would pass in about 35 minutes. 30 has already passed only 5 minutes to go. It’s almost over. My Mum—she’s always right.”A low rumble of thunder follows his words as if emphasizing the storm’s dissipating intensity. Hilda looks down, her heart pounding, and peers out the small opening at the sheets of rain pouring down on the deserted street outside.With a heavy sigh, she zips the tent closed and drops back onto the floor, fidgeting in her anxious frustration.“Don’t worry. I’m sure your sister’s fine,” Aaliyah says, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.“I hope so,” Hilda whispers, shoulders slumped. “I promised Mum I’d stay by her side. Looks like I’ve already broken that.” She wraps her arms around her knees, her eyes distant as the storm continues to rage outside.The next five minutes feel like a lifetime to Hilda.She sits stiffly, her fingers twitching restlessly on her blue skirt as the heavy silence wraps around them once more.Outside, the rain roars, a relentless thunder that seems to shake the very air, and she struggles to stay still, her gaze darting to the entrance now and then, hoping the storm will ease.Sinon stands nearby, watchful, clearly determined to keep her from bolting. Every moment of silence feels unbearable, only broken by the soft drip of water finding its way into the corners of their tent.Finally, the downpour begins to slow, the once-deafening roar of rain now a softer patter. Hilda looks at Sinon, eyes with anticipation. He glances outside, then meets her gaze, nodding in silent confirmation.Relief washes over her, and she exhales. It’s time to go find Zelda. She edges toward the tent’s entrance, pulling her red scarf tight around her neck, ready to dash into what remains of the storm.“Want us to come along?” Aaliyah offers gently, her voice breaking the silence as they all hover by the tent flap.“No,” Hilda replies, her voice firmer than she intends. She tries to soften it with a smile. “I’ll be fine on my own.”Aaliyah nods but glances at Sinon, who still avoids Hilda’s eyes. Hilda hesitates, feeling a pang of guilt at their earlier argument. She takes a breath and finally mutters, “Sorry… about before. I didn’t mean to shout.”Sinon glances at her from the corner of his eye, sighing as he registers the look on her face. “It’s alright. Friends argue sometimes.” A small grin lifts one corner of his mouth, breaking the last bit of tension between them.They share a quick handshake, her fingers wrapping tightly around his, sealing their truce.“Take care—and good luck finding your sister,” Sinon says, his tone warming again.“Stay safe,” Aaliyah adds with a small, encouraging smile.Hilda nods, pulling the zipper open as the damp air brushes against her face. “I will. Bye!” She says, stepping out. The wet grass squishes beneath her red boots, sending up tiny splashes of mud as she heads off into the city to find her sister, her determination shining through with every step.The two stand outside, side by side, watching Hilda dash off down the wet street.“She’s… quite the character,” Sinon remarks, a faint smile tugging at his lips.“Yeah,” Aaliyah nods, her own smile lingering as they share a quiet moment, reflecting on their unusual new friend.They turn, just about to settle back into their usual Sparrow Scout routine, when Sinon catches a flicker of movement from the corner of his eye."Ooo. Look, she’s coming back," Sinon points out, spotting the blue-haired girl sprinting over.“I forgot something!” Hilda gasps as she reaches them.With a mischievous glint in her eye, she swoops down and yanks out the stake holding their tent upright. Before anyone can stop her, the whole tent collapses like a line of dominos, folding into a tangled heap on the grass.“Hey!” the two Sparrow Scouts shout, baffled.“Hilda!” Sinon yelps, crossing his arms with a frown. “Not cool—I thought we were friends!”Hilda just grins, completely unfazed. "Exactly! What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t help you out with your badge activity? I want you to reassemble this tent just like I showed you." She winks, clearly entertained by their shocked expressions.The pair, share a bewildered look— they suppose she’s actually helping them, in her own way.“Alright, see ya!” Hilda calls, turning and jogging off with a wave. Her big red boots clomp across the wet pavement, her blue beret bouncing in time with her strides.“Come find us next time you’re back in the city!” Aaliyah shouts after her, watching Hilda disappear around the corner.Sinon lets out a groan, lifting a limp tent rope. “Great. Back to square one.”“Guess we’d better get to it.” Aaliyah pulls on the crumpled fabric, sighing.Resigned, Sinon digs out the manual from his pocket, glances at it for half a second, and then tosses it aside. "Forget this—."Then the two start piecing the tent back together, maybe without causing a fuss this time.
*~~oOo~~*

End Scene

Chapter Five – Pitching a Tent

*~~oOo~~*

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Book 1 – Of Butterflies and Elves

*~~oOo~~*

Cash Register

Beep.
Beep.
Beep.
The sound drones on like a broken rhythm, each beep signalling another slow step in the never-ending procession of items along the conveyor belt to the cash register.Johanna sighs, glancing down the line of carts and baskets ahead, a faint whiff of dust, paint, and metal mixing into the stale, humid air of the hardware store. She shifts from foot to foot, half-wishing she’d brought a book for entertainment.She’s third in line, with her own cart nearly full of everything she needs to repair her house whole.
Beep.
The store clerk—a slouched teenager—barely lifts his eyes as he lazily moves each item under the scanner, then halfheartedly nudges it toward the bagging area. The clerk lets out a low sigh, a little too loud, as he tries scanning another item.
Beep.
He squints when the price doesn’t show up.
Beep
“Sorry, folks,” he says, scratching the back of his neck as the scanner blinks red. “I think I’ll need to grab a new one off the shelf. This barcode’s not working.” Without waiting for a response, he wanders back down the aisle, leaving the counter unmanned.Johanna and the others in line collectively groan, each muttering their own impatience. “Oh, come on!” someone mutters loudly from the back.With a long, drawn-out exhale, Johanna runs a hand through her chestnut-brown hair, her fingers drifting to the hem of her maroon sleeve, which she fidgets with absently as she goes over her cart items once again.A couple of wooden planks, a fresh can of paint, a hefty sack of nails, a bottle of new varnish, and even an order for glass panes to be delivered directly to her cabin... check, check, and check.She barely manages to stifle a sigh as the store’s fluorescent lights hum overhead, casting a weary yellow glow over the scene.Fishing around in her pocket for her wallet, she sneaks a glance at her total. I just hope I have enough to cover all this, she thinks, biting back a flicker of worry.After another minute of waiting, the store clerk finally returns, and the insufferable beeping of the scanner resumes—though the pace is still agonizingly slow.A sigh escapes the woman behind Johanna, her gaze fixed longingly on her phone. “Should’ve just gone to Betsy Roze’s Supply Shop,” she mutters. “A ten-minute drive would’ve been better than wasting half my day in this line.”
Betsy Roze? I’ve never heard of it before, is it new?
 “Yep, it’s that new hardware store, popped up last month. Had the grand opening and everything.” The woman tells Johanna, surprising her.
Did I actually say that out loud?
“Yep, loud and clear!” The woman chuckles. “Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.”At that, a flicker of embarrassment rises in Johanna’s cheeks, and she stammers a bit, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Oh—uh, sorry. I’m used to talking to myself whenever I’m alone in the house,” she admits.“Used to it?” The woman raises a brow, her tone teasing. “What, no husband or partner at home to share your thoughts with?”The word husband stirs something in Johanna—a faint but unmistakable tension that flickers across her face. Seeing this, the woman’s expression softens. “Sorry, that was rude of me. Didn’t mean to pry.”“No, no, it’s alright,” Johanna replies, exhaling slowly. “It’s… complicated. Let’s just say, you’re not entirely wrong in your assumption, but I’d never let that indecisive man put a ring on me—not after everything.”She holds back from saying more, the familiar, practised restraint from her boarding school days kicking in."Preach it, girl," The woman says, though her expression softens with empathy. "My husband’s practically married to the harbour these days. Out all hours, hauling fish, drinking at the tavern… who knows what else. Meanwhile, it’s just me managing our teenage son, Finn. He’s in that phase, you know?" She rolls her eyes good-naturedly, letting out a sigh. "Try keeping a lid on all that in a cramped flat while his dad’s out at sea. It’s… well, let’s just say it’s a lot."Johanna nods, smiling sympathetically. “I get it. I’ve got two daughters myself—twins. Half the time, I’m just keeping them from tearing each other’s hair out.” She sighs, though there’s a warmth in her eyes. "But I wouldn’t change it for anything."
She never said those words out loud to anyone before.
“One kid is already a handful, but two? That’s like managing a circus,” The woman chuckles, clearly amused. "How old are they?""Eleven," Johanna answers."Mine’s turning fifteen soon, and I’ll tell you now, at that age, deodorant are must-have if you want to keep living together in a cramped apartment,” The woman says, shuddering with a laugh."Good to know I’ve still got a bit of time before that stage," Johanna laughs back."Girl, cherish these precious innocent years while they last. My mum used to say kids change before you know it. I was a terror as a teen—can’t imagine what two girls could be like." The stranger grins a glint of nostalgia in her eyes."Believe me, I’ll make the most of it,” Johanna replies with a smile.They share a brief moment of mutual understanding, both nodding as if silently toasting to the strange joys of motherhood.“Johanna,” she says, extending a hand warmly.“Verene. Pleasure,” the woman dubbed Verene replies, shaking Johanna’s hand with a firm but friendly grip.Verene, Johanna notes, appears to be about her age but with a flair that makes her stand out—a polished, white jacket with gold trims over a fitted formal outfit that highlights her figure.Caucasian, blonde hair, clearly dyed, reveals a hint of black roots, giving her a distinct, slightly edgy look. She’s a few inches shorter than Johanna, but the way she carries herself adds an air of confidence and style.“So, what school do your kids go to?” Verene asks, slipping her phone into her bag, clearly more interested in the conversation now than in her screen. “Mine’s enrolled at Edmund Ahlberg High School,”With the ice broken, Johanna relaxes a bit, finding it easier to share a few snippets of her life with Verene.“Oh, they’re not actually enrolled in any school,” She answers. “We live pretty far out in the wilderness, so I homeschool them as best as I could.”Verene raises her eyebrows. “Blimey, homeschooling in the wilderness with twins?!—That’s no small feat! I don’t know how you do it,” she says, a hint of admiration in her tone. “If you don’t mind me asking… why not move closer to the city?”A gentle pride flickers in Johanna’s eyes as the next words flow out of her mouth. “Our cabin’s been in the family for generations. It’s filled with memories—every room, every creaky floorboard,” she says.“Sometimes, sure, the thought of moving closer to the city comes up, especially when things get... well, challenging. But there’s a comfort there, a life we’ve built together that’s hard to imagine giving up.”Verene, raised in the heart of the city with its constant hum and bustle, tilts her head thoughtfully, trying to wrap her mind around the appeal of life so far from it all. She nods, albeit slowly.“Can’t say I totally get it, but... I respect it,” she says, before pivoting the conversation. “So, tell me about these twins of yours.”“Oh, those two couldn’t be more different,” Johanna chuckles, a warm gleam in her eyes. “Hilda’s the bold one, constantly out and about, exploring every corner of the wilderness and dragging back all kinds of peculiar things she can find.And Zelda, on the other hand, is perfectly content curled up indoors with her books or cartoons—she’s recently gotten into this whole ‘anime’ thing. They keep me on my toes, that’s for sure."The two share a chuckle.“My Finn… I’ll be honest, sometimes he’s a right slob. Can’t seem to get him to pick up after himself, but he’s a bright lad. Does well in school and—oh! Recently got into football!” Her eyes gleam with pride as she pulls out her phone. “I’m telling you, he’s a natural. That boy is going to be a star on the field!”Johanna leans in, watching as Verene plays a video of a teenage boy, his hair a natural blonde unlike his mum’s, dribbling down a wide pitch. He manoeuvres past a few other kids, then winds up and kicks, sending the ball soaring straight into the goal. The team erupts in cheers, piling on Finn in a celebratory huddle.“Why he’s got talent!” Johanna says in earnest.Verene hums. “And that’s just with his mates in the park! Starting this school year, he’s hoping to join the local team.”“Well, I’ll be rooting for him. Hope he makes it,” Johanna replies warmly.“Aw, thank you,” Verene says. “How about your kids? Any of them into sports?” She follows up, allowing Johanna to show off her kids in turn.Johanna pauses, her fingers slipping into her bag. She doesn’t have one of those modern pocket computers that holds entire albums of photos, but she does have her trusty wallet. Fishing out a slightly worn picture, she holds it up with a small, proud smile.“Not quite sports, but one of them—Hilda, my fierce one—might as well be an athlete with how much she’s out and about. If adventuring into the woods every day counts as a sport, she’s a champion.”“Oh, she’s open to trying just about anything. Curious as ever. One time, I caught her with my clippers, ready to shave her hair off. Said she wanted to see what it’s like to grow it all back from scratch. Can you imagine?”This elicits a chortle from the woman. Johanna chuckles along but quickly shifts gears. “Then there’s her twin, Zelda. Younger by a few minutes, but you wouldn’t guess it with how different they are.”“Ha, classic twin dynamic,” Verene quips, leaning back slightly to listen.“Exactly. Zelda’s not the adventurous type—not by a long shot. She wouldn’t last a mile before needing a break,” Johanna says with a wry grin.“Ooh, you’ve got to fix that,” Verene tuts, wagging a finger.“I plan to! You can’t survive the wilderness with magical creatures if you can’t run,” Johanna jokes back, though there’s a flicker of seriousness beneath her words.She sighs softly, her expression softening. “But what Zelda lacks in physical energy, she more than makes up for with her mind. She’s level-headed, always calm—well, except when she’s bickering with her sister. And she’s so helpful around the house. Honestly, I’d be lost without her.”Verene raises an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. “Oh, I already envy you. Mind a trade?”“Pass,” Johanna laughs, shaking her head. “But really, she’s a godsend. When Hilda’s off exploring, Zelda keeps me company. She’s the one who helps fix up dinner when I’m buried in design work. And those quiet evenings with her, sitting on the couch by the fire, reading books together... I treasure those moments.”Verene hums, a thoughtful look crossing her face. “You’re making it sound like you’ve got a perfect kid there, Johanna. Careful, I might start taking notes.”Johanna smiles, but there’s a flicker of modesty in her eyes. “I’m no expert. I just do my best. I try to give them both the love and care they deserve—that’s all.”Verene leans back, crossing her arms as if weighing Johanna’s words. “I’d love to meet this daughter of yours one day. She sounds like a gem.”“Maybe someday,” Johanna replies, her tone warm but cautious.Verene’s gaze shifts, subtly assessing Johanna’s attire with an almost mischievous glint in her eye. “Speaking of gems...” she begins, clearly about to steer the conversation into new territory.“Now, don’t think I’m overstepping, but… a mum as lively as you, don’t you think she could use a little splash of something special?” She nods toward Johanna’s maroon sweater.“I don’t follow?” Johanna owlishly blinks."Girl, I don’t mean to be rude, but your outfit... it’s just, well, so plain. It’s a crime to hide all those lovely curves," She lightly teases.Johanna freezes, eyes widening for a second, and her cheeks bloom a soft pink. She shifts awkwardly, smoothing the hem of her maroon sweater as if the fabric itself might offer some kind of explanation."I... I like to keep it simple," she says, shrugging, voice almost apologetic."I’m not, you know, looking to turn heads or anything." She glances down at herself, the plainness of it all suddenly more obvious."And I’m not much for shopping, to be honest. Out in the wilderness most of the time, you know? Don’t really have the time or the need for all that." She’s rambling a bit, unsure whether to defend her choices or just laugh it off.Verene lets out a dramatic sigh. She stands up straighter, tugging at the collar of her crisp white jacket. "Well, that’s a shame," she says, her gaze now sweeping over Johanna, "You’ve got all this potential, and here you are... covered up like you're hiding under a rock. I swear, if I had those curves, I'd flaunt 'em. Life’s too short not to.”Johanna smiles faintly, the compliment somehow feeling like a distant echo, something she’s not quite used to hearing. She glances at Verene’s outfit—sharp, glamorous, the kind of thing you’d wear to an event where everyone’s watching."Well," Johanna says, a little self-conscious, "I wouldn’t say the same for you. You look absolutely fabulous." Her eyes flick to Verene’s sleek, white jacket, the way it hugs her figure, the gold accents that catch the light. "I couldn’t pull that off, not in a million years."Verene beams. She gives her a little twirl, the fabric of her jacket flaring out. "Oh, stop it. You're too kind!" She clasps her hands together, eyes sparking with excitement as an idea pops into her mind."But honestly, Johanna, you need to spice your wardrobe up," Verene exclaims, her eyes lighting up with a spark of inspiration. She glances at the slow-moving queue, then back at Johanna with a grin. "Ooh, I know! You free after this?”Johanna gestures to her cart, piled high with repair supplies, and offers a faintly apologetic smile. "I’m afraid I’ve got a full day ahead. Repairs don’t wait."Verene pouts dramatically, throwing a hand to her chest as if the news has wounded her. "Aw, you’re breaking my heart! I had it all planned in my head—window shopping downtown, hitting all the posh boutiques, trying on outfits. We’d make a proper day of it. You’ll see, Johanna, we’d find something that’d have you strutting like a brand-new woman."Johanna’s lips twitch into a polite smile, the kind that balances between amusement and the urge to politely decline. "I’m not so sure I’m ready for a full transformation, Verene. It sounds... ambitious.""Ambitious? It sounds fabulous, is what it sounds like," Verene counters, her voice practically glowing as if she’s already envisioning Johanna in a sleek new outfit. "One day of shopping with me, and I guarantee you’ll be hooked. We’ll turn heads left, right, and centre. Trust me."Johanna shifts her weight slightly, a faint warmth creeping into her cheeks. She leans back just a touch, as though the idea itself is both alien and strangely appealing. "Maybe... but not today. Let’s say at a later time, perhaps."Verene’s face brightens like a child promised sweets. "Then it’s a date! Your next trip to the city, no kids, no distractions—just us and the best shops in town. We’ll make it a day to remember."Johanna chuckles softly, the sound easing the edges of the moment. "Alright, alright, fine. We’ll see what happens," she says, though there’s a flicker of genuine amusement in her tone."Mark my words, Johanna," Verene beams, clapping her hands together. "You won’t regret it!"
Kra-koom

