Chapter 48: Best Grandpa
—Nova's POV—
"There now, little one. Aren't you feeling better to know that Wanda is doing just fine?" He patted the boy's tiny arm. The child, all snug in his blankets, resting with his back to the pillows, looked sickly and tired, and yet had such a bright smile.
"Yeah! It was so nice seeing her and hearing her voice. I miss her so much! Oh, not to say I'm not enjoying our time together, Grandpa. I'm having loads of fun with you! But…wasn't it a lie to say we're only going to spend a week together?"
"Now, now…" He winked and playfully wagged his finger. "I made the remark that after her two-hour period, we would have spent a full week together. I omitted discussing the duration of time we spent together prior to her recovery. Honesty is highly valued among the Fey, but we are known for our skill in employing strategic language."
Timmy giggled. "You're so sneaky, grandpa!"
He laughed softly and, using a hair dryer he conjured, began to dry and comb the child's hair, as was his routine once it had dried enough after the evening bath. The boy's hair reached to just below his shoulders; He had asked him why he had decided to grow his hair out. The child just shrugged and claimed he just thought that it looked cool, then began to chat incessantly about a character named Kenshin Himura who, surprise, surprise, was a bad-ass swordsman who wore his hair in a ponytail.
Typical child-like behavior; wanting to emulate their fictional heroes in whatever little ways they could. Jullian was like that, going about in a dark cloak and fedora as he emulated the Phantom Stranger.
He ran his fingers through the boy's hair, checking it for any tangles or knots that had escaped the teeth of the comb. Wanda would likely be furious if she witnessed this—worried he might ask Timmy for a strand of hair and claim ownership of him. However, he had no plans to resort to such tactics; not while there remained an opportunity to proceed in a more amicable manner.
"….But…I feel bad about keeping secrets from Wanda." Timmy confessed as he began to braid his now dry hair; braiding long hair before bed prevented tangles and breaking; Stella used to braid Julia's hair every night.
The shampoo he had used on the boy's hair left it smelling like a blend of lavender, chamomile, and vanilla; all known for their soothing effects on the mind, as well as a special bath blend of sweet almond, sandalwood, eucalyptus, sweet Marjoram and peppermint oils; designed to comfort the mind, relax the body, and soothe aches and pains.
The child was pristine and scented like just like the crystal meditation area—a new location he had added as part of the garden to help with the boy's anxiety issues. He wasn't sparing even the smallest effort to ensure that the boy got all the help that he wasn't able to provide to Julia due to his bitter lack of knowledge.
"The rationale behind my concealment was primarily to spare her from unnecessary worry." He reassured, helping the boy lay back down, using the pillows to prop him up now that he had finished the boy's evening grooming. "It is appropriate to expose the truth once she is back by your side. We must take great care to prevent her from feeling slighted or doubting our trustworthiness."
"Hm-mm!" Timmy nodded, looking a little relieved that he wasn't being asked to keep a secret from Wanda or, worse, lie to her.
Rather than the mere week he had let on to Wanda, from Timmy's perspective, they had spent nearly three entire months together. Though, in reality, they had spent far, far longer together.
He had actually spent the length of an entire year exploring the boy's memories.
A consequence of his unique ability was that individuals whose memories he delved into would fall into a sleep so deep that they could not awaken until he finished, or until he encountered a memory so distressing that the Mind-Soul's defensive mechanism forcibly expelled him.
He was ejected before completing his search through the boy's memories through this protective mechanism. He had managed to witness many pivotal moments that shaped Timmy's psyche, so he did not consider his dive into the child's memories a failure, even though it had ended before he had been finished.
However, the memory causing his expulsion was so shrouded in complex emotions that he could scarcely comprehend the events within it; and beyond that memory, he had sensed the presence of another memory, even harsher than the one that had expelled him.
….And that wasn't even the most concerning thing he had found inside the boy's mind. There were three locked doors, one burned door, and another door that was not just locked, but chained shut.
Within the expanse of an open mind, locked doors signified suppressed memories, hidden secrets, or magically altered recollections. Doors concealing suppressed memories were white, those veiling dark secrets were black, and the ones indicating magical alteration was yellow.
The boy had two yellow doors and a black one. There were the remnants of a burned black door, and the chained door was a deep black.
He only knew what one of those yellow doors contained—the memories Cosmo had altered from that tragic evening of the boy's senseless accident. However, the other yellow door was a mystery—not only that, but it had a large keyhole in the center.
A yellow door with a keyhole meant that a Memory Key had been used; a magical artifact that, when used, would not only lock the memory away from the person it was being used on, but from every other individual involved, except, of course, for the one who had used the key.
Memory keys due to how complex they were to make were limited even in Fey world. Fairy/Anti-Fairy world's supply would be even rarer, so what event had been so important as to seal it away from everyone? And why choose a mortal boy to be the seal? If Timmy had been involved in whatever event it was, then logically so would Wanda and Cosmo…using them as the seal would have it sealed away forever….but using Timmy, a mortal, would result in the memory returning to all other involved parties 108 days after Timmy's death.
…It was so puzzling. The only ones who'd likely have access to a Memory Key in fairy world was the Fairy Council or—Jorgen, though it was not impossible that someone else had gotten their hands on one, but that still did not explain what memory a little boy could possess that needed to be sealed away from everyone involved.
The black door did not concern him too greatly, as everyone had a few of them. He did wish, however, that he could help him deal with whatever dark secret he was concealing. Perhaps someday the boy would open up about whatever secret was behind it. He was pretty sure the burned black door used the guard the secret of the stillbirth of the boy's twin sister—when he had finally spoken of the event to Wanda and him; the door had burned with the secret revealed.
However, the chained black door must've been something on a much darker level; each chain had a padlock, each padlock opened by a word combination—touching these padlocks had resulted in Timmy's voice timidly asking questions from behind the door—-questions only Wanda could know the answers to, such as 'when Wanda and I went to see our favorite wrestlers fight in the ring; what did we bring back as a souvenir? Small, trivial questions—but all things related to precious memories he had spent with Wanda.
What this meant was that whatever secret was behind that door, Wanda was privy to it and had been sworn to secrecy about what it was, otherwise the door would have been burned with it's contents revealed to someone. He was sure she would do a fine job in helping him deal with the matter; though someday he hoped the boy with let him help too.
No, it wasn't the black doors, not even the one with chains, that caused undue alarm, but rather the yellow door with the lock. He simply couldn't understand it.
It seemed that the event's secrecy was paramount only while Timmy was alive... But what could be so significant that someone in Fairy World would expend such a rare and precious magical instrument? Memory Keys were a onetime use artifact... So, what secret was little Timmy Turner so deeply entwined with?
"Grandpa, is something the matter?" The boy was questioned; he remained unaware of the intrusion into his mind and the passage of time. Since his physical needs functioned on the same schedule as time outside the room, he experienced no adverse effects from the extended rest. The worst he endured from a year of enforced sleep was some muscle stiffness. With no trace of his deeds, he harbored no fear of Timmy or Wanda discovering his breach of the child's privacy.
"It is a sad thought that we only have a week left together." He responded with a truth, but without actually claiming it to be the reason behind his troubled expression; the door would have to remain a mystery for now. Aside from the unexpected discovery he had made while exploring his mind, he had also made a discovery he had already suspected.
Timmy needed to be saved.
