Ep. 3 Open Case

September 7th, 2023

'What does the phrase "take out" mean? Well, it has many different meanings. For example, take the dog for a walk, take care of the trash, go on a date, etc. Today was none of those though. Yesterday was a muffin competition, but today was murder. How did a I, a baker and scribe, get involved in such a thing? It's hard to explain, yet I have a feeling my life is about to change.'

Earlier today, 8:45a.m.

"Good morning, Ms. Linsey!" Nature exclaimed, popping into the tiny shop not far from the farm.

   "Ah, hello, dear," Ms. Linsey said kindly. Ms. Linsey has mint blue hair with grey strands. She is getting up there in her years, probably around seventy nine years old. She has yellow eyes. She's run this shop as long as Nature could remember. "You're here for my daughter, aren't you?"

   "Yes, ma'am," she nodded.

   "She'll be back from Town Hall any moment now."

   As she waited for her friend, she looked around the shop. They sell wearing materials like glasses and hats and clothes. It's like a fashion festival in here.

   After ten to fifth teen minutes, her friend, Jewel, walked through the door. She has curly dark purple hair and crystal blue eyes. She had been wearing her detective clothes, so Nature took a guess something big happened. Jewel is two years older than her.

   "Jewel!" Nature smiled, running up to hug her.

   "Nature! You made it! Sorry if I disturbed you at all," she apologized.

   "Nah, you're good. Why did you need me? Is there something I need to report to Queen Sun?"

   "...We're not sure yet. That is one reason I need you, but I also need your help with filling some holes. You may know more than I do."

   "Okay. How can I help?"

   "Lets go to the station. I have all the information there."

   "Okay."

A few minutes later, they were at the Police Station Jewel works at. She is a detective but also part of the police. Jewel loves to analyze just about everything. Sometimes, Nature even catch Jewel analyzing her!

They walked into her office, and Jewel guided her to a huge bulletin board. It had pictures of "clues" on it from reports and traces. Red string connected some of them.

"Here you can see everything we've learned," Jewel began. "Whoever did it covered their tracks quite well."

"So what do you know?"

"On August 18th, on the rooftop of Hillville's school, Tyler had fell and landed head first onto the sidewalk. We thought it was a suicidal case, but his family and closest friends said he was fine. He didn't have a medical record for depression.

   With further investigation, we learned Tyler was an advanced magic student, soon to be accepted into Settle Sun's Magic school. To help pay for this, he was a guard for the queen. It was his third year there.

   Then, I stumbled upon a note in his locker. It was almost new, so it might had been from the killer. I had it analyzed for fingerprints, but there were none other than Tyler's on the sides. The note said, 'Meet me on the rooftop. 7:30a.m.' Whoever killed him made sure it was soon.

   Still, we needed further evidence it was not suicide, so we talked to students who heard a male scream. The tests came back from the lab and examinations. His head was fractured, and he had a stab wound on his back. Not only was he killed soon but also quickly. To top that off, we found his sneakers in the school's dumpsters. We found a blood stain on the roof too.

   There weren't many things to go off of, but we've made the decision to watch students and the Royal Guard closely. Luckily, on the rooftop, we found a purple feather. The killer had purple wings. That narrowed it down to twenty five students and ten soldiers."

"...I don't want to get anyone in trouble, but Freedom was telling me Jack's been acting off," Nature replied.

   "Really? Hm...perhaps I should question him. Jack has purple wings after all."

   "Jewel, I really don't want to cause trouble."

   "You won't be. Besides, trouble has already been caused. We have to fix it. From here on out, anyone with purple wings is a suspect. Nature, dear, I also advise you to stay away from Freedom for a little while."

   "Why?"

   "Well, if it's Jack, you could be in danger-."

   "What about Freedom then? Shouldn't he be warned too? He said Jack isn't too kind to him."

    "I understand your concern. He will know very shortly. Now, Nature, I trust your judgment just as much as Queen Sun. You have a way of...knowing who's up to something. That being said, I need you to call a report in to Queen Sun that any guards with purple wings is to report to the castle. Can you do that?"

   "Yes, but then what?"

   "Then, we observe them. We're looking for nervousness."

