Kaitekina Kūkan

Wiz felt herself falling first, after her knees buckled. Strong arms caught her before she hit the ground and her head spun for a moment.

The last thing she heard before passing out was her best friends’ voice gently saying “I have you my friend.”

She awoke in the space with a start, then flinched as her body started aching something terrible. She closed her eyes, curling up on the ground and taking deep breaths as she waited for it to pass. Once it had, she didn’t feel too much better, having a headache and many bodily aches.

She sat up slowly, her torso swaying as she looked around the space. It seemed empty and quiet. She wasn’t sure what time of day it had been, just that apparently it was too early for anyone else to be in bed yet. 

She swallowed dryly, looking down at the floor and froze. Her hands looked… odd. The color of her skin was darker and her fingers looked longer than they had been before. Her nails were also longer, and looked sharper than usual. 

She stood slowly, supporting her trembling body on the wall as she trudged to the nearest bedroom where there was a floor-length mirror. She pressed her hands on either side of it and stared at herself in shock. 

She looked so… different.

Her whole body had been changed, still subtly her, but oh so unfamiliar. The only retention of her previous skin tone was in the stripes that went down her limbs, tail, and forehead. It ended at the start of her snout which was longer than before, with newly sharpened canines that poked her tongue uncomfortably. Her tail was no longer short and stubby, but reached her knees. She looked taller and her plastron scutes were overlaid rather than pieced together. Her shell was mostly the same, if not slightly larger due to her increased height. 

What terrified her more, tho, was just how thin she looked. Her shell almost looked too big for her, and she could see some of the bones in her arms and face.

She took a step back from the mirror, all the way to the door, and slid down it slowly. She put a hand on the back of her neck, sighing. 

