Zelda the Grey Quiet One
Book 1 – Of Butterflies and Elves
Chapter Nine – It's Coming Home
Summary: I'm nothing like my sister. While she's out and about exploring the wilderness. I spend most of my days huddled around the fireplace reading books, watching DVDs, snuggling Twig, and all in all being a smol couch potato. When ideas of moving to the city popped up, she was distressed, while I was apathetic.
*~~oOo~~*
Clones!
"—And this afternoon on Trollberg News Center (TNC), Trolberg experienced what experts are calling a freak weather event. A storm swept through the city at an alarming pace. The cause? An angry Weather Spirit, leaving chaos in its wake.
Flooding along the Bjorn River, with emergency crews working round the clock! Reports of car accidents have been pouring in from nearly every district. For many out on foot, the sudden chill brought on by the storm has left more than a few residents shivering their way into hospital queues with nasty colds.
Remarkably, no fatalities have been reported so far. However, there are reports of close calls involving two children and a white pickup—"
The radio cuts off with a harsh click.
"That's enough radio for today," Ramirez mutters. "Like people need another excuse to panic."
The comic book store manager strolls through the empty shop, the storm's damp stillness lingering outside. After sending the stranded kids home, he sifts through the disordered stacks of comics they left behind.
Ding-ding-Bang!
Ramirez jolts upright as the front door of the store slams open.
"Zelda!" A little girl with long, mesmerizing blue hair bursts into the store, her voice sharp with urgency. When she sees no one else around, she darts straight to the first person she sees—Ramirez.
"Excuse me!" she gasps, breathless.
"Woah, kiddo!" Ramirez spins around to face her. "Didn't think I'd see you back so soon—wait a sec, when did you dye your hair blue?" He narrows his eyes, giving her a sceptical once-over.
"I don't dye my hair—" She shakes her head. "—I don't have time for this! Have you seen a girl about this tall, looks like me, but with long brown hair?" She waves to herself.
Ramirez rubs his stubbled chin thoughtfully. "Pretty sure you're just describing yourself, kid."
"NO! I'm not—ugh!" Hilda groans, throwing her hands up in frustration.
"Hold on—you're not Zelda," Ramirez says, narrowing his eyes as he leans in closer. "But you look just like her... Hmm, suspicious..."
Hilda's eyes widen, relief flashing across her face. "So she's been here! Please, can you help me? I need to find her—" she pleads, her voice urgent.
"Which only means you're a CLONE of Zelda!" He accuses with a dramatic gasp.
Hilda stares at him, utterly baffled. "Wuh—?"
"You're a clone, a copy, a changeling! Sent by the government to replace us to make the general populace obedient! They're doing it one by one—first Zelda, and now me!" Ramirez's eyes dart around like he's expecting men in black suits to burst through the walls.
"What?!" Hilda's voice shoots up an octave. "Woah!" She stumbles back as Ramirez grabs a rolled-up comic book and starts swiping it at her like she's some alien invader.
"Stay back! Back, I say!" Ramirez waves the comic wildly, retreating behind a rack. "You're not taking me alive!"
He takes another swing, only for Hilda to catch the comic in one swift move, gripping it firmly in her palm.
"Zelda's my twin sister! And I'm not a government clone—you ugh~" she practically yells in his face, biting back an insult before shoving the rolled-up comic back into his chest.
Ramirez freezes, the gears in his brain grinding to a halt. His mouth hangs open for a beat, "Oh... You're her twin sister." He glances at her over, noting their similar face and stature "Yeah, that checks out." He shrugs as he tenderly comes out of his hiding place.
"So, you've seen her? Was she here?" Hilda presses. Her voice tight with hope.
"Uh, yeah," Ramirez admits after a pause, scratching the back of his head. Relief floods Hilda's face for a fleeting moment. "But she left before the storm hit," he adds, deflating her instantly.
Her shoulders slump. "Did you see where she went?"
He shakes his head, and the disappointment hits her like a punch. Hilda lets out a frustrated sigh and turns toward the door.
Ramirez, oblivious, mutters, "Man, if I had a nickel for every time someone asked about Zelda, I'd have two. Which isn't much, but weird it's happened twice."
Hilda freezes mid-step, her head snapping back toward him. "Wait—someone else was looking for her?"
"Yup. Some woman barged in about half an hour ago. Brown hair, maroon sweater, soaking wet, demanding to know if she'd been here. Just like you."
Hilda's eyes widen as a sinking realization dawns. "That's Mum!"
Ramirez whistles low. "Figured as much. Scary lady, your mum. Looked like she was ready to tear the place apart if I didn't answer fast enough. But yeah, she was worried—big-time."
Hilda's fists clench at her sides. "So, she's out looking for her too..." She stares at the floor, lost in thought. The silence stretches, making Ramirez shift awkwardly before he clears his throat.
"You alright, kid?" he ventures, worriedly hovering over her. "Need a hand or somethin'?"
Hilda snaps out of it "No, thanks. This is my mess to sort out," she replies, her tone firm but not unkind.
Pivoting on her heel, she strides toward the door. "Thanks anyway," she calls over her shoulder.
"Good luck finding your sister!" Ramirez hollers after her.
Ding-ding.
The bell above the door chimes as it swings shut, followed by the slap of boots on wet pavement. Ramirez watches the blue-haired girl disappear out of view.
"Those twins are a handful," he mutters, turning back to his store. "Here's hoping they don't bring more trouble my way."
*~~oOo~~*
Promises
"Excuse me! Have you seen my daughters? Twins, yay tall—one has brown hair, the other blue? No? Okay." With that, Johanna exits a convenience store and hurriedly ducks into another one adjacent.
She briefly brushes past Verene, who steps inside a nearby shop.
"Good afternoon. Terrible weather we're having—have you seen these two girls?" Verene holds up a photo of Hilda and Zelda. "Twins, blue hair, brown hair? No? Thank you for your time." She slips the borrowed picture back into her pocket and moves on.
"Hey!" Johanna's voice cracks as she addresses the clerk at a corner shop. "Two kids—blue hair, brown hair, twins. Did you happen to see at least a glimpse of them? No?" She barely waits for the headshake before rushing out.
Verene steps into a quaint bakery. "Pardon me, but have you noticed a girl with blue hair and her sister passing through?" She accepts the baker's apologetic no with a polite nod and sighs as she steps back into the street.
Johanna barges into another shop. She shivers the moment the cold AC touches her soaked maroon sweater. "Brown-haired girl, have you seen her? Please, it's urgent—are you sure? She might've been running, crying even… No?" She scoffs, frustration spilling over as she storms out.
Verene, meanwhile, approaches a florist with her usual poise. "… Could you keep an eye out for these two girls? Their mother's desperate to find them." She hands over a hastily scribbled note with Johanna's number. "Thank you, truly." Her tone is steady, but there's weariness in her eyes as she exits.
By the time the storm clears and the Weather Spirit departs, the two women had begun scouring half the block around the comic book store on foot, abandoning Verene's car for its uselessness in such a sprawling search.
Reuniting at the corner of a rain-slicked street, their expressions mirroring the same frustration and fatigue. Johanna's maroon sweater clings to her skin, rain and sweat mingling as her short brown hair sticks to her face. She shivers at a passing breeze, her breath coming fast.
Verene, though still neat in her pristine white gold-trimmed jacket, carries a subtle weariness in her eyes. "Any luck?" she asks, though she already knows the answer.
Johanna shakes her head, her voice cracking. "T-They're out there somewhere. I just—" She swallows hard, her body trembling.