   "They're guards. They're built to show zero emotion!"

   "What do you suggest then?"

   "...Energy levels," she concluded.

   "Energy levels? What's that?"

   "Basically their auras. They can be statue, but, if you focus on them intensely, you can see a color built around them. It's an aura."

   "Interesting. Well, I suppose we can give it a go."

   "Alright. I'll go to Settle Sun."

   "I'll meet you in about an hour," Jewel nodded.

   "Okay."

   Just as Nature said, she took the train up to Settle Sun. Everything looked busy, so it took at least twenty minutes to get to the castle. And who did she see guarding the entrance? Let's just say she didn't feel in the mood to see them, but se cannot show that. She has a reputation after all.

   "Hello, Jack. Hello, Karlos."

   "Hello, Ms. Nature," Karlos greeted. He has dark blue wings and hair and light blue eyes. Despite being built like a giant compared to his siblings, he's pretty sweet like Freedom. Karlos is also the second oldest sibling.

   "Just Nature," she reminded him. Sometimes she hates the "royal title" she has being a scribe. She turned to Jack, sensing a disturbing feeling. Something is off. But if that's true, why did she not pick up on it a few days ago with Salona or at the dojo?

   He said nothing.

   How unusual compared to their last encounter. Why is he just staring at her? She shook her head, but before she could continue, Jack suddenly spoke.

   "What's up with you and my brother anyway?" He eyed her as if he was suspicious.

   'Cute,' she thought. 'So he cares enough to ask.'

   Nature shrugged, "It's a long story."

   "What are you doing here?"

   "You will see."

   "What's that suppose to mean?"

   "I don't know, Jack. What is it suppose to mean?" She questioned, putting her face inches from him and crossing her arms. She may be short, but sometimes this comes off as intimidating. Jack looked unphased.

"It was just a question," he huffed. She backed away a few steps.

"No need to be so rude, bro," Karlos commented on his brother's behavior.

"Why don't you shut your mouth?" Jack harshly said.

"Hey, hey! No need for a sibling ware fare!" Nature stopped them.

"Sorry, Ms. Nature," Karlos apologized. Jack glared at him. What is up with Jack? "My brother's been a bit moody lately."

'So you've noticed too, eh?' She thought.

"Karlos, may I speak to you for a moment?" She requested. He glanced at Jack and blushed. It seemed funny to her. It was like a 'help me' brother move, yet Jack did not even acknowledge Karlos' movement.

"Alone?" He asked.

"Yes. Come," she beckoned him forward.

"I should stay at my post though."

"I'm sure Jack can manage for a minute or two."

"...Ok-."

"Nature? What are you doing here?" Queen Sun suddenly said, walking to us.

"I came to see you!" She smiled.

'Dang! Almost had more information for Jewel!' Nature thought.

"Came to see me? Is there a problem?"

"Well, kinda," she scratched the back of her neck. They stood in between the two brothers. "Jewel asked me to report we need to see every guard with purple wings in the castle."

Nature glanced to see Jack's reaction. There was no one though. He just stared like before.

"Why?"

"I'm helping with the Tyler case. They found a feather at the scene."

"Hm, okay then. You heard her Jack. You might as well go in first," Queen Sun agreed.

Half an hour later, all ten suspects and Jewel were there with Nature in the throne room. Queen Sun decided to sit on her throne and watch. Before they started, she took out her notepad to take notes.

'Suspect 1. Alex

Twenty three years old, green eyes, light purple hair, and purple wings. Height: five foot four.

Suspect 2. Maxwell

Eighteen years old, a Magic student, blue eyes, violet hair, and purple wings. Height: six foot one.

Suspect 3. Clover

Twenty one years old, a Magic student, red eyes, dark red hair, and purple wings. Height: five foot six.

Suspect 4. Cory

Sixteen years old, hazel eyes, brown hair, and purple wings. Height: five foot three.

   Suspect 5. Fin

   Twenty five years old, black eyes, purple hair, and purple wings. Height: five foot nine.

   Suspect 6. Ivy

   Twenty three years old, green eyes, dark red hair, and purple wings. Height: Six foot one.