Once the child completed his treatment and transitioned into an Angel; he would waste no time in claiming him; with or without his daughter-in-law's approval. Leaving this child in the human world would end up destroying him. Look at what it had done already! A brave, plucky, cheerful boy like the one in Stella's letters, turned into such a meek, fragile and depressed little thing.
"Yeah…it was a lot of fun spending time together." Timmy agreed. "But I am really relieved that Wanda is alright!"
The child flashed him a bright grin; if his eyes weren't currently that of the dead, they'd probably be shining. They had little reason to shine on Earth. Coming to Fey world was already doing the boy good.
"Of course she is alright, my dear boy. Have I not repeatedly communicated this to you?" He smiled indulgently; the boy had to be reassured on this point several times each and every day. It hadn't annoyed him, rather it endeared him to the child even more; little Jullian would do that too when he was worried about someone. He would ask Stella and him every few hours, again and again—will they be ok? No amount of reassurance was ever enough to calm a heart so full of love and loyalty.
Only a child could have a heart so pure and devoted.
"I know you did, but when Piper told me she was in a state of hysterics, running around screaming nonsense after seeing that Kinderkin, I was really scared she might never go back to normal." Timmy put his hands over his chest and released a deep breath and then looked to him for reassurance. "So she'll really recover from her case of brain fever with a little rest, right? Wanda is really going to be ok?"
"Of course she will; a little rest along with some tea and chocolates will get her all better." He chuckled inwardly, knowing that Wanda was probably seething right now—especially with Timmy using the term 'feverish in the head' to explain why she needed time to recuperate.
"I am so glad! Poor Wanda, right after such a hard treatment and already so confused from the Linking to have something like that suddenly run into the room! Even Randolph Carter would succumb to brain fever if he faced that! Well…maybe not. He's one of the coolest HP Lovecraft protagonists, you know."
"Aw, cooler than Wanda?" He laughed, amused, and began to get the boys' things ready; it was about time for their evening walk in the garden; he liked to give him fresh air before bed. He had begun a routine for the boy. Consistency helped with mental and emotional stability—he'd leave Wanda the schedule he had worked out for him. He was sure she would appreciate it.
"No one is cooler than Wanda." Timmy shook his head. "But you know that women are much more badly affected by cases of brain fever than men are."
"Oh, are they now?" He rose a brow as he waited for the boy to explain how he came to such reasoning.
"Well, yeah, because in the books, the men descend into madness, but almost all the female characters die on the spot after coming into contact with an Eldritch horror! I'm so, sooooo glad Wanda is ok! I know she's immortal, but still—-!" Timmy frowned thoughtfully as he pondered something. "Why are women more badly affected by seeing them?"
"Why do you think they are?" He played along, asking. Timmy thought about it a few seconds longer.
"Well, Wanda always says women are much more perceptive than men are, so maybe they can see the true form of the eldritch horror better or something and that's why they die from it, while the men who can't see it as clearly just go insane."
"Oh, oh dear…" He brought his hand to his mouth, realizing how the poor child had arrived at such an erroneous belief and the terrible misunderstanding that could have arisen had he reacted without hearing him out; thankfully, his extensive years of study had taught him to never presume a child's intentions behind their actions or words. For instance, when Julia had colored the sun black in her coloring book, her teacher had hastily engaged in dramatic psychoanalysis that had resulted in so much needless distress. In truth, the girl had simply been attempting to create a silhouette, erroneously believing that everything, including the sun, should be black in such a depiction.
"Little one, books from that era had a tendency to write women as being rather passive and overly delicate creatures." He took it upon himself to educate the boy so he would avoid being misunderstood by someone in the future. "The reason they dropped dead upon seeing a cosmic horror was not because they had superior perceptive abilities that allowed them to see something that the men did not, it was because the novels of that time period tended to write women as feeble-minded creatures, and they died at the sight of the horrors because their mental fortitude and delicate hearts were considered far too weak to handle such a fright. "
"Oooh…" The boy's eyes went wide, and he blushed, lowering his head, embarrassed. "…Whoops. Now I know why when we were playing a game of Eldritch horror together Molly got mad and stopped speaking to me when I told her that since she was a girl, she'd probably die if she saw the real Cthulhu. I did not mean it like that, of course! I was just praising her perception…it's a major skill check in eldritch horror, you know…"
"Aw, poor boy; maybe if you explain to your friend you two can make up?"
"Molly lost her godmother some time ago, so I don't see her anymore."
"Oh well, you'll know in the future then to avoid such a mistake. You see, it's important when reading historical fiction to keep the mindset of the day in mind and enjoy the book for the time it was in, but recognize that many things were viewed through a different lens. In the days of your H.P Lovecraft, for instance, whenever women weren't the helpless victims of some kind atrocity, they were shown as being able to do little else but swoon and faint away at moments of high drama, with the only exceptions being whenever the woman turned out to be a witch or otherwise inhuman. You might have innocently misunderstood the reasons behind why he had depicted the women in such a manner, and did not mean to insult your friend, but you understand now how she had interpreted your words, correct?"
Timmy's blush spread deeper across his cheeks. "Thanks for explaining to me. Back when that happened with Molly, I got scolded by a bunch of people and even Wanda punished me. Honestly, I did not know why, but since she and everyone else were already so mad, I just apologized and did not ask questions—I thought it would make them angrier to know that I was so bad, that I did not even know how I was being bad."
"You were not bad. It was just a case of unfortunate miscommunication."
He needed to include this detail in the notes of helpful instructions for Wanda. Jumping to conclusions about a child's words, even the most questionable statements, was never wise; they could mean something completely different. Had Wanda asked him, she might have preserved Timmy's friendship with Molly.
"Nonetheless, my dear boy, you now comprehend that those stories possess archaic and outdated perspectives on certain matters, don't you?"
"Yup, women don't suffer from brain fever any worse than men do!" Timmy smiled, confident in his new knowledge, and it was all he could do not to burst into laughter. The poor child was unaware that the concept of 'brain fever' itself was an antiquated and overly dramatic notion, originating from an era when the complexities of mental health were not understood. Where everything from stress to cases of encephalitis had all been crowded under the same umbrella as 'brain fever'.
In truth, he found the boy's lack of worldly knowledge endearing; the poor thing wasn't a terribly bright boy, at least not with academics, but he was trying to understand the world in a way that was easier for him to grasp—using the things he enjoyed to teach him.
He truly believed that an encounter with something as bizarre as the Kinderkin could provoke the kind of madness described in those stories and Piper's description of how Wanda had reacted to the Kinderkin had unintentionally aligned with the 'madness' the characters in H.P Lovecraft were always grappling with; so, knowing it was something he'd find much easier to understand, they had decided to just go ahead and use it as an explanation.
They'd apologize to Wanda later.
They just had not wanted to rent his delicate little heart by telling him the truth; that Wanda was sick with guilt over the things she had said and thought about him whilst Linking. Knowing what he knew about her, he could very well see Wanda admitting everything to the boy and apologizing to him in agony about it, but not only could such admissions from the mouth of someone he loved and trusted so much hurt him, but given how the boy had reacted when Wanda had fallen asleep in the tub….he could once again blame himself for her distress and have another panic attack.
He truly feared that if the boy endured too much stress when his body literally had no energy to spare, he could…die.
So, while he admitted that what he was doing to Wanda right now was both cruel and unfair, it was also necessary both for boys' mental wellbeing and for his health.
"Do you want to take any of your new friends out with you on our walk?" He asked the boy who had been playing with the three injured Appapuffs who had crowded around him the moment he was laid back in bed.
