Adventures of the Chestnut Clan
Chapter 5: Flying Witches
"Mommy mommy! Are we finished yet?" a jubilant Marron chirped, her legs kicking up and down, barely able to contain her excitement and rocking the stool as if she was riding a mechanical horse.
The aforementioned mother could only shake her head at the little girl's behavior all the while unable to suppress her own lips from curving up to a smile.
If she can just stay still...are all kids as energetic as my Marron? If I don't know better I could've sworn she has infinite energy just like me...
"Now now darling, be a bit more patient okay? Mommy wants you to look your best that's all!" Eighteen said putting a fake cobweb on her daughter's black pointy hat, making sure to adjust its angle to maximize the visibility of the decoration.
"Okay..." Marron said, barely managing to remain seated as she felt her mother's sturdy hands making a few more tweaks here and there. It was several agonizing minutes later that she heard the signal she had been desperate to hear.
"There, all done!"
Those words couldn't have come any sooner too as the younger blonde leapt off her seat and ran toward the mirror, giving the older woman words of appraisal such as "You are the best mama!" that made her parent's heart flutter.
Oh, the things I'd do just to hear her say that again!
A familiar warmth interrupted Eighteen's thoughts when an arm abruptly wrapped around her waist, pulling her into the embrace of a no less well-dressed man, her frame colliding against a metal badge and several gadgets hanging off his uniform creating faint jingling sound.
"You girls having fun here?" Krillin asked despite already knowing the answer. Marron was spinning in circles checking out her own reflection and looking up and down at the many small trinkets hanging from her costume.
"What do you think genius?" Eighteen playfully poked at the spot where her husband's nose would normally be.
"I think you did a fabulous job mama!" the shorter male proceed to plant a kiss on his wife's neck.
Eighteen almost gasped at the show of affection, her body temperature raising to dangerous level but she quickly cooled herself and instead shot him a dirty glare. "You are not my daughter so don't call me mama Kril!"
"Sorry babe, I'll make sure to keep that in mind," Krillin teased trying to break her aloof exterior with his trademark toothy smile and to his surprise was rewarded with a peek on his cheek despite her outward annoyance.
"There satisfied hubby?"
"Yes, thank you wifey!"
The cop then turned toward their daughter dancing in front of the mirror still distracted by the specially tailored dress. There's some unknown quality about the young child able to get all excited over something as simple as a costume that made the father's heart almost skip a beat, a realization he was sure his spouse shared with her emotional aquamarine eyes glued onto their offspring.
"You look great young lady!" Krillin said finally regaining enough of his senses, only to feel his conscious floating to another dimension at the sight of Marron turning around and facing him with big cheerful grin.
"Thank you daddy! And you look handsome in that costume too!" the little girl chirped jumping into her dad's arms, almost knocking him onto the ground.
Eighteen's crystal blue orbs reflected off her daughter happily snuggling into her father's chest and while under normal circumstances, she would've found such a sight adorable and even camera worthy, now the mother was worried her little angel will accidentally ruin the costume.
"Marron, that's not a costume daddy's wearing, it's his uniform cause he's a police officer." Eighteen admonished picking her daughter up, making sure not to bump into the many decorations on the dress.
"And police officer protects good people from baddies right?" Marron asked innocently, her adoring eyes landing on her father once more.
"That's right little firefly. Now if you ladies will excuse me, daddy's got a whole city to protect!"
"Okay, bye daddy! Love you!" Marron gave her father a peek on his cheeks.
"You'd better get going Kril, otherwise those bad guys will escape you." Eighteen gave her husband a stern look, both reminding him of the kiss earlier and that he has to take the job seriously with her expression alone.
The two blondes watched as the police officer left for his work, his absence leaving them empty all the sudden.
"Mama...I wish we can go with daddy,"
Eighteen could only nod in agreement as she stared longingly through the window down the road Krillin had disappeared to. Part of her wanted nothing more than to crash into the police headquarter and accompany her husband throughout the day and yearned for simpler times at Kame House where they had been inseparable but her logical side kept the blonde from acting out her fantasies and instead concentrate on the task at hand.
