Super Supportive

ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE: Avalanche

121

****

Alden Thorn had learned a valuable life lesson tonighta single moment of honesty could transform a manageable party into a gauntlet of social suffering. And that social suffering was exponentially worse when it involved Velras.

Ive said, Ive always said, that girl is going to snap and kill someone one day, a lady who Alden thought was Romans mother told him, leaning so close that the edge of her stole trailed through the lime ginger ale he was carrying. You were lucky it was only a mental assault and not the end of your life. Death was watching you. Mark my words.

Yikes, thought Alden.

Almost as soon as he escaped from that woman, he ran into a boy a couple of years younger than him who talked like he possessed superhuman lung capacity even though he wasnt Avowed yet. I used to think Hazel was nice, but shes not really nice because one time I told her about my hamster, and she asked why I thought she would care, and when Tara got C and they didnt give her Chainer, Hazel said, Well what do you expect? And I said, What does that mean? And she said, Tara pronounces words like her tongue is made of cement, and I said

Whos Tara? Alden asked solely to stem the river of noise.

My second oldest sister. And I said, What do you mean her tongue is made of cement? And Hazel said, Dont you ever shut up? How could she say that to someone whose sister just became a C-rank? It was so mean. So I said

Save me, thought Alden.

But can you really get a proper education without private tutors? another boy asked. I dont know. I feel like you should be more worried than most people.

Dare I ask why?

A young man in your position has to be careful about presentation, one of Lutes aunts told him. Let me put you in touch with my publicist.

Now if Aulia asks to speak to you alone The speaker was someone who was the stepfather of someone else who was the cousin ofAlden didnt even want to remember it. You call me. Tell me everything she says, and Ill give you advice.

It was just Peace of Mind, son, a man who definitely didnt look old enough to be calling strange teenagers son said in an exasperated voice. Youve got to think these things through. Any Velra is a good catch for a B-rank, so even if theyre a little cracked around the edges you cant waste an opportunity.

[Alden: Where the hell are you three? Somebody get me away from this]

Alden, there you are! called the voice of his savior. Haoyu bounced up, jingling with costume jewelry. Youre needed. Over here with me. For party reasons.

You left me alone for so long, Alden complained once theyd escaped.

It was just five minutes. I thought I spotted the prize bubble with the watch in it.

[Alden: That cant be true! I talked to a hundred Velras.]

There arent even a hundred Velras here, Haoyu said.

[Alden: That dude over there thinks I need special tutors because I came from America. Can we leave yet?]

[Haoyu: Sure. But you were the one who thought you should stay.]

Alden sighed. After Hazel had exploded and fled from the party, his roommates had suggested an exit. But Lute was staying, and Alden didnt want to look like he was running away after dropping the pebble that caused an avalanche.

Besides, the plan to back up Lute and facilitate his return to the Velra fold wasnt actually shot. If anything, it seemed like it was going better than anticipated. Aulia was still acting like she was delighted to have them all here anyway.

I think me singling out Hazel as a problem and implying her presence was my only issue with the Velras might have made it seem like I really was grateful and willing to get to know the rest of them.

A grateful, willing person wouldnt try to escape when Aulia had so openly sided with him over her own granddaughter.

Shes even scarier than I thought.

She was somaybe the word for it was unflappable? Alden didnt know what had gone through her head in that moment when shed analyzed his accusation against Hazel, but he knew shed had a thought and then acted on it immediately with the expectation that every member of her family would fall in line.

She outed Hazels skill. They all seem to believe that was something really extreme, and it was definitely irrevocable. And she made the decision to do it in about half a minute.

Alden looked over to where the Velra matriarch was holding someones baby while she talked to her son, Benjamin. Today was his seventieth birthday, and this party was for him; but he was just about the quietest person here. Benjamin was an A-rank who appeared to be in his mid thirties. He was an average-looking guy by Avowed standards, and he had a ton of kids with Hikari, the second oldest S-rank Chainer in the world.

Aunt Connie would love to hear all about this.

Alden had been so busy since starting school that theyd only had a couple of short chats. But the Velras were basically one of those reality television shows she liked dialed up to a thousand and infused with magic.

[Haoyu: Hugh is still shooting nasty looks at us.]

[Lexi: What do you expect? Alden accused his daughter of power abuse in front of everyone here. That scene has probably already been uploaded to the web.]

Aldens legs stopped carrying him forward. The sounds of the party faded. Oh fuck.

Haoyu glanced at him and then did a double-take when he caught sight of what Alden was sure was a nauseous expression on his face.

Its nothing to worry about, he said quickly. You didnt sound unreasonable.

What if it really is on the internet, though?

The corners of Haoyus lips tipped up in a polite smile, and he blinked at Alden.

