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Miraculous Salvation - Chapter 6 - Dinner

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Kagami finished getting ready and headed downstairs. She waited by the door for Tomoe to join her. She fidgeted in place as she took her phone out to text Alix, only to put it away. She had to focus. She was going to an important dinner with Tomoe. She couldn’t allow herself to get distracted.

“Are you ready, Kagami?” Tomoe asked.

Kagami turned and bowed her head. “Yes, Mother.”

“Good. Let’s go.”

Kagami followed Tomoe out to the car. Tomoe instructed it to drive them to the Agreste manor. Kagami watched the scenery fly by. A pang of envy hit her as she saw people hanging out in the late summer evening. A part of her wondered what she could be doing if she didn’t have the dinner to attend. Would she be hanging out with Alix? Would they be wrestling like she had seen Alix doing when they met? Perhaps they’d be getting in trouble as she’d seen others her age doing? Or, more likely, Alix would see how boring she was and ditch her.

“Your aura is off. What’s bothering you?” Tomoe demanded.

“Huh? Oh, just watching the people that we pass by. Trying to figure out what they’re all up to.”

Tomoe grunted. “Don’t waste your time on them, Kagami. They won’t matter soon enough.”

Kagami furrowed her brow. She opened her mouth to ask what Tomoe meant when they arrived at the Agreste manor. They stepped out of the car and up the stairs. Kagami raised her hand to knock when they were greeted by a woman with a pear-shaped body in a black tail waistcoat, long red undershirt, black tie, black gloves, and black loose pants. She had jet black hair with a single red streak through it that was tied back into a bun. She glared down at them with cold, crystal blue eyes. She adjusted her glasses and cleared her throat.

“The Tsurugis I presume. Right this way,” the woman said.

Tomoe and Kagami followed the woman through the main foyer towards the dining room. Kagami noticed the woman wore heels, but didn’t make the click she usually heard with heels. She furrowed her brow as she wondered how the woman could walk so quietly in heels. Could it be taught? It seemed a useful skill to have.

The woman opened a door and stepped into a dining room. Kagami stepped inside to see Audrey Bourgeois and her daughters, Chloe and Zoe, along with Gabriel Agreste and his son, Adrien. Gabriel and Audrey squawked at each other while Adrien was on his phone and Chloe and Zoe talked amongst each other.

“You have some time still before dinner. Mingle amongst each other until then,” the woman said before she vanished.

Kagami gulped and stayed close to Tomoe.

“Mingle with the others, Kagami. I have business to discuss with the fashion tycoons,” Tomoe ordered.

Kagami opened her mouth, but Tomoe navigated towards the sound of Audrey and Gabriel’s voices. Kagami froze up as she looked between Chloe and Zoe, and Adrien. Zoe prattled on to Chloe, unaware of Kagami’s presence. Chloe had noticed Kagami and looked Kagami up and down before she turned back to Zoe. Kagami shrank back as she looked at Adrien, who was dressed in horrid, ripped clothes and his nose stuck in his phone.

Kagami figured it couldn’t hurt to talk to Adrien, or try to, but her body refused to move. She tried to will herself to move, but she couldn’t do it. She felt her nerves gnaw through her and left her feeling like a shell of herself. She fidgeted in place, fighting the compulsion to pull out her phone and text Alix when the woman returned.

“He’s ready. Take your seats. Adults on one side. Kids on the other. Move, now,” the woman announced.

“Can we get five, maybe ten more minutes, Nathalie? We’re busy,” Gabriel remarked.

Nathalie pulled out a folder as she walked over to Gabriel and dangled it in front of him.

“Is this-?” Gabriel started.

“The female model you asked me to scout from the hundreds of candidates you dumped on me? Yes, yes it is. And you’ll get it if you sit down to dinner,” Nathalie hissed.

Gabriel moved to his seat while he barked orders at Adrien, Chloe, and Zoe to get to their seats. None of them moved until Nathalie gave each of them a look. Chloe claimed her seat first, put Zoe next to her, then snapped her fingers at Kagami to sit next to Zoe. Kagami didn’t argue and sat between Zoe and Adrien. Kagami watched the adults take their seats and Nathalie handed Gabriel the folder before she left. They all sat in silence until a pair of men stepped into the dining room.