   Suspect 7. Ben

   Nineteen years old, brown eyes, violet hair, and purple wings. Height: five foot eight.

   Suspect 8. John

   Sixteen years old, violet eyes, dark blue hair, and purple eyes. Height: five foot four.

   Suspect 9. Mike

   Twenty years old, hazel eyes, purple hair, and purple wings. Height: Six foot two.

   Suspect 10. Jack.'

   She stopped writing, but then continued the information. Just as she thought, the guards were not going to budge. If anything, they were confused about why they were here.

   Nature walked over to Jewel and whispered, "Jack has been acting off. All he's doing is staring, arguing, and staying silent. Karlos noticed too like Freedom. I was going to question Karlos further, but Queen Sun interrupted us."

   "Keep an open mind though," she nodded. "We don't want to miss anything."

She turned to the guards and Queen Sun. Our queen gave the approval to start.

"I'm sure you're all wondering what this is about," Jewel began. "As you should know, Tyler was murdered and framed as a suicide. We found a purple feather at the scene. According to Tyler's history, it's more likely a student or one of you murdered him."

"We just want to ask you all some questions," Nature added. "Any questions?"

"Why do we all need to be here?" Mike asked.

"Heard of observations, dummy?" Clover remarked.

"There is no reason for that! I advise you all to not make comments like that. Anything you say or do can be used against you," Nature raised her voice.

"Any volunteers to start first?" Jewel offered.

"Wait a minute, Jewel," she stopped her. "Letting them go as they choose gives them time to think. The more time to think, the better the excuse."

"Ooo, good point! Alright, then I'll choose the order. Clover, where were you on that day?"

"Training in the dojo. Maxwell can vouch for me."

"Is this true, Maxwell?"

"Yeah! I was with him the whole day. We were practicing archery."

"Where were you, Mike?" Nature asked.

"I was working as a volunteer in Town Hall. Princess Moon was there helping me if you need evidence."

"Ivy?"

"...It's personal," he mumbled.

"O', his mother died of a heart attack," Alex answered for him.

"Oh yeah, I remember that," She recalled. "He's innocent, Jewel."

"Hmm, and you, Alex?" Jewel continued.

"I was with him. No one wants to be alone after loosing a family member."

"John?"

"I was up in the Icelands for my post for the day. I was assigned with Kevin and Denis to watch the princesses."

In Nature's opinion, John is too young to even commit such a thing. Plus, he's a first year, so it cannot be him.

"What were you up to, Ben?" She questioned.

"I was in gym with my classmates. They'll tell you."

"And you, Fin?"

"It was my post day to protect Queen Sun, right your majesty?" Fin turned around to her. She nodded.

"So, where were you, Jack?" Jewel crossed her arms. He raised his eyebrows.

"Am I a target or something?" He asked.

"Depends. Where were you?"

"I was at home."

"Were you?" Nature stepped in.

"Wait just a second here!" Jack snapped. "What the hell is up with you?"

"Don't turn this around!" She shook her head.

"What exactly were you going to talk to Karlos about?"

"So you were listening."

"Now you're TESTING me? Where did this come from?"

"...I can't tell you that."

"Does this have something to do with Freedom?"

"N-no!" She panicked. "No. It doesn't."

"You're a terrible liar."

"I'm not lying!" She quickly rejected. She looked over her shoulder at Jewel. "Look, both of your brothers just made a funny remark about your behavior being abnormal, so-."

"This is unbelievable! If it was me, I could've had plenty of chances to murder more. Like the other day with letting you in and out of Equality, it would've been so easy then!"

"Woah, woah, woah! We never said anything about a serial killer!" Jewel jumped in. "Jack, do you know something?"

"Were you not listening?" He scoffed.

"Fine. If it's not you, then why do you insist on staring? It just makes the situation worse!" Nature debated. "And why were you at home? I know for a fact guard hours are rotated every five to six hours weekly. In less you go to school, there is no reason to not be at a post. The only way for you to convince me is if Queen Sun can confirm you were free to not guard that day!"

"I don't recall it, no," Queen Sun shook her head.

"I DID NOT MURDER ANYONE!" Jack yelled.