Thats the expression youd give a kid who just told you they had some suspicions about Santa Claus.

Haoyu

Its fine. It was edited before it went up.

Someone already posted it! Youve watched it?

Haoyu started air typing as fast as he could.

[Haoyu: You giving her the class wasnt mentioned. Its obvious some of what she shouted at you and some of what you said was clipped, so people will make up all kinds of things. But it doesnt make you look bad.]

[Lute: No-no 2 offend the witch. Everyone knows. Normal business.]

[Haoyu: Hes trying to say that its natural for the video to be edited. Nobody here wants to offend his grandmother.]

[Alden: Then why would they put it online at all?!]

Dont worry, said Haoyu. Aulia herself backed you up. You look good.

Its fine, Alden told himself. He had meant nearly every word hed said. It was just

[Alden: I hate being the center of public commentary. I knew the drones were there, but theyre everywhere all the time. I was getting too used to them.]

Do you want me to call Molly? Haoyu asked.

Your moms assistant?

She handles stuff like this. Shell tell you its all right.

No. Its okay. I just didnt think it through.

Haoyu shrugged. We cant overthink every little thing. Last year, a member of my parents hero group wore a hat that resembled a hat that some member of Superhumans At Large was wearing when she was caught, and there are still people who refuse to believe it was a coincidence instead of a political statement. Andyou do not look like this story is making you feel better, sohave some ginger ale!

Alden looked down at his cup. One of Lutes relatives dipped her scarf in it.

That is tragic. Lets get you another one.

******

Alden mingled for as long as he could endure it, and then he went to hide in a dumpster.

It was a very nice dumpster that had clearly never seen any garbage. He had cushions to sit on and big fake gemstones that were really battery-powered lamps to enjoy.

The dumpsters are for children, a little girl informed him. She was standing on the convenient stepladder that you could use to climb inside, looking down at him.

Theres no sign that says that.

There were a lot of bouncy balls and a large set of magnetic blocks in here, but those could have been toys for all ages. No reason for adults not to enjoy building a good magnet castle every now and then.

Everyone knows it, the girl said.

Im a child.

She squinted at him. Are you an Avowed yet?

You cant hold that against me!

Hey! said a familiar voice. Lute hopped up and landed in a crouch on the lip of the metal can with unnatural grace. Youre in the kids trashcan?

See. I told you it wasnt for you! the girl announced.

Sweet, said Lute. He let himself topple forward and sprawl on his back on the cushions beside Alden. You are amazing. I need to go to Chicago. You and Angela Aubergine both came from there. There must be something in the water.

Yes. Proper fluoridation in my youth has led to this moment. Alden swallowed as he stared at the web page hed pulled up on his interface. Sixty thousand views and rising.

Dont read the comments.

I know.

Then why are you doing it?

You dont know that I am.

Of course you are. Everyone reads the comments.

Lute crossed his arms behind his head. A piece of confetti fluttered down into the dumpster and landed on his t-shirt. The girl had disappeared from the stepladder. Sorry, man. I shouldve mentioned that a get-together like this, with non-relatives in attendance, is pretty much always fair game for posting and gossiping about.

I knew. I saw the drones. I just didnt think of myself as being that interesting.

In all fairness, I doubt youd be that fascinating on your own. Im sure its my grandmothers apology and Hazels unhinged rant that are getting a thousand views a minute. Or maybe its me choking to death on chips in the background. Ive got major stage presence. He grabbed a bouncy ball and tossed it at the wall of the dumpster. Itll go through Anesidora like wildfire, but if it makes you feel better, Velra drama tends not to spread quite as widely as something like superhero news in the rest of the world.

Alden sighed and swiped the video away.

[Thanks.] Lute sent the text privately instead of through their group chat. [Im sorry my family made a mess. Its what they do. Thanks for coming. Having you guys here was great.]

And as far as Im concerned, he said out loud, telling the entire island that my cousin doesnt have the decency to keep her skill away from unwilling people was a community service.

[Her father isnt taking this well,] Alden texted. [Im in this dumpster partially because he looks like he wants to do me in.]

Hugh? Lute scoffed. His fingers started flickering through the air. [Listen, let me tell you something about Hugh. Hes a loser. He divorced a sexy S-rank right after having a kid with her because she was cooler than him and people kept pointing it out. So then he married a C-rank that looks suspiciously similar to his first wife, but with a way weaker personality. Hes scared of his own mother, his father, his ex, his son, and obviously Aulia. Hes been trying to ride Hazels coattails toward glory since she was born, and Aulia just yanked off Hazels coat and threw it in a shredder.]

Alden tried to input all of that.

[Im saying he doesnt have the courage or the energy to do you in,] Lute said. [And if he did try somethingwe could beat him.]

Alden snorted. You think?