All three of them were sixth generation and therefore had never been human and were unnamed. Piper had brought them to him to care for, having been squeezed too hard by the Kinderkin who did not understand its strength. Fortunately Appapuffs were all fluff and no bones, so nothing was broken, they were just suffering from bad bruising. All three of them had taken quite a shine to Timmy ever since the boy had helped him tend to the three of them.
"Okay." Timmy smiled and affectionately rubbed his cheek against the red Appapuff riding on his shoulder. "…They are so soft and smell so nice—this one smells like apples and cinnamon, and this one—" He nuzzled against the yellow Appapuff on his other shoulder. "Like honey and apples…."
"Yes, my dear child, Appapuffs are very calming to the senses—they help heal the emotions and cure mental fatigue just by being near."
"I know, you could place some Appapuffs in the room with Wanda. They might help cure her case of brain fever faster!" Timmy proposed, just as the blue Appapuff on his head deliberately rolled off and fell into his lap and sprang up to his face, envious of the attention the others received. Timmy chuckled and buried his nose in its soft, fluffy body. "Mmm, you smell like the apple cheesecake pop tarts my mom buys."
"Each Appapuff color is associated with its own distinct aroma. I lack knowledge regarding the nature of pop tarts. However, our blue Appapuffs are specifically designed to emit the aroma of apple and cream cheese pastries."
"Then you should put a lot of blue Appapuffs in with Wanda. Whenever my mom buys those pop tarts, Wanda eats half of them, and when Mom buys the chocolate ones—she eats all of them. "
"Perhaps." He played along with a chuckle; pretty sure that if he were to take the boys' suggestion and poof some Appapuffs into the room he had locked her in, it would be more likely to induce 'brain fever' in Wanda rather than cure it. "Let us go for our walk, shall we?"
"Ok!" Timmy beamed at him; it hadn't taken long for the routine of 'walks' to become ingrained in him. After the morning toilette, a moderate walk in the garden, and then a delightful breakfast either in the pavilion or on the balcony. In the evening, a long soak in the bath, and a lengthy walk in the garden; and then stopping at the pavilion for a bedtime snack.
It was a good idea to adapt him to an increased fondness for the outside; once Queen Mab's nectar finished infusing him in another two days' actual time; an enthrallment towards nature came as a side effect of the blessing; loving the thing Queen Mab loved most. The gardens that lovely woman created all across her territory were like children to her; each flower bud a precious infant.
"What would you like, a drink or soup?" He inquired, picking up the pink thermos they used on their walks. Part of the routine involved ensuring the boy had something warm and comforting to drink during their stroll. With a wide variety to choose from, offering drinks and soup options from various countries and eras, each evening was different enough to be thrilling, yet similar enough to be reassuring in its familiarity.
Timmy thought about it for a moment. "I think…soup."
"Then tonight's soup will be Rivel soup."
He always chose the menu, ensuring that all food and drink provided to the boy were gentle on his stressed body and possessed qualities that alleviated stress or were nutritious and beneficial to his health. If left up to the child, he would probably opt for hot chocolate and cookies as a bedtime snack every night. However, it was important to understand that maintaining a certain level of control was necessary when rearing children to ensure their safety and well-being. Being too overt with control could incite rebellion or anxiousness, especially when the one in control was still a new face however, so he made sure to keep things fun, playful—so that the boy never even noticed he was exerting his influence over him.
It was essential to familiarize Timmy with his guidance, subtly easing control when he exercised his will, to avoid being seen as controlling or forceful. At times, the boy would request something different from what was offered, and he would comply, encouraging the boy to also try a bit of his own recommendation. Employing his magic, he subtly diminished the taste of the boy's choice while enhancing the flavor of his suggestion, ensuring it was subtle enough not to be obvious. For weeks, the boy had ceased making alternative requests, having come to trust that his selections for food or drink were indeed the finest.
Gradually, this acceptance would bleed into other areas of his life. It was how the human mind was wired, after all. Once someone began to trust and rely on another's judgment in small, trivial everyday matters, it became easier to surrender control in larger, more significant decisions. The subconscious desire for comfort, stability, and guidance would gently erode any resistance, creating a foundation of dependency. It wasn't manipulation in the sinister sense, at least not overtly, but rather a slow reshaping of the boy's autonomy.
Humans had a natural craving for structure, especially during times of vulnerability. For Timmy, establishing routines over the course of three months provided him with a sense of security. As he grew to trust these small decisions, the boundaries between Timmy's own agency and his suggestions began to blur. Soon, the dear boy would stop questioning any decisions he made on his behalf.
In essence, his mind would become conditioned to see his guidance as the natural and most beneficial path, that everything he suggested, from the great to the small, was always the best outcome. Little room would be left for any doubt or defiance. It was a quiet mastery over the human mind, an art as old as time itself. Trust, he believed, was the most powerful bond one could forge. Once it took root, it had the power to steer even the freest spirits in any desired direction.
He transformed into his taller form, a form that most Fey preferred due to its larger and more imposing stature, which symbolized authority and a shedding of their weaker fairy/anti-fairy selves. However, he personally disliked this form because it made him resemble an adult human too closely, but….when taking care of a Kinder or a human child, it had its benefits.
"It would be wise for us to ensure you are adequately bundled up to avoid any risk of catching a chill while we go for our walk." He picked up the darling little coat that Poof had chosen as a get well present. He used to have one just like it when he went to school, except in green rather than pink.
Timmy smiled at him as he helped him put on the coat, their dynamic shifting instantaneously in response to his larger form, much like pouring dye into water.
In his normal form, he was a fun playmate and someone to talk to, but in this taller form, he became a caregiver, a gentle authority that the boy willingly submitted to. This outcome was no surprise to him, as he understood the complexities of how children perceived and reacted to different forms of presence. Vulnerable children, in particular, often sought reassurance and security, and a larger form could subconsciously signal strength and safety just as easily as it could single intimidation and fear-it all depended on the demeanor you projected.
For Timmy, who was emotionally fragile at the moment, his adult-sized form served as a protective shield, allowing the child to associate his presence with safety and stability, especially in situations that reminded him of his current weakness.
He lifted the boy into his arms, and the child snuggled a little closer; much in the same way a very young child would. He wasn't able to use his magic on the boy, not without owning a token of his, so he was unable to do as Wanda did, and put him into the form of a toddler, but he would if he could.
He now understood why Wanda had created such a 'game.' The boy's behavior would occasionally regress in small ways, but at other times, it would regress much more drastically, even startlingly. One moment, he would act his age, and the next, he would mimic the behavior of a child much younger than him.
It was clear why Cosmo would be frustrated, and while Wanda was patient and loving towards the boy, she probably didn't fully comprehend what was happening. Perhaps she saw his behavior merely as a way to escape from his stress.
However, having studied child psychology for thousands of years to prevent another child from suffering like Julia, he knew that this little one, who was already so similar to her, needed someone who understood the situation as well as he did. The brave and resilient boy from Stella's stories had been shattered and carefully put back together in such a fragile state that if 'brain fever' were an actual condition, tragic little Timmy would surely be its modern-day victim.
He reflected on Wanda's treatment of the boy - her abnormal closeness, excessive affection, the undivided attention and the child's excessive dependence on her. Initially, he had thought she was simply being overprotective, but now it made perfect sense if the child had been on the brink of an emotional collapse. She had essentially become the glue keeping his broken pieces from shattering.
