Chapter 24.2
"I do believe that Keynote is, what is the phrase, 'the shit'?" Ifrit smirked at Amy as they returned to the hospital lobby, the elevator closing behind them.
Taylor tried to suppress her smile as Amy rolled her eyes.
"So you've said. Twice. Doesn't matter that I regrew a spine or cured five different diseases in an hour or even that I bought us all something from the vending machine to be nice. No,Keynote is the best." Amy said, counting fingers as she talked.
Ifrit snorted.
"My love cannot be bought." The demon stated.
Amy held out her hand and looked expectantly at the half eaten bar in Ifrit's clawed grip.
"Then give me my food back," Amy said with a quirked brow.
Ifrit leant back on Taylor's shoulder, affronted.
"No, it's mine!" Ifrit growled and stuffed the last of the melting chocobar into his mouth.
Taylor watched with fascination as the bar just vanished where Ifrit's mouth was.
Amy shook her head and eyed Taylor.
"I have no idea how he eats; if there's anything biological in him, I can't see it," Amy said with a sigh.
Taylor plucked Ifrit from her shoulder, holding the demon in her arms despite his squirming. She tried not to look sheepish, despite the fact that this would be covered up by the magical shadows covering half of her face.
Then Ifrit burped out some sparks making Taylor release him. Quickly he reclaimed his perch on her shoulder and from there ascended, climbing to the top of Taylor's head, perching there like a lookout.
"You just can't keep your hands off me, it's to be expected," Ifrit said and from the motion's Taylor felt, she knew he was nodding to himself sagely.
Amy and Ifrit were… interesting to watch interact.
Like a house on fire, though possibly in a more literal sense than people usually meant.
Taylor tried not to move her head too much as she replied.
"Ifrit is just a black hole inside a plush body. He eats anything." Taylor explained and saw that the lobby was much emptier than before. Looking out the window, she saw the sun light up the sky, beautiful shafts of light leaking in through the high windows.
"It's about three o'clock, we were in there for just over three hours," Amy said, glancing at her wristwatch.
The red scarf had dipped down enough to show Amy's lips when she spoke. Taylor was constantly surprised at how mousy the famous Panacea was. Then again, Amy didn't do anything to help the image. The other girl enjoyed shying away from the centre of whatever attention was going on, despite being famous and almost attracting the spotlight with her healing powers.
"That's not too bad, is that your usual shift?" Taylor asked curiously.
Amy looked away, refusing to meet her gaze.
"Something like that, yeah." The healer said.
Taylor was about to asked if she had made Amy stay later than she usually would have when a woman burst open the door to the stairs, barreling into the lobby.
Instincts honed through battle had Taylor already turning to face the woman, dropping into a slight crouch as her hand drifted sideways, ready to summon the Keyblade. A familiarsense snapped into place in her head as the woman's presence became fixed. Healthy, but fairly weak, though she seemed… taxed. Stressed? The woman's appearance was a plain, long brown hair with pale skin and a round face. Stress lines and a frown marred her features as she spotted Amy and Taylor.
As Taylor rose up from her crouch and relaxed the woman marched over and stood before them. To her credit, the stranger barely batted an eye as Ifrit leered at her.
"The nurse told me you were leaving." The strange woman said with a huff of breath, clearly trying to suppress her urge to gasp for air.
Taylor realised the woman must have run down the stairs, the sweat on her forehead giving it away in the rather cool building.
Amy went stiff and her face ducked back into the scarf, leaving only professional, indifferent eyes for the woman.
"Yes, I wasn't scheduled to come in today. I was here to help my colleague, Keynote, get settled in and make sure everything went okay on her first day of healing, uh…" Amy trailed off, sort of questioningly, sort of resigned.
Taylor blinked at that.
Amy didn't know this woman either?
"Joan Greene, my daughter is on the third floor." The woman said waspishly.
Taylor felt the wire in her head go very still and taught. Subtly she made sure Ifrit was still on her head.
"Ah, that's physiotherapy. Your daughter has an injury?" Amy asked, politely and firmly. No sign of the previously relaxed sarcasm was present or the slightly harsh but friendly words.
Amy had retreated and Panacea was back in full force.
Taylor stayed quiet, unsure what exactly was going on.
"Birth defect, born without a working leg. All the fake legs and crutches just aren't what we want. I brought her to Brockton Bay because you work here. We've been here for two weeks now and we haven't even seen you." The woman snapped, any attempt at politeness fading under her stress and anger.
Amy didn't budge, didn't react. Taylor narrowed her eye and focused on the woman.
She wasn't threatening or accusing Amy... but there was just something in her tone that made Taylor's hackles rise. She could feel her face go blank and her jaw clench, a familiar guard against unwelcome words.
"You daughter is..." Amy began.
The woman, Joan, cut Amy off.
"Anne." Joan interrupted.
Amy stopped for a second then continued as if nothing had happened.
"Anne is in danger? She needs immediate care?" Amy asked her voice cool and formal.
Joan crossed her arms then uncrossed them as if she didn't know how to react to the situation.
"No, she's been in this hospital for two weeks, waiting on you. It's costing us a small fortune to be here and you're strolling around giggling with your friend here. It's beyond disrespectful, it's heartless." Joan spat, her cheeks colouring in anger.
Taylor resisted the temptation to set the woman's hair on fire. But it would be so…
Blinking, Taylor realised what was going on and nudged Ifrit over the bond. He shuffled slightly on her head and the idea abated.
Meanwhile, Amy was a rock, the woman's words washing over her like waves as she remained unmoved.
"As I explained, I am showing another healing cape, Keynote, how to operate here at the hospital. I am sorry that… Anne has had a bad hand dealt to her but my list of patients consists of people with life-threatening injuries or ailments. Which doctor recommended you come here, to Brockton Bay, to see me?" Amy asked carefully.
Taylor heard the smallest bit of anger at the end, whoever that Doctor was, he was not on Amy's Christmas list. Not that Taylor could blame her.
Joan stuck her chin a fraction higher.
"No one, every doctor wanted those fake legs or wheelchairs. My Anne deserves to walk, deserves to dance and to be on the volleyball team. You can help her, just an hour of your time and you can change her life for the better!" Joan threw out, her eyes red.
Amy took a soft breath and then looked Joan in the eye.
"If your daughter was in serious danger, I would be the first there to help," Amy explained, sounding tired.
Taylor turned her head to stare at the other girl.
Amy's entire posture had changed.
Her fists were now unclenched and hanging by her sides, her tone was now resigned.