*~~oOo~~*

Rainy Pass
Shrieks and startled yelps echo through the hardware store as a deafening crack of thunder splits the air. Everyone flinches, some clutching their carts or bags instinctively. The storm outside descends with a vengeance, rain hammering down in heavy sheets that transform the streets into rivers within moments. People rush for cover, some spilling into the hardware store, shaking off water and dripping onto the floor."Well, that’s just brilliant," Verene mutters, crossing her arms as she glares at the ensuing storm outside. "The news mentioned a weather spirit passing through, but of course, they didn’t bother with specifics." She shakes her head in annoyance.Johanna doesn’t reply. She stands motionless, her expression shifting from mild surprise to growing dread. Her hands grip the edge of the cart as her breathing quickens."Johanna? What’s wrong?" Verene’s voice softens, her brows knitting together as she catches the pale look on her friend’s face."My daughters," Johanna whispers, barely audible over the din of rain pounding against the shop’s roof and windows. She blinks rapidly, trying to focus. "They’re out there... in this."  Her arm limply gestures to the harrowing chaos.Listlessly and without hesitation, Verene watches as Johanna abandons her cart and bolts straight out of the door."Johanna, wait!" She calls after her, but her words are swallowed by the storm as Johanna plunges outside into the unforgiving storm.
Ding-ding
Outside, the chill slaps Johanna skin instantly, the air heavy with the scent of wet concrete and oil. Rain batters against her coat, icy needles soaking through in seconds as she stumbles onto the slick pavement.Verene leans against the shop window, her breath fogging up the glass as she cranes her neck to get a better look outside. A few curious shoppers shuffle beside her, murmuring among themselves as they peek out too.Through the blur of rain cascading down the window, she barely catches a glimpse of Johanna’s figure before it vanishes into the storm."Blimey," Verene mutters under her breath, pulling back slightly, her brow furrowing with concern. "She didn’t even grab an umbrella..."The soundscape is deafening—a symphony of chaos. Rain drums against rooftops and gushes down overflowing gutters, pooling into puddles that stretch across the street.Cars roar past, their tyres slicing through water and sending waves cascading onto the sidewalks. A passing lorry sprays her legs, the cold splash making her wince as she presses onward.The streets are deserted save for her, a lone figure braving the downpour. Her breath clouds in front of her face, mingling with the hazy mist that blankets the city, blurring the buildings into ghostly outlines.At the intersection, she dashes forward—
BEEP!
A car’s horn cuts through the storm, sharp and sudden. Johanna freezes, her heart hammering as the vehicle screeches past, tyres splashing water onto her legs. She stumbles back, clutching her chest."Watch it!" the driver shouts before disappearing into the mist.Johanna’s knees tremble, as she takes a moment to compose herself. She peers into the fog, her hand shielding her face from the relentless rain as droplets sting her eyes. "Where is it?" she murmurs, squinting to make out any semblance of her environment.The comic book store should be here—somewhere. But the rain blurs everything, turning the world into a grey, formless mass.The chill seeps through Johanna’s sweater, the damp fabric clinging to her as she shivers amidst the storm.
Stupid, reckless.
She curses herself silently. Charging out into this storm without a proper plan, without so much as an umbrella. But turning back isn’t an option. Her twins are out here—somewhere—and the thought twists her stomach into knots.Her chest tightens as her thoughts drift to Zelda.Her sweet, reserved Zelda, the one who mirrors so many of her own features, yet carries a fragility Johanna can’t ignore. Zelda, who never truly healed from the incident.Johanna knows how storms unravel her youngest twin, tugging at wounds that never fully closed, unearthing a pain she herself has never been able to mend.“No,” Johanna shakes her head, shoving the thought away, but the memory lingers like a thorn.Her only thread of solace is knowing that Hilda is with her. She clings to the comforting image of her daughters together—Hilda’s arm wrapped protectively around Zelda, offering the reassurance she’s always been so good at giving.
Just like she taught her.

Beep, beep.
The blaring horn jolts Johanna out of her miserable daze. Through the curtain of rain, a sleek black car edges up to the intersection where she stood, hazards flashing. The passenger window rolls down, revealing Verene, blonde hair glinting even in the dull light, an amused smirk plastered on her face.“Hey, girl!” Verene nonchalantly calls from the driver’s seat as she faces Johanna’s exhausted face. “Need a lift?”
She doesn’t need to be asked twice.
Soon the soft thud of the car door closing drowns out the pelting rain, and Johanna finds herself in the front seat, dripping onto the leather interior. Verene tosses her a towel with a scoff, though her expression is laced with concern.“Girl, you’re mad! Going out in weather like this? What on earth were you thinking?” Verene scolds with a shake of her head. Though from what Verene garners from Johanna’s expression, she didn’t regret it one bit.Johanna clutches the towel, drying her face and hands with trembling movements. The weight of Verene’s words doesn’t escape her, but she meets the woman’s gaze with tired determination.“It was reckless, I know. But—my daughters are out there alone in the city. I didn’t think, I just moved.” she weakly explains, her voice barely above the rumble of the car’s engine.“That’s a lousy excuse, and you know it,” she snaps, glancing at Johanna out of the corner of her eye. “You could’ve waited it out! I’m sure your kids are old enough to handle things on their own and stay put.”Johanna stiffens at that, clutching the towel tighter.  “Not with my kids, no. You don’t know them like I do. Zelda—she’s terrified of storms. To the point of breaking down. And I need to be there for her.” She firmly says.The words hang heavy between them, the tension softened only by the rhythmic patter of rain and the hum of the car.Verene exhales slowly, the sharpness in her expression giving way to something gentler. She doesn’t look at Johanna but keeps her eyes on the road as she mutters, “Alright, fine. Where to?”Johanna blinks, caught off guard by how quickly Verene shifts from scolding to action. The heat in her chest eases slightly, replaced by a flicker of gratitude. “The comic book store,” she says after a beat. “That’s where they went.”Verene nods once, flicking on the indicator as she carefully navigates the slick streets. “Alright then,” she murmurs, her tone lighter now. “Let’s find your girls.”The windshield wipers fight valiantly against the deluge, the rhythmic thwack-thwack filling the otherwise quiet space “You owe me for ditching my spot in that queue, by the way,” Verene quips.Johanna glances to her with a grateful look. “I’ll make it up to you when we go shopping,” she says.“Deal,” Verene chuckles with a wide grin.
*~~oOo~~*

Final Stretch
It didn’t take long as the two arrived in front of the Comic bookstore. Verene pulls the car up to the curb with a squeak of brakes. The engine hums to a stop, but Johanna doesn’t wait. She throws open the car door, barely pausing to glance back at Verene, and steps out into the downpour.
Ding-ding
Johanna barely hears the bell above as she pushes her way into the comic shop. Her entrance was abrupt and commanding. Every head in the store turns towards her, and a collective pause settles.Her hair clings to her face, and water drips from her sleeves, pooling at her feet as she pants, trying to catch her breath. She sweeps her eyes across the room, scanning the rows of shelves, the scattering of customers, the bright colours of comic covers—but no familiar faces.“They’re not here.” The words tumble out in a breathless murmur, the creeping dread in her chest now a suffocating weight.At the counter, the store manager—a large, burly man with dark skin, a ponytail, and a comic book lazily resting in his hands—looks up, his casual demeanour faltering at the sight of the drenched, frantic woman marching toward him.“Have you seen two girls in here? Twins. One has blue hair, the other brown—same height, similar features. They’d have come in before the storm.” Her words come fast, clipped with worry, but the intensity in her tone feels almost like a command.The manager stiffens, his hands trembling slightly as he lowers his comic. “N-no, ma’am,” he stammers, swallowing hard under her piercing gaze. “I don’t think anyone matching that description’s been here.”“What?!” Johanna’s voice rises, her desperation bleeding through as she leans in, making the poor man flinch.“But—uh—wait!” he blurts out, his voice cracking. “I did see a girl with brown hair earlier! Yes, she came in, caused a bit of a fuss, bought a comic, and left... just before the storm hit.”Johanna freezes. Relief flickers faintly through her chest, but the pounding in her ears drowns it out almost immediately. "Are you absolutely sure? No blue-haired girl with her?" Her voice is sharp, almost accusatory, as she leans forward.“N-No, ma’am,” the man stammers, his large hands fumbling nervously with the counter. “Just her. No one else.”It doesn’t take much to piece it together. Hilda left her. After I made her promise not to.A rare hot flare of anger surges in Johanna’s chest, her fists clenching at her sides. Her shoulders tremble as she glares down at the quivering store manager, who shrinks beneath her intense presence.“That’s all I know, I swear!” he sputters, voice wobbling.Before Johanna can say anything else, a firm yet gentle hand rests on her shoulder. She flinches, turning to find Verene standing behind her, calm and steady as ever. Her expression, however, carries a clear message: Breathe.
Just Breathe… Words she used to say to her daughters, now apply to her.
Johanna exhales shakily, forcing herself to unclench her fists. The heat of her anger fades, replaced by a cold focus. She breathes in deeply and lets it out slowly, her resolve hardening. “They’re not here,” she mutters, more to herself than anyone else.“Maybe they’re nearby,” Verene offers, her voice soothing but practical. “Or they could’ve taken shelter somewhere along the way. For all we know, they might’ve even made it back to the hardware store.” She chuckles softly, trying to lighten the mood.But Johanna doesn’t laugh.Her gaze drifts to the window, where the storm rages on. Rain lashes against the glass, a torrential curtain that transforms the street into an indistinct blur. The world outside is a haze of grey and relentless motion, and Johanna feels the weight of it pressing on her chest.“We’ll find them,” Verene says gently, her voice firm with reassurance. “Don’t worry.”“You’re right,” Johanna finally breathes, though her chest still feels tight. She spins on her heel, heading for the door with renewed urgency. “Let’s go find Zelda.”“What about Hild—oh, there she goes,” Verene mutters under her breath, watching Johanna stride out into the storm without a backward glance. Shaking her head, she sighs and grabs her keys. “I do hope her daughters didn’t inherit this habit of running off willy-nilly,” she muses wryly.
Oh, the irony.
Verene sighs, rubbing her temples before pulling out her phone. The exhaustion from the day weighs heavy, but she steels herself. Typing quickly, she mutters under her breath, “Finn, love, Mum’s going to be late. Leftovers for dinner, alright? Be good. Bye-bye, darling.” With a tap, the message is sent, and she pockets her phone.Sliding back into the car, she finds Johanna already seated, her posture stiff, fingers gripping her knees. Impatience radiates off her as she stares through the rain-streaked windshield.“Ready?” Verene asks but doesn’t wait for an answer as she starts the engine.The car rumbles to life, and Verene expertly pulls away from the curb, flicking the indicators. She pushes down on the clutch, shifting gears smoothly before—beep, beep!—she executes a sharp U-turn. The disgruntled honking of other drivers echoes through the storm, but Verene doesn’t flinch.“Sorry, lads,” she mutters, adjusting the wipers as they creak rhythmically across the windshield.Rain pelts down in relentless sheets, blurring the view of the streets ahead. Pools of water ripple under the headlights, casting fragmented reflections of neon signs and streetlights.Verene casts a glance at Johanna, who’s leaning forward slightly, her eyes scanning every alley, awning, and doorway they pass. Her jaw is tight, lips pressed into a thin line.“No running off into the storm this time, alright?” Verene says firmly, breaking the silence.Johanna nods curtly, her gaze never wavering from the window. “I just need to find them,” she whispers, more to herself than anyone else.A sudden sneeze breaks through her tension. “Achoo!” Johanna snaps back slightly, startled by her own outburst.“Bless you,” Verene says lightly, her tone balancing between gentle and amused. She keeps one hand steady on the wheel, the other adjusting the defogger. “You’ll catch your death, girl,” she adds, casting a glance at Johanna.Johanna doesn’t respond, her focus glued to the streets outside. She rubs her nose absently, eyes darting across every dimly lit storefront.As the car creeps through the rain-soaked streets, it passes a small park wedged between rows of towering buildings—a pocket park you can say. In the middle of it, nearly swallowed by the mist and rain, a tent stands stubbornly against the relentless downpour.If one were to squint through the haze, they might catch a glimpse of a blue-haired girl cautiously peeking out from the tent’s flap, her gaze fixed on the storm as though searching for something—or someone.Unbeknownst to her, her mother’s car glides past, the rain and fog cloaking them from one another.
Both are caught in the same thought, hearts heavy with the same question: where is Zelda?

*~~oOo~~*

End Scene

Chapter Six – Gold Trimmed Jacket

*~~oOo~~*

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Book 1 – Of Butterflies and Elves