Stella and he had been Julia's glue…
"Are you comfortable?" he asked, gently sitting the boy into his wheelchair. Initially, Timmy had hesitated when he saw the chair, reluctant to acknowledge his reliance on it. However, he eventually yielded, shedding a few tears as he realized he couldn't make the short journey to the bathroom without assistance.
He did not hold any resentment towards Wanda for Timmy's current physical condition; he understood that she wasn't herself during the Mardi Gras celebration. Unfortunately, she had pushed him too far by making him dance and the energy he had exerted when he had leapt to catch her when she had tripped had taxed his limited energy reserves. Worse all, the panic attack had drained what little left he had, leaving him too weak to maintain any semblance of independence.
The magical current within him had only just formed, and had nearly depleted the already limited magic within him. Until his next treatment, he would be as fragile as a sickly newborn kitten.
Placing a blanket on the boy's lap and a thermos in his hands, he smiled at the three little Appapuffs perched on the boy's shoulders and head—they liked to go on walks with Timmy, and snuggle with him and basically keep him company during his activities—though sometimes, especially during study time, they became too distracting and he had to put them into the Snuggle & Cuddle room where Ginny likely lectured them on their behavior. These three were still baby Appapuffs, and while not of Ginny's lineage, she did take on a motherly role when dealing with them.
Glancing towards the room's corner, he observed Clara nestled in her basket. She was a stubborn little creature, maintaining her distance from something as fearful to her as a 'boy'. However, he remained hopeful that, given enough time together in the same room, she might eventually brave sitting beside Timmy for a spell; because truly, with how they could relate to be terrorized at home, they could become friends—and if Clara made at least one male friend, then maybe she'd open up to making others. Timmy saw where he was looking and sighed wistfully.
"I feel bad about leaving Clara out all the time; she won't play with me and the others in the Snuggle room, and she won't come for walks with us either."
"Do not worry. Clara is granted her own exclusive walks in the morning prior to your awakening and in the evening subsequent to your slumber. I want to thank you for your understanding and not being offended by her behavior towards you."
"Hey, having to put up with three step-brothers who all act like Vicky? It's no wonder! I'd develop a fear of boys too, and I am one!"
"Hear that Clara? He's such an understanding lad, is he not?" He called over to her. She hissed and burrowed under the blankets in her basket.
"It is a relief that first generation Companions possess near-immortality, as it may require that long of a duration for Clara to become more open to the opposite gender." He quipped. That poor girl even avoided other Companions if they were male; it was surprising she even tolerated his presence around her!
Her trust in him likely stemmed from his role in rescuing her from her stepbrothers. However, he felt a pang of guilt for persuading her to hand over her beloved doll—a recent casualty of her brothers' mischief—as a token to give to the Fey, assuring her that she would be brought to a new world where she'd be given a loving home and never have need to be afraid again.
It pained him greatly to know that not all of his saved children had found happiness, but….at least she was still happier here than she had been on Earth.
"Well, we've spent three months in the same together, so I consider you a friend, even if you don't feel the same way." Timmy called out to her in a slightly teasing tone, which made her fur bristle and had her break out in a protest of squeaking and hissing sounds, despite the sweet nature of his words.
"I really do love your open and friendly disposition." He laughed, finding Clara's reaction to Timmy's declaration of friendship humorous. "That affable disposition of yours has allowed us to forge a bond in three months that might have taken others three years."
—-Of course it had, had its help….but only a little.
— Wanda's POV—
"What….the….HELL!?" Her hands shook as she did everything in her power not to rip the paper that had just appeared in the room to shreds. She had been tensely pacing the room, waiting for some form of contact or release; anxiously worrying about Timmy's wellbeing, his safety, what he was doing, what he was being told—and when her mind wasn't fretting over her godchild, it was reliving her humiliation of the things she had said, did, and felt whilst Linking. Her worry and her mortification were locked in a tango together—a pitiful dance of helplessness and shame.
—This letter, however, had brought that dance to an ungraceful halt.
"W-what is it?" The Tooth fairy cautiously crept over to her; whilst she had been almost ripping her hair out in worry during her lockdown in this so-called 'relaxation room', she had been relaxing, drinking tea and reading a homey magazine that came from a nearby shelf packed with cozy books.
"T-this!" She sputtered and held out the paper, gripping it hard enough to tear the corner.
Daily Schedule for Timmy's Care and Recovery
Dearest Wanda,
I've taken the liberty of outlining the schedule that I believe will best serve Timmy's recovery. Given his fragile state, it is crucial to adhere to this structure as closely as possible. I realize you have your own instincts, but considering Timmy's condition and my experience, it would be best if you followed these guidelines precisely. Trust me—this routine will ensure Timmy receives the support he requires for both his physical needs and his mental well-being.
As you know, children with ADHD and anxiety benefit from stability and structure, so I've carefully tailored this schedule to promote consistency and comfort, while allowing flexibility based on his current condition, as well as providing a couple of open time slots for the sake of spontaneity, so that things do not feel stifling.
I understand you want the best for Timmy and that you have your own ideas for care in mind, but I hope you will not be inclined to take risks or entertain well-meaning, but misguided deviations from my plan out of sheer pride or stubbornness.
You may not yet grasp how delicate his condition is, but I assure you, this structure is in his best interest.
Morning Routine
Wake him up gently but promptly: Timmy should be eased into the day—allow him 5–10 minutes to fully wake up, and immediately administer his ADHD medication with room-temperature water. Any delays here may affect his focus and mood for the rest of the day. Be sure to wake up at least a half hour prior yourself, so that you are in a fully awake state and can greet him when he opens his eyes with a cheerful smile; as the first interaction of the day is incredibly important to his disposition.
Gentle stretching: Encourage him to do light stretches in bed, focusing on the areas injured in his accident; especially his neck. I know you may want to dote on him, but it's important that he starts his day with movement, however minimal. His body needs it, even if it doesn't feel pleasant at first.
Morning hygiene: He should have a hot towel applied to his face, followed by a brief massage to relieve tension in his neck. This may seem unnecessary, but it will help calm his nerves for the day ahead. As he is weak, you will need to help him bath; I will leave some lists of recommended bath blends. He may feel uncomfortable at having you with him in the bath, due to his age, as this is only natural—so if this does occur, de-age him for a bit, he is just too frail to leave unsupervised as of now. Do not try to rush his morning toilette, it is important for him to start the day feeling clean and refreshed.
It may be tempting just to leave him in his pajamas all day since he is sick, but you'd be surprised at how much a polished outer appearance can change one's self-perception. I recommend leaving him in his pajamas only on days when his health is very poor.
Morning garden walk: It's essential that Timmy gets fresh air, so use his wheelchair to take him for a walk in the garden. I know you may think letting him rest in bed would be better, but this exposure to nature is part of his recovery, even if it seems minor. You may think that the wheelchair is overkill, but he is in a very fragile state and his amount of vital energy precariously low. Just take him as far as the Ferris Wheel, the morning walk isn't to be too long.
Light breakfast: Provide him with a simple, digestible breakfast in the pavilion or on the balcony. Afterwards there is a slot open for free time, do with it as you will while keeping in mind the importance of having the boy in a relaxed state before his treatment; having him being a bundle of nerves could adversely affect his health during his treatment. Afterward, administer the Mana Purge Elixir (I'm not sure if Jorgen ever told you the name, it's that foul tasting medicine he provided you with) with plenty of water, followed by a spoonful of honey or sugar to counteract the taste. I know he fears the medicine both for the taste and how awful it makes him feel, but it is vital he takes it, so don't indulge him any breaks from it.