"Please, just a small bit of your time, then my Anne can walk again!" Joan pressed, her hands coming together as if praying.
"I…" Amy trailed off.
Taylor swallowed hard. She had already interrupted Amy's day off, making her come here and now the healer had to deal with this?
Was this normal? Were there others asking the same things of her?
"So, tell me," Ifrit spoke softly from above.
Taylor jumped, as did Amy and Joan.
The small Esper's voice was like a rock through a window, harsh and startling.
"If your spawn has never played volleyball, danced, or done anything else that sounds so boring that I want to gouge out my cute button eyes, then why does she want to do those things? Walk, I get, everyone needs legs to kick some ass, but does she have friends in these sports? Has she been asked to dance by some handsome young suitor? Hm?" Ifrit asked in cruel curiosity.
Joan took a step back in alarm.
Taylor looked at her but didn't do anything. This woman deserved whatever Ifrit was going to say. Wanting your daughter to walk was fine, a perfectly natural feeling. But to make the one person who could do it and who had already done so much to help feel like a piece of crap for not helping you?
No discussing of options, no asking if there was a chance Amy could come by next time she was working, no asking if Amy would have a look… Not even a 'please'. Joan had never even attempted to be diplomatic.
It was sheer guilt-tripping and pressuring.
It was bullying.
Taylor felt her lip curl in disgust at this woman. Even if she was a mother, bullying someone else was never okay. She looked at Amy and felt sorry for her, for having to deal with this crap, this bullying. And… she also felt sorry for the girl, for Anne, who had been stuck in this hospital instead of getting the help she needed to get on with her life.
"N-no, Anne and I have always talked about her going into volleyball, she loved to watch the games at her school and of course there isn't a boy. She hasn't had time to meet them and who are you anyway?" Joan finally snapped back as her senses returned and she realised she had started rambling.
Ifrit peered down at her.
"Ifrit, Esper of Fire and Ruin, charmed, I'm sure. So again, your daughter only watched these games and I suspect you went with her to every single one. So tell me, did anyone ask her to play? anyone ask her to dance with them? No? But somehow you still know she wants to because…" Ifrit trailed off and blew out a smoke ring.
"Because Mother knows best, correct?" The demon asked with a cruel smile.
Joan shook her head and looked at Taylor.
"You think this is a joke, young lady?" Joan asked, her voice stern like she expected Taylor to cower before her.
Taylor snorted, unimpressed as Ifrit jumped from her head down to the floor.
"If you were dead, I'd call this a sad case of attempted possession. Mother lives vicariously through her daughter, who can't do what her mother wants her to because of something she can't control. Say the princess here gives your girlie a leg, then what? You think she's going to waste her life on a ball game? Or dancing to some forgotten artist in a school gym? Become you?" Ifrit questioned, advancing on the woman.
Joan stepped back but was forced to stop as her back hit the wall.
"I'm doing what's best for her." Joan snapped, glaring at the little demon from her spot pressed against the wall.
Taylor was impressed, Ifrit always did know how to cut to the bone.
Amy leaned in close.
"Should we…" Amy trailed off, not sure what to say.
Taylor shook her head.
"He's not done yet," Taylor said quietly.
"I'm sure you are, what's best for her is what was best for you, no? Tell me, when did your volleyball career end? Your dancing fantasies come crashing down? When did your hopes and dreams die with a little scream?" Ifrit asked with a smirk.
Joan stared down at him.
"I… be quiet." The woman ordered.
Ifrit ignored her and leaned in.
"How old is Anne?" The demon whispered.
Joan walked sideways, away from him.
"Enough, I… Enough! Get away!" Joan demanded, pleaded.
Ifrit turned back to Taylor and to her surprise, she felt genuine anger coming from Ifrit, a familiar smouldering sensation.
"To the third floor, Keyblade Master." The demon commanded, his voice like thunder.
Taylor was perplexed. She turned to look at Amy for some help but the other girl just shrugged. It would seem that Amy was just as confused as she was.
Turning back, Taylor followed Ifrit as the tiny hellspawn scampered towards the staircase, Amy following her. Both healers resolutely ignored Joan's shellshocked expression as they walked past.
As they began climbing the stairs Taylor couldn't help the sigh that escaped her.
So much for a late lunch with Sabah.
Anne looking like a perky girl.
Anne also looked a little alarmed at the group entering the ward and heading straight for her.
Ifrit lead the group, seemingly knowing exactly where Anne was, though, with the stuff Taylor had seen him do so far, it would not surprise her if that was the case.
"Panacea, give her a once over," Ifrit ordered.
Amy looked down at the demon, then nodded.
Taylor wondered if Amy could also feel the tension in the air? How seriously Ifrit was taking this, compared to his usual trollish self.
The doctor of the ward, some middle aged woman, and Amy hovered over the girl while Taylor hung back, looking around the empty ward.
It was green and white, every bed crisp and every wall dull.
Taylor looked down at Ifrit and waited.
"You might hate this and in the future, I might be sorry." Ifrit began, his voice going up and down in volume.
"In an odd way, you got lucky that your father became so distant after your mother's death." The demon said.
Taylor went very still and cold at the same time.
"You're right, I am hating this," Taylor said sharply but quietly.
Ifrit didn't react to her sudden anger.
"Can you imagine if he had done the opposite? If he had lost your mother, then looked at you and decided that only he could keep you safe? He would drive you everywhere, make sure he knew exactly where you were at all times, make sure the door to your room was always open, wouldn't let you socialise, wouldn't let you use the internet without supervision because it could be dangerous." Ifrit listed, ticking points on his claws.
Taylor stared at him, confused.
"Imagine if he had your college courses planned out and a job picked out for you, somewhere he knew, and all somewhere very close by so he could drive by and check on you. Your life planned from that moment on because he had become obsessed with your life because his own was a mess. You would rebel or suffocate." Ifrit spoke softly.
Taylor imagined it. Then she eyed Joan.
"Is she like that?" Taylor asked quietly.
Ifrit shook his head.
"Only partially. No… I speak from personal experience." Ifrit replied.
Taylor didn't say anything, just listened.
Ifrit sighed and continued.
"Listen, I don't do the tragic backstory crap but… when you're a new Esper, formed from the heat of battle and magic, you become bound pretty quickly. People who never intended for you to exist were now deciding exactly what you would be. You were a weapon, a guard dog, a symbol, a bragging right, a tool, a monster, and you were never allowed to decide for yourself. You were always to be bound, to be connected to someone. It's a weakness you see, it gives them power over you. Instead of you, they decide what your existence becomes and you cannot argue." Ifrit stated harshly, refusing to look at her.