*~~oOo~~*

Princess Zelda
"All-Star Superman—ugh, I don’t need a hero giving me life advice, thanks.Civil War, Marvel—way too much action. Like, does anyone even talk in this one?Batman: Court of Owls—predictable villains, and seriously overpowered. Coulda called that plot twist a mile away.Kick-Ass—man, that’s just trying way too hard to be shocking.John Constantine, DC—way too much brooding and booze. Just...no."Zelda shakes her head, her brows furrowing as she rummages through a cluttered pile of comics smack dab in the middle of the shop. One by one, she flips through the unsorted stack, muttering under her breath with increasing irritation."Where the bloody hell is it?" she grumbles, raking a hand through her long brown hair.A few of the regulars—mostly boys—pause mid-page to glance her way. Their curiosity flickers, as if they’ve never seen someone quite like her tearing through their sacred domain of comic books and superheroes.Even the store manager, a large brown-skinned man, eyes her with growing unease, his fingers tapping absently on a battered register.Then after a frenzied search, a triumphant gasp escapes her lips and she exclaims, "Aha! Found ya!"“Walking Dead Volume 8: Made to Suffer!” She reads aloud, practically bouncing on her toes.Holding it up, she admires the gritty cover. The artwork depicts a rugged man with a menacing eyepatch, his snarling face looming against a backdrop of shambling, grotesque zombies.“Oh my days, this is it! How will Rick Grimes and his group face off against the Governor—who’s got a flipping tank in a zombie apocalypse!” she gushes.Her grin fades slightly, and a darker thought creeps in. What if someone doesn’t make it? She pauses, the weight of the possibility hanging in her mind. The excitement shifts, replaced by a chilling thought: What will the cost of victory be? Who won’t make it out alive?Zelda hugs the comic tightly. “This is going to be so good,” she cutely squeals out, already longing to get home, settle in, and dive into the thrilling chaos of the story.
Ding—ding.
The familiar jingle of the store door chimes behind Zelda, but she’s too engrossed in her newfound prize to pay any attention.A group of kids around her age bursts into the store, a trio of boys and one girl. Their entrance was loud enough to draw glances from a few regulars. At the front is a brown-skinned boy in a trapper hat, radiating an air of exaggerated authority. He waves his arm as if commanding a battalion.“Right, Bagsy, Andy—you two take that side,” he directs them toward a row of shelves.“Got it, Trevor,” replies Bagsy, a lanky boy with a tendency to nod a little too eagerly. He nudges the shorter, stockier boy named Andy, who’s already scanning the shelves like he’s on a treasure hunt.“And Kailey,” Trevor adds, turning to the lone girl of the group. She’s a blonde with an unimpressed expression, her hands shoved into her hoodie pockets.“What?” Kailey asks flatly, not bothering to mask her boredom.“Just, I dunno… do whatever you want. Not like you’re here to read comics or anything,” Trevor says with a dramatic shrug.Kailey rolls her eyes and scoffs, peeling off toward a magazine rack in the corner.With his friends dispersed to their respective missions, Trevor swaggers over to the steel basket in the centre of the store, marked with a bright banner: New Arrivals.As he passes, the other customers shrink out of his way, noses dipping further into their comics, avoiding his gaze. Trevor notices, puffing out his chest with a smirk.“Right, where are ya? Been waiting all week for this,” he mutters, plunging his hands into the pile with reckless abandon. The edges of the metal basket rattle noisily as he rifles through the stack, his impatience growing with every flick of a page.When the last comic fails to deliver, his face darkens. “Damn it. Not here.” Frustration boiling over, he slams his fist against the metal, the loud clang drawing a few startled glances before they quickly look away.Trevor’s eyes roam the store, scanning each corner with laser focus. Then, something catches his attention. His gaze zeroes in on the unassorted pile of comics near the middle—and the girl beside it.She wears a grey sweater and is clutching something tightly to her chest. His eyes narrow. No way.“Oi! You there!” he calls out, jabbing a finger in her direction. “—Is that the latest Walking Dead Volume?”Zelda looks up, her expression blank at first. She blinks at him, seemingly taking a moment to size him up. Then, with an arch of her brow, she says, “It is. Why?”Her voice carries a note of suspicion, her grip on the comic tightening almost as if on instinct.He strides toward her, confidence dripping from his grin. “Good, I’ve been hunting for that for weeks. Thanks for finding it. Now, hand it over.”Zelda deadpans. “Uh, no?” she retorts sharply, letting him down without an ounce of hesitation.Trevor splutters at her blunt refusal. A scoff escapes him, an attempt to mask the sting of surprise. “Excuse me? Do you know who I am?”But Zelda doesn’t bother to respond. She spins on her heel, clutching the comic tighter to her chest, and strides toward the cash register, her intent to pay clear.“Oi!” Trevor moves to block her path, planting himself firmly in her way.Zelda stops just short of running into him, her brow twitching with irritation. “Could you scooch?” she suggests.“No,” Trevor says flatly, crossing his arms. “I’m not moving an inch until you give me that Walking Dead comic. I’ve been waiting weeks for this, and you show up and snatch it right out from under my nose from the only store in the city that sells it!”“It’s called first come, first serve,” Zelda retorts, with a practised air of defiance. “You can’t just call dibs on something you’ve never even laid a finger on.”Trevor’s eyes narrow as he jabs a thumb toward his chest. “No-uh, hold up. I’m the one who got this series stocked here in the first place, yeah? That’s right. I requested it. So maybe show some gratitude and hand it over.” He punctuates his words with a lazy grabby motion, smirking like he’s already won.Zelda’s eyes flick to the store manager, who hastily ducks behind his comic, pretending to be engrossed. Her gaze sweeps the other customers, but they’re just as quick to look away, their faces buried in their books or turned deliberately toward the shelves.A small gulp escapes her. It’s clear Trevor has some pull here, enough to make people steer clear of his bad side—and leave her to face him alone.“See?” Trevor drawls, the smugness practically oozing from his tone as he leans back with a self-satisfied smirk. “Told ya.”Cowards, she bitterly thought.
Takes one to know one.
Zelda straightens her back, maintaining a steady gaze on him. “That still doesn’t change a thing. I’m buying this comic, whether you like it or not.”Trevor groans, dragging a hand down his face. “Grrr, come on, girlie! Be reasonable!” His tone sharpens, the teasing edge turning sour. “Honestly, I doubt you even know enough about the series to deserve it.”“Excuse you?” Zelda snaps, her tone icy.“Oh, don’t act all offended,” Trevor jeers. “You probably saw the cover and thought, ‘Ooh, zombies, how cool!’” His voice pitches higher in mockery. Then, with a theatrical flourish, he picks up a random comic from a nearby rack.“Tell you what,” he says, holding a brightly coloured comic book up to her with a smirk. “I’ll trade you the Walking Dead for this Barbie: Wonderland. That’s more your speed, innit? You girls love this kind of sparkly fluff.”Zelda stares at the obnoxious pink cover, her face a mixture of disbelief and disgust. “Seriously?!” Her voice drips with disdain. “Like us girls are into that patronizing rubbish. And FYI, I know plenty about The Walking Dead.”“Oh, really?” Trevor taunts, leaning in.“Yeah, but here’s the thing,” Zelda cuts him off with a pointed glare. “I don’t have the time—or the energy—to prove myself to you. So why don’t you take your Barbie comic and shove it where the sun doesn’t shine?!”“You don’t want to mess with me, girly!” Trevor growls, looming over Zelda. He’s a few inches taller, and he uses every bit of it to try and intimidate her.“Oh?” Zelda arches a brow, her expression perfectly blank. The calmness is practised, a skill honed through countless face-offs with her twin sister. “And what exactly will you do?”“I’ll... I’ll TP your house!” Trevor spits out, with a puff off his chest. “And I’ll ruin your whole week with pranks, make you miserable. That’ll teach you to mess with me.”Nearby boys flinch at the mention of Trevor’s threats as he is infamous for his pranks, their nervous glances darting between him and his posse, who stands up proud of their infamy.Zelda doesn’t flinch. Instead, she tilts her head and fixes him with a cool stare. “So, that’s your game? Threatening and harassing anyone who stands up to you? Is that how you keep getting away with being such a little tyrant?”Trevor falters for a moment, his smirk flickering, but it quickly snaps back into place. “Beat it, girlie. I’ve scared off tougher people than you. Don’t push your luck.”Zelda steps forward, her eyes blazing. “I am. Not. Afraid of you,” she says, jabbing a finger into his chest with each word. Her voice is steady, unwavering.“And I’m not afraid of your friends,” she adds, throwing a sharp glare toward his posse, who shuffles awkwardly under her gaze.“Your little scare tactics?” She scoffs, crossing her arms. “They’re not going to work on me, so save yourself the effort.”Trevor’s eyes narrow as he steps closer, circling her like a predator sizing up prey. Zelda stays rooted, her sharp glare tracking his every move.“You’re not a Sparrow Scout,” Trevor sneers. “That lot’s too goody-two-shoes to even try standing up to me. And you’re not from school either—otherwise, you’d know better than to cross me.”Zelda smirks faintly. “And if I did go to your school, I’d definitely remember that mug of yours.”Trevor’s face twists. “Who are you calling ugly?”“Just calling it as I see it,” she fires back without missing a beat.“Hmph!” Trevor huffs, pacing around her again. “You’re not from around here, are you?”Zelda crosses her arms. “What’s it to you? I’m from the wilderness.” She proudly says.He snickers, the sound grating and smug. “Ha, knew it. Only some country bumpkin would waltz in here with manners like yours.”Zelda doesn’t miss a beat, rolling her eyes. “Oh, we’re really going there, are we? Scraping the bottom of the barrel already?”He leans in. “Not as low as the mud and muck you probably crawled out of. Here’s some advice—when you’re in the city, try showing a little class. There’s rules here, girlie.”“Oh, give over,” Zelda snaps, her tone cutting. “At least I don’t strut around like I own the place, throwing my weight around like a spoiled brat.”Trevor’s grin twitches, but he doubles down. “Better that than someone who probably drinks out of dirty streams and wipes their butt with leaves. Your hygiene’s probably as bad as your attitude.”Zelda’s lips curl into a sharp smirk. “Hygiene? Oh, that’s rich. Tell you what—take a deep whiff of your own breath and let me know how it goes.” Her voice is calm, but her eyes gleam with a taunting edge.Trevor freezes, his sneer faltering as murmurs ripple through the watching crowd.“I don’t know how your little posse can stand it,” Zelda presses, her words deliberate and biting. “Coming from that mouth on that mug? Bet they’re just holding their breath and praying you don’t talk too much.”Trevor opens his mouth to retort, but Zelda cuts him off, delivering the final blow with a mockingly sweet tone. “— Didn’t your mum ever wash your mouth out with soap? Or maybe she just couldn’t be bothered. Explains a lot, really.”The tension snaps like a rubber band stretched too far, emphasized by Trevor stomping forth.“I waited all week for that issue to show up!” Trevor barks, his voice rising into a shrill tantrum.“Then wait another week—and while you’re at it, order yourself a new personality,” Zelda fires back, her tone dripping with disdain. “Impatient brat. Now, leave me alone.”
“Ooooh,”
A few murmurs ripple through the small crowd.“Shut up, you lot!” Trevor snaps, turning to glare at the onlookers. “This doesn’t concern you!”While his attention is on the gathering crowd, Zelda seizes her chance and tries to slip past him. But Trevor pivots just in time, blocking her path.Her patience splinters. She sidesteps, only for Trevor to mirror her movements like a human barricade, grinning smugly. Another attempt, another block.“Seriously?” Zelda scoffs, her voice tight with frustration. “Move!”“Not a chance,” Trevor replies, leaning just enough to predict her next move.Zelda darts left, then fakes right, but Trevor counters each time, his larger frame cutting off every opening with irritating ease. Her knuckles tighten around the comic in her hands, her foot tapping furiously.“Shove off already!” she snaps, shoving at his shoulder in frustration.Trevor doesn’t budge. Instead, he chuckles darkly, then casually pushes her back with enough force to send her stumbling onto the edge of a nearby comic rack.“What the heck is wrong with you?!” Zelda snarls, catching herself before falling completely. She straightens up, glaring daggers at him as her chest heaves with indignation.“Nothin’ what’s wrong with you!” Trevor steps closer. “Look, girlie, I’m at my wit’s end here. Just hand over the comic, tell your big brother—or whoever you’re buying it for—that they’re out of luck, and go back to whatever hole in the wilderness you crawled out of.”Zelda’s jaw clenches. “Why do you assume I’m buying this for someone else?”“Because girls don’t read comics,” Trevor says as if it’s a matter of fact, crossing his arms. “It’s just… not a thing. “ mean, seriously,” Trevor continues, clearly enjoying the sound of his own voice.“When’s the last time you saw a girl actually into this stuff? Like, properly into it. Not just flipping through pages ‘cause they’re bored.” He snickers, his grin widening. “Bet you just saw the cover, thought, ‘Ooh, zombies! Cool!’ and decided to act all edgy.”Zelda’s brow arches slowly, dangerously. “That,” she says in a low, measured tone, “is the most pathetic, narrow-minded rubbish I’ve ever heard! What timeline are you living in?”Trevor rolls his eyes. “Timeline, what? You sound like my mum—always hysterical and preachy. Now hand it over, you freakin’ tomboy.”Zelda stops dead, her entire body stiffening at the word. A shadow passes over her face, her expression darkening as her grip on the comic sharpens, the edges crumpling under her fingers.Her voice drops. “What did you just call me?”“Tomboy,” Trevor repeats smugly. He grins at finally eliciting a reaction from the girl as he leans in to crowd her space. “What, can’t hear me? I’m not keen on repeating myself. Figures. Not sure you’re clever enough to keep up—”
Bam!
A fist snaps forward in a blur, cutting clean through the air.The impact is solid, a resounding crack of knuckles meeting cheekbone. Trevor’s head jerks to the side, his trapper hat spinning off his head as he stumbles back, arms flailing for balance. His heel catches, and with a graceless thud, he crashes onto the cold tiled floor.
Thud!
Zelda straightens, her arm still outstretched for a heartbeat before she shakes it out, her knuckles throbbing with a sharp stinging ache.“Bloody hell, that hurts!” she hisses, flexing her fingers. A small maniac smile curls at the corner of her lips. “But damn was it well worth it!”A shriek cuts through the stunned silence—Kailey’s sharp voice ringing out as Bagsy and Andy rush to Trevor’s side.Trevor groans, his hand pressed to his cheek, now a vivid shade of red. The murmurs in the store rise like a growing tide, customers and onlookers darting wide-eyed glances between him and Zelda.She stands over him with a glare. His eyes, glossy with humiliation and fury, lock onto hers.“You’ll pay for that…” Trevor snarls through clenched teeth.Zelda tilts her head, feigning thought as she flips the comic book in her hands with deliberate nonchalance. “Maybe,” she says, her voice sharp and steady.Not stopping there, she then turns a glare to the rest of Trevor’s friends and then the rest of the store, as she raises the Walking Dead comic book in the air like a banner.“Listen up, everyone!” she declares, her voice ringing clear. “Trevor’s reign of terror in this very comic book store ends here! No more stealing, no more threats, and no more bullying. This store is a sanctuary—for nerds, geeks, and anyone who loves a good story. It’s not some playground for cowards who think throwing their weight around makes them big.”The onlookers exchange wide-eyed glances, emboldened by her words. Even the store manager peeks out from behind his comic, nodding ever so slightly.Zelda lets the silence linger for a beat, then delivers her final blow. “And if anyone has a problem with that…” She pauses, sweeping her gaze across the room before landing back on Trevor, her smirk returning. “Well, they’ll have to go through me.”There’s a ripple of agreement—a quiet “Yeah!” from someone near the back, then another voice chiming in.Bagsy, Andy, and Kailey falter under the weight of the united room, shifting uneasily.Trevor, though, doesn’t waver—at least not outwardly. His glare sharpens, focused entirely on Zelda’s smug face as he wipes his cheek one last time. His lip curls, but no retort comes. Instead, he pushes himself to his feet with a grunt.He huffs, jerking his head toward the door. “Let’s go,” he snaps, his voice low and brittle.
Ding—Thud!
The bell chimes briefly as Trevor shoves the door open, followed by a heavy slam as it swings shut behind him and his trailing friends.For a moment, there’s nothing but the hum of the store’s AC and shuffling feet. Then, like a dam breaking, the store erupts into cheers.“She did it!” someone yells, and the energy in the room explodes.The crowd swarms Zelda, their excitement spilling over as they gush over her victory.“That was epic!”“You’re amazing!”“Did you see his face? Priceless!”A lanky boy with glasses pushes to the front, practically bouncing with excitement. “What’s the name of our saviour?” he asks breathlessly.Zelda blinks, caught off guard. “Uh… Zelda?”The boy gasps, clutching his chest dramatically. “A perfect name for a princess!” The lanky boy then turns to the crowd of onlookers “Three cheers for Zelda!”Before she can protest, the room erupts into cheers and the group takes up a chant.“Hip, hip, hooray!”“Oi, stop that—” Zelda tries to wave them off, but the cheers drown her out. Suddenly, Zelda finds herself being hoisted up, the crowd chanting her name.“Hip, hip, hooray!”“Hip, hip, hooray!”As the crowd lifts her up, she feels her feet leave the ground—literally and figuratively. Amid the chaos, she can’t help but let out a small, sheepish smile. Maybe this isn’t so bad after all.
*~~oOo~~*

Bug Boy
As the celebration winds down, and after enduring a few overly enthusiastic pats on the back, Zelda deftly slips away from the huddle of her newfound admirers. The group of prepubescent boys, still starstruck by her display of bravery, doesn’t seem to notice her departure.They migrate to a corner of the store, their voices buzzing with excitement as they continue gushing over her bold stand against Trevor, replaying the scene in animated detail.She throws a fleeting glance toward the excited group in the corner but doesn’t linger. Her focus sharpens on the one thing that set her entire journey into motion: The Walking Dead, Volume 8 – Made to Suffer. Clutching the comic tightly against her chest, she makes a beeline to the counter in giddy.Behind the register stands the store manager, a large fat man with brown skin, wearing a green cap and simple t-shirt with a faded superhero logo.“Ya shouldn’t have done that, kid,” The manager warns. “Trevor and his lot—those aren’t people you wanna mess with.”“So Trevor’s his name?” Zelda snorts, brushing a stray strand of brown hair behind her ear. “Figures. I’m not afraid of him.”The manager lets out a long sigh, leaning slightly on the counter. His gaze drifts toward the street outside, where the cloudy skies hang low over the city. “It’s not Trevor you need to be worrying about,” he says, his voice low and ominous. “It’s his mum. Now, she’s the real storm brewing.”Zelda sends him a look. “You could’ve stepped in anytime, y’know?” she huffs, crossing her arms.Caught off guard, the manager flinches slightly under her pointed glare. He scratches the back of his neck awkwardly, his broad shoulders slumping. “Yeah, you’re right,” he admits, the words slow and heavy. “I should’ve. But it’s easier to let that lot have their way than deal with the fallout.”He lets out a long sigh, then reaches for the comic in her hands. But instead of scanning it, he pushes it gently back toward her.“Here,” he says, his voice softer now. “On the house.”Zelda blinks, momentarily stunned. “Really?” she asks, hugging the comic closer, her earlier irritation melting into surprise.“A reward for putting that brat in his place,” he says with a faint smile, “And as an apology for me not stepping in earlier. I’ve let Trevor and his gang run wild here for far too long.”She studies him for a moment, the sincerity in his tone evident. Then she nods, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Thanks, Mister—.”“Ramirez,” he says, extending a hand. “Call me Ramirez.”“Zelda,” she says, shaking his hand firmly. “Just promise me next time, have a bit of a backbone, yeah?”Ramirez chuckles. “Kid, you’re talkin’ to a comic book store manager. Backbone ain’t exactly part of the job description. I’d much rather sit here and read comics all day.”Zelda’s face lights up at that. “Me too! Someday, I wanna own a bookshop,” she daydreams. “Not just comics—books of all kinds, from everywhere. Imagine just sitting around, surrounded by stories, not having to deal with the outside world or lifting a finger for manual labour. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?”Ramirez tilts his head, a soft smile spreading across his face. “That’s a solid dream, kid. Just keep your head down, do well in school, and you’ll get there.”Zelda blinks. “I’m not enrolled,” she says bluntly, her tone matter-of-fact.“Oh,” he mutters, scratching his chin. “Well, that’s a bit of a curveball for your grand life plans.” He hesitates, then adds with a grin, “But if there’s one thing I know, it’s that kids like you—sharp, stubborn, and way tougher than you look—always find a way. You’ll overcome it, no doubt about that.”Zelda glances at him, her expression softening. “You think so?”“Absolutely,” Ramirez nods. “You’ve already got the guts to stand up to Trevor. Compared to that, chasing your dream will be a piece of cake.”Her lips curl into a small smile, “Thanks,” She softly saysTheir moment is cut short by a sudden burst of chatter and commotion from the corner of the store. Both their heads turn toward the source: the crowd of comic shop patrons, the same ones who’d cheered her victory over Trevor, now huddled around a table, deep in discussion.“What are they doing?” Zelda asks, her brow furrowing. The confusion is evident as she squints and leans forward. “Wait... is that a picture of me?” Her voice rises slightly, a mix of bewilderment and worry.Ramirez barely glances over, his tone nonchalant. “Oh, they’re setting up a fan club of you. Calling you ‘Princess Zelda’ or somethin’. Nice ring to it, don’t you think?”“What?!” Zelda shrieks. “I hate that name! Why Princess? Why not Zelda the Defender of the People? Or, ooh, Zelda the Grey Quiet One?” She throws her hands up in exasperation.Ramirez chuckles, leaning lazily on the counter. “Names stick, kid. Plus, they’re nerds and geeks. Over-the-top is kinda their thing.”Zelda groans, glancing back at the group, who are now proudly displaying the framed photo of her like it’s some holy relic. “When did they even take that picture? And how did they frame it so fast?”Ramirez smirks. “Efficient little lot, aren’t they?”Zelda slumps over the counter, burying her face in her hands. “I can’t let my sister find out about this. She’ll never let me live it down!”Ramirez bursts out laughing, his deep, hearty chuckle filling the shop. It only makes Zelda groan louder, peeking at him through her fingers. “Cheer up, Princess Zelda,” he teases. “You’re a local hero now.”“Don’t call me that, Ramirez,” she grumbles, shooting him a half-hearted glare as she straightens up. Turning toward the door, she tosses one last glance over her shoulder at the excitable group still buzzing in the corner. “Great. Just what I needed,” she mutters.
Ding-ding.
The door chime jingles as Zelda steps out of the comic book store, clutching her prized issue tightly against her chest. Her emotions swirl—a mix of triumph and unease.On one hand, she’s riding the high of having secured The Walking Dead: Made to Suffer and putting Trevor in his place. The memory of his shocked face draws a small, satisfied smirk.But on the other? She’s miffed, knowing full well that a pack of comic nerds are now probably spreading the tale of “Princess Zelda” all over the shop—and maybe even the city. The thought makes her cringe. Hopefully, Mum and Hilda won’t catch wind of it.A gnawing thread of worry tugs at the edges of her thoughts, though she tries to ignore it.Stepping onto the pavement, Zelda feels a cool breeze ruffle the hem of her sweater, carrying with it a faint smell of salt on the horizon. The cloudy sky above stretches heavy and low, but she doesn’t notice the ominous shift—her mind is too caught up with the events earlier.Squinting down the street, she spots Trevor and his gang further ahead. He’s in the lead, stomping along with fists clenched at his sides. His friends follow at a cautious distance, exchanging uncertain glances.Around the corner, a Sparrow Scout boy bounds down the pavement, balancing a precariously tall stack of paper bags in his arms. He has short brown hair, beady eyes, and stick-thin limbs that struggle to manage the load.There are plenty of Sparrow Scouts out and about today, Zelda notices. Probably some badge activity. Coincidentally, her mind drifts to Hilda and the two Sparrows she’d been helping earlier.What’s taking her so long to catch up? She thought with a frown.Zelda watches as the boy hurries closer—until Trevor, still fuming, intentionally bumps into him with a hard shoulder.“Oh crud!” the boy yelps as the bags tumble to the ground, their contents spilling everywhere—books, art supplies, and what looks like a half-eaten sandwich.“I think you dropped something, birdie,” Kailey sneers, her voice dripping with mockery. Bagsy and Andy chuckle beside her, but Trevor doesn’t join in. Instead, his face twists in irritation as their laughter scrapes against his nerves.“Grr, shut it, you lot,” he snaps, rounding on his gang. “I don’t need your annoying laughs right now. Just leave me alone!”Kailey raises an eyebrow, unimpressed. “What’s wrong with you?”“Nothing! Just back off!” Trevor barks, stomping away without another word, his fists clenched and his trapper hat pulled low.The three exchange looks as they watch him storm down the street.“Well, someone’s in a right state,” Bagsy mutters, giving a stray pencil a light kick.Kailey crosses her arms. “That girl really rattled him. He’s gonna be unbearable all week.”“C’mon,” she says with a shrug, nudging Bagsy and Andy. “Let him cool off. The library’s not far—let’s find something to do there.”Their idea of ‘fun’ clearly means their usual brand of mischief, which instantly perks the boys up. Sharing a knowing grin, they dart off after Kailey, heading in the opposite direction without a second thought.Meanwhile, the Sparrow Scout boy kneels on the pavement, scrambling to gather the scattered contents of his load.“Flipping Trevor,” The boy curses under his breath, his brows furrowed as he fumbles with the mess.“Are you alright? Need any help?” a soft voice asks unexpectedly, cutting through his frustration.He glances up, blinking in surprise. Standing above him is a girl about his age, her flowing brown hair catching the light. She wears a red scarf over a grey sweater.The sun casts a glow around her from behind, and for a fleeting moment, the world seems to tilt off balance. Her pretty smile, framed by her button nose and fair skin, is warm and disarming.“Hello? You okay there, bud?” she says again, her hand hovering slightly, waiting to offer assistance.“Wha—?” he stammers, snapping out of his daze. Heat floods his cheeks as he realizes she’s been speaking to him this whole time. How long was I... staring?!“Uh, yeah, ‘Mm fine!” he squeaks, his voice cracking in a way that makes him wince internally. He straightens up quickly, brushing off his yellow Sparrow Scout uniform. “Trevor and his lot are always like that. I’m kind of... used to it.”The girl folds her arms, her brows pulling together in mild disapproval. “You shouldn’t have to be,” she says firmly. “But, I might’ve given him extra reason to be a grump today.”He blinks, curiosity flickering in his wide eyes. “What’d you do?”“I may or may not have... punched him,” she replies nonchalantly, kneeling beside him to help gather the scattered items strewn across the pavement. Her tone is so casual it catches him off guard.“Wait, you punched Trevor?” he repeats, his voice pitching in disbelief.“Yup,” she says, popping.He stops mid-reach, staring at her with pure admiration. “That’s... amazing. You’re, like, the coolest person I’ve ever met.”The girl smirks, shrugging off the compliment like it’s nothing. “Somebody had to knock him down a peg,” she quips, her red scarf shifting slightly as she helps pick up another item.“And trust me, I’m not even the coolest person I know.” She adds, her mind briefly flickering to someone else. She doesn’t elaborate, but if her twin had been there, Trevor might’ve gotten more than a bruised cheek—even if violence wasn’t her twin’s style.“Is this everything?” she asks, neatly sliding the last paper bag toward him.“Yeah, that’s all of it!” he confirms with a grin and giving her a thumbs up.But before he can thank her, the girl suddenly freezes. Her shoulders stiffen as though and the hair on the back of her neck prickles. Her gaze flicks upward, sharp and searching like she’s expecting something terrible to descend.He notices her sudden stillness, tilting his head in confusion. “Uh, are you—”
Kra-koom!
The sky erupts in a blinding flash of lightning, followed by a crack of thunder so loud it rattles the pavement. The boy lets out a high-pitched shriek, instinctively throwing his arms over his head as the sky above him briefly lights up.Then comes the wailing. Car alarms erupt in dissonance, one after the other. The noise grates on his ears, sharp and relentless.A soft drizzle begins, cool and light, dotting his Sparrow Scout uniform with dark specks. He cautiously peeks out from his arms, his face scrunching in dismay as the rain slowly thickens, each drop colder and heavier than the last."Oh great, just what we need, and in the middle of a badge activity, no less," he grumbles, shaking his damp hair and glaring skyward.He glances around, confusion knitting his brows. “Huh? Where’d she go?” The girl in the grey sweater and red scarf is gone—he only now notices.His eyes dart across the street, scanning the scattering pedestrians. Blurred shapes of umbrellas and hurried figures fill his vision, but there’s no sign of her. Not a flash of brown hair, not even the flutter of a red scarf.
It’s as if she vanishes into thin air.
He stands frozen, the chill of the rain creeping through his uniform as the drizzle thickens into a steady downpour. The soaked paper bags at his feet sag limply, their contents barely holding together. His gaze drifts back to the spot where she stood moments before, lingering there with an unsettled sense of disbelief.“What’s that?”His eyes catch on something small and out of place amid the growing puddles. Kneeling down, he picks it up—a comic book wrapped in a sealed plastic bag. The Walking Dead Volume 8: Made to Suffer. He flips it open out of sheer curiosity."Gyah!" he squeaks, slamming it shut almost as fast as he’d opened it. The vivid, gory depiction of zombies tearing through flesh churns his stomach, making bile rise in his throat. “How does she read this stuff?” he mutters, carefully putting it back in its plastic bag to shield it from the rain."Well, guess I’ll have to give it back..."Before he can take another step, a familiar voice calls out."David!"The boy looks up, relief washing over him as a dark-skinned girl with long curly black hair strides into view, her Sparrow Scout uniform pristine despite the rain. She holds a large umbrella in one hand and pulls a trolley in the other.“Frida!” David blurts out, his surprise at seeing her turning into immediate gratitude.She stops in front of him, taking in his drenched appearance and the soggy state of his belongings with wide, incredulous eyes. “What happened to you?” she demands, already fishing a yellow raincoat out of her trolley.“A lot,” he mutters, shrugging the coat on as she thrusts it toward him.Frida sighs, shaking her head as she gestures to the sodden paper bags. “Put those in the trolley before they disintegrate.”Together, they hustle through the rain, stopping under the red-and-white-striped awning of a nearby building. Frida pulls out a towel, handing one to David while she rubs her hair dry.“What’s that in your hand?” she asks, pointing to the carefully wrapped package as she squeezes water from her curls.David glances at it, still a little shaken. “A comic book,” he says simply.
*~~oOo~~*

