Finding your place: Snail’s story

Note: this story takes place in October in an alternate version of the year 2021.

## Summary

Snail, who lost their parents to a mentally unstable and brainwashed Stalactite, starts a new life at Jewel labs at her insistence. Snail faces significant identity insecurity, but with the help of a secret friend who started telepathically communicating with them one day, Snail learns that their situation isn’t a rare one, and that people have a purpose in the universe, even if that purpose doesn’t always have one single name.

## Characters

* Snail
* Stalactite
* Alex
* Maroon
* Jenna
* Winter
* Cyrus
* Celeste (debut)
* Estrella (debut)
* Eclipse
* Sunset
* Dion
* Olivia(debut)
* Georgia
* Virginia
* Bumblebee
* Calisto
* Scylla
* Griff
* Demetra
* Azuna
* Anubis
* Darcy
* Queenie
* Sandra
* Byron the fake realm guy
* Bill
* Remy
* DJ

## **Chapter 1: There’s still a light at the end of this tunnel**

### Snail’s POV

It’s been a long time.

Ever since I almost got myself killed by a raid from Vex labs.
Ever since Stalactite was corrupted by them, and executed my parents with an order to kill.
But Stalactite wasn’t the one that murdered them, as her mind wasn’t her own at the time. She was brainwashed, and hasn’t forgiven herself for it.
Neither have I.
But maybe there is still a way to help her.

But I do know something is about to change.

“Hey Snail.” I hear Stalactite say from behind me. Ever since she moved to Jewel Springs, she’s changed, even if it’s only a little bit. The iciness from her voice has faded somewhat.

“What is it?” I ask. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. Yeah I am.” she replies. “I’ve just been thinking…”

“About what?” I say.

“You know that large building across from our apartment?”

“The school?”

“Yes. I…I just really think you shouldn’t stay with me. You’d be better off with them.”

My voice breaks. “B-But what about you? I want to help you. And I won’t know anyone at that school.”

“Kid, I’m a psychologically messed up mutant. Do you think I can easily take care of you if I keep having breakdowns?
Please. I only want the best for you. I never got to experience this. So I want you to live a good life, cousin. That’s all I ask.”

I nod. “O-Okay…but I also really hope they can help me find out who I am. Who I am really *meant to be.*Because I don’t know if I’m male or female, but the prisoner kids at Vex labs kept calling me ‘f\*\*got’ which I don’t know the meaning of, but I know that it was supposed to be an insult. The truth is, I’m stuck. I don’t know if I’m supposed to be one or the other, but Darcy kept telling me to ‘Choose one and deal with it.’ as if my situation wasn’t even ‘’ valid.*”*

Stalactite pulls my face close to hers, our eyes locking. “Look Snail. This is why I want you to try going there. I’m not forcing you to, I’m just saying that if you stayed with one of Jewel lab’s caretakers, and saw what that school has to offer, it would be worth it, because you would find some friends to be with, and they would help you with your dysphoria.”

“Okay.” I whisper. I hope this is the right thing to do, because I’m *praying that this ends on the right note for me.* It looks like I need it more than I thought I would.

Maybe “Somewhere in between” is a valid label for who I am.

I make my way out of the apartment, the yellow and pink rays of the setting sun shining on the side of our building, giving it an almost eerie glow. Gravel crunching under my feet, I make my way to the school building, darkened and empty of people, but filled with desks, tables, cushioned seats, and some rooms had bean bag chairs and the occasional hammock swing tethered to the ceiling by 4 brackets. I pass by that room, filled with blankets and pillows, with a sign on the wall reading *napping sanctuary*.

At least they know that some of us sleep during the day, are younger than 5 years old, and also sometimes have nights where we can’t sleep at all.

They’ve figured out *everything*.

Looking around each and every room in this building, including its second floor, each one has a sky light to let even a sliver of sun in and bring some joy into this school.

Unlike the beaten down school house in Vex labs, it looks like the creators took every liberty to make everyone, both students and faculty, feel welcome.

Maybe Stalactite was right.

Maybe this *will* be worth it.

Ever since she and I got separated, I’ve been trying to find answers to who I truly am meant to be.

Each time I look in the mirror, the figure who stares back at me is strange and mysterious. Almost feels like I’m looking at a reflection that isn’t my own. Someday I hope I can feel comfortable owning my own body and mind.

But for now, all those lies Vex labs told me,
the lies *Darcy* told me each time I got captured, will take a long time for me to dismantle. I can go from that frightened, messed up, dysphoric teenaged mutant with sensory processing issues and trouble controlling their magic to someone who can be *free*.

Someone who has the courage to love themself and find their identity layer by layer.

This journey will take a long time, but I do know that unfurling the layers upon layers it has will be worth it.

“Where’ve ya been?” Stalactite asks. “Just so you know, the neighbors stopped by to drop off some food for us.”

“I stopped by the school.” I say. “Maybe you were right about it.”

“We can stop by tomorrow when there are people there.” she says. “Right now I need to try to learn how to cook this thing they gave me.” She snorts. “Really. I don’t know why they have to make recipes so complex.”

“Sometimes cooking takes a while to master.” I say. “I can help you. What are you trying to make?”

“I’ve seen pictures of pizza, but I have no idea how to make it.”

“It’s easy. I’ll show you.” I say, flipping out a cookbook. “Thesia lent this to me.”

“So how do they make it that shape?”

“Oh, they flatten it. You mix baking flour and water together and turn it to the point where it’s a dough, then use your hands, or arms if you’re feeling frisky.”

“Interesting.” Stalactite says. “What next?”

“After flattening it, you add tomato sauce, cheese and a bunch of toppings.”
“
Then you eat it?” She asks.

“No. You gotta bake it first.”

She nods.

Once we flatten the dough, roll it, and add toppings, I place it in the oven, the heat from the inside producing a soft glow. 20 minutes later it’s done

Using a knife I conjured to slice the pizza, I hand Stalactite a slice, and take a bite out of my own. Warm, delicious, slightly gooey, I take my time soaking in everything our creation has to offer. Not bad for a first try.

“Uh why are you still chewing on it?” Stalactite asks.

“Well I just want to enjoy this.” I say. “Tastes good for a first try.”

“Since we ended up cutting 12 pieces and making a large pizza without knowing if there should be a set size, maybe we should save it for later.” She says. “And it’s getting late. We should turn in.”

I nod. “Yeah…Haven’t really slept well in 2 days. I just hope I’ll sleep tonight.”

Maybe I will, maybe I won’t, but let’s hope I do.

I toss and turn, get up to get some tea, and come back half an hour later, and slowly but surely, I drift off.

My head fills with strange dreams, and the face of a person I’ve never seen before. A fox, with messy hair and purple

eyes turns to look at me, then I snap awake, then suddenly, I hear a voice. I really hope I’m not hallucinating.

**Hello, Snail.** It says. The voice sounds far away, but tranquil, with a rich, androgynous, almost masculine quality to it.

