Learning as you go

"Speech"


The next morning, I met up with Wendy and Carla in the guild hall, still lugging around the large rapier.

"Morning, ladies," I sat next to them with my own food present.

I received greetings from the two in return, both still seemed tired.

"Salem?" Carla asked. Receiving a hum in reply.

"Why are you still carrying that?" Carla asked. Pointing at the weapon now on the table.

"Because we need to figure out what to do with it," I responded bluntly.

"Do?" Wendy seemed confused.

"Yeah, this IS a multi-million jewel weapon, and the team took them down. So unless we know who it belongs to," I looked at Carla, who was the most likely to know anything.

The unknown Exceed shook her head side to side, "The bandits were gone when the team arrived for them."

"In hindsight, we probably should have tied them up. Though I have no idea how they moved in that condition," I commented.

"Well if they try again we'll stop them, right?" Wendy chirped up.

"Right," I grinned a little at her new-found confidence. "That still leaves us with this though," I hefted the blade, putting us back on topic.

"Can't we find out who it belongs to?" Wendy asked frowning.

"No, no smithy marks, or if there were they've been removed," I had searched the weapon for such, but apart from its fine edge and make I have no idea.

"Ohh," Wendy frowned disappointedly.

"We could always sell it, yes?" Carla questioned.

"I doubt any local smiths could afford to, but I did want to try something," I mentioned, placing it back on the table before us all.

"Carla, can you pour some magic into it and try picking it up?" I asked.

"Huh?" Carla was surprised by the question.

"Wendy can enchant herself in a fight, and I'm a literal bomb, this sword changes size. It's something you could use to defend yourself," I explained, thank you for the idea, Panther Lili.

"Oh, that's a great idea," Wendy was overjoyed now clapping her hands together.

"What? No, this weapon is worth millions, I'm sure we could find a buyer and split the money," Carla was being rather incessant.

"Come on, Carla, please I-I'd feel better if you had it, can you at least try, please," Wendy begged her friend giving her the teary eyes. And the little cat girl's stubbornness began to waver.

"W-Wendy it's far too much money to waste like that, when we can sell it and split it," The white-furred girl huffed and turned her head to try and stop the conversation.

"Meh, you're worth more," I stated, fact of the matter is I'd much rather have an alive friend than money.

"Yeah!" Came Wendy's agreement.

"W-What you can't be serious," Carla stuttered again, blushing at all of the praise. Plus I got the serious girl to stutter again, which was adorable.

I simply waved the rapier's hilt in front of her.

"FINE," Carla shouted, finally agreeing. She grabbed the hilt and pumped in some magic, then within seconds it shrunk. Carla slowly drew the rapier, it had a silver blade and black edge, with a cross gold-colored guard that fused into a knuckle guard around the front of the black handle, with five light blue Lacrima set into the knuckle guard. It looked the same as before, only smaller.

Carla and Wendy both stared in awe at the now foot-long blade. I could only smile at our good fortune.

"Happy," Carla asked, looking away from the blade like she hadn't been appreciating it.

I rolled my eyes, "Ecstatic, but seriously I'm glad you have a weapon to use."

"Yeah, now we can beat the bad guys together," Wendy exclaimed.

"W-well what if someone comes looking for it," Carla asked, looking about ready to have a heart attack. Was she still on this?

"Then we tell them the truth, in case you've forgotten, our guild owns this land by Master's relation to the Nirvits, and by right of conquest that blade became mine, now I've gifted it to you," I explained, All true I asked the Master last night at dinner about the land's history and how far it went, due to Carla's remark about the bandits been on guild land, and Carla had come as well curious herself about the history. Nirvit law got kind of weird toward the end there, probably because of Nirvana's influence.

"Well if you insist, I can hardly turn down a gift now, can I?" She straightened in a proper manner and looked and the sheath, aligning it with her dress curiously.

"We'll likely need to have a sword belt made bu-" I was cut off, as Carla pulled a belt cord from the top of the sheath and wrapped it around her waist, clicking it into place. She smiled smugly.

I coughed, "I stand corrected, I must have missed that." I should have checked the sheath as well.

"That's so cool, Carla," Wendy complemented, looking at the weapon and Carla at different angles. I'm glad they're having fun at least.

"How'd you two sleep, by the way?" I asked, they looked somewhat groggy earlier but seemed fine now.

"Fine, thank you, and yourself," She returned the question.