Taylor crouched down next to the trapped demon.
"You were treated like that?" She asked softly.
Ifrit spun around and flicked her chin, making Taylor fall on her ass.
"Keep your pansy sympathy, I broke free, burned 'em all to ash, and now I kick ass across the universe. Just understand that Ido not tolerate 'destiny' and 'fate' being forced upon you, be it by man or god. I am the Esper of Fire… and Ruin. I am a wrench in the plans of the great and pitiful alike. I ruin delicate machinations and set fire to their schemes. On a micro scale, Anne is me. Never intended but never free. So to piss off her mother, I'm going to remake her leg and watch as Anne fucks over her mother's plans, one by one." Ifrit finished with glee.
Taylor looked at the thin girl on the bed.
Amy looked at Taylor sitting on her ass and then at Ifrit doing an admirable impression of the cat who ate the canary.
"What's the plan?" Taylor asked with a small smile.
Ifrit ignored the question, instead, choosing to leap onto the bed making Anne screech in fright for a moment.
Ifrit waved.
Joan looked pained to see him so close to her daughter but stayed quiet as she finally had Amy near her daughter.
Ifrit just grinned at the woman.
"Hello, mortal. It is I, Ifrit, Esper of gloating and badassery, or fire and ruin if you prefer. I have come to get you a new leg." The demon stated.
Anne looked around confused, looking at her mother for guidance.
"Are you Satan?" Anne asked finally when no one said anything.
Ifrit snorted in amusement.
"Not today," Ifrit answered and turned back to Taylor and Amy.
"Key, today I'm going to rig a secondary life spell through a medium in such a way a new limb will appear." He said as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Taylor blinked.
"What?" Taylor asked.
Ifrit took a deep breath and sighed raggedly.
"You use the giant key to cast magic healy flowers over the leg and Nurse Panpan will make a new leg." The demon said slowly.
Amy looked at Taylor and blinked.
"I can do that?" Amy asked, sounding uncertain.
Anne poked Ifrit who fended her off with wild hand waving.
"Do not poke the fire entity! And, yes you can. You need human sacrifices to transfer mass, correct?" Ifrit asked.
Amy shook her head firmly.
"I use pig flesh mostly. People tend to scream." Amy fired back dryly and then, remembering where she was, went stiff.
Ifrit smirked and looked at Taylor.
"You will be providing a much better resource. Magical mass." Ifrit explained.
Taylor narrowed her eye at him.
"Why don't you just take my energy and just poof a new leg into existence for her?" Taylor asked.
Ifrit crossed his arms as the doctor was quietly whispering things into Amy's ear.
"Because anything I make is connected to me. A sword is one thing, it's fixed and created from a blank slate but a human… There's no telling what kind of changes might occur, mutation into something resembling my fine self is the best outcome. Sudden combustion on a random day is a risk and full-on infernal detonation is probably the worst case scenario. Pure Esper magic is formed of the same primordial chaos we are." Ifrit explained like she was an idiot.
Taylor stared at him.
"You gave Mouse Protector a sword that might do something like that?!" Taylor asked, desperately reining in her temper.
Meanwhile, Anne took a picture of Ifrit with her phone, who managed to pose at the last second, flexing his fluffy arms.
Pose finished, Ifrit turned back to a glaring Taylor, despite the darkened hood the glare was conveyed well.
"Nah, the sword is fine, it's a construct without a soul, well… sort of. The main thing is that the sword is limited by energy and intent. It's connected to me but without a true soul, it cannot affect me. It uses that awesome weirdo's soul instead which isn't magical, not yet anyway, so the best she might do is a fira or a flamethrower." Ifrit said as he crossed his arms.
"Anyway it's leg day and we shall never skip leg day! Amy, to this side and Key, get that magic building." Ifrit ordered.
Shaking her head, Amy walked to stand on the side of the bed closest to Anne's missing leg, the stump currently ending just above the knee. Taylor took the other side, the Keyblade appearing in her hand.
"Oh, wow, you're Keynote! Can I get, uh, your autograph?" Anne squealed.
Taylor felt herself turning red.
"She's going to give you a new leg, I think you're getting a little excited over the wrong thing," Amy said with a dry chuckle while Taylor grinned at the little girl.
The knowledge and feel of the spell for life bubbled up inside her from her bond, Taylor held onto it, letting the magic build for now.
Ifrit looked at her and spoke in a very clear and firm tone.
"Unlike other times, you must maintain the spell. Like with ice and lightning you can sustain the casting at the cost of energy. The princess might need time so don't stop casting, a half-formed leg is no fun for anyone." Ifrit said.
Amy coughed lightly.
"Give me a few hours and a phone call and get some spare mass from somewhere, I can do this on my own." The healer offered.
Ifrit waggled his finger admonishingly.
"Nurse Panpan, please get ready, Nurse Key, fire when ready and I, The Handsome Doctor Ifrit McGuffin, will supervise." Ifrit declared.
Taylor rolled her eye as she prepared to cast. Holding the Keyblade out over the bed she took a deep breath. The spell was reaching a level of charge that was becoming uncomfortable to hold. So she stopped holding and began to release the spell.
Unlike other times, she pushed more and more magic through the cleansing feeling inside her and the flowers bloomed above Anne's leg, then another wreath then another until a heavenly ring of white lilies chimed and rang in a harmonious song that rang out so clear and perfect in tune that the world around them went quiet.
Taylor was trying to breathe but found it hard to do so when she was casting and then a sudden pulling sensation began, Taylor focused on it and found she felt a feeling of… wonder, stress, frustration and a touch of shame at the source of the pull.
Taylor looked down at Anne's exposed stump and saw the flesh parting and expanding downwards as if following invisible lines. Veins and bones grew rapidly and Amy's eyes were wide.
"This is happening too fast," Amy said and Taylor almost didn't hear her over the ringing flower bells.
The leg grew and grew.
There was a sudden spark of humour and Taylor felt the slightest tinge of Ifrit's energy seep into her.
"From me to you, to Anne. Freely given. Don't worry, you're watering it down and humans can't hold such connections so easily." Ifrit whispered and the lilies suddenly turned pink, the bells ringing faster, happy and frantic.
Amy gasped and blinked.
"The cells stopped deteriorating from the heat produced by the rapid growth," Amy said, sounding amazed and disbelieving.
