Chapter 8: Auntie Auntie!
"Okay, now what's the plan?" I queried the monkey-bat, my demeanor a mix of confusion and being utterly lost. I was staring at this peculiar orb of unknown origin, uncertain about how to proceed after stumbling upon it. The discovery had left me both amazed and perplexed. Should I show it to Mom? But what if she deemed it too dangerous? The appearance that met the eye was a testament to its uniqueness, strongly implying that it belonged to a rare breed of magical beast.
An egg like this had never been mentioned in any of the books I'd read. Then again, my mother and aunt were real people in this world, despite not appearing in any book or movie I knew. This reality seemed to be a parallel universe of Harry Potter, where every new revelation outshone the last. Azathoth never mentioned anything? Maybe certain details were changed to accommodate my existence? Who knows. I had to focus on what I knew. The resonance of magic in this world was more than just a sensation; it wove deeply into nature and all living things, binding them together inextricably.
The monkey-bat nonchalantly shrugged in response, as if saying, "Your egg now" floating in front of me, its hovering stance indicating that it awaited my decision on the return journey back. This damn Monkey.
Somewhere, I could hear Suguru Geto humming in approval.
With a resigned sigh, I mumbled, "Fine, as you wish. I wonder what Mom's take on this will be."
The journey back, while somewhat lengthy and demanding, seemed remarkably effortless. It involved a simple sprint, a plain means of covering the stretch. It ain't no speed force, but it served its purpose, getting me from point A to point B. To my surprise, the monkey-bat managed to keep pace, soaring alongside me. It skillfully navigated through the intertwining vines, emitting gleeful squeals at our subsonic speed. Its capabilities were truly exceptional. I couldn't help but wonder if all members of its species boasted such agility and enthusiasm.
Amid our rapid traversal, laughter rippled through me as the surroundings melded into a blur. I utilized the passing scenery to my advantage, executing a swift maneuver. Springing off a tree, I executed a somersault, artfully avoiding a cluster of tree roots that loomed below.
My agile movements built momentum for the next feat. Engaging in a backflip, I gracefully launched myself off a sheer drop, catching a vine mid-swing as I turned in the air to grab hold. I descended toward a clearing, entrance now within tantalizing reach, visible just ahead. "Just like Temple Run," I said, grinning. I unzipped my trouser pockets, taking a look at the shiny egg. "Safe and sound" I concluded. Time to find Mom, searching for the moss door.
[Avi and Sira]
"Have you ever wondered about the kind of energy he possesses?" Avi asked, her curiosity piqued. Aesira, with a perplexed expression gracing her features, offered a helpless shrug. "I couldn't even begin to fathom it, but it's undeniably potent and robust. I didn't mention a word to him about my observation, but I swear, when he caught sight of those little fairies outside your shop, his eyes glowed Avi! Remember how exquisite his father's eyes were? Well, now my son seems to possess some sort of mage sight, woven into those very eyes. I'd wager he's unaware of its nature; for now, he's keeping it concealed. Rest assured, I'll keep you posted on any new developments."
Sira affirmed, her sister nodding in agreement like a leaf rustling in the wind. A soft, jovial chuckle escaped her lips as she remarked, "You truly have an extraordinary child, Sira. I must say, since your return, I do hope to take on the role of an occasional babysitter." She teased with a playful glint in her eyes. Sira, her tone laced with a touch of deadpan seriousness, retorted, "He's 14. Avi." The matter-of-factness in her voice only served to enhance the amusement, causing the young witch to dissolve into even heartier laughter.
The witch quieted herself, Aesira already turned to the door in anticipation. "And it seems my little Yumi has found his familiar?"
[Yumi]
As I laid my hand on the door, covered in a velvety layer of moss. A dampness greeted my touch. Fragrances of rainwater wafted from it, further deepening my bewilderment about the enchanting nature of this place. The forest and now this? I wonder what Hogwarts would be like.
The door creaked open slowly, granting me a glimpse of the interior. Suddenly, a voice I knew all too well called out to me.
"Ahh, it seems my little Yumi has found his familiar, hm?" The woman standing before me was none other than the floating form of my mother, her cascading black curls noticeably dancing with a life of their own.
My confusion surged anew. "Hey Mom! Aunt Avi, you won't believe what I found—woa-woah!" An unexpected sensation enveloped me, a weightlessness that resembled the gravity chambers I had seen videos of in my home world. But this was different! it carried an air of tranquility, akin to the serene orbits of astronauts that took refuge in massive space stations, on missions to uncover the mysteries of the galaxy.
Anxiety crept in as my body began to ascend, surpassing my mother and Aunt Avi's heights. I blurted out in a mix of embarrassment and concern, fearing that I would become adhered to the ceiling, like a human balloon. Damn it! Stop floating!
Amid my flustered state, my mother's melodious laughter reached my ears, serving as a soothing balm. "It's okay, Yumi. The more you wish to stop floating, the lower you'll descend. Just find your calm."