End Scene

Chapter Seven – Hero vs Villain

*~~oOo~~*

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Book 1 – Of Butterflies and Elves

*~~oOo~~*

Clawing
It’s incredible how instinctive fear can be. Even before the lightning struck, Zelda was already running, leaving poor David behind without a second thought.
It’s not safe here.
It’s not safe here.
It’s not safe here!
Her heartbeat pounds in rhythm with her frantic steps. The low rumble of thunder rolls closer behind her.She doesn’t stop. She doesn’t even slow. She barely registers bumping into strangers, whose protests she barely registers.
Beep!
A car horn blares as she barrels through an intersection on a green light, the whoosh of tires grazing too close for comfort.None of it matters. All she knows is that she has to get back—to the hardware store, to her mum, to safety.But she can only outrun the storm for so long…Raindrops begin to patter against her sweater, soft at first, but soon relentless.Before she knew it icy winds whip against her, cutting through her damp clothes and clinging to her skin like frost. Her hair plasters to her face, and her white sneakers darken to grey, splashing through puddles that swell with every step.Her breath comes in ragged gasps as she pushes forward. For someone who detests running, she’s faster than she ever imagined, weaving through the panicked crowd of adults scrambling for shelter into nearby establishments.A man darts into a café. A woman ducks into a pharmacy. Kids her age hide in a thrift store.But Zelda presses on, ignoring their disgruntled shouts of dismay as she brushes past them.
Those places are not safe. They’re not Mum.
A gust whips her face, carrying the tang of salt and scattering of leaves. The rain falls harder, each drop sharp as it lashes her skin.Her eyes sting, the downpour blurring her vision. She raises an arm to shield her eyes from the pelting rain, but it barely helps.The world blurs as a thick, ghostly mist swallows the streets ahead. Out of nowhere, a car roars past, its sudden appearance and disappearance in the low visibility sending a jolt of terror through her. Its horn blares, muffled and faint against the deafening rush of the storm.“Almost t-there,” she gasps, her voice trembling as much as her legs. Her lungs burn with every breath, her strength ebbing, but she keeps pushing forward, her sneakers splashing against the rain-slick pavement.And running.It always worked for her.Just keep running. Keep running away, away from the danger, away from everything.Like that time she runs from Hilda during the Giant Butterfly incident in the meadows.Or when she avoids joining her twin and Mum on their journey to the Elf Minister.And, most of all, when she flees from that storm—the storm that changes everything, that still haunts her dreams and wakes her to the harsh realities of this world.But something feels wrong.As the wind howls once more, she involuntarily shivers, her body trembles to more than just the cold. Her steps falter, and she skids to a halt, panting hard, sweat mixing with the relentless downpour.The temperature seems to drop further, biting at her through her soaked sweater. Her breath escapes in uneven clouds as she glances around, water streaming down her face.
She should be there by now.

The Hardware Store was just a block away when she started running, wasn’t it?
Yet Gertrude, her family’s yellow car, is nowhere in sightHer eyes dart to the pastel-coloured, wooden façade buildings around her. Neck swivelling with heart hammering in her chest.Nothing looks familiar. The streets blur together, every corner eerily similar, every shadow elongated by the rain and dim light. The storm plays tricks as it veils everything in a grey, oppressive haze.“No, no, no,” she murmurs, her voice rising in pitch as the realization hits her like a cold wave crashing down. Her hands clutch at her scarf as if grounding herself will somehow undo this terrible mistake.She spins around, silently praying it isn’t true. But as she steadies herself against the side of a building, her lone figure standing in the middle of the dark and deserted streets.“I’m lost,” she finally says aloud, her voice breaking as the words hit her with full force. Her chest tightens, panic taking root, twisting her thoughts into knots.How could this happen? The Hardware Store was so close! How could she have missed it? How could she be so careless?Her breaths quicken, each one shallow and jagged. She wipes at her face, unsure if the wetness is from the rain or her own tears.Tears?When did she begin to cry?
Sniff.
Tears stream down her cheeks, unstoppable and warm against the cold rain. Her fists press tightly against her eyes as she snivels, trying to stifle the sobs rising in her chest. The muffled cries of a girl unravelling are swallowed by the relentless downpour, leaving her sorrow to blend with the storm.
*~~oOo~~*

The Hideout
Moments earlier—maybe ten minutes, give or take—before the storm hits:Tucked between rows of towering buildings, hidden from the bustling city by a labyrinth of narrow alleyways, stands a three-story apartment building, a shadow of its former self.The property has long since lost its running water and electricity, and the surrounding walls are plastered with graffiti—some vibrant and artistic, others brash and littered with colourful language.This, folks, is what Trevor and his friends proudly call The Hideout. It’s their go-to spot for hanging out, plotting pranks, or skipping classes entirely.They chose this hidey hole for three solid reasons: one, for obvious reasons, it’s secluded; two, it’s a maze to get in and out of; and three, it’s perfectly placed— 1.86 miles from their neighbourhood, 1 mile away from the arcade, and just a few blocks away from the comic book store.The crown jewel of their so-called base? The hazardous, crumbling apartment building is smack in the middle.Its facade is a patchwork of decay. Paint peels in curling strips, shingles dangle precariously from the roof, and the front door hangs crookedly on a single rusted hinge, creaking faintly in the still air.The only remaining pristine and intact thing was its glass window at the front, clean, polished, and unblemished of its history. Its fragile body is preserved through the years of untold—
Smash!
Whelp there it goes—shattered! Shards scatter into millions of hazardous bits.One glass shard reflects Trevor’s fuming face. His hands clutches another jagged rock. With a furious grunt, he hurls it at the rotting structure.“Stupid comic books!” The rock crashes against the walls with a dull thunk.“Stupid Walking Dead!” Another sails through the air, hitting what remains of the porch railing and knocking it askew.“Stupid tomboy!” Trevor bellows, his last rock landing squarely on the already-battered door. The impact sends it collapsing inward with a graceless thud onto the dry, patchy grass below.The boy stomps around the property, surrounded by heaps of garbage, his breaths coming in sharp huffs. He grips his Trapper Hat, yanking it off and crumpling it in his hands before throwing it to the ground in a fit.“She punched me! That girl—punched me! In front of everyone!” Trevor’s voice cracks with anger as he paces. “And she took my comic—my comic! The one I waited weeks for! She didn’t even deserve it!”He starts kicking anything in his path—cans, broken bottles, even a splintered chair—each movement a burst of frustration venting into the air.“I had it all under control! Everyone respected me! They feared me!” He sneers at the memory of the crowd’s cheers, their stupid grins, all directed at her.Trevor stops, glaring at the ruins of the building as if it were the embodiment of his shame. “Then she just... walks in and takes it all. One punch—one!—and suddenly she’s the hero, and I’m the joke.”“She’s not gonna get away with this,” he mutters, his voice low and dangerous. “She thinks she’s so clever. Ha! She hasn’t seen the last of me...”Panting, he snatches up his battered trapper hat, jamming it back onto his head with a huff. His stomping paces slow, his mind churning with ideas for revenge on that girl.
Kra-koom!
Trevor curses as a jagged streak of lightning slices through the once-clear sky. The world darkens almost instantly, the sun swallowed by heavy clouds. A soft drizzle begins to fall, cool droplets dotting his face and dampening his clothes.Squinting upward, he watches the storm clouds roll in unnaturally fast, churning like something alive. “Freaking Weather Spirits,” he curses, blaming the natural cloud-like creatures for the sudden shift.Adding to his already miserable day.Trevor grits his teeth and takes off at a sprint, desperate to get home or find shelter before the storm turns worse.He spots a café and slows with a sigh of relief, the warmth and scent of coffee beckoning him. But the moment he steps inside, the reception is anything but welcoming.“You think you can just stroll in here after what you and your little friends did to my store?” snaps the café owner. Before Trevor can protest, he’s unceremoniously booted back outside, the door slamming shut behind him.He growls, pulling his trapper hat lower over his wet hair as he crosses to a pharmacy. This time, he doesn’t even make it past the threshold. The door slams shut in his face with a curt shout from inside. “Scram, Trevor! You’re not welcome here.”Next, the antique store. “What did I tell you about showing your face here again?” The words barely register before another door slams, sending him stumbling back into the rain.His last hope, the thrift store, isn’t any better. “Beat it, kid,” mutters the shopkeeper, waving him off like a stray cat.Trevor stumbles onto the wet pavement, water dripping from his hat and soaking his already-drenched sneakers. He rubs his sore backside where the antique shop owner had shoved him, his frustration bubbling over.“I’ll make you lot regret this!” he shouts at the closed doors, though the rain quickly drowns out his voice. Muttering curses, he kicks at a puddle, splashing water up his shins as he glares at the empty street.Trevor’s mind reels, tallying up all the shopkeepers now on his mental list for future pranks. He promises payback—eggs on windows, glue in locks, the works.The cold rain bites at his skin, each icy droplet a reminder of his failures today. His friends’ antics, combined with his own, have made him unwelcome almost everywhere.Almost.The comic book store flashes in his mind—a place that, if he’s being honest, he actually likes. Despite its dorky crowd, it was somewhere he could always walk into without suspicion. But now? Now that stupid girl has ruined that too.Once again his fists clench at the memory. A hand cups his cheeks, throbbing.Trevor seethes, his breaths coming in short hot bursts as the rain worsens, drumming against the pavement like a cruel taunt."This day just keeps getting better," he mutters sarcastically, his teeth chattering as he shuffles forward, seeking shelter in the endless downpour.
There!
Trevor stumbles toward a solitary bus stop, its metal frame dimly illuminated by the weak glow of a lone streetlamp.His chest heaves as he clambers under it. Rain drips from his soaked trapper hat, which he angrily wrings out. His dark hair clings to his forehead as he shakes off the water.“Finally,” he mutters, leaning against the cold metal pole to catch his breath.
Sniff.
He freezes, his ears straining against the relentless clang of rain against the metal roof. The sound comes again, faint but unmistakable—a soft, shuddering whimper.He turns his head and squints into the dim corner of the bus stop, and there, tucked into the shadows, is a girl!She’s curled into herself, knees hugged tightly to her chest as if trying to disappear. Her sweater clings to her drenched frame. Her long hair hangs in wet strands that partially obscure her face, but not enough to hide the tears streaming down her cheeks.Another sniffle escapes her, followed by a muffled moan as the storm rages on.Trevor’s brows knit together, a mix of confusion and something else flickering across his face. He takes a step forward, intending to speak, but—
Kra-koom!
A flash of lightning lights up the street, and a deafening crack of thunder follows almost instantly.“Eep!” The girl cries out, curling tighter into herself, trembling uncontrollably as she stifles a sob.Trevor squints as the brightness of the lightning burns into his vision, leaving spots dancing in his eyes. For a moment, everything feels like a blur, but then it clears.And he sees her.The grey sweater. The red scarf. The long, brown hair.It’s her.The girl who punched him. The girl who stole his comic. The girl who humiliated him in front of the entire store.His chest tightens as the memory surges back, hot and bitter. His lips curl into a slow, deliberate sneer, the corners of his mouth twitching with something dark.
*~~oOo~~*