I wince, then telepathically try to say, *Who are you? And how the hell did you find your way into my brain? Your not some secret poisonous worm who’s out to secretly kill me, are you?*

I hear a laugh, but it sounds distant and echoey. **Heavens no. I can read people’s minds just like you, but it’s much easier to do it from a short distance. You’re far away which means that it takes me more effort to read your mind, but I can still manage.**

*I saw someone’s face in a dream I had just now. It was a fox with messy hair and purple eyes, and I remember they had a hoodie on.*

**That’s me, little Snail. I showed up in your dream because I wanted to talk to you, and here is the right moment**.

*Well, I walked by the school near Jewel labs that my cousin Stalactite talked about. She said that she felt that she couldn’t take care of me, and that I’d be better off there with the caretakers. Maybe the school isn’t so bad, but I don’t want to leave her, but at the same time, I want to try going to the school.*

**You’re in luck. I’m the head instructor there. I can show you around tomorrow. The school is also open on weekends, but for more non academic events.**

Wow. I’m talking to someone who works at a school.

*This is kind of exciting!* I say telepathically. *I can’t wait!*

**I’m glad you’re excited. I’ve known about you from what Bill, the scientist from Jewel labs, an ex member of Vex labs (he hated seeing innocent lives get killed) and the founder of the school told me. It’s how I know about a lot of people. My parents and I are also guardians of the realm. Naturally we know about a lot of people. I also had visions about you, so it occurred to me that I should talk to you.**

*One more thing.*

**Yes?**

*I haven’t been sleeping very well. People’s thoughts are lingering in my head. Right now it’s Stalactite, and her bucket of worries.*

**I can help you.** The voice says. **Lie down, get yourself comfortable.**

I cover myself in blankets, including the 12 pound weighted one that a friend gave me.

**Now let your eyes close, and imagine a landscape softly touched by the glow of moonlight, each star dotting the sky, and imagine each breath you take as ocean waves or a soft breeze blowing through the landscape.**

I feel my body go heavy, and the thoughts in my head start to fade slowly.

**And if any intrusive thoughts break your focus, tell yourself that everything is going to be okay. You are safe.**

**Now imagine your awareness of the outside world sinking away into tranquility.**

My senses fade in and out, and I feel my vision change behind my closed eyes.

*I feel heavy and light at the same time.*

**That’s good. Now…just imagine each individual part of your body becoming lighter and lighter. Just floating. Feel your worries, any unwanted thoughts just floating away like leaves in a breeze, and let your mind succumb to a feeling of tranquility. Just know that everything is going to be okay. I will always be there for you, and you can just call if you need me. In order to reach me, imagine the face you saw in your dream.**

**Feel everything dissolve into darkness. The good kind. The kind that protects. Hold on to the ones you love, the ones you care about as your body and mind enter the realm of dreams, and let yourself descend into a state of deep, deep rest.**

*Thank you. I feel so much better.*

**You’re quite welcome.** The voice I hear now sounds much closer, but has a whispery quality to it. **Goodnight, dear one. We’ll meet again next time. And just know…**

“Know?” I say softly.

**Know that I love and care about you very much. We will meet again soon.**

*I hope we meet again*

**Sweet dreams, dear Snail.**

The world fades around me, and after a relatively uneventful sleep, I wake up with the sun peeking through my window.

*I feel good. That felt good.*

I walk into the kitchen, where the smell of freshly cooked waffles, eggs, and sausage on the griddle hits my nose. Someone must’ve cooked for us.

I close my eyes, and try to imagine the face in my dream.

*Hello?…Weird mysterious dream voice in my head who meditated with me last night? You still there?*

I hear faraway laughter. Then that familiar voice.

**Hello little Snail. Also a little note…’weird mysterious voice’ Interesting nickname. My name is Alex.**

*Where are you, Alex? I hear talking, and I smell delicious breakfast, and I don’t think Stalactite cooked it because she’s not quite there yet, so did someone bring breakfast over?*

**Actually, I came over earlier to cook. My girlfriend was the one who made the waffles. She makes good waffles.**

I walk into the kitchen where I spot Alex and a young Wolfren woman with wavy blonde hair tied in two ponytails talking and laughing. Stalactite sits near them, a disgruntled look on her face. Alex leans down and plants a kiss on the girl's cheek.

“Hi.” I say, walking up to the girl. She is medium height, roughly 5 foot 5 inches, wears a loose hoodie, and baggy sweatpants, and has the word *warrior* tattooed on her right wrist. She leans slightly on a cane.

"Hi." I say. "I'm Snail. Right now I don't know if I'm male or female. So my pronouns alternate between he/him and they/them but I've just started experimenting with using she/her pronouns since I find that sometimes I feel more feminine."

"Hello Snail." She replies. "Nice to see that you're exploring your identity and seeing where it goes next. My name is Athena. Alex and I have been friends since we were kids. Just recently I moved in with them."

"One small question." I say.

"Ask away." She replies.

"How did you get the cane?"

"I have fibromyalgia. So some days I can walk just fine without this, and other days my legs are so sore that I don't want to get out of bed without using a cane."

"How did you end up with Fibro?" I ask.

Athena rolls up both of her pant legs slightly to reveal faint, almost ugly looking healed up scars.

I cringe softly. "What happened?"

"Anubis happened." Athena says, her voice tinged with anger. I spot a small tear roll down her cheek. "Snail, he's *my cousin.* He did terrible things, especially to me. The night he hurt me, I almost died, and even after my legs healed, they didn't exactly work the same way they used to."

My voice breaks, and a sob breaks free after I unsuccessfully try to stifle it. "Athena, I'm so sorry."

She hugs me. "Snail. It's okay. That happened a long time ago. It's in the past now."

"Really?" I say softly.

She nods, slowly gets up from the chair she sits on, and puts a plate of waffles on the table. "Come eat. Alex and I don't want you hungry during classes."

## Chapter 2: Off to a rough start

### Snail's POV

"Does the school have uniforms?" I ask.

"Yes." Alex replies. "But they are optional. You can have one if you like."

"I have clothes." I reply. "But they are mostly hand-me-downs from Stalactite. Why? Because she couldn't afford clothes."

"We can get you clothes." Alex says.

"What color are the uniforms?" I ask. "And what do they look like?"

"Normally they're black with blue highlights. The school's colors." Alex replies. "However, the colors can change depending on the student's gem color. Would you like yours to be a particular color? You can also add up to 3 colors in a gradient."

"Well," I reply. "I've been thinking, and I'd like mine to be light blue blending into pink, then white."

"Seems like a good choice that fits." Alex snaps their fingers and a uniform consisting of a black hoodie with blue, pink, and white highlights appears on me. I squint slightly and spot my name embroidered on the hoodie’s left side.

“This is *amazing*.” I say. “Thank you.”

She takes my hand. “I’m glad you like it. I’ll send you uniforms for different occasions, but right now I’ll give you a tour of the school.”

We make our way out of the apartment and onto a concrete trail, passing by multiple apartments and houses, along with a few laboratory buildings.

*This place is interesting.*

“Wow.” I say. “It’s beautiful out. Look up at the clouds.”