Rest and mental preparation: In the final half hour/hour (longer if weaker then usual) before his treatment, give him bed rest. The Mana Purge Elixir I'm afraid may leave him feeling not only weak but fearful and anxious as well. Do offer him comfort or distractions—but nothing too stimulating. It's important that his body remains in a restful state. It is possible that in the beginning whilst the magic current is running slow, that after taking the elixir that he may not be coherent, but your presence will still be a comfort to him regardless.
Morning Incense Treatment
This is a critical one-hour session. You'll need to monitor Timmy closely from the Observation room to ensure he reacts as intended to the incense. While you can't be in the room with him due to the incense, you can speak to him using the microphone. I don't doubt your ability to comfort him, but please be mindful—any deviation could disrupt the entire treatment so do keep him calm and don't allow him to try to hold his breath or resist the incense. I'll notify you when it's time to begin, so do not distract yourself from his care by watching the clock.
First Magic Filter Cycle
There is no need for me to emphasize how hard these treatments are on poor Timmy. Once complete, give him all the time he needs to recuperate. If he needs a bath afterward, or prefers to relax in the jacuzzi before going to bed, that's fine—but do not leave him unattended. He's more fragile than you might think. Make sure he sleeps, even if he is in pain or upset. It is of utmost importance he takes a long rest after each filter cycle.
Post-treatment check-in: After the treatment is over (if he is conscious) and after he has slept off his treatment, take some time to talk to Timmy about how he's feeling. Let him express himself, but don't lead him into answers or suggest how he should feel. This will teach him to articulate his thoughts independently, which is crucial to his mental recovery.
Brunch/Lunch: Don't forget his second dose of ADHD medication; depending on how long Timmy sleeps, either brunch or lunch shall be provided; do not worry, I shall take care of the menu. I will leave you to decide if the meal should be had in the room, on the balcony or in the Pavilion. I will note however that the boy has a bad habit of associating food with television and does sometimes try to have his meals in bed—do not allow this.
Afternoon Activities
Timmy's current state will dictate what activities are appropriate. Here are the options you should consider:
Low-energy/overwhelmed Timmy: If he's struggling, you may shrink him down to toddler size—he seems to find comfort in this state. His emotional state takes precedence above all else; and we ought to do all can do to alleviate his stress when it becomes too high. It may be necessary to 'baby him', if he's taxing his body beyond what he ought to. I assure you, he has been good thus far in my care—-but children can get a bit stir-crazy when bedridden for a prolonged time and he may try to insist on pushing himself—do not allow him. I have created a meditation area in the garden outside, you can also try taking him there for some meditative sessions.
Moderate-energy Timmy: Encourage quieter activities such as drawing or watching calming movies, reading or playing with simple toys, or engaging in restful games. Outside I have a lovely stage area where he can watch performances, as well as a comfortable outdoor reading nook. Don't overload him however—too much stimulation could unduly weaken him.
High-energy Timmy: If he's feeling well, let him play video games or watch one of his preferred horror or action films. There is also a circus and hedge maze in your garden that you can take him to play. Be vigilant, though—Timmy may seem like he's doing fine, but his limits are easy to miss if you're not careful. When he gets too excited, he has a tendency to get carried away without realizing it.
Snack and rest: After any activity, Timmy will need a break. Offer him a small snack and ensure he rests. I will provide a snack-request button, so again, do not worry about the menu. Snack time is the only permissible time when food and television are to be combined.
Do not underestimate the importance of these pauses in the day—his body requires it to heal. It is important to keep dialogue open and participate in the activities unless Timmy makes signs that he wishes for alone time. I must confess, it has not yet happened, but on the off chance it does, periods of quiet time should be allotted when requested.
Second Magic Filter Cycle
The procedure for the afternoon treatment will be like the morning one. Prepare Timmy for this with by listening to any worries or concerns, providing stress relief activities and making sure he is adequately rested . Make sure he's calm and collected before the session begins, as stress could interfere with the treatment's success.
Creative and Educational Activities
Allowing him nothing but excessive time watching TV or playing will eventually affect his body and mind negatively. The afternoon should be dedicated to creative and educational pursuits. It's important to keep Timmy's mind engaged without overwhelming him. The balance between creative and educational tasks is key:
Creative: Let him work on small artistic projects; drawing, music, movie making (I showed him a special function on the television for this) creative writing, etc. This will give him a sense of control and an expressive outlet for his emotions, which is something he desperately needs right now. You may not think it's vital, but trust me, this helps him more than you realize.
Educational: Short review sessions of subjects he's already taken in school but nothing too taxing. He doesn't need to be learning anything new right now—just keep his mind active. Offer puzzles or trivia, but don't turn it into a chore. If he grows inattentive or bored, try re-engaging his mind with something he may find surprising or interesting, even if it has no relevance to human education.
I recommend alternating between 30 minutes of creative work, 30 minutes of educational review, followed by a 15-minute break either in the Snuggle & Cuddle Room, or a short cartoon break. You'll find this provides a good balance, even if it seems overly structured. There will be some extra time in the afternoon for some spontaneous activities; there are plenty of fun things to do in the garden and in your room, but please be mindful as to his health.
Evening Routine
Prepare for the final treatment of the day: The last Magic Filter Cycle requires the same preparation as the earlier treatments. Afterwards, make sure to do the usual wellness check and allow him all the time he needs to rest.
Dinner; once again, keep his ADHD medication in mind. I will take it upon myself to provide fun and nutritious meals, so worry nothing about it. Afterwards, allow Timmy to engage in an activity or two of his choosing. Do not let him become overstimulated—this is a time to wind down.
Reflective journaling: Timmy should be encouraged to write in a journal, or perhaps you could do it together. This is not just about recording thoughts—it's a mental exercise to help him process what he's going through.
Bath and final walk: Finish the day with a soothing bath, followed by a final walk in the garden. This will signal to Timmy that it's time to rest. Have a light bed-time snack and engage in an open but positive dialogue at the Pavilion/balcony before heading inside.
Settle him for sleep: If Timmy struggles with anxiety before bed, your usual techniques—cartoons, stories, or internet videos do work well. However, if you need further suggestions, I can offer a more comprehensive list of other activities you may want to try. For one, I've created a little puzzle game that the boy quite enjoys. I'm sure he'll explain to you how to play it.
Wanda, I understand you have your instincts and experience, but I've seen the consequences of the tragedies that can happen if things are not done just right. You are hardworking, but you do not have my knowledge or experience and I am afraid that you have a tendency to take a rather soft-hearted and, at times, indulgent approach. Furthermore, you are sometimes a little too blind to see matters beyond your own opinion on things, and this causes you to either jump to erroneous conclusions or insert your will a little too forcefully.
You care for him deeply, and I respect that, but my plan is what's best for him now. Stick to it, and all will be well. Your boy will regain his health and happiness, I assure you.
Sincerely,
Nova
"Please, tell me this is his idea of a—of a joke!" She sputtered, looking at the Tooth Fairy who had been reading the list with an expression of growing horror. "He can't be….serious…sending me something like this!"
"Oh, my gosh…it's like our school theater club all over again…!" The Tooth fairy whistled, placing a hand onto her forehead. "When he gets an idea in his head, he'll push and push and push it till the ends of the Earth! It's his way, or it's the 'wrong' way. Ugh, he's always been a bit of a control freak, but to take it this far?!"