Everyone watched Colt walk through with his son, Felix, beside him. Kagami’s eyes widened seeing how muscular they were. She had seen bodybuilders get the same muscle mass, but she didn’t think Colt nor Felix would have the time. Wouldn’t they be busy doing whatever business stuff they do? She knew she was always busy and barely had time for her own workouts. How did they find the time to maintain all that?

“Greetings, everyone. Thank you all for coming on such short notice. I understand this is highly unprofessional, but time is a precious luxury now,” Colt started.

“If time is such a luxury, can we get a move on? I do have other important meetings tonight,” Audrey griped.

“Yeah, with the bar in the hotel after hours,” Chloe muttered.

“Watch your tone, little lady!” Audrey barked.

Chloe glanced up from her phone and flipped off Audrey.

“I understand, Audrey. Then allow me to cut to the chase. It’s time and we’ve been chosen.”

Gabriel and Audrey’s eyes widened as they exchanged glances. Tomoe raised her head a little as her hand found her wristwatch.

“Who will be getting what?” Tomoe demanded.

“Before we discuss that, we must ensure certain loyalties. Gabriel, care to share who’s listed in those documents?” Colt asked.

“Huh? Why do you want to know? This has nothing to do with what you’re planning,” Gabriel spat.

“Gabriel, who is it that Nathalie found?” Audrey demanded.

“Like I’d tell you. You’ll try to steal her out from under me.”

Gabriel and Audrey bickered. Nathalie sighed and glided over to Adrien. Kagami watched as Nathalie snatched Adrien’s phone.

“Wha-! Nathalie! Give that back!” Adrien yelled.

“You want answers, take a look and see the model for yourself,” Nathalie said as she tossed the phone to Audrey.

Audrey took it as her face twisted in shock, then rage. “Oh, like hell you’re taking that girl for your shitty, dying brand! You’ll kill her career with it! You and your delinquent model boy there!”

“Wait, what’s going on?” Adrien asked.

“I-,” Gabriel started.

“Gabriel will be looking to make a deal with your favorite internet sensation to work for his brand. And, by proxy, work alongside you,” Nathalie commented.

“Wait. Wait, wait, wait! You mean Marinette? Marinette Dupain-Cheng? This isn’t a joke, is it? You’re really going to contract her, right?” Adrien asked.

“Only if you join us in our cause,” Colt butted in.

“What’s your… never mind. I don’t actually care. I’ll do whatever if I get to model with Marinette,” Adrien remarked.

Chloe facepalmed before she stood. “What the hell is going on here? What are you plotting?”

“Simple. We aim to recreate the world. Help push it past its current limitations. And we’d appreciate if you joined us,” Colt mused.

“What? Fuck you. There’s no way either of us would help you,” Chloe declared.

“Yeah!” Zoe added.

“Now, you see, one of you will be joining us. Felix,” Colt barked.

Felix moved and grabbed Zoe. Zoe yelped as Felix yanked her out of her seat and nearly dislocated her arm. Chloe yelled out and charged at Felix, but he pushed her back effortlessly. Chloe staggered and looked up at Zoe. Zoe struggled, but Felix tightened his grip, making Zoe cry out in pain.

“Let her go!” Chloe demanded.

“I’m afraid not, spitfire. We can’t trust you two together. Your mother was very clear on that front. In reality, we shouldn’t trust you, unless we have a way to keep you in line. And it sits before you. Side with us and I’ll make sure little Zoe isn’t harmed in any way, shape, or form,” Colt explained.

“No. No, no, no! You two! How could you sit idly by? Do something!” Chloe demanded.

Kagami hesitated until Tomoe spoke.

“Kagami, stay,” Tomoe ordered.

Kagami pursed her lips, lowered her head, and remained seated.

“Adrien?” Chloe begged.

Adrien stood when Nathalie pressed the nail of her pinkie against the back of his neck.

“What’s more important to you? Two so-called sisters you never see anymore, or the woman of your dreams?” Nathalie asked.

Betrayal oozed from Nathalie’s voice into Adrien. All intention to help Chloe faded as he sat back down.

“Unbelievable. You two are fine with just going along with their plans?” Chloe demanded.

“I do what I must,” Kagami said.

“Likewise,” Adrien added.

“Fuck you. Fuck you both. Fuck all of you!”

“Colt, can we just kick her out already? We have the one I suggested. Dispose of the problem and let’s move on from this,” Audrey demanded.