"Pretty good, used a fair bit of magic using my new spells against those bandits, going to need to refine them a bit," I answered, then turned to Wendy who hasn't said anything.

"A-ah, OK, I guess," Wendy replied, looking down.

"The wounded from Pitt?" I asked, I figured this might happen.

But to my surprise, she shook her head. "N-no, I-, what if those bandits got Carla," Wendy clenched her fists.

"Wendy, dear I'm right here," Carla spoke gently patting the girl's hand.

The little slayer nodded, "It's just that I wish I'd done more."

"More? You took one of them down," I praised. Then winced as the memory asserted itself.

"Yeah, but I could have enchanted you when you were fighting, I forgot," She admitted, seeming mad at herself.

"I had it handled," I shrugged and continued. "Knowing when to do something comes from experience, we both have growing to do, I'm just more proactive in a fight, while you're more hesitant because we're different people. You're a gentle person, Wendy, that's all," I explained to the best of my ability.

"Indeed, there's nothing wrong with that," Carla agreed. "However if you would like to learn, then I require some training with my new weapon," She allowed smirking.

"Really!?" Was Wendy's shocked but happy reply.

"Indeed, shall we?" Carla asked. Wendy responded with a pleased, "Uhn."

I was frankly shocked at what had just happened, from Wendy wanting to actively gain power to Carla accepting a possible combat role. Before, they were training to be good enough to delay and get away.

It's part of the reason I had given Carla the sword, so she could parry and block in lieu of having enhancement magic like Wendy. I'm not complaining, just surprised.

"Salem come on," The little dragon girl called me.

"I'm coming, I'm coming," I responded, picking up what was left of my sandwich and following them outside.

"Say Carla still up to teaching us Aera?" I asked.

"Certainly," Carla smiled rather contently.


Ok, so the good news is, I'm growing fast because I'm using my naturally attuned magic and more than likely have some mages in my family, not that I would know, mind you. But my magic came in late and is, for lack of a better word, catching up. The bad news is that I'll plateau if I don't keep challenging my magic, it'll settle and stop pushing. Nor am I attuned to Aera magic, at least according to Carla, and that girl is smart, so I'm not arguing.

Don't get me wrong, I tried, but my magic didn't want to comply, it did, but it was a fight the entire time.

The basics are to make your magic FEEL light and then become, floaty? Then shape it like wings, including the feathers, structure, and movement. Then you had to flow the magic, gather it, and then use it. How the hell is this magic inherent to Exceed's?

While I could probably get it given some weeks... Or months of training my magic to do that, I thought it better to actually get a better grasp of my magic first. Which is why I was now under this tree at the other end of the clearing, meditating and experimenting with my magic. Right next to the burned ground from my first Ground Zero.

I sighed.

Thankfully, Wendy was having an easier time, though from what she had said, her sky magic feels much the same as Carla's Aera.

I shook my head, it was time to get to work. I grabbed at my magic and tried making it neutral, removing the natural shape it pooled into. Which, as it turns out, was the shape of a very hazy star, a part of the reason I hadn't realized that shaping magic was a thing until I was told. My magic found the lack of shaping odd with how it investigated, but didn't mind. Then I removed the hot stinging feeling, it didn't like that.

I hissed in pain as my body began to steam.

I quickly put the feeling back, this might take a while. I hope the girls are having better luck.


Wendy P.O.V

This was so fun, I'm so glad Carla had taught me. In three hours, I already had wings just like Carla and Grandeeney. They were white and feathery, and even folded the tips reached the ground.

"Alright Wendy, your magic is already providing lift, now you must direct it," Carla hadn't stopped smiling since I had gotten it to work.

"Right!" I agreed happily, I couldn't wait to fly.

"Now you need to think lighter and lighter to gain altitude, then do the same in a direction. To change direction, you need to feel light in that direction and replace the weight in the previous one. To descend, you have to add weight while still feeling light, do you understand?" Carla was smart and a good teacher, but I couldn't help but be confused, heavy, and light at the same time? Making one side heavy and another light? Wait, is that right?

"Wendy!" Carla yelled.

"Bwh," I spurted out. Ohhhh, I'd made a weird noise again.

"Wendy focus, do you understand?" Carla asked again.

"Umm, not exactly," I hope she isn't mad, I was listening, I just didn't get it.

Carla sighed, "Salem once mentioned he was more of a hands-on learner, perhaps we should try the same?"

"OK," I wanted to do this, I would try.

"Very well, let's try getting some altitude, think light thoughts upward. I will be right there with you," Carla explained, she was the best.