Im positive. Lute glanced over. [You want me to give you a free Peace of Mind?]

What? No. Come on. Im not that upset. Decompressing in luxury garbage cans is part of my process. Every party needs a few of these things.

He banged on the metal wall behind his head for emphasis.

Okay. But its really no big deal. So if you change your mind

Im good, Alden insisted.

Then lets get out of here and go back to sanity. Ive got what we came here for.

Alden stared at him. [Already? The Libra invitation?]

I mean this, said Lute, pulling a large tin of caviar out from under his shirt. We shall eat like kings! The rest of us will anyway. I would have stolen something for you, too, but there were no expensive fruits and vegetables lying around in plain sight.

[I wouldnt worry about the Libra invite,] he added. [I dont know what Aulias twisted mind thinks about me right now, but shes obviously pro-you. So I bet itll happen.]

They climbed out of the dumpster and met up with Haoyu and Lexi nearby. The two of them werent alone.

I could walk with you guys to the train, Roman said, dropping faux pearls and dazzling bangle bracelets into one of the plastic shopping bags Lexi was filling. If you needed some company.

There are four of us, Lute pointed out. We kind of make our own company.

He can come. Lexis tone was that of a man who had just agreed to have his molars removed by someone wielding pliers.

Politely escaping from the party took twenty minutes. People kept stopping them to offer commentary, and there was at least one conspicuous drone pointed at Alden like he was about to do a trick. And then, right before they reached the street, they were stopped by the absolute last person they wanted to have an encounter with.

Lute, said Jessica Velra, Im so glad you decided to come. How have you

Guys, this is Aulias daughter Jessica, Lute said in a dead voice, staring straight over her shoulder. Jessica, these are my roommates. Were kind of in a hurry.

Aldens concerns about being filmed were completely forgotten for a moment. He almost wished Lutes mother would recognize him from their brief encounter the other night in the hall of Lauras apartment building. It might be easier if she caused a scene of some kind with him, instead of staring at Lute like she was about to cry.

Even Haoyu didnt seem to have a way to combat this level of tension. His smile was forced.

Roman let out a gasp.

Good, thought Alden. He knows them both. Maybe hell say something helpful.

A finger tapped him on his shoulder, and when he looked toward Roman, the other boy shoved a half-finished iced coffee into his hand.

What?

Does my hair look okay? Roman demanded.

Its got some confetti in it. Why?

Roman flipped his head upside down and shook out his hair. A second after he righted himself, he disappeared into thin air. By the time Alden got over his surprise, Lute had taken the opportunity afforded by the distraction to leave. Lexi and Haoyu were following him. Nodding at Jessica awkwardly, Alden took off after them.

All right Haoyu said a couple of minutes later as they walked past a club that was advertising a comedy night. That was definitely more interesting than Konstantins party. I always hoped high school would be exciting, but its exceeding my expectations on that front already.

I declare our first operation a success, Lute said in a tone so blithe Alden would never have guessed hed just had what must have been an emotional encounter. We survived my family. Lexi didnt find the diamonds, but he claimed like eighty percent of the party favors anyway, and he will never run out of jewelry again.

Theyre Christmas presents for my little sister.

And Aldenrevealed his true nature to us and everyone else, Lute continued.

Alden groaned.

Righteous, politely devastating Lute said.

He was polite, Haoyu agreed.

It made his attack so much more effective! Lute hopped over a grate in the sidewalk.

Alden was glad they approved. And at least I know for sure now where Hazel and I stand.

He thought it would be less stressful in the long run to have it all out in the open. Now he wouldnt have to wonder why shed done it and what it meant and if he was crazy for being upset about it.

There are some real idiots in the comments on that video, said Lexi. You definitely shouldnt read them.

Youre reading them?

Lexi shrugged.

Most people are cheering you on, said Haoyu.

I dont want to be cheered on. I want to be ignored.

Someones connected you to the gokoratch songs video Finlay posted yesterday, Haoyu said. Its starting to get a lot of hits, too.

Alden considered it. Thats not enough of a comfort. But Ill take it.

Are you really going to send that thing to yourforeign friend? Lexi asked.

Yes, said Alden. My foreign friend needs to know how much were all enjoying his contributions. Can we discuss anything other than the Hazel incident?

There was just a second of silence, then Lexi said, Lute, your cousin Roman needs a pet or something. One that doesnt mind him talking to it for hours.

Mention of Roman made Alden look down at the coffee he was still carrying. I can throw this away, right? Hes not going to reappear and want it?

His summonses usually last around thirty minutes, Lexi reported. Well be back at the apartment. I say trash it.

You guys talked about his summonses? Haoyu asked.

He talked, Lexi said in a sullen voice. He mistook my silence for me being a good listener.