“After one more chance. What shall it be, Chloe? Will you join us, or will it be your little Zoe that does?” Colt asked.

“Chloe, no, don’t!” Zoe begged.

Chloe frowned, then sighed. “Fine.”

Colt smiled. He opened his mouth to speak when Chloe swung at him. He caught her punch and held onto her hand tightly. Her face twisted in pain, but she snarled and spat at him in anger still.

“Toss her. The little one will have to suffice,” a man’s voice ordered.

Colt tsked. “Very well. Felix. Dispose of Chloe.”

Felix released Zoe and grabbed Chloe. Chloe fought against Felix as he dragged her away. Zoe started after them when Nathalie held Zoe back. Nathalie dragged Zoe back to her seat and sat her down.

“On you now,” Colt called out.

The doors swung open as a group of four people stepped into the room. They moved across the room and stood beside certain people. A man in a black hooded cloak stood beside Gabriel, a man covered in scars with ratty, ripped clothes beside Audrey, a woman in similar clothes as Nathalie beside Adrien, and the final one, a large man with muscles approached Zoe, but frowned.

“What is this? This isn’t the spitfire,” the man complained.

“The spitfire was thrown out,” Colt said.

“What? This is stupid. You promised me a spitfire. Not… whatever this creature is.”

“Then make due with the little one.”

The man opened his mouth, then stopped. His eyes widened as Vana spoke to him.

“Dearest Stompp, don’t settle for less. You are the very willpower of mortals, their determination incarnate. This child possesses very little of what you are. Why settle for this creature when you can go get the one you were promised?” Vana’s voice echoed.

Stompp snorted. “Fuck this. I’m out.”

Colt furrowed his brow as Stompp vanished. “Well, I suppose-.”

“I’ll take over,” a woman said.

Everyone turned as a small, lanky woman appeared beside Zoe. The woman gave Colt a quick look over, then stared straight ahead.

“Fine. Everyone, beside you is a creature known as a kwami. They will be assisting us in our ambitions. Introduce yourselves, everyone,” Colt instructed.

Kagami listened as each kwami introduced themselves. Gabriel’s was called Corbin and was the kwami of sorrow, Audrey’s was named Orikko and was the kwami of animosity, while Adrien got a kwami named Fang that was of intuition, and Zoe’s kwami was called Min that was of knowledge. Each person was given a token from the kwami. Gabriel got a pocket watch, Audrey a pair of twin chained rings, Adrien a chain ring bracelet, and Zoe a bracelet. She shuffled slightly as she received nothing along with Tomoe, Colt, and Felix. She began to worry what would happen to her when a shadow fell over her. She flinched as she glanced up at a tan-skinned man in a black jacket with bright green fur trim and a dark purple shirt with a green paw print on it.

“And last, but certainly not least. Little Kagami, right?” the man purred.

“Y-yes. Who… who are you?” Kagami asked.

“Plagg. Kwami of destruction. Here.”

Plagg flicked his hand as a ring flew from it. Kagami caught it and looked over the bulky ring. Her trinket was linked to destruction, and Colt said they’d be making a new world. Just how were they going about it? What would be her role in it? Would she even be capable of it? She shook her head and pushed out those questions. Whatever task she’d be given, she had to. Tomoe was part of this, so she had too as well. She slipped the ring on and turned forward again.

“Wonderful. Come, let us eat. In the morning, we usher in a new world,” Colt mused.

~~

Alya stalked through the alleyways in the late evening. She navigated her way through them towards the Agreste manor. She stopped at the end of an alley when she saw the Agreste gates a short distance away. She knelt and watched them as she took out her phone at an article from the morning that stated the mysterious British American family, the Fathoms, were in Paris, visiting family.

Alya scrolled through the article as she passed by the blurry, amateur pictures of the Fathoms in a car and of them entering the Agreste manor. She struggled to make out any details when a scream pierced the air. She jumped and nearly dropped her phone, but caught it. She peeked out and saw a guy roughly her age built like a brick house, short blond hair, and posh attire. She got her camera and recorded the guy as he took a blonde woman and threw her over the tall gates. Her eyes widened as she watched the woman smack into the ground and ate the pavement.