“It’s very nice out. There are clouds, but not too many. Watching them pass by helps me calm myself down. Being head instructor isn’t an easy job, you know. Not when my brain can only handle so much information at a time. Sometimes I worry if students take my comments the wrong way because I think my tone is off.”

“Wait…Alex…” I say. “You’re Autistic?”

“Yes.” they reply. “Life isn’t always easy, but I know that my autism is only one part of a 12 sided die. I do many things, but I just do them differently than other people. It’s part of the beauty of being an individual. All my traits fit together into my entire identity. My neurodiversity, my queerness, and many more are what makes me who I am.”

“Maybe you can help me find my entire self. Maybe I can find a name for how I identify. Maybe I can finally be free of all of the metaphorical fences people put around me.”

Alex turns towards me. “Little Snail.” they say softly. “With time you will slowly find out who you are, but this is a more than just a journey. It doesn’t have to end because we are constantly finding out about new parts of ourselves *all the time.*”

After some walking, we reach the same school building I explored yesterday, but this time, alive and full of people. I walk through the halls, slowly greeting students and teachers alike left and right. I am about to enter a classroom when I bump into an adolescent Wolfren girl with brown hair tied up into a small ponytail, one blue eye, and one purple eye. She wears a loose dark red hoodie with white stripes on it, paired with black leggings and faux leather sandals.

“Hello, I’m Glee.” she says. “And you?”

“Oh, I-I’m…Snail.” I say. “You must be thinking it’s an odd name for someone like me.”

“Oh no, I think it’s very interesting.” Glee says. “Like you. I like your fish tail.”

“That’s because I’m part shark.” I say. “Although sometimes it’s hard for me to feel good about myself. Before I moved here, I felt like I didn’t really belong anywhere. The kids from the schoolyard at Vex labs (which was more like a madhouse) kept calling me ‘fag’ and ‘freak of nature’. When I was captured and taken there, I felt like I had to numb parts of myself to avoid being bullied by them. They all had hard pasts, but…”

I trail off.

“But it’s no excuse to treat anyone badly.” Glee finishes. “This school isn’t perfect either. There’s this girl named Georgia with her posse of followers who make fun of a lot of the students, mostly Flair for her low fire, Virginia for being a protogen hybrid, or any of the hybrid students really, me because of the previous reason, and because they think I look fat, but that’s not the case, it’s just how my body is naturally shaped. It’s like she thinks curves equals *unhealthy* or something. She almost tried to punch me once, but never realized how hard it is for *me*, 5 foot 10 inches tall, to take *her*, 4 foot 11, seriously! However I do know her parents share the same prejudiced attitude towards us as she does, but the only family member who doesn’t is her aunt. I see her all the time and she’s pretty nice. Georgia refuses to admit that one of the guardians had her live with her aunt and lies about it all the time. She also bullies a couple Jackals because she assumes they’re lying pickpockets who will con the whole school.”

“That’s *terrible*.” I say. “One of my old friends was a jackal. They were quite nice, and a bit shy. They always wanted to draw something every time I visited. Sometimes Stalactite would tell me to try to stay away from my friend. They don’t lie to me. They never have. By the way, my pronouns are she/her. What are yours?”

"They/them. Sometimes I use she/her because I'm still finding out who I am. Sometimes I feel more feminine."

“Something tells me that Georgia hasn’t learned not to judge a book by its cover.” Glee says.

I spot Georgia and her gaggle of girls walk towards us. Georgia looks only a bit older than Glee, but shorter. She wears silver dangling earrings, and a pair of sunglasses rests on her head. She wears a faux fur jacket paired with slightly ripped jeans and ankle high leather sandals and wears an almost stuck-up expression on her face. She looks up at me and wrinkles her nose.

"Oh hello. Looks like a new student joined. And it's one of those accursed *half breeds.*" She says. "Although you don't look like the *Snail* I thought you were." She says my name like it leaves a bitter taste in her mouth.

"Leave her *alone*." Glee says firmly, pulling me away from Georgia. "Snail is an interesting name to me, and she didn't *do*anything to you. What do you even have against us?!"

"Oh? If I ever rule this school, then I'm gonna rid it of creatures like you!" Georgia shoots back.

Glee draws herself up to her full height, and is significantly taller than Georgia, and quite an intimidating presecence

"When Bill created this school, his mission was to bring people of all species, shapes, sizes, and backgrounds *together,* not *tear them apart!*" Glee says, clearly trying hard not to get too angry.

"Blah blah blah, what was that? Couldn't hear you over all your weird noises!" Georgia says. "Y'all are cowards for not listening to me. I--"

Alex's voice cuts Georgia short. "Excuse me Georgia." They motion towards her. "Prejudice isn't tolerated here. If you keep that up, you'll have to spend school break at the couseling office."

Georgia rolls her eyes. "If my parents ran this school, there would be containment rooms!"

A stern look from Alex, purple eyes gleaming behind round, slender framed glasses is enough to shut her up.

When Georgia's group walks off, one of the girls, a Basilisk, with the name Mariah embroidered on her jacket, goes over to Alex and me.

"Hi, I think you're kind of cute. I like the stripes."

"Oh...thanks..." I say, feeling my face warm slightly.

*I don't even know her, but I can't believe I am falling for someone on the first day.*

"Mx. Alex?" she says, tapping their shoulder.

"Yes, Mariah?" they reply.

"Thanks for helping us. In truth I feel like I should probably try to get the others to find other friends because in reality all four of us aren't her actual friends. She only forced us to be because she only cares about statues. Sure, our parents are guardians, (hers aren't) but we live a normal life like anybody else. I will never understand why she does bad things, like the time she almost had Sunset steal an antique vase with the promise of her giving me either 10 laires or 6 pebbles. I probably should've backed down when she forced me into her posse for ridiculous reasons. She lies about living with her parents even though she actually lives with her aunt, who doesn't share the same prejudices her family does."

Alex sighs. "In the meantime, we can't really change her right now. She'll just have to learn by the mistakes she makes."

Glee puts her hand on my shoulder. "Hey, do you want to come up to my room to have tea? It's a ritual I've been doing ever since I was little. My parents and I used to do that, and whenever I do, I have a few friends over. It's how I relax. One of my mothers is British."

"Oh. Okay." I say. "What do you have?"

"Peppermint, lemon, cinnamon, chamomile, and also chai." she replies. "And a couple little morsels."

I find a slip of paper in my pocket. “What’s our first class?” I ask.

“Archery.” Glee replies. “You and I are in that same class. Taught by Alex and Cyrus.”

I walk into a large room with bows and arrows on hooks, along with several targets. “I know Alex, but I don’t know Cyrus.”

“I’m over here.” says a friendly voice from behind me. “It’s nice to meet you.”

I turn towards the source of the voice, and standing in front of me is a wolf with dark gray fur, lighter hair, light spots splotched on their forehead and a red uniform. They have a kind twinkle in their eye.

“Hello, I’m Cyrus.” they say, extending their hand towards me. “My pronouns are they/them and I‘m non binary.”