"Control freak? No—more like—like control psychopath!" She sputtered, her face felt hot and even though she was furious, her eyes were burning.
Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she tried to make sense of the situation. She knew Nova had always shown himself to be both protective and opinionated, but this was on a whole other level!
Tannfe cringed. "Well, I mean…there are only two types of men who would marry a woman like Stella. Either a complete and utter doormat, or someone even more domineering than she is — and Nova certainly isn't a doormat. "
"I…I can't…I just…." She couldn't form the words; mixed in with her fury was a sense of hurt that confused her thoughts and a feeling of humiliation which choked her voice. "…Does he….think I'm…useless or something? That I'm incapable of….of caring for Timmy….? That I'm doing it….all wrong?"
With her confidence in herself already shaken from the thoughts Linking with Anti-Wanda had put in her head, this new blow had hit a very vulnerable part of the protective wall she put around her feelings—a wall she had built in response to Cosmo's ever increasing wife jokes which grew more mean-spirited by the month.
The Tooth Fairy gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "I understand how overwhelming this must be for you," she said sympathetically. "But remember, you have your own knowledge and instincts. Trust yourself."
—Being told to trust herself….after her own mind and feelings had betrayed her, was a bitter pill to swallow, almost as bad as the schedule.
Trusting herself after….after viewing Timmy's suffering in such a selfish light? Having such self-serving feelings over his dependency on her?
The only thing she had for herself right now was disgust.
Gloomily, she turned back to the letter and reread Nova's words, a mixture of anger and sadness washing over her. She couldn't help but feel hurt by the lack of trust in her abilities. She had worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and happiness of that little boy, and yet here she was, being questioned and belittled.
'What I felt while Linking…it wasn't me! It….wasn't the real me.' Her hands shook as she sat the letter aside; not wanting to allow the negative emotions to consume her.
Her approach when helping Timmy was guided by compassion and her understanding of who he was. She had been with him for over fifty years! Nova could talk all he wanted about his knowledge and experience but he had no possible way of knowing who Timmy was as a person; her boy's needs were not so easily understood.
She would confront Nova the first chance she got and make her voice heard. She needed to make it clear that her decisions were not to be undermined, and that he had no right being so—-so damn patronizing!
Just because she had—! ….It was all a mistake….that attitude, the things said and done while Linking…all a horrible….horrible mistake…..
'And it's not even the worse mistake you've made either.' A nagging voice at the back of her mind cruelly reminded her, her own voice hatefully dredging up past sins.
'You are sometimes a little too blind to see matters beyond your own opinion on things, and this causes you to either jump to erroneous conclusions or insert your will a little too forcefully.'
That part of the note had burned her the most because….she couldn't deny it. When Timmy's problems had first started…she had unintentionally made everything so much worse—but she had done better since then, hadn't she…?
She was, to quote toddler Timmy, his 'good god mommy', wasn't she...?
— Timmy's POV—
The air was filled with the delicate fragrance of the garden blossoms, a sweet perfume that mingled with the earthy scent of damp soil. Grandpa Nova had made it rain earlier; he did that sometimes, telling him that water had the ability to change the smell of grass and flowers. He hadn't believed it too much initially, but now he really could tell the difference it made; one was not better than the other, but both had its own charm—a charm he found himself noticing with growing clarity. When he mentioned this, Nova had smiled proudly that Queen Mab's nectar was doing its job and that his increased awareness of nature was a blessing in of its own.
The soft rustling of leaves accompanied the gentle breeze, was creating a soothing symphony of nature's whispers. The wheelchair, gently pushed by Nova rolled over the smooth stone pathway, its rhythmic motion lulling him into a peaceful state of mind.
They moved through the garden in a comfortable silence; Nova had discouraged talking during walks; he said it would distract from the sensory experience, and the walks were a time for him not to focus on words or even thoughts, but on his feelings.
Over the near three months he had spent with his new grandfather, the walks in the morning and evening had become a standard thing; and while the walks in the morning were nice, the evening walks were thoroughly breathtaking and he couldn't help but marvel at his surroundings no matter how accustomed to them he grew.
The sky was like a black dressed studded with silvery sequins; twinkling dazzlingly, the light of the enormous moon seemed to bathe the entire world in a sparkly, pearl-like glow. Pink butterflies danced gracefully, their wings shimmering like ethereal silk as they flitted from one flower to another. Pink fireflies looked like fallen stars as they twinkled around them.
Nova's steady pace allowed him to take in every detail, making the evening stroll a mesmerizing experience. The sparkling stars, the soft whispers of nature, and the ethereal glow of the butterflies and fireflies created a symphony for his senses. It was a reminder that even in the midst of his challenges, there was still wonder and beauty to be found.
Nova stopped as they reached the Ferris wheel, the same one Wanda and he had ridden before.
From where they entered the garden from the balcony was the main plaza, where the Pavilion, the fountain, and a wide open space for entertainment was located. There was a long path that went up from the plaza and arrived at the Ferris wheel. This was where their morning walk ended.
However, in the evening, they took one of the two paths, the left one or the right one, but the garden, being circular in design, had the paths meet. Even so, Nova never picked the same path twice and always alternated between the starting point even if they arrived at the same place.
He sipped on his thermos of soup; a comforting, soothing clear broth that carried the warmth of aromatic spices and fresh herbal notes went down his throat, and spread a soothing warmth through his body. He had never even heard of Revel soup before, but he liked it.
He got to try out so many new things thanks to Nova; Sometimes he'd suggest something that he was unsure that he wanted to try, like pumpkin and peanut butter soup, and he'd ask instead for something more normal to him, like chicken noodle, and Nova would oblige but on the condition he give his idea a try too—and honestly, each and every time Nova's suggestion was far better then his own!
'I thoroughly assess a range of factors, encompassing daily activities, mental and physical condition, present bodily requirements, and even weather conditions, to guarantee the optimal selection of foods.' Nova had boasted proudly when he had commented on how all of his choices were always so much better than his own, even if it was competing against his favorite foods. Nova had explained it thusly that 'Although your favorites may be delicious, they may not always be the most suitable choice for your requirements. Consuming food that is beneficial for your body will positively impact your taste perception.'
"Mmm…" He savored the soup; if he had a mother that could cook, he'd ask her to make this, as it was, she'd probably mistake revel for rebel and raid the pantry for anything that seems "rebellious," like spicy salsa, curry powder, and hot sauce.
…Actually asking her to make that to put in his school lunch wasn't a bad idea since his lunch was always being stolen; he'd kinda love to see Francis swallow that concoction down.
The red Appapuff, riding on his shoulder, began to bound about excitedly as they arrived at the first area on the garden's circular path. It was a small circus, bursting with vibrant colors. Twinkling fairy lights hung above the pathways, casting a warm glow that danced across the scene.
Nova had taken him here only once, saying that his current physical condition required rest and this place would excite him too much; but during his brief visit during the day, it was filled with cheerful music, and the brightly painted rides whirled and spun, their cheerful hues contrasting beautifully with the lush greenery surrounding them. The aroma of buttery popcorn and sugary cotton candy filled the air, mingling with the tantalizing scent of sizzling funnel cakes, all served by friendly holograms who winked and waved as they offered treats. Amongst these holograms were Beatrix and Manuel from their Mardi-Gras party, and many of the other holograms were variations of them. A lively midway stretched ahead, dotted with games of chance.