Nausea pooled in Alya’s stomach as she stopped the recording. Even if that man was built like a brickhouse, there was no way he should have been able to throw the woman like he did. Or was it natural? Humans were capable of the impossible at times, but was this one of those times? She cursed that she didn’t have the answers until she looked back at the woman. An idea dawned on her that she could get information from the woman. She hurried out from her hiding spot into the street.

Alya spotted the woman a short distance away. The woman had managed to pick herself up and head off, but because of her injuries, she didn’t get far. Alya rushed up to the woman as the woman’s knees gave out. Alya caught the woman, put her arm around the woman, and one of the woman’s arms around her. Alya looked at the woman’s face as painful familiarity nagged her.

“Who-?” the woman started.

Alya recognized the voice the moment the woman spoke. “Chloe? Is that you?”

“How do you… wait. I know you. Aren’t you Alya Cesaire? One of the daughters of Marlena, the head chef at Le Grand Paris?”

“I am.”

“What are you doing here?”

“Uh, was trying to do some investigative work, until I saw you thrown over the gate by that brickhouse.”

“Wait, were you trying to investigate the Fathoms?”

“Yeah. They’re the most mysterious, famous family that live remotely close to here. I, uh, well, might have been trying to get a hook on them to write an article about to really kickstart my hopeful journalism career.”

Chloe stared at Alya for a long moment. “Then we can help each other out. You get me back to my apartment, I’ll tell you everything I know about the bastard.”

“Really? Wait, that sounds too good. What’s the catch?”

“You get me to my place. Nothing more.”

Alya shot Chloe a suspicious look.

“Listen, do what you will, but I have a score to settle with that fucker. Either you can help, or you get out of my way. What’ll it be?”

Alya considered. “Alright, I’ll help. Where do we go?”

“To the nearest bench so I can call a ride. Once we’re back, I’ll share everything. Deal?”

“Deal.”

Alya helped Chloe to a nearby bench. Chloe plopped down, took out her phone, and ordered a ride. Alya glanced around before she turned to Chloe.

“So. Who was that guy that threw you out? He looked a little young to be Colt Fathom,” Alya probed.

“Because it wasn’t him, but his son, Felix Fathom,” Chloe remarked.

“That’s-! How does he look like that? He looks like a professional bodybuilder, but seems my, our, age.”

“Fuck if I know. I never cared to learn about the Fathoms.”

“Then how-?” Alya started.

“How about this, I ask a question. Isn’t this a little dangerous for a mere journalism career? Wouldn’t it be easier to just piggyback off of others?” Chloe shot back.

“Well, yeah, but you don’t get anywhere authentic that way. Sure, I could take the work others have done, fill it with fluff, and add some clickbait or other crap, but I don’t want to do that. I want to be out there, discovering the real, filthy secrets that no one else can get. That way I’m the first to write the articles. I’m the one that others need to imitate to get views. I’ll be one leading the charge. Danger be damned.”

“Even after seeing that fucker throw me like a stuffed bear?”

Alya hesitated. “That’s… not ideal, but that kind of feat of strength is impossible. Or, well, it should be, but he managed it. All the more reason to go digging. What are the Fathoms hiding? What deals have they made? What are their goals? How does this help them? Does it really? All these questions and so much more. And this! This is what I live for!”

Chloe considered, then snorted. “You’re absolutely crazy, but your passion is infectious.”

Alya opened her mouth when a car pulled up. She moved to help Chloe up and towards the car.

“If the driver says anything, you’re helping a drunk friend that got absolutely plastered. Only if they ask, got it?” Chloe whispered.

“Got it.”

Alya helped Chloe into the car while Chloe pretended to be blackout drunk as she spilled over into the car. The driver raised a brow, but didn’t say anything. Alya helped Chloe get buckled before the driver headed off. They sat in silence until they arrived. Alya helped Chloe out, who kept up the performance until they were inside, out of the driver’s sight. Chloe directed Alya where to go until they were at Chloe’s apartment.

Alya sat Chloe down on the couch. “Do you have any medical supplies?”

“Yeah. Bathroom under the sink.”

Alya nodded. She left and grabbed a first aid kit before she returned to Chloe. She took out some of the supplies and cleaned Chloe’s wounds.

“So, what happened in there?” Alya asked.

Chloe winced at the sting. “Fuck. Ow! Right. Colt spelled it out plain and simple. He wants to reshape the world.”

“That’s it? Isn’t that what any person with power and money try to do?”