If you remembered everything he said, doesnt that make you a good listener?

Manon Barre had barely gotten any sleep since shed made it back to Earth. Astounding how much can fall apart when Im only gone for a few hours.

Now she was on the third floor of a building, sitting in a folding chair and watching the people in the alley below her through a window. It had been all too easy to get in. Shed simply told the owner she was considering renting this empty space at a later date, and the access code had been granted. She had an excellent reputation in the event industry. There was no reason to say no to her even if a party for a certain noteworthy family was taking place this evening.

Manons inbox was full of angry, confused messages from the boater, and there was an obnoxious amount of respectful advice on the pursuit of our shared interests from Aulia Velras daughter-turned-personal assistant. The first issue was being addressed one boater member at a time. Three of them were already pacified, and the others would beas soon as she could manage it.

All the busybodying from Aulias little helper was unnecessary. Manon had carved the grooves that her peoples lives fit into. They were mostly content, and they would refocus themselves on the things that really mattered after she had devoted enough time to tucking troublesome ideas into the recesses of their minds again.

Aulia only makes my job more difficult by butting in.

Now that some of them had discovered a Velra representative would come running at their call, they were getting an overinflated sense of their own importance. That would have to be handled, too.

Manon wasnt sure the extra work the Velras had made for her was unintentional.

It would be nice for Aulia if I was too busy tending to their petty upsets to ask her inconvenient questions about our agreement.

And there was a lot of upset right now. Manon had never suspected that such a brief absence could lead to so much mayhem, not after all these years.

The little shit thought it out. Ill give him that.

The members faith in their leader, their gratitude toward her, and their affection for her would have been strong enough to withstand a simple word of warning. But a multipage essay of warning being delivered to each of them, in duplicate no less, was something else. A spoken word could be pushed out of the mind so quickly. Having so many words that so thoroughly speculated on a portion of their lives shoved in front of their eyes once and then again shortly afterward in hardcopy

This was supposed to be the age of text messages and short attention spans. What was a teenager doing outputting research papers on Manons activities in his free time? Did he not have anything better to do?

Youd think someone who just came out of some kind of disaster would have other things to worry about.

And why on Earth was he standing below her right now, popping confetti balloons at a Velra birthday party?

Manon couldnt figure it out. Had Aulia realized the boy was aware of her involvement with the boater? Had she invited Alden Thorn here as some kind of a bribe? Was he here on his own because hed gotten wind of Aulia backing Manon and he fancied himself a sleuth?

Hed arrived with the one-eyed short boy. Jessicas S-rank. Maybe they were acquainted, and it was just a coincidence?

It doesnt matter. Ill deal with him when the boater is finally settled again.

One chore at a time, and this evenings had already been decided upon. Aulia and her assistant clearly didnt have enough to do lately if they could engage in thinly-veiled negotiations with some of Manons people. She needed them out of the way so that she could re-establish control.

An attempt to do the LeafSong job without her would be doomed. It was obvious to her, but maybe it wasnt so obvious to an out-of-touch S-rank.

So tonight we find something to distract her from meddling in my end of the business. If I keep her busy for a while, and I re-establish control fully, shell leave it alone for now. And

Finding a way to make sure Aulia honored their bargain could wait just a little longer. That was going to take some more planning.

Manon watched. She waited.

This party was not hers. The people attending it were not hers. But a Rabbit with Tailor Environment was more used to working on the possessions of others anyway. And Manons skill had topped out some time ago, the last, lovely features settling into her mind and making her one of the very best at figuring out exactly what changes she could make to suit the owner of a space, event, or thought.

As a consequence of that, she could also tell what arrangements were less suitable.

This party had a few different people who could be considered owners with varying needs and degrees of connection to the space. Manon targeted Benjamin Velra first, since it was the mans birthday.

Good lord, she thought. Did they even ask him if he wanted a party at all?

Almost everything in the alley was less than ideal for him. If shed really been rearranging and positioning things to suit him, instead of just taking a peek, she would have ordered a getaway vehicle for the man and told him to go someplace quiet. The only things in this environment that fit him were the cake, the trash bins the children were playing in, and the wrapped gift his eldest daughter was presenting him with.

Manon frowned down at Aimi, then moved on.

She targeted Benjamins wife next. Hikari Velra. And she suddenly saw a dozen new possible arrangements for tables and chairs.

She cares about where people are sitting.

It was possible to learn a lot from tailoring an environment.

Not really surprising that another S-rank whos been by Aulias side for so long would be interested in manipulating the various family relationships.

Before Manon could move on to a new target, the queen herself arrived.

Ah, there you are Aulia. Lets see what suits you right now. Lets see if a lowly C-rank can make sure it stays out of your grasp.