Verene rests a steadying hand on Johanna's shoulder. "We'll find them," she says softly, her calm tone a soothing contrast to Johanna's rising panic. "Now that the storm's passed, let's check the hardware store again. They might've gone back."
"Yeah," Johanna murmurs, though her voice wavers with doubt.
After nearly half an hour of fruitless searching, the two adults decide to head back to their starting point, the hardware store.
A flash of blue streaks dances across Johanna's peripheral vision—a small, blurry figure dashing through the streets.
Johanna freezes, her heart pounding. The figure halts too, as though sensing her gaze. For a moment, the world feels suspended as their eyes lock. Even from a distance, Johanna recognizes the unmistakable blue hair, yellow scarf, red boots, and black beret bobbing in rhythm with hurried steps.
"Mum!"
"Hilda!"
"Mum!" Hilda's breathless shout pierces the air as she pumps her legs across the wet pavement, her red boots splashing with every step. She reaches her Mum in seconds, with a face bright with relief.
"Mum, thank goodness you're here!" her arms flails as she starts to explain. "I waited out the terrible storm in a tent with some Sparrow Scouts, then I went straight to the comic book shop and—"
"Where's your sister?" Johanna cuts her off, her voice sharp and clipped.
Hilda freezes, her excitement fading at the sight of her mum's frown and stern glare.
"I—I..." She stutters, and she shrinks slightly. Nervously rubbing her shoulders while avoiding Johanna's sharp gaze.
"I don't know," she finally whispers, the words tasting bitter as they leave her mouth.
"You don't know? Tsk-," Johanna clicks her tongue, making Hilda flinch. "Didn't I tell you two to stick together?" she says, her voice low but brimming with disappointment. "That was my one rule for letting you go to the comic book store. And now, look what's happened!"
She steps closer, her frustration spilling over. "Hilda, you promised! You know how she gets in storms like this—how helpless she is! What was I thinking, letting you two wander off alone in the city?" She paces around.
Hilda's shoulders hunch at each jab. Her throat tightens, every every excuse she'd rehearsed stripped away. Her eyes sting, but she bites the inside of her cheek, swallowing the lump rising in her throat.
She won't cry. She won't.
Johanna opens her mouth but catches herself, a tight frustrated breath escaping. She pinches the bridge of her nose. Casting the look that stabs deeper than any words could to a child. "Let's just go find her, we'll continue this later," she bristles, striding past her daughter.
Hilda remains rooted in place, her heart sinking into her stomach.
Johanna pauses, glancing back. Her eyes flicker with something—regret, maybe—but it vanishes as quickly as it came. Her face hardens, and she turns away, her voice cold. "Now, Hilda."
Hilda jolts, her feet moving before she can fully register the command.
She follows silently, her red boots dragging along the pavement. Her mum marches ahead, shoulders stiff.
Meanwhile, Hilda's thoughts churn with guilt, each step sinking her further into regret.
"Hey, um... Hilda, is it?" A soft, tentative voice interrupts the silence.
Hilda flinches, quickly rubbing away the tears as she turns on her heel. It's the blonde woman—the one she saw accompanying her Mum—kneeling to her with gentle concern.
"I'm Verene," the woman softly introduces. She steps closer, keeping her movements unhurried. "That was... a bit rough back there. Quite a scolding—are you alright?"
Hilda ducks her chin into her yellow scarf, mumbling, "I'm fine."
Verene sighs. "Look, your mum—she's not angry at you. She's just stressed—tired from the day's event. And on top of it all… She's afraid. You know how mothers get when they're worried." She lightly adds in the end.
"It doesn't matter. It's all my fault anyways,"
"No, no, no—none of this is your fault, dear. Not a bit,"
"But it is…" Hilda sniffs, her voice cracking. "If I'd just kept my promise—stayed with my sister—none of this would've happened. We wouldn't be here, not like this. I should've stayed—I should've…"
Her words crumble, as she bites back another wave of hot tears.
Verene looks away giving her a moment to recompose herself before she gently places a hand on Hilda's shoulder.
"You made a mistake, love, and that's alright. You're just a kid. Sometimes things happen that are out of our hands, no matter how hard we try. Your mum understands that even if it doesn't seem like it right now.
Do you understand dear?"
Hilda nods hesitantly, her shoulders relaxing just a fraction. It's a small gesture, but Verene sees it as a win. She offers a soft smile, warm and reassuring, and straightens up.
"Come on," Verene encourages. "Let's go help your mum. The sooner we find Zelda, the sooner everything will start to feel better."
Hilda sniffs and wipes her damp cheeks with her sleeves. Her boots scuff against the pavement as she rises, her steps hesitant at first but slowly growing steadier. She glances at Verene, who offers a subtle nod of encouragement.
Together, they head toward the hardware store. The guilt lingers, heavy like a shadow she can't quite shake, but Verene's words have eased some of its weight. For the first time since everything spiralled out of control, Hilda feels like she's moving forward.
*~~oOo~~*
"M-Ma'am, I'm really sorry, but we haven't, uh... seen your daughter. Not since, before the storm, and believe me we've been on the lookout for a blue-haired girl and her twin, ever since." The lanky teenage clerk of the hardware store stammers, under the mother's gaze.
Johanna groans, letting her forehead drop to the countertop. She slumps, the exhaustion in her posture betraying how close she is to unraveling. Her damp hair clings to her forehead, and the counter's cool surface offers no comfort.
The clerk fidgets "I-I mean, if you'd like, I could call, um, Safety Patrol for you?" He offers.
"No!"
Johanna winces at her own tone, rubbing her temples. "No, that won't be necessary, thank you." She tries for a smile, but it barely lifts the corners of her mouth. "She's probably nearby. Just... somewhere close." She nervously chuckles.
The teen shrugs "If it's any consolation, here's a coupon for garden gnomes."
Johanna takes it, crumples it, and shoves it into her pocket. Without another word, she turns for the exit. She passes by her abandoned cart, sitting untouched in the corner, filled with the supplies meant to fix her home, but she doesn't spare it a glance.
Just as Johanna's hand touches the door, the clerk's voice cuts through the air. "Uh okay. And erm how would you rate HandyFix Hardware store customer service from one to ten?"
Her bloodshot eyes turn onto him. "One," she says, deadpan.
Slam
Outside, the cool air bites at Johanna as she slumps against the exterior brick wall of the hardware store. The rough texture presses against her back, grounding her as her breaths come unsteady. Ignoring Verene's and her daughter's concerned looks as they approach her.
"That's it," she mutters, the words barely audible over the distant hum of passing cars. "We are never going to find her."
Her legs give out, and she slides to the ground. She blinks rapidly, fighting back tears. Crying isn't an option—not here, not in front of Hilda.
Hilda reaches out, her hand hovering… After a beat, she places it gently on her mum's shoulder. The weight of Johanna's slumped figure hits her like a blow to the stomach.
If I'd just stayed with Zelda...
The thought threatens to paralyze her as she shakes it away. Pushing away the guilt churning in her stomach. She decides right here, right now she won't let the guilt eat her alive like this, as she steels her expression, donning a mask.
Then something catches her eye—A flash of bright yellow against the grey backdrop. Across the street, a pair of Sparrow Scouts in their mustard uniform darts down the sidewalk.
"Hmm… I wonder…"
A proverbial lightbulb lits up, as a spark ignites in her. She straightens, clenching her fists. I can fix this. Without hesitation, she turns on her heel and begins to stride away from the adults.
"And where exactly do you think you're going?" Johanna peeks through her fingers, her voice muffled.