At the heart of it all stood a grand, striped tent, its entrance flanked by glowing torches. Inside, a mesmerizing array of holograms performed acrobatic feats and dazzling tricks, flipping through the air with grace and precision. There were jugglers tossing glittering objects, fire-breathers creating arcs of flame, and dancers swirling in ethereal costumes, all clown-free yet brimming with magic and wonder. The brief show Nova had taken him here to watch had been so much fun, and he was looking forward to when he could be healthy enough to explore the circus in it's entirety. The little red Appapuff also seemed to be looking forward to that day.
Of course, they did not enter the circus on their walk; as they passed it by, it seemed to whisper promises of fun and thrills for when he felt better. In several minutes, they arrived at the second area, a sprawling lake shimmering under the gentle glow of twilight. The water was crystal clear, reflecting a breathtaking tapestry of stars that sparkled like diamonds scattered across a velvety sky. Nova paused, as he always did, letting him take in the serene beauty of the scene.
It looked almost like a piece of the sky had fallen; the illusion disrupted only by the gently ripples in the water as it lapped against the shore.
The tranquil lake beckoned with the promise of adventure; paddle boats bobbed gently at the dock, their bright colors contrasting against the deep blue water. He couldn't wait to show this place to Wanda; she always loved those swan paddle boats in the park, but the one time she had convinced Cosmo to go on one with her, in human form, he had mistaken it as the water-version of bumper cars and had paddled deliberately into the other boats.
After the lake was a magical hedge maze, it acted much like those escape room games he loved; with several locations inside the maze having puzzles that needed to be solved. It was very detailed, and there were little buildings inside too where you had to either find items that would let you continue, often requiring a puzzle to solve. You could select the theme you wanted for the game from a panel on the side of the entrance as well as the difficulty setting.
It was like a real life video game and according to Nova, there was even the option of having a 'pursuer', a hologram that if it caught you, brought you right back to the beginning.
Nova had taken him in here once, just so he could see what it was like; but once he got better and was strong enough to play for real, he was selecting the Innsmouth theme with a Deep One pursuer.
He was really impressed and touched that Nova had actually gone to read the story because he had said he liked it. He had asked his own father to read it once, but after reading two sentences, he had decided it was boring because nothing exploded.
They continued peacefully along the circular garden path; in-between stops, there were benches, water fountains and porta potties that opened up to the bathroom inside of the recovery room. The paths were lined with flower bushes and trees, and in the branches of those trees nestled Luminarks, a wild nocturnal bird found in Fey world, a natural part of it's ecosystem, unlike the Companions.
They were small, like hummingbirds with translucent feathers that twinkled like prisms when they caught even the faintest beams of moonlight; their large and luminous eyes, glowing with a warm amber light that looked like tiny lanterns in the dark of the trees; but their song was not the chirp of a bird, but rather a noise similar to the sound that crickets made.
'Aesthetics hold significant value among the Fey. Although we appreciate the pleasant sound produced by crickets, we are not particularly fond of their appearance or their tendency to damage our gardens. Within the Luminark, we find not only beauty and sound but also the assurance that our gardens remain protected by its consumption of flower nectar rather than of the flower itself.' Nova had remarked the first time he showed him the birds.
Presently one of the Luminarks swoop from the tree and made a graceful arch over his head, causing the blue Appapuff to fall into his lap with a startled squeak. He giggled, catching the little thing before it could roll off his lap.
"Aw, did that give you a scare?" He petted it as it made a series of distressed noises.
"Luminarks will do that do show off their plumage; they are vain birds that love to be admired." Nova explained with a chuckle; the only times he broke his silence during walks rule was to explain something, but his demeanor and relaxed smile never made the lack of conversation feel isolating, especially since after the walk finished they spent a good while chit chatting over snacks.
The yellow Appapuff leapt off his other shoulder in excitement, bounding ahead while Nova gently called it back as they neared the next area: an enchanting outdoor stage where holograms performed a variety of plays or musical performances. The setting had a whimsical, almost storybook quality to it. Giant mushrooms, glowing faintly with bioluminescent patterns, served as seats, their spongy tops soft and comfortable beneath any visitor. They were arranged in front of a small, rustic wooden stage, whose weathered planks seemed alive with history, as if countless tales had already been told upon it.
To the side of the stage, underneath a canopy of vines, were wooden stalls, serving treats and drinks that magically adapted to the theme of whatever performance was taking place—when Nova brought him here to watch a play called The Castle Specter, these stalls had served, Ghost elixir, a misty, pale drink made of white cranberry juice, lemon-lime soda and dry ice and Blackberry blood punch served in a goblet for a dramatic old-world feel, as well as dark chocolate scones drizzled in red berry compote for a blood-like effect and finger-shaped shortbread cookies, decorated to resemble eerie, skeletal hands.
These same stalls that served up such creepy looking snacks had later on, when Nova had brought him to watch "Peter and the Star catcher", had offered whimsical fun-themed treats like 'Pirates brew, root brew float' and a 'Mermaid lagoon blue lemonade', with treats of gold-wrapped chocolate coins, gummy jewels and candy pearls all served in tiny wooden pirate-themed treasure chests.
In the afternoons, when Nova brought him here, the entire area would burst to life, though all was quiet now in the evening, and the stage sat in serene anticipation of its next performance.
"Aw, it looks like it wants to perform." He laughed as Nova fetched the little yellow Appapuff from where it was hopping around the stage. He always attended the performances with these three little guys and all of his friends in the Snuggle & Cuddle room. It was one of the few activities his weakened body allowed him to enjoy in its fullness, so Nova brought him here often.
"An Appapuff acrobatic performance could be interesting, I suppose." Nova was in good humor even though this could count as a 'disruption' in the walk.
He had observed other adults become irritable or stressed, or even lose their heads entirely when their schedules were interrupted even by minor things. However, Nova never reacted negatively to any delays or changes. This was the reason he was comfortable with Nova establishing a scheduled routine; Nova never let it become overbearing and always maintained a relaxed approach instead of forcing everything to adhere to the schedule.
With the little yellow one back to its proper sitting spot—on his shoulder—they continued their walk; arriving at the middle point, the area that sat complete opposite to the Ferris Wheel that could count as the starting point of the circular path.
The Celestial Pavilion, a grand edifice he had yet to enter, bore a sign that read 'To be Unveiled.' Nova had mentioned it was a special place reserved for when Wanda was present and his magical current made significant improvements. Nova was brimming with excitement whenever he spoke about the building, promising that they'd love it as he struggled to keep its future purpose a secret. Even now, Nova couldn't help but look towards it with a smile of anticipation. He really wanted to know what would be inside of it, but until then, there was a lot in this garden to keep him entertained.
The next area they entered was the Meditation Garden—a peaceful sanctuary brimming with multicolored crystals of every size and shape. The crystals glowed softly in the moonlight, their surfaces smooth and cool to the touch, while they hummed with gentle vibrations that seemed to pulse in the very air. Each crystal resonated with its own unique sound: some whispered like distant wind chimes swaying in a summer breeze, others echoed like soft rainfall pattering on leaves, and some carried the deep, rhythmic murmur of ocean waves crashing far away. Together, the sounds harmonized, creating an atmosphere of serenity that enveloped the entire space.