"There are some mutations and growths going on but I've got them under control." Amy finished and then the leg had a foot, then toes.
Taylor felt a deep ache crawl up her spine as she continued pouring forth magic.
The muscle was formed, then layers and layers of skin.
"Panacea, the condition of the leg?" Ifrit asked.
Amy didn't look up.
"Adjusting nerve endings, creating growth plates, lubricating joints, and positioning them correctly... it's ready!" The healer finished as Anne's leg took shape.
Ifrit nodded then looked at Taylor who cut the spell off with great relief.
Taking a step back, Taylor tried not to collapse. She was exhausted and her hand still tightly wrapped around Melody's hilt was trembling. Quickly she dropped turned to the side to hide the shaking.
Then she realised how quiet everything was, the silence almost oppressive but, looking down, Taylor could understand.
Anne's new leg was dark and tanned, the skin rapidly paling as it reached her thigh and new skin met old.
Ifrit leaned in and guffawed, sounding highly pleased with himself.
Taylor felt a bad feeling drop into her stomach as Amy's eyes went wide.
Curious, Taylor looked closer and saw just why Amy appeared so shocked.
From the big toe of Anne's new foot to the knee, spinning around her ankle and leg a couple of times, was a twisting spiralling column of jet-black flame, the curling licks of fire spreading out like branches of a tree from hell.
It was like a tattoo... If the ink was branded straight onto the skin.
Anne touched her leg and yelped as she felt a response, her new knee jerking. So the girl poked it again, eliciting another jolt. Then she laughed, running a hand up and down the dark skin.
Joan stared at the leg, making noises and Amy turned to her.
"Is there a problem?" Amy asked, her smile so huge it managed to make it past her scarf.
Taylor noticed that Amy almost looked vindictive at the mother and Joan spluttered, pointing at the leg.
"What is that? When I asked that you give my daughter a leg, I meant like the other one." Joan said, annoyed.
Taylor walked up to her, her good mood at Anne's joy now ruined.
"You get what you wanted but it's still not good enough? Your definition of 'gratitude' is what I would call rude." Taylor told her, speaking to the woman for the first time.
Joan looked up at her and took a step back as the hero's shadowed face loomed over her. Gathering herself, Joan took a deep breath, puffing herself up and glared, trying to look down on Taylor as if she was a misbehaving child.
"Now, listen here young lady-" Joan began.
Taylor clicked her fingers and the woman stopped in surprise.
She had seen Sabah do this to Ifrit when she got annoyed. Sometimes it even worked.
"No, you listen, you ungrateful overbearing woman. You wanted a leg for your daughter, you agreed to my help, and you got the leg. Anne?" Taylor called, turning her head slightly, hood shifting with her.
The girl stopped wiggling her new toes with glee to stare up at the white cloaked hero in confusion.
"Uh, hi?" Anne offered, sounding even younger than she appeared.
Taylor smiled just a little, her lips peeking from the shadows.
"Do you want to keep that leg?" She asked kindly.
Anne pulled her new limb close as if Taylor would chop it off with the Keyblade.
"Yes! God, yes!" Anne said with desperation in her voice and face.
"How old are you?" Taylor then asked, still smiling kindly.
Joan tried to interrupt but Taylor held up one finger, making the woman huff.
Anne returned the smile, her face lighting up once more.
"Fifteen. And… Thank you. Thank you both so much!" Anne answered and wiggled her toes again with a laugh, unable to contain her excitement.
Taylor turned back to Joan.
"Your opinion is now irrelevant, she's happy, and that's all that matters," Taylor said, letting the Keyblade vanish with a sparkle of light. Nodding, she turned and grabbed her little fire demon and Amy's hand, then heading for the door.
Joan's face turned a nasty red as the two healers walked away.
"I will take legal action, defacing my daughter, turning her leg into a joke! I demand that you fix this." Joan snarled, her hand lashing out, fingers digging into Taylor's shoulder.
Taylor turned, half facing the woman, head turned further. Despite her face being shrouded in darkness her glare was palpable and Joan hastily let go, taking several steps back until she bumped
"Ma'am, we gave your daughter a leg, a damn good one. No one else in this ward is getting near Panacea because, frankly, none of you are dying and none of you are in danger of doing so anytime soon. Did you ever think that maybe Panacea has her own life? That maybe she has other things to do than wait on hands and knees for people like you, people who push and shove and demand and bully her into giving more and more every day? She helped you on her day off out of the goodness of her heart, not because she had too, and you haven't even thanked her." Taylor snapped.
Joan didn't seem perturbed, though pushing herself away from the bed to glare at Taylor once more.
"Panacea can fix everything, what morally right person wouldn't help as much as they could?" Joan said, speaking slowly as if Taylor was very stupid.
Taylor snorted, her lip curling in disgust.
"In case you haven't noticed, Amy does help as much as she can. But she helps the dying, those no one else can save. So instead of complaining about her not being here, you could have done something else. Donated blood or helped your daughter study for the days of school she's missing. Amy's done more for the world in the last hour than you seemed to have done in the last ten years." Taylor said, looking down on the woman, looming over her.
Her height combined with the shadowy hood was very good for appearing scarier than she actually was.
"She has powers, of course, it's easier for her." Joan spat, looking uncomfortable at being talked down to.
Ifrit snorted, a dark chuckle slipping from his muzzle.
"As if this one girl makes every doctor, nurse or surgeon pointless, but even so, it takes more than one white mage to make a healer corps. If you had done anything, anything at all to help the lesser, you would have bragged about it already." Ifrit sneered climbing from Taylor's arms to her shoulder once more, then pointedly turning his back on Joan.
Taylor followed the demon's example.
"Enjoy your leg, Anne!" Taylor called as she began walking back down the ward.
Anne waved enthusiastically.
"Thank you! I'll take good care of it. I can't wait to show Sam." Anne called after them, though that last part mostly to herself.
"Who's Sam?" Joan snapped. Anne said something but the general gist of it was lost in the noise of the ward.
"We're leaving. Amy, I want you to come meet Parian, she'd love to hear this story and it wouldn't be the same without you there to help tell it. That is unless you're busy later?" Taylor asked as they left the ward, leaving behind, at least in her opinion, a happy ending.
"I dunno, I really should be getting back," Amy said, her tone apologetic but not exactly regretful.
"I'm sure you're just dying to go home," Ifrit said with a mock sad tone.
Amy rolled her eyes but her reply was cut off as a song began playing. The trio paused just outside the ward as Amy fished around in her pocket, quickly pulling out a phone and glancing at the number.