“My name is Snail. I’m non binary as well, and my pronouns are they/them and also she/her.” I reply.

“Snail…that’s a beautiful name. Unique like you.” Cyrus says. “Welcome to archery level one. Today you learn the basics of how a bow works. First—“

Cyrus is cut short by a loud exasperated groan.

“This is gonna be slow! When do we get to shoot things?” Georgia says impatiently.

“Georgia, no interruptions, please.” Cyrus says sternly. “That’s the third time this week. If you keep doing that, you’ll have to go to the office.”

Georgia rolls her eyes, but stays quiet.

“As I was saying, bows and arrows have been used for thousands of years, and in order to use one, you will learn the components of the entire weapon. A bow is made of semi rigid material, usually wood, but mine here is made of a bulletproof nano particle metal combined with wood. The ends of a bow are joined together by bowstring, which needs to be unstrung to keep the bow from losing strength over time.”

I raise my hand up slightly.

“Yes, Snail?”

“This might seem kind of bloody at first, but I’ve seen Eclipse use bows and arrows before during Vex raids.”

Cyrus chuckles. “Well it looks like we have someone who already knows a bit about a bow and arrow.”

“I have one at home. Stalactite tried to teach me once, but gave up.”

“No worries.” Cyrus says. “You can bring yours tomorrow.”

I snap my fingers, and my bow and arrow appear in front of me.

“Oh, looks like you came prepared.” they say. “Alright everyone, I will help you all with the positioning of your bows and arrows, then we will start the first round of targets. Never aim your bows at each other because believe me, I don’t want to see anymore bloodshed.”

I take my bow, and stretch my arm out as far as it can go until it starts to ache slightly, fix my eye at the center of the target and release the string. The arrow hits near the center of the target with an audible thunk.

“You did pretty good for a first try.” Glee says.

I attempt the same strategy with varying results, and several shots later the lesson is over.

I spot Georgia and Virginia aiming for targets several feet away from me. Georgia stares at the target and immediately shoots her arrow. It bounces off the target and lands sadly on the ground below.

Virginia pulls her bowstring, a look of intense focus in her eyes, pulls the trigger, adjusts slightly, and shoots her arrow. It lands next to mine. She pumps one fist with a triumphant look on her face.

“At least I actually accomplished something.” she whispers.

“You did amazing. Way to concentrate.” Cyrus says.

Georgia growls. “Rrrrrgh! Lost to those two…half breeds.” she says under her breath. “You freaking cheated!” she lunges towards me.

“Virginia, that’s enough.” Cyrus says, a small hint of anger in their voice. “You’ll be spending break in the office.”

“No!” Georgia screams. She attempts to jump on Cyrus, but they snap their fingers, teleporting her away.

“We’re sorry.” Mariah says.

“It’s not your guys’ fault.” Cyrus says. “The rest of you weren’t involved. Georgia is always trouble if things don’t go her way.”

Virginia’s voice cracks. She stuffs her bow and arrow into her duffel back and exits the classroom, only to be stopped by Glee, Mariah and Cyrus.

“What’s going on, V?” Glee asks. “You seem really nervy today. Is something bothering you?”

“N-no.” Virginia says. She sighs, then nods. “Actually yes.” She rolls up her sleeve to reveal a cut that’s already starting to heal.

“What happened?” I ask.

“Georgia.” She replies. “She lost her temper after I refused to steal an antique figurine from Alex’s office. She told me ‘Come on. what could possibly go wrong?! It’s not like you’ll get caught. You’re dumb anyway.’ She acts like it’s no big deal when stealing property from an instructor’s office, or really anyone’s property is literally a crime in the code of conduct! Also pretty much everywhere!”

She sobs.

Cyrus sighs. “I’m going to have to talk to her aunt about this.”

“One more thing.” Glee says. “Mariah, do you and Laine want to join me for tea tonight? It’s sort of an evening ritual for me.”

“Oh, um…sure.” Mariah replies. “I just hope I don’t have to tell Georgia.”

Glee shrugs. “She’s not your friend. There’s no reason for you to ask permission for everything you do. Allow yourself to have a little fun once in a while! We could even have the young ones from the lower preschool levels hang out with us! I know how much Cyrus and Alex love little kids! So does my caretaker and best friend Solaris.”

Cyrus grins. “Thanks for the offer, Glee. I’ll see if I have any time later.”

Several classes later, Sunset and I exit a dimly lit room filled with wands and crystal balls, along with tarot cards and tea leaves. Our last class was taught by five instructors. Ash, Ana, Dion, Juno, and Luna.

“Oracle class seems interesting.” Sunset says. “Maybe you can ask Ana to help you expand your range on your psychic abilities, and maybe even utilize cards as a defense mechanism.”

“Thanks.” I reply. “I’ll look into it.”

After our last class ends, Glee takes me up to her room, where the stairs creak slightly as we make our way up. I’ve always wondered why they make those sounds when they don’t even look like they’ve been around that long.

“Glee?” I ask. “How old are these stairs? How long have they been around?”

“The creaking comes from an enchantment. It was created to give the stairs and the beds an aged feel, but the truth is, they’re all new.” she replies. “Sometimes new students worry that the beds break, but they’ll get used to it.”

I pass several rooms and I hear a soft groan coming from one of them. I walk towards the source of the sound and knock 3 times.

“Come in.” a voice says softly. Alex.

“Hi.” I say. “Where did all the groaning come from? It sounds like someone’s in pain or something. Athena?”

“No.” Alex replies. “I’ve been dealing with a lot lately, so my back hurts, and I am very tired, so I think I’ll just rest a bit. Don’t worry. The others know I go through this.”

“Do you want tea? I have some packets.” Glee says.

“Yes, thank you Glee.” they say softly.

“Where is Athena? Is she okay?” I ask.

“She is. She’s with a few caretakers because she decided to help them with a couple of the babies we take care of.”

I hear faraway giggling, then I see a small child enter into Alex’s room clutching a handful of flowers. She resembles Alex, but is much smaller, roughly about two years old, with dark, orange-red fur, unusually large ears, and yellow eyes. Her gem produces a soft orange-yellow glow, and she wears a loose shirt with baggy shorts. She bounds up to Alex, who envelopes her in a hug.

“Oh hello baby.” They say softly. The young demon/fox/wolf hybrid rubs her nose against Alex’s and snuggles herself in her arms. “You’re so sweet.”

“Who’s the little one?” I ask.

“My baby sister, Scylla.” Alex replies. “The youngest of four.”

“When was she born?” I ask.

“Shortly after my friend Rebecca met her adopted younger sister.”

Alex places her on the ground, where she walks towards me, yellow eyes gleaming, a look of serene innocence on her face.

“How old are you?” I ask.

“Two.” she replies softly. “Also, where do you live?”

“Here.” I reply. “It’s a beautiful place.”

“Here with your mom and dad?” She asks.

I pause, struggling to contain the flood of emotions trying to fight their way out.

“N-No…They..They’re dead. Vex killed them.” I say, my voice cracking.