Nova often brought him here when he felt stressed or overwhelmed, guiding him through breathing exercises and teaching him how to let go of his anxious thoughts. The vibrations of the crystals were meant to soothe his nerves, but despite the calm setting, he struggled to find the stillness Nova spoke of. Whenever he tried to focus, his mind would drift to cartoons, games, or thoughts of what snacks he'd have later, causing him to lose track of the exercises.
Yet Nova never seemed frustrated. Even when he gently scolded him, reminding him to concentrate, there was never any anger in his voice—just patient understanding. He'd gently tell him that there was no rush, no hurry to become perfect at meditation and that the garden's tranquil beauty would always be there, waiting for him to return when he was ready to try again.
The hot spring, the next location was not far from the meditation garden and laid nestled in a quiet corner, surrounded by thick ferns and small, glowing flowers that dotted the landscape like stars fallen to the ground. Steam gently wafted up from the crystal-clear water, curling into the night air and blending with the natural mist that clung to the trees. The water itself was a deep, serene blue, glowing faintly from the minerals beneath its surface. Smooth stones rimmed the edges of the spring, and the natural rock formations that had the warmth of the water radiating through them extended an alluring, almost irresistible invitation to sink in and relax; an invitation they often accepted during these evening walks, dipping in for a quick soak, or at times a lengthy one, before continuing on with their walk.
The Appapuffs, now well-acquainted with the hot spring, had already bounded toward the bath the moment it came into view and were now splashing and bobbing about.
Nova shook his head with mild amusement as he watched them. "Unfortunately, it seems that because of our repeated use of the spring, they now believe we must consistently halt at this location." His voice held a tinge of humor, though he tried to sound exasperated. "Creatures of habit, these little ones."
He laughed at the spectacle. "They almost look like little apples floating there."
"That they do; well then, shall we stop for a dip?" Nova asked and with a snap of his fingers changed them into towels. He was lifted from off his wheelchair and carried to the spring. As he was lowered into it, he felt the heat seep through his skin, loosening the tension in his body and relaxing his muscles. It was true that he had just taken a hot bath prior to his evening walk, but a bath and a dip in the springs were completely different experiences.
Nova joined him, gracefully sinking into the water beside him with a relaxed sigh. He'd always put an arm around him, letting him lean into him as a support since sometimes the strength in his body gave out and he couldn't even stay sitting up on his own.
Nova had been considerate enough to inquire if he was at ease with his close proximity, and he had reassured him that he was fine with it. Ever since he became an anime enthusiast, he had begun wishing himself to the real-life locations of the hot springs often featured in various shows in order to experience them for himself. When it came to these trips, Cosmo came along with him because not only would Wanda as a woman be in a different bath, and even he was too shy for a co-ed bath, besides she wasn't at all comfortable with being seen naked by strangers and refused to go.
Visiting hot-springs, drinking flavored milk and playing ping-pong was something he liked to do with Cosmo at least twice a month. It was one of the few godfather/son activities they had that they still enjoyed doing together—-Cosmo disliked almost all of his new interests, but at least they still had overly violent cartoons, videos games and hot springs to enjoy together. So, sitting close in the hot springs next to someone else was not anything new to him, and he trusted his new grandfather and felt as comfortable sitting beside him as he did Cosmo-maybe a little more?
He leaned back, closing his eyes for a moment, the hot water lapping gently at his shoulders. He let out a sigh of contentment, feeling the soothing pressure of the spring wash over him. "You know, I was wondering Grandpa... Why is it that after a bath, you always dry me off with a towel and fix my hair, but after the hot spring, you just use magic to do it all?"
Nova opened his eyes and turned to him, a soft smile playing on his lips. "A bath, Timmy, is an act of care—both for the body and the soul. There's a certain... reverence to it. When I dry you off with a towel, comb your hair, it's a way of giving proper care, the kind that magic would cheapen. The rituals we perform, as simple as they may seem, have meaning. Magic may offer speed and convenience, but there are experiences in life that deserve the time and attention they take."
Timmy nodded, trying to absorb Nova's words. "So it's like, when you do it by hand, it feels more special?"
"Exactly," Nova replied, his tone gentle and thoughtful. "It's about connection. Between you and the act, and between the two of us. Magic shortcuts take away from that. However," he added, glancing around at the steaming water, "the hot spring is different. This is purely for relaxation, to ease the body and clear the mind. Here, the use of magic doesn't lessen the experience—it simply allows us to make the most of our evening stroll."
He allowed this information to sink in as the warmth of the spring soaked deeper into his muscles, melting away the stresses he hadn't even realized he was carrying. He turned his gaze to the Appapuffs, now floating lazily, their energetic splashing reduced to soft bobbing as they, too, enjoyed the spring's calming embrace. "I guess that makes sense... when Wanda makes me her special Mother's Love hot chocolate by hand, it tastes so much better."
Nova smiled, watching the Appapuffs drift. "The act of doing something by hand, even when it can be done easier and quicker with magic, brings deeper meaning to a gesture. ….We Fey can make any extravagant dish we want appear before us, and yet…many Fey Parents take more delight in a breakfast of overdone scrambled eggs with pieces of the shell left in and burnt toast made by their Kinders then any gourmet meal they can conjure up themselves."
"I once showed Poof how to make bookmarks by hand and suggested we make them for a mother day present for Wanda; at first I thought I made a mistake because they were plain and did not look all that impressive…that she was going to get stuck with a subpar gift rather than something really amazing that Poof could have made with magic, but….when she got them she was really delighted and kept gushing about how we took the time to do 'all that work' by hand…."
"That's a good example of what I mean; when you do something by hand, it's like you're giving a piece of your love to the person your gifting it too."
He tilted his head back, looking up at the stars, their reflections twinkling in the water. "Sometimes I feel as if I'd never be able to convey how much Wanda and everything she has done means to me; not even with a million bookmarks. …Lately everything has been so hard, and I know that I'm putting a lot of stress on her. I don't like making things hard for her, but….its like the worry and the stress just consume me, and trying to keep it in, just has it eat away at me faster…and so I keep dumping the burden of my problems onto her to deal with. I hate how lately I just….I just feel worried about…well, everything and I just don't understand why I've become this way….I hate it."
Nova's eyes softened, and he pulled him a little closer, patting him on the head. "I know it's difficult, Timmy. Worry and stress can feel like they're eating away at you, making it hard to focus on anything else. But that's why we take these moments—why we come to places like the meditation garden, or stop here at the hot spring. It's not just about escaping your worries, but about finding moments of calm, even in the middle of it all."
He looked over at Nova, the weight of his words settling in. "I guess I just don't know how to shut my brain off sometimes."
"You're not alone in that," Nova said with a small laugh. "It takes time to quiet the mind, to learn how to let go of those racing thoughts, to achieve stillness of thought. But you're making progress, even if you don't realize it."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, with the only sound being the gentle bubbling of the spring. The warmth of the water lulled him into a state of deep relaxation, and for the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of peace, one he wasn't able to grasp before in their other visits to the spring, not with his worry about Wanda's wellbeing.
"Your really the best Grandpa ever, you know," He said quietly after a long pause. "I really hope that Poof will get to meet you someday."
Nova smiled warmly. "Me too, but for now, I have my eldest grandson to keep me company, and I will cherish every moment of our time together."
The two of them, along with the sleepy Appapuffs floating nearby, let the quiet of the night settle over them, the hot spring's warmth wrapping them in a blanket of calm and connection. For now, the world outside didn't matter—it was just them, the stars, and the gentle, bubbling water.