Bus Stop
Zelda stumbles beneath the dimly lit bus stop, her legs barely carrying her as she collapses onto the frigid metal bench. Her knuckles turn pale as she grips the edge and her breath comes in shallow gasps.Her mind spins, a carousel of noise and panic, but nothing settles, nothing soothes.She raises her head just enough to look out at the rain cascading beyond the shelter, and then—The sky bursts alive with a jagged streak of lightning! Its blinding light carving through the suffocating darkness!Instinctively, her hands snap up to her ears to ward off the inevitable—
Kra-koom!
“Aaah!” she gasps.Her heart hammers against her ribs. She squeezes her eyes shut. “No, no, no… not again,” she whispers, her voice cracking as distant memories claw their way forward.Her body curls inward, knees pressing against her chest as her arms wrap around them.Another flash.
Kra-koom!
Another deafening crack of thunder.“Stop it,” she pleads, her voice barely audible over the storm. “Please... just stop.”But the storm doesn’t listen. It rages on, merciless and unyielding with howling winds even threatening to pull off the very bus stop she’s in.Her mind betrays her, dragging her back to that day. The blinding flashes, the deafening roars, the flooding, the tree, the roots. Her chest tightens as she recalls it all.“Why... why now?” she sobs. Her body shakes, whether, from the cold or the horrible memories, she can’t tell anymore…Each strike of the elements makes her burrow further into herself, trying to disappear, trying to vanish into the smallness of her frame. “I hate this,” she whispers brokenly. “I hate this... so much.”The dark sky answers with another crack of lightning, its brilliance searing through the rain-soaked darkness. Thunder follows a deafening boom that shakes the air, but Zelda hardly flinches anymore as she’s reduced to a withered husk,…Thus she doesn’t notice the footsteps splashing through puddles until it’s too late.“Well, well, well,” a voice sneers, slicing through the howling winds. “If it isn’t tomboy.”Her entire body freezing as he recognizes that voice.
Trevor.
Zelda peeks out from behind her arms, her breath catching at the sight of him looming over her. Rain drips from his trapper hat and plasters his dark hair to his face.His expression is twisted with a mixture of anger and glee, his lips curling into a cruel grin.She rubs her nose, forcing herself to put on a brave face.“W-What do you want?” she asks, her voice cracking into an unintended squeak.Yet her defiant gaze remains locked on him, but the redness of her puffy, tear-streaked eyes betrays her true emotions. Her mind flashes back to his venomous words from the comic book store.
You’ll pay for that…
Trevor’s grin widens seeing the look on her face, his shadow stretching long against the dim light of the bus stop’s flickering lamp. “What do I want?” he echoes, his tone mocking.He steps closer, forcing Zelda to inch back against the cold steel wall. "I want payback—justice!" he says, pointing an accusatory finger at her. "You’ve got this coming for messing with me back at the store!"Zelda swallows hard, her throat dry despite the rain. “L-Leave me alone,”“Aw, what’s wrong, girlie?” Trevor jeers, his voice dripping with mock concern. “Scared of a little storm—?!”
Kra-koom!
A sudden bolt of lightning splits the sky, followed by a deafening roar of thunder that rattles the metal bus stop. Zelda shrinks further into herself, letting out a small cry, but Trevor seizes the moment. He slams his palm against the bus stop’s metal partition with a resounding clang! Timed almost perfectly with the storm’s fury.“Eek!” Zelda cries, her whole body flinching at the combined noise.Trevor relishes the power he holds, his voice rising above the downpour. “Not so tough now, are you!? No crowd to cheer you on, no manager to hide behind. Just you and me!”Her trembling voice barely reaches him through the rain. “If this is about the comic book… I-I’m sorry. You can have it. Just—please—leave me alone.”Trevor scoffs, his sneer twisting into something darker. “This isn’t just about the Walking Dead comic, you tomboy. This is about respect. About teaching you a lesson—!”He stomps his foot into a nearby puddle, sending a splash of muddy water toward her. “Take this!” he jeers, the murky droplets peppering her already-drenched clothes.The poor girl flinches but doesn’t move otherwise.“Oh, what’s the matter? Too scared to fight back?” Trevor taunts, “Then how about this!” He stomps into another puddle, this time sending a larger splash her way. “And this!”The muddy water splashes against her legs and sweater, leaving streaks of grime trailing down the fabric. Her shoulders tremble—whether from the cold or fear, he doesn’t know, and he doesn’t care. Over the pounding rain, he catches a faint, broken whisper: “Stop it.”Trevor doesn’t stop, too consumed by his own boiling frustrations. He’s determined to vent them all on her, pelting her with freezing water again and again until he’s satisfied.“There. Nice and filthy—just like a proper wilderness girl should be,” he spits at her for good measure. “Covered in mud and muck. Bet you’re used to it, eh?”He chuckles, kicking one last swipe of muddy water hitting her square in the back.She flinches harder this time, a small sound escaping her lips—part whimper, part gasp.The sight of her so small and trembling seems to fuel Trevor’s spite. He circles her like a predator, his voice rising over the storm.“Where’s that big mouth of yours from earlier, huh? All that talk about standing up to me and my friends—gone! That ridiculous declaration you made, what a joke!” He laughs.He crouches slightly, leaning in closer. “Face it—you’re just a scared little girl, completely out of your depth.”He glares at her hunched, soaked form, expecting her to snap back, plead, or even cry louder. But all he gets is silence. Unnerving, infuriating silence. It gnaws at him, leaving him alone with his spiralling thoughts. His jaw tightens, the stillness stoking his anger like fuel to a fire.“Do you even realize what you’ve cost me?!” he spills. “—Do you have any idea the lengths I went to keep those nerds and geeks in line?!”He whirls back toward her. “My friends are gonna laugh at me for a whole week because of you!” He starts pacing. “You ruined my life with that little stunt!”But Zelda remains curled inward, unmoving.The silence presses against him, suffocating in its defiance. Trevor’s fists clench at his sides as his frustration reaches its breaking point.“Hey!” he barks, stomping toward her. His hands launch forward, gripping her shoulder in a harsh yank as he tries to force her out of her huddle. “Say something when someone’s speaking to you—”“Get your hands off me!” Zelda snarls, her voice sharp and feral.
Fwhip!
Trevor staggers back, caught off guard as her arm flies up, nails raking across his cheek. He hisses as his hand instinctively flies to his face. Pulling it away, he stares at the streaks of blood on his palm, his breath catching in disbelief.Zelda locks eyes with him. Tears streak her dirt-smeared cheeks, but even through her trembling hands and wrecked appearance, her glare remains unyielding.The old Trevor might have hesitated at the sight before him, but after witnessing her broken state just moments ago, something inside him hardened.His expression darkens in an instant. His eyes narrow, and without warning, his hand shoots out."Now you’ve done it. Come here!" he snarls, grabbing a fistful of Zelda’s collar."Wait—No!" Zelda’s voice cracks with panic as he yanks her forward. Her sneakers skid against the slick pavement, unable to find traction. Desperation flares in her chest as she pounds her fists against his chest, each strike weak and futile against his grip.
Outside, the world is shrouded in a curtain of rain, the haze obscuring them from prying eyes. No one would see, no one would intervene. Just two kids locked in a desperate, uneven struggle.
“Stop squirming!” Trevor hisses, “Gak!” but a stray punch from Zelda connects with his neck, sending a dull ache radiating through his throat. He staggers slightly, his grip loosening for a fraction of a second before tightening again, anger flaring in his eyes."Let go!" Zelda cries, her voice cracking, fists pounding against him harder now, though her blows lack the strength to make a difference.Fed up, Trevor's free hand snaps across her face in a sharp, brutal backhand. The slap cracks through the heavy rain, momentarily drowning out the storm's roar. Zelda stumbles, her head jerking to the side, a red mark blooming across her cheek.Without hesitation she yanks her head back and spits, the glob landing squarely on his face.Trevor recoils, "Ugh, you little—" he snarls, wiping at his face, but Zelda seizes the opportunity, darting toward the edge of the bus stop.“Oh no, you don’t!” Trevor growls, grabbing her scarf and yanking her backwards. She gasps as he locks his arms around her in a clumsy hold.Not one to go down easily, Zelda slams her elbow into his gut, causing him to grunt. She thrashes, bashing the back of her head toward his face. Trevor barely jerks away in time, her head glancing off the side of his temple instead of breaking his nose.Their struggle sends them tumbling to the ground, rainwater splashing around them.Free for a fleeting moment, Zelda scrambles to her feet, but Trevor grabs her by the ankle. With a rough pull, he sends her sliding back.Clang!—Her head smacks loudly against the thin metal wall of the bus stop.The world spins around her, the clang reverberating in her ears. Dazed, Zelda tries to steady herself, but her vision blurs and Trevor straddles her with a triumphant sneer.She growls, summoning her remaining strength to throw another punch, but he slams her back down with a brutal shove, pinning her beneath his weight.“You’re not getting away this time,” Trevor hisses.Zelda lets out a strangled gasp, a cry caught in her throat as his hand clamps down on her neck. Pressure builds, cutting off her airway, her pulse pounding in her ears.“Just stay still,” he grits out, his voice cold and unrelenting. “You’ll tucker out in a few seconds. Don’t worry—I’ve practiced this before with Andy.”Her hands claw at his face, her nails digging into his skin, but it does nothing to loosen his grip. He grits his teeth, unfazed, tightening his hold. “And once you wake up, you’re…”She can’t hear the rest of what he said.The edges of her vision blur, dark tendrils creeping in as tears spill from her wide, desperate eyes. The world narrows to the unbearable weight on her chest and the iron grip on her throat.
No!
Zelda gasps!In a final burst of desperation, she summons strength from deep within, curling her knees up beneath him. She plants her feet firmly against his chest and, with a guttural grunt, shoves with every ounce of force she can muster.“Gak!” Trevor’s breath explodes from his lungs as her kick sends him tumbling backwards, dislodging his hold.Zelda collapses, gasping, the sweet rush of air filling her lungs as she coughs violently. Her vision clears just enough to see Trevor staggering out of the bus stop, clutching his chest as rain pelts his back.He groans, nearly slipping on the wet streets. Pain etches across his face, as he straightens.Zelda, still sprawled on the ground, barely has the strength to lift her head. Her body feels like lead, her breaths ragged and uneven. But the sight of Trevor marching back toward her, murder blazing in his eyes, sends a jolt of fear through her.“Why you bitc—!”
Slam!
A white pickup truck barrels into view, its headlights piercing through the downpour like a vengeful force.Zelda’s entire world freezes. She barely registers the vehicle as it hurls toward Trevor. Her lips part to scream, but the sound dies in her throat, drowned out by the storm’s roar.
Have you ever seen someone be run over? Let me describe it to you.

It’s not like the video games where the body ragdolls with exaggerated sprays of blood. No, the reality is far crueller, far more visceral!
The truck’s front bumper collides with his torso with brutal force. His body folds unnaturally as he’s launched forward, limbs flailing in arcs. The asphalt doesn’t welcome him kindly—he hits the ground with a sickening thud, only to be dragged beneath the skidding tires.The first wheel rolls over him, the sound a mix of gut-wrenching snaps and wet crunches as the weight of the truck grinds over his limbs. His arms twist at impossible angles, his legs bending in ways no human anatomy should allow.The second tire follows, mercilessly rolling over his head. The human skull doesn’t shatter like glass; it resists, but not enough to hold its shape. But you can imagine the once-recognizable features of his face are left mangled.The truck, as if spitting him out in disgust, sends his limp body tumbling across the street, out of view, before coming to a screeching halt. It hydroplanes, the tires losing their grip, and slams into a nearby pole.
Skrr!—Bang!—Kra-koom!
Lightning slices through the sky, the flash so bright it burns against Zelda’s eyes. The thunder drowns out everything—the rain, her heartbeat, the world itself.For a moment, everything freezes.Zelda’s breath catches, shallow and quick. Her wide eyes lock onto the blood streak stretching across the road. Thin rivulets of crimson snake through the rain-soaked asphalt, vanishing into the dark pools.The smell hits her first—metallic and bitter, sharp enough to curl her stomach. Smoke curls through the air, clinging to the rain as a tangy taste of copper coats the back of her dry throat.She swallows hard, the motion sending a painful jolt through her bruised neck. Her legs tremble as she pushes herself up, her body protesting every movement. Each ache and bruise screams for attention, but the rush of adrenaline in her ears drowns it all out.Zelda hesitates under the shelter of the bus stop, her fingers gripping the edge of the cold steel for balance. She peeks out, the rain hitting her cheeks like sharp needles.The pickup truck’s blinking hazard lights are the first thing she sees. They flicker faintly through the mist, casting rhythmic bursts of red onto the wet street.Its white frame lies crumpled like discarded paper, the hood smashed into a bent telephone pole. The tires hiss as air escapes, and dark streaks of oil creep across the ground, mixing with the rain.Her eyes flick to the silhouette slumped over the wheel, faint movement dances through the hazy window. The driver groans—a low, muffled sound—but her focus doesn’t linger.
Something else demands her attention.
Her heart stumbles as her gaze lowers to the street.A body lies motionless on the ground.“No…”
Kra-koom!
The world flashes white for an instant, thunder shaking the air, but Zelda barely notices. Her chest heaves, her breath hitching as she stumbles backwards.Her eyes stay locked on the sight before her… Trevor.
Or at least, what’s left of him.
Her gaze catches on the trapper hat, a darkened lump tossed to the side. It sits in a shallow pool, rainwater tinted red, stark against the glint of the slick asphalt.They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. But as her reflection peers into Trevor’s half-lidded, lifeless stare, she sees nothing. Not the seething anger, not the smug sneer—nothing but emptiness.Her stomach churns, and she wrenches her head away, but her gaze betrays her, sweeping over the rest of the scene.
A mistake.
Her eyes take in the crushed face. The cheeks caved in, the purple, swollen skin barely recognizable. His lips are split and bloated, teeth—what’s left of them—swimming in the blood gushing from his mouth.“—No,” she rasps, the word spilling out as her hand flies to her mouth. She tears her gaze away as she shakes her head, harder and harder, her voice trembling. “No, no, no! NO!”Her scream pierces through the rain, cutting the air with raw anguish.Zelda’s knees buckle, and she collapses onto the rough asphalt. The impact jolts through her legs, but she doesn’t care. Her fists slam into the ground, sending water splashing.“This can’t be happening!” she wails, her voice cracking as her tears mingle with the rain.She pounds the ground again, harder this time. “It’s not true! Take it back!”Her cries grow guttural, tearing from her throat as she stares at the lifeless body.“He’s just a boy!” she sobs, her fists falling limp as she presses her forehead to the cold, wet pavement. Her voice softens, cracking under the weight of despair. “I didn’t mean to… He doesn’t deserve this...”Her words fade into broken gasps and sniffles, her entire body trembling as she crumples completely. Her damp sweater clings to her like a second skin, heavy and suffocating.“Please…” she whispers, her voice barely audible.Her body slumps fully, her head resting on the steaming asphalt as her energy wanes. The road vibrates faintly beneath her, but the sensation doesn’t register.Her world narrows to the pounding of her heart and the weight of the storm pressing down on her.Then, everything fades—A sudden void creeps in, swallowing her world whole.……
Breathe, Zelda… Just breathe.
……Zelda gasps!In a final burst of desperation, she summons strength from deep within, curling her knees up beneath him. She plants her feet firmly against his chest and, with a guttural grunt, shoves with every ounce of force she can muster.“Gak!” Trevor’s breath explodes from his lungs as her kick sends him tumbling backwards, dislodging his hold.Zelda collapses, gasping, the sweet rush of air filling her lungs as she coughs violently. Her vision clears just enough to see Trevor staggering out of the bus stop, clutching his chest as rain pelts his back.He groans, nearly slipping on the wet streets. Pain etches across his face, as he straightens.Zelda, with renewed strength forces herself upright. Her breath catches as she locks eyes with Trevor who marches back towards her, murder blazing in his eyes.“Why you—!”“—Look out!”
Vroom!
The pickup truck hurtles past, narrowly missing them by a hair’s breadth. Zelda lunges forward just in time, shoving Trevor out of harm’s way.
The ground comes up fast and unforgiving.
They hit the ground hard, water splashing up as they skid across the rain-slick asphalt. Trevor grunts, the sting of his scraped elbows sharp and immediate. His chest feels crushed, a crushing weight on top of him.The truck screeches to a halt mere feet away, tires skidding briefly before stopping with a jolt.“Oh, thank goodness!” the driver stumbles out, voice trembling with relief. “Are you kids okay?”Trevor blinks up at the man, rain streaming down his face, his breath hitching as it dawns on him—he was nearly flattened.Groaning, he moves to push himself into a seated position, but something keeps him pinned. Confused, he glances down. That’s when he sees her.Zelda.She’s lying on top of him, her arms wrapped around him. For a moment, he freezes, his brain struggling to catch up.He hadn’t even noticed.Trevor’s chest tightens as realization flickers, quickly snuffed out by the familiar surge of anger. His fist clenches, rising instinctively, his knuckles trembling with rage as he glares down at her, rain dripping from his brow.But then—
Sniff.
The sound is so faint, it nearly drowns beneath the rain.His fist halts mid-air.She’s sobbing.Her small hands clutched desperately at his shirt, fingers trembling. Her head presses against his chest, her shoulders shaking violently with each broken breath. The rain mingles with her tears, tracing trails down her already-soaked face.There’s no defiance, no fight left in her. Just raw, unguarded emotion.His glare wavers, the fury in his eyes dimming as he stares at her. For the first time, he notices how frail she feels against him, how her breaths hitch like sobs caught in her throat.“—Hello, Safety Patrol? Yes, I need an ambulance—now,” the driver’s voice cuts through the haze, shaky but urgent, as he fumbles with his phone.Trevor blinks, his gaze shifting past the girl to the blinking hazard lights of the pickup truck still idling a few feet away. He hears the driver’s frantic words, feels the rain cold against his skin, and for the first time, the weight of what just happened crashes down on him.
He nearly died.
His hand lowers slowly, the strength draining from his clenched fist as it falls limp at his side. The anger burning in his chest is replaced by something heavier, something unfamiliar.
She saved him.
The thought makes Trevor’s stomach churn. He doesn’t say a word. For once, there’s nothing to say.He only listens to muffled sobs against his chest, her words incomprehensible murmurs. Whatever she’s saying, it’s soaked in relief.Around them, the world grows still. Trevor notices it first—the rhythmic drumming of the rain is gone. The storm, so fierce moments ago, has vanished as quickly as it came. The heavy clouds begin to disperse, their edges fading into a pale, clearing sky. The Weather Spirit must have finally moved on.What’s left behind is quiet. The air feels heavy with the aftermath, the faint scent of wet asphalt lingering as the city slowly re-emerges.The scene reveals itself under the glow of streetlights—glimmering puddles, the pickup truck sits idly nearby, its frantic driver pacing around, and two children at the centre of it all.Curtains shift in nearby buildings, faint silhouettes moving behind glass. Faces press against fogged-up windows, curious eyes peering down at the aftermath of what could have been a tragedy.Trevor doesn’t move, doesn’t speak. His eyes stay fixed on the girl sobbing against him, her frail form shaking in the storm.
For the first time, he doesn’t know what to do.

