"So there are Midgardian schools," Thor said. "For magic users."
"We are called mages, brother, please do try to remember that," Loki said.
"Um, not here on Midgard, actually as far as I can tell there are several magic user types and they all have different…." Thor cleared his throat. "Anyway, I was hoping to have a way of doing a cultural exchange and to share…" Thor cleared his throat again. "I was thinking that Arsinry is old enough to be considered for schooling in the local…"
"And… you're wanting to sign them up for it aren't you?" Loki asked.
"I think that it might be good for them, and for you and Jazz and the baby," Thor said. "You've been so… worried about them recently. I think it'd do you and them some good to have them attend. It could be fun."
"They could go to the school I'm working at," Fenrir said, looking up from his book.
"Exactly, Fin's already there, working for the school," Thor said, pointing to Fenrir. "See, it all works out! They could go, make new friends, learn about Midgardian magic and culture. Develop their interests…" Thor trailed. "It'd be so good for them!"
"He's got a point. And it will be far enough away from you that maybe they might start wanting you around them again," Fin said.
"It'd be good, for everyone!" Thor continued. "You'll get a break for worrying about them, and they'll get a break from your overbearingness. Jazz and you can have time to get things set up for the babies, without having to stress about Arsinry!" Thor said. "It'd be so…"
"You shouldn't have said overbearing," Fin said, as Loki got purple in the face from anger.
"I WILL HAVE YOU KNOW THAT I AM JUST PROTECTIVE OF MY CHILD!" Loki yelled. Thor looked between Fenrir and Loki, nervously. Then made a face like he'd stepped into a regretful amount of shit.
"Yes, because yelling at your brother and another of your crotch goblins shows that you're not overbearing of over protective in the least," Fin said sarcasm dripping off the words.
"Unbelievable!" Loki shouted. "Attacked! By my own family! I expected this from him but you!" Loki said.
"Just send the kid to school!" Jazz shouted, coming in from the other room. "I think it'd be a good chance for all of us to step back from the situation and look at it from another angle, a new lens."
"Thanks Music man," Fin said, smirking at Loki being outvoted.
"This- this isn't fair," Loki pouted.
"Tough," Thor said. "I've already talked to the headmaster about letting some Asgardian children in. we haven't finalized anything but I would very much like Arsinry on that list."
"Who said life was fair? And why did you decide to listen to them?" Fin asked.
"Alright, fine we agree to do the exchange program, and to have Arsinry in it, but if they decide they want to do something else that's final," Loki said.
"No one was talking about forcing them to do anything," Thor said. "Heck, I wasn't even planning to put them on it until they agreed. Jazmine you're better as talking to them about this stuff, can you?"
"Of course," Jazz said.
"You want me to tell them to come home now," Fin said, to Jazz.
"No, let them continue having their day," Jazz said. "If they want to come home they can."
"Okay, Thor, I'll let my boss know about the time difference now." Fin said getting up, hugging Thor and Loki, before kissing Jazz on the head and teleporting away.
"And I'll tell them about the idea once they get back," Jazz said.
Arsinry shut the front door, leaned against it and sighed. They were tired. They'd listened to their friends talking about their soulmarks half the day. She had to admit she did miss her friends but they were living their lives now, and she just wasn't in the picture for them anymore. That's why she'd snuck off to hang out with the Raywood pack. Finrir had introduced him to them shortly after the debacle with Arsinry being cooped up, so when he'd gotten sick of listening to his friends gush about their soulmates of soulmarks they'd bid them farewell and gone to the pack. They'd much preferred hanging out with the pack teens and kids. They loved being able to play with the puppies, and just be a teen. Not worrying about how mother would react to this or that. Not trying to be the crown of the realm. They were just Arys, at the Raywoods. They missed just being them so much.
Still they'd been forced to regroup with their flirting, or moping friends from Asgard. Hang with them a little while longer and listen to them swoon, flirt or mope depending on what stage they were in. It was tiring, and after chasing kids around the Raywood pack grounds it had started to get to be too much. Being home was both a relief and a whole new stress. They loved their mother, and they really liked their Music Man. She'd been doing her best to make Arsinry's transition easier for them. But their mother always seemed to be missing something.
"Hey, I'm back." Arsinry called as they got the will to move.
"Hey," Jazz said stepping into the entry way room. "How are you? Was it that bad?" She asked, seeing the stressed state Arsinry was in. "Want some cocoa or tea?"
"I'm good, just tired of them going on and on about the others, as if they are miles away. The Raywoods say hi. And I would love some thanks, tea." Arsinry said.
"Oh, I know how that was," Jazz said. "As someone who got the full scope of their marks early in like and having it be all that people would talk about…" She rolled her whole head with her eyes. "I'll get you some." She smiled. "So, Fin, Thor and I were talking to Loki today;" Jazz said leading Arsinry into the kitchen, where she put the kettle on.
"Did he blow up again?" they asked worried for Jazz and the baby.
"Eh… Not really," Jazz said. "So, you know that program Thor's been working on?"
"Yeah, I told him I wanted to be in it." Arsinry said.
"Oh! Good!" Jazz said. "Just to make sure we are talking about the same thing; going to midgardian magic schools?"
"The wort covered hog school. Right" Arsinry said.
"Ah, yes, that's the one," Jazz said. "Well, we were talking about that with Loki." Jazz said. Arsinry could guess the answer with how bright Jazz's smile was. "And… Gues what?" She said giddily. Like a child who'd been offered a treat.
"Mother said no, then you all outvoted him," Arsinry said, smiling. Jazz laughed, a little at that.
"Not too far off," Jazz said. "But, we've convinced 'im to let you enroll if you wanted to." Jazz said. "And I'm guessing from your previous statement that yes, you would."
"Thank the AllGandperants for that. Yes it is," Arsinry said.
"Okay, good," Jazz said. "I already got the list of supplies." Jazz said. "I was going to help Thor with procuring the needed supplies. You wanna come too? It'll make getting you sized for your uniform easier."
"Sure, I may run off to find a new friend or two," Arsinry said, smiling.
"That's fine, cool," Jazz said beaming, the kettle whistled. "Tea time." Jazz said, winking. Soon the two were discussing the school list over steaming cups of tea.
The group of Asgardians and one Midgardian entered the Raywood pack grounds. Jormand, Finrir, Valkyrie and Jazz followed by the fifteen Asgardian 'children'. The plan was to meet up with the Raywood pack and their small group that were also joining the Midgardian school. Jazz had charted a bus, a technically muggle driver, but he was in the know from Jazz's younger years. They were on friendly enough terms, and chatted amicably while Valkyrie, Jormand and Fenrir gathered the information of the pack members that would be joining them.
"Hello, I am Sirius, Sirius Black," A man said as he led the small group onto the bus. There were twelve of them in total.
"Why so Sirius?" Arsinry said before they could stop themself, this got snicker and laughs from the other Asgardians teens.
"I'm- that's my name?"
"That- it's a joke," Jazz said. "I'm Jazmine, I'm not going into the details of my last name today so we're just gonna skip that part."
"It's Friggasdo'ter" Wary said, they were in the back clothed in blues.
"It would actually probably be Maddiesdo'ter, given she's the one who gave birth to me…" Jazz said. "Though I suppose it'd be the part I'm marrying into which, might make that accurate…." Jazz said, then shook her head. "See, this is why I didn't want to get into it. I've got multiple last names. It's complicated and we don't have the time, take your seats." Jazz said, ushering the group past her. Taking the notepad that Valkyrie handed her, and checking over names. "Okay, I'm going to call out your names and you're going to raise your hand and verbally answer if you can. If you can't use the blue whistle that was handed to you all while you were getting onto the bus." Jazz went over each child's name. Once that part was done. "If there's an emergency use the red whistle, if you need to get our attention but can't be heard use the blue." She made sure to sign as she was talking to make sure all the kids would understand.