"And you won't be missing him for long Marron, daddy will be back at night so why don't we head for school now? You have a Halloween party to catch."
Hearing those words rejuvenated the little girl's spirit who began leaping up and down once more, her mind already conjuring up scenes of her shocked schoolmates at her costume.
Marron squealed in delight looking at the schoolyard full of children dressed in all kinds of monsters ranging from monsters to super heroes. Looking back at her mother, the young girl eyed her parent as if asking for permission to join the kids who still held a warm grip on her hand.
"Mama, can I go now?"
"I-I think so Marron, now be a good girl and be gentle with other kids kay?" Eighteen patted her daughter's head.
"Okay mama! Love you!"
With a peek on her mother's cheeks, the little girl disappeared into the crowd happily mingling with those of her own age, her cheerful disposition sweeping away any unease the young parent may have of letting her daughter leave her sight.
Silly Eighteen! Marron's old enough to handle herself. Besides this is an elementary school supervised by adults...common cheer up, Marron and Krillin won't want to see you upset right?
Meanwhile, Marron had already struck up a conversation with a boy wrapped in bandages trying to imitate a mummy of sorts. Beside the kid was one in werewolf mask and another in an over-sized pumpkin costume, all of them showing decent efforts but as the young girl noted weren't as elaborate as hers.
"Wow! Is that a mummy? That's so cool!" the blonde girl yelled excitedly using her imagination to fill the shortcomings of their costumes.
"Thanks and yeah, I'm an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh who had risen from his grave! Rahhh!" he roared in a playful tone.
"And I'm a werewolf out on the hunt! Look, the moon is full!" werewolf boy pointed at the sun and Marron nodded, pretending its roundness was that of the moon.
"And I'm a jack-o'-lantern coming to life!"
The three boys goofed around for a bit, spreading their hands and trying to look as intimidating as possible to which young Marron giggled and extended her fingers acting like a scary witch.
"By the way, what are you supposed to be? A witch?" the werewolf stroked his chin, his eyes behind the mask roaming up and down no doubt checking the fancy black dress.
"Yes that's right! I'm Marron the Witch!" she spun around merrily all too glad her new friends had noticed the fruits of her mother's labor.
The boys didn't seem to share her enthusiasm; however, as the mummy crossed his arms in front of his chest, the werewolf continued to ponder aloud, while the pumpkin scratched his head.
"I-I mean it looks good but..." one of them said.
"But?" Marron arched her blonde eyebrows feeling a bit discouraged, the simple word laced with emotion, causing the trio to lower their head.
"B-but all girls dress as witches. You might look better but it's nothing unique!" the mummy stammered and his companions nodded timidly.
Marron pouted while stomping her foot in anger. "What, that's not true!"
What do you mean it's nothing unique? My mommy designed this for me!
"Yes it is, look!"
Following the boy's pointed finger, the young blonde's crystal blue eyes took in dozens of other girls dressed in black. Sure, they may not have cobwebs on their hats or dusty old spell books, but from a distance, no one could tell the difference. The high-spirited girl's heart began sinking but she wasn't quite ready to throw down the towel yet and held her head high.
"W-well, you boys are just jealous none of you look good as a witch! You are all too...boyish to wear a dress!" she proclaimed proudly.
The boys couldn't mount a counter argument; their eyes furrowed but none uttered a sound. This gave the little girl the confidence she needed to march off and join other kids.
As the school day progressed, it soon became obvious all the kids were too engrossed in their costumes to pay attention to any lesson and the same was true for a certain young blonde whose inquisitive glance surveyed the room, noting to her dismay the overwhelming majority of girls were in black pointy hat and cape. Her homeroom teacher seemed to have picked up on the widespread distraction too as she closed her textbook and eyed the class with a frustrated smile.