The worst part, the true cream of the crop, was that she had no earthly idea what had happened.

~~~

Aggie stepped into the space, looking around to find it empty. There didn’t seem to be anyone there yet at first glance, but he found one of the bedroom doors closed. When he tried to go in, he found it locked. 

“Hello?” Aggie knocked on the door. “Anyone home?”

There was no answer, only a slight shuffling through the door. Aggie furrowed his brows. He didn’t have any way to tell who it was yet. He’d either have to coax them out or wait for the others to get there so he could use the power of elimination. 

“Are you okay?”

Nothing. Aggie sighed. “Come on, I can’t help if you don’t let me.”

After a few more tries and no results, he sat outside the door, looking into the living room for whoever would arrive next. 

Phet came first, giving him an odd look as he shrugged. The softshell quickly went about his business, grabbing Tiny when he arrived next to occupy another room. Bingo came after that, followed by his ghostly brother. Bingo trudged past looking more annoyed than usual, while Bluey stopped and waved to Aggie. Aggie waved back and gave him a small smile. 

“What's up Aggie? You look like you’ve got something on your mind.” Bluey hovered over, curious.

Aggie looked at the door. “Someone’s been locked in here since before I came, but I haven't figured out who yet, and they won’t say anything or let me in. I think something’s wrong.”

“Want me to take a look?” 

Aggie brightened. “Would you? Just be careful, I don’t think they’re up to talking.”

“I gotcha.” Bluey gave a thumbs up as he partially drifted through the wall. He peeked into the room to see someone curled up against the door, covered in a light purple hoodie, even their legs pulled up against their chest under it. 

Bluey moved around silently, looking as much as possible while staying out of sight. He noted the strange tail that wrapped around the hoodie, too long to be anyone he recognized. Thoroughly confused, Bluey pulled back, looking at Aggie. “Did we get a new arrival recently?”

Aggie furrowed his brows, whispering his answer. “I don’t think so, we haven’t had any new Donnie’s since Bingo, and the last companion that was new was Bitey.”

Aggie narrowed his eyes. “I don’t really think any of our images could be changed enough to make us unrecognizable. That’d take quite the feat.”

“Jeez. I can’t recognize whoever’s in there, either we have a newbie or something… something happened.” Bluey shrugged with a slight cringe at his own mental image.

Bluey’s expression went flat with one raised brow. “Remember last time?”

Aggie raised his own brows. “You mean that big monster? What about it?”

“I'm just saying it’s possible ok.”

Aggie looked at him, concerned, before looking at the wall, trying to mentally figure out what he meant by that. 

Bluey shook his head, already moving back through the wall. “Regardless, I'm gonna take another look.”

“Don’t spook them.” Aggie waved, getting up. “I’m going to see if anyone else has arrived.”

“Don’t worry Aggie.” Bluey reassured. “They probably can’t see me anyway.”

Bluey followed his previous pattern, floating just out of sight before deciding to risk it. He hovered in front of the new arrival with curiosity.

Their downcast reddish-brown eyes flicked up and locked onto him.

“Oh!” Bluey was taken by surprise and waved to the new face. “Hi, I didn’t-” Bluey cleared his throat before sticking a smile to his face. “I’m Bluey.”

Their face scrunched up, and a hand popped out of the collar of the hoodie, pulling the hood more over their face as they shook for a moment, letting out a few heavy breaths. “I know… I know who you are, Aciano.”

Bluey froze for a moment, his brain struggling to compute. “W-WIZ!?” 

She flinched, curling up tighter in the hoodie. 

“What happened!?” He rushed down to her side, trying his best to respect her space while searching for newer injuries. “Are you ok, are you hurt, what’s going on?”

“Haven’t the foggiest,” she shook her head. “I don’t remember anything.” she huffed, turning her gaze down. 

Bluey took in everything new, from her striped tail to her snout, to the reddish tint to her eyes. It reminded him of the painful transformation she endured in her last visit. A brief thought passed his mind, ‘could this all be lingering effects from that? Will she ever go back to what she was before?’ 

“Is… is touch ok?” Bluey opened his arms to her. “Do you want a hug?”

She looked at him with a frown. “I don’t think I have the energy for the spell at the moment, sorry.”

Bluey took in a breath and focused, bringing Wiz into a hug.

She stiffened, surprised for a moment, before relaxing into his hold, letting her legs out of the hoodie so she was more comfortable. 

Bluey moved to pull her closer, his hand brushing over her thinned arm. The alarm bells in his head were blaring as he pulled back to get another look at her. With a slight struggle he managed to push back her hoodie sleeve 

She pulled her arm back, yanking the sleeve back down. “What are ya doing?”

“Wiz have you been eating? You’re so thin!” Bluey’s mom modeᵗᵐ was going full force.

She drew her shoulders up, hugging herself. “I- I don’t know. I don’t remember. I was only awake for a moment before coming here, everything before that just isn’t there.” she shook her head. “I don’t know.”

Bluey was pretty sure he felt his heart break. “I’m sorry.” Bluey retracted his hands.