"She knew I was working today…" Amy muttered to herself.
"Sorry, give me a second." The healer said to Taylor, quickly punching in a pin code before bringing the cell phone to her ear.
"Victoria, what's up?" Amy said.
There was a beat of silence before a loud voice, Victoria most likely, began to cheerfully talk, but Taylor couldn't make out the words, only hearing Amy's half the conversation.
"Mom's making Steaks.
"Yes, with the sauce you like.
"I don't know if there are beansprouts.
"No, I don't think so.
"Dean? Is he coming to dinner?
"Oh… I'm sure Mom won't mind, she likes Dean, I think.
"I was joking, of course, she likes him.
"Me?" Amy paused and then looked anywhere but at Taylor.
"I have plans.
"Yes.
"Yes, me.
"With friends.
"I have them, yes.
"So? Dean can just have my share and Mom won't have to cook more.
"I'll tell her, it's fine.
"No, it's not a boyfriend.
"No, it's not.
"Vicky, I'm hanging up.
"I know you hate it. Bye." Amy said quickly and pressed another button the screen before shoving phone away in her pocket.
Taylor looked at Amy with a wry smile.
"So… change of plans?" She asked innocently.
Amy glared at her.
"This is an action of convenience, nothing more," Amy warned, waving Taylor's chuckles off.
Ifrit cackled.
"I'm sensing some awkward feelings at home." The hellspawn said.
Amy stiffened.
"It's none of your business." The healer said, her tone rather cool.
Ifrit eyed her but didn't say anything as Amy kept talking.
"I need to call my Mom but… uh, sure. I guess I'm coming. Where are we going?" Amy asked, mentally catching up with what she'd just done.
Ifrit jumped from Taylor's shoulder to Amy's and pointed forward.
"Follow the second stair on the right," Ifrit commanded.
Amy looked at the plushie riding her, thought about it, and then sighed, accepting her new shoulder demon.
"I meant long term," Amy said and jostled Ifrit, making the little demon cackled again as he climbed onto her head, using her hood as leverage.
Taylor just shook her head at Ifrit's antics.
"He means the Dollhouse," Taylor said as she stretched her neck. Then she grinned as Amy swatted at Ifrit.
Today hadn't been so bad.
Thinking of Anne's laughter, Henry's smile and dozen other patients overjoyed to receive her help…
Nope. Today hadn't been bad at all.
"It's not a bad looking place, I think Victoria might enjoy it a lot," Amy admitted, not sounding overly enthusiastic.
Taylor nodded, smiling anyway as warmth bloomed in her chest at the familiar sight.
"I prefer the upper floors, away from the public. I can let my hair down, figuratively speaking." Taylor said as the door closed behind them.
With them both in costume, they drew a lot of eyes walking down the street, people took pictures, pointed at them and a few of the kids even asked for autographs or pictures taken with both her and Amy
Ifrit would not let Taylor either of them say no, even if Amy had wanted to.
All the children had screamed in delight at either Ifrit or a gentle Ice spell cast above them, making it snow.
Ifrit allowed himself to be hugged once or twice, he claimed that children were the best thing in the universe, along with blowing something up, melting his sister's stuff, and generally lording 'his magnificence' over a world of course.
"Most Espers like kids. They're just so small and...important." He said and then refused to elaborate.
After his tale, though, Taylor wondered if the demon didn't just enjoy seeing innocent souls free to be who they wanted to be.
Taylor even dragged Amy in for a few shots. The girl pulled her hood down but Taylor was sure she caught a smile or two, it was the way the eyes and cheeks moved. As they walked Amy had even begun to relax a little, once the girl got use to the idea that no one around her would any requests for healing or breast enlargements, which Amy claimed to have actually received a fair number of.
As they made their way through the shelves, a familiar voice called out to Taylor
"Key!" Ingrid said with warmth and approached her. Ingrid pulled her into a hug that made Taylor try to act like it was nothing unusual.
Having people touching her, hugging her, it was still a bit unexpected and Taylor didn't really know where to put her hands.
It was still so amazing and she was glad Ingrid saw her as more than Sabah's friend, more than Keynote.
Turning, Ingrid stuck out a gloved hand to Amy who shook it with more ease than she would have bare skin.
"Thank you for looking after Key, I swear that anywhere she goes, disasters just happen," Ingrid said as a way of greeting.
Amy shot Taylor a knowing look.
"So I noticed," Amy said dryly as Ifrit hopped into Ingrid's arms.
Ingrid looked at Amy with a speculative look as she cradled Ifrit before turning to Taylor.
"Did you make it marketable?" Ingrid asked lightly.
Taylor thought about it but Ifrit beat her to replying.
"She regrew a leg with me and Nurse Panpan here." Ifrit yawned.
Ingrid's lips turned up in amusement.
"Oh, is that all?" Ingrid said to the esper and shook her head.
"Parian's upstairs, you might want to head up, I think she could use a hand. Feel free to head up with her Panacea." The Dollhouse owner offered and walked away with Ifrit who looked at her sharply before breaking loose, chasing after Taylor as she headed for the stairs.
"I am not missing this. I can feel… well, well. They grow up so fast." The demon let loose a bark of laughter as he climbed Taylor's body for his usual spot.
"I hate when you do that laugh, it either means you've set something on fire or you know what's about to happen," Taylor said with a sigh.
"I've come to know it as that laugh he does before he breaks fifty hospital rules and tells overbearing mothers where to shove it." Amy mused as she followed.
Taylor thought back to Mouse Protector and the dinner the heroine had roped her into attending.
Wasn't she worried that Brandish was... hard on Amy? Taylor didn't ask, knowing if someone asked about her Dad, mostly before Gilgamesh or the Keyblade, she would have stayed quiet or changed the subject.
Mostly because she felt one part shame, one part guilt, and all parts alone.
Making their way up the staircase they quickly passed the second floor and kept going up, heading for the third. As they exited at the top, Taylor heard Sabah speaking, most likely on the phone in the office.
Taking a few steps forward she pushed the door open. Stepping inside she saw Sabah leaning against Ingrid's desk in full costume, looking a little stressed with her arms crossed and foot tapping on the floor.
Without thinking, Taylor made a beeline straight for Sabah.
"Hello, Keynote." A woman said from the couch near the window, her voice slightly distorted.
"Hi, Paige," Taylor said absentmindedly as Sabah put a hand on her mask as if she wanted to bury her face into it.
Wait.
Taylor stopped just as she reached Sabah and turned.