"Why do we need to use different whistles?" Liv asked, she was darker skinned with smooth black hair falling in a braid down her back.
"Thank you for asking," Jazz spoke and signed at the same time. "That's a good question. Each whistle has a different tone, pitch and volume to it. The red one is louder, and sharper. The blue one isn't as loud, and while still attention grabbing has a gentler tone." The kids all nodded, understanding across their faces.
Little Skippy
The group made their way through the passage in the wall. Jazz made sure to count each child off before closing the passage behind them. Then the group headed on.
They made sure to get their uniforms measured and then scheduled to come to collect them later that day.
Then headed to the bookstore; picking up the books they'd need for the year.
They purchased their potions equipment and ingredients.
Their telescopes had been ordered ahead of time, and were waiting back at the pack grounds. As were their brass scales and cauldrons.
Arsinry did sneak off to find some new pets, as the street was crowded. They were glad they had told Jazz about this beforehand. They walked around looking at the different shops. Before they found one with different kinds of magical creatures. Arsinry walked in and looked over everyone. In the back of the store was a pin set up for all kinds of lager animals. One caught Arsinry's eye quickly. It was smaller than the others, in it was an even smaller black winged horse. It gave a small cry and Arsinry talked back to it. The others in the store looked at Arsinry oddly but said nothing. Arsinry walked to the front to ask about the animal, when the owner told them that no child can see the animal and to leave. Arsinry walked to the door, and called Jazz with no issues. The phone rang a few times.
"Jazz, I need some help. There is a small winged horse in a pin too small for it. But the owner said 'no kid can see it and leave' could one of the others be spared for this?" Arsinry said when Jazz answered. Jazz arrived a little while later, and started in on the shop owner.
"How do you know who and what people have seen?" …. "...Keeping a Thestral in such a tiny cage!" and "I might seriously have to all the ministry about this!" Were some snippets of conversation that Arsinry heard through the door, each time it was opened by a customer coming in or out.
After about half an hour Jazz left the shop with the tiny creature in tow. She handed the small, undersized, and sickly creature to Arsinry.
"Fortunately we're done with the shopping," Jazz said. "Though we'll need to get you a wand, we'll have to work on that later. I think we should get this little guy home and cared for. Seriously that guy!"
"Isn't that just wood and a part of a magical animal?" Arsinry asked.
"That's right," Jazz said, solemnly. "Turns out the wand stores don't have anything that works for Asgardians…." Jazz said, chewing on her lower lip.
"Do you think I could ask how wands are made?" Arsinry asked. "I mean if there's anything special I'm supposed to do to make them."
"I don't see why you couldn't at least try," Jazz shrugged. "Worst they can do is say no… As long as you phrase it correctly." Jazz paused. "Let me ask."
"Okay." Arsinry said, then started to talk to the Thestral about why it was that Wands didn't like Asgardians.
Olivander looked up from his work to see a woman and a young girl walk in. The two don't look related but they seemed close.
"Hello," The woman, a slender red-haired woman, her eyes a gentle blue. "I'm Jazzmin, this is my step-daughter Arsinry. I was in earlier with a larger group, the one from New Asgard and the Raywood pack."
"Oh! Yes, terribly sorry about that," Olivander said. "I know how frustrated and disappointed the kids must be, and I'll see what I can do to-"
"Oh, no, well it's about that but also not," Jazz said. "See, I was wondering…. If it's rude or if there are…. Well, first, are there legal issues with making your own wands… Is there like a special certificate or…" Jazz waved her hands.
"Would it be due to the lifespan? Or is it that Seithr is too different?" Arsinry was muttering to himself still. It hasn't stopped since Jazz told them about the wand issues. Jazz gestured to them gently. Asinry was muttering about the wand specifications they knew about, size, shape, the way a wand would move in the air… Cores, wood and all that.
"We thought maybe we could help or make our own wands or…."
"Oh, well there is a specific sort of… title that you need to be able to make wands," Olivander said. "Though, that one does have a point." Olivander said thoughtfully. "Wands can be fickle creatures, have wills of their own, they have to. anything with enough magic will. But Seithr… that the type of magic Asgardians use?"
"Yes. it is,"Arsinry said, jumping out of his muttering.
"Fascinating," Olivander said. "I might be in the market for an … apprentice, and you would know more about Asgardian magic. Perhaps. Well."
"I do. My father is the Master Magician of the cort." Arsinry said.
"Ah… Not sure what that would mean, but you also seem to have the makings of a good wand craftsman. What do you say?"
"I would very much appreciate it thank you," Arsinry said.
"Good to know, and I'm very curious to learn more about Seithr and how it might differ from the usual magic I come across." The two shook hands and Jazzmin looked very pleased with the arrangement.
Back home Arsinry spent their time healing the Thestral and going over anything and everything they could about wand making. The amount of time in their big terrarium that now held three animals had grown mainly due to tending to the unhealthy Thestral. When they were not in there they had their nose in all kinds of wand making books that Olivander had lent to them. Loki left them alone, seeing them reading and learning.
Jazz, the many Matthew(s) and Arsinry's brothers still checked up on them, but for the most part they were given the space they needed to work. Arsinry quickly learned they had a real talent and interest in wand making. Olivander and him met up once a week for apprenticeship duties and training. They practiced wood shaping techniques on the weekends. All in all, it was a pleasant few months.
The morning weather was still seasonably warm, not that it mattered much to Harriette one way or another. Summer was drawing slowly to a close, and discussions of the first days of school were slowly approaching. Harriette had been collecting money from fountains here and there, as well as still searching through missing bags for anything she might find useful. She liked having emergency money. She'd taken to keeping a few bills tucked inside the soles of each pair of shoes. Worried someday that her aunt would still come tracking her down. She and Emelia had spotted her checking the pizzaplex for Harriette once, but no one had recognized her. But the human security hadn't seen her since, and she'd been paid off not to talk about it to the presses, probably. Harriette had overheard some of the staff members talking about it while she'd been stationed in a vent digging through a small bag that had been seated on the same spot for four days. Or maybe it was the time she'd been rummaging through the lost and found for useful items, and had tucked herself inside the vent leading outside of that room. If she wasn't benefitting from the company's lack of care she'd probably be worried about how easy it was to sneak around. Maybe it would get harder as she got bigger.
She'd collected several bits of money, and a few still usable gift cards. Summer, especially late summer, seemed to be an eager time for tourists. Harriette thought slinging a bag over her new pilfered bag over her shoulder.
She'd store it in her old camp in the dump for now. It was early morning. Mayla wasn't going to come in till later because of the date. It was the anniversary of her mum's death and she felt sad and down. There was a party scheduled for later too, so the daycare was closed as the staff member bossed Harrietted daddies around, and did party prepwork. A bunch of stupid stuff went into a Fazzbear official birthday party. Harriette didn't really get it.
Harriette knew the kids, Alecia and Alecio would be forgotten in the background and Markayus would be getting all the special treatment. The daycare would be closed to any none staff non party guests. Since their dad was an important big shot.
Still Harriette, had decided she'd wanted to get her friends something, so she'd been scrounging around a little more thoroughly. Normally she'd leave bags alone for a day or two, but she'd been checking any bag left for longer than an hour since that generally meant the person wasn't coming back for it. She'd turned them all in, but she'd always dug through first for bits of spare change, as well as ideas on what to buy.