She looked at him for a moment, then at the ground for a moment, contemplating something. Then she reached up, grabbing the shoulders of the hoodie and slipping it off, setting it on the ground in front of her. She kept her eyes on the ground, not looking at him as he got a full view of her body.

Bluey felt his breath hitch as his eyes widened, seeing every old scar in new light. Her face was a tint darker, her cheeks flushed from what he assumed was embarrassment. “Hey,” Bluey leaned down to try and meet her gaze, offering a soft smile. “It’s gonna be ok.”

She gave him a skeptical look before leaning forward a bit, offering to touch their foreheads together. 

It took him a minute to be solid enough to oblige, and the warmth of her forehead took him by surprise. He almost lost his focus again, nearly phasing through her head. “Wiz are you sick?”

She glared at him. “Stop asking me questions I don't have the answers to.”

“Right, right. Sorry, I’m just worried for you.”

She nodded. “I don’t feel great, but I figure it has to do with whatever this is.” she motioned toward her tail. “Maybe Dad will make me some soup.”

“I’m sure he will if you ask, Bellflower.” Bluey hummed.

She nodded. Then she looked at the door for a moment. She shifted on her knees, and moved to unlock the door. Her arm trembled as she grabbed the handle, pulling it open before pulling herself up slowly.

Bluey stuck close, watching with concern. “Are you ok to walk Bell?”

She nodded stiffly as she held herself up on the doorframe, breathless. She had pulled the hoodie with her and managed to wiggle back into it. “I’m fine, just need to-” her knees buckled and she toppled to the ground once more. She managed to catch herself before she faceplanted, and supported herself with her arms, glaring at the ground. “Bloody hell, ya’d think this wouldn’t be that hard.”

“Yea, no. C’mere.” Bluey bent down to scoop her up in a bridal-style carry. “You are not walking.”

She squirmed for a moment, but ultimately surrendered, setting her head on his shoulder with a sigh. “This is humiliating.”

“It’s not the weirdest thing done here.” Bluey replied before he steadied himself, taking very controlled steps forward. With each step it became harder to keep a hold on wiz and not phase through her. Eventually he was stuck, unable to take another step without losing his hold on being solid.

“You okay?” she tightened her grip around his shoulders.

“Yep! Just kinda…” Bluey strained his voice as he tried not to lose his focus. “Stuck.” 

“Set me down.” She narrowed her eyes. “Don’t drop me, please.”

“Not dropping you is specifically why I’m not moving.” Bluey gave her a look of his own.

She closed her eyes with a sigh. “Ya need dad?”

“… yes” Bluey looked rather embarrassed, despite not having the capacity to actually blush in any way. “Sorry about this. Hey Aggie!” 

Wiz took a small breath in, pulling her hood up quickly and hiding her face in Bluey’s collar as Aggie ran in. 

“What’s up? Did you-” Aggie looked at the ghost carrying someone and tilted his head. “What’s happening?”

“Long story.” Bluey rolled his eyes as he talked trying to seem as casual as he could. “I’m in a bit of a predicament. Can you call dad? Please?”

Aggie looked confused “uh, okay?” he ran back out, and several moments returned following Dad. 

Dad, needless to say, was also confused about the person floating in the middle of the living room. 

“I’m stuck.” Bluey chuckled awkwardly.

Aggie repeated it to dad, explaining that Bluey was there. After a short back and forth, Dad stepped around, gathering Wiz in his own arms and allowing Bluey to release her. Wiz shifted into the new hold, but remained silent and as hidden as possible.

Bluey released the tension in his arms when Wiz was lifted away. He nearly flopped onto the floor before he floated back up to Wiz’s level mouthing ‘I’m sorry’.

“So…” Aggie stuck by one of Dad’s shoulders, trying to get a better look at Wiz. “mind explaining a little more, Bluey?”

“Uh…” He looked to Wiz, unsure of what he could share. “It’s not really for me to tell.”

She tensed, curling up more and pointing at the couch. Dad looked at her neutrally, but followed the direction to settle her down in the cushions. He kneeled in front of her, keeping a hand on her shoulder as he turned to Aggie. “Aggs, could you go for a bit?”

“But how are you going to understand Bluey?”

“I’ll manage.” Aggie huffed, but obliged, exiting the room.

Dad turned back to Wiz, moving his hand to brush her cheek. “Hey Sweetpea. Are you feeling okay?”

Bluey did a double take, staring wide-eyed but unseen at dad. He knew.

Wiz looked at him, her mouth hanging open for a moment before she put a hand over it and looked at her lap, leaning into Dad’s hand. 

Bluey watched, his stomach swimming with guilt. He didn’t mean for dad to recognize her all because he couldn’t do the simple task of walking.

“Hey,” Dad got up on the couch beside Wiz. “talk to me, honey.”

“Sorry.” she mumbled. “I didn’t expect ya’d recognize me.” She wrapped her arms around herself defensively. 

Dad nodded, sympathetically. “Even if you look different, you’re still you. You have the same body language and build and look in your eyes.”

Another stab of guilt shot through his gut. Dad knew Wiz so well he recognized her so easily. Here he had tried to introduce himself as if she was a new arrival. 

“What happened?” Dad asked. 