"Well class, since today's Halloween, why don't we introduce our costumes to each other?" she asked and the entire class, including Marron cheered albeit with slight trepidation.
One by one, Marron watched her classmates got on stage and paraded around in their costumes. The first several witches received wide spread applauses but as their numbers increased, the excitement quickly died down until the girl in front of Marron was met with more bored "ahhhs" then cheers.
"Next can I please have Marron Chestnut on stage?"
Marron instantly felt all eyes on her, their mouths thinned into a thin line as if ready to spout the same dull comments reserved for witches.
Mommy spent so much time on my dress and I won't let her down!
Mustering up the same confidence displayed earlier before the three dumb boys, the girl strode on stage and stood with her hands confidently resting on her waist. It was a posture her dad used facing criminals and as she too adopted the posture, she felt a faint illusion of her father with her.
"Hi, I'm Marron Chestnut and I'm a witch...originally from Kame House...the place where turtles live!"
There were minor quivering in her voice but she held her chin up. To her surprise, some students were obviously intrigued by her elaborate explanation as they murmured amongst themselves while others even let out small cheers and clasps.
"That's very good, thank you Marron. And look at you with those nice details! I say you must be an ancient powerful witch!" the teacher praised.
The jubilant little girl flashed a smile of triumph but just as she's about to leave for her seat, someone amongst the crowd cleared their throat.
"So you were from Kame House, does that make you any different?"
The entire classroom descended into loud murmurs composed of different emotions. It wasn't long before individuals began expressing their opinions.
"Yeah, what's a Kame House?"
"Does that spell book do anything?"
"Does coming from Kame House allow you to fly like a real witch?"
Wh-why doesn't any of them know Kame House? Everyone I know knows Kame House. And don't they know everyone can fly if they want to?
Her homeroom teacher was holding her hands up trying to shush the class but the little girl felt there was something need to be clarified and raised her hand.
"I-I'm sorry for interrupting, but I think I can fly a bit!"
The student body erupted into a unified "whoa!" that resonated through the space, startling Marron who had been trying to sound brave. Even the teacher was left wide-eyed staring at the child.
"O-oh yes of course, it's only natural for witches to fly, thank you Marron. Now can you please take your seat..."
"No, that's not what I meant. I can really fly, or at least float. Here, let me try it!"
Marron closed her eyes following a deep breath and began concentrating on her feet. At first, she felt nothing and the entire class watched on with skepticism accompanied by a few giggles, distracting and instilling fear into the young child. Gradually though, a familiar warmth travelled down her tiny body and focused on the soles of her shoes. Small gusts of wind expanded out from the ground she stood, wowing her peers even before those tiny feet levitated off the floor and when they did, no one dared let out so much as a sneeze.
"W-wait, is she really floating?" a few curious kids levelled their eyes with Marron's feet to make sure she really wasn't touching the ground.
"Y-yeah, it sure looked like it..." someone stuttered
"N-no way, it's all a trick. Mr. Satan said it himself. Marron must be showing some magic tricks that's all!"
Their conversation changed from that of Marron flying to her showing a clever trick none could figure out, not that it dimmed the applauses anyways as chants of "Marron the Magic Witch from Kame House" rang throughout the room.
Still not figuring out why no one believed her but finding her energy depleted, the little girl left the stage amidst loud chatters and walked back to her seat with a sense of fulfillment.
At least I'm not just another witch! Sure hope mommy will be proud of me!
Eighteen stood by the school gate searching for her daughter. For some unknown reason, there were far more black pointy hats than anticipated but the cyborg woman quickly zeroed in on one with white cobwebs that bobbed up and down amongst the crowd.
"Marron! There you are my little angel!" the older blonde spread her arms wide opened, welcoming her offspring who ran into her embrace. "So, did you have fun at school?" she asked stroking her daughter's little frame.
"Y-yeah...I think so..." despite Marron's overall cheerful voice, there was an obvious trace of doubt and the mother arched her eyebrows.