Harriette checked around her casually before slipping out of sight and into the depths of the Fazbear Mega pizza plex. Skipping down the maintenance halls and waving to staff bots and wet floor bots. She spotted Kreacher and Chicken together talking. That explained why Kreacher hadn't been at home this morning. Harriette smiled and waved at the two as she approached.
"How are you two this fine morning!" Harriette asked.
'Good,' Chicken chirped.
"Good mornin' Harriette," Kreacher said.
"I'm glad you two are getting along!" Harriette cheered. "I'm happy you're making friends." She said more to Kreacher.
"Kreacher is too," Kreacher said. "Where you off too? What is the bag for?"
"Somebody left it," Harriette said. "It's been left for ages, so I'm claiming it!"
"Oh?" Kreacher asked. "Careful now."
"Don't worry, I check for dangerous stuff first!" Harriette said. "Well, see ya back home tonight! You remember that the weirdo will be in the daycare most the day right?"
"Don't call him a weirdo he's just doing his job," Kreacher said. "But yes Kreacher recalls."
"Okay~!" Harriette fake whined, smiling. "See ya later!"
"Be seeing you!" Kreacher called back.
Mayla Arrived early maybe so she and Harriette hang out
Mayla arrived with her Bram-paw earlier than the daycare would open that day. Bram-paw needing to touch base about the important kids birthday party. Mayla sighed. She wasn't entirely sure she wanted to be there. She wanted to curl up in bed and cry. Today was the day her mother had died. She didn't want to be forced to play party games and pretend to be happy. She was especially not looking forward to today because of who's birthday it was. Well she actually was fine with Cio and Cia but Markayus was a butt and she just knew his mom was going to focus all her attention on him or Sun.
She was always bothering Sun when she was around, and it made Sun super uncomfortable. He'd asked her to stop but she wouldn't. That was just plain rude.
"How are you feeling, little pup?" Bram-paw asked.
"Tired," Mayla said, a little pout forming on her face as she said it.
"I know," Bram-paw said. "Maybe you can sneak off to nap a little bit here and there."
"Maybe," Mayla said, using her free hand to wipe her nose. It was slightly running from her unshed tears. Bram-paw rubbed her back at that.
"Mayla! Gran-paw!" Harriette's voice rang out, cheerfully. The Mega pizza plex was crowded but not too crowded. Most people were in the arcades or other places already, or hadn't arrived just yet. Harriette made her way to the small crowd. Her hair was tied up in a loose, slightly messy pony-tail, the hair was a pale shiny almost pink color. Her green eyes were bright with excitement behind the lenses of her oval glasses. Her scar was covered by her bangs, which were clipped into place above her ear. Her little red, dress decorated with star patterns and flowers and spiders. "Are you okay?" Harriette asked, a smile slipping off her face as she got closer to Mayla.
"My mummy died today last year," Mayla said. "Sad."
"Oh! I'm sorry," Harriette said. "Here, ya wanna hung?" Mayla nodded hug stepping into the other girl's open arms. Mayla was taller and bigger than Harriette but she still managed to get a good hold on her.
"I'll see her when it's time. Just sad daddy didn't even call yesterday, but…" Mayla said tears falling uncalled.
"That sucks," Harriette said. "He should have definitely called you today. Even if he lost his wife he should still think about the fact that you lost your mummy." Harriette tried to squeeze a little tighter. "But, maybe he's just really sad too. He still should have called! But maybe he's just not sure what to say or somethin' and he'll call tomorrow." Harriette had stepped back to try and ruffle Mayla's hair the way her Daddies did for them all the time, but she was too short to reach anything over than her bangs.
"Maybe…I'm sorry for not being my normal happy self," Mayla said, really not wanting to be here acting happy.
"You're allowed to be sad!" Harriette told her, taking her hands and trying to get into the taller girl's face. "You lost your mummy! Just 'cuz you'll see her again doesn't mean you won't be sad. She's still not in a place where you can reach her anymore for a long time!" Harriette tried to reach up on her tippy-toes to give her a kiss on her cheek, but she wasn't tall enough. "Come down here so I can give you a kiss!" Mayla smiled a small smile that didn't reach her eyes and bent down. Harriette kissed her cheek, once then twice, then another time. "Seriously though, if you want to hang out somewhere other than the daycare we can. I'll send Daddies a message to let them know we're hiding out somewhere." Harriette said smiling.
"I'm not leaving Bram-paw….like daddy did me," Mayla said, growing softer as she spoke.
"It's fine if you're not feeling up for it sweetie," Bram-paw said. "I know you're not going to stay gone. If you want, how about you at least take a break from the daycare during prep time? That way you have a buffer period."
"I know lots of places to hang out!" Harriette said, taking Mayla's hand. "Or we can go get some food or snacks or something. I got money on me, I got it from the fountains." she said conspiratorially, grinning with a finger to her lips and trying to wink. "C'mon!" she tugged gently. "I don't expect you to be happy for me either." She keeps her hand in Mayla's as she and Bram encourage her. Wanting her to make the choice that would make her happiest or at least the least sad. Mayla nodded deciding that spending some time away from the daycare might be a nice break, especially today and with Markayus's birthday.
"I wish Bonnie was here, Daddy said he was sick," Mayla said sadly. Leading the way up.
"Bonnie still works," Harriette said. "Maybe he's broken in america. That's sad, he doesn't have Daddy to fix him up there. Wanna go to Bonnie bowl? I don't mind. I've never actually gone to any of the official attractions b'fore."
"I don't know, but we always have a full axelas pass for you and me. Bram-paw made sure to tell Daddy about you, and he added you as my sister for everything," Mayla said.
"Oh!" Harriette said. "Daddies said you guys did that! I'd forgot! I really appreciate it! Does it say we have different mummies according to the law? Well, doesn't matter. Wanna go bowling, never tried but it could be fun."
"Daddy says he was a playboy…whatever that is so him having kids that have different moms is nothing," Mayla said, as Bonnie was returning to the bowling alley from visiting DJ.
"Oh, I know what that means," Harriette said. "It's not a very nice thing to say about someone else though."
"Oh my goodness! You can't say things like that!" Bonnie said. "Do you- what do you think it?"
"Bonnie!" Mayla shrieked in delight. "I'm Mayla St- Raywoods!" She said, thrusting one hand out, the other still high in the air.
"Hallo," Harriette said, waving shyly from behind her big sister. She was allowed to think of her that way because Mayla said it already and her dad thought that way too. So, it was fine, yeah.
"Oh! Nice to meet you two little girls," Bonnie said.
"He called me a girl!" Harriette said, gender euphoria coursing through her veins at being gendered correctly by a stranger.
"You are a girl. Silly," Mayla said.
"I know but people didn't get that before," Harriette said, grinning.
"Well, you're very pretty," Bonnie said. "I like your little dress."
"Thank you!" Harriette said.
"I like your dress too," Bonnie said, taking in the very first person to have so much of his color and themed clothes on. The taller girl was in his color dress, and her shoes had little Bonnie ears on them.
"Thanks, it has pockets!" Mayla said, sticking her hand in her pockets.
"Oh! Mine too!" Harriette said, very seriously, thinking that it must be important to note since her big sister said so.
"Awe, that's so neat," Bonnie said. "Where are you two little ladies heading?"
"Well if it's ok with you, we were going to bowling. We have full 'Assess passes'. We just have never left the daycare," Mayla said.