Jewel sighed. "Okay, but just know you're a suspect. If it's not you, learn to watch your mouth and don't be surprised if your brothers avoid you."

"Why?"

"We'll be putting it in the paper to be careful around anyone with purple wings. You're dismissed."

They left quietly. Well, Jack stomped out, but that's besides the point. Queen Sun came down to them looking sad.

"I always feared this day would come," she sighed. "Jack's a good guard. I hope he's just having a bad week."

"We shall see, your highness," Jewel replied.

"Did I go too far? It distracted us from the others," Nature asked.

"No, it was good. Did you get auras though?"

"No, I was focused on Jack."

"Hm, oh well."

Jewel and Nature returned back to the police station to add more notes. They crossed off a few names and added the suspicion about Jack. Then, without Nature knowing, Jewel requested for Freedom to come to the station.

When he arrived, they were surprised to see each other. Jewel told them to sit down in her office. They picked the seats at Jewel's desk which were creaky and uncomfortable.

   "Why do we keep ending up around each other?" Freedom asked Nature.

   She shrugged, "Apparently fate wants us to."

   "Sorry for no warning, Freedom. Did Prince Night give you a hard time?" Jewel apologized.

   "No," he said, but somehow Nature knew it was a lie.

   "I know how "guard rumors" are, so did you hear what happened yet?"

   "No."

   "Well, you're here because Nature insisted I tell you to be careful around Jack."

   "Jack? Why?" He raised an eyebrow, looking from me to Jewel.

   "About an hour ago, we were talking to ten guards with purple wings. Jewel and her group found a purple feather at Tyler's death scene. It didn't belong to him," Nature answered.

   "Since Jack has purple wings, we have to suspect him like the others. Plus, he seems to be having a rather interesting mood."

   "What does this have to do with me?" Freedom saddened, obviously a little annoyed.

   "I just wanted to make sure you knew so you can stay safe just in case."

   "Jack is my brother. Even if it's him, he would never hurt me!"

   "You don't know that, Freedom. Just be careful, okay?" Jewel softened.

   "...Okay."

   "Good. Now, if you don't mind, I need you two to leave so I can continue to analyze this case."

   They nodded. Then, they got up and left the police station. Right when they got out, Freedom turned to Nature. He still seemed annoyed though.

"Nature, what the heck?" He glared. "How could you do this to Jack? Don't you know what the rest of the guards are going to do about this?"

"...I'm sorry," she bit my lip. The expression on his face became softer.

"No, no, you did the right thing," he sighed. "I'm being selfish."

"He's your brother, Freedom. I would blame me too...."

"That's not what I mean! I mean I'm avoiding the truth. Jack has being acting out of character, but I just...don't want people to be right about us."

She touched his arm in a comforting matter. "Oh, Freedom. Maybe it's just a big misunderstanding!"

"I hope so.... Well, I would go back to Settle Sun, but Prince Night told me not to come back for the day. I guess he was convinced I was in trouble or something."

"Would you like to hang out then?"

"Actually, can we go convince me my brother is innocent?"

"What do you mean?"

"We could go to my brother's room to look for anything suspicious."

"Isn't that invading privacy?"

"Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?" Freedom begged.

"Oh, alright. Let's go then."

Past the school, through the forest, stands a little wooden house. It looks a little old but not enough to be one hundred. They stepped up onto the porch, and Freedom opened the door for her.

His house opened up to the little kitchen. Straight ahead was the living room, and to the left was the dining room. In the living room were stairs to the second floor. Mrs. Wishes was pouring a cup of tea.

"Freedom? What are you doing home so early?" She asked. Mrs. Wishes has light pink hair, purple eyes, pink wings, and blond highlights. She's a teacher for Hillville.

   "Hi, mom. I was at the police station."

   "Why?" She said in a nervous tone.

   "Relax, I'm not in trouble. Jack will probably tell you later."

   "Okay? Oh, hello...Nature? What are you doing here?"

   "We're hanging out," she half lied. She gave a strange look at Freedom but shrugged it off.

   With that problem taken care of, Freedom led her upstairs. It was a hallway with four doors, so there were four bedrooms. A small balcony was at the end of the hallway.