"Something the matter Marron?" Eighteen kneeled in front of her daughter looking her in the eyes, her ocean blue orbs radiating a spectrum of emotion from concern to fear.
"I-it's okay mama. Can we head home?"
"Of course dear."
On their way walking back home, Eighteen noted her little girl appeared to have completely regained her carefree nature and was chattering non-stop about all the costumes she saw, already making requests as to what she'd love to try on next year. Several times, the curious mother inquired about what others thought of the witch dress unable to feel she's entitled to know how others perceive her fruits of labor. During those attempts though, her little girl appeared to have lost some of her enthusiasm and hesitated before giving general descriptions unfit of her cheerful personality.
"Marron, are you unhappy because many other kids dressed as witches?" Eighteen hated to be so straightforward with her daughter and adopted a much softer tone. True to her hunch, the little girl jumped.
"Yes mama...but I think you did a great job and other kids loved my dress." Marron's tiny voice sounded.
"But?"
"But?" traces of unease were clear as day in Eighteen's voice now.
"But none of my friends knew where Kame House is nor do they believe I can fly. They think it's some kind of magic trick!"
"Oh..."
Silence reigned and Marron, feeling more unsure than ever, watched her mother intently observing how those cat-like eyes widened as did her mouth.
"And when exactly did you learn how to fly young lady?" Eighteen was clearly amused if not a bit proud at her daughter and her voice showed.
"Well, I saw you and daddy flying so I asked Grandpa Roshi and he gave me some advice because everyone can fly and I want to! Even if I can only float!" she finished with pouted lips.
Unbeknownst to the little girl, her mother's grin hid the full extent of her joy which was threatening to take over her body and only gave herself away when gently ran her fingers through Marron's blonde strands.
"M-mama?" Marron asked with wide eyes.
"Mama's proud of you darling, but you have to be sure not to show those kids you can fly okay sweetheart?" the blonde woman made sure to put on a stern voice.
"But why mama? Everyone I know can fly! You can fly and so can daddy. Uncle Seventeen can fly too!" Marron complained with pained voice and for a split second, Eighteen's eyes wavered.
How do I explain to Marron her family isn't normal, that those dumb humans aren't ready to accept us yet...that they are too stuck up in their little world...
After some pause, Eighteen lamented. "I know everyone we know can fly Marron, but that's a gift not everyone has and we don't want to scare those who can't,"
"Oh? But why mama?" Marron asked curiously like any normal girl of her tender age would.
"They just haven't figured out how and don't want to know the truth darling. Even if you show them they won't believe you." Eighteen explained feeling a tad unease.
"I see," Marron muttered as if infected by her mother's mood.
Seeing her daughter in dismay, Eighteen picked her little girl up and walked the rest of her way home with Marron riding piggyback, giving the young one an elevated view and she squealed in delight looking at the streets and houses from a different angle.
"I really want to fly though, like you and daddy. That's why I love witches so much, because witches fly..." the small child said the moment she entered their cozy home in the suburbs of Satan City.
At that, Eighteen's eyes narrowed flashing a sly glint the younger blonde rarely saw.
"Mommy?" the girl asked unsure of what to make of the out of place expression rare observed on her no-none-sense mother's face.
Why's mommy looking like Uncle Seventeen when he gets excited?
"Mommy knows just what to cheer you up young one! But let's wait for daddy okay?" Eighteen reassured when deep down she couldn't believe what she was about to do.
If Seventeen knows what I'm about to do for my little girl, he'll definitely crack up...sometimes I feel that silly brother of mine's rubbing off on me...
"Sweetie, are you sure the two of you will be alright?" Krillin eyed his two girls with a semi-worried glance, any trace of tiredness swept away from the cop who had just got home.
"Of course Kril, just go get some rest okay? Or maybe you'd like to tag along?" Eighteen asked now dressed in all black and wearing a pointy hat herself. Holding on her hands was an ordinary household broom she had taken from their basement storage.
The ex-monk wasn't all that sure but then his daughter waved at him sporting a gleeful look. "Common daddy, it will be fun to fly like witches!"