Light thoughts, light thoughts. Wow, I did it, I'm flying.

"WENDY!" Carla called from below. I looked down.

"Aaahhhhh, too high," I was screaming now and getting higher and higher really fast. Carla was on her way, but I wanted down, I wasn't used to this yet.

Heavy thoughts, Heavy thoughts. Oh, no, I'm falling.

I continued falling as Carla caught me and struggled to slow my fall, then we hit the ground.

"Wendy! Are you alright!?" Carla fussed over me, I hadn't meant to scare her.

"I-I want to try again," I asked, afraid she'd stop teaching me. I wanted to fly with her and Mum. I wouldn't stop.

"Wendy," Carla spoke softly.

"Please," I begged.

Carla sighed, "Very well, but let's try something different this time."

"Yes!" I was so pleased she would keep teaching me. Just wait Grandeeney when I find you, we'll be able to fly together.


Salem P.O.V

Ok, so my magic is pretty malleable but solid, not like putty, more like a soft metal, I could also whittle details on so to speak, and the more I used a shape the easier it became, like it remembered. But it was brittle, one surge of magic and it, well, detonated. Yet if the shape had magic in it before surging, it was really strong and directed it. I hadn't noticed that before, I'd just made the shapes and let the magic do its thing.

I'd also begun adding or changing out feelings to my magic so far, adding say a cold feeling had dulled my magic, but a wet feeling really pissed it off.

The stinging feeling wouldn't budge though, I could change it into a piercing feeling, or a dull throb, I could even harden it which made me feel stiff all over. But trying to make it feel say, soft, hadn't gone down well and my magic had momentarily throttled my core. It hadn't been fun.

I was going to need to work on this. But I had, had about enough for today.

"Salem!" Wendy's voice pierced my mind, and I opened my eyes to see the girl very slowly flying toward me. And Carla behind her, also flying, proud as can be.

"Congratulations, very well done," I praised the beaming girl. Giving her a smile and getting up to meet them.

"She has done well," Carla praised.

The small medic of our team looked ecstatic, if she grinned any harder I'd worry that her mouth might fly off as well. I ruffled her hair, much to her combined joy and embarrassment.

I patted Carla's back, "You too, she had a good teacher."

"Ah, yes, well, thank you, how is your own practice going?" Carla asked.

"Not great, but I am making progress, I think," Was my admittedly lackluster response.

"Well, I am sure you'll get there, you're quite the adaptive sort," Carla smirked, continuing to watch Wendy.

I snorted, "Gee, thanks, still, how about we get some of YOUR training in." I took out my all-black stiletto knife from its sheath now strapped to my hip, the same one I'd taken from my shoulder nearly a week ago courtesy of the black cat.

Carla raised a brow, "Is that-".

"Poison-free courtesy of Wendy, yes," I interrupted, Carla knew I had kept the knife, but I'd asked Wendy separately to remove the poison. I'm not sure where Carla had been at the time, but whatever, I'm not their keeper.

"Oh, very well," Carla took out her own blade as if it were a chore.

"Hey, Wendy, you want in o-" I started, only to pause as Wendy went by with a, "Whee." Regardless of how low and slow she was going.

Carla chuckled and brandished her sword, "She'll be fine, now, en garde."

We clashed blade to blade in multiple engagements, Carla's wings gave her excellent mobility but were also a rather large target. And using small detonations to propel myself and keep up made that apparent, but we were both new to sparring with one another and were mostly feeling each other out.

Funneling magic into her weapon for shields against the smallest blasts I could produce, then returning the assault in kind with energy launched from the blade, was taking its toll. At one point she lengthened the blade, which surprised me and drew blood.

It would appear that the lacrima needed a recharge after so long without a magic wielder, and Carla was an excellent charger. But using all of that magic cut down on how long she was able to fly for now, which cut our training in half, this was made apparent an hour or two later when she fell to the ground.

At which point we called it quits, as the flying Wendy came to check us over. Though to be fair, my own reserves were spent as well, and I wasn't stuck recharging lacrima the entire fight or teaching Wendy beforehand.

"Well that was fun," I commented, catching my breath, I was tired but pleased.

"Yeah," Wendy cheered, having spent the entire time learning to fly. Well, she was healing us after our sparring session, but she was flying while doing so, which was impressive in itself.

"Thanks, Carla," Wendy hugged the tired cat girl she was now carrying.