Obediently, I followed her guidance, finding it remarkably easy to compose myself in her presence. Slowly but surely, I descended, a triumphant chuckle escaping my lips. "Auntie, Auntie!" I called out with playful jeering, unable to resist the urge. Reaching into my pocket once again, I produced the egg, holding it up for both women to see. Their expressions shifted from surprise to concern in an instant.
"A kadachi egg! But... oh my, how peculiar," she exclaimed, her fingers delicately tracing the surface of the egg as she hummed in a mix of surprise and fascination. "It diverges from its electrokinetic counterparts. This is a venomous variation, a sub-species of sorts. Did you happen upon a secluded alcove deep within a jungle, perhaps?" Her gaze turned to me, a bemused expression dancing in her eyes.
Her nonchalance was both astounding and disconcerting. My reply was accompanied by a sheepish sweatdrop as I affirmed, "Y-yeah, why do you ask?" Nervously, I scratched my arm in a gesture of unease. In an ill-fated attempt to explain myself, I blurted out before thinking, "The monkey-bat said I could keep it! It just shrugged me off and acted completely indifferent! There were these weird little blue flames, and all these fairies came out of nowhere, it was amazing!" I found myself pouting at the end, my attempt at convincing her thinking proving somewhat pitiful.
No intimidation is like a Aunt's or Mother's.
Much to my surprise, my aunt's amusement was palpable, her eyes lighting up with a mischievous glint. "Monkey-Bat, you say?-Will'o'wisp?!" She cut herself off, appearing to think.
"Temporary residents, although elusive. They usually appear in only strong sites of spiritual significance. But the behavior you're describing is genuinely unlike anything I've seen, and I'm a little jealous you got to experience that." She toothily smiled
"In my time since I established this place I'd only witnessed them only a handful of times in my life. Like the night you were born... hmmm"
My mother tilted her head in interest, it seemed she wasn't aware of that detail. My aunt touched her chin, She waved off her notions, however, speaking once more.
"But that's a talk for later, You've likely encountered my familiar, Oh Simcha!" With a well-practiced whistle and a snap of her fingers, she conjured his presence in a puff of orange vapor. There he was, the source of my recent bewilderment, his audacious laughter ringing out as he comically crammed an oversized mango into his mouth. He chittered as he chewed, pointing at me, hopping in the air as he cackled. his small black eyes widened in recognition as he hovered.
"Natives of Indonesia, unsurprisingly. They're a magical hybrid species—a cross between a Black Crested Sumatran and Natalidae," she explained with a knowing smile. "Only those gifted with magic can perceive them in their corporeal form." Her words carried a sense of reverence. "It's a wondrous thing, isn't it?" She mused softly, her words more a personal reflection than a directed statement.
Her attention turned back to the egg, studying it with care before gently passing it into my hands. Her fingers then found mine, her touch gentle as she bestowed me a warm smile. "If my shop has led you to this, then of course you can keep it, my nephew" Her tone was assuring, as she leaned in to impart her decision.
"A Kadachi is a fanged wyvern with a sleek and agile build, designed for swift movement through its environment. Its classification is extant, meaning it's exceedingly rare. Though not entirely beyond discovery. I've encountered and collected 12 specimens during my travels. Each of them remains in my possession, yet I've refrained from initiating their life cycle. It seems another one seemed to appear at the same point of convergence" she divulged.
"Believed to inhabit a distinct dimension, they occasionally find themselves in our realm by sheer happenstance. To stumble upon a sub-species that's virtually unheard of, apart from the typical variant that usually crosses over, is genuinely pissing me off. You're lucky you're my nephew." she confessed, her expression contorting into a grimace. Beside her, my mother burst into laughter.
"Sore loser!" she exclaimed. My aunt's reaction to my mother's laughter, however, was far from tolerant. She summoned a flurry of butterflies that engulfed my mother, prompting a comical chase that sent them darting around the office. "AH! AVI! Their tickling MY EARS! MY EARS!"
Their playful pursuit stirred me a hell of a fit of laughter. Despite the amusement, my aunt was downtrodden, her mood sinking. "Have all the years I've dedicated to research been in vain?" she lamented, her voice carrying a tinge of dejection. "I thought I had uncovered everything this world had to offer, but it seems there's always more beyond my grasp," she whined, revealing a vulnerability that I, too, could deeply relate to.
I imagined the existential crisis she might experience if she stumbled upon something like Azathoth. The scenario was as chilling as it was funny. Inwardly, I couldn't help but chuckle at the irony of the situation. A sense of humor indeed. I applaud you Chaos.
"I'll provide you with a book on its care, as well as a recipe for an antidote, in case you ever need to counter its poison"
FUCK YEAHHHHH-
But heed my advice, Yumi—exercise caution. Mistreating a kadachi, especially of this kind, will result in a dastardly sting, and you may never see it again," she emphasized, her expression grave. In response to her words, a book floated to her side as she extended it towards me, a piece of parchment folded and adhered itself to the book's cover.
"However," she continued, her tone shifting to a brighter note, "on a positive, kadachis are fiercely dedicated. They'll protect you with their last breath. Remember, never doubt their loyalty." She beamed.
Weekly Power Status
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