Hilda stops mid-step, glancing back. Her hands tighten into fists at her sides. "To get help. More eyes. More hands. We'll find Zelda faster that way."
Johanna shoots a dubious look. "Hilda I—"
"Don't worry, Mum. I'll fix this, I have a plan!" She says with a spur-of-the-moment confidence, her blue hair turning as she declares "We'll find her. I promise."
Before Johanna can respond, Hilda heads off.
Johanna pushes herself up, her movements slow. Muscles aching as she inches to the edge of the pavement.
"What is she doing?" Verene asks quietly, stepping up beside her.
Johanna squints, raising a brow "Talking to... kids." The word feels strange in her mouth, and she tilts her head, bewildered at the sight of her daughter talking to kids her age for once.
Hilda gestures as she speaks, her blue hair bouncing with every energetic gesture. The Sparrow Scouts listen intently, then pull out a folded map, spreading it out between them. They exchange nods, the Scout's hand tracing a line on the paper before Hilda thanks them and sprints back.
"Come on follow me! Quick, let's get in Gertrude!" Hilda calls out, breathless but determined.
"Gertrude?" Johanna echoes, confused, as Hilda drags her toward their family car. With a sigh, Johanna digs into her pocket, reluctantly unlocking it.
Hilda wastes no time, throwing herself into the front seat, her urgency spilling over in her impatient fidgeting.
Johanna glances back at Verene.
Verene grins, jingling her keys as she gestures toward her sleek black Corvette parked a few steps away. "Go on ahead. I'll catch up."
Inside the car, Johanna grips the wheel tightly, glancing at Hilda as leftover droplets of rain roll down the windshield. "Hilda, whatever it is you're planning, I'm not sure we have the time for another dead end," she says.
"Mum, just trust me." Hilda's replies, her gaze fixed ahead.
Johanna hesitates, her fingers drumming on the steering wheel. After a moment, she gulps "Alright," she turns the key to start Gertrude and the car hums to life, "Where to?"
"On the way back to the comic book store, there's a small park on the side—we need to head there," Hilda says. She mutters under her breath, "Hope they're still there..."
Johanna's foot presses the pedal, the tires splashing through shallow puddles as Gertrude glides onto the slick streets of Trolberg. For the first time all day, something stirs in Johanna—something lighter than the oppressive dread she's been carrying. It's faint, but enough to make her sit a little straighter in her seat.
"Where's your sister!"
Her thoughts snag on the vicious tone of her earlier scolding, a pang of guilt settling like a stone in her stomach. She glances sideways at Hilda, who's gazing out the window, her fingers drumming lightly on her knees. The sight twists something in Johanna.
She slows at the stoplight "Hilda," she begins, her eyes flicking down for a moment, unable to meet her daughter's gaze. "About earlier... what I said—"
Before Johanna can finish, Hilda reaches over, her small hand resting atop her mother's on the wheel.
Johanna gasps softly, the gesture steadying her. Hilda's small, earnest smile feels like a lifeline, quiet but full of reassurance.
"I know, Mum," Hilda says gently, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions. "But let's focus on finding Zelda first, okay?"
Johanna blinks, momentarily caught off guard, but nods. The tension in her shoulders eases as she exhales, the relief palpable.
Hilda turns back to her seat, swinging her feet lightly, her energy undeterred despite everything. It's an oddly heartwarming sight, her determination wrapped in something so quintessentially her—an earnestness that tugs at Johanna's heart.
Without another word, Johanna presses her foot on the gas, speeding up. The question lingers in her mind: was it a good thing or a bad thing to leave this conversation for later? She doesn't know.
Nonetheless, the silence between them feels lighter now, a small reprieve for their relationship.
But when Johanna isn't looking, her daughter's smile falters for a split second.
*~~oOo~~*
Grand Plan
"Hold still," Aaliyah says while sticking out her tongue.
She tilts the Polaroid camera around to line up the perfect shot. Her blonde-haired friend, Sinon, stands stiffly in front of their newly put up and well-pitched tent, awkwardly pointing at it with his thumb.
"Could you hurry up? My arms getting tired," Sinon grumbles through a forced grin, his arm wobbling in emphasis.
"Hold on,"
Sinon growls. "Just take the stupid picture already—!"
Click—Flash!
Sinon flinches, a split-second too late to shut his eyes. He sways, blinking rapidly as bright spots dance in his vision. All the while hearing the camera whirring as it spits out the photo.
Aaliyah giggles, shaking the picture to help the colours develop. "Your face—priceless!" she laughs.
Sinon scowls, rubbing his eyes. "I'm seeing stars, thanks."
The two huddle together, eyes on the developing photo as it gradually comes into focus. Sinon stands proudly in front of their sturdy tent, striking a pose with an overly enthusiastic grin. The wet grass and trees form a backdrop, all under a cloudy sky.
"Not bad," Sinon mutters, scanning the image.
Aaliyah stretches with a satisfied hum. "That's it for today's refresher. One step closer to the end-of-year camping trip." She tucks a stray strand of hair back into her magenta hijab.
"Yup, only three more to go before we're back to the same ol' badge activities," Sinon replies.
They share a smile, brief but warm, before turning wordlessly to pack up their gear.
Just as Aaliyah zips up the last compartment of her pack, the crunch of tires on the pavement breaks the quiet.
Both she and Sinon snap their heads toward the sound just as a car door slams. A familiar voice—loud, urgent—cuts through the park.
"Sinon! Aaliyah!"
Aaliyah's eyes widen. "Hilda!" She springs to her feet, a wide grin spreading across her face.
Sinon blinks, folding his arms. "What are you doing here?" He then steps in front of their tent with exaggerated flair, planting himself protectively. "Oh no you don't! You stay away from our tent this time!"
Hilda skids to a stop, momentarily confused. Then it hits her. "Oh, right... that," She scratches the back of her head, looking sheepish.
Aaliyah rolls her eyes and waves the Polaroid photo in the air. "Doesn't matter, Sinon. We're done with the task already."
"Oh." Sinon lowers his arm, stepping aside with a huff. "Carry on, then."
"I'm not here for your tent," Hilda says firmly.
Aaliyah notices her friend's sudden shift in tone. "Did you find your sister?" she delicately asks, cutting straight to the point.
Hilda shakes her head, exhaling hard through her nose. "No. Listen, I need your guy's help—and probably the other Sparrow Scouts, too."
The two exchange a wary glance, their earlier playfulness fading. Straightening up, they focus entirely on their friend.
Hilda takes a deep breath and begins her story, her words tumbling out faster as she recounts it all.
As Aaliyah listens, her brows knit with concern. Beside her, Sinon shifts on his feet, arms crossed, his usual quips absent.
When Hilda finishes, a brief silence settles over them. Then, Aaliyah steps forward. "Alright, how can we help?" she asks. Sinon nods beside her, backing her up.
Hilda exhales, the tension in her shoulders easing just a fraction.
"Alright everyone huddle up. I've got a plan!"
Everyone gathers and forms a tight circle. The adults—Verene and Johanna—stand at the back, while Hilda, Sinon, and Aaliyah take the lead up front. A map of Trolberg lies open between them.
Johanna and Verene exchange a glance, their unease palpable. Letting a group of kids take the lead on something they couldn't handle themselves feels... off.
But as Johanna watches Hilda lay out her plan with confidence, her friends nodding along, her hesitation softens. There's a determination in the kids' faces that's hard to ignore.
Friends… Her daughter has friends.
The realization hits her quietly, and a small, proud smile tugs at the corners of her lips.