Carla gave a tired but satisfied smile, "You're very welcome."

"Sorry you can't fly, Salem," Wendy tried to console me.

"Not without a LOT of time and effort anyway. It's fine, I'll figure something out," I waved off her concern. There's more than one way to do things after all.

"Indeed, today has been quite productive," Carla commented.

It's strange, I'd begun to get used to the differences in the younger girls from their older counterparts, but they were already showing signs of their future personalities. Looks like getting them out there on actual missions had helped them come into themselves somewhat.

I rolled my shoulders, "I think we missed lunch though, we should probably get something to eat."

Wendy's own stomach growled, much to her embarrassment."Y-yeah," She agreed.

Carla huffed happily, "An excellent idea."

We weren't far from the guild, so returning and getting some food and a table was as simple as always. I did make a note that Wendy was very pleased that they had some cooked white rice today, though.

If I recall correctly, future Carla would mention to Happy the Exceed, that she did like fish but denied it to stay away from such stereotypes.

Perhaps I should find a sushi bar for us at some point for both? Hum, questions for later.

"We have that birthday party coming up soon, right?" I asked.

"Yes, we should be leaving in five days," Came Carla's tired response, she was on the ball as usual.

"Umm," Wendy spoke up, "After that, could we, umm, look for the sun village together?"

"You've narrowed down the location?" I asked curiously.

"Kind off, Could you check, you know more about it," Wendy was fidgeting in her seat but speaking up.

"Ah, Sure, but you know about as much as I do," I told her. I don't know the actual location, but I know Wendy's been working hard on finding it, so I would help where I could.

"Great," She chirped. Her prior nervousness gone, she jumped up and sped from the guild hall.

"I didn't mean right now!" I shouted after her. I know she heard me with those ears of hers, but she didn't stop.

I sighed as Carla released a huff of amusement.


Carla P.O.V

Wendy was happy, and I couldn't remember the last time I had been so daring or had such fun.

I can't believe I never thought to teach Wendy Aera magic. She was a well, not a natural, but very close. She had expressed so much emotion in wanting to be able to fly with me, it was touching.

I honestly think I may have been sheltering the poor girl too much. She is far stronger than I expected against adversity. Given a little encouragement, she overcame and persevered, while I treated her like glass that needed shaping into something beautiful.

Pitt had been a difficult experience, Wendy was hurting and scared, I wanted nothing more than to leave with her at first. But Salem had been unfaltering rallying us and taking command, I was never able to say anything and ultimately, I was grateful. No matter how disgusting it had been, leaving would have crippled the young dragon slayer mentally, and I hadn't realized until it was brought up, too insistent on protecting her in that moment. I was somewhat ashamed as well, leaving would have cost 23 lives, lives that had been saved thanks to Wendy. She was growing, I needed to as well.

It was my fault we had been there, if I hadn't brought up that mission before, Wendy wouldn't have wanted to do it.

I palmed my new weapon, it wasn't what I had in mind but... Next time I will do more.

Thinking about the gifted weapon, I couldn't help but look at Salem, the blond bomber had his head resting on the table, groaning, apparently not wanting more work at the moment.

He had done a lot for us, just by arriving the normal routine had changed, then he actively joined us, he was determined to push himself and, in turn, us.

He could have joined another guild, one with a bigger combat orientation, but he refused. Likewise, he could have joined a stronger team with his rather volatile magic, but he never even bothered to try.

And I found myself thankful, because of that drive and insistence to move forward, Wendy was happier and more confident. And I'd learned that you needed to show and explain not just demand, today had gone well I truly had needed to change how I assisted Wendy.

I gripped the handle of my weapon, rather angry at myself. Then relaxed somewhat, remembering why both had wanted me to have this weapon, but Salem's words stood out.

You're worth more, he had said. That thought flustered me more than I would like.

It was annoying though, I'm not sure what I am, but I am positive I'm a type of feline while he is human. I-I admit I found the human form pleasing, a result of being raised around them. But it wasn't the same for Salem, a part of me told me he didn't care about it, yet another told me he would.

I shook my head, it was a silly crush, he was just the first young man I had met, and he just so happened to be protective, encouraging and fairly intelligent, and mature... Oh, dear.

I couldn't help the huff that exited my mouth. Come now there's an age difference between us, I mean I realize I had been aware within my egg for a while, but I'm not sure how that works or how long. I don't even know how I work, I don't know what I am. I might be the only one of my kind.