"Of course!" Bonnie said, smiling down at them. "I'm heading back to the bowling Alley myself. I'm proud that my attraction was the first you chose to stop at." Bonnie couldn't help but grin even more. The two were adorable. "So, what is your name?" he asked the smaller girl. "I feel bad only knowing one of your names when you both know mine." He could access their files but he liked hearing it from the little guests. Harriette tucked behind her big sister a little more, clinging to her arm.
"This is my new little sister! Harriette Edmonds!" Mayla said.
"Oh!" Bonnie said, knowingly. He'd overheard a tiny snippet of their conversation so he could put the pieces together. Harriette waved from behind Mayla again, smiling softly. "It's nice to meet you both!" He said. By now he'd led them to the bowling alley and with a quick scan of their guest profiles they were let in with him.
"Okay, so, we need to get you bowling shoes, that's important!" Mayla said very seriously. "I think it's so you don't slip."
"That's actually very correct," Bonnie said.
"Really!" Mayla said.
"It also helps keep the floors clean I think," Bonnie joked.
"Oh!" Harriette said, very serious.
"Let's get you your shoes," Bonnie said. Leading them to the bot that would hand out shoes. "You have to tell them your size."
"I don't know my size," Harriette stated.
"There's a chart you can use there," Bonnie said.
"I' think, unless I growed again. Do they have Bonnie Blue colored shoes?" Mayla asked, trying to untie her shoes and knotting them more.
"I'm a size….4 it looks like." Harriette said. Harriette ducked down to untie Mayla's shoes for her. Mayla's excitement was making her hands shake. "This is my firstest time ever bowling. What are the rules?"
"You just try and knock the pins over and the board will tell you how much points you got," Mayla said, pointing to the boards over each bowling lane.
"Oh!" Harriette said, thoughtfully. "How do you knock the pins down?" She tied Mayla's shoes, before tying her own. "Sorry. Your hands are shakin' real bad."
"With a bowling ball. Thanks I forgot my hands don't like tying," Mayla said.
"It's fine," Harriette said. "I'm here to help, and I like doing it." Harriette said. "So, where do you get the ball?"
"Over here," Bonnie said. "You'll probably want some of the lighter ones." Harriette nodded. "You can tell the weight by the marking on the ball here." He turned one to make it more visible and pointed. Harriette nodded a little more seriously. "Some people bring there own sometimes, and some regulars have a rented space for theirs."
"I have one!" Mayla said, remembering. "And once Dad knows what size you like you'll have one too." Mayla informed.
"Oh!" Bonnie said. "It's good to know."
"Your ball," one of the staff bots said, bringing Mayla's ball. "And shoes."
"Oh! I didn't know dad got me shoes too!" Mayla said, turning a little red. Harriette helped her get the bowling alley one's off and tied her proper shoes to her. Her ball was a specially made one, with swirling bonnie blue and bonnie purple, with shots of electric blue mixed in.
Harriette was comfortable with a surprisingly heavy green ball. She'd assured both of them that she wasn't picking it just because green was her favorite color. She even showed how easy she found maneuvering the ball, she really did seem to find it easy.
"It's not even that heavy," Harriette had said.
"Mom had the original Freddy's ball. I think it's still here. But mom can't play any more. So you can use it whenever you like Bonnie," Mayla said.
"Oh, that's very kind of you, but I wouldn't want to mess it up if your mom someday can play again," Bonnie said.
"She's dead," Mayla said, holding her bowling ball a little more like a teddy bear.
"Oh, well, I mean- I'm not technically allowed to use guests' things, but thanks for the offer," Bonnie said, a little heartbroken.
"Then how are you going to play too," Mayla said tilting her head, which both Bonnie and Harriette thought looked like a puppy.
"I have my own ball for bowling," Bonnie said. "They had it made back when kids were still requesting to bowl with me." Bonnie said. "If it breaks though I don't think the company will replace it." Bonnie shrugged at that. "Still, it's nice to bowl with guests again."
"We'd be glad to bowl with you anytime!" Mayla said excitedly. "I'll even make formal requests so they have to make you a new one if it breaks." Bonnie chuckled.
"That's very sweet of you," Bonnie said.
They registered their lane with the panel at the head of the one they'd chosen. Typed in their names on the scorecard as they decided who would go first.
"You're the adult so you should go first," Harriette said.
"You're the youngest," Bonnie said.
"I don't know how to play," Harriette stated.
"I can show you," Bonnie said.
"That's why you should go first," Harriette said.
"I wanna go first!" Mayla said, rejoining them after a quick chat with the staff-bot about her shoes being too small. "I haven't bowled in over a whole year!"
"Alright!" Bonnie said. "That settles it."
"Yeah!" Harriette said. "So, your second!" Harriette said.
"But-"
"No!" Harriette said, getting angry, tears starting in her eyes. "You have to show me how to do it!"
"Okay, okay, I'll go first," Bonnie said. Not wanting the little girl to cry. Not realizing it was angry tears and not sad tears. "I'm not really supposed to though."
"That's stupid!" Harriette shot back, voice getting a little louder. "What if a kid doesn't know how and their parents aren't around to show them. They like dumped them off here or something." She stomped her little foot them. "It's not fair! I don't know how!"
"Alright! I get it!" Bonnie said. "I'll go first to show you how to do it."
"Good!" Harriette said, rubbing frustrated tears out of her eyes. "Sorry. I got emotional."
"That's okay," Bonnie said.
"No it's not, yelling at you was mean," Harriette said.
"Okay, appologie excepted."
"Harriette! Bonnie!" Mayla called. "Look at my score. I got all the pins!"
"That's a great job!" Bonnie said. "You have another turn! Each of us goes twice!"
"Okay!" Mayla said skipping back to them. "Did you decide who goes first?"
"Bonnie," Harriette said.
"Yup!" Bonnie answered. Arranging the score card appropriately. With a notation on Harriette's profile. *Got upset when I tried to let her go first, didn't know how to bowl.* Hopefully that would keep management off of his case.
"Maybe dad can pay for us to get lessons from Bonnie and the others," Mayla said, hopping a little.
"But won't we be getting lessons now?" Harriette tilted her head all the way to her shoulder. Bonnie couldn't help but be reminded of Sun and Moon. He really missed being able to hang out with his friends after hours. He really could not wait till all the night staff was replaced with staff bots. It'd make things so much easier.
"Well, we aren't going to learn everything in just one game~," Mayla said. "There are lots of different stuff to the game."
"I thought it was just hit the pins with the ball?" Harriette said.
"If your d-favorites Sun and Moon come it changes the games, just like Freddy and the others. Monty has like Monty heads that try to eat the ball!" Mayla said.
"Huh?" Harriette tilted her head to her shoulder again. Bonnie couldn't help but laugh. She must spend a lot of time in the daycare with Sun and Moon.
"That's right," Bonnie said. "But there is more to the game than just knocking pins down." Bonnie explained. "See there are different kinds of techniques to getting the ball to do specific things." Bonnie said. "I mean, just watch them over there. See how that guy just keeps getting his ball in the dents, those are called gutters and the act of getting the ball stuck there is a gutter ball. You don't want that, it you get a gutter ball you can't hit any of the pins."
"Oh?" Harriette turned her head in the other direction, touching her ear to her shoulder. It was cute.
**Little Skippy**
"That was a fun game. Thanks Bonnie for playing with us. I can't believe you got like 3 times of the pins all falling down sissy," Mayla said.
"I was surprised at how hard the game actually was," Harriette said. "I was half tempted to cheat but that'd be bad, and mean but it was a close one." Harriette admitted. "Thanks for playing with us too."
"Thanks for having me," Bonnie said waving to the two girls off. "It was a delight! Really! Come back anytime!"
"Kay!" the two girls said together.