******

An interesting thing about Tailor Environment that most non-users didnt understandthe owners wants and needs both mattered when it came to arranging a perfect space. The skill balanced those things, but it didnt tell Manon how it was balancing them or what the clients actual thoughts were. She didnt need to know to do her job, so she didnt.

But she could often guess anyway. For example, if the magic indicated that a family heirloom should be placed in a highly visible but otherwise awkward location, that probably meant that the owner was so fond of it their desire for its presence outweighed practicality.

Is this something Aulia wants? Or something she needs? Manon wondered, watching the woman make her way through the crowd with that way she had about her that most older Anesidorans would probably recognize even if she were to suddenly inhabit another body.

The womans ownership of this party was so strong from the moment she appeared that Manon could see the whole puzzle, and what suited Aulia most right now wasnt her own comfortbut Alden Thorns.

It wasnt the easiest thing to pick up on, but it was there to an experienced eye. For this space to suit Aulia as well as it could in this moment, a particularly nice decoration should be moved into Aldens line of sight. One of the confetti bubblesno doubt containing a party favor he would likeought to be shoved in front of him.

Whats this about?

Aulia moved through the crowd so swiftly that Manon barely had time to understand what her skill was telling her. Figuring out why it was telling her such a thing would no doubt take hours. She had to move now.

It suited Aulia for the boy to be comfortable. It suited Manon for Aulia to have some trouble.

And Alden deserves to be miserable, thought Manon. Sometimes the universe gives us such unexpected opportunities.

As Aulia engaged him in conversation, Manon looked for an opening. She couldnt exactly toss a chair out of the window and smash the boy over the head, though that would no doubt get the job done. It would have to be handled the subtle way. Which wasnt simple.

These werent her people. On-the-spot thought rearrangement without something that resembled acquiescence from the owner of the thoughts wasnt really what the skill did, but there was a way if she found exactly the right type of person with the right mental state

She tried Jessica first because weak people were usually easier. Then Cady Velra.

Without much hope, she tried Alden himself and found he wouldnt work either. Even at LeafSong, shed barely managed to push a couple of his thoughts to the back of his mindsuspicions toward her, she was now sure. And that had probably only been possible because a boy on his first assignment was so tense in so many ways that having that tension reduced suited him.

Next, she targeted Hazel VelraAulias daughter, though everyone seemed on-board with politely pretending she was a great granddaughter.

There! A piece I can move.

Manon couldnt read the thought. To her, it was just a shape she was allowed to access and fit into a new slot. To guess at what it was, she would have to know Hazel well or be down there reading the girls expressions and listening carefully to what she said. And that wasnt possible.

But with all involved parties targeted and her skill working at its absolute maximum, Manon could tell that nudging this thought forward in the girls mind would somehow make the environment less pleasant for Alden and less ideal for Aulia.

Sloppy. But it will have to do.

She focused her full attention on Hazel Velra. Youve got something inside of you thats bothering you, dont you? Something you need and want to let out so badly that youre about to burst with it. Theres a part of your mental environment that it would feel so good to let out, but some other pesky concerns are holding you back.

For this to be doable on the fly, when Manon had never even spoken to the girl, it must have been like that.

Let me help you, Hazel. Youll feel more at home with yourself if you go ahead and say whats on your mind.

She lifted the shape of the thought toward the light. Then, she waited.

Body language over the past few seconds indicated that Aulia was doing a fair job on her own of making Alden Thorn uncomfortable. While Manon was identifying Hazels usefulness, hed been shooting a panicky look at the boy with the eyepatch.

Eyepatch had said something. Then Aulia had laughed, making a dismissive-looking gesture with her hand while she leaned toward Alden. Hed fixed his eyes on Hazel and replied.

There had been some back and forth while Manon worked, and now

I am your granddaughter! Hazel shouted so loudly that the words carried over the music and up to Manons window. I am your protge. Ive done everything you ever asked me to, and you gave my S to that whiny, lazy little whiff the second he was selected!

So thats what the idea eating away at you was, Manon thought while the girl below continued her rant in full voice. Some of the things she said were contradictory. Some of them made no sense. But Manon knew what Hazel was really saying.

So childish. Such a common feeling and always so useful to me, though this is definitely the most dramatic result Ive ever had from pulling it out of someone.

Manon wondered if shed needed to do anything at all. To be snapping like this, the girl must have been on the very precipice of her self-control. She might have lost her head any second without Manon helping her get it out of her system

This isnt fair, Hazel Velra was screaming at the top of her lungs, using far more words than necessary. My life is unfair.

Manon smiled. Hazel was revealing grievances, wants, and weaknesses galore. She was a volatile creature, but volatility was only a problem if you planned on managing someone longterm. If you just wanted them to give you information or stir up trouble for someone else, it was a useful quality. The girl had spent her entire life at Aulias knee. And here she was having such a terrible day.