   "My brothers share a room," Freedom said, opening the door closest to the balcony. "Do you like the small balcony? My father put it in when I was a little boy."

    "It's cute," Nature smiled as they entered his brothers' bedroom.

    It was clear the two split sides, yet everything looked normal. It was nicely organized too. You can tell these two are trained guards.

   "Jack's is to the left here," Freedom continued.

   "Riddle me this. If they share a room, why would Jack hide anything in here?" She asked.

   "I just wanted to make sure. You never know until you try."

   But before they could even begin, they heard the front door slam shut with an angry Jack yelling at his mother. Panicking, they hurried to Freedom's room across the hall. His room was also neatly organized and guard like.

However, there wasn't much time to look because Jack was pounding up the steps towards Freedom's room. They looked at each other, sharing a moment of worry. Before Nature could say anything, Freedom shoved her into his closet, put a finger up to his mouth for 'quiet', and closed it gently.

Then, silence.

Just brief silence.

Jack suddenly burst open Freedom's door. Nature thought he sounded as if he would huff and buff and blow Freedom down. Carefully, she looked through the crack of the closet doors, the kind that slide on to sides to connect. Jack had the most terrifying dark face she had ever seen. How does Freedom put up with him?

"So, care to explain yourself?" He snapped.

"W-what do you mean?" Freedom slightly trembled. Nature wished she could comfort him at this very moment.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about!" Jack hissed, coming inches to Freedom. Freedom backed up a step.

"Jack, I-."

"What is wrong with you? Don't you know what kind of trouble we're in because of you? What would father say, you useless mistake!" He insulted his brother.

"It's not my fault-!"

"Not your fault? Are you serious? This wouldn't have happened if you kept your mouth shut!"

"I...I'm sorry," Freedom narrowed his eyes.

"And how do you expect me to believe that, Freedom? Gosh, even your name is an embarrassment! It barely fits you!"

Nature clenched her fists tightly. Every part of her wanted to yell at Jack, but she knew she couldn't. She had to silent. Her presence would only make the situation worse.

"I didn't mean to cause any trouble...."

"Sometimes I wonder how the hell you're the future of this family! I'm not fully convinced dad picked you!"

Freedom was hurt by the words. Nature was not familiar with what Jack was talking about, but it must be important.

"Can you just leave?" Freedom asked calmly with a slight crack in his voice.

"You would like that wouldn't you? Trying to get rid of me, Freedom?"

"What? No! No!" He shook his head denying any part of it.

"If you tell the wrong people curtain things, they're going to turn against you!" Jack ignored his statement.

"Nature isn't a bad person!"

"Is that so?"

"Yeah! At least she's not suspicious of murdering anyone!"

Jack darkened, walking even closer to his brother, and his shadow towered over Freedom's. Freedom figured it out he shouldn't have said that. He looked worryingly at his brother.

"J-Jack?" He squeaked. Jack grabbed the collar of Freedom's grey shirt.

"Listen here, brother. You're going to keep your mouth shut from now on," he threatened.

"But I-I can't!"

To her horror, Jack then slapped Freedom across the face. He felt it with tears forming.

"YOU WILL! You don't HAVE a CHOICE!" Jack yelled. Freedom said nothing in return. He was too shocked by the slap. Thankfully, Jack left the bedroom.

Nature slowly came out and walked to Freedom. He was still looking at the door though, not even acknowledging her approach. She hugged him and buried her head into his back. She felt him start to silently whimper. Her guess was he still wanted to make sure Jack didn't know she was here.

"Shh," she soothed him. "Sit down."

   Gradually, he moved to sit on his bed with her. Never in her "sixteen" years had she encountered a problem like this. Maybe not since...no. Never mind.

   She had so many questions! Why did Jack do that? What was he thinking? Who does he think he is? He's certainly not Freedom's father! Is Freedom okay? How often does this happen?

   There are some people in this kingdom she wished she could pound into the ground for their ridiculous actions. Jack made one out of himself for sure. Oh how she wished she could go knock some sense into him! But then she would not be any better than him, right? She must remain calm.

   "Are you okay?" Nature asked.