"I'll have to remember which hair tie I used for him next time," Harriette's voice was nearly too far to hear.
"Why? They know you from your guest profile? And I heard Bram-paw saying that dad made sure that they aren't allowed near you anymore." Mayla said.
"Because it's-" Bonnie couldn't hear the rest of the conversation. But it was about the way hair-dye could be bad for your hair if you weren't careful about it.
After Harriette returns to the daycare - Forced Birthday shenanigans.
Harriette and Mayla arrived hand in hand to the daycare slide and sign in. They signed in properly, like good girls, before taking the slide down to the grown-ups who were wrapping up the birthday party preparations.
"Hello, Harriette, Mayla," Sun said, a layer of slightly forced cheer in his voice. "Have you two had breakfast." Harriette nodded giving a thumbs up.
"hi, Bonnie says he misses you," Mayla said smiling.
"Oh, I miss him too," Sun said. "I should-" He glanced over to the worker. A tired looking young man, maybe twenty-five at most, probably younger. Bags under his eyes, and his uniform slightly wrinkled. And a management staff member who was eying the three like he was about to set off on them. And Patricia Seymour, in a probably flattering coral blouse, and probably flattering charcoal skirt, she was wearing too much jewelry and make-up for a child's birthday party.
"I am planning on asking dad if we can get lessons and have time where everyone can bowl together." Mayla said, than added softer "The woman's back who smells bad,"
"That's great!" Sun said, nervousness bubbling in his circuits. He patted both his girls heads, and fussed over the missing one. "We shouldn't talk about others that way… But yes she smells very strongly." Harriette was trying not to wrinkle her nose, because she knew it would be rude, but it was a clear struggle as the woman came closer.
"I'm sorry girls the daycare will be closed today," the woman said.
"These two are actually regulars," Sun said. "So, they will be allowed to attend. I assure you it won't keep me from being the best birthday host imaginable." He tried for cheerful, but felt it came out a little nervous.
"Yeah, and our grandparents are here to help. Would you like to tell them that you are saying that their grandchildren can't stay," Mayla said looking at the woman, in the eyes.
Harriette slid behind Mayla then. She wanted to climb into her daddies arms and hide there, but they had to work so she needed to be brave. At least she still had Mayla with her when her stomach started to get the bad feeling.
"Right," the woman said. "Very well, just don't cause any trouble for my little Marky and I won't have to get your grandparents fired." the woman said. "Now, Mr. Sun." Her tone changed then, and she stepped closer to the bot. "What can you do?" She said, she'd pulled off her dark glasses to bite the hook part and looked Sun up and down hungrily. Sun wanted to groan, or throw up.
"If you do that then my daddy can sue you. You know him right. His name is Anthony Edward Stark," Mayla said, sounding overly sweet. The woman blinked at her.
"Your still here, go play- did you say-," The woman looked Mayla up and down, a different kind of greed burning in her eyes. Sun scooched a little between them. Her eyes moving back to him for a moment, before turning to Mayla. "Well, I hope you and Markayus are getting along."
"No," Mayla said. Harriette made a grossed out face at that.
"What's your problem?" Patricia looked like she might hit Harriette.
"My sister and I don't like boys who say that our dad is a playboy, and women only want him for his money. But you would never say or act like that to give him that idea," Mayla said, smiling an overly sweet smile.
"I don't like him cause he's mean," Harriette said, too softly for human ears to catch. "Cio and Cia are our friends! We play together all the time!" Harriette said, understanding dawning her bright green eyes. "They're some of our favoritests." Harriette brightening. "Cia taught me how to make leaf patterns with real leaves, and Cio helps me climb the slide when my ankle hurted." Sun wondered what she was planning. "Are they here?!"
"No, not at this moment, but they'll arrive soon," Patricia said. "I need to make a phone call." She touched Sun's arm, running her hand down it. "Don't forget about me." She winked. Sun wished he could gag.
"I could never," Sun said, overly sweet. "Fucking bitch." Sun hoped neither of the girls heard him. "What was that about?" He said turning his attention to Harriette.
"Trickery," Harriette smiled, looking smug.
"I don't like her. Can we ban her from the daycare?" Mayla asked.
"We've tried," Sun groaned. "Her husband is someone important to the company."
"Son of a dog." Mayla said.
"Agreed," Sun said. "Wait! Language!"
That's rich coming from you, Moon commented.
"I said dog not; a female wolf, dog, or fox in heat." Mayla said with a smile.
"Language!" Sun said.
Where do you think she learned it from?! Moon said.
"Anyway, Harriette, what do you mean 'trickery'?" Sun asked.
"I won," Harriette grinned, then winked tilting her head to the side the way Sun and Moon did when either winked.
"Seriously, what do you mean?" Sun asked.
"You'll see," Harriette said. "It'll be really easy once it happens."
"I have concerns," Sun said.
"You shouldn't be," Harriette said, patting his leg. "I fixed it."
"O~kay," Sun said.
**Little Skippy**
The party was delayed a few more minutes then planned, but it started as one might expect. Alecio and Alecia were excited to get to at least spend their birthday with their friends. Which was nice, and a little sad. Most of the kids however were Markayus's friends. Mostly boys from school or parents friends.
"Why did you choose this place?" Markayus complained. "Everyone's going to treat me like a baby! I don't like it."
"We've scheduled some time in other parts of the plex, but your siblings like this place a great deal. Why don't you be a good big brother. It is their birthday too."
"I don't even like it here!" Markayus said.
"Be a big, strong boy and-"
"You wanted to be here because you want to fuck the robot!" Markayus said. Sun was tempted to give the kid a cookie just for the sheer embarrassment he inflicted on his mother. Several of the adult snickered.
"It's alright, Patty," one of the woman
"I guess I was right? You do act in a way that makes Markayus think like that. My dad owes me $5 now." Mayla said a shit eating grin on her face.
"Oh, wow five whole dollars!" Emelia said, climbing from the ball pit. "You could buy a whole box of markers with that!" Emelia looked excited by the prospect. "Oh! Or in some stores two different boxes of crayons!" Then she was off to cling to Sun as much as she could before the party started.
"I asked my daddy one time for a Disney trip, and then he said I had Disney. I mean I did say can I have Disney, but I only wanted a trip not like the whole thing. I think Daddy said it was like $10 or something," Mayla said.
"That's ridiculous," Harriette said. "There's no way it only cost $10 dollars. How would they even run the place! This place costs more than ten dollars and it's only one building."
"I said, or something." Mayla said.
"Well, that something is a lot more than ten," Harriette said. "Why would he buy you the whole park instead of just spending a day with you at the park!"
"Yeah," Alecio muttered. "But Dads never want to spend time with their kids."
"Because I didn't use the right words. He gets confused about how much thing actuary are. At least mommy used to tell me so." Mayla said, with a shrug.
"Well our dad just doesn't want to spend time with us, but neither does our mom," Alecia said. "But we have Valary and Markayus is the favorite anyways."
"Parents shouldn't make it obvious which kids there favorite," Harriette said. "They should at least try to pretend they don't."
"My dad may be a dead bet dad, but he still tries more than others. It sounds like your mom and dad are mean." Mayla said, fight a growl.
"What's that mean?" Harriette and Alecia said. Tilting their heads to the side.
"Dad said it is when the dad can't be with the child," Mayla said.
"Oh! Our dads a dead bet dad!" Alecia said. "But on purpose!"
"Our dads a purposeful dead bet!" Alecio cackled loudly. Mayla and Alecia cackled, Harriette tried to get them to quiet down, but she was also giggling.
"My aunt and uncle were dead bets too, but we can't shout about that kind of stuff," Harriette tried, and failed to shush them due to her own poorly controlled giggles..