"You alright, Carla?" Salem asked. Oh, dear, had he heard me huffing?

"Yes, I am simply thinking," I told him

"About?" He would ask.

"I was simply wondering about myself," I half admitted.

"Ah, anything I can help with?" The blond bomber asked. I was thankful for his lack of prying.

"No I don't believe so," I shook my head.

"Well let me know if I can help, alright," He grinned at me. My heart fluttered.

"O-of course," I responded with a slight stutter, I hated that a liked it.

"Oh, this isn't because of those bandits and the folks at Pitt mistaking you for a common cat, is it?" He inquired softly.

It wasn't, but I would like to know his thoughts on the matter. "It WAS rather irritating," I stated, neither denying nor confirming his question.

He nodded in agreement, "Well I had a thought about that."

"Yes?" I queried curiously.

"What about transformation magic," Was his response.

"Transformation magic?," I questioned, not as familiar with this type of magic, I knew of it of course, but there were no users in the guild. "How would becoming an animal help?" I inquired.

"Well, first of all, it's used to change clothing and structures as well. Secondly, humans are animals as well, you know," Salem explained.

"Oh," Was all that escaped my mouth in shock, I hadn't thought of that, and transformation magic is physical, right? I could be human.

"Ah! Not that there's anything wrong with you right now, mind you. We love you as is, you look great. I just meant that it could be useful, and stop idiots from gawking, you know?" Salem chatted on, was he worried he had offended me? I was relieved and grateful he had brought it up.

"A wonderful idea, thank you," I Said with the utmost sincerity I could muster. This could solve so many of my problems.

The detonation mage relaxed, "Happy to help Carla, not sure how you'll learn it, but again, let me know if I can help."

I smiled at the boy, "Thank you."


Salem P.O.V

Thank Hestia, considering the look on her face I'd thought I'd offended the girl, and defaulted to every male's defense system. Explain as fast as you can and compliment liberally.

Thankfully, Carla had seen the value in using the magic to avoid any more mishaps or irritating people thinking she was a cat, honestly she might look like one, but cats aren't bipedal nor can they talk.

As a Sidenote, I was able to bring up transformation magic to Carla without issue.

Now where the hell is Wendy?

"Shouldn't Wendy have been back by now?" I inquired, frowning, the shy but energetic girl was usually quite fast at collecting things.

"Yes," Carla looked around.

"Should we go look for her?" I asked unsure, she might be using the restroom for all I know.

"Umm, no, I don't believe so," Was the unexpected response.

"Alright then, so umm," I hesitated thinking of a subject, "I've been thinking of finding a defensive magic to adopt."

"Oh?" Carla responded curiously.

"Yeah, I know I'm still learning, but I've seen what my own detonations can do. Those were low-yield, even that Ground Zero was when I was tired, can you image high yield? Two or three times the amount? Or even full yield with everything I got. That scares me, what if someone else got caught in the blast," I admit I was venting a bit here, I was constantly holding back for fear of killing someone, enemy, or bystander. Even then, the amount of collateral damage I did in a fight was huge.

"An admirable pursuit, but you are far from the only mage with a dangerous magic, you wield it responsibly and with caution. I trust you and this only proves my point, but please don't forget that there are monsters out there that will require... more stopping power," Carla advised me. I have to say having the support of Carla helped, she was known for being disciplined and orderly, so I was doing something right.

I looked at my hand. Still, she has a point, I doubt my low-yield attacks would do much against a wyvern, and even they burned through my reserves rather fast, something to work on, "Thanks, Carla."

The white-furred girl nodded primly.

"Got it!" Came a familiar voice, Wendy had returned with her map in hand.

"Where have you been? We thought you got lost," I grinned, letting her know I was joking.

The petite girl grinned, "Bask and Mangna wanted to ask about how our mission had gone."

"Truly? How nice of them," Carla said, but she seemed off. "I saw them this morning," She gritted out. Oh.

Wendy cocked her head to the side, not understanding her irritation.

I coughed, "So the Map?"

"Oh," Wendy put the map on the, "See I found some areas that could have the Sun village in them."

I looked at the map, there were near a dozen maker points on it, "Well several of these are no good, don't know if I mentioned it, but it's a desert oasis, considering the foliage apparently around the place."

Wendy deflated somewhat, so I quickly continued, "This looks like a good area, East from here near the border with the seventh kingdom and here all the way in the south nearer the coast. Both are desert areas but near the border looks like a better shot, closer too."

"Hmm, it's risky though," Carla commented.