Wiz shrugged. “I don’t know.”

Dad put an arm around her shoulders carefully, and after a second, put his hand to her head. “You have a fever. Are you feeling okay?”

Wiz shook her head.

“Want some soup?”

She nodded. 

He stood up, wrapping a blanket around her before stepping into the kitchen. 

Bluey watched Dad leave giving Wiz one more glance over before slowly drifting back to leave her be. 

“Bluey.” She got his attention. He froze in place, not daring to move. “Stay? Please?” she looked down. “I’m not used to this.” she motioned her head toward the kitchen. “I feel less awkward with you around, at least.”

Bluey nodded, moving quietly back into her line of sight. “I’ll stay as long as you need me too.” He spoke with a smile, despite not being able to meet her gaze.

She watched him for a moment, then patted the spot next to her to invite him over. “c’mere.”

Bluey complied, setting himself in the spot she had patted, watching the kitchen door for dad.

“What’s on your mind, Cornflower?” she asked slowly. 

“I… I feel bad. That I didn’t recognize you.” Bluey shrugged.

She was quiet for a moment, pulling her knees up to her chest. “I got here around noon, y’know.”

“That long?” Bluey’s head snapped back up to Wiz in surprise.

She nodded. “I’d just…” she shrugged “regained consciousness, i think? And I took two steps before I passed out.” she looked at her hands. “Everything hurt, I was terrified, and when I realized something was different I went to the bedroom to find a mirror.” She pressed her forehead to her knees. “I didn’t even recognize myself…” She glanced at him. “I’m not upset with you, just surprised with Dad.”

“I… still feel like I should’ve seen sooner.” Bluey looked wiz in the eyes with a small and soft smile and open arms. “But, I am here for you now.” 

She raised her brows at him. “You’ve got me?”

Bluey made a humorous huff. “Yes, I’ve got you.”  His smile widened, growing more earnest. “Always.”

She leaned into him, humming. “Always.”

There was an odd thumping behind them, and they turned to see that it was her new tail, hitting the cushion over and over. 

She pressed a hand to it, pinning it down. “That’s not going to be inconvenient at all.”

Bluey chuckled, his own tiny tail moving a mile a minute. “Better watch out for that new whip.”

“Aggie is going to want to tie a bow on it.” she noted.

“Oh absolutely.” Bluey grinned. “Just hope he picks out a good color for you.”

She poked him with a finger. “You underestimate his fashion skills. He’s the only one here that would look weird without any on.”

Bluey shrugged. “Fair point.”

Her face fell, and she blinked. “How am I going to explain this to everyone?” she motioned at her body. 

“I’m sure you’ll figure out something. You always do.” Bluey rested a hand on her shoulder. 

She looked at the wall. “I think it was the mutant infection. Last thing I remember was going to April because I was sick and then…” she cut off, taking a deep breath. “Things started getting a little fuzzy.”

“So you don’t remember any of your last visit?”

She looked at him with furrowed brows. “The last time I was here, I was under the weather and everyone kept trying to push me into bed despite this being a dream.”

Bluey tapped a finger against his knee as he thought. He didn’t know if explaining her brief monster moment would upset her. “That’s… not exactly… hmmm” Bluey trailed off into humming

She sighed, sitting up and glaring at him. “What happened??”

“So, how do I put this delicately?” Bluey muttered, keeping a steady tapping. “You did show up another time between then and now… and you weren’t exactly yourself. ”

She closed her fists, looking down. “Was anyone hurt?”

“No, everyone was fine.” Bluey paused to think over his phrasing. “Let's just say you made quite the entrance.”

She looked at him sadly. “Did anyone know it was me?”

“Not to my knowledge.” Bluey shook his head. “I was really the only one to see you up close.”

She nodded. “Good. I wouldn't want anyone here having any more trauma just cause I was dumb.”

Bluey just nodded, not trusting himself to continue talking without upsetting her.

She was quiet for another moment. “I remember being in April's apartment, and my leg started really hurting.” She rubbed the still-there scar where the infection had entered her body. “The lights went out and…” her breath hitched. “Her and Casey went to the other room to look for flashlights. When it got worse I was… I was alone.”

“And your brothers?” Bluey’s brows knit together in concern.

“They were out trying to maintain the infected mutants. I threw up in the van so they dropped me off at Aprils. I think I interrupted their date and they were not very happy about it.” she sighed. 

“I’m sure they didn’t really mind. They might’ve been a little upset but I severely doubt they would blame you. You were sick.” 

“April didn’t seem too mad. Casey was. He said I was cramping his style.” She laid back on the couch. 

“Ah Casey, as tactful as ever.” Bluey shook his head. “He’s not even my Casey yet I want to smack him upside the head.” 

“He’s a good guy, just…” she shrugged. 

“Blunt? Brash? A dumbass?” Bluey tried to supply.

“All of the above.” she sighed. 

Bluey snickered. “Classic Casey. At least he isn’t much different.”

“Compared to yours?” Wiz scoffed. “He’s a saint.”

“Ha!” Bluey laughed. “My Casey is a menace.”