"Going to use the computer, and ask for something." Mayla said going to the request computer.
"Mayla we're not allowed to go behind the security desk and it's the only computer available," Harriette said.
"Well they're should be a computer!" Mayla said. "They have computers all over the place in here, and Mcdonalds had them 'fore."
"What would you even order?!" Harriette asked. "I don't think they'd bring it here? How have you missed that they don't have one here? We've been all over the place."
"But Granny is over there taking a break. Surely that means we can be there." Mayla said, running over to her Grandmother.
"I mean~ Maybe we could ask?" Harriette said, unsure if she's convinced by Mayla's logic.
"Yay!" Alecia and Alecio called. "Attention! Attention!"
"Granny! Can we make a request on the computer?" Mayla asked, stopping before she could cross the invisible line of the Scutied desk, Harriette taking hold of her shoulder just to make sure she stayed beyond it.
"What are we requesting? What are we requesting?!" Alecio said.
"Granny if we can, could I asked for Bonnie to come spend time with us?" Mayla asked.
"What are you kids doing?" the manager guy said. He sounded angry. The overworked employee following behind looking more tired by the second.
"I was asking my granny if I could request Bonnie to come visit us, the ones not apart of the party. I have an all actress pass, which includes request." Mayla said, smiling happily.
"We're bored, so we wanted to make a request!" Alecio said. "Markayus always gets to do whatever, and all the adults are distracting Mr. Sun!" He pointed at the hoard of adults surrounding the poor animatron. Snippets of conversation heard from the group.
"-has a lot of voice lines for a robot-"
"-his face is weird but he's quite flexible-"
And other such things. Sun looked annoyed and tired
"We thought D-Mr. Sun could use some help," Harriette added, with her best most innocent puppy-dog eyes. She even added the tiniest head tilt. Alecia, put her hands together and looked up at him.
"Please, sir," Alecia started. "Wouldn't having Mr. Bonnie, help you too? And he's not requested often at all." She said. "We thought he'd like to join us. He must be so lonely all by himself."
"He did say he missed Mr. Sun when my Sister and I were bowling with him." Mayla said, turning her puppy-dog eyes on. It was very pointed seeing her even let out a small whine.
"And, we thought, that, maybe having one of the other animatronics around would make it easier for you?" Harriette said. Looking down, nervous as she put her hand in front of her face in a tiny thoughtful fist. "We're sorry if we just caused you more trouble." She said, getting teary eyed. Alecio looked between the girls and pouted, downwards. Turning a little red.
"We just wanted to have Bonnie to play with us, cause our Moms busy," Alecio pouted, taking his sister's hand and sniffling..
"Well, there won't be any issues with that," the manager sighed, looking amongst them. "We'll be having you children thoroughly entertained. We'll have games and prizes, and treats, and other activities." The kids all looked up at that.
"You promise?" Harriette asked, softly. "You're not mad?"
"I promise," the manager said. "The party will start in just a moment, now run along over their for just another moment."
"Kay!" Harriette chirped, starting to tug the others. The others still pouted as they headed over to the other side of the room. "We can draw till the party starts or we can play ball!"
"More like your mother is horny," Granny Nova said very softly into the pages of her Romance novel.
"Mrs. Raywood, can you put in a request for Bonnie to come down."
"I'll put the request in on my phone, so the system knows Bonnie is here for you all and the party," Granny Nova said, waving the kids further off as she put her book down.
"That was brilliant, Mayla!" Harriette said. "You're a genius."
"I was trying to get her banned, but now maybe they will look at the recording. Hey should get DJ down here too, Bram-paw should be coming over to check on us soon," Mayla said.
"I don't think he'd fit, and I don't think we could convince them to let him come anyway," Harriette said. "Unfortunately. He's the coolest besides D-Mr. Sun and Mr. Moon."
"Yeah, Dj is pretty cool, but my favorite Roxie and Freddy," Alecio said.
"I know we can make a list of people we would like to visit us while the party is going and give it to Bram-paw," Mayla said, going to the art tables.
"I think we should quit while we're ahead," Harriette said. "That guy was getting annoyed already, and 'sides all the other would be busy today. They got a full schedule."
"I don't think Foxy gets many request, he's my second favorite. But I guess you're right, we can't steal the party." Mayla said, starting to draw.
"Markayus would throw a bigger fit than he already is?" Alecio complained.
"Hey, what are you babies doing?" Markayus said. There were four other boys his age behind him. Several more were nearby.
"Stop calling them that," Mayla growled, looking Markayus in the eyes. Her hands were shaking from the anger she had.
"It's okay, May-may," Harriette said. "Why should we care what a meanie-head dummy thinks."
"You're a dumb baby!" Markayus said.
"Is baby the only insult you know?" Harriett asked curiously.
"I said to stop calling them that," Mayla said, her nails getting longer, and her shaking getting worse, lucky they were digging into her own hands instead of others.
"Seriously, do you want me to teach you some?" Harriette asked, taking Mayla's hand. "Cause I know some good ones! Those ones might actually bother me. Because 'baby' just isn't true, and it's obviously not true, so it doesn't bother me!"
"I-I-I need to go." Mayla said realizing what was happening, her words sounded off, like she had more teeth than before. She was just glad that her ears hadn't come out.
"It's okay, Mayla, be safe in the bathroom," Harriette let her go. "You need to be nice today!"
"Why?" Markayus stepped closer to her. The other boys a little closer as well.
"Because it would really suck to spend your birthday in the hospital, wouldn't it?" Harriette said, all sweet smiles. "Mayla can't defend herself today," She said still maintaining her sweet smile. "But I can," The smile turned into a grin, eyes chilling. "and I will hurt you." The room grew darker and colder, at least to Markayus and the other boys with him. "Worse than you have ever been hurt before." Then she stepped a little closer, grin turning into a soft smirk. "In ways you cannot even fathom with your tiny sheltered, easy life." Harriette said. The room was almost black now in Markayus's view. The only source of light is the bright green glow of predatory eyes, and a sinister grin. "Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, ma'am," Markayus said.
"Good boy," Harriette said. "Enjoy your party!" She smiled. The room returning to it bright colors.
"What happened over here? Pups," Bram-paw said walking over after seeing Markayus run away.
"I won!" Harriette said, cheerfully.
"I don't know why but something about you is terrifying when your mad," Alecio said.
"That was the coolest thing I've ever seen!" Alecia said.
"That's good, sorry us adults have left you all unattended," Bram said.
"It's okay!" Harriette said. "You should go check on Mayla!"
LIttle Skippy
"Okay now let me see Mayla, yes," Bram said, he smiled in understanding as he joined her on the edge of the bathroom.
"I almost lashed out," Mayla sobbed into her hands, fingers tipped in sharp claws.
"But you didn't," Bram said, keeping his voice soft. "Your mother is very proud of that, now let's just breath," Bram guided Mayla through her breathing, and as she calmed down he waved the other to come by. Once she was calmed down, and no longer sporting claws, Bram spoke again. "You want to stay in here for a little while longer?"
"I think am good. I don't want to leave Bonnie by himself with them," Mayla said.
"Alright, that's very kind of you, but you shouldn't do it just because you don't want to bother someone else," Bram-paw said.
"If they are like this with Sun, I don't want to leave Bonnie by himself with them. Why are they like that?" Mayla asked.
"Oh, I'm not sure that'll be a problem, besides he'll have the other kids with him too," Bram-paw said. Mayla nodded, sniffling and then burying her head in her knees.
"Will it really be okay?" Mayla started to ask. "For me to take another minute?"