   "I don't understand," Freedom whispered. "Why does it have to be me?"

   If she could count how many times she's heard that from herself, she'd be rich. Looks like they have something to share. She wiped his tears away with her fingers and put her hands on his cheeks.

   "How often does this happen?" She gently said with a bit of seriousness.

"Enough."

Her anger turned to sadness and worry. She knew Freedom was an introvert, but does it have a place of origin here?

   "Why do you let him get away with this?"

   "He's...my brother. I can't hurt him. It's not how I was raised."

   "Yet he does it."

   "It's like I told you before. He expects so much from me. I-I don't know how to feel about it...."

   Nature wanted to help Freedom in the worst way possible! But what can she, only a scribe, do? She thought with deep consideration. She searched her mind and soul for an answer. At last, she concluded she needed more information. She had to be sure how serious this was.

   "Do you trust me?" Nature asked. The question was odd to Freedom though.

   "Yes, I do. Why wouldn't I?"

   "Do you feel safe here?" She said, studying his face and arms.

   "There are times...not so much."

   Nature was searching for evidence. Anything to convince her her judgment was needed. However, Freedom looked okay, but emotionally he wasn't. Arms and face was not enough, but she didn't want to invade privacy.

   "Can I ask what you're doing?" Freedom asked.

   "Do you have any bruises on you from him?" She blurted out.

   Shocked by the question, Freedom looked from the door to Nature. He sighed and lifted his shirt. It was then she saw a terrible black and blue mark running top to bottom of his left side. It looked painful. Very painful.

   Nature was mortified.

   It pained her to see such a mark on her friend and to know where it came from. She wanted to touch it, but Freedom wouldn't let her do so. She could imagine why.

   "How do you hide things like this?" She whispered.

   "...I don't want to cause trouble."

   "But this...Something like this could kill you!"

Freedom looked away, feeling ashamed of himself. He knew he should of told his mother a long time ago, but he rathered Jack hurt him than his siblings or mother.

Now, Freedom's never been this close to someone before. Not since his father at least. There was just something comforting about Nature to him. Something that made him feel he can pour his secrets out to, healthy or not. She had a familiar presence that his father had, and he was determined not to loose Nature like his father.

As for Nature, though she has a huge fame level, no one truly knows her. Not her adoptive family, not her friends, or even Queen Sun. She may be an extrovert, but that doesn't mean she doesn't have secrets. After all, everyone has them.

"I have an idea," Nature said. Freedom lifted his head.

"What is it?"

"Now, if you're not comfortable with it, just tell me. I'm only trying to help. Okay, my family can be hard to deal with, but what if you stay at my house until we can get their help," she suggested.

   "That's a crazy idea," he whispered. "I mean, no offense, but has any Humans actually been there?"

   "Well, no. What? Are you afraid they'll bite your head off?" She laughed.

   "Mhm, okay... I'll do it, but only until we figure this out."

"I don't want you to be hurt again. I don't know about you, but I'd like to keep my friend."

Freedom thought for a moment. He didn't mind the idea of getting away from Jack for a little while. "Okay," he softly replied. "But what will I tell my mother?"

"Hm...Oh! Tell her the reason why we talked up here is because Queen Sun sent me here to tell you you're going on a guard trip!"

"That's a stretch, Nature."

"Do you have a better idea?"

"Well, no. Okay, let's do it! How long do you think I'll be staying?"

"Maybe a week or two?"

"Okay."

Before they went downstairs, she helped Freedom pack a few sets of clothes and other necessities he will be needing. Another thought crossed his mind though.

   "What about your parents?" He asked.

   "I'll worry about that. You do not have to. I will take care of this."

   "Are you sure?"

   "Yes."

   With that being said, they were ready for the moment of truth. Will Mrs. Wishes believe them? Only one way to find out!

   Remembering Jack was right down the hall, they carefully walked down the stairs. Luckily, Jack had left no mark on Freedom's face, so there would be no worries on that part. They walked into the kitchen. Mrs. Wishes was still there, writing a few notes in a notebook this time.

   "Mom?" Freedom began.

   "Yes?" She answered, looking up.