"The plan is simple, we split up into groups of two. Two cars. Me, Aaliyah and Mum in one. Verene and Sinon in the other,"
Said two cars peel away in opposite directions. Johanna steers cautiously down the left side, while Hilda and Aaliyah comb through every alley and shifting shadow with sharp, restless eyes.
Across the street, Verene's car moves just as methodically, Sinon leaning forward, his eyes locked on the buildings, while Verene glances between the road and the map.
Despite the distance between the two, they move in sync, covering a lot of ground.
"Along the way, if we encounter any Sparrow Scouts, it's best to let Aaliyah and Sinon handle this part..."
Two Sparrow Scouts trudge along the pavement, drenched and slumped with defeat. Their tent never stood a chance against the storm, and now they're making their way back to Raven Leader, ready to admit as much—until a car slows beside them, forcing them to pause.
The familiar face of a fellow Scout leans out the window. Sinon cuts straight to the point—asking if they've seen Zelda.
The answer is predictable. No.
Without missing a beat, Sinon pivots to the next, integral, phase of Hilda's plan. "Then spread the word if you run into other Sparrows. Tell them what she looks like and ask them to share it with the others, okay?"
The Scouts nod.
Satisfied, Sinon flashes a grin, as Verene pulls away, their car vanishing down the rain-slicked street.
Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Aaliyah asks the same favour to a pair of girl Sparrow Scouts.
"It's okay if you haven't seen her, but could you pass the word along to any other Sparrows you come across? It would really help."
The girls nod in agreement, and Aaliyah's smile widens in response.
Inside the car, Hilda, Johanna, and Aaliyah share a quiet smile. Hilda's plan seems to be working.
"—You guys will be crucial in spreading the word to the other scouts about Zelda's description. They're more likely to do so coming from a fellow scout. Hopefully, word will climb the grapevine about my missing sister."
Taking a quick break, Johanna pulls into a petrol station to fill up Gertrude while Hilda and Aaliyah snack on sandwiches and drinks in the backseat.
Aaliyah munches on a cucumber sandwich, her brow furrowed as she turns to her friend who has a forlorn look while staring out into the distance.
"Hilda," she starts, her voice tentative, "what if this doesn't work? What then?"
Hilda immediately steels her face and plasters a smile. "It will work," she says simply, her voice steady. "This is our best shot. With everyone's help, we'll find her." Her gaze shifts to her mum, and she reaches over, clasping Johanna's hand tightly. "We have to."
Because she can't stomach it if it doesn't.
Johanna nods, and Aaliyah follows suit, her unease easing ever so slightly. But the moment is cut short as the low rumble of an engine draws their attention. Verene's sleek black Corvette pulls up beside them.
Sinon bursts out of the car, and practically sprints to their window, knocking impatiently. "We found her!" he shouts.
It takes a moment for the news to sink in. Then, all at once, they swarm around Sinon, their voices overlapping as they hound the panting blonde boy for details.
He's still catching his breath, eyes wide from the rush, but it's Aaliyah who hands him a drink first. He gratefully accepts, gulping it down to calm his nerves.
"Okay, okay," Sinon says, finally steadying himself. "So there's this Sparrow who heard it from another Sparrow, who got it from Bugboy David, who was informed by another Sparrow. Who said—spotted a girl who looked like her down the avenue, left to a street, towards a service road at a bus stop!"
Johanna's eyes narrow slightly, her voice cautious but hopeful. "Are you sure?"
A flicker of hesitation crosses the boy's face, but it's quickly quelled when Verene steps to his side, her calm presence confirming what they've just heard.
"Y-Yeah," he stammers. "Said they wore a red scarf and a grey sweater. Matches her description and all."
"That's her," Hilda shouts.
"Quick, let's go!" Johanna says, already starting the car. The group scrambles to follow, their movements quick but purposeful.
Despite the overcast sky, the world seems a little brighter. The road ahead stretches out, and for the first time in what feels like forever, they have a clear direction.
*~~oOo~~*
Rainbow
A trapper hat for those who don't know is that cosy, old-school winter staple with ear flaps you can tie up or let hang down. Its insides are lined with soft fleece or fur and designed to cover your ears and sometimes even your chin, it's practically a hug for your head.
For those who still don't know… Google it.
Trevor's trapper hat, as he holds it, is now swollen wet, caked in dirt grime sweat, and even a scent of blood, but it remains absent in his eyes, but he knows it's there. He can feel it, but why?
The ambulance's flashing lights paint the wet pavement in sharp, rhythmic bursts. Nearby, voices buzz—a mix of medical personnel, Safety Patrol, and a pale, shaken driver pacing by his white pickup truck.
Amidst it all, Trevor sits hunched on the edge of the curb. A few feet away, Zelda perches on the rear loading step of the ambulance, idly kicking her legs back and forth. The space between them is thick with an awkward, lingering silence.
Zelda stares at her dirtied shoes, the scuffed tips and smeared grime holding her focus.
Across from her, Trevor shifts restlessly. He keeps sneaking glances at her, his brow furrowed. His hand hovers over the fresh bandage on his cheek, his foot tapping against the pavement in a jittery rhythm. The dull ache in his chest does little to curb his fidgeting.
"Why did you do it?"
The low question snaps Zelda from her daze. She lifts her tired eyes to meet Trevor's sharp, searching gaze.
"What do you mean?"
"Don't play dumb!"
He points a trembling finger at her. "Why did you do it? Why did you save me? A-After everything I did!" He pauses, then adds hurriedly, "A-And don't think this makes us even. I'm still very angry at you for what you did!"
"So, I should've just let you get run over? Is that it?" Zelda asks with a cock of her head.
"No, I—" Trevor falters, his hand dropping. "I didn't mean…"
He stares at her, his indignation wilting under the weight of her steady gaze. Around them, the noisy hum of voices and shuffling feet carries on, but at that moment, it's just the two of them.
A sigh escapes her lips as she drops her gaze to the ground.
"You know why I saved you, Trevor?" Zelda begins, her voice firm but with a faint tremor she's trying hard to suppress. "Because you're just a kid." She pauses. "A boy who—yeah, maybe a douche and a bit of a dick—but still just a boy."
Trevor gives her a dry look.
What on earth is she saying?
"You didn't deserve what could've happened." She takes a trembling breath, her gaze distant to the skyline, as if seeing something no one else can. "No one deserves to go out like that. Pathetic. Unexpected. Just... gone. Life's too unfair for me to stomach things like that. To think it all ends in a blink, with no rhyme or reason. It's cruel. Unrelenting."
"I've seen what the world does to people who think they're ready for it—who think they can outlast it. But they can't. Not always. Sometimes it doesn't matter how strong, smart, or careful you are. The outside world doesn't play fair! It'll throw storms, quakes, floods—things you can't bargain with, can't outwit. And you'll lose. I've seen it, f-felt it. Nobody will win."
Not even her sister?
She hugs her arms to herself, her shoulders tense, and her voice quieter now, almost a whisper. "But I know one thing for sure. No one deserves to be erased, forgotten, swept away by something so... meaningless. If I can stop it—just once, forever even—then I have to. Because who else will?"
"So yeah, I saved you, Trevor. Not because I wanted to, but because I couldn't stand the alternative." She resolutely finishes.
Silence settles between them, thick and unmoving. Zelda waits, almost expecting a response. But when she finally glances his way, he pointedly avoids meeting her eyes.
…
For a beat, nothing.
Then—she huffs out a dry laugh.
Trevor stiffens, caught off guard. His eyes flick toward her, hesitant, confused.
"What's so funny?"
