Aradia wanders aimlessly through the trees. She has nowhere to go. She has nothing to do. There is no reason for her to hurry. It's a novel feeling, and one she relishes.
She hears a rustle beside her, and a feline shape emerges from the undergrowth. Initially, she assumes it is the familiar figure of Pounce de Leon – this bubble houses Nepeta and Equius, and she knows it well from her regular visits with her kismesis and his moirail.
A second glance proves her wrong. This is something new, a large blue cat she has never encountered before. Aradia does not see how this is possible.
She understands even less when the cat transforms before her eyes into a girl.
"Hey Aradia!" Nepeta greets her with a smile. "If you're looking for Equius, he's at his hive."
"I was just taking a walk..." Aradia says automatically, gazing at Nepeta with unmasked interest. "How did you do that?"
"Oh, I was just playing around!" she shrugs. "I've been working out what I can do."
Aradia frowns. "But what happens if you break the rules?"
"There aren't any rules here!" Nepeta laughs. "We can be whatever we want to be. Want to stay and play with me for a while?"
Aradia smiles wistfully. "I should probably check on some more bubbles."
"I didn't ask what you should do!" Nepeta frowns. "You can take a break if you want to, Aradia."
She can, for the first time in any of her lives. There are no timelines depending on her. She's free.
"So, what do you want to do?" Nepeta asks. "Think of it, then do it!"
What does she want? Aradia wants to try something new.
She kisses Nepeta on the cheek, shy and flushed as ruby as her clothes. Nepeta looks down, turning slowly emerald.
"Sorry!" Aradia squeaks. "I –"
Nepeta looks up at her. She's smiling.
"So I guess you do want to stay and play," she says softly. She takes Aradia's hand in hers.
"Good! I have a great idea!" Nepeta tugs her towards the forest. "Come on! You'll love it!"
In the furthest ring, Aradia can become anything.
Perhaps she can even try being happy.