3.27 – An Early Visit

After a few rings, Mistral picked up. “Hey, Aurora… everything okay?” Her voice was warm, pleasant.

“Everything’s fine,” Aurora replied, a smile tugging at her lips as she glided effortlessly through the night sky. “I just… felt a little lonely. I really needed to hear your voice.” She exhaled softly. “But I do have something to ask you, if that’s alright.”

“Mmm, it’s always nice to hear your voice too, sweetie,” Mistral murmured with a happy sigh. “Sorry you’re feeling lonely. Too bad we have class tomorrow, or you could come up early.” She laughed lightly. “I saw the news about that monster in your city this morning. Looked like you handled it pretty easily.”

Aurora’s heart swelled at the compliment. Coming from Mistral, it meant more than a hundred headlines singing her praises. “Yeah. I’m trying to be as perceptive and thoughtful as I can—looking past the obvious, ‘outside the box,’ as they say.” Her voice softened. “That ‘monster’ was just a poor guy caught in the worst kind of hot seat imaginable. You can imagine, I’m sure.” She chuckled dryly before shaking off the heavier thoughts. “Actually, the reason I called—besides wanting to hear your voice—is that I just had my first formal interview. It went really well, but my aunt recommended a place for it, and, well… it turned out to be pretty romantic. It made me think about how much I’d love to go there with you.”

She hesitated for a moment before adding, “The interview ran kinda late, so Mom’s writing an excuse for me tomorrow. I could actually fly up to see you tonight… Though it feels weird to come see you first when you’re supposed to visit me on Friday.” She giggled softly. “Oh! I made a friend tonight—Chuntao Valerie North. She’s an up-and-coming blogger in Seaside, and she’s really into the rave scene, like Quinn. After the formal questions were done, we got to talking, and she mentioned a rave happening this Friday. She invited me, and I thought—if you didn’t hate the idea—it might be fun for you to come too. Of course, I’d go disguised as Aurora.” She bit her lip before continuing. “I trust her enough to know about us. She seems like the good sort. But for the sake of your privacy, I haven’t told her anything yet.”

“I don’t mind people knowing about us, I guess,” Mistral said, but there was a note of hesitation in her voice. “...Although,” she added, “if someone finds out, it wouldn’t take much for them to connect the dots back to your secret identity. Keep in mind that blatant acts that contradict Angymah’s protection could potentially break his spell. I’m sure you understand.” A pause.

“I understand. It’s like taffy. Pull it far enough and it snaps, as the stuff is,.” Aurora said thoughtfully.

 “Exactly.” Mistral nodded. “Anyway, So the plan is a double date at a rave, is it?” Her tone was playfully skeptical. “I’d have to teleport to your boathouse, otherwise I’d be flying all day getting there. But…” Her voice took on a teasing lilt. “If you do come up tomorrow, I’ll forgive you for forgetting that time I skipped a whole school week to visit you during your first week of class.” Aurora could practically hear the mischievous wink in her tone.

Aurora giggled softly. “Oh, I’m definitely coming to see you soon. I miss you so much. Did you forget all about the portal we set up in my boathouse?” She rubbed a tear from the corner of her eye. “I could fly you back to San Isidro too, if you wanted to save your energy. We’d make good time—just about as fast as if I were flying solo.” She smiled. “And for the rave, I’ll definitely make sure I go in disguise. You could too. Maybe put some extra color in that pretty Mistral hair and go ravealicious.” Aurora playfully tossed in one of Quinn’s many linguistic inventions. “That way, no one would know it was you. Maybe not even Chuntao.”

Mistral snorted softly. “Why are we going incognito? I trust you if you say you trust her.” There was a pause for a beat. “Well, if you’re coming up tomorrow, I’ll wait in the usual place.”

Aurora exhaled, relieved. “I know it’s confusing.” She let out a small laugh. “Just go with me on this one—it’ll be fun.” Her cheeks warmed, a deep blush coloring her face.

“All right, I understand,” Mistral acquiesced. “I’ll research an appearance-changing spell we can try out. What do you think?”

Aurora was amazed she hadn’t thought to look into more ninja-like spells herself. Grinning mischievously, she said, “That sounds perfect. That way, no one finds out about us before we’re ready.” Her voice softened. “I know I’m a lot of trouble for you, Mistral,” she mewed playfully. “I’m just really happy that you love me.”

“Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?” Mistral asked, sounding a little defensive. Aurora winced, wondering what had triggered her. “You’re no trouble at all,” Mistral reassured her quickly, her voice warm. “So what if I love you? That’s just how it is.” A soft sigh came through the line. “Mmmm, I wish I could wrap my arms around you right now.”

Aurora giggled as tears pricked at her eyes. “I love you too!” She smiled, feeling warmth spread through her chest. “In fact… I could come right now if I let Mom know. I don’t think she’d mind, and I have some really good champagne I know you’ll like.” She blushed, debating whether it was better to save the bottle as a thank-you gift for Goonie, but the thought of sharing it with Mistral—curled up together, just the two of them—felt just as right.

“Oooh, champagne… sounds like it was an interesting interview,” Mistral teased. “Well, I’ll let you go so you can call your mom. Let me know if you’re coming up tonight or not, okay?”

“I will!” Aurora grinned. “I’ll send you a text right after and zoom up there at top speed.” She giggled. “Bye for now, my love.” She kissed the communicator and disconnected.