Scylla crawls into my lap and lets me put my arms around her small body.

“Do you have any siblings?” she asks.

“No.” I reply. “Well…not until I met you and Glee.”

Scylla giggles softly. Glee grins.

Alex turns towards me. “Snail, Ohana means family, and family means no one is ever left behind or forgotten.”

“I will never forget you.” I say, hugging Scylla. “*Ever*.”

## Chapter 3: Stay Hopeful

### Glee’s POV

“I should probably go home.” Snail says. “But I’ve just been thinking, is it okay if I stay here and bunk with you?”

“Of course.” I reply. “Let me just ask my moms, and a couple of caretakers. Maybe you should do the same.”

Snail nods. “Okay. I’ll be right back. Do you want to come with me?”

“Sure.” I say. “Maybe Stalactite can let you stay.”

We exit the main building and walk across the cobblestoned path. The sky turns pink from the sun dipping below the horizon, reminding me of the flowers growing in the meadow outside of my room.

Snail and I approach their apartment, where they knock on the front door four times.

After several minutes pass, the door opens, and the person standing in front of me looks similar to Snail, but she looks tired and disheveled, with a jaded look on her face.

“What do you want?” she grunts. “Who are you anyway? You don’t look like anyone I’ve seen before.”

“Ma’am, my name is Glee.” I say. “I’m a Wolfren hybrid from Jewel labs. My parents and I live here peacefully and I was just asking if Snail could stay with me for the night or something?”

“Yeah…sure. I need a break.” she replies. “My name is Stalactite. Snail and I are cousins. I had a breakdown and we got separated. She ended up here, while I ended up in Vex labs, so they’ve had a better life than I did. Then I brought up Jewel labs again, because I feel like she’d be better off there. I’m too messed up to take care of her.”

“We can help you.” Alex says, both them and Cyrus materializing next to me. “Any way we can. Perhaps you can try therapy.”

Stalactite furrows her brows slightly. “Don’t know what that is.”

“It’s when you talk to a licensed professional about what you’re going through.” I say.

“So you’re saying I should talk to some weirdo about my problems? Odd solution.” Stalactite says. “I’ll look into it, but
I have my doubts.”

“Stalactite, please trust them.” Snail says. “I know Alex. They talked to me through my mind last night.”

“So you telling me about weird voices in your head was real?! I should’ve known. Maybe I thought you had lost your mind as well, but I was probably wrong.”

“Ma’am, I was the one who talked to Snail.” Alex says. “They needed my help.”

Stalactite nods. “Yeah, I kept thinking that maybe I can just go somewhere else for a while. I’m too insane to be here anyway.”

“Hey, hey, hey.” Cyrus says, cutting her off. “Don’t be so harsh on yourself. You went through a lot of hard stuff. Listen, Stalactite. No one is perfect. No one ever was. Not even us guardians. We all have our ups and downs once and a while.
When I was a child, my life was mostly good, but it did have its rough edges. When I was very young, the fake realm guy raided our home. Mom rescued me and Sunset, but unfortunately I bore the brunt of all the chaos. I got shot in the stomach by an old rifle, and nearly died. To avoid massive blood loss, Jewel labs gave me Basilisk DNA which saved my life and gave me my shapeshifting and magic draining abilities. Except it came with some downsides. At the school I went to, when the kids heard about what happened, I was relentlessly teased and bullied for it. The mean kids were former slaves of the fake realm guy from when they were young, taught to hate or fear anything different. They bullied me for being a mutant, and for being non binary.
I was always told by them ‘you’re nothing more than a goddamn freak. You’ll never be a real guy. I felt terrible. Once I lost my cool with this one kid and drained his magic out of anger. I got taken to the office, and fortunately I was able to return the kid’s powers back, but he got a warning for provoking me.
Unfortunately one of the teachers told me that if I kept bothering people, I’d get detention. That made me feel even worse.

Cyrus’ voice wobbles.

“In order to hide my pain, I put up a facade of a strong willed rebel. My school had some pretty nice mutant kids, but due to the pressure I put on myself, and the pressure put on me by the bully kids, I tried to join them, turned my friends away, and was ruthless. I said things I don’t think I can take back now, purposefully put myself through a lot of pain, calling myself a loser if I backed down, and if I got a wound from a scraped knee, I didn’t do anything to it. If anything, I tried to make it bleed more, thinking I deserved what I went through. It wasn’t until mom witnessed the extent of this years long situation that I stopped preventing my wounds from healing, and even though people are very nice to me now, those memories are still painful to talk about. I have love to give to people, but sometimes it’s hard when I run into old friends, thinking they might still see me as the bully I used to be. My past comes back to haunt me. I became a teacher for many reasons. This is one of them. It’s why I wanted to help the troubled kids. Both the bullies and the victims. All those old memories, even though they were years ago, still hurt *so much.*”

“I’m so sorry.” I say, hugging Cyrus. They wipe one eye, and exhale deeply, their breath rattles as it enters.
“When my mother found out about what I was going through, she was very disappointed. Both in the kids at school, their parents for not educating them, and in me for getting angry, hurting people, and not standing up for myself, but I was never grounded. Instead she talked to me for a long time. I cried as a poured out my feelings. The anger at myself for everything I did. The fear at what I thought the kids would do to me if they found out they were told on, and the hatred I had for my own identity. It will always be a part of me. I was only a kid at the time, but I never knew that this part of me is what makes me who I am. Things can change. We can change. It takes a long time, but it’s worth it. All you need is to be hopeful.”

“And we love you for that.” I say. “We always will. Oh Cyrus, you are one of the most amazing people and mentors there is.”

“And with your help, I can finally be happy with who I am.” Snail says. “What I was born with. Who I am meant to be, and what the future holds for all of us. We wouldn’t be the same without you.”

“Thank you all.” Cyrus says. “Thank you for being there for me. It warms my heart to think about you.”

“Maybe you were right.” Stalactite says. “Maybe there is hope for me."

“So is it okay if Snail stays with us?” I ask.

“Sure.” Stalactite replies. “Just as long as they’re happy.”

“Thank you, Stalactite.” Snail says.

“Now do you want to come up and meet my family?” I ask. “They’re quite nice.”

We make our way back to the apartment in Jewel labs. Before entering, I gaze up at the thousands of stars spread across the night sky like brilliant spatters of diamonds. A dim shadow is cast on the sides of adjacent buildings by the glow of the realm’s two moons.

“It’s beautiful out.” Snail says softly. “Both during the day and at night. Back at Vex labs, Stalactite told me it was always foggy and dark. Like somehow Vex threw the land around it into a permanent depression. When I came back here, I was glad I did. This place is so much better.”

## Chapter 4: Surprise

### Snail’s POV

As I’m about to enter the apartment building, I see Cyrus walk up next to me. They take my hand and walk over to a grassy meadow.

“Look up.” I say. “Those stars…they’re beautiful. What do you think you see in them?”

“I see…” Cyrus says softly. “I see my father’s face. Even though he passed away 2 years ago, it feels like he’s always there. Watching me.