Zelda shakes her head, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "Heh, look at me, rambling like some wise old sage to a kid." She chuckles. "I forgot you're just a boy in over his head."
The words she spoke did her intended effect.
"Well—You're a kid too!" Trevor puffs up indignantly, crossing his arms.
The tension in the air eases, just a little, giving the poor boy a moment to digest her words. Then, he turns his head slightly and mumbles something under his breath.
"Mmm, sorry…"
Zelda swivels toward him, her brow furrowing. "What was that? I didn't catch what you said."
Trevor huffs, scratching the back of his head as he turns away. "I'm sorry, okay? Happy?" he snaps, his voice tinged with frustration.
"Oh," Zelda says, her tone softening. She pauses, studying him for a moment. "Apology accepted."
She isn't sure if she's imagining it, but she swears she sees him sigh in relief, his shoulders relaxing just a fraction.
Besides I'm not the one who's supposed to be apologizing,Zelda thinks to herself, though she keeps the words to herself, letting the moment settle between them.
Zelda leans back, her gaze lifting to the sky just as the sun breaks through the receding clouds, its golden light spilling across the horizon before sunset. Her eyes widen, and she hails to him. "Hey, look."
Trevor follows her gaze, and the moment he sees it, he sucks in a breath.
A vibrant rainbow arching across the sky, its colours peeking through the grey clouds and glowing against the orange backdrop of the setting sun.
"The Bifröst," Zelda says, a hint of awe in her voice.
Trevor rolls his eyes but can't hide the small smile tugging at his lips. "It's called a rainbow, stupid."
"I know," Zelda replies, grinning. "But admit it, calling it the Bifröst sounds way cooler."
The two chuckle, the last of the tension slipping away. For a moment, they sit in comfortable silence, admiring the rainbow stretching across the sky.
Despite the chaos left behind by the storm, there's always a quiet promise—a rainbow waiting to break through, a reminder that even after the worst, something beautiful can still emerge.
Only one person in this conversation can see that.
The quiet respite shatters as the familiar rattle of a yellow car echoes down the street. Zelda's breath catches—Gertrude. Her eyes lock onto the windshield, where the unmistakable faces of her family come into focus.
Before she fully registers it, she's on her feet, startling Trevor as she bolts toward the street.
The sentiment is mutual. Gertrude hasn't even come to a full stop before the car doors fly open. Johanna and Hilda burst out, their faces flooded with relief.
"Mum! Hilda!"
"Zelda!"
The three collide in a tangle of arms and tears, the weight of everything they've been through melting away in an instant. Johanna pulls Zelda into a tight embrace, her hands trembling as she holds her daughter close. Hilda wraps her arms around both of them, burying her face in Zelda's shoulder, her laughter mixing with sobs.
They pay no mind to the approaching footsteps of Trevor, Verene, Sinon, and Aaliyah or the curious stares of onlookers. None of it registers.
In this moment, nothing else matters.
Their family is whole again—reunited against all odds. And that's all that counts.
*~~oOo~~*
Goodbye
A quick exchange with the paramedics is all it takes for Johanna to learn about the near accident. The realization sets off a whirlwind of fussing—pulling Zelda into an almost suffocating embrace, bombarding the paramedics with questions, and hounding the apologetic driver of the white pickup truck.
"Ma'am, rest assured, we've checked her over multiple times. Miraculously, there's nay a single scratch on her," one of the paramedics assures.
Only then does Hilda manage to pry Zelda from their mother's iron grip. Thus leaving the adults to sort out the details of her discharge with the first responders and Safety Patrol.
"Whoa, it's like looking at a mirror," Sinon remarks as he and Aaliyah stroll up behind the sisters.
"Duh, because they're identical twins, Sinon," Aaliyah replies, rolling her eyes.
"Actually, we're fraternal," Zelda corrects, gesturing to her sister's bright blue hair. "Fraternal twins can have different traits, like hair colour."
"Psh, right, as if she was born with natural blue hair," Sinon scoffs playfully.
Zelda opens her mouth to retort, but Hilda raises her arm, cutting her off. "Just give it up, sis," Hilda sighs, her tone dripping with faux defeat, much to Aaliyah's amusement.
"Sooo, these are?" Zelda drawls, trying not to sound rude but clearly curious.
"Ooh! Zelda, this is Sinon and Aaliyah," Hilda chimes in, waving enthusiastically toward the two. "They're the ones who helped find you!" She pauses.
"They're friends…" The words feel strange on her tongue, as a smile slowly spreads across her face. It's a small, tentative thing at first, but it grows, lighting up her expression as the realization sinks in.
"Wow, you're friends with them?" Zelda glances at the pair. "The two hopeless bickering Sparrow Scouts from earlier? You were hanging out with them?"
"Hey," Sinon protests, though there's no real offence in his tone.
"I'd like the first to say, congratulations Hilda. You're plan worked!" Aaliyah just shakes her head, amused.
"It did!" Hilda squeals as she bounces on her toes, her eyes sparkling. "And I couldn't have done it without you guys. Or the rest of the Sparrow Scouts!" She beams at them.
With first impressions and introductions out of the way, the group settles into an easy rhythm, laughter bubbling up as the tension melts away.
Johanna stands to the side, watching as they get to know each other. She's been told she can take her daughter home now, but she doesn't rush them. Let them have their moment, she thinks.
"Everything alright?" Verene asks, sliding up beside her, hands tucked into her coat pockets from the upcoming cold evening.
"All clear," Johanna replies, her shoulders relaxing a little. "Just relieved things didn't take a turn for the worse." She fishes something out of her pocket—a folded piece of paper—and hands it to Verene. "Here, take this."
Verene takes it gingerly, unfolding it and squinting at the words. "A guaranteed free crate of vegetables; including cabbages, potatoes, turnips, and alfalfa?" She looks up, confused. "What's this about?"
"The driver of the white pickup gave it to me," Johanna explains, shrugging. "After I decided not to press charges. Turns out he's some big-shot farmer at the local market. Thought it was the least he could do."
Verene shakes her head, trying to hand the paper back. "I couldn't possibly—"
Johanna cuts her off, gently pushing the paper back into her hands. "Please. Consider it a thank you. For everything you've done today."
Verene hesitates, then sighs. "Alright," she says. "But that doesn't mean you're off the hook—you still owe me a day of window shopping in the city."
Johanna chuckles. "First thing I'll put on my calendar when I get home, promise."
She glances at the sky, the setting sun paints the sky in hues of orange and pink and with it, her expression dims. "I'm afraid we have to get going," she says. "It's getting late—trolls might wake soon, and the city gates will close. Plus, it's an hours-long drive back to our place."
Verene nods. "I get it."
Johanna turns to the kids, raising her voice. "Kids, it's time to go home."
Hilda nods at her mum before turning back to her friends. "Well, I guess this is goodbye," she says, keeping her tone light, though there's a weight behind the words.
"For now," Aaliyah corrects with a small smile. "Think about joining the Sparrow Scouts, yeah? I promise it'll be loads of fun!"
"I will," Hilda assures her. "Once I sort out everything with the elves. I'll talk it over with my mum."
Aaliyah pulls her into a quick hug, and Hilda squeezes back before stepping away.
Zelda shifts beside her, meeting each of their gazes in turn, fingers absently twisting a strand of her long brown hair. "Thank you. All of you," she says, voice softer than before. "For helping my family. And... sorry for any trouble I might've caused."
Verene gives a knowing nod.
"You're welcome," Sinon says, puffing out his chest and planting his hands on his hips.
