When dad finally stops nagging, it's to ask for a cup of water for his parched throat.

Don't give it to him! He'll be recharged and continue nagging at us! I try using my eyes to communicate and signal my thoughts to the principle.

Principle Aurelian doesn't seem to notice my silent pleas. Instead, he looks relieved. “Of course, let me just go and grab a glass-”

“I saw a receptionist earlier, don't you ask her to do such things?”

“Ah, I’m more than happy to do it.

Dad furrows his brow. “How could I ask the esteemed principle to run a mere errand?”

“That's-”

“No, no. You hire people for a reason. Honestly, I’m a bit worried you’ll be taken advantage of by your employees and students at this rate-”

Twice. He’s begun the lecturing anew.

“Sir Newlyn, y-you must be tired. How about we continue this conversation after you settle yourselves in-”

But dad just talks over him with newfound fervor.

Principal… You're actually kind of pitiful.

*

At long last, the principal manages to shoo us out. The brick and mortar walls unravel and unbolts itself at a brisk speed, almost as if it were trying to kick us out as well. The building swerves about, allowing us passage through the west hallway.

My dad chuckles when he figures out where we’re led us to. “I used to stay here when I was a student.”

“I can’t wait to stay here too!” Noel cheerily chimes in.

“Hmn, is that so~?” I measure him and already he’s to my chin. “You’ll have to grow up a bit more before then.”

He gives me a coy smile in response and reaches up to pat my head. “Just wait, I’ll be the one ruffling your hair soon!”

“You little rascal-!”

Laughing unabashedly, he runs off and I too start chasing him.

Dad looks on in amusement, before opening his mouth to scold us. “You two, behave yourselves. This is a learning institution of great prestige.” But we both pretend to not hear him as we continue our game of cat and mouse.

Nearing the end of the hall, I see Vani.

Smiling, I grab my little brother’s hand and begin leading him towards her. “Let’s go, I’ll introduce you to my good friend.”

“O-Oh, uhm.” He tugs back meekly on my sleeve.

“Come now, don’t be shy.” I string him along even amidst his protests.“Vani! This is my little brother, Noel.”

“Aeriea.” As always, Vaniriel’s voice is old, yet childlike. Foreign, yet discernible. Familiar, yet unfamiliar. Here, yet there.

A host of hypocritical paradoxes.

It holds something magickal and I feel the air change somehow.

Her expression is neutral as always, but for some reason, I freeze in my tracks. we stand a few paces away from one another.

It almost looks as if she’s… Frowning.

“Family? That is not your brother by blood.”

What? The oddness of her words takes me aback.

Thinking that perhaps she simply said that in bad jest, I push the hurt down and force myself to smile. “Vani, don’t joke about stuff like that.”

Even with my unmanageable curls, my hair is suddenly too frizzy, too dry. I notice the air is barren and devoid of moisture. I can almost feel my lips on the verge of splitting open. Instead of my lips, the air crackles alight.

Static begins snapping around Vaniriel and my body moves before I can think.

I push Noel out of the way as a bolt of lightning whizzes through the air, the sound deafening as it cracks past my ears. The hem of my dress singes black where it touches. I inhale shakily as I whip my eyes onto her - She’s not smiling.