This, Manon thought, is an opportunity.

Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

You and I have a lot in common, the Rabbit woman said, shaking her head sympathetically.

Shed been going blah, blah, blah for a long time. Hazel had paid attention to enough of the chatter to know they didnt have anything in common at all. And her bare feet were freezing against the marble floor. This sofa was hard as a rock.

Why did I agree to come with this annoying stranger? she wondered.

Because shed run away from the party sobbing. Because shed assumed the black sedan that had stopped for her had been sent by her parents to carry her back home in privacy, and the second shed gotten in the woman had spoken as if she was affiliated with the family somehow. One of the help, Hazel had assumed. Someone from Grandpa Corins office possibly.

And when shed realized the Rabbit was just one of those people who wanted to suck up to a Velrawell, Hazel didnt mind. Maybe if she disappeared and refused to answer her messages for a while, her family would understand how badly theyd treated her. Her parents and her grandfather couldve stood up for her. Instead, theyd just flapped their lips pointlessly and cringed.

My skillthey took my skill from me.

She couldnt believe this was really happening.

The ability was only useful on Earth if people didnt know she had it. And she wasnt required to get consent before using it like so many of her relatives needed to before they used their own skills. It was a privilege shed earned for herself, a product of her giftedness and her effort. Her one solace for the rank disaster.

That boy

I didnt do anything wrong. It wasnt a big deal. But Grandma sided with him. Its like Lute all over again. She thinks theyre special even though they havent done anything to earn it.

At least Lute was an S. At least hed gotten it at fourteen. It was nothing he deserved, but it was something.

Alden Thorn had just been a delivery boy for Hazels Chainer.

She felt almost numb. The video filled her eyes, the opacity just low enough that she could still see the woman sitting beside her, eating the karaage she kept offering to share with Hazel.

Hazel had taken a few pieces. Her mouth felt greasy, and the comments under the video pierced her eyes.

You know it can feel really good to get things like this off your chest, the woman said. Manon Something. Somewhere in all the blahs shed managed to convey that she was a contractor of some sort for Hazels grandmother. Like that was a special connection they shared.

Grandma probably doesnt know her name either. She probably smiled at her once, and this old lady thinks it meant she mattered.

Hazel reached for another piece of the chicken and chewed it. She wiped her fingers on her dress. She could never wear it again now. It would make people think of Alden Thorn announcing that she was too dangerous to be around.

Maybe she did want to get something off her chest after all.

Hes not stable. She gestured at the video in front of her eyes even though Manon couldnt see it. People shouldnt just believe whatever he says. Avowed who spend months in bad situations usually come back damaged. Its sad, but its the truth. I guess thats why hes so upset about his Peace of Mind. Because hes got problems. Hes overreacting, and people are too ignorant about wordchains to realize what I did wouldnt have been that bad to a normal person.

Manon was quiet for a beat. Then, she brightened.

Hey! Do you want to trade stories? I actually know Alden a little bit. Ill tell you some embarrassing things about him and you tell me aboutoh, whoever you like! Whos done something embarrassing around you lately?

That sounds stupid. Why would I gossip with someone like you?

I think Ill go, said Hazel, standing and heading toward the door.

Not just yet! Manon sounded so disappointed. Ive even got a few pictures of him in a funny costume. Let me just grab the tablet I keep my Triplanets photography on.

Pictures? Hazel frowned. Maybe it would make me feel better.

The Rabbit woman rummaged around on a bookshelf for what seemed like too long.

Why doesnt she just send me a copy through our interfaces?

Tech could be better and more convenient for capturing photographs and video. Hazel loved her drone and her phone. Maybe Manon was the same.

She stood beside the shelf watching Manon scroll very slowly through a photography folder on the tablet. Aulia thinks I use social media too much, Hazel said. I told her it was my outlet, but she doesnt understand. Hazel, why dont you get a productive hobby? But its not like making fans isnt productive. And now theyre going to think all the wrong things about me because of Alden.

Aulia doesnt care about your interests? Manon asked in a surprised voice. But youre her granddaughter!

She keeps saying she expects me to be mature. Shes not always mature. But I have to be.

The older generations arent always fair to the younger ones. Id apologize on our behalf, but your grandmother is quite a bit older than me.

When she was my age shed already had her first child. I dont think she even knows who Grandpa Corins father was.

It sounds like youre more responsible than she was.

Ive been working on the Triplanets for years. I think I understand more about the real world than most people. The large, sideways timeglass on the bookshelf caught Hazels eye. It looked out of place with the rest of the decor in the apartment. She reached up to tap the metal case that held it idly, and she frowned as it slid along the wood.

Wrong.

