Chapter 47 – Visitors

The last hour dragged on, each minute stretching unbearably as Madelyn sat on the couch, her legs bouncing nervously. Her fox ears twitched at every little sound, and her tail curled tightly around her waist as if trying to shield her from the impending reality.

Her mom sat beside her, gently rubbing her back in slow, soothing circles. “Maddy, sweetheart,” she said softly, “it’s going to be okay. Just be yourself, and everything will work out.”

Lyra flitted in front of her, hovering just above the coffee table. “Your mom’s right,” she chimed in, her tiny hands resting on her hips. “You’ve got this, Madelyn.”

Madelyn managed a weak smile, though her stomach churned with anxiety. “But what if they don’t believe me? Or worse, what if they think I’m some kind of freak?” Her voice wavered, and her eyes darted toward the clock, the minute hand inching ever closer to their arrival time.

Her dad, who had been quietly organizing some papers at the dining table, looked up and gave her a reassuring nod. “Maddy, these people are here to help. They’ve seen strange things before; they’re not going to judge you. They’re going to listen and try to understand.”

Madelyn sighed, her shoulders slumping. “I know you keep saying that, but it’s hard not to think about all the ways this could go wrong.”

Her mom leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple. “We’ll be right here with you the whole time.”

Madelyn nodded, though the knot in her chest refused to loosen. “I guess it’s just hard to believe that everything will be okay when nothing about this situation feels normal.”

Lyra landed lightly on Madelyn’s knee, her small presence grounding. “Normal’s overrated anyway,” the fairy said with a playful smirk. “Besides, you’re not just anyone, Madelyn. You’re the daughter of a goddess. And you’re amazing.”

Despite her lingering nerves, Madelyn couldn’t help but let out a small shy laugh at Lyra’s confident tone. “Thanks, Lyra,” she said, her voice soft but sincere.

Her dad glanced at the clock and then back at her. “They’ll be here any minute now,” he said. “Remember, Maddy, just be yourself.”

Madelyn took a deep breath, trying to steady the racing of her heart. “Okay,” she said quietly, her voice trembling but determined. “I’ll try to be myself.”

As the sound of a car pulling into the driveway reached her sensitive ears, Madelyn’s tail gave a nervous flick. This was it. There was no turning back now.

As the sound of footsteps approached the house, Madelyn's chest tightened, her breaths coming in quick, shallow gasps. She gripped the edge of the couch, her knuckles turning white. Her heart pounded so fiercely it seemed to echo in her ears, drowning out everything else. Her tail, which normally swayed gently in a calm rhythm, was now curled tightly around her waist, twitching erratically with each passing second. Her fox ears flattened against her head, trembling, straining to catch every creak and murmur in the house. It felt like the entire world had narrowed to the sound of those footsteps, each one amplifying her anxiety.

Her hands felt clammy, and a wave of nausea rolled over her. She gripped her knees, her fingers digging into the fabric of her dress as if anchoring herself in place. "I can't do this," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her vision blurred, the edges of the room seeming to close in on her. ‘This is thousands of times worse than telling my friends.’

Her mom immediately scooted closer, wrapping an arm firmly around her shoulders. "Maddy, sweetheart, look at me," she said gently but firmly, her tone grounding. "Take a deep breath. In through your nose, out through your mouth. You’re safe."

Madelyn tried to follow her mother’s instructions, but her body refused to cooperate. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, her whole body shaking as the weight of the situation threatened to crush her.

Lyra fluttered down to her lap, her tiny hands reaching up to touch Madelyn’s fingers. “Madelyn, focus on me,” she said, her voice soft but commanding. “You’re not alone. Feel my touch. Listen to my voice.”

Madelyn blinked down at the fairy, her breathing still erratic but slowing ever so slightly. Her mom’s hand rubbed soothing circles on her back, and Lyra’s wings emitted a faint, calming hum.

“You’re doing great,” her mom murmured. “Just keep breathing. We’re here with you.”

Madelyn clung to their words, forcing herself to focus on the warmth of her mom’s touch and the gentle hum of Lyra’s wings. Slowly, the tightness in her chest began to ease, and her breaths became a little deeper, a little steadier.

From the hallway, she heard her dad’s voice, low and steady, as he greeted his colleagues. The distant murmur of conversation was a reminder that the moment was drawing closer, but it also carried a sense of normalcy. These were just people, like her dad, here to help.

Her mom gently cupped Madelyn’s face, guiding her to meet her eyes. “You’re stronger than you think, Maddy,” she said, her voice full of love. “You’ve got this.”

Madelyn swallowed hard, nodding slowly. The panic was still there, lurking beneath the surface, but it no longer had a stranglehold on her. “Okay,” she whispered, her voice shaky but resolute.

The sound of footsteps approached from the hallway. Madelyn’s dad appeared, his face calm but serious. “They’re ready to meet you, Maddy,” he said softly.

Madelyn took one more steadying breath, her ears twitching slightly as she stood. “Let’s do this,” she said, her voice quiet but determined.