There, sitting on the couch, was Paige 'Bad Canary' Mcabee.
She, Taylor Hebert, was in the same room as a pop-star. Admittedly one she had sort of helped rescue from kidnapping attempt and who was awkwardly smiling at her.
The woman's hair, with her odd feathers woven through it, shone in the afternoon light coming in through the window.
Paige was wearing a simple white work shirt with black slacks, so very different than the orange jumpsuit Taylor had last seen. Around the pop star's neck was a simple thin collar, like a circlet that had accidently fallen down.
Taylor was about to rush over and greet Paige, babbling about how good it was to see her when a distinct feeling of dread bloomed in her chest as Ifrit cackled.
Taylor turned slowly as she felt movement behind her.
"Huzzah apprentice!" Mouse Protector yelled, a finger thrust towards her.
Mouse Protector looked a lot better now than she had at the end of last night. At the heroine's waist was the sword Ifrit had made for her and Mouse had somehow managed to wrap it up in Christmas paper.
"Mouse Protector, uh, hi! I wasn't expecting you or Paige to be here." Taylor said, suddenly understanding Sabah's mood.
Amy seemed to detect the mood too, shaking her head as she plopped herself down on the empty end of the couch.
Mouse Protector beamed, her smile literally radiant. How did you make teeth reflect light like that?
"Indeed, if you had I would have to be amazed that you could see the future on top of everything else!" Mouse clapped her on the shoulder and then looked past Taylor to Amy.
Her smile became so wide and bright that Taylor envied a little of that pure happiness.
"You and Amy are becoming friends! Huzzah! I am so proud of you apprentice. I knew you were magical." Mouse crowed.
Amy shook her head, waving her hands in denial.
"We're work colleagues, we did a shift together and we… uh… I wanted to talk to Parian?" Amy finished lamely, slumping back into the cushions.
Taylor backed her up before Ifrit could get a word in a ruin it.
"I dragged her here. We were going to discuss shift times and the next time we could work together." Taylor covered.
Mouse put a hand to her chin, stroking a non-existent beard.
"Hmm…" The Protectorate cape said, peering at them before perking up.
"Of course, you two are very professional! Making schedules and planning work stuff, Missy would love it." Mouse nodded.
Taylor then looked at Sabah.
"Having a party without me?" Taylor teased lightly.
Sabah tilted her head slightly and Taylor knew she was getting the 'I will hit you' look. She was getting better at teasing! Success!
"They turned up out of the blue. Mouse climbed through my window and Paige had to walk in by herself. The PRT would like to request that Paige works here as part of her sentence of community service." Sabah informed her and Amy sat down on the couch at the urging of Ifrit.
Taylor turned with a smile.
"You aren't going to the birdcage? You're innocent?" Taylor asked excitedly.
Paige blinked, started to nod, then shook her head.
"Of most of the charges, but I still accidentally hurt someone with my power and Carol reckoned that it would be best to accept a minor punishment instead of pushing for a full pardon and letting more evidence or arguments sway the jury and possibly wind up... in that places." Paige explained, shuddering as she finished.
Amy nodded to herself.
"Sounds like Mom." Amy muttered.
Paige turned in her seat to face the healer.
"You're-" Paige began…
But the singer was interrupted by a flash of orange leaping on the couch.
"Hey, digging the feathers! You would love a friend of mine, she's all about those feathers and singing. You know princess here? She's supposed to be a big deal or something." Ifrit said manically.
Amy shoved him off the couch.
Paige blinked then smiled at the scene. Sabah watched them and looked away.
"I'm not sure if we should let her work here without thinking about it," Sabah said, sounding a little putout.
Taylor just looked at Paige smiling at Ifrit, Amy trying not to look interested and she shrugged.
"Why not?"
Sabah sighed and then looked around.
"You are too nice for your own good. This is most likely the Director's petty revenge. To the outside world, it looks like the PRT basically told us to look after Paige, so we became a subordinate to them, instead of distant but somewhat friendly allies. Mouse Protector is going to be here when she's working, the Director felt quite strongly about this and I can see why." Sabah said dryly as Mouse appeared behind Canary, wriggling her fingers into her sides making the singer burst out into snorting laughter.
A voice came from behind her then, one Taylor had not expected.
"It looks like a power game without any of the actual ability to negotiate, kupo."
Taylor turned to see Mog floating into the room.
Paige instantly cooed and Mog waved at her.
Sabah looked uncomfortable but didn't look away.
"He's right. We don't have anything to argue about when it comes to it, really. We don't pay her and we don't house her either but… they get Mouse here to keep an eye on her and us. It's basically spying without the effort of hiding it." Sabah agreed.
Taylor frowned, looking at Mouse Protector who was listening to them but hadn't interrupted.
"I think, unless it endangered people, Mouse would keep it to herself," Taylor said confidently.
Mouse smiled slightly before turning away.
"You don't know that." Sabah accused.
Taylor shrugged.
"I want to believe it." She offered with a grin.
Sabah laughed a little as Mog sat down on the desk next to her, kicking his stubby legs. Taylor watched as Sabah didn't move or turn away from the Moogle, had they talked?
"You okay, Mog?" Taylor asked softly.
The Moogle nodded.
"I'm… getting there, Kupo. Still working things out." Mog admitted.
Taylor smiled at him.
"Good. And besides, it doesn't matter what the PRT wants or tries, Paige doesn't deserve to be turned away just because they're playing silly buggers." Taylor said firmly.
Sabah stood up and looked into her hood, to where her eye would be.
"She could perform community service anywhere. Even working for a private business such as us is unusual, we're hardly a public service after all." Sabah fired back.
Taylor knew Sabah had already agreed to it but her friend clearly wanted Taylor to make it clear to everyone else.
"We were there, with Lung, we know she's a hero but… people might get paranoid, or try to use her for her powers. A cape, whether hero or rogue, with her power is a powerful temptation for a lot of people. Here, with me, you, Mog, Ifrit, Boco and… anyone else that turns up, we know how it feels, to have powers and to be around others that do. Paige could use that right now. We can be that helping hand when someone needs one." Taylor said.
Sabah patted her on the shoulder.
"I agree. So now that the final member of this voting committee has decided." Sabah began but was interrupted as Ifrit coughed politely.
Sabah looked down at him.
"I already know what you would say." The doll cape said.
Ifrit looked affronted.
"Do not!" He argued.
Sabah crossed her arms, staring down at the little fluffy demon.