“My Casey is less of a menace and more of an awkward idiotic hunk.” she smiled fondly. “One time he was our distraction, entering a tech company to return a toaster as dramatically as possible. He ended up smashing it and the desk and took out two security guards before he was kicked out.”

“That sounds about right. Why did you guys need to be in a tech company anyway?”

“The first time we defeated the Shredder, Splinter disappeared, and we tracked him there.” she fiddled with her hands. “We needed to get April into the security room so that she could let us into the building.”

“Oh. That sounds…” Bluey held something between a smile and grimace. “Interesting. To say the least.”

“Turns out it was run by the Utroms, and run by Leatherhead's father, Professor Mortu.”

“Leatherhead has a dad?” Bluey blinked.

“Adopted dad. The Utroms took care of him when he mutated.”

“Oh. He’s a lot luckier than my Leatherhead.”

She looked at him, her face falling. “What happened to your Leatherhead?”

“He was stuck with the kraang, a lot less friendly than the utrom.” Bluey shrugged. “Also he’s a little feral, and not our age. More and more differences.”

“Oh-” her brows knit. “At the time LH was still missing, in Bishop's hands. I guess that’s one of those universal equivalents. The other things, not so much. LH does lose control sometimes, but not often.”

“Ours goes nuts at even a mere mention of the kraang.” Bluey cracked a smirk. “He has a bad habit of grabbing Bingo by the face.”

She laughed. “When LH loses control, it’s usually Mikey he ends up throwing around. That’s how we met him in the first place.”

“We met ours by Mikey bringing him home and he threw Bingo around a little.” Bluey shakes his head. “Bingo still holds a grudge.”

“That seems flipped.” She said, Bluey nodded at her. “At least your Bishop isn’t a psychotic conspiracy theorist.”

“Our bishop is actually an Utrom.”

“Ours would rather dissect Utroms.” she glared at the ground. 

“Yeesh.” Bluey recoiled.

“He’s the one that started this whole mess!” she threw her arm out. “Staging an alien invasion, kidnapping the queen, then framing us for it.”

Bluey furrowed his brow, listened to Wiz rant.

“His stupid makeshift aliens blew up if they were hit too hard, and all their residue created the mutant outbreak.” she huffed, crossing her arms. 

“Oh no.” Bluey gasped. “That’s what started…” Bluey trailed off not wanting to draw Wiz’s attention back to her situation.

“I hope Leatherhead was able to finish the cure I had started. I figure that’s how they turned me back.” she stared off into space. 

“At least we know it works considering you’re… you.” Bluey offered.

“Mostly works.” she corrected. 

“Right, right.” 

She brought her hand up. “I still feel so different, weird…” she clenched her fist “angry.”

Bluey hums in acknowledgment as his brows draw up with concern. “You think you’re gonna be ok?” 

She didn’t respond for a moment, continuing to look at her hand. “I’ll adjust.” She set her chin on her knees and wrapped her arms around them. “I always do.”

“I’m here to help you through it Bell.” Bluey offered his hand for her to mess with. “I promise to do my best to help you through things.”

She nodded, setting her hand in his. “We really should stop Aggie before he tells everyone there’s a new turtle.”

“Oh crap.” Bluey’s eyes widened. “I forgot he doesn’t know.”

“Would you grab him?” She asked. “Apparently I can’t walk.”

“Of course Bellflower. I’ll just be a second.” Bluey zipped off to find the young lizard.

As if sensing the end of the delicate conversation, Dad stepped out of the kitchen with a tray of soup, offering it to the turtle as Bluey lost sight of the two.

Bluey zoomed through the halls, passing through and promptly spooking multiple don’s before halting in front of Aggie. “Aggie wait!”

Aggie looked at him, interrupted mid-conversation. “What’s up Bluey? Is that turtle okay?”

“Yea she is! Uh also it’s a bit of a complicated situation.” 

Aggie smiled. “That’s good. Are we okay to meet her now?” Wolf perked up from beside Aggie at the words, nodding eagerly in his direction. 

Bluey thought a moment. “M-maybe. Not right now but in time. She does want to talk with you. I think.” Bluey mumbled the last sentiment.

“Me?” Aggie pointed at himself. 

“Yes you. There’s some explaining that needs to be done.”

Aggie started following after him, telling Wolf to hang back. “Is she okay? Is she hurt?”

“She’s a little sick. Dad made her some soup.” Bluey avoided the dons he previously flew through.

“Ah.” Aggie put his hand over his mouth. “Do I need a mask?”

“Aggie you can’t contract anything here.” Bluey chuckled.

“Right…” Aggie frowned, dropping his hand. “Then how did she get sick?”

“She was already sick when she came in. It must’ve just stuck with her.” Bluey shrugged.

Aggie nodded. “Okay, anything else I should know?”

“Probably just.” Bluey halted outside the doorway poking his head in. “Give me one sec ok!”

“Ooh, announcing me?” Aggie teased.

“Something like that.” Bluey gave him a grin before floating back to Wiz. “I have aggie by the door, do you wanna explain it, or would you rather not? I just figured it’s not my story to tell.”

“I’ll explain.” She took a deep breath. 

Bluey nodded going back to Aggie. “Alright bud, come on in. Just don’t flip out ok?”

Aggie came in, approaching Wiz slowly as Dad sat beside her, softly rubbing her shell. 

“Uh-” Aggie fidgeted, unsure how to start any sort of conversation. 