She didnt feel like shed tapped it that hard.

Oh. I performed an extra Force of the Travelers Body just now. I remember. Over by the door, right before walking over here to stand beside Manon and see the pictures. She could even feel her own imbalance, but it never bothered her the way other peoples did.

How strange that I let it slip my mind.

Hazel enjoyed the whole set of wordchains in the Force of the Body family. She liked turning the sweep of a hand into something explosive. She usually elected to cast a single one on an ordinary day though. Why did I decide to add another one?

Most people arent thinkers, Manon said. Or doers. They just exist. Youre different. I can tell. Can Aulia not see that about you?

Hazel frowned. What did you say you did for my grandmother again?

I run a little side business for her during a certain annual event. Weve been partners for almost fifteen years. Manon looked at the timer. Unfortunately, my payment was supposed to be time with Horatio Qu

So thats it. Everyone wants to know when the healer will be back. Hazel rolled her eyes. Hes just being a whiner. Aimi barely hit him with the car. He yelled about the Gloss threatening his life and then requested assignment to Artona III for a supplemental Healer school. Hell get over it soon enough and ask to come home. According to Grandma, he doesnt even like other planets.

Manons smile was strained. Thats good to know, but soon enough for someone as old as Horatio or your grandmother can be rather long to the rest of usanyway, where were we? You were telling me that Aulia expects maturity from you even though she isnt always mature herself!

Do you even have embarrassing pictures of Alden Thorn?

How would she? Thats right! That was the thought I had. That was why I cast the extra strengthening chain. Because the pictures sounded unlikely, and I thought she was a little creepy. The way she ate that chicken wasnt normal.

Alden and Manon were both Rabbits, but Alden hadnt been on Anesidora for long. Why would they know each other? Why would they know each other well enough for her to have pictures of him in a funny costume?

It sounded like a fiction the woman had invented just to make Hazel talk to her for longer.

I do, said Manon. From a job we did together. Theyre on this tablet.

Lie.

Hazel didnt know Alden. But she knew about him. Hed only had the one job. The one that had ended badly. It was so ironic that the job had been at

LeafSong. That school of all places. No wonder Grandma has completely taken leave of her senses when it comes to the delivery boy. She probably thinks the universe is shouting his name.

Hazel started to turn away. She was going to march out the door and leave this pitiful lying Rabbit to her pitiful little life. And thenthe rest of the facts pulled themselves together.

The LeafSong Entrance Examinations? she asked slowly. Is that the job you mean?

Yes, said Manon, smiling at her as though shed said something flattering.

In that moment, Hazel Velra understood everything about the past few hours.

She thinks I dont know what she does at that school. She thinks its such an important secret that Aulia wouldnt share it with me.

You know I have more than one contract tattoo with my grandmother, Hazel spat. Her anger was boiling up inside her.

Manon stared at her. More than one?

You think she wouldnt trust me with information? Me?

The nerve of this woman. She did thatto me!

I cant believe shes paying someone like you with Horatio! Hazel couldnt repeat the precise details of Manons work even to the woman herself, thanks to a rule in one of the contracts. But she would force out every biting truth she could manage around the limitations. You dont even do anything hard! All kinds of people could do that job. And we dont really need it. Grandma just thinks having you do it might one day give us something interesting. Youre useless. You should be fired.

Manons eyebrows were heading toward her graying hairline. Now calm down. Theres no need for us to have an argu

Are you trying to do it to me again? You think I dont know what you can do to people? You think Grandma Aulia wouldnt tell me something like that? I. Matter. I know things. I know who you are!

Manons face paled.

You were there to pick me up right as I ran away from the party! Hazel shouted. Do you think Im stupid?

In the corner of her eye, where shed minimized the video, a commenter was saying her dress made her look like a convenience store burrito.

I would never act like I did today! I would never say things like that! Hazel slapped her hand against the bookshelf so hard that a ceramic figurine fell off to shatter on the icy floor. You made me!

I didnt! Manon said.

I dont believe you! You Swayed me. Why arent you doing it now? Did your C-rank skill run out?

Im not a Sway! Listen, Hazel, I understand youre

She was reaching out toward Hazel with a hand.

Hazels own hand wrapped around something heavy on the shelf beside her. She swept her arm through the air.

All of her favorite daily chains were with her, defending her from the evil madwoman who stood before her. Hazel was graceful, accurate, strong.

The timeglass connected with Manons temple. There was an impact. A warm spatter. The soft but weighty thud of a body collapsing to the floor.

Hazel stared down, chest heaving. She felt cold and hot. The air smelled like blood.

C-contract, she said, callcall my grandmother. I need her. I need her right now!

In her hand, unseen, a single grain of sand slid from one side of the fifteen-year timer to the other, marking the passing of another minute.