"Laughter, something about making the bigwigs scared, something about handing us a bomb so they get off scot free, something about humans and their politics and how the PRT have no idea how that they've handed us a free ally, something about how we look like the good guys for taking her in, and something about me building a harem," Sabah said dryly.
Ifrit opened his mouth, thought about it, the closed his mouth.
"Carry on." He said finally.
Sabah moved her head in a way Taylor knew meant her friend was rolling her eyes.
"So, Paige, we've come to an agreement, but what about you? You don't have to work here, it's pretty chaotic at the best of times." Sabah said neutrally.
Taylor watched as Paige idly fidgeted with a feather in her hair.
Amy looked at Paige thoughtfully. Even with only knowing her for a few hours, Taylor knew Amy was interested in biology. Maybe she was curious how the feathers were made from a person?
After a few seconds of thought, Paige gave a small, tired smile.
"I think this place is good to work off my debt. It's for a lot of reasons, you're nice, it looks fun, I do like fashion, and like Keynote said, this place means I can sort of relax. People here are way more capable of causing damage than me and that helps a lot. And… Well, you supported me. You believed in me, you said I didn't deserve what they were doing to me. I… It meant so much to me. It means so much to me." Paige said, her eyes looking a little watery all of the sudden.
Taylor tried not to notice that almost everyone had looked at her when Paige had said damage.
It was only a building or two, a warehouse, a street, a courtroom, a bank…
She was not a trouble magnet! It was all slanderous lies! It wasn't her fault villains kept attacking her…
As Taylor hunched her shoulders and tried not to grumble Sabah looked back at Paige.
"So, it's settled. Welcome to the Dollhous-" Sabah was cut off as the door flew open.
Taylor turned to see Jess standing there.
"Key, babe, there you friggin are," Jess said cheerfully and walked right towards Taylor, slowing once she saw the audience. Her tight jeans and white floaty blouse with her red painted nails told Taylor what gender Jess was, at least for today.
"Uh... Women's Cape Association meeting?" Jess asked.
Taylor blinked as she noticed Jess was right.
Barring Mog and Ifrit, they were all female and all capes.
Weird.
Mouse Protector looked around and she hugged herself, shaking.
"Womba!" Mouse whispered in delight.
"Paige is going to be working here for a while," Sabah explained.
Jess hummed, eyeing the singer.
"Rock on sister, this place is sweet. Once you go doll, you never go to the mall." Jess said, giving Paige a thumbs up then turning to Amy.
"Wow, thought you were some cosplayer but you're actually Panacea. Jeez, I feel a bit undressed for this." Jess muttered.
Amy shot Jess a look.
"And you are…?" Amy trailed off, her tone blunt.
Jess stood straight and put an arm around Taylor.
"I am Keynote's love mistress of the night, the fabulous madam of the Dollhouse and, when it suits me, a damn good looking man," Jess said, falling into Taylor's arms who instinctively caught her.
Taylor was tempted to drop her but Jess rocketed out of her arms like she'd been burned.
"Jesus Christ woman, take a joke," Jess said loudly rubbing her backside.
A shiny needle floated back to Sabah's open hand.
"I will. When I hear one." Sabah said.
Ifrit howled with laughter, rolling on the floor.
"Burn!" The demon laughed.
"This is Jess Quinn. An… assistant manager to me and Ingrid." Sabah introduce.
Then Taylor saw a tiny Ultros pop out of Jess's side, hidden from the guests.
"What's up?" Taylor asked, trying so sound casual.
Jess's face smoothed out, demeanour turning professional.
"I need to borrow you for while, I need a huuge fudging favour," Jess stated.
Taylor blinked.
Jess had never needed to 'borrow' her before.
"Why?" Taylor asked cautiously.
Jess looked around at the group.
"It's personal." The former villain finally said and Taylor saw that Jess looked serious.
Taylor nodded then looked at Amy.
"I'm really sorry for dragging you out like this," Taylor said apologetically.
Amy stood, looking indifferent.
"It's fine, don't worry about it," Amy said casually but Mouse Protector put a hand on the healer's shoulder.
"Nonsense, you should stay and talk, it's good for the mojo!" Mouse said.
Amy began to shake her head but Ifrit pre-empted her reply.
"If you go now, you'll have to have dinner with this 'Dean'," Ifrit said with a grin.
Amy sat back down next to Paige.
"You're right, I don't want to go. So what is it like to be able to sing in those tones, does your voicebox feel weird when you do?" Amy said, making the woman next to her blink.
Paige fumbled with her words as she replied.
"I… uh… don't notice and this collar keeps me from hitting any of them by accident. So I don't know." Paige answered honestly.
Mouse Protector rubbed her hands in delight before turning to Taylor.
"Apprentice, you've done good today! If you need me, use the Mouse signal!" The heroine said seriously.
Taylor stared at her, not understanding.
"She mean's cause a lot of destruction and do awesome shit until she comes running," Jess said.
Mouse beamed. Teeth were not meant to be that shiny.
Taylor frowned at her, she wasn't that bad! It was just… a few… accidents. Really.
"I'll come, kupo. I think I've been cooped up for too long." Mog said brightly and then looked at Sabah.
Sabah nodded and put a hand on his head.
"I'll see you soon," Sabah said.
Mog nodded.
"Soon." The Moogle replied.
"Jess… let me go." Taylor said very calmly as ice began to form on the ground around her.
"Not until you hear me out and stop trying to kill people," Jess said, holding her around the waist as Ultros stuck himself to the ground and pulled at her as well.
"Uh… babe? She's going to tear me into two at this rate." Ultros said weakly and Jess moved so she stood in front of Taylor.
Mog held on to her leg and gripped tightly.
"Please, you promised you would friggin help." Jess panted.
Taylor glared at the woman, anger twisting her lips.
"That's Gilgamesh, the guy who's using my Dad's body as a suit? Remember that?" Taylor hissed through gritted teeth as Gilgamesh waved. The remaining Undersiders stood behind him, ready to flee if things got ugly.
"Yes, I know, but did you not also tell me that he's healing him as well? No offence Key, but your Dad is looking pretty damn healthy. Where would you rather him be? In bed wasting the fuck away or getting protected by Gil over there?" Jess asked.
Taylor felt her teeth creak she was clenching her jaw so hard before flicking her Keyblade sideways.
Part of the fence that surrounded the building fell, cut clean through.
"I want to talk to him," Taylor said finally and the ice around her shattered as she took a deep breath.
Gilgamesh walked over casually, stopping behind Jess.
"You called?" The warrior said, his face blank.