Aaliyah not so discretely elbows him in the side.
Sinon stumbles slightly, then clears his throat. "I mean, it was nothing, really," he corrects, straightening up. "We Sparrows always lend a hand to those in need."
Aaliyah nods approvingly. "That's more like it."
"Do you two need a ride home?" Verene asks, jingling her car keys.
Aaliyah and Sinon exchange a glance before Aaliyah turns back to her. "Just to the Sparrow Scout Hall, please. Our parents will pick us up there. Thank you."
"Alright then," Verene nods, unlocking her sleek black Corvette.
Sinon grins, thrilled at the prospect of a free ride, and immediately slings both his and Aaliyah's bags over his shoulder, following Verene with a spring in his step. Aaliyah trails behind, shaking her head at his enthusiasm.
Nearby, Johanna does the same with Gertrude, getting the old car warmed up for the long drive home.
Unnoticed by most, a pair of eyes watches from behind the ambulance. Trevor ducks his head every time someone's gaze sweeps in his direction, trying to stay out of sight. It seems only one person notices him lingering there.
"You guys go ahead," Zelda says, stepping away from her family. "There's one last thing I need to do." She excuses herself and makes her way toward Trevor, her family's watchful eyes following her.
Trevor, sitting on the ambulance steps, leans back as he hears footsteps approach. He doesn't look up, but he can see her shadow stretching across the ground from the corner of his eye.
"Hi,"
"Hey," Trevor mumbles back, his gaze fixed on the ground.
Neither turns to face the other, content with the ambulance obstructing each other's view, their words carried on the cool evening air.
"So… my ride's here," Zelda starts, her tone tentative.
"Hmm."
"Do you… need a lift?"
Trevor flicks a glance her way. "They already called my mum while you were talking with your family," he mutters. "She's on her way after her shift. And judging by her tone on the phone? She is livid."
"Oh..."
Trevor can hear her awkwardly scuffing her feet against the asphalt, filling the silence.
"Will you be okay?" she asks after a moment.
Trevor huffs, a hint of exasperation in his voice. "Just go already, girlie. Leave."
Zelda exhales through her nose, nodding to herself. "Alright. Take care." Her shadow shifts as she turns to leave, disappearing from his view.
Trevor clutches his trapper hat, his face scrunching as he lets out a frustrated sigh. He jumps down from the ambulance steps, rounding the corner just as Gertrude's engine revs up.
"Wait!" he shouts, his arm stretching out toward the car.
But it's too late. The car door slams shut, and Gertrude pulls away, followed closely by the black Corvette.
Trevor's arm falls to his side, his shoulders slumping under the weight of the setting sun. The faint smell of rain lingers in the air, mixing with the heaviness in his chest.
He never got to say it.
It's not the first time today someone's failed to say a few parting words with her.
Trevor glances down at the trapper hat in his hands, its fabric worn and familiar. After a moment, he walks over to a bin at the side of the street and tosses it in.
It doesn't feel right to wear it anymore.
He shoves his hands in his pockets and heads to sit back down at the ambulance step, walking past the bus stop and the white pickup truck that nearly took his life.
Back inside Gertrude, the twins sit side by side in the back seat, Hilda's head resting lightly on Zelda's shoulder. Johanna glances at the rearview mirror, catching a fleeting glimpse of Trevor's silhouette growing smaller as they drive away.
"Is that boy going to be alright? He looks a bit worse for wear," Johanna says, her eyes flicking to Zelda in the mirror.
"Don't worry, Mum. He's fine—tougher than he looks," Zelda murmurs. The memory of what happened at the bus stop flashed briefly in her mind.
Johanna exhales, her grip on the wheel tightening. "I regret not asking the paramedics how he got those injuries." She pauses, then glances at Zelda. "You wouldn't happen to know, would you?"
"Oh, erm," Zelda stammers, her fingers nervously fiddling with the hem of her dark grey sweater sleeve. "He got them when I pushed him out of the way of the pickup truck." She keeps her eyes fixed on the passing scenery outside, avoiding her mum's gaze.
Hilda raises an eyebrow, catching the obvious tell in her twin's voice, but she stays quiet, her head still resting on Zelda's shoulder.
Gertrude rumbles to a stop at an intersection, pulling up alongside Verene's sleek black Corvette. The windows roll down, and the kids lean out, exchanging a final round of goodbyes. Aaliyah waves enthusiastically, while Sinon gives a playful salute.
The light turns green, and the two cars part ways. Verene's Corvette takes a left, heading deeper into Trolberg, while Gertrude drives straight, making its way toward the city gates.
*~~oOo~~*
Unravel
The drive back home is—to put it mildly—silent. The kind of quiet that hangs heavy in the air, filled with unspoken thoughts and the faint hum of the car engine.
Thankfully, they manage to navigate out of troll country just as nightfall settles in, the road ahead now peaceful and empty.
The temperature has dropped significantly since the storm, and the family savours the warmth of Gertrude's interior heating, a cosy contrast to the crisp, cool air outside.
Through the windows, the eerie forest night stretches endlessly, the trees looming like shadowy sentinels under a cloudy, starless sky. A thin fog clings to the ground, drifting lazily across the road, giving the landscape an otherworldly feel.
Headlights cut through the darkness, illuminating the path ahead but doing little to dispel the sense of isolation.
Johanna's vigilant eyes stay fixed on the dark road, her hands steady on the wheel.
The strain of staring too long at the endless stretch of asphalt makes her flick her gaze to the rearview mirror, where her daughters sit quietly. Hilda's head still rests on Zelda's shoulder.
"Well…" Johanna finally breaks the silence, her voice soft but deliberate. "Our visit to the city today has been quite… eventful."
"You could say that again," Hilda mumbles, her words punctuated by a yawn. "Between scouring what felt like half of Trolberg all afternoon and Zelda nearly getting flattened by a pickup truck, I'd say it's been… eventful, more or less."
Johanna playfully rolls her eyes at her daughter's bluntness.
"Say, how was it—y'know—almost getting run over?" Hilda asks without a hint of tact.
"Hilda!" Johanna shoots her a sharp look.
Zelda, however, doesn't seem offended. She's used to her twin's straightforwardness, her bluntness as familiar as the sound of her own voice. "I assure you, it wasn't as exhilarating as one of your thrilling adventures, I can tell you that much."
Hilda hesitates for a moment, her curiosity outweighing her caution. "How did you even get into that situation in the first place?" she asks, her tone tentative but probing.
Zelda's gaze drifts to the window. "After the storm hit, I just sort of… panicked," she admits. "Took a wrong turn and ended up getting myself lost. Like I always do in these kinds of situations." She sighs, her shoulders slumping slightly as her gaze drops to her hands.
"Eventually, I took shelter at a bus stop," she continues, her tone wistful.
"That's where I bumped into Trevor. And, well…" She pauses "He wound up in the street. I didn't really think—I just jumped in and pushed him out of the way. I felt nothing during that time, no life flashing before my eyes. Maybe it was the adrenaline or the storm, I don't know…" She says, purposely leaving some details out, all the while shifting in her seat and fiddling with the hem of her sweater.
Johanna and Hilda exchange a brief look. The former wanted to speak up, sensing something amiss regarding the story but kept her mouth shut. Not wanting to reopen any old wounds from her daughter.
"It's a stupid situation I put myself in, really," Zelda adds with a soft chuckle, her voice tinged with self-deprecation. "All this mess just because of my fear of storms."
"No."
Zelda's eyes widen at the bitterness laced in her sister's voice.
"It's my fault," Hilda grits out.