   "Queen Sun has assigned me a guarding project outside of Equality. Nature was here to explain it to me and to help prepare. I just wanted to let you know before I left."

   Mrs. Wishes was confused. At first, they told her they were hanging out. Not preparing for anything. Of course, it could of been a misunderstanding on her part. However, Mrs. Wishes was very familiar with Nature.

   She knows Nature is clever. She's been her student ever since Nature first began school. Therefore, Mrs. Wishes knows plenty of Nature's tricks.

August 30th, 2013

Mrs. Wishes sat in her classroom finishing her morning plan. It was an ordinary day. Students were arriving for their twelfth day of school, and she was happy to know her youngest son, Freedom, would be one of her students. She teaches Honors and for the gifted classes.

Hillville's school was not really a school in 2013. It was more of a large school house. Hillville was much too poor to upgrade the school into one like Settle Sun's. Still, the queen was the principal and her sister as vice principal. Mrs. Wishes was satisfied working here.

Little did she know all of that was about to change.

Mrs. Wishes had heard she would be receiving a new student, but that's all she knew. Not even a gender was given to her. Queen Sun was saving it for a "surprise". So she was left to wait patiently.

At long last, there was a knock at the door. Mrs. Wishes got up and opened it. She let the queen enter along with her daughter, Princess Guardians. She did not notice a small figure behind the tall queen.

"Good morning, Mrs. Wishes," Queen Sun smiled.

"Good morning, your highness."

"I have the student I was telling you about."

"Really? I don't see them," Mrs. Wishes said, looking about.

The queen moved to reveal a small little girl with short, curly, pink hair. She looked to be maybe Freedom and Princess Guardians' age. They looked at each other, not sure of what to say. After all, Nature has never had a teacher before.

"This is Nature! I want her doing Honors Geometry, 10th grade ELA, 7th grade Social Studies, and Honors Biology."

Mrs. Wishes was stunned. "May I ask why you make such a large request?" She asked, acknowledging these were all higher curriculum activities than Princess Guardians'.

Queen Sun moved to the chalk board and picked up a piece of white chalk. Then, she wrote '234,496, 451•345,450/100,000=?'.

"What's the answer Nature?"

"810, 067, 990," she answered.

"Is she correct, Guardians?"

"Sadly," Princess Guardians groaned.

Mrs. Wishes' jaw dropped. The girl was a genius! But how? Queen Sun came back over.

"So, about the work?"

"Y-Yes, of course, your majesty! I'll get right to it!"

"Good. Bye, Nature. I'll see you around."

September 7th, 2023

Ah, yes. Mrs. Wishes remembered those days quite well. She silenced her thoughts of Nature planning anything. Besides, even if she was, Mrs. Wishes felt it was about time Freedom started making friends with people.

"How long will you be gone?" She asked.

"Two weeks at the minimum," her son answered.

"Okay. If you can, write."

"Okay, mom. I love you. Good bye."

"I love you too, my son. Good bye."

   Freedom and Nature left casually to not draw any suspicion. When they were off the porch, they started to freak out.

   "I can't believe that worked!" Freedom exclaimed.

   "I know right?" Nature replied. Their pace quickened.

   "I haven't lied to my mom in years. When I did, she caught me right off the bat!"

   "Sorry you had to break that."

   "No, it's okay. She'll understand when this is over."

In silence, they hurried to the Hunter's Territory. About half way to Nature's home, Freedom broke the quiet walk.

"Are you sure about this?" He asked.

"Yes, after all we have to do something!" Nature nodded.

"Will they be okay with this?"

"I am eighty percent sure they will...."

"I sure hope so, Lady Nature. What is this part of the territory called?"

"It doesn't have one. It's just the valley before my house."

"By the way, where was everyone back there?"

"Probably working on the crop fields."

Freedom was in deep thought about the Hunter's Territory. They were so different yet so alike. It saddened him. He wanted to know more about the so-called "animals" everyone claimed them to be. Nature certainly had manners, so how could they all assume that?

When they arrived, Nature became nervous. Would Freedom like the house? Would her family be disappointed? What would her father say?

"Here we are...," she started, scanning for her family. "Huh. They're not here." There was a hint of relief in her words.