In reality, Krillin was about to collapse any moment having made plenty of arrests that day but with the two pairs of beautiful jewel-like eyes that glistened in the dark gazing at him expectedly, there was no way for the husband and father to say no.
"Fine you two win! But wait for me alright? Let me change into something appropriate." He said rushing into his room before emerging in all black, earning him a delighted squeal from his daughter and shaking head from his wife.
The trio took off into the night sky all riding the same broom with Marron held securely in Eighteen's arms and Krillin sitting behind his family encasing them in an aura of faint pale blue, blocking off the chilly night air. The flight was rather clunky at first since neither adults were used to flying with a broom in between their legs but seeing their daughter bouncing up and down sitting on the wooden stick more than made up for the awkward position.
"I'm flying mommy daddy! I'm flying like a real witch! Wait until my classmates hear about this!" she chirped happily.
"Would you like to visit your school like this Marron?" Eighteen asked feeling rather hypocritical as if she had forgotten about her own teachings and earning herself a tug on the shoulder from her husband.
"Sweetie, we don't want the entire world to see us like this..." Krillin added hesitantly if not showing signs of exhaustion.
The blonde looked back at her spouse and smiled. "Don't worry Kril, also why don't you power down and just enjoy the ride? I'll do all the flying."
Krillin let out a yawn and smiled. "Okay sweetie, now if you don't mind I'll use you as a pillow."
No sooner had those words left his mouth did Krillin passed out holding onto Eighteen's midsection, his head snoring loudly snuggling against the cyborg woman's back and the two blondes giggled at the adorable noises.
"Daddy's so tired mommy! I don't know wearing police costume takes so much energy." Marron remarked innocently peering back to observe her dad's mouth hanging ajar drooling onto her mother's cloth.
"It's not the costume that makes him tired Marron, it's what he does." Eighteen corrected sternly but gently.
"Like catching bad guys?"
"That's right you smart young lady!"
The small family made their way toward the Satan Elementary School with city lights shining down below, long steams of car lights glistened like small ants lined up neatly could be easily observed despite their height. Mesmerized by the light show, the little girl gawked at the scene, her eyes wide open and her impressionable young mind recording the jaw-dropping scenery down to its last detail.
They circled around Marron's elementary school a few times, giving her a whole new perspective on the compound.
By now Krillin, who had fallen asleep clinging onto Eighteen's back had also awakened and was eagerly pointing at the many streets he would patrol on a daily basis. Following the officer's instructions, they slowly made their way to the Police Headquarter still busy with activities.
"Daddy?"
"Yes Marron?"
"Do you enjoy wearing your uniform? Do you love being a police?" the young girl asked curiously recalling her day spent as a witch, an identity shared by many that day.
Krillin stopped to ponder for a few moments before answering in an assured voice. "Being a police isn't always easy and I have to deal with quite a lot of bad people Marron, but it's all worth it at the end."
"Even if people don't always appreciate what you do? Even if you are just one of many same uniformed officers?" young Marron proceeded with her question still replaying memories of no one believing she was truly floating in air and merely assumed she was just like the rest of them, using tricks when needed.
"That's right sweetie, we can't always expect applauses from others and besides, daddy get to use his skill for something worthwhile."
It was young Marron's turn to recede into deep thoughts and her parents wondered what their daughter was about to say next.
"I see, then I also want to do something worthwhile daddy!" she exclaimed, looking back at her father with beaming smile.
"Even if people don't always appreciate what you do?" Eighteen added curiously testing her daughter.
Young Marron's only response was to nod in silent, her eyes lingering on the scenery below all too glad her family could fly while secretly wishing to do something with this still developing gift of hers.
Perhaps someday, she'll bust out more witch like abilities such as spells and use them for good.
A/N: Here's another chapter for this year's Halloween. I know I can't help it, I just love this childish festival. Since people dress up for Halloween though, I thought I'd make some kind of connection between dressing up for show vs. dressing up for work.