"Hilda—" Johanna starts, but Hilda cuts her off.
"No! Mum, it is my fault!" Hilda's voice rises, trembling with frustration. The emotions she's been holding back—the guilt, the worry, the fear—spill over, raw and unfiltered. The mask she's worn so well throughout the afternoon—the confident planner, the leader, the friend, the well-mannered daughter, the adventurer—finally cracks.
"If I hadn't left your side, none of this would've happened! It was supposed to be a simple trip to the city—a bit of hardware shopping to fix the house, that's all! But no, instead we get split up, running around in the freezing cold, in the worst possible situation ever!"
Her breathing quickens, her words spilling out faster. "Zelda could've died, died, Mum! And why? Because I broke my promise and ran off without a thought, without care—!"
Thud!
The car jerks to a sudden stop as Johanna slams the brakes and pulls over to the side of the road. The tires skid slightly on the damp gravel, kicking up a cloud of dust. The abrupt motion jolts the twins forward, nearly sending them into the front seats.
Silence. Only the steady ticking of the cooling engine.
Johanna exhales sharply, then unbuckles her seatbelt. Awkwardly, she twists in her seat, turning to face them properly. She can't drive like this—not while Hilda is coming undone right behind her. She needs to focus.
She needs to see them.
Hilda sits curled up, her face buried in her knees, her whole body trembling.
Zelda closes the small space between them, resting a gentle hand on her twin's back, rubbing slow, comforting circles. "Hilda… Sis…" Her voice is soft and steady. "Don't say that. Don't do this to yourself"
Johanna reaches out too, her tone firm but pleading. "Hilda, listen to your sister—please."
The sniffles slow, Hilda's breathing hitching as she tries to calm down. Her hands unclench slightly, and she lifts her head just enough to peek at her mum and sister through tear-streaked eyes.
"Hils," Zelda says, her voice earnest. "You know I could never find it in my heart to blame you. None of us do."
Before Hilda can respond, Johanna climbs into the back seat, squeezing herself between her daughters. Zelda shuffles over, making room, and the three of them sit close.
The car feels smaller but warmer with their presence.
"Hilda," Her mum begins, her voice trembling slightly as she pulls her daughter into a tight hug.
"If it's about what I said earlier that made you feel like this, then I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said those hurtful things to you." Her breath catches. "Please understand, I was just worried—scared. I thought I almost lost you two." Her voice cracks, and she swallows hard. "A-And I know that doesn't excuse how much of a terrible mother I am—"
"No!" The twins' voices ring out in unison, sharp and immediate.
"You're not a terrible mother," Hilda says, her voice firm despite the tears still clinging to her cheeks. "You're the greatest mum we could ever have." She looks to Zelda, who nods vigorously, her expression full of agreement.
The three of them huddle together, their arms wrapped tightly around one another in a shared embrace. For a moment, the car is silent except for the soft sound of their breathing and the occasional sniffle.
Then Zelda breaks the silence, her tone light and teasing, a deliberate attempt to shift the mood.
"And hey, today wasn't all bad." She begins, taking hold of the conversation "Look at the bright side, you actually made friends! Aaliyah, Sinon, and Hilda—just imagine the kind of trouble you three are going to stir up."
Hilda's lips twitch into a small smile.
"I still can't get over the fact you actually have friends with kids your age." Zelda snorts "Here I thought your friend list would only include Twig, Woodman, and whatever creature you stumble upon in your adventures."
Johanna chuckles softly.
"And Mum," Zelda continues, "You've made a friend too! Verene seems nice. Finally, you have someone who can take you on window shopping, tea parties, or whatever else boring adults do. Rather than spending all day with us!"
"Hey, I love spending all day with my twins," Johanna protests, giving them both a gentle squeeze.
"Yeah, as if we could play the same game of Dragon Panic for hours or watch the same cable TV shows over and over again while Hilda's out adventuring," Zelda quips, her voice dripping with mock exasperation.
Johanna laughs, shaking her head. "Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt to talk with other parents my age. And shopping with someone my age might help me pick out something besides my usual."
"Makes me wanna tag along," Zelda adds, her tone hopeful.
Johanna shakes her head, a teasing glint in her eye. "Unfortunately, Verene insists—no kids allowed."
"What?" Zelda moans.
"Unfair," Hilda chimes in, her voice joining her sister's protest.
After a bout of chuckling, Zelda resumes, her tone shifting to something more thoughtful. "See? Today's visit to the city wasn't a complete disaster. In fact, I reckon we could save ourselves the hours-long drive if we just moved there." She directs this last statement pointedly at her sister.
Hilda rolls her eyes, clearly recognizing the attempt to get a rise out of her. "Hey, you know I'm making headway on that front. By tomorrow, Alfur will be coming to us with a visit to the Elf King," she says, playfully harrumphing.
The lighthearted banter earns the reaction Zelda hoped for. Hilda lets out a small, watery laugh, and Johanna shakes her head, her smile widening.
Without them realizing the tension in the car eases, replaced by a sense of warmth and connection. Something that allows the family to slowly heal from today's events.
"And what about you, Zel?" Hilda asks out of the blue.
"Me?" Zelda blinks.
"Yeah, "Hilda says, a small grin tugging at her lips. "Did anything good come out of this day for you?"
Zelda sputters, scratching the back of her ear "Well, I guess you could say I saved Trevor's life?."
"Trevor, that's his name? The boy you saved?"
"Y-Yeah,"
"He must think you're his hero or something," Hilda teases, her tone playful.
"Psh—he wishes," Zelda snorts, rolling her eyes. "Other than that, the only positive note was me visiting the comic book store and buying my…" Her voice trails off as her brows furrow. Suddenly, her eyes widen, and she sits bolt upright, patting herself down frantically. The realization hits her like a ton of bricks.
"Oh no!" Zelda gasps, her hands freezing mid-search.
"What? What is it?" Johanna asks, her voice tinged with concern.
"MyWalking DeadVolume 8 comic! I lost it!" Zelda moans, slumping back into her seat with a dramatic sigh. "I must've dropped it somewhere in the middle of the storm."
"And I was really looking forward to it," she mopes, her arms crossed over her chest as she glares at the ceiling of the car.
A hand lands gently on her shoulder, and Zelda looks up to see her mum's reassuring smile. "I'm sure we can buy another copy," Johanna suggests.
Hilda nods along. "Yeah, we'll find another one."
Zelda snorts. "Good luck with that. Another copy might not come for weeks.The Walking Deadseries isn't exactly popular with kids here in the city—except for me and Trevor, apparently." She huffs, her frustration bubbling over. "Ugh, I was so close to finding out what happens with Rick Grimes and the prison! Do you know how long I've been waiting to see if they finally deal with the Governor? And what about Carl? Is he ever going to stop being so annoying? And—"
Hilda rolls her eyes, tuning out of her sister's nerd rant, while Johanna nods along respectfully, letting Zelda vent.
"I swear I still had it when I helped that Sparrow Scout boy outside the comic book store…" Zelda trails off as she tries to recall the exact moment she lost her prized possession. Her face scrunches in concentration, lost in thought.
Hilda perks up at the mention of Sparrow Scouts, "Ooh, speaking of Sparrow Scouts…" she begins as she gathers her thoughts. She glances at her mum and Zelda, her expression a mix of determination and nervousness.
"Mum, I've been thinking. And Aaliyah, Sinon, and I sort of brainstormed about it and…" She takes a deep breath, shoulders tensing with anticipation. "I want to join the Sparrow Scouts!"
"Oh," Johanna and Zelda say in unison, both taken aback by her sudden declaration.