The party was ending. As the last few guests exited the alley and a team of low-rank Brutes and Shapers began the clean-up, Aulia was situating a tiara on top of Miyos head.

A call notice came in.

Fine, Aulia said with a sigh. She winked at Miyos questioning look. Your cousins calling. Do you want to place a bet with me on whether it will be an apology or not?

Not, Miyo said at once. A thousand argold.

Done!

This was their little game.

She had the call go to audio only. Yes, Hazel dear. Do you have something to say to me?

Grandma, Hazel sobbed. Grandma, I killed the Rabbit.

Ow!

Aulia had accidentally yanked the tiara through Miyos hair. What did you say? she asked in a steady voice.

I k-killed the R-rabbit.

Aulia clasped her hands in front of her chest. The graffiti on the wall behind Miyo switched to an image of a tongue and a lollipop.

Repeat yourself, please, said Aulia.

The lights of her interface flared and shifted, screens changing rapidly as she requested and paid for information. The boy had last been seen in public entering his dormitory with Lute and the other two. Hazels last known location was an apartment building near Nautilus Needle.

Aulia breathed in through her nose and out through her mouth.

Hazel, Alden Thorn may very well be an extraordinary friend to this family one day. Im sorry youre having such difficulty adjusting to a slightly different reality than we had planned, but I see no reason to indulge your behavior any furth

Not that Rabbit! Hazels voice was nearly a scream. Manon! The LeafSong Rabbit. She tried to user her powers on me. I had toI had to kill her. It was self-defense!

The grating sound of chairs and tables scraping against concrete filled the alley as the cleanup crew began to put them away.

Thats the third time youve made that face tonight, Miyo noted, rubbing her scalp.

Aulia glanced at her.

> Miyo said in Artonan, sweeping a hand straight down over her own face and making her expression blank.

She was getting an interesting attitude now that she was a teenager. Aulia couldnt appreciate it at the moment.

> Miyo asked. >

Indeed you do, Aulia said. One moment, dear. Hazel, Im so happy to hear about your decision! Practicing your skill and serving others is a good way to make up for that shameful display earlier tonight. Our friends will be pleased to have you around full-time.

W-what? Hazel asked. Grandma, theres blood everywhere. But it was self-defense. I swear. She was doing things to me with her powers.

Dont just rush off! said Aulia. Where are you? Ill send someone for you. You need to come home and pack.

Is Hazel going somewhere? Miyo asked.

Aulia nodded at her. Important news, she said to both of them. Hazel plans to become a volunteer on the Triplanets. Shell be leaving us soon.

Volunteer? Miyo asked.

Yes! Thats an option for us Chainers. If you feel a call to service and choose to deny your own comforts and sacrifice your rights to payment and time off, they wont refuse you!

Miyo raised an eyebrow. So shes trying to avoid the backlash from that video. How long is she going to stay?

A long time, said Aulia in a thin voice. Shes probably going to stay there a very long time. I suggested volunteering shortly after she affixed, but she was feeling such a lot of disappointment about her rank that she refused. Shes had a change of heart. Would you like a car, Miyo?

Me?

You are such a wonderful granddaughter. Aulia leaned over and kissed her on both cheeks. I think you deserve more than a thousand argold. Lets get you a license. And a car. Or a helicopter. You pick.

Alden took a deep breath and let himself slide beneath the surface of the water. Hed gotten a turn in the claw-footed bathtub. Finally.

And all I had to do was ask Hazel Velra to stay away from me. Easy-peasy.

He let air escape from his nose and bubble to the surface.

Recovery sauna time had done wonders for him after Mondays gym class, but he was still achier than usual. The hot water was good. He could feel his auriad, loosely looped around his fingers from the spell hed been practicing while he soaked, drifting.

It would be fun to have the wordchain finished for the obstacle course tomorrow, he thought. But I think Id have to stay up all night hacking away at it. Fridays a better goal.

A notification light in indigo, his high priority color, appeared and he accepted it with a thought as he pushed himself back up for a breath of air.

Oh, its just that.

Hed been hoping it was Boe. Instead it was a notice that Manon Barre had updated her social media page. He clicked through to look at it because he couldnt stop himself and saw, to his surprise, that the new post was her special away animation again.

She got summoned? She only just got back.

The hourglass turned over.

Maybe theyll keep her for longer than a few hours this time. One or two of the boater members might still want to escape from her. If theyre not all like Laura

No. He was supposed to be letting this one go. Hed done what hed set out to do. If it hadnt helped, then it hadnt.

Alden ducked his head under the water again.

I wonder how long it will take to make an ice cube in hot water like this with my freezing spell?

His auriad stopped drifting around in the water so much. He felt a few of the loops tighten around his fingers.

He smiled.

******