“Not in the slow, work in and around laws while putting on a show kind of way. He is aiming for immediate change. I have no doubt he intends to completely burn down the world and create a new one upon the ashes with his, the Agreste, and Bourgeois families as the leaders.”

“Bourgeois? Then why aren’t you with him? What happened?”

“The fucker wanted me to join, but Audrey pushed for my little fledgling, for Zoe.”

Alya froze. “Zoe? They have Zoe? Is she in danger?”

“I hope not. They hurt her a little to coax me, but my own pride got in the way. I should have swallowed it and took her place, but I didn’t. Now she’s trapped with them, and I can’t get to her.”

Alya considered. “Is there even a way to stop them? If what you say is true, and judging from the feat of strength displayed by Felix, is it possible to stop them?”

“I don’t know, but I will try. They have my fledgling. And I’ll do everything in my power to get her back.”

“Everything?” a male voice echoed.

Chloe and Alya jumped as they looked around the room. They exchanged glances when a man built like an ox materialized out of thin air alongside a large, muscular woman.

“Please tell me this is a dream,” Alya said.

“The sting of my injuries say otherwise,” Chloe remarked.

“No dream, mortals. This is all very real,” the woman said.

“Then you can get to the point of what you things are and what you’re doing here,” Chloe hissed.

“Very well. Introductions first. I’m Roarr and this man here is Stompp. We are creatures known as kwamis.”

“Kwamis?” Alya asked.

“That’s what she said. We’re, uh, how do we explain this to mortals, Roarr?” Stompp asked.

Roarr hummed. “I suppose we’re like what you call gods. All powerful, immortal creatures. But ones that can lend our strengths in unique ways.”

“Way that will be used by those that stole the fledgling, as you call her,” Stompp remarked.

“How?” Chloe demanded.

“With the power of Destruction and Transformation, backed by those Animosity, Sorrow, Intuition, Fear, and now Knowledge, they will reduce the world to ashes and transform those ashes into the world they seek to thrive in,” Roarr explained.

“No way. What a scoop! Billionaire of weapons and oil made blood pact with god-like creatures to remake the world. This is insane!” Alya squealed.

“Your excitement is terrifying and concerning,” Chloe remarked.

“Sorry. This is just incredible. We can’t prove it yet, but imagine the headlines. Imagine the stories. And working with you, I could get the first scoop on it all.”

“Not just her, but us too,” Roarr remarked.

“Wait, do you mean you’ll help us?” Alya asked.

“Of course. Without us, you mortals have no chance of stopping them, or saving your fledgling,” Stompp commented.

Chloe narrowed her eyes. “What do I need to do?”

“Me too! I want to help!” Alya cut in.

“Alya,” Chloe warned.

“I’m not backing down. This is too good an opportunity. I can get the scoops I need on my own. I can get as close to the action and not worry about my own safety, right?”

“Correct,” Stompp answered.

Alya squealed. “Yes! What do I, we, do?”

Roarr grinned as she held up her hand and a panja bracelet appeared. Alya’s eyes sparkled as she took it. She bounced happily as she put it on and admired it.

“So cool! Is this like those old animes and shows where I can activate this and get all sorts of cool superpowers and even a super cool outfit?” Alya asked.

“Yeah, pretty much,” Roarr said.

Alya squealed and flapped her hands excitedly. “How do I activate it? Tell me, tell me, tell me.”

Roarr placed a hand on Alya’s head. “Easy there, tiger. Not so fast. You’ll ruin the element of surprise of if you transformation right now.”

“What do you mean?”

“When you transform for the first time, you alert others that are already active. Want to be careful with that with Avatars running about.”

“Avatars?” Chloe and Alya asked.

“Yeah. Stronger than the average holder, which is what you two will become,” Stompp commented.

“How much stronger?” Alya asked.

“Uh, how’d you say, Roarr?” Stompp asked.

Roarr hummed. “Superhuman? I think. We haven’t been around you creatures for too long, but stronger? Uh, yeah. Stronger, faster, don’t need basic necessities you mortals need to live, and I believe sterilization, right?”

“Uh, I think so. Gimmi feared what could be created if Avatars could reproduce, so sterilization,” Stompp commented.

“Chloe, do you think-,” Alya started.

“That Felix, and even possibly Colt, are Avatars? Yes,” Chloe finished.

“Then, how do we become Avatars?” Alya asked.