*~~oOo~~*

End Scene

Chapter Eight – Storm’s End

*~~oOo~~*

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Book 1 - Of Butterflies and Elves

*~~oOo~~*

Clones!
"—And this afternoon on Trollberg News Center (TNC), Trolberg experienced what experts are calling a freak weather event. A storm swept through the city at an alarming pace. The cause? An angry Weather Spirit, leaving chaos in its wake.Flooding along the Bjorn River, with emergency crews working round the clock! Reports of car accidents have been pouring in from nearly every district. For many out on foot, the sudden chill brought on by the storm has left more than a few residents shivering their way into hospital queues with nasty colds.Remarkably, no fatalities have been reported so far. However, there are reports of close calls involving two children and a white pickup—"The radio cuts off with a harsh click."That’s enough radio for today," Ramirez mutters. "Like people need another excuse to panic."The comic book store manager strolls through the empty shop, the storm's damp stillness lingering outside. After sending the stranded kids home, he sifts through the disordered stacks of comics they left behind.

Ding-ding-Bang!

Ramirez jolts upright as the front door of the store slams open.“Zelda!” A little girl with long, mesmerizing blue hair bursts into the store, her voice sharp with urgency. When she sees no one else around, she darts straight to the first person she sees—Ramirez.“Excuse me!” she gasps, breathless.“Woah, kiddo!” Ramirez spins around to face her. “Didn’t think I’d see you back so soon—wait a sec, when did you dye your hair blue?” He narrows his eyes, giving her a skeptical once-over.“I don’t dye my hair—” She shakes her head. “—I don’t have time for this! Have you seen a girl about this tall, looks like me, but with long brown hair?” She waves to herself.Ramirez rubs his stubbled chin thoughtfully. “Pretty sure you’re just describing yourself, kid.”“NO! I’m not—ugh!” Hilda groans, throwing her hands up in frustration.“Hold on—you’re not Zelda,” Ramirez says, narrowing his eyes as he leans in closer. “But you look just like her... Hmm, suspicious...”Hilda’s eyes widen, relief flashing across her face. “So she’s been here! Please, can you help me? I need to find her—” she pleads, her voice urgent.“Which only means you’re a CLONE of Zelda!” He accuses with a dramatic gasp.Hilda stares at him, utterly baffled. “Wuh—?”“You’re a clone, a copy, a changeling! Sent by the government to replace us to make the general populace obedient! They’re doing it one by one—first Zelda, and now me!” Ramirez’s eyes dart around like he’s expecting men in black suits to burst through the walls.“What?!” Hilda’s voice shoots up an octave. “Woah!” She stumbles back as Ramirez grabs a rolled-up comic book and starts swiping it at her like she’s some alien invader.“Stay back! Back, I say!” Ramirez waves the comic wildly, retreating behind a rack. “You’re not taking me alive!”He takes another swing, only for Hilda to catch the comic in one swift move, gripping it firmly in her palm.“Zelda’s my twin sister! And I’m not a government clone—you ugh~” she practically yells in his face, biting back an insult before shoving the rolled-up comic back into his chest.Ramirez freezes, the gears in his brain grinding to a halt. His mouth hangs open for a beat, “Oh... You’re her twin sister.” He glances at her over, noting their similar face and stature “Yeah, that checks out.” He shrugs as he tenderly comes out of his hiding place.“So, you’ve seen her? Was she here?” Hilda presses. Her voice tight with hope.“Uh, yeah,” Ramirez admits after a pause, scratching the back of his head. Relief floods Hilda’s face for a fleeting moment. “But she left before the storm hit,” he adds, deflating her instantly.Her shoulders slump. “Did you see where she went?”He shakes his head, and the disappointment hits her like a punch. Hilda lets out a frustrated sigh and turns toward the door.Ramirez, oblivious, mutters, “Man, if I had a nickel for every time someone asked about Zelda, I’d have two. Which isn’t much, but weird it’s happened twice.”Hilda freezes mid-step, her head snapping back toward him. “Wait—someone else was looking for her?”“Yup. Some woman barged in about half an hour ago. Brown hair, maroon sweater, soaking wet, demanding to know if she’d been here. Just like you.”Hilda’s eyes widen as a sinking realization dawns. “That’s Mum!”Ramirez whistles low. “Figured as much. Scary lady, your mum. Looked like she was ready to tear the place apart if I didn’t answer fast enough. But yeah, she was worried—big-time.”Hilda’s fists clench at her sides. “So, she’s out looking for her too...” She stares at the floor, lost in thought. The silence stretches, making Ramirez shift awkwardly before he clears his throat.“You alright, kid?” he ventures, worriedly hovering over her. “Need a hand or somethin’?”Hilda snaps out of it “No, thanks. This is my mess to sort out,” she replies, her tone firm but not unkind.Pivoting on her heel, she strides toward the door. “Thanks anyway,” she calls over her shoulder.“Good luck finding your sister!” Ramirez hollers after her.

Ding-ding.

The bell above the door chimes as it swings shut, followed by the slap of boots on wet pavement. Ramirez watches the blue-haired girl disappear out of view.“Those twins are a handful,” he mutters, turning back to his store. “Here’s hoping they don’t bring more trouble my way.”
*~~oOo~~*

Promises
“Excuse me! Have you seen my daughters? Twins, yay tall—one has brown hair, the other blue? No? Okay.” With that, Johanna exits a convenience store and hurriedly ducks into another one adjacent.She briefly brushes past Verene, who steps inside a nearby shop.“Good afternoon. Terrible weather we’re having—have you seen these two girls?” Verene holds up a photo of Hilda and Zelda. “Twins, blue hair, brown hair? No? Thank you for your time.” She slips the borrowed picture back into her pocket and moves on.“Hey!” Johanna’s voice cracks as she addresses the clerk at a corner shop. “Two kids—blue hair, brown hair, twins. Did you happen to see at least a glimpse of them? No?” She barely waits for the headshake before rushing out.Verene steps into a quaint bakery. “Pardon me, but have you noticed a girl with blue hair and her sister passing through?” She accepts the baker’s apologetic no with a polite nod and sighs as she steps back into the street.Johanna barges into another shop. She shivers the moment the cold AC touches her soaked maroon sweater. “Brown-haired girl, have you seen her? Please, it’s urgent—are you sure? She might’ve been running, crying even… No?” She scoffs, frustration spilling over as she storms out.Verene, meanwhile, approaches a florist with her usual poise. “… Could you keep an eye out for these two girls? Their mother’s desperate to find them.” She hands over a hastily scribbled note with Johanna’s number. “Thank you, truly.” Her tone is steady, but there’s weariness in her eyes as she exits.By the time the storm clears and the Weather Spirit departs, the two women had begun scouring half the block around the comic book store on foot, abandoning Verene’s car for its uselessness in such a sprawling search.Reuniting at the corner of a rain-slicked street, their expressions mirroring the same frustration and fatigue. Johanna’s maroon sweater clings to her skin, rain and sweat mingling as her short brown hair sticks to her face. She shivers at a passing breeze, her breath coming fast.Verene, though still neat in her pristine white gold-trimmed jacket, carries a subtle weariness in her eyes. “Any luck?” she asks, though she already knows the answer.Johanna shakes her head, her voice cracking. “T-They’re out there somewhere. I just—” She swallows hard, her body trembling.Verene rests a steadying hand on Johanna’s shoulder. “We’ll find them,” she says softly, her calm tone a soothing contrast to Johanna’s rising panic. “Now that the storm’s passed, let’s check the hardware store again. They might’ve gone back.”“Yeah,” Johanna murmurs, though her voice wavers with doubt.After nearly half an hour of fruitless searching, the two adults decide to head back to their starting point, the hardware store.A flash of blue streaks dances across Johanna’s peripheral vision—a small, blurry figure dashing through the streets.Johanna freezes, her heart pounding. The figure halts too, as though sensing her gaze. For a moment, the world feels suspended as their eyes lock. Even from a distance, Johanna recognizes the unmistakable blue hair, yellow scarf, red boots, and black beret bobbing in rhythm with hurried steps.“Mum!”“Hilda!”“Mum!” Hilda’s breathless shout pierces the air as she pumps her legs across the wet pavement, her red boots splashing with every step. She reaches her Mum in seconds, with a face bright with relief.“Mum, thank goodness you’re here!” her arms flails as she starts to explain. “I waited out the terrible storm in a tent with some Sparrow Scouts, then I went straight to the comic book shop and—”“Where’s your sister?” Johanna cuts her off, her voice sharp and clipped.Hilda freezes, her excitement fading at the sight of her mum’s frown and stern glare.“I—I...” She stutters, and she shrinks slightly. Nervously rubbing her shoulders while avoiding Johanna’s sharp gaze.“I don’t know,” she finally whispers, the words tasting bitter as they leave her mouth.“You don’t know? Tsk-,” Johanna clicks her tongue, making Hilda flinch. “Didn’t I tell you two to stick together?” she says, her voice low but brimming with disappointment. “That was my one rule for letting you go to the comic book store. And now, look what’s happened!”She steps closer, her frustration spilling over. “Hilda, you promised! You know how she gets in storms like this—how helpless she is! What was I thinking, letting you two wander off alone in the city?” She paces around.Hilda’s shoulders hunch at each jab. Her throat tightens, every every excuse she’d rehearsed stripped away. Her eyes sting, but she bites the inside of her cheek, swallowing the lump rising in her throat.
She won’t cry. She won’t.
Johanna opens her mouth but catches herself, a tight frustrated breath escaping. She pinches the bridge of her nose. Casting the look that stabs deeper than any words could to a child. “Let’s just go find her, we’ll continue this later,” she bristles, striding past her daughter.Hilda remains rooted in place, her heart sinking into her stomach.Johanna pauses, glancing back. Her eyes flicker with something—regret, maybe—but it vanishes as quickly as it came. Her face hardens, and she turns away, her voice cold. “Now, Hilda.”Hilda jolts, her feet moving before she can fully register the command.She follows silently, her red boots dragging along the pavement. Her mum marches ahead, shoulders stiff.Meanwhile, Hilda’s thoughts churn with guilt, each step sinking her further into regret.“Hey, um... Hilda, is it?” A soft, tentative voice interrupts the silence.Hilda flinches, quickly rubbing away the tears as she turns on her heel. It’s the blonde woman—the one she saw accompanying her Mum—kneeling to her with gentle concern.“I’m Verene,” the woman softly introduces. She steps closer, keeping her movements unhurried. “That was... a bit rough back there. Quite a scolding—are you alright?”Hilda ducks her chin into her yellow scarf, mumbling, “I’m fine.”Verene sighs. “Look, your mum—she’s not angry at you. She’s just stressed—tired from the day’s event. And on top of it all… She’s afraid. You know how mothers get when they’re worried.” She lightly adds in the end.“It doesn’t matter. It’s all my fault anyways,”“No, no, no—none of this is your fault, dear. Not a bit,”“But it is…” Hilda sniffs, her voice cracking. “If I’d just kept my promise—stayed with my sister—none of this would’ve happened. We wouldn’t be here, not like this. I should’ve stayed—I should’ve…”Her words crumble, as she bites back another wave of hot tears.Verene looks away giving her a moment to recompose herself before she gently places a hand on Hilda’s shoulder.“You made a mistake, love, and that’s alright. You’re just a kid. Sometimes things happen that are out of our hands, no matter how hard we try. Your mum understands that even if it doesn’t seem like it right now.Do you understand dear?”Hilda nods hesitantly, her shoulders relaxing just a fraction. It’s a small gesture, but Verene sees it as a win. She offers a soft smile, warm and reassuring, and straightens up.“Come on,” Verene encourages. “Let’s go help your mum. The sooner we find Zelda, the sooner everything will start to feel better.”Hilda sniffs and wipes her damp cheeks with her sleeves. Her boots scuff against the pavement as she rises, her steps hesitant at first but slowly growing steadier. She glances at Verene, who offers a subtle nod of encouragement.Together, they head toward the hardware store. The guilt lingers, heavy like a shadow she can’t quite shake, but Verene’s words have eased some of its weight. For the first time since everything spiralled out of control, Hilda feels like she’s moving forward.“M-Ma’am, I’m really sorry, but we haven’t, uh... seen your daughter. Not since, before the storm, and believe me we’ve been on the lookout for a blue-haired girl and her twin, ever since." The lanky teenage clerk of the hardware store stammers, under the mother’s gaze.Johanna groans, letting her forehead drop to the countertop. She slumps, the exhaustion in her posture betraying how close she is to unraveling. Her damp hair clings to her forehead, and the counter’s cool surface offers no comfort.The clerk fidgets “I-I mean, if you’d like, I could call, um, Safety Patrol for you?” He offers.“No!”Johanna winces at her own tone, rubbing her temples. "No, that won’t be necessary, thank you." She tries for a smile, but it barely lifts the corners of her mouth. "She’s probably nearby. Just... somewhere close." She nervously chuckles.The teen shrugs “If it’s any consolation, here’s a coupon for garden gnomes.”Johanna takes it, crumples it, and shoves it into her pocket. Without another word, she turns for the exit. She passes by her abandoned cart, sitting untouched in the corner, filled with the supplies meant to fix her home, but she doesn’t spare it a glance.Just as Johanna’s hand touches the door, the clerk’s voice cuts through the air. “Uh okay. And erm how would you rate HandyFix Hardware store customer service from one to ten?”Her bloodshot eyes turn onto him. "One," she says, deadpan.

Slam

Outside, the cool air bites at Johanna as she slumps against the exterior brick wall of the hardware store. The rough texture presses against her back, grounding her as her breaths come unsteady. Ignoring Verene’s and her daughter’s concerned looks as they approach her.“That’s it,” she mutters, the words barely audible over the distant hum of passing cars. “We are never going to find her.”Her legs give out, and she slides to the ground. She blinks rapidly, fighting back tears. Crying isn’t an option—not here, not in front of Hilda.Hilda reaches out, her hand hovering… After a beat, she places it gently on her mum’s shoulder. The weight of Johanna’s slumped figure hits her like a blow to the stomach.
If I’d just stayed with Zelda...
The thought threatens to paralyze her as she shakes it away. Pushing away the guilt churning in her stomach. She decides right here, right now she won’t let the guilt eat her alive like this, as she steels her expression, donning a mask.Then something catches her eye—A flash of bright yellow against the grey backdrop. Across the street, a pair of Sparrow Scouts in their mustard uniform darts down the sidewalk.“Hmm… I wonder…”A proverbial lightbulb lits up, as a spark ignites in her. She straightens, clenching her fists. I can fix this. Without hesitation, she turns on her heel and begins to stride away from the adults.“And where exactly do you think you’re going?” Johanna peeks through her fingers, her voice muffled.Hilda stops mid-step, glancing back. Her hands tighten into fists at her sides. “To get help. More eyes. More hands. We’ll find Zelda faster that way.”Johanna shoots a dubious look. “Hilda I—”“Don’t worry, Mum. I’ll fix this,  I have a plan!” She says with a spur-of-the-moment confidence, her blue hair turning as she declares “We’ll find her. I promise.”Before Johanna can respond, Hilda heads off.Johanna pushes herself up, her movements slow. Muscles aching as she inches to the edge of the pavement.“What is she doing?” Verene asks quietly, stepping up beside her.Johanna squints, raising a brow “Talking to... kids.” The word feels strange in her mouth, and she tilts her head, bewildered at the sight of her daughter talking to kids her age for once.Hilda gestures as she speaks, her blue hair bouncing with every energetic gesture. The Sparrow Scouts listen intently, then pull out a folded map, spreading it out between them. They exchange nods, the Scout’s hand tracing a line on the paper before Hilda thanks them and sprints back.“Come on follow me! Quick, let’s get in Gertrude!” Hilda calls out, breathless but determined.“Gertrude?” Johanna echoes, confused, as Hilda drags her toward their family car. With a sigh, Johanna digs into her pocket, reluctantly unlocking it.Hilda wastes no time, throwing herself into the front seat, her urgency spilling over in her impatient fidgeting.Johanna glances back at Verene.Verene grins, jingling her keys as she gestures toward her sleek black Corvette parked a few steps away. “Go on ahead. I’ll catch up.”Inside the car, Johanna grips the wheel tightly, glancing at Hilda as leftover droplets of rain roll down the windshield. “Hilda, whatever it is you’re planning, I’m not sure we have the time for another dead end,” she says.“Mum, just trust me.” Hilda’s replies, her gaze fixed ahead.Johanna hesitates, her fingers drumming on the steering wheel. After a moment, she gulps “Alright,” she turns the key to start Gertrude and the car hums to life, “Where to?”“On the way back to the comic book store, there’s a small park on the side—we need to head there,” Hilda says. She mutters under her breath, “Hope they’re still there...”Johanna’s foot presses the pedal, the tires splashing through shallow puddles as Gertrude glides onto the slick streets of Trolberg. For the first time all day, something stirs in Johanna—something lighter than the oppressive dread she’s been carrying. It’s faint, but enough to make her sit a little straighter in her seat.
“Where’s your sister!”
Her thoughts snag on the vicious tone of her earlier scolding, a pang of guilt settling like a stone in her stomach. She glances sideways at Hilda, who’s gazing out the window, her fingers drumming lightly on her knees. The sight twists something in Johanna.She slows at the stoplight "Hilda," she begins, her eyes flicking down for a moment, unable to meet her daughter’s gaze. "About earlier... what I said—"Before Johanna can finish, Hilda reaches over, her small hand resting atop her mother’s on the wheel.Johanna gasps softly, the gesture steadying her. Hilda's small, earnest smile feels like a lifeline, quiet but full of reassurance.“I know, Mum,” Hilda says gently, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions. “But let’s focus on finding Zelda first, okay?”Johanna blinks, momentarily caught off guard, but nods. The tension in her shoulders eases as she exhales, the relief palpable.Hilda turns back to her seat, swinging her feet lightly, her energy undeterred despite everything. It’s an oddly heartwarming sight, her determination wrapped in something so quintessentially her—an earnestness that tugs at Johanna’s heart.Without another word, Johanna presses her foot on the gas, speeding up. The question lingers in her mind: was it a good thing or a bad thing to leave this conversation for later? She doesn’t know.Nonetheless, the silence between them feels lighter now, a small reprieve for their relationship.But when Johanna isn’t looking, her daughter’s smile falters for a split second.
*~~oOo~~*

Grand Plan
“Hold still,” Aaliyah says while sticking out her tongue.She tilts the Polaroid camera around to line up the perfect shot. Her blonde-haired friend, Sinon, stands stiffly in front of their newly put up and well-pitched tent, awkwardly pointing at it with his thumb.“Could you hurry up? My arms getting tired,” Sinon grumbles through a forced grin, his arm wobbling in emphasis.“Hold on,”Sinon growls. “Just take the stupid picture already—!”

Click—Flash!