A little sigh of happiness escaped her lips as she darted through the sky, weaving between the buildings of San Isidro with a carefree grace. The night air felt crisp against her skin, cool and invigorating, making her feel even more alive. Without wasting another second, she dialed her mom.

“Hi, Mom! The interview went wonderfully! Chuntao, that’s Valerie North’s Chinese name, said she’s going to be writing a really nice article about me. She even invited me to a rave—like old times with Quinn! Mistral’s going to come too, in disguise. It’s gonna be a ton of fun! Oh, and…” she took a quick breath, barely able to contain her excitement, “Mistral wants to see me tonight. Since you’re already getting me out of school tomorrow, would you mind if I flapped on up there and spent most of tomorrow with her? We’ll both come back down Thursday night or maybe Friday morning, if that’s okay? I still have school on Friday, after all.”

“You do know that tomorrow is Wednesday, right?” Goonie asked dryly.

Aurora’s wings stuttered mid-flap. She had completely lost track of the time.

Goonie continued, her tone indulgent but firm, “Do you have someone who can get your schoolwork  for you? If you can guarantee that you’ll get it all done, I’ll cover for you on Thursday.” Then, with mock severity, she added, “But! I expect you to come home early if aliens invade or an ancient god comes out of the ocean, understood, young lady?”

Aurora laughed softly, her cheeks warming in embarrassment. “Sarah can cover for me, I’m sure.” She hesitated. The reality of the situation hit her—she was about to ask one girlfriend to help her while she snuck off to see another.

Oof.

She squirmed a little at the thought but decided it was worth it. Two extra days with Mistral. Was it selfish to ask? Maybe. But she really wanted to go.

“Thanks, Mom,” she said with heartfelt appreciation. “I’ll text Sarah and see if she can help. Then I’ll call Mistral again to arrange everything.”

Aurora pulled out her normal smartphone and quickly typed out a message to Sarah from Leona, hoping for a swift response.

SilverWind14: Hiya, Sarah!

I’m going to be out of school tomorrow and the day after.

Would you get my schoolwork for me? I’m going to be away, but I’ll 

be back in school on Friday. Pretty please?

Moments later, her phone buzzed with Sarah’s reply.

Nyaavenger: What’s up? Where are you going? I hope you’re not getting sent to 

a camp ;)

Maybe I should play hooky and come with! 

Aurora laughed. Sweat drops. That would be… problematic, to say the least.

SilverWind14: Don’t think your straightlaced parents would put up with that.

Save the rebellious phase for when you have to tell them you’re

in love with your friend. :D

Sarah shot back another quick response.

Nyaavenger: If we sneak out, they won’t know.

So, what are you going to be doing while you’re away-away?

Not even going home? Well, OK, but you totally owe me, alright?

Aurora exhaled in relief. Phew.

SilverWind14: Sure, as long as it doesn’t conflict with my schedule. :D

Seriously, I’ll give you lots of extra kisses if/when we make it out on Friday.

There was a longer pause before Sarah’s next message came in.

Nyaavenger: Better be a ‘when’ and not an ‘if’!

I’ve got you covered.

Smiling, Aurora sent one last text.

Aurora grinned at her phone screen, even as Holly’s amused voice chimed in through their mental link.

Ah, Holly mused, her tone carrying a teasing lilt, so the solution to one girlfriend’s absence is to call another to cover for you while you fly north for a fling? Fascinating relationship dynamics at play. Uhu…

Aurora groaned internally. Geez, Holly…

I merely observe, Aurora, Holly replied smoothly, though her distinct playfulness shone through. It is a rather strategic maneuver, I must say. Juggling commitments while indulging in personal pleasures—such efficient multitasking.

Aurora rolled her eyes as the line rang. You are way too entertained by my life.

Undeniably.

Holly, do me a favor and don’t spy on us when we’re cuddling. In fact, I’ll deactivate the ID while I’m with her.

A dramatic pause. Then—

Mou… Holly pouted instantly, her voice practically dripping with disappointment. You don’t have to go that far! Uwa!!! I promise I will avoid engaging in any ringside commentating while you’re doing the dirty with your girlfriends!

Aurora nearly choked on air. Holly! she hissed in her mind, her face burning red. Oh my god, why are you like this?!

Would you prefer I phrase it differently? I could say “engaging in acts of profound emotional intimacy,” but really, we both know—

Aurora cut the mental link just as Mistral picked up.

“Hey again… Sorry, I said I’d text you, but I got over-excited and lost track of what day it was.” She laughed, still flustered from Holly’s antics. “Everything’s still okay. I can still come, although it involves me staying with you a little longer than we thought. Tonight, tomorrow, and the day after! Would that be an imposition?”

Mistral giggled, the warmth in her voice instantly soothing Aurora’s frazzled nerves. “Only if you can stand my accent and don’t try to kick me out of my own apartment.”

Aurora grinned. “Aboot that, I love your accent.”

“Good, because I’m not aboot to change it,” Mistral teased. “Alright, I’ll head to the usual place. I know it doesn’t take you too long to get here, so hopefully there won’t be any villain attacks before then.”

Aurora snorted. “Let’s hope.”

“But seriously,” Mistral continued, “I’m gonna hop in the shower first. I’ll call you when I’m there, sound good?”

Aurora smiled, warmth filling her chest. “Sounds perfect. See you soon.”

“Yes.” Aurora smiled. “Mom said I have to come home if ancient Gods or Aliens attack the city though, so I hope those don’t show up either.” She giggled. “See you soon!” She practically danced through the air as she peeled off toward the Great White North. 

She put on the afterburners, so to speak.