"Of course," Bram-paw said. Mayla nodded against her knees and spent another moment calming down. Eventually she let out another sniffle, before nodding.
"Okay! I think I'm good now!" Mayla said. "Let's go!" she stood, looking serious and determined. "I'm gonna be okay!"
"Alright, let me know if you need a break or anything else," Bram-paw said.
"Will do!" Mayla said. The two exited the bathroom and headed back toward the group. Harriette was teaching Alecia and Alecio how to play cat's cradle, or maybe she was just telling a story because she captured Alecia's hand a second after they'd spotted them. The three giggled, before Harriette turned to Mayla.
"May-May!" Harriette called. "Are you feeling better?" She released Alecia and scampered over to them in one fluid motion.
"A little" Mayla said, holding Bram-paws hand.
"Well, better is better," Harriette said. "Do you want a hug? I figured you needed an adult so I didn't want to interrupt before. Oh! And I took care of Markayus so you don't have to worry about him anymore."
"What happened after I left?" Mayla asked worried.
"I told him that he's being a meanie and he needs to stop!" Harriette said.
"Markayus, did you lie to me?" his mother's voice cut through the conversation.
"What no?" Markayus said.
"You said that she threatened to hospitalize you, but she was in the bathroom!"
"Not her, her!"
"The tiny toddler," the woman asked.
"She's six?" Bram-paw clarified.
"She's tiny!" the woman said.
"She threatened me!"
"Honey, she's- how old did you-? Six, she's six, honey," the woman said. "She barely comes up to your hip." the woman gestures.
"H-how could you even say that?" Harriette said. "I know you- you d-don't like me b-but telling your m-mum I threatened you." Harriette said, tears in her eyes. "I could never."
"I told you that he is mean," Mayla said glaring at Markayus, as she hugged Harriette close. The girl burying herself into her side, and letting out soft little sobs.
"Honey, you really should try to get along with these two," the mother said. "Let's have a talk over there for a bit."
"Miss Pepper said never let bullies talk you, Sissy, so let's not even think about it ok?" Mayla said.
"Okay," Harriette said, pretending to still be a little sad, but once the mom was fully out of earshot she wiped her eyes and grinned. "How was my acting?" She grinned, and whispered.
"Remind me never, ever to piss you off," Alecio said. "Oh! Sorry sir,"
"It's fine," Bram said. "As long as you know what the word means."
"Baguette!" Alecio said, like it was a swear word. Harriette snickered.
"Croissant you!" Myla said giggling.
"Biscuits," Alecia said. Harriette giggled.
"Bagels and cream cheese," Harriette said, feeling very sophisticated.
"Pancakes!" Emelia said. "Why are we listing wheat products?"
"We're cussin'!" Alecio said.
"Oh." Emelia said. "Well, anyway the party's about to start and Bonnie's gonna be at the door! Let's go greet 'im!"
Bram sighed, brushing a few strands of Mayla's hair from her eyes while the girl bounced. Then Ruffled Emelia and Harriette's hair.
"Alright you little criminals let's get to the party before you guys decide to defile anymore wheat products," Bram joked. The kids all giggled, not a single one understood what the word defile meant.
"Hello rock stars, who is ready to play?" Bonnie said as Mayla pulled open the door on her own.
"Hi Bonnie," Mayla said smiling as she struggled to open and hold the door. It tried to resist with its robot strength until Moon told it to stop. Harriete, and a few others nearby.
Bram caught up with the kids, out of breath. Further in Bonnie could see Sun surrounded by women that were being very handsy and was that a…it couldn't be, but if it was why would someone bring that kind of thing to a kids party.
"Why do you even have that? There are children present!"
"You were right Patty it's adorable,"
"So, realistic and life like-"
"Would you please stop touching there, children are in the room!" Sun said.
"Sorry. Mayla you don't know the magic to open the door right, Pup. Stop giving Mr. Sun and Moon heart attacks," Bram said, picking Mayla up and moving so Bonnie could actually walk in.
"Thank you," Bonnie said. "It's good to see you again."
"I told you I would request you. You're my favorite." Mayla said, jumping out of Bram's arm and running back to Bonnie.
"You did," Bonnie said, chuckling. "And who are your friends here."
"I'm Emelia!"
"I'm Alecia!"
"I'm Alecio!"
"It's nice to meet you three," Bonnie said. "So, I was in formed this is a birthday party-"
"Alright, Everyone let's gather 'round!" The manager shouted. "The party is starting and we'll be doing the first game soon." Everyone headed over to the Managers.
"Yeah but the boy whose party it is is a Baguette muncher," Mayla said.
"A burnt bagel with no cream cheese," Harriette said. "But it's also Cia and Cio's birthday too, there triple-ettes." Harriette said.
"The first game will be musical chairs!" the man called.
"These are stupid baby games," Markayus grumbled.
"It's your fault for choosing the daycare Markayus. Nothing fun, like pin the tail on the wolf," Mayla mumbled.
"I didn't choose the daycare! I wanted to go to Fazzerblast!"
"Oh! I guess this could actually be kind of fun," Alecia said. "Maybe."
They played musical chairs, the game went mostly as expected. At some point Alecia was forced to give her chair to Markayus and in the end it was him and Harriette. Harriette managed to win because Markayus failed to tie his shoe.
"It would have been better if DJ was playing." Mayla grumbled , holding Bonnie's hand.
"I know right," Harriette said. "Then we could have had him play in reverse too and switch directions mid-walk!"
"Duck-duck goose!" Eventually turned into Markayus trying to mess with Harriette and tripping over his shoe laces.
"Pick someone else next time!" Harriette complained.
"You should really keep your shoes tied, or are you like me and not so good with that," Mayla said.
"Maybe you should get velcro shoes," Harriette commented.
"Tag!" started out normal but once Markayus was it he kept trying to get Harriette and Harriette kept loosing him in the tangle of climbing structures. Then he resorted to trying to throw things at her.
"Markayus don't hit my sister. You…you…" Mayla was growling and shaking. Sun and Moon got alerts from looking over the playstructure about Mayla's anger.
"Are you even having fun?!" Harriette demanded slipping just past Markayus's fingers and dropping a few rungs down.
"Get back here you- you freak!"
"I know you are but what am I!"
"STOP SAYING Th-" the sound of ripping was heard as the lights quickly turned off, and a howl followed seconds after. Harriette missed her initial target, but took advantage of the sudden oblivion to float herself down to ground level.
"Marky!"
"Alright everyone, stay calm!" Moon's voice cut through the dark. "Your eyes will adjust just stay where you are if you're not sure! Just let me move you, stay calm, picking you up now."
"Wha- hey?"
"I need to do my-"
"Right, I will go get the kids I am with," Bonnie said, walking slowly with the red glow of his eyes helping him see. He collected Alecia, Alecio and Emelia who'd mostly already been next to him having gotten a little bored. He got the three seated at a table, while Moon retrieved Markayus from the high place he'd gotten himself stuck at. Bram's eyes adjust more quickly than the other adults as did Nova's and they went about gathering the other kids and adults.
Mayla was hidden in the ball pit, just the top of her head was out of the ball, looking like an alligator waiting for its meal. She didn't know what happened but she needed to stay still. Mayla was very thankful for Moon right now. He must have been keeping very close watch over the cameras and cut the lights when he noticed her shifting.
"May-may," Harriette's voice was very soft. "This isn't exactly the best hiding spot. Do you want me to take you to a better one?"
