Chapter Text
As much as I love and appreciate the breakfast that Mama Rae makes every morning, waiting for it to be done sometimes makes me run late for school. I know I can always skip it, but I could never miss out on any of Mama Rae’s cooking. Today’s menu consisted of a recipe from her past life that she calls “eggs benedict with smoked salmon and hollandaise”. How could I possibly say no to that?
I finish breakfast as quickly as I can, sneaking a few bites to Ralaire before brushing my teeth. While packing, Cinderella, my tiny dragon familiar, lightly hit her tail on my bag and I gently put her in, too. I run up to Mother Claire and Mama Rae sitting side by side at the table and kiss them both on the cheek before heading out the door.
“Have a great first day, my love,” Mother Claire calls out to me.
“Oh our sweet baby girl is starting middle school already! Soon, we’ll be empty nesters, Claire! Wahhhh!” Mama Rae wailed, hopefully somewhat joking in her despair. I hate the thought of bringing either of my mothers pain.
“Just have fun and study well, Reia,” Mother Claire ignored Mama Rae and smiled, waving at me.
“I will. I love you both.”
I leave our warm home and begin the trek to my school. Gripping the strap of my backpack, I hurry along as I realize that I am cutting it close to making it to school on time.
The sun shone through the trees where the birds sang, their melody accompanying me as I walked to the school building. I had to rely on my memory of the way through the forest near my home. The birds were supposed to fly in the direction I walked in, but for some reason, they were flying in the opposite direction. A loud, monstrous cry filled the air, causing me to grip my bag straps tighter.
“I’ll handle this, Cinderella, don’t worry.”
A large creature stalked through the trees. I tried to tip-toe my way into the shadows. The monster deer seemed to have noticed me and began charging in my direction. Its antlers were wider than I was tall so there was no way I could dodge it. Instead, I ducked and cast the spell, "Uplift!" The ground immediately beneath me rose a few meters high, hitting the monster deer's head as well. I jumped off the platform, landed behind the creature, and started running. I used my wind magic to boost my speed.
"This can't be happening on the first day. Rock Throw!"
I grabbed my wand from my pocket and pointed it back at the monster. As I zig-zagged through the trees, its sounds only became louder.
"Am I seriously missing right now?"