Sinon flinches, a split-second too late to shut his eyes. He sways, blinking rapidly as bright spots dance in his vision. All the while hearing the camera whirring as it spits out the photo.Aaliyah giggles, shaking the picture to help the colours develop. “Your face—priceless!” she laughs.Sinon scowls, rubbing his eyes. “I’m seeing stars, thanks.”The two huddle together, eyes on the developing photo as it gradually comes into focus. Sinon stands proudly in front of their sturdy tent, striking a pose with an overly enthusiastic grin. The wet grass and trees form a backdrop, all under a cloudy sky.“Not bad,” Sinon mutters, scanning the image.Aaliyah stretches with a satisfied hum. “That’s it for today’s refresher. One step closer to the end-of-year camping trip.” She tucks a stray strand of hair back into her magenta hijab.“Yup, only three more to go before we’re back to the same ol’ badge activities,” Sinon replies.They share a smile, brief but warm, before turning wordlessly to pack up their gear. Just as Aaliyah zips up the last compartment of her pack, the crunch of tires on the pavement breaks the quiet.Both she and Sinon snap their heads toward the sound just as a car door slams. A familiar voice—loud, urgent—cuts through the park.“Sinon! Aaliyah!”Aaliyah's eyes widen. “Hilda!” She springs to her feet, a wide grin spreading across her face.Sinon blinks, folding his arms. “What are you doing here?” He then steps in front of their tent with exaggerated flair, planting himself protectively. “Oh no you don’t! You stay away from our tent this time!”Hilda skids to a stop, momentarily confused. Then it hits her. “Oh, right... that,” She scratches the back of her head, looking sheepish.Aaliyah rolls her eyes and waves the Polaroid photo in the air. “Doesn’t matter, Sinon. We’re done with the task already.”“Oh.” Sinon lowers his arm, stepping aside with a huff. “Carry on, then.”“I’m not here for your tent,” Hilda says firmly.Aaliyah notices her friend’s sudden shift in tone.  “Did you find your sister?” she delicately asks, cutting straight to the point.Hilda shakes her head, exhaling hard through her nose. “No. Listen, I need your guy’s help—and probably the other Sparrow Scouts, too.”The two exchange a wary glance, their earlier playfulness fading. Straightening up, they focus entirely on their friend.Hilda takes a deep breath and begins her story, her words tumbling out faster as she recounts it all.As Aaliyah listens, her brows knit with concern. Beside her, Sinon shifts on his feet, arms crossed, his usual quips absent.When Hilda finishes, a brief silence settles over them. Then, Aaliyah steps forward. “Alright, how can we help?” she asks. Sinon nods beside her, backing her up.Hilda exhales, the tension in her shoulders easing just a fraction.“Alright everyone huddle up. I’ve got a plan!”Everyone gathers and forms a tight circle. The adults—Verene and Johanna—stand at the back, while Hilda, Sinon, and Aaliyah take the lead up front. A map of Trolberg lies open between them.Johanna and Verene exchange a glance, their unease palpable. Letting a group of kids take the lead on something they couldn’t handle themselves feels... off.But as Johanna watches Hilda lay out her plan with confidence, her friends nodding along, her hesitation softens. There’s a determination in the kids’ faces that’s hard to ignore.
Friends… Her daughter has friends.
The realization hits her quietly, and a small, proud smile tugs at the corners of her lips.
“The plan is simple, we split up into groups of two. Two cars. Me, Aaliyah and Mum in one. Verene and Sinon in the other,”
Said two cars peel away in opposite directions. Johanna steers cautiously down the left side, while Hilda and Aaliyah comb through every alley and shifting shadow with sharp, restless eyes.Across the street, Verene’s car moves just as methodically, Sinon leaning forward, his eyes locked on the buildings, while Verene glances between the road and the map.Despite the distance between the two, they move in sync, covering a lot of ground.
"Along the way, if we encounter any Sparrow Scouts, it’s best to let Aaliyah and Sinon handle this part..."
Two Sparrow Scouts trudge along the pavement, drenched and slumped with defeat. Their tent never stood a chance against the storm, and now they’re making their way back to Raven Leader, ready to admit as much—until a car slows beside them, forcing them to pause.The familiar face of a fellow Scout leans out the window. Sinon cuts straight to the point—asking if they’ve seen Zelda.The answer is predictable. No.Without missing a beat, Sinon pivots to the next, integral, phase of Hilda’s plan. “Then spread the word if you run into other Sparrows. Tell them what she looks like and ask them to share it with the others, okay?”The Scouts nod.Satisfied, Sinon flashes a grin, as Verene pulls away, their car vanishing down the rain-slicked street.Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Aaliyah asks the same favour to a pair of girl Sparrow Scouts.“It’s okay if you haven’t seen her, but could you pass the word along to any other Sparrows you come across? It would really help.”The girls nod in agreement, and Aaliyah’s smile widens in response.Inside the car, Hilda, Johanna, and Aaliyah share a quiet smile. Hilda’s plan seems to be working.
"—You guys will be crucial in spreading the word to the other scouts about Zelda’s description. They’re more likely to do so coming from a fellow scout. Hopefully, word will climb the grapevine about my missing sister.”
Taking a quick break, Johanna pulls into a petrol station to fill up Gertrude while Hilda and Aaliyah snack on sandwiches and drinks in the backseat.Aaliyah munches on a cucumber sandwich, her brow furrowed as she turns to her friend who has a forlorn look while staring out into the distance.“Hilda,” she starts, her voice tentative, “what if this doesn’t work? What then?”Hilda immediately steels her face and plasters a smile. “It will work,” she says simply, her voice steady. “This is our best shot. With everyone’s help, we’ll find her.” Her gaze shifts to her mum, and she reaches over, clasping Johanna’s hand tightly. “We have to.”
Because she can’t stomach it if it doesn’t.
Johanna nods, and Aaliyah follows suit, her unease easing ever so slightly. But the moment is cut short as the low rumble of an engine draws their attention. Verene’s sleek black Corvette pulls up beside them.Sinon bursts out of the car, and practically sprints to their window, knocking impatiently. “We found her!” he shouts.It takes a moment for the news to sink in. Then, all at once, they swarm around Sinon, their voices overlapping as they hound the panting blonde boy for details. He’s still catching his breath, eyes wide from the rush, but it’s Aaliyah who hands him a drink first. He gratefully accepts, gulping it down to calm his nerves."Okay, okay,” Sinon says, finally steadying himself. “So there’s this Sparrow who heard it from another Sparrow, who got it from Bugboy David, who was informed by another Sparrow. Who said—spotted a girl who looked like her down the avenue, left to a street, towards a service road at a bus stop!”Johanna’s eyes narrow slightly, her voice cautious but hopeful. “Are you sure?”A flicker of hesitation crosses the boy’s face, but it’s quickly quelled when Verene steps to his side, her calm presence confirming what they’ve just heard. “Y-Yeah,” he stammers. “Said they wore a red scarf and a grey sweater. Matches her description and all.”“That’s her,” Hilda shouts.“Quick, let’s go!” Johanna says, already starting the car. The group scrambles to follow, their movements quick but purposeful.Despite the overcast sky, the world seems a little brighter. The road ahead stretches out, and for the first time in what feels like forever, they have a clear direction.
*~~oOo~~*

Rainbow
A trapper hat for those who don’t know is that cosy, old-school winter staple with ear flaps you can tie up or let hang down. Its insides are lined with soft fleece or fur and designed to cover your ears and sometimes even your chin, it’s practically a hug for your head.
For those who still don’t know… Google it.
Trevor’s trapper hat, as he holds it, is now swollen wet, caked in dirt grime sweat, and even a scent of blood, but it remains absent in his eyes, but he knows it's there. He can feel it, but why?The ambulance’s flashing lights paint the wet pavement in sharp, rhythmic bursts. Nearby, voices buzz—a mix of medical personnel, Safety Patrol, and a pale, shaken driver pacing by his white pickup truck.Amidst it all, Trevor sits hunched on the edge of the curb. A few feet away, Zelda perches on the rear loading step of the ambulance, idly kicking her legs back and forth. The space between them is thick with an awkward, lingering silence.Zelda stares at her dirtied shoes, the scuffed tips and smeared grime holding her focus.Across from her, Trevor shifts restlessly. He keeps sneaking glances at her, his brow furrowed. His hand hovers over the fresh bandage on his cheek, his foot tapping against the pavement in a jittery rhythm. The dull ache in his chest does little to curb his fidgeting.“Why did you do it?”The low question snaps Zelda from her daze. She lifts her tired eyes to meet Trevor’s sharp, searching gaze.“What do you mean?”“Don’t play dumb!”He points a trembling finger at her. “Why did you do it? Why did you save me? A-After everything I did!” He pauses, then adds hurriedly, “A-And don’t think this makes us even. I’m still very angry at you for what you did!”“So, I should’ve just let you get run over? Is that it?” Zelda asks with a cock of her head.“No, I—” Trevor falters, his hand dropping. “I didn’t mean…”He stares at her, his indignation wilting under the weight of her steady gaze. Around them, the noisy hum of voices and shuffling feet carries on, but at that moment, it’s just the two of them.A sigh escapes her lips as she drops her gaze to the ground.“You know why I saved you, Trevor?” Zelda begins, her voice firm but with a faint tremor she’s trying hard to suppress. “Because you’re just a kid.” She pauses. “A boy who—yeah, maybe a douche and a bit of a dick—but still just a boy.”Trevor gives her a dry look.
What on earth is she saying?
“You didn’t deserve what could’ve happened.” She takes a trembling breath, her gaze distant to the skyline, as if seeing something no one else can. "No one deserves to go out like that. Pathetic. Unexpected. Just... gone. Life’s too unfair for me to stomach things like that. To think it all ends in a blink, with no rhyme or reason. It’s cruel. Unrelenting.""I’ve seen what the world does to people who think they’re ready for it—who think they can outlast it. But they can’t. Not always. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how strong, smart, or careful you are. The outside world doesn’t play fair! It’ll throw storms, quakes, floods—things you can’t bargain with, can’t outwit. And you’ll lose. I’ve seen it, f-felt it. Nobody will win."
Not even her sister?
She hugs her arms to herself, her shoulders tense, and her voice quieter now, almost a whisper. "But I know one thing for sure. No one deserves to be erased, forgotten, swept away by something so... meaningless. If I can stop it—just once, forever even—then I have to. Because who else will?""So yeah, I saved you, Trevor. Not because I wanted to, but because I couldn’t stand the alternative." She resolutely finishes.Silence settles between them, thick and unmoving. Zelda waits, almost expecting a response. But when she finally glances his way, he pointedly avoids meeting her eyes.…For a beat, nothing.Then—she huffs out a dry laugh.Trevor stiffens, caught off guard. His eyes flick toward her, hesitant, confused.“What’s so funny?”Zelda shakes her head, a faint smirk playing on her lips. “Heh, look at me, rambling like some wise old sage to a kid.” She chuckles. “I forgot you’re just a boy in over his head.”The words she spoke did her intended effect.“Well—You’re a kid too!” Trevor puffs up indignantly, crossing his arms.The tension in the air eases, just a little, giving the poor boy a moment to digest her words. Then, he turns his head slightly and mumbles something under his breath.“Mmm, sorry…”Zelda swivels toward him, her brow furrowing. “What was that? I didn’t catch what you said.”Trevor huffs, scratching the back of his head as he turns away. “I’m sorry, okay? Happy?” he snaps, his voice tinged with frustration.“Oh,” Zelda says, her tone softening. She pauses, studying him for a moment. “Apology accepted.”She isn’t sure if she’s imagining it, but she swears she sees him sigh in relief, his shoulders relaxing just a fraction.Besides I’m not the one who’s supposed to be apologizing, Zelda thinks to herself, though she keeps the words to herself, letting the moment settle between them. Zelda leans back, her gaze lifting to the sky just as the sun breaks through the receding clouds, its golden light spilling across the horizon before sunset. Her eyes widen, and she hails to him. “Hey, look.”Trevor follows her gaze, and the moment he sees it, he sucks in a breath.A vibrant rainbow arching across the sky, its colours peeking through the grey clouds and glowing against the orange backdrop of the setting sun.“The Bifröst,” Zelda says, a hint of awe in her voice.Trevor rolls his eyes but can’t hide the small smile tugging at his lips. “It’s called a rainbow, stupid.”“I know,” Zelda replies, grinning. “But admit it, calling it the Bifröst sounds way cooler.”The two chuckle, the last of the tension slipping away. For a moment, they sit in comfortable silence, admiring the rainbow stretching across the sky.Despite the chaos left behind by the storm, there’s always a quiet promise—a rainbow waiting to break through, a reminder that even after the worst, something beautiful can still emerge.
Only one person in this conversation can see that.
The quiet respite shatters as the familiar rattle of a yellow car echoes down the street. Zelda’s breath catches—Gertrude. Her eyes lock onto the windshield, where the unmistakable faces of her family come into focus.Before she fully registers it, she’s on her feet, startling Trevor as she bolts toward the street.The sentiment is mutual. Gertrude hasn’t even come to a full stop before the car doors fly open. Johanna and Hilda burst out, their faces flooded with relief.“Mum! Hilda!”“Zelda!”The three collide in a tangle of arms and tears, the weight of everything they’ve been through melting away in an instant. Johanna pulls Zelda into a tight embrace, her hands trembling as she holds her daughter close. Hilda wraps her arms around both of them, burying her face in Zelda’s shoulder, her laughter mixing with sobs.They pay no mind to the approaching footsteps of Trevor, Verene, Sinon, and Aaliyah or the curious stares of onlookers. None of it registers.In this moment, nothing else matters.Their family is whole again—reunited against all odds. And that’s all that counts.
*~~oOo~~*

Goodbye
A quick exchange with the paramedics is all it takes for Johanna to learn about the near accident. The realization sets off a whirlwind of fussing—pulling Zelda into an almost suffocating embrace, bombarding the paramedics with questions, and hounding the apologetic driver of the white pickup truck."Ma’am, rest assured, we’ve checked her over multiple times. Miraculously, there’s nay a single scratch on her," one of the paramedics assures.Only then does Hilda manage to pry Zelda from their mother’s iron grip. Thus leaving the adults to sort out the details of her discharge with the first responders and Safety Patrol.“Whoa, it’s like looking at a mirror,” Sinon remarks as he and Aaliyah stroll up behind the sisters.“Duh, because they’re identical twins, Sinon,” Aaliyah replies, rolling her eyes.“Actually, we’re fraternal,” Zelda corrects, gesturing to her sister’s bright blue hair. “Fraternal twins can have different traits, like hair colour.”“Psh, right, as if she was born with natural blue hair,” Sinon scoffs playfully.Zelda opens her mouth to retort, but Hilda raises her arm, cutting her off. “Just give it up, sis,” Hilda sighs, her tone dripping with faux defeat, much to Aaliyah’s amusement.“Sooo, these are?” Zelda drawls, trying not to sound rude but clearly curious.“Ooh! Zelda, this is Sinon and Aaliyah,” Hilda chimes in, waving enthusiastically toward the two. “They’re the ones who helped find you!” She pauses.“They’re friends…” The words feel strange on her tongue, as a smile slowly spreads across her face. It’s a small, tentative thing at first, but it grows, lighting up her expression as the realization sinks in.“Wow, you’re friends with them?” Zelda glances at the pair. “The two hopeless bickering Sparrow Scouts from earlier? You were hanging out with them?”“Hey,” Sinon protests, though there’s no real offence in his tone.“I’d like the first to say, congratulations Hilda. You’re plan worked!” Aaliyah just shakes her head, amused.“It did!” Hilda squeals as she bounces on her toes, her eyes sparkling. “And I couldn’t have done it without you guys. Or the rest of the Sparrow Scouts!” She beams at them.With first impressions and introductions out of the way, the group settles into an easy rhythm, laughter bubbling up as the tension melts away.Johanna stands to the side, watching as they get to know each other. She’s been told she can take her daughter home now, but she doesn’t rush them. Let them have their moment, she thinks.“Everything alright?” Verene asks, sliding up beside her, hands tucked into her coat pockets from the upcoming cold evening.“All clear,” Johanna replies, her shoulders relaxing a little. “Just relieved things didn’t take a turn for the worse.” She fishes something out of her pocket—a folded piece of paper—and hands it to Verene. “Here, take this.”Verene takes it gingerly, unfolding it and squinting at the words. “A guaranteed free crate of vegetables; including cabbages, potatoes, turnips, and alfalfa?” She looks up, confused. “What’s this about?”“The driver of the white pickup gave it to me,” Johanna explains, shrugging. “After I decided not to press charges. Turns out he’s some big-shot farmer at the local market. Thought it was the least he could do.”Verene shakes her head, trying to hand the paper back. “I couldn’t possibly—”Johanna cuts her off, gently pushing the paper back into her hands. “Please. Consider it a thank you. For everything you’ve done today.”Verene hesitates, then sighs. "Alright," she says. "But that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook—you still owe me a day of window shopping in the city."Johanna chuckles. "First thing I’ll put on my calendar when I get home, promise."She glances at the sky,  the setting sun paints the sky in hues of orange and pink and with it, her expression dims. "I’m afraid we have to get going," she says. "It’s getting late—trolls might wake soon, and the city gates will close. Plus, it’s an hours-long drive back to our place."Verene nods. "I get it."Johanna turns to the kids, raising her voice. “Kids, it’s time to go home.”Hilda nods at her mum before turning back to her friends. "Well, I guess this is goodbye," she says, keeping her tone light, though there's a weight behind the words."For now," Aaliyah corrects with a small smile. "Think about joining the Sparrow Scouts, yeah? I promise it'll be loads of fun!""I will," Hilda assures her. "Once I sort out everything with the elves. I’ll talk it over with my mum."Aaliyah pulls her into a quick hug, and Hilda squeezes back before stepping away.Zelda shifts beside her, meeting each of their gazes in turn, fingers absently twisting a strand of her long brown hair. "Thank you. All of you," she says, voice softer than before. "For helping my family. And... sorry for any trouble I might've caused."Verene gives a knowing nod."You’re welcome," Sinon says, puffing out his chest and planting his hands on his hips.Aaliyah not so discretely elbows him in the side.Sinon stumbles slightly, then clears his throat. "I mean, it was nothing, really," he corrects, straightening up. "We Sparrows always lend a hand to those in need."Aaliyah nods approvingly. "That’s more like it.""Do you two need a ride home?" Verene asks, jingling her car keys.Aaliyah and Sinon exchange a glance before Aaliyah turns back to her. "Just to the Sparrow Scout Hall, please. Our parents will pick us up there. Thank you.""Alright then," Verene nods, unlocking her sleek black Corvette.Sinon grins, thrilled at the prospect of a free ride, and immediately slings both his and Aaliyah’s bags over his shoulder, following Verene with a spring in his step. Aaliyah trails behind, shaking her head at his enthusiasm.Nearby, Johanna does the same with Gertrude, getting the old car warmed up for the long drive home.Unnoticed by most, a pair of eyes watches from behind the ambulance. Trevor ducks his head every time someone’s gaze sweeps in his direction, trying to stay out of sight. It seems only one person notices him lingering there."You guys go ahead," Zelda says, stepping away from her family. “There’s one last thing I need to do.” She excuses herself and makes her way toward Trevor, her family’s watchful eyes following her.Trevor, sitting on the ambulance steps, leans back as he hears footsteps approach. He doesn’t look up, but he can see her shadow stretching across the ground from the corner of his eye."Hi,"“Hey,” Trevor mumbles back, his gaze fixed on the ground.Neither turns to face the other, content with the ambulance obstructing each other’s view, their words carried on the cool evening air.“So… my ride’s here,” Zelda starts, her tone tentative.“Hmm.”“Do you… need a lift?”Trevor flicks a glance her way. "They already called my mum while you were talking with your family," he mutters. "She’s on her way after her shift. And judging by her tone on the phone? She is livid.""Oh..."Trevor can hear her awkwardly scuffing her feet against the asphalt, filling the silence.“Will you be okay?” she asks after a moment.Trevor huffs, a hint of exasperation in his voice. “Just go already, girlie. Leave.”Zelda exhales through her nose, nodding to herself. "Alright. Take care." Her shadow shifts as she turns to leave, disappearing from his view.Trevor clutches his trapper hat, his face scrunching as he lets out a frustrated sigh. He jumps down from the ambulance steps, rounding the corner just as Gertrude’s engine revs up.“Wait!” he shouts, his arm stretching out toward the car.But it’s too late. The car door slams shut, and Gertrude pulls away, followed closely by the black Corvette.Trevor’s arm falls to his side, his shoulders slumping under the weight of the setting sun. The faint smell of rain lingers in the air, mixing with the heaviness in his chest.He never got to say it.
It’s not the first time today someone’s failed to say a few parting words with her.
Trevor glances down at the trapper hat in his hands, its fabric worn and familiar. After a moment, he walks over to a bin at the side of the street and tosses it in.
It doesn’t feel right to wear it anymore.
He shoves his hands in his pockets and heads to sit back down at the ambulance step, walking past the bus stop and the white pickup truck that nearly took his life.[]Back inside Gertrude, the twins sit side by side in the back seat, Hilda’s head resting lightly on Zelda’s shoulder. Johanna glances at the rearview mirror, catching a fleeting glimpse of Trevor’s silhouette growing smaller as they drive away.“Is that boy going to be alright? He looks a bit worse for wear,” Johanna says, her eyes flicking to Zelda in the mirror."Don’t worry, Mum. He’s fine—tougher than he looks," Zelda murmurs. The memory of what happened at the bus stop flashed briefly in her mind.Johanna exhales, her grip on the wheel tightening. "I regret not asking the paramedics how he got those injuries." She pauses, then glances at Zelda. "You wouldn’t happen to know, would you?"“Oh, erm,” Zelda stammers, her fingers nervously fiddling with the hem of her dark grey sweater sleeve. “He got them when I pushed him out of the way of the pickup truck.” She keeps her eyes fixed on the passing scenery outside, avoiding her mum’s gaze.Hilda raises an eyebrow, catching the obvious tell in her twin’s voice, but she stays quiet, her head still resting on Zelda’s shoulder.Gertrude rumbles to a stop at an intersection, pulling up alongside Verene’s sleek black Corvette. The windows roll down, and the kids lean out, exchanging a final round of goodbyes. Aaliyah waves enthusiastically, while Sinon gives a playful salute.The light turns green, and the two cars part ways. Verene’s Corvette takes a left, heading deeper into Trolberg, while Gertrude drives straight, making its way toward the city gates. 
*~~oOo~~*