Madelyn blinked, her nerves momentarily forgotten as the two people entered the room. They were nothing like the stiff, formal image she had conjured in her mind.

The woman stepped forward first, offering a warm smile. Her denim jeans were slightly worn, and her shirt featured a chibi version of a popular game character wielding a sword twice their size. Her ponytail swayed as she walked, and her overall demeanor radiated an easygoing, friendly vibe.

“Hi there, Madelyn,” she said, her voice soft and inviting. “I’m Dana. Your dad’s told us a lot about you.” She extended her hand, her eyes twinkling with genuine warmth.

Madelyn hesitated for a moment before reaching out to shake Dana’s hand, her grip timid but steady. “Hi,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

The man followed, his presence commanding but not overbearing. His shirt bore the bold text Keep Calm and Roll for Initiative. His dark hair framed his face, brushing his shoulders in soft waves, and his smile was just as gentle as Dana’s.

“I’m Marcus,” he said, his voice rich and smooth, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Madelyn.” He gave her a small nod, as if to reassure her that everything was okay.

Madelyn’s tail twitched nervously behind her, but she managed a faint smile. “Nice to meet you,” she replied, her voice still shaky but a little stronger now.

Her mom gave her a reassuring pat on the back before standing. “Can I get you both anything? Coffee, tea?”

“Tea would be great,” Dana said, settling into one of the chairs. Marcus nodded in agreement, adding, “Same here, thank you.”

As her mom headed to the kitchen, Dana leaned forward slightly, her expression kind but curious. “Madelyn, I know this must be overwhelming,” she said. “But we’re here to help, in whatever way we can. Your dad’s been filling us in on some of what’s been going on.”

Marcus crossed his arms loosely, leaning back in his chair. “And I have to say, you’ve been through quite a lot,” he added. “But you’ve handled it quite impressively, from what your dad has told us. He’s very proud of you.”

Madelyn felt her cheeks warm under their kind gazes. “I… I’m trying,” she said softly. “It’s just… everything is so confusing.”

Lyra, who had been observing quietly from her perch on Madelyn’s shoulder, fluttered forward. “Madelyn has been incredibly brave,” she chimed in, her bell-like voice drawing the newcomers’ attention. “And with your help, we can start piecing together the bigger picture.”

Dana’s eyes widened slightly as she took in the tiny fairy. “You must be Lyra,” she said, her tone filled with awe. “It’s amazing to meet you.”

Marcus nodded in agreement, his gaze steady. “We’re here to listen and figure out what’s going on. ”

Hearing those words, Madelyn felt a flicker of hope spark within her. Maybe, just maybe, things would be okay.

Dana and Marcus stayed for hours, delving into every detail of Madelyn’s and on some level Lyra’s experiences. They discussed the mysterious mail that had arrived, her vivid dreams of Aeloria, the strange glitch during character creation, and even the goddess herself. Each revelation brought thoughtful questions and encouraging nods from both of them, their genuine interest helping to ease Madelyn’s lingering anxiety.

At the moment, they were focused on her physical transformation.

“So, aside from the obvious—your ears and tail—what else has changed?” Marcus asked, leaning forward slightly, his tone gentle but curious.

Madelyn hesitated for a moment, glancing at Lyra, who gave her a small nod of encouragement. “Well,” she began, her voice steady but quiet, “my senses are a lot sharper now. I can hear things from farther away, like conversations or even small noises. My sense of smell is way stronger too, which can be a little overwhelming sometimes.”

Dana smiled, her eyes lighting up with fascination. “That sounds like a lot to get used to. Anything else?”

Madelyn’s tail swished slightly, brushing against the couch. “Yeah… there’s something else. My emotions are more… obvious now,” she admitted, her ears flattening slightly in embarrassment. “It’s like my body gives away what I’m feeling before I even have a chance to process it.”

“What do you mean?” Marcus asked, his expression thoughtful.

Madelyn sighed softly, hugging her tail to her chest. “Like, if I’m happy, my tail wags, and if I’m anxious, it curls up around me. My ears perk up or droop depending on how I feel. It’s… really hard to hide anything. Even when I try to keep a neutral expression, my body language gives me away.”

Dana leaned back slightly, nodding in understanding. “So, your body’s more in tune with your emotions now,” she said. “That must make things feel pretty intense.”

Madelyn nodded. “Yeah, that’s the other thing. My emotions feel… stronger. Like, when I’m happy, it’s really happy, and when I’m upset, it’s hard not to show it. It’s almost like everything’s amplified.”

Marcus chuckled softly. “That sounds both amazing and challenging,” he said. “On one hand, it probably helps you connect with people more deeply. But on the other, it must be exhausting to feel everything so intensely.”

“It is,” Madelyn admitted, her voice soft. “I’ve always been kind of shy, but now it’s like everyone can see what I’m feeling all the time. It makes me feel really vulnerable.”