Mayla slowly moved to Harriette, making sure not to disturb the balls too much. Harriette reached a hand out slowly to her. She didn't need the help but the comfort of her hand was still appreciated. Harriette led her to another spot in the play structure, there was a small area that Mayla was able to tuck herself into, completely covered from the view of any other guests. The lights went on shortly after. Mayla guessed she must have been too visible so Moon kept the lights off for her safety. She cried, she was so, so grateful. Sun and Moon had protected her even though they'd been so busy, even though they had a job.
"Hey, how come you were able to move!" Markayus shouted. "We were all told to stay put!"
"I fell a little bit," Harriette said, keeping her focus on Mayla. "Go away!" Her voice got firm.
"Or what?" Markayus growled
"I'll bite you," chrome Mayla's voice, sounding more growl like.
"Excuse me children," Sun's voice rang. "Markayus, why don't you go join your mother for a little bit." Sun's voice was cheerful but firm. Mayla couldn't hear Markayus being picked up and put down. "Shoo, back to your mother!" Then after a moment of silence. "Mayla, little pup?" Sun's voice grew softer. "Are you alright?"
"I lost control. He makes me so mad. He called Sissy the f word." Mayla whined.
"I kn- he what?!" Sun said. "Which F-word? I won't get mad this time."
"The one those bad people used, the pack that didn't want Sissy," Mayla said growling at the thought of Harriette's old family.
"He called me a freak," Harriette said. "He's dumb though. Sorry, Daddies."
"He is," Sun said. Patting Harriette's head. "Can you go sit with Cia and Cio?"
"Yeah," Harriette said. "Feel better, kay, Mayla." Harriette said, before heading off.
"Alright," Sun said, sounding like he was breathing out. "How are you feeling? You clothes tore, but it looked like your skin did too," Sun asked.
"Like I should really bite Markayus. Sorry I'm not good at changing form quickly like that yet," Mayla said.
"That's a fair feeling to have, and I'm very proud of you for not acting on it," Sun said. "I'm sorry I'm not able to do more to fix things today." Sun sounded sad. "Today sucks. Majorly!"
"But tonight you have a sleepover," Mayla said.
"Oh? I get the spend tonight with my girls?" Sun said. "That's a great little treat." Sun's hand appeared in the little gap, waving. "May I give you a head pat."
"Yes," Mayla said, slowly changing back as Sun soothed her by petting her head. Her body relaxing little by little.
"Oh! How exciting!" Sun said. "I'm glad Markayus's party will end soon. I'm a little sad that Cia and Cio won't be able to stay though. Their mother doesn't seem to care about them very much."
"Yeah," Mayla said. "I wish they didn't come with Markayus. Though. Granny and Bram-paw said that they want me to have a good day so I won't have to always think about today being the anaversary of my mommies death."
"Yeah, I'm sorry that the rest of today has been so aweful," Sun said.
"It's okay, I'm looking forward to staying the night with you and sissy," Mayla said.
"Thanks, Little Bunny, I was starting to think today was just going to suck all the way through." Sun said.
"I got a dress for Mayla," Bram-paw said, voice low so only Sun and her would hear, handing it to Sun. The dress was still folded.
"Ah, thank you," Sun said. "I was worried. I didn't want to leave her but I didn't know if you had brought spares. Can you grab me one of the blankets from storage, I noticed Mayla had a few small boo-boos that need taking care of." His next word probably weren't meant for her. "Her skin tore something fierce I want to check to make sure she's alright. Is that even normal? Should I be worried?"
"Hmm, most of the skin shedding should be fine, but sometimes the under layers can get torn," Bram asked. "Are your scanners picking up…?"
"Yeah, I was worried about that," Sun said. "I didn't get a good scan. Can you not?" that last bit was sharper, and directed further past Bram. Mayla couldn't see who had come, but it wasn't long till she could guess.
"Oh, but we were-,"
"I have a job to do!" Sun said, tone getting sharp. "I can't be coddling adults when I have a child in pain and having a panic attack. Please return to your seating and enjoy some of the less active party games the Manager has set out." Mayla whimpered to sound like she was more hurt than she was to help get Sun's point across. Sun rubbed more circles into her scalp at that. "As you can hear, I have to attend to my primary duties."
"Oh! I somehow like this side even more," The woman said.
"Okay ma'am let's go. I don't want you to upset My grandchild more than your son already has." Bram-paw said, probably escorting the woman away, rather forcefully if the sounds were anything to go by.
"I'll see you later, cutie," the woman said.
"I wish I could make a disgusted face," Sun sang-song in an annoyed tone to himself. "Alright, I'll ask Granny Nova to get you a blanket so I can check on your owies. Okay? They don't look too bad, but I want to put a little medicine on them, maybe adhesive bandages for any bigger ones. Just to be safe." They waited a few more minutes, Mayla tried turning a little so Sun could check her owies sooner but the space was big enough for her to tuck into and not much else. Sun crouched protectively in front of the singular opening. The manager came over once, but Sun made-up a lie about a programming error. Granny Nova arrived just after he'd finished, adding weight to his claim.
"He usually has the kids do exactly this when an injury occurs," Granny said. "I brought a blanket. What on earth happened?"
"Mayla noticed Harriette slipping," Sun said. "Mayla, most likely instinctively, tried to go catch her, tripped on an untied shoelace and tore her dress and got scuffed up something fierce. She's really good at sudden starts."
"She is," Granny Nova said. Mayla heard fabric rustling, Sun moved a little, than took the blanket. "Can you continue to keep the other guests occupied." Sun sounded more robotic. Probably for the benefit of the Manager.s
"Sure, take care of her, we'll keep the guests having fun!" Granny Nova kept her voice cheerful. "Let's go."
Sun and Moon's perspective throughout most of the day
Two messages beeped over Moon's communication system, and he'd opened it with little thought.
'Guess who's coming to visit!' Bonnie's message said. 'Mayla Stark requested me. Weird too, since I met another Mayla today.'
'Raywood?' Moon asked.
'Yeah?'
'Same Mayla.'
'Ah, cool! Be seeing you soon!'
'Sun will appreciate the help, even if it is just keeping an eye on the kids,' Moon commented. Listening to one of the woman commenting on just how tall Sun was, and one asking if they had all the anatomy of person. Sun sent a gagging emoji, Moon sent one back.
'Isn't that all there is to your job? No offense, it's just don't you two usually not have to do- anything to do with adults.'
'Inappropriate females with too much time on their hands' Sun commented.
At the same time going over Lynx message.
'We found a small one in tears in the restroom.' Lynx's message said. 'Image attached.' said image was of Mayla curled on the floor.
'What happened?' Moon asked.
'Don't know, she looks… hurt? Do humans normally have claws.
'No,' Moon said. 'Just keep an eye on her. Let me know if anything changes.'
'Can't you come help her?'
'I would love to!' Moon added an angry emoji for good measure. 'Adults are so needy.'
'And horny!' Sun said, flinching as one tried to grope him. Outloud he commented on the fact that children and the man's spouse was present. She groped him next.
'Bonnie can you bring one of the Bonnie themed Face Watches over?'
'No problem, why?'
'For the Stark girl, she needs to be able to contact an adult.'
'Sure brt' emoji of Bonnie winking.
'Bram, Mayla is in the restroom. Why does she have claws?' Moon asked.
'She must have gotten upset,' Bram sent. 'Is anyone hurt?'
'No,' Sun sent after several seconds. 'Though Harriette looks like she's going to change that?'
'I'll head over now.' Bram answered.
Frisk
Dear Diary
Today I learned I'm really cute. Like fucking adorable~! I could get away with anything! I could get away with murder! : )
I have decided to use these powers only for good! And gaslighting Markayus.
Harriette Lily James Edmonds