Hilda barrels on before they can say anything else. "I know it sounds unrealistic since we live miles away from the city, and it's not like I can just poof over here every time there's a meeting, but Sinon had this idea—well, more like a half-baked idea, but still—about maybe moving some of the activities out of the city? Like, to me instead?" Her words tumble out in an eager rush, her hands waving animatedly. "I mean, I don't know how possible that is, but Aaliyah said they'd try to convince Raven Leader and maybe start with something small, like bird-watching or tree identification or—"
"Sure, you can join the Sparrow Scouts."
Hilda's rant screeches to a halt. She blinks. "Wait. You mean it?"
Johanna chuckles, her tone warm and reassuring. "Of course I mean it. Hey, I was a Sparrow Scout myself, you know. Top of my flock with the most badges by the end." Her voice carries a hint of pride as she reminisces. "I'm glad you're interested in these sorts of things, Hilda. And if Sinon and Aaliyah are willing to help make it work, then we'll figure it out together."
Hilda's face lights up, her earlier uncertainty replaced by pure joy. "Really? You're the best, Mum!" she exclaims, throwing her arms around Johanna in a tight hug.
After a short while, Johanna settles back into the front seat, while Hilda and Zelda make themselves comfortable in the back, their shoulders brushing as they stretch out.
"Glad we all got that out of our system," Johanna says, as she turns the key, and Gertrude rumbles back to life. The engine hums softly, signalling the final leg of their journey home. Johanna glances at the rearview mirror. "Ready to go home?"
"Yep!" Hilda chirps, giving a thumbs-up as she clicks her seatbelt into place.
Zelda follows suit, buckling up with a dramatic sigh. "I can't wait to get a long, nice, hot shower," She says, wrinkling her nose. "I smell like a gutter."
"Me too, sis," Hilda agrees, leaning her head against the window. "I miss Twig. Hope he's doing fine."
Johanna hums softly, her hands steady on the wheel as they pull onto the road. The forest outside is dark and quiet, the occasional glimmer of moonlight breaking through the trees.
"You know what I'm craving right now?" Zelda says, her voice is thoughtful. "A hot spring."
"Oh, don't get me started," Johanna replies, her tone wistful. "I've always dreamed of taking a dip in one of those—achoo!" She sneezes suddenly, the car swerving slightly before she regains control. She sniffs, rubbing her nose.
"Bless you," the twins say in unison.
"Another day, another adventure for the Adventure Twins," Hilda sighs, leaning back and sinking into her seat, a satisfied smile on her face.
"Don't call us that," Zelda grouses, though there's no real annoyance in her voice. She rolls her eyes, but a small smirk tugs at her lips.
"I promise I will not… not," Hilda grins.
"I kind of like that little nickname, certainly beats what you call yourselves back when you were—achoo!" Johanna sneezes again, cutting herself off mid-sentence.
"Woah, Mum, are you catching a cold?" Hilda teases, her tone playful.
"Well, I hope not," Johanna says, sniffling as she adjusts her grip on the wheel. "But if I am, you two are on soup duty."
Gertrude hums along the quiet road, the forest stretching endlessly on either side, its towering trees standing watch under the blanket of night. Outside, the world is still, but inside the car, warmth lingers—a shared comfort, an unspoken understanding between the three of them. Another adventure behind them, with countless more ahead. But for now, they are simply together, the steady rhythm of the road beneath them.
Hilda leaves the city with the hope of becoming a Sparrow Scout, an uncertain but exciting path unfolding before her with Sinon and Aaliyah by her side.
Johanna carries with her an unexpected invitation from Verene, a rare chance to step outside the familiar and into something new.
And Zelda—self-proclaimed Princess of the Comic Book Store—departs with a story to tell, even if it comes with a missing volume.
Yet, beneath the victories and newfound possibilities, something heavier lingers. Family brings them home, but it also carries echoes of old wounds—ones that time may never fully mend.
*~~oOo~~*
End Scene
Chapter Nine – It's Coming Home
*~~oOo~~*
A/N: I don't care what AO3 or any fanfic site says—I posted this monster of a chapter on February 14. So, happy Valentine's Day! I came in clutch.
To hit this deadline, I made the executive decision to cut a few parts, mainly a cameo of David and Frida. But don't worry—they're main characters, and they'll get their proper screen time in Book 2.
This chapter has been a long time coming, as you can probably tell from the title. Originally, this whole city arc was supposed to wrap up at the comic book store. But nope—past me decided to throw in a storm, family drama, Sparrow Scouts, Trevor nearly dying, and all that pizzazz.
If you want to hear more of my unfiltered rants, head over to the Hilda forums on FanFic Net—you'll find the forum I made with daily updates on the fic. Can't find it? Check my profile on Wattpad for the Wattpad version of this story.
The next chapter will be much shorter—more laid-back and not move the show's plot forward. And trust me, that's a good thing.
Also, feel free to point out criticism. Writing, grammar, and all sorts. Go bash the stories in the comment/review section!
Est. Word Count: 11,000+
Published Date: February 14, 2025
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Reviews
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Leave a Review! My reply will be in the respective chapter you posted the review at! As Fanfic writers, we do this shit for free and in our own volition!
Kudos to: DEV, Tziput13, zingerboxsmasher, RandomSave, Gliafos, thumbsup11, Megoten, and ByronLLPlqyer
DEV: "I have been waiting for this, and it was well worth it. Everything gets wrapped up, emotional moments are had, friends have been made and introduced, and all of the drama was put out of the way. No major issues to report, just praise for the good passing and character interacts. A great thing to have for Valentine's Day.
Good work on this one. Hope to see more."
- Thanks, DEV! That was my intent all along—to wrap things up. Though, I'm not too thrilled that it took me, what, five chapters to do it? I'll be fixing that in the future with Chapter 10, where everything comes full circle in one very long chapter that took me a month to write. Glad you're still enjoying this dragging fic! Hope you had a great Valentine's Day. Would love to see more of you in the review section!
Tziput13: "Always love to see a satisfying conclusion to a lengthy and heavy arc - a welcome breather given the last couple of chapters! I found it interesting that Zelda was stingy with details concerning what happened to her, in particular not just regarding her conflict with Trevor, but also about the particular way she came to the decision of pushing him away and saving him in advance. I imagine we'll have to wait a little bit longer but I'm definitely curious to see what Hilda and Johanna will have to say once they come to know what is going on with Zelda's "apparent precognition" 'skills'."
- I feel the same way about wrapping up this lengthy arc—it was supposed to be just one damn chapter! As for what happened to Zelda, Chapter 10 is now up, and it should shed some light on the story. Zelda's backstory is woven throughout the fanfic with convenient (and sometimes explicit) flashbacks. As for Trevor and the time travel nonsense, yeah, I know it's a long wait and a lot of exposition until the big reveal at the end of Book 1. Thanks for the review and for entertaining my private messages! Hope to see more of you in the review section if you're reading this.
SplungeeBob: "Your fic is trash. Like who TF can read this boring shit, a bunch of toddlers. No talent whatsoever. Bet it's even AI garbage or AI assisted shit. Do you even write proper English? I suggest stop writing all together, not even updating,"
- Thank you for the review, even though it came with some harsh words. I genuinely hope someone finds enjoyment in what you called "boring stuff." Just to clarify, it's not AI-assisted, but rather helped by translation tools, thesauruses, and other common tools that writers use these days. And yes, English is my second language. I do plan on updating more in the future—this fic is my baby, and I'm determined to make it my first ever completed fanfic.
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