"It is?" I inquired, I was curious, there wasn't much about the kingdom in the paper. I did know troops were constantly on stand by at the border, but that's it.

Even Wendy nodded along, seemingly put off about going there, "The border is dangerous."

"I admit I'm ignorant about why, can you fill me in?" I asked them.

"Of course, but it's rather simple, The Seventh Kingdom is well known for its slavery, and it's not uncommon for raiders to cross the border looking for more," Carla sighed.

"What," I spoke with an obvious quiet rage.

Carla's response was a sad smile, "Everyone knows the raiders are military, but since it can't be proven..."

The girl trailed off, as a thought occurred, "Wait, when those bandits said that YOU'D sell is that what they meant?"

"A-ah, likely, we aren't close to the border, but we aren't far either, it's possible," Carla replied, her own face paled as did Wendy's. I hadn't thought much about it at the time, thinking they saw her as a pet or commodity because they were morons.

I growled long and deep, electing a shiver from the two wide-eyed girls, I know slavery was still a problem back home, even if people ignored it, there would always be horrid people. But for an entire country to endorse it.

"I should have killed them," I growled. I didn't want to cause harm by accident, but this was different. I'd killed two home intruders, why wouldn't I kill slavers.

Wendy squeaked and even Carla gasped at my declaration. "Let's make one thing clear, if we go there, I WON'T let them near you, by ANY means," I stated, no I promised them.

"W-Well I'm sure that won't be necessary, we don't even know if they were slavers," Carla declared, red-faced as blood returned to her face.

"Maybe, but they're my enemy now, they attacked us, and tried to take you, next time I won't hesitate," I took a breath and looked at my hand, high yield.

"S-Salem?" Wendy looked scared but was gritting her teeth and her hands were balled into fists.

I gave her my attention as she continued, "We don't have to go."

I deflated somewhat, "I tell you what, we'll get more information on the area first, OK?"

The girl paused and was silent for a moment, then she nodded in acceptance.

"And we still have the south to check, right?" I brought up, I hadn't meant to scare the girl.

Wendy let out a relieved sigh and gave a determined nod, "Right."

"Sooo the birthday party? I asked to try to lighten the mood. It was our original topic.

"Y-yeah, me and Carla thought we could do some air dancing if I'm good enough," Wendy accepted the change in subject.

"I'm sure you will be, you're doing well," Carla commented.

This is how we would spend the rest of our evening, coming up with ideas for a child's birthday party. At least the girls were distracted, slavers were a horrible subject and they were young.

I wish I could tell them the truth to avoid finding the village. But anytime I tried I'd just not be able to speak, the same if I tried to write about it. But now I knew there were conditions, or limitations in place, I might be able to work around them.


Wendy P.O.V

"I'm heading to the bathroom, Wendy," Carla told me as she left our room.

"Ok," I called while getting ready for bed.

It had been a fun day, mostly.

Salem had gotten angry though, I'd seen him annoyed, tiered and even stressed. But never angry... actually I had, back at the train station, but this was different. He said he'd kill people, and that scared me, I mean they were bad people, but isn't that too far?

But Carla had said they were REALLY bad people, I don't know much about them, but I know they take people, I was really mad when they tried to take Carla. But killing someone is bad, I really don't want Salem to be bad.

He believed me, he helped me, he was my friend. I know he wouldn't do something bad, but he said he would. Carla said he was trying to keep us safe, so they wouldn't take us.

But if I had to... to stop them from taking Carla or Salem...


A/N: Right so a couple of things:

First, the children are beginning to branch out, learning things or learning of things they wouldn't have otherwise, or would have much later.

Second, Yes I know Salem talked about the magic like it's alive but he's more projecting animal traits onto the magic than it being a separate sapient entity, the energy is simply reacting.

Third, yes Carla has a small crush of sorts on Salem. To me it makes sense Carla is a young girl who while not sexually mature, has formed an emotional attachment to a young man and is aware enough to realize it, but strict enough not to act on it. This comes back to how she was raised, and her not knowing what she is.

Wendy I don't think would realize even if she did, she's far more interested in making friends at the moment. And right now she's coming to terms with real life, Carla at least reads the paper, Wendy didn't.

Note, however, that Salem while in a child's body IS an adult and therefore NOT open to any relationships, not until their way older at the very least.

And finally, I'm a bit behind on writing due to school classes deemed mandatory by my place of work and very sleep deprived. I am trying to catch back up.