Dana reached out, placing a comforting hand on Madelyn’s knee. “That’s a lot to navigate,” she said gently. “But you’re doing an incredible job. Being vulnerable can be scary, but it’s also a sign of strength. It means you’re allowing yourself to be real.”

Madelyn felt her cheeks warm at Dana’s words, but a small smile tugged at her lips. “Thanks,” she murmured. “I’m trying.”

“And you’re doing great,” Marcus added, his tone reassuring.

After that the conversation shifted to a topic Madelyn wasn’t sure she wanted to delve into: Benjamin, and by extension, the full scope of her physical transformation.

“You’re completely a girl now, right?” Dana asked gently, her tone curious but not intrusive.

Madelyn hesitated, her ears twitching nervously. Her tail curled slightly around her waist, seeking comfort. She wasn’t sure how to respond—she knew the answer, but saying it felt daunting. “Yeah,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “I am.”

Marcus, noticing her discomfort, gave her a reassuring nod. “It’s okay, Madelyn. We’re just trying to understand everything better. No pressure.”

Dana leaned in slightly, her gaze kind but inquisitive. “Have you, um… already experienced your period?”

Madelyn’s face flushed deep red, her ears flattening against her head. “I… not yet,” she admitted, her voice shaky. “I don’t think so. Or maybe I have, and I just don’t know what to expect.”

Dana let out a soft laugh, her tone light and reassuring. “Oh, trust me, you’ll know,” she said, her eyes twinkling with kindness. “But there’s nothing to worry about. Your mom’s here for you, and if you ever need someone else to talk to, you can always reach out to me. Or maybe one of your female friends?”

Madelyn gave a small nod, her blush still lingering. “Thanks,” she murmured. “It’s just… I hadn’t even thought about that yet.”

The conversation shifted again, and Madelyn found herself speaking even more. They discussed strategies for navigating school, her new identity.

By the time Dana and Marcus stood to leave, Madelyn felt lighter, her earlier nerves a distant memory. As they said their goodbyes, Dana gave her a quick hug. “You’ve got this, Madelyn,” she whispered. “And remember, we’re just a call away if you need anything.”

Marcus gave her a friendly smile and a fist bump. “Stay strong, Madelyn. You’re not alone in this.”

Madelyn nodded, her heart full of gratitude. “Thanks. For everything.”

Her dad walked outside with Dana and Marcus, leaving Madelyn and her mom inside. Once they were a safe distance from the house, Dana turned to Jack, her expression a mix of amazement and disbelief.

“Jack,” she began, her voice barely containing her excitement, “you weren’t kidding when you said this was something else entirely. I mean, a real-life fairy and your daughter is a fox-girl goddess? And the story about her transformation, the dreams, the pendant—” She shook her head, a smile spreading across her face. “I’m still wrapping my head around it.”

Marcus nodded in agreement, his dark eyes wide with astonishment. “I’ve seen some strange things in our line of work, but this? It’s on a whole new level. If I hadn’t seen them with my own eyes, I’d have a hard time believing it.”

Jack gave a weary smile. “Trust me, I was just as shocked when it all started. But my priority is keeping Madelyn safe and helping her navigate this. That’s why I called you two.”

Dana placed a reassuring hand on Jack’s arm. “You did the right thing. And for what it’s worth, I think we made progress today. Madelyn seemed a lot more at ease by the time we left.”

Marcus crossed his arms, glancing back at the house. “Quite the understatement but yeah, I think our approach worked. Dressing casual, keeping the conversation with her—it made a difference. She opened up more than I expected, considering how overwhelming all of this must be for her.”

Dana smiled. “You’re right. She’s incredibly strong, but it’s also quite clear she needs a lot of support. Being open and approachable was definitely the right call.”

Jack let out a breath of relief. “I’m glad. She’s been through so much already, and there’s still a long road ahead. Having you both here means a lot.”

Dana’s face softened. “We’re here for her, Jack. For you too. This is uncharted territory, but we’ll figure it out, like we always do.”

Marcus nodded, his tone more serious now. “That said, some of the things she mentioned—the corporation, the mirror world—it’s a lot to process. If even half of it is true, we’re dealing with something far bigger than we thought.”

Jack’s expression darkened. “I know. That’s why I need your help. If the Astralyth Corporation is involved in the disappearances I’ve been investigating, then we’re up against something dangerous.”

Dana and Marcus exchanged a glance, their earlier excitement tempered by the gravity of the situation. Dana spoke first. “We’ll start digging. Quietly. If there’s a connection, we’ll find it.”

“Agreed,” Marcus added. “And in the meantime, we’ll keep supporting Madelyn. She’s the key to all of this.”

Jack nodded, a determined look in his eyes. “Thank you both.”

As they walked back toward their cars, Dana couldn’t help but smile again. “Jack, I still can’t believe we just met a fairy and a fox-girl,” she said with a laugh. “This job never gets boring, does it?”

Jack chuckled softly. “No, it doesn’t.”