Wiz took a moment before looking up at him slowly, through her hood. “H-hey, Aggie.”

Aggie blinked, his whole body going rigid for a moment as his mouth fell open. 

Then he flung his arms up in the air, dramatically shouting “WIZ?!” she flinched at the sudden reaction, recoiling further into the hoodie as Dad stiffened. Bluey floated next to Wiz offering his hand again. 

“Aggie-” Dad started.

Footsteps were heard running towards the room as Wolf poked his head through the door. Mouse ran fully into the room with a questioning chirp. Phet also followed behind, curious about the commotion. 

Wiz pulled the hood over her face again, her shoulders trembling as she muttered low enough for only Bluey and Dad to hear. “I didn’t want everyone at once…” Dad shifted, pulling her further back on the couch as he stood, blocking everyone’s view. 

“Private conversation!” he said sternly. “Out, now.”

Mouse’s expression was extremely worried and sad. “Is she ok?” Wolf came over to promptly yoink him out of the room.

Wiz reached for dad. “It’s fine. Better now than never.”

Dad looked at her for a moment. “Are you sure?” 

She nodded stiffly, and he stepped aside. “nevermind.”

Mouse inched forward, still staying a fair distance away.

Wiz looked up at him slowly, swallowing, before pulling the hood off slowly. “Hey, Mouse. Guess we’re more than book buddies now.” She gave him a tired smile.

Mouse made the smallest gasp as he quickly shuffled over to the couch. “What happened, are you ok?

“I’m- I’m not feeling great.” she admitted. “And I’m not sure what happened, I don’t remember.” she offered a darker colored hand out to him, inviting him closer.

Mouse promptly scuttled over to her, sitting next to her on the couch holding out his arms for a hug. She leaned into him, sighing as Phet stood by the door, looking confused but as understanding as he could get. 

Mouse wrapped an arm around her, landing in an almost protective position over her shell. His expression changed as he looked her over for injury. “You’re thin… and a lot taller.” He hummed.

She nodded and Dad sat down on the opposite side again. “Dad and Bluey had to help me get in here.”

Mouse nuzzled his snout into her shoulder, squeezing her as gentle as possible. “I’m sorry Wiz.”

She relaxed into the touch. “I was the one at fault.”

“No-” Mouse’s voice was stern yet calm.

“Yes.” she interrupted. “I got infected by the mutant outbreak virus by that cut in my leg. I should have kept running tests instead of trusting just one, especially when I got sick.”

“That doesn’t make it your fault.”

She didn't respond, squeezing his arms. 

Finally, Aggie spoke again. “You look… different.”

She looked over at him, Mouse feeling her tense. 

“Not a bad difference!” he backtracked. “I mean, the tail is nice! It needs a bow like your mask. Where is your mask?”

“Aggie.” Dad smiled fondly at the child. “Stop digging.”

“Right.” Aggie looked around awkwardly, then gave Wiz a thumbs up “nice to meet you! I mean-” he clamped his mouth shut, taking a breath through his nose. Then he turned and robotically marched out of the room, red in the face. 

Bluey stifled a giggle at Aggie’s actions. Wolf teased him a little as the young lizard left.

Wiz tapped Dad’s shoulder. “Think we can get everyone else?”

Dad nodded. “I’ll try. Not sure Bingo will want to come out.”

“He’s a bit… grumpy at the moment.” Bluey added.

Wiz hummed in acknowledgement. 

“I’ll try.” Dad promised. “Don’t want any later confusion, right?”

Wiz nodded and Dad left to find the others, shooing Wolf and Phet from where they were spectating unless they had something to say. Wolf left to go tease Aggie further with a mischievous grin. Phet returned to The room he’d been in with Tiny. 

Dad returned with Pup and Bitey in tow, leaving Tiny be since Phet locked the door. He also brought Poppy and  a very reluctant Bingo.

Wiz once again sat stiffly with their eyes burning her skin. She didn’t look at them yet, unsure how the few that hadn’t come running when her name was said would react in comparison. Mouse gave her a reassuring squeeze that she returned with a deep breath. 

 Pup slunk closer, ever so slowly, until he bumped his snout against her shin, sniffing a moment. Then he perked, looking up at her with a smile and a chirp. She gave him a pat on the head.

Bitey crept over next prodding her arm with his snout with a curious chirp. She offered her hand for him to sniff and he pressed his head into her palm with a happy churr, almost petting himself with her hand. She pet him herself feeling the callous skin of his scars and he pressed his cheek into the contact. He made a plethora of happy noises with a smile that she mirrored. Pup shifted, laying against one of her legs and offering a spot next to him for Bitey. He joined pup when Wiz’s hand got tired and the pets died down.

She looked up to see Bingo studying her with a critical gaze.

“You brought me out here to see that Wiz got an upgrade?” He gave dad a dramatically offended expression. “She looks great but I have important things to be doing!”

“I brought you out here,” Dad narrowed his eyes at the teen, challengingly. “So that there won’t be any future confusion should anyone not recognize her.”

“Yea cool whatever.” Bingo waved dad off as he turned to leave. “You look great, Wiz! Glad you’re not grievously injured or whatever.” 

Dad went to move after him but Wiz stopped him. “Don’t. He saw, he’s fine.”