“No, not you. Allow me,” Chloe said.

“But-!”

“Tell me this, do you plan on a family in your future? Do you want to continue your family bloodline?” Chloe pressed.

“I mean, yes, but I also have sisters. I’m sure they could-.”

“And what if something were to happen to them and you were all that’s left? What if you meet someone that you want to settle down and have that family with, but can’t? Can you live with that regret?”

Alya hesitated and fell silent.

“Until you can, don’t do it.”

“What about you? Same questions,” Alya remarked.

“I’ve dreamt of nothing more than watching my bastard parents squirm as the bloodline ended with me and Zoe. And if it means I set my fledgling free from that motherfucker, I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Alya watched as Chloe slowly rose to her feet and shuffled towards Stompp. Chloe staggered twice but kept herself upright as she glared down at Stompp.

“If the woman there gave her trinket to Alya, then you must have been here for me. Now, tell me, what does it take to be an Avatar,” Chloe demanded.

“Are you sure?” Stompp asked.

“Yes.”

“Very well. Get a glass.”

Alya moved to find something, but Chloe held up a hand. Chloe shuffled to the kitchenette, grabbed a mug, and returned. Stompp stood as his massive form diminished into a small creature with a big head and ox horns. He flew up and hovered over the glass.

“Woah,” Alya said.

“Cute, isn’t he? That’s what we actually look like when on planets,” Roarr whispered to Alya.

Alya’s eyes lit up as she opened her mouth, but stopped when Stompp spoke.

“Chloe Bourgeois, do you submit yourself to the Avatar’s Gauntlet? Should you pass, you shall ascend to something higher than mortal. But should you fail, you forfeit everything. Do you submit?”

“Wait. Forfeit everything? Do you mean-?” Alya started.

“I do,” Chloe said.

Stompp bowed his head as his body melted into liquid. Chloe curled her lip as it fell into the glass. She took a deep breath and downed the contents.

“Chloe, you shouldn’t! You could die!” Alya panicked.

“I understood. However-.”

Chloe gasped as her throat burned and pain tore through her body. She let out a stifled scream as she fell to her knees.

“I said… everything…! I-!”

Chloe let out a cry as she grabbed her throat. Alya stepped forward but was held back by Roarr.

“I will save her. I… I’ll make every mistake! I’ll make every-!”

Chloe gasped as her vision blurred. She hissed and propped herself up on her elbows.

“Every sacrifice. For her. I’ll do it all for-.”

Chloe gasped and sighed as she passed out. Roarr dropped her arm as Alya rushed to Chloe’s side. She turned Chloe over and gasped as Chloe’s wounds had healed.

“Well, would you look at that. Lucky girl,” Roarr mused.

“Lucky how?” Alya asked.

“If you mortals embody our concepts, we have an easier time, how you say, settling in. And looks like blondie here was all the right amounts of determination for Stompp. Good on him, and her.”

“So, she’ll be alright?”

“Oh, yes. She should be up and moving within a day at the most. I think. Hard to say. Again, we haven’t been amongst you creatures long.”

“Ok. Could you help me move her to her bed? I don’t want her to wake up on the floor.”

Roarr nodded and carried Chloe to her bed. Roarr placed Chloe down while Alya wrote a little note and left it on the nightstand. Alya left the apartment while Roarr locked the door and phased through the door to join Alya.

“So cool! You wouldn’t mind if later I could ask you a bunch of questions, would you?” Alya asked.

Roar chuckled. “Not at all. We should have plenty of time after the first attack tomorrow.”

“Wait, tomorrow?”

“Yup. Stompp told me they’d attack tomorrow. Something about leveling the entire city to use it as an example.”

Alya’s eyes widened. “But we’ll stop them, right?”

“Oh, we will. And you won’t be alone. You’ve got the missy in there, and several of my, we’ll call them, siblings but not really, are all picking people to wield their powers as well. So, a team to combat the enemy team.”

“And we’ll be there to stop them and get the big scoop. Oh, I can’t wait! I don’t think I’ll sleep at all.”

“Well, try to, alright?”

“Oh, yes, of course. Uh, I’m going to head home. Will you be ok doing, uh, whatever you’ll be doing?”

“I’ll be fine. Come. I’ll walk you home and explain some things along the way.”

Alya beamed and trotted after Roarr as she headed home.