Unravel
The drive back home is—to put it mildly—silent. The kind of quiet that hangs heavy in the air, filled with unspoken thoughts and the faint hum of the car engine.Thankfully, they manage to navigate out of troll country just as nightfall settles in, the road ahead now peaceful and empty.The temperature has dropped significantly since the storm, and the family savours the warmth of Gertrude’s interior heating, a cosy contrast to the crisp, cool air outside.Through the windows, the eerie forest night stretches endlessly, the trees looming like shadowy sentinels under a cloudy, starless sky. A thin fog clings to the ground, drifting lazily across the road, giving the landscape an otherworldly feel.Headlights cut through the darkness, illuminating the path ahead but doing little to dispel the sense of isolation.Johanna’s vigilant eyes stay fixed on the dark road, her hands steady on the wheel.The strain of staring too long at the endless stretch of asphalt makes her flick her gaze to the rearview mirror, where her daughters sit quietly. Hilda’s head still rests on Zelda’s shoulder.“Well…” Johanna finally breaks the silence, her voice soft but deliberate. “Our visit to the city today has been quite… eventful.”“You could say that again,” Hilda mumbles, her words punctuated by a yawn. “Between scouring what felt like half of Trolberg all afternoon and Zelda nearly getting flattened by a pickup truck, I’d say it’s been… eventful, more or less.”Johanna playfully rolls her eyes at her daughter's bluntness.“Say, how was it—y’know—almost getting run over?” Hilda asks without a hint of tact.“Hilda!” Johanna shoots her a sharp look.Zelda, however, doesn’t seem offended. She’s used to her twin’s straightforwardness, her bluntness as familiar as the sound of her own voice. “I assure you, it wasn’t as exhilarating as one of your thrilling adventures, I can tell you that much.”Hilda hesitates for a moment, her curiosity outweighing her caution. “How did you even get into that situation in the first place?” she asks, her tone tentative but probing.Zelda’s gaze drifts to the window. “After the storm hit, I just sort of… panicked,” she admits. “Took a wrong turn and ended up getting myself lost. Like I always do in these kinds of situations.” She sighs, her shoulders slumping slightly as her gaze drops to her hands.“Eventually, I took shelter at a bus stop,” she continues, her tone wistful.“That’s where I bumped into Trevor. And, well…” She pauses “He wound up in the street. I didn’t really think—I just jumped in and pushed him out of the way. I felt nothing during that time, no life flashing before my eyes. Maybe it was the adrenaline or the storm, I don’t know…” She says, purposely leaving some details out, all the while shifting in her seat and fiddling with the hem of her sweater.Johanna and Hilda exchange a brief look. The former wanted to speak up, sensing something amiss regarding the story but kept her mouth shut. Not wanting to reopen any old wounds from her daughter.“It’s a stupid situation I put myself in, really,” Zelda adds with a soft chuckle, her voice tinged with self-deprecation. “All this mess just because of my fear of storms.”“No.”Zelda's eyes widen at the bitterness laced in her sister’s voice.“It’s my fault,” Hilda grits out.“Hilda—” Johanna starts, but Hilda cuts her off.“No! Mum, it is my fault!” Hilda’s voice rises, trembling with frustration. The emotions she’s been holding back—the guilt, the worry, the fear—spill over, raw and unfiltered. The mask she’s worn so well throughout the afternoon—the confident planner, the leader, the friend, the well-mannered daughter, the adventurer—finally cracks."If I hadn’t left your side, none of this would’ve happened! It was supposed to be a simple trip to the city—a bit of hardware shopping to fix the house, that’s all! But no, instead we get split up, running around in the freezing cold, in the worst possible situation ever!"Her breathing quickens, her words spilling out faster. "Zelda could’ve died, died, Mum! And why? Because I broke my promise and ran off without a thought, without care—!”

Thud!

The car jerks to a sudden stop as Johanna slams the brakes and pulls over to the side of the road. The tires skid slightly on the damp gravel, kicking up a cloud of dust. The abrupt motion jolts the twins forward, nearly sending them into the front seats.Silence. Only the steady ticking of the cooling engine.Johanna exhales sharply, then unbuckles her seatbelt. Awkwardly, she twists in her seat, turning to face them properly. She can’t drive like this—not while Hilda is coming undone right behind her. She needs to focus.
She needs to see them.
Hilda sits curled up, her face buried in her knees, her whole body trembling.Zelda closes the small space between them, resting a gentle hand on her twin’s back, rubbing slow, comforting circles. “Hilda… Sis…” Her voice is soft and steady. “Don’t say that. Don’t do this to yourself”Johanna reaches out too, her tone firm but pleading. “Hilda, listen to your sister—please.”The sniffles slow, Hilda’s breathing hitching as she tries to calm down. Her hands unclench slightly, and she lifts her head just enough to peek at her mum and sister through tear-streaked eyes.“Hils,” Zelda says, her voice earnest. “You know I could never find it in my heart to blame you. None of us do.”Before Hilda can respond, Johanna climbs into the back seat, squeezing herself between her daughters. Zelda shuffles over, making room, and the three of them sit close.The car feels smaller but warmer with their presence.“Hilda,” Her mum begins, her voice trembling slightly as she pulls her daughter into a tight hug.“If it’s about what I said earlier that made you feel like this, then I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said those hurtful things to you.” Her breath catches. “Please understand, I was just worried—scared. I thought I almost lost you two.” Her voice cracks, and she swallows hard. “A-And I know that doesn’t excuse how much of a terrible mother I am—”“No!” The twins’ voices ring out in unison, sharp and immediate.“You’re not a terrible mother,” Hilda says, her voice firm despite the tears still clinging to her cheeks. “You’re the greatest mum we could ever have.” She looks to Zelda, who nods vigorously, her expression full of agreement.The three of them huddle together, their arms wrapped tightly around one another in a shared embrace. For a moment, the car is silent except for the soft sound of their breathing and the occasional sniffle.Then Zelda breaks the silence, her tone light and teasing, a deliberate attempt to shift the mood.“And hey, today wasn’t all bad.” She begins, taking hold of the conversation “Look at the bright side, you actually made friends! Aaliyah, Sinon, and Hilda—just imagine the kind of trouble you three are going to stir up.”Hilda’s lips twitch into a small smile.“I still can’t get over the fact you actually have friends with kids your age.” Zelda snorts “Here I thought your friend list would only include Twig, Woodman, and whatever creature you stumble upon in your adventures.”Johanna chuckles softly.“And Mum,” Zelda continues, “You’ve made a friend too! Verene seems nice. Finally, you have someone who can take you on window shopping, tea parties, or whatever else boring adults do. Rather than spending all day with us!”“Hey, I love spending all day with my twins,” Johanna protests, giving them both a gentle squeeze.“Yeah, as if we could play the same game of Dragon Panic for hours or watch the same cable TV shows over and over again while Hilda’s out adventuring,” Zelda quips, her voice dripping with mock exasperation.Johanna laughs, shaking her head. “Well, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to talk with other parents my age. And shopping with someone my age might help me pick out something besides my usual.”“Makes me wanna tag along,” Zelda adds, her tone hopeful.Johanna shakes her head, a teasing glint in her eye. “Unfortunately, Verene insists—no kids allowed.”“What?” Zelda moans.“Unfair,” Hilda chimes in, her voice joining her sister’s protest.After a bout of chuckling, Zelda resumes, her tone shifting to something more thoughtful. “See? Today’s visit to the city wasn’t a complete disaster. In fact, I reckon we could save ourselves the hours-long drive if we just moved there.” She directs this last statement pointedly at her sister.Hilda rolls her eyes, clearly recognizing the attempt to get a rise out of her. “Hey, you know I’m making headway on that front. By tomorrow, Alfur will be coming to us with a visit to the Elf King,” she says, playfully harrumphing.The lighthearted banter earns the reaction Zelda hoped for. Hilda lets out a small, watery laugh, and Johanna shakes her head, her smile widening.Without them realizing the tension in the car eases, replaced by a sense of warmth and connection. Something that allows the family to slowly heal from today’s events.“And what about you, Zel?” Hilda asks out of the blue.“Me?” Zelda blinks.“Yeah, “Hilda says, a small grin tugging at her lips. “Did anything good come out of this day for you?”Zelda sputters, scratching the back of her ear “Well, I guess you could say I saved Trevor’s life?.”“Trevor, that’s his name? The boy you saved?”“Y-Yeah,”“He must think you’re his hero or something,” Hilda teases, her tone playful.“Psh—he wishes,” Zelda snorts, rolling her eyes. “Other than that, the only positive note was me visiting the comic book store and buying my…” Her voice trails off as her brows furrow. Suddenly, her eyes widen, and she sits bolt upright, patting herself down frantically. The realization hits her like a ton of bricks.“Oh no!” Zelda gasps, her hands freezing mid-search.“What? What is it?” Johanna asks, her voice tinged with concern.“My Walking Dead Volume 8 comic! I lost it!” Zelda moans, slumping back into her seat with a dramatic sigh. “I must’ve dropped it somewhere in the middle of the storm.”“And I was really looking forward to it,” she mopes, her arms crossed over her chest as she glares at the ceiling of the car.A hand lands gently on her shoulder, and Zelda looks up to see her mum’s reassuring smile. “I’m sure we can buy another copy,” Johanna suggests.Hilda nods along. “Yeah, we’ll find another one.”Zelda snorts. “Good luck with that. Another copy might not come for weeks. The Walking Dead series isn’t exactly popular with kids here in the city—except for me and Trevor, apparently.” She huffs, her frustration bubbling over. “Ugh, I was so close to finding out what happens with Rick Grimes and the prison! Do you know how long I’ve been waiting to see if they finally deal with the Governor? And what about Carl? Is he ever going to stop being so annoying? And—”Hilda rolls her eyes, tuning out of her sister’s nerd rant, while Johanna nods along respectfully, letting Zelda vent.“I swear I still had it when I helped that Sparrow Scout boy outside the comic book store…” Zelda trails off as she tries to recall the exact moment she lost her prized possession. Her face scrunches in concentration, lost in thought.Hilda perks up at the mention of Sparrow Scouts, “Ooh, speaking of Sparrow Scouts…” she begins as she gathers her thoughts. She glances at her mum and Zelda, her expression a mix of determination and nervousness.“Mum, I’ve been thinking. And Aaliyah, Sinon, and I sort of brainstormed about it and…” She takes a deep breath, shoulders tensing with anticipation. “I want to join the Sparrow Scouts!”“Oh,” Johanna and Zelda say in unison, both taken aback by her sudden declaration.Hilda barrels on before they can say anything else. “I know it sounds unrealistic since we live miles away from the city, and it’s not like I can just poof over here every time there’s a meeting, but Sinon had this idea—well, more like a half-baked idea, but still—about maybe moving some of the activities out of the city? Like, to me instead?” Her words tumble out in an eager rush, her hands waving animatedly. “I mean, I don’t know how possible that is, but Aaliyah said they’d try to convince Raven Leader and maybe start with something small, like bird-watching or tree identification or—” “Sure, you can join the Sparrow Scouts.”Hilda’s rant screeches to a halt. She blinks. “Wait. You mean it?”Johanna chuckles, her tone warm and reassuring. “Of course I mean it. Hey, I was a Sparrow Scout myself, you know. Top of my flock with the most badges by the end.” Her voice carries a hint of pride as she reminisces. “I’m glad you’re interested in these sorts of things, Hilda. And if Sinon and Aaliyah are willing to help make it work, then we’ll figure it out together.”Hilda’s face lights up, her earlier uncertainty replaced by pure joy. “Really? You’re the best, Mum!” she exclaims, throwing her arms around Johanna in a tight hug.After a short while, Johanna settles back into the front seat, while Hilda and Zelda make themselves comfortable in the back, their shoulders brushing as they stretch out.“Glad we all got that out of our system,” Johanna says, as she turns the key, and Gertrude rumbles back to life. The engine hums softly, signalling the final leg of their journey home. Johanna glances at the rearview mirror. “Ready to go home?”“Yep!” Hilda chirps, giving a thumbs-up as she clicks her seatbelt into place.Zelda follows suit, buckling up with a dramatic sigh. “I can’t wait to get a long, nice, hot shower,” She says, wrinkling her nose. “I smell like a gutter.”“Me too, sis,” Hilda agrees, leaning her head against the window. “I miss Twig. Hope he’s doing fine.”Johanna hums softly, her hands steady on the wheel as they pull onto the road. The forest outside is dark and quiet, the occasional glimmer of moonlight breaking through the trees.“You know what I’m craving right now?” Zelda says, her voice is thoughtful. “A hot spring.”“Oh, don’t get me started,” Johanna replies, her tone wistful. “I’ve always dreamed of taking a dip in one of those—achoo!” She sneezes suddenly, the car swerving slightly before she regains control. She sniffs, rubbing her nose.“Bless you,” the twins say in unison.“Another day, another adventure for the Adventure Twins,” Hilda sighs, leaning back and sinking into her seat, a satisfied smile on her face.“Don’t call us that,” Zelda grouses, though there’s no real annoyance in her voice. She rolls her eyes, but a small smirk tugs at her lips.“I promise I will not… not,” Hilda grins.“I kind of like that little nickname, certainly beats what you call yourselves back when you were—achoo!” Johanna sneezes again, cutting herself off mid-sentence.“Woah, Mum, are you catching a cold?” Hilda teases, her tone playful.“Well, I hope not,” Johanna says, sniffling as she adjusts her grip on the wheel. “But if I am, you two are on soup duty.”Gertrude hums along the quiet road, the forest stretching endlessly on either side, its towering trees standing watch under the blanket of night. Outside, the world is still, but inside the car, warmth lingers—a shared comfort, an unspoken understanding between the three of them. Another adventure behind them, with countless more ahead. But for now, they are simply together, the steady rhythm of the road beneath them.Hilda leaves the city with the hope of becoming a Sparrow Scout, an uncertain but exciting path unfolding before her with Sinon and Aaliyah by her side.Johanna carries with her an unexpected invitation from Verene, a rare chance to step outside the familiar and into something new.And Zelda—self-proclaimed Princess of the Comic Book Store—departs with a story to tell, even if it comes with a missing volume.Yet, beneath the victories and newfound possibilities, something heavier lingers. Family brings them home, but it also carries echoes of old wounds—ones that time may never fully mend.
*~~oOo~~*

End Scene

Chapter Nine – It’s Coming Home

*~~oOo~~*