~~~

The next visit had Bluey pacing, waiting for her to show up. She had to show up. Was she already there, like before? He checked the rooms over again and again just to be sure.

He zipped over upon hearing the chime like he’d already done three times. Wiz was standing there, yes, standing, with her mask returned and her tail wagging behind her. 

“Hey, Bluey!” she smiled, and offered her arms for a hug.

Bluey crashed into her arms with a smile. “Wiz! You’re doing better, you’re standing this time!”

She nodded, stepping back and spinning. “I’m working on it. I still need to regain some more muscle mass, but I’ll be okay.” She looked at him. “I’m okay.”

“I’m glad.” Bluey smiled wide, his own little tail wagging fast.

“I need to keep moving around to gain my strength back,” she stepped over to a table, summoning something Bluey couldn’t see past her. “I don’t know if that applies in the space, but I guess there’s only one way to tell.”

There was a click, then some pop music began to play from the radio she’d set up. She turned to him, holding her hand out. 

“Dance with me?”

“W-what?” Bluey chuckled with a lopsided grin. “Yeah, sure, but why me? I can’t dance worth a shit.”

“Who else am I supposed to ask, Bingo, Dad???” She was naming the worst options, and he knew it, taking his hand and pulling him in a circle. 

Bluey laughed as they spun. 

“Tell me why?” She motioned her fist toward him like a microphone. 

“Ain’t nothin but a heartache!” Bluey belted out on near instinct before mimicking her movements. “Tell me why?”

“Ain’t nothin but a mistake!” she grabbed his free hand, swinging it side to side. “Tell me why.”

“I never wanna hear you say!”