*Protecting* me.

Looking me in the eye.

*Always* forgiving me with the mistakes I made.

Snail…He *knew* what I went through with the bullying, but he knew that this was not the real me.
He loved me, but he wanted me to shed the faked parts and be who I really am. He…he loved me.

He still does.

I remember his laugh,

his smile,

he cared about everyone.

*Me*.

Even when I hurt people.

His love helped me be a better person.

And even now it continues to do just that. Love may change in form or essence, but just know that it never dies. If you’re in a hard place, don’t be afraid to let the people who love you help.”

"That's beautiful." I say. "You've made an impact in such a short time."

"Snail, I'd like to reveal something." Cyrus says.

"Go on."

"Love can be passed down." Cyrus says, removing their hoodie to reveal their belly swollen with pregnancy. "Even when the ones receiving it are unborn souls. Snail. I have twins. Their time is near. And I want you to be there when it happens."

"I will." I say. "Maybe it can tell me there's more to life than sorrow and bloodshed."

"There is always something the world has to give us." Cyrus says. "We just need to learn to appreciate to little things in life once in a while."

Suddenly, Cyrus lets out a long, pained groan.

I spot a gray stuffed rabbit run towards them. She has an orange gem, and a red ribbon with a jingle bell on one ear.

“Cyrus! Are you alright?” she asks.

“I’m okay, Olivia.” Cyrus replies softly. “I knew it was time. Now hurry!”

“We need to get the healers.” A mutant with catlike features and yellow eyes scoops Cyrus up with both arms.

“I saw a puddle.” I say. “It wasn’t there before. No one relieved themselves in the past 30 minutes.”

“My water broke.” Cyrus says. “Snail, you know what amniotic fluid is, right?”

I nod. “It encases the developing fetus.”

Cyrus grins. It mixes with the pained expression on their face. “Stalactite must’ve taught you.”

“My parents too. Before I lost them, of course.”

Time passes, and we make our way over to the nearest healer’s hut.”

“Snail.” Cyrus says softly, taking my hand. “I need you and Olivia to stay with me. Bring Glee as well. I need them to witness this. I may only be 19, but this may be one of the events that will bring memories to us all.
When I was younger, I wanted to start a family, but the constant bullying from the kids at school made me think that me, a mutant with anger and anxiety management issues, couldn’t start a family. They kept telling me I was too crazy. Except there was a light at the end of this messy tunnel.”

Cyrus grunts softly. “My mama believed in me. She told me anything possible could happen if I worked hard and kept my hopes up. After my father introduced me to my beloved enchanted stuffie Olivia, and inserted part of his soul into her, she’s been helping me through thick and thin and now here I am…starting a family at last. ‘Amor prevalecerá.’ Mama said, and it turned out to be true.”

“Cyrus!” Eclipse says. “Keep going! You’re coming along good!”

“Do you really think I could carve out a good future?” I ask.

“Of courrrrrse!” Cyrus growls. “Just know that we’ll always be there for you if you need us.”

My eyes fall on Cyrus’ chest as it heaves up and down with each heavy breath. Each push.

“Maybe we should cut our conversation short for now.” I say. “Just focus. Perhaps listen to every thought coming from the people you love.”

Cyrus looks up at me. “I’ll try. As far as my exhausted brain lets me. Maybe it will help with the pain.”

“I’m ready.” I say.

Even though my parents died years ago, both you and them were right about one thing. Vex labs lied that the world is a dangerous place. That people will turn against you. That we’re all completely useless. That we’re all just creatures meant to do the bidding of others.

They were all wrong.

Oh Cyrus…ever since I met you and Alex, everything has changed for the better.

Both of you were right. Love never dies. It is omnipresent everywhere.

The sun with its brightness.

The snow with its whiteness

The sea with its deepness

The rocks with their steepness

The Stars with their radiance

The earth with its starkness.

It has many inhabitants.

And here we stand to welcome new lives onto its surface.

And spread our love to every being standing, living or dead.

God created us for many reasons. One is to love.

And that is exactly what I will do.

All the people I care about, all those in my memories,

Between God’s help and grace

Will be placed

Between myself and the powers of darkness.

Even though I’ve only known you personally for a short time, Oh Cyrus, you mean more to me than anything else in this world.

I love you *so much*.

Even though I lost most of my family, It’s like I’ve found another.

Ohana means *family*, and I will always protect you. Forever and always.

I hear faint whimpering, and I open my eyes and see a healer place two tiny figures on Cyrus’ bare chest. One of them has curly silvery ringlets, and white splotches on her face, a serene innocence in her eyes, and heterochromia. One brown eye, one yellow. The second child has slightly darker fur, and one floppy ear. She has the same splotches as her twin, but on her entire body. She looks like Cyrus, but with brown fur, and her gem is star shaped.
She has the same splotches as her twin, but on her entire body.

“Hola mis pequeños milagros…” Cyrus says softly. “Little miracles.”

“They’re beautiful.” I say. “The one with two different eye colors looks just like you. I can see it in her face….What should we name them?”

“The one with two different colored eyes?…You name her.” Cyrus says.

I look up at the star splotched sky. “The spots on her face remind me of the night sky. When I was a bit younger, I studied Astronomy and Astrology and am planning to do it at the academy…I have the perfect name.”

“What is it?” Cyrus whispers.

“Celeste.”

“That’s a good name.”

“All I had to do was look at the stars.”

“Speaking of stars…” Cyrus says. “The twin’s name is…*Estrella*. Like her silver eyes. Like her gem. There's even a star shaped mark on her face.”

The name slowly slides off their tongue, rolling at the R.

“Celeste and Estrella.” Olivia whispers. “They really are miracles.”

Cyrus looks down at the two tiny pups in their arms. “Hola Celeste. Hola Estrella. Te amo queridas.”

“Is it okay if I tell Sunset, Eclipse, Moon, Star, your mother, Alex, your dad, and Virtual Error?” I ask.

“Sure.” Cyrus whispers.

“Let’s rest.” I say. “I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Snail.” Cyrus says. “Have a good night.”

### Cyrus’ POV

After Snail leaves, I hand Estrella and Celeste over to Eclipse, who settles them into the cots beside my bed.

“Eclipse?” I ask. “Is it okay if I call my mother? I want her to hear the good news.”

“Sure. It’s a big event, and Sunset’s an aunt now. They’ll all be in for a big surprise.” Eclipse says.

I snap my fingers and my phone appears in my hand.

I tap the icon for mom’s contact and my phone vibrates. Moments later, I hear my mother’s voice.

“Cyrus? That you?”

“Yes.” I reply. “Buenos tardes, Mamá.”

“How are you?”

“I’m doing well.” I reply. “But I need to tell you something.”

“What is it?”

“Mamá…You’re a grandmother now. I gave birth to twins.”

“Kids?…Oh Cyrus, this is amazing! I can’t wait to see them!”

“Go get Sunset.” I say. I tap a button and Sunset’s face appears on my screen.