"My Dad, how long before he's healed?" Taylor bit out.
Gilgamesh's red eyes turned skywards, contemplating.
"Hard to say, at least a month or two. I'm not exactly an expert." Gilgamesh shrugged as he looked back down.
Taylor felt like someone had just stabbed her in the chest, seeing her Dad's face make oh so familiar expressions and yet the words coming from his mouth being so different, so wrong.
"I know cura, I can speed this up, get you out faster," Taylor said.
Gilgamesh shook his head.
"Cura doesn't have the strength to even touch this. The brain is the core of so many magical functions that it must be repaired using extremely advanced methods or you will mutate the damn thing into a mess. The brain is the mind, and the mind regulates magic, it is more a magical device than a body part in the eyes of spells. You'd need ja or an equivalent to do what I'm doing passively for your old man any faster." Gilgamesh said evenly.
Taylor wanted to call him a liar or a leech or anything that would hurt him because… because… Damn it, it hurt talking to her Dad like this.
The octopus interrupted whatever reply Taylor might have given.
"Uh, not to piss you off, but the muscle head is right. Your pops is literally getting the esper insurance healthcare!" Ultros called out.
Taylor ignored him, her fingers turning as white as her glove as the clenched about the handle of the Keyblade.
"Kupo, he's not lying. The brain, human brains, that have been introduced to magic undergo a change, they grow new parts. Those parts, kupo, are highly unstable when damaged. Ever since you cast cure on him, ever since that first day, his brain has been changed subtly and slowly, then Gilgamesh came along and finished the process, kupo. Gilgamesh is honourable in this regard, he doesn't hide the truth, no matter the cost. You father is in the best place he can be." Mog said quietly.
Gilgamesh stared down at the moogle.
"Looking tired, Mog. I guess you and that girlie finally talked." The warrior said roughly.
Mog nodded, looking ashamed.
"It was… eating me up, kupo. This hurts, knowing that she's mad at me, but it's getting better." Mog admitted sadly.
Taylor watched him, the truth of her father's situation cooling her down faster than an ice bath.
Jess slowly let her go as did Ultros.
"Good to hear, you were always a softy, Mog. I knew you'd do anything to fix a wrong. Frankly, I might have done the same thing, not the lying part mind you, but saving the lass was a noble thing to do." Gilgamesh said cheerfully and looked down at Taylor.
"You ain't going to take a swing at me if I turn my back, are you?" Gilgamesh asked her seriously.
Taylor shook her head.
"Just… don't do anything stupid with his body and I'll leave you alone. But if you start fighting or commit a crime…" Taylor trailed off and looked him in the eye.
Gilgamesh laughed.
"Don't tempt me with the promise of a good fight! That's just not going to help." He chuckled before turning around and walking over to the Undersiders.
Grue and Regent wore their masks but Bitch was exposed, her face uncovered and frowning at them.
Three of her dogs sat quietly behind her.
Gilgamesh turned the corner and Taylor heard the sound of a door opening and closing.
Mog floated after him, as did Jess, Ultros sliding back into Jess's body with a yawn.
Grue and Regent followed them inside, Regent's voice loud as he turned the corner.
"It wasn't just me who shit myself, right?" The renaissance cape asked.
Grue's dark voice followed them into the house.
"No, she's pretty scary." The biker cape replied.
Taylor frowned.
It was just some ice and fence slicing…
Bitch didn't move and Taylor noticed that they were alone. Walking casually up to the girl, Taylor watched as Bitch's face became a mess of expressions.
Anger appeared a lot, as did annoyed.
"You… want something?" Taylor asked.
Bitch nodded, almost jerking her head, taking a few moments as she fumbled for the right words.
"The dogs." Bitch finally said.
Taylor blinked at her then looked at the three dogs behind her.
They looked mostly fine to her.
Bitch growled and crossed her arms, seeing the direction Taylor was looking.
"Not them, the ones from Hookwolf's arena. You saved them. Why?" The girl almost spat.
Taylor got the impression that Bitch was this way naturally, she could see no reason how she could have pissed Bitch off so much otherwise.
Still, the question was just bizarre.
"Why? Because they would have been used to kill each other if I hadn't. Their owners just threw money at each other while the dogs lay there dying. I would have to be a monster if I didn't." Taylor said.
Bitch looked unimpressed.
"Why, because they're cute?" The butch girl asked.
Taylor shook her head. Her Keyblade gripped tightly, slight sparks were flying off the tip but Bitch never flinched.
"I hardly call scarred, torn up, and bloody cute. I did it because I fucking hate people who enjoy watching others suffer. If it was homeless old men in that ring and tons of young girls doing the betting, I'd slap each and every one of them, cape or not. I despise those who laugh at pain. I fucking hate it." Taylor said, almost nose to nose with Bitch whose eyes never wavered.
Bitch was silent for a beat.
"Good." The other girl said, her voice quiet as she looked away, turning to her dogs and shoving her hands in the pockets of her ratty jeans.
The shortish hair and mean look made her appear bigger than she actually was, Taylor thought.
Bitch turned back and nodded seriously.
"Thanks. You saved them, cut Hookwolf down to do it too. You got balls." Bitch said and turned away, heading inside.
Taylor blinked, a little surprised at the honest words, a little touched by them actually considering who they came from. Bitch really… cared for her dogs and other dogs a lot. It was weird to think about in retrospect but it was hard to miss. She was about to follow Bitch when a flash caught her off guard.
The Keyblade glowed white and Taylor felt it shift under her fingers.
When the light died down, Taylor's mind couldn't understand what she was seeing.
Her Melody of the Lost had become a new creature.
The guard was a black spike collar that had tiny barbs decorating the outside encircling a wrapped handle, joining to meet at the clasp of the collar where a solid dark steel pole poked through to replace the normal flute. At the top of the blade were three curved blades that resembled dark, blunt claws.
Swinging silently at the base of the handle was the keychain. A metal piece in the shape of a cracked bone.
Taylor stared at it speechless.
Blunt Claw
Blunt Claw
A connection formed from honesty
Blunt Claw
"I am so confused," Taylor said finally to no one, holding her new Keyblade high.
Mog came flying out of the warehouse and straight to Taylor. But before he could speak, the Moogle slowed as he flashed red.
His round face narrowed a little and where his mouth stitch was a little fang began to protrude. His soft paws gained little claws and from either side of his head, two puffy cat ears emerged.
"Kupo…?" Mog said looking down at himself.
"It wasn't my fault!" Taylor said in frustration.