"You sure?"

"Yes-!"

At that moment, Foxy came thumping down the stairs. He looked panicked as he dashed to the kitchen. Then, he stumbled out with a container of green liquid.

"...Do I smell Human?" He suddenly said. Foxy also picked up on Nature's scent. "Oh! Nature, I didn't see you there! Who's-...who's this?"

"Uh, this is my friend, Freedom."

"Oh...," Foxy replied, going introvert. "Hi."

Apparently, Freedom did too because he nodded nervously at him.

"Whatcha got there, bro?" Nature asked. "You looked worried."

"Oh, yeah, uh... Grey drank some of my experimental acid thinking it was lime cool aid."

Nature burst out laughing at that. "It's not funny!"

"Foxy, what have I told you about leaving your experiments out after walking away to do something else?" Rose complained, coming down the stairs with her hand sliding against the banister.

"I know, I know! I'm sorry, mom."

"And I advise you to- oh! It's you again!" She exclaimed, hurrying to Freedom's side. "What are you doing here?"

"Long story," Freedom sighed. Foxy carried on to upstairs.

"Where is dad?" Nature budded in.

"Upstairs, why?"

"We need to talk."

"Oh~?"

"NO! Do NOT even GO there!" Nature shouted.

"Lower your voice," Rose giggled.

"Why is there shouting down here?" Speedy asked, coming down with Emos.

"Perfect timing!" Nature answered. "I have a question."

   Speedy walked to his wife, who was standing by the kitchen door frame now. "Why is there a Human in our house?" He huffed, eyeing Freedom suspiciously.

   "That's what I asked, but more politely," Rose scowled at her husband. Speedy gave the parent look of, 'Can you not see the picture here? There is problem to remove immediately!'

   "What is it?" He questioned.

   "This is my strictly FRIEND, Freedom. He's a guard," Nature began. "So you remember that murder I was telling you about at the school? Well, there's a possibility his brother might be the killer. Also, his brother is kinda abusive to him."

   "AND?"

   "And I thought of a solution to protect him for awhile, which would be he stays here for maybe a week or two?"

   "How about no?" Speedy glared.

   "But YOU told me I'm old enough to make my own decisions, and that I should ALWAYS do the right thing~," she tried get around him.

   "You did say that!" Emos agreed.

   "I think that's a great idea!" Rose nodded.

   "ROSE!" Speedy complained. "Are you seriously not getting this?"

   "Oh, yeah. I hear it loud and clear."

Foxy came back down the stairs. His ears slightly twitched. He stopped at the bottom of the banister with a shy face.

"I have an input in this," he started.

"Foxy's the smart one," Nature whispered to Freedom.

"He's a...guard, right? They're suppose to be... respectful, right?"

"That's debatable," Nature and Freedom said at the same time.

Foxy blushed. "If mom likes him-."

"Your mother likes everybody," Speedy rolled his eyes.

"Fine. If Nature trusts him, then why are we questioning it? I trust Nature's judgement."

"And I get finale say!" His father crossed his arms. "My answer is no!"

"Oh, come on!" Nature glared.

"No, it's fine, Nature. I figured this wasn't going to work anyway...," Freedom stopped her. "Besides, this might stir up even more trouble."

"I'm not giving up that easily!" She shushed him. She turned to her father. "One night. Just one. Give him a chance!"

Making decisions like these are hard for Speedy. He is the pack leader. He was not sure if he could trust Freedom. It's not like they haven't meant nice Humans before, but it racked his brain of the idea of a male being around his adopted daughter.

However, Foxy was right. Nature's judgment is ninety-nine point nine percent correct. But what if this was one of those one percent times? He would never be able to forgive himself!

It annoyed him how innocent Freedom looked! He knew looks can be deceiving. Even more, he regretted telling Nature she could make her own decisions for herself. Sometimes he forgets how naive she is about the outside world.

It tore him in two seeing how disappointed Nature was. Usually, she would come to a misunderstanding, but she clearly was not going to budge.

He did consider the words of why Freedom was here. Was it the truth? He didn't know! At last, he gave in.

"Fine. One night."