“What are their names?” Sunset asks excitedly. “Wow, I can’t believe I’m an aunt now.”

“Oh you are, hermanita, you are.” I reply. “The twins’ names are Celeste and Estrella.”

“They’re awesome names!” Sunset says. “Ooooh I can’t wait to see you this weekend! It would give me a chance to see the niblings up close!”

I am about to get into bed when Eclipse taps me on the shoulder. I hear the heavy sound of knocking. The person in front of me is a welcome surprise, as I've been meaning to contact her but haven't done so in a long time.
She is tall, with light brown fur, wolfish features, short buzzed hair, two earrings in one ear, hoop bracelets one her right wrist, a trench coat, a black tank top, and navy blue sweatpants.

"Ahh Dion." I say warmly. "Come on in. You're just in time. Come see the twins. My daughters."

“You have kids?!” Dion says surprised. “I didn’t know you fell in love.”

“I did.” I reply. “With Eclipse.”

“The guy who escaped from Vex labs?”

I nod. “I bumped into his father and brother a long time ago. Moonfoot still causes problems, but not as much as he used
to.”

“Good.” Dion replies. Once again we hear the sound of knocking, but more hollow, like someone is thumping a stick against the door.

“Oh it looks like someone else is coming.” Eclipse says, opening the door.

The person who enters is a young Wolfren woman, presumably 15 years old, with warm brown skin, two earrings in one ear, wavy brown hair tied in a messy bun, a silk scarf draped over her neck and shoulders, loose black pants, faux leather boots, and a glassy look in her golden brown eyes. She holds a bronze cane in one hand.

“Azuna…” I say slowly. “I never knew you came back.”

“Oh, I did.” She says quietly, shutting the door behind her. “I wanted to see you again. Judging by our interaction, I knew you’d change for the better.”

“I-I’m sorry.” I say softly. “For turning you away all those years ago. There was so much pressure and who knows how many people I’ve hurt. They probably—“

Azuna cuts me short with an embrace. “Oh Cyrus. I know what you did…I’m just glad you admitted it. You’ve done a lot for people. Joining the academy….everything. And you don’t need to apologize. I already forgive you. We all do. At least you turned things around for yourself.”

Eclipse walks over to Azuna, and takes her hand.

“Do you want to meet the twins?” He asks.

“Sure.” she replies. I see her ears and nose twitch slightly. “But first I just need to get used to navigating this place.”

“Is that why your eyes sort of have that glassy look to them?” Eclipse asks.

“Yes. I cannot physically see out of my eyes. I lost my vision gradually when I was younger, but I don’t really need my eyes to see. I can sort of see dim light and vague colors, but that’s pretty much it. However I can use the information from my sense of balance, smell, hearing, and touch, as well as my ability to sense and read people’s energies, which is something I did naturally even before I lost my vision, to create mental maps and silhouettes of people and surrounds in my mind.”

“That’s awesome!” I say.

“Also surprise.” Azuna says. “I can teach you too, if you want to learn how to navigate in dark areas.”

“I’ve always wanted to do that.” I say, removing my glasses. “Without glasses or contacts, everything is shapeless blobs.”

“You can still wear your glasses.” Azuna says. “This is just when you feel you want a break from wearing them, but still want to be able to see.”

We make our way down the dimly lit hallway and into my bedroom, where the only sounds I hear are our footsteps and the faint sound of the twins’ rhythmic breathing.

“I see something.” I whisper. “Energy. Glowing energy.”

“That means it’s working.” Azuna replies.

I guide Azuna towards the twins’ cots.

“They’re adorable.” She says. “I already know which one is which.”

“Would you like to hold one of them?” I ask.

Azuna nods. I hand her Celeste and she cradles her arms around the child’s tiny body, her curly head resting in the crook of her inner elbow.

### Azuna’s POV

“Hello little one.” I whisper.

“This is Celeste.” Cyrus says. “Technically the older twin by 5 minutes.”

With a flick of my wrist, I conjure a tiny drop of water and tap it on each of the twins’ foreheads.

“May they both be safe.” I whisper. “May all guardians recognize these two as the most divine. May they forever be loved.”

I sense the water drop glow, and disappear, sealing my protection spell.

I turn to Cyrus. “Anyone who tries to hurt these two will burn, then freeze. Like what you can do.”

“Clever.” They reply, then yawn. “I’m sorry if I have to cut our conversation short, but I’m tired.” they say.

“Is it okay if I stay over at your place for the night?” I ask. “I just recently got back from a trip in the human realm and need to readjust a bit.”

“Sure.” Cyrus replies. “Delphina, one of the academy’s students decided to stay at the academy during the weekdays. She doesn’t live too far away from here. Probably a few hundred feet next door.”

“She’s my cousin.” I say, facing Dion. "Although she is sometimes lonely. She is an only child, and has friends, but not very much. She wants someone she can be with outside of school."

"She's been getting bullied frequently by Georgia." Cyrus says. "Due to a hard few years being one of the fake realm guy's captives, she has trust and confidence issues. On the weekdays she stays with me. Even though the twins sometimes keep me busy, she likes helping out a lot. It seems like we formed a bond over time."

I hear the sound of heavy knocking, and my hand goes for the doorknob.

I open it and the glowing silhouette of Delphina appears in my mind.

“Hello, Delphina.” I say softly. I feel her place my hand on mine.

“It’s good to see you. I’m glad I get to stay with Cyrus. Oftentimes, school has been kind of brutal.”

I feel a rough spot on the back of Delphina’s hand.

“Delphi, did something happen?”

“I fell.” She says, her voice tinged with anger. “I was trying to walk a bit without my crutches when Georgia popped up in front of me and fake shouted. The surprise caused me to fall and thankfully I caught myself, but my hand got scraped when it rubbed against the ground.” Delphina growls. “I don’t always say this, but…Cyrus, Azuna, I ***hate*** Georgia!! She lies *constantly*, has other people do dirty work, hates mutants, and constantly babies me! Even though my friends treat me like everyone else, which is fine with me since I’d rather be like everyone else than different, it’s so stupid!”

“Shhh.” Cyrus says softly. “Keep your voice down. The twins are sleeping.”

“Sorry.” she says, her voice dropping. “But still…”

“I’m sorry it had to be that way.” Cyrus says, hugging Delphina as she sits down on the couch.

### Cyrus’ POV

“We’ll have to talk to both Georgia’s parents and her aunt. The reason why Georgia lives with her aunt is because her parents’ influence isn’t the best, but it doesn’t seem to be helping, like she resists the help we try to give her.” I say.

“Then I want to help both Georgia and Delphina.” Azuna says. “I know Delphi would want us to.”

Delphina nods.

“I want to play you this song.” I say, leading us into the room where the twins sleep. One of them stirs slightly. Another whimpers.

I scoop Celeste up in both arms and hand her to Azuna, who cradles her little body against the lower part of her shoulder.

“What song is it?” she asks.

I strum the guitar slowly, and the sound comes out soft, but rich, mixing with my voice, which blends with Azuna’s.

“It’s a beautiful song.” Delphina whispers. “How did you learn it?”

“It was a song that my mother wrote for me when I was this small.” I say, gesturing towards Celeste. “Eventually after hearing it enough times, I learned how to play it, and this is the first time I’m playing it for the twins. I might use it as an enchantment someday to keep them safe, but right now, I play it because all of us enjoy it.”

“I have a name for it.” Azuna whispers.

“Tell me.” I say.

“Cyrus’ song. Or Lullaby of hope. It sounds like something that’s tranquil, but the energy that it gives off is hope, like this song is meant to give feelings of joy and peace to whoever hears it. Enchantment or not, it’s still very nice.”

I grin. “Thank you very much. Well, it looks like I have to get to bed because I’m starting to lose my train of thought a bit, and that usually happens when I’m tired. Delphina, you and Azuna can stay in one of the guest rooms. I already fixed it for you.”

Delphina nods. “Goodnight Cyrus. It was nice talking to you.”

“You too.” I whisper. I set Celeste down in her cot and gently tuck her in. I get into bed and pull the covers up around me. My eyes close, and I feel my body go heavy, and light at the same time as it drifts off into the realm of dreams.

### Snail’s POV

A sharp knocking wakes me up. Then I hear a voice

“Hey stupid half breeds! Get your butts down here!”

“Oh My God.” Glee mutters groggily. “Georgia will you just SHUT UP!?”

I hear a voice in my head. It’s Alex.

*Don’t let Georgia bother you, Snail. The instructors and I will take care of her.*

“Thanks, Alex.” I whisper as I change into my uniform.

“You wouldn’t dare turn me in, would you? Everybody likes me, and I’d get off quick.” Georgia says. “I suggest you work for me.”

My blood boils. Somehow I’ve developed a spine or something.

“NO!” I snarl. “No way am I going to hand my soul on a silver platter over to someone like you!”

“You’ll regret it.” Georgia says, wheedling slightly.

“Georgia, that’s enough.” Cyrus says. “You’ve been bothering *both* Snail ***and*** Glee for *two* straight days!! When they tell you not to bother them, you have to listen to them. Special status doesn’t exempt you from following school rules.”

Georgia rolls her eyes. “But my parents are a powerful fa—“

Cyrus cuts her short. “Doesn’t matter. You’re still a student like everyone else. Alex and I need to talk to you after class today.”

“Yeah, Georgia, leave my friends alone!” one girl says, walking up bedside me. She has a walker like what older people use, but it's placed behind her instead of in front.

“Who are you?” I ask.

“Delphina, Azuna’s cousin.” she says.

“One of the kids Bumblebee and Cyrus rescued?”

She nods.

Georgia groans. “You guys are all *so* annoying.” she walks off.

“Georgia, I don’t think rudely turning Cyrus away was a good idea.” Mariah says.

“Oh *shut* up.” Georgia says sharply.

I feel someone tap me on the arm. I turn around, and the person standing behind me is Alex in human form. They are slightly taller, have messy red hair, sideburns, and a small amount of peach fuzz on the sides of their face.

“Wow…” I say. “You look *amazing*.”

Alex grins. Then I spill some of the beans.

“What am I going to *do*? I have 3 periods where I have to sit through Georgia ranting about how much she hates us.” I say softly.

Alex puts their hand on my shoulder. “Look, Snail…” they begin.

“Sometimes life can be complicated. But oftentimes one of the most powerful things we have are the people who care about us. Even when you feel like giving up just because of one person, or one bad memory, just remember; we’re all here for anyone who needs us. Faith in yourself is a powerful thing.”

I hug Alex. “I hope you’re right.”

Several classes pass, and I walk through the halls, and peek through a few classrooms until I bump into a student I’ve never seen before. She is taller than me, with a slender frame, has light hair, small horns, golden brown skin, vibrant gold eyes, and a long tail with a tuft of fur at the end. I spot another tuft at her chest.

“Hi…I’m…Carmine, and I’m…new here. I come from the depths of hell.” she says. “I’m a demon.”

“I’m Snail.” I say, shaking her hand. “I’m a mutant. I’m from here. Jewel labs. All are welcome.”

“Hey, Carmine.” Alex says. “Do you want to join us for meditation?”

“Oh…Sure.” she says softly.

“Just remember. You can pray, you can do affirmations, you can work quietly, you can sleep, just not too deeply, and you can talk, but only in whispers or telepathically.” Alex says.

She nods.

### Alex’s POV

We make our way into a dimly lit room with its window shades drawn down, and light orbs at the walls casting a warm glow.

Even though I’ve been here before, it’s *beautiful.*

It’s relaxing, and even though I have a job here, this period grants me an hour of rest.

I hear a voice in my head. It’s Cyrus.

“Hello.” I whisper. “How are the little ones doing?”

*They are doing well.* Cyrus replies. *Estrella has been a bit sick, but it doesn’t seem to be bothering her very much. She’s still eating and sleeping well. The healer told me that it will pass in a couple of days, and it is a normal thing that happens with newborns. The thing is, even though I know my girls will be okay, I’m still a little nervous. It’s my first time actually taking care of a child, let alone two of them.*

“You’ll be okay.” I whisper. “You can always ask your mom and sister for help if you need any. You can also ask me, Athena, my parents, or even Bill if he’s free. Help is always there for you.”

*Thank you, Alex.*

“Anytime.”

I feel my heart beating.

I feel my chest rise and fall with each breath.
I feel the world dissolve around me, floating in the bliss of unknowing, until the tiny sound of a bell brings me back to reality.

“It looks like our time is up, everyone.” I say softly. “Go out and enjoy your free time. And Laine?”

A jackal with short hair turns to me.

“No bargaining or bets with students. Save it for when it’s not school.”

They nod.

I walk down the halls, and the sound of sobbing fills my ears. I walk into a classroom and find Mariah in a corner.

“What’s going on?” I say softly.

“I might need help. I don’t want to hide this secret any longer.”

I lean in close to her. “You can tell me. I will tell my family. But I promise not to tell the students.”

“Snail should know.” she says.

Snail and Cyrus materialize in front of her.

“My family…can’t always afford enough food for all of us. It’s why I sometimes don’t eat the food here. They need it too.”

“That happened to me a long time ago.” Cyrus says. “Mariah, I can help you. Jewel labs can help you.”

“I don’t want to tell Georgia. You know how she is. But I know her sister. She’s much nicer.”

“We can tell Corinne.” Snail says. “Except that means I’d have to sneak past Georgia’s parents.”

“Corinne doesn’t live with Georgia’s parents.” Mariah says. “She lives in one of the apartments here.”

“Thank you.” Snail says. “We’ll talk to her later.”

“Cyrus?” I say softly. “I have something to ask you.”

“Ask away.” Cyrus replies casually.

“Can I see the twins sometime?”

“Sure.” Cyrus says. “Maybe this weekend I’ll bring them over.”

“Do you at least have a few photos of them?” I ask.

“Yes.” they reply. Cyrus produces 3 small photos out of their satchel.