this is one of the three chapters left before the epilogue. ah. i've been writing this book for so long idk what i'm gonna do when it ends. sjskks. 

ooh also in the first chapter i stated eamon is a polygot but some of you might have forgotten so this isn't a plot hole from the beginning he has been a polygot!

-

My parents fawned over me that night when I arrived home, asking for details of what happened as we worked together to put my new gear up in my room. I expressed worry about going to school the next day and suddenly getting attention, but they did well to calm my fears and remind me of how proud they were. 

That night Eamon made sure during our nightly call to remind me that before we left Eternalia, we all agreed to arrive as a united front at school as well, so we were all going to meet up at his home in the morning. He was slightly nervous, which made me feel better about my own mixed feelings. While we usually talked a lot, I don't think we'd ever talked more than that night. "There's a difference between being powerful and being a powerful leader. You can be the best at a subject but be horrible at teaching it. I don't want to let my family down, they've all been the leaders before and specifically all their selective years have had stand out moments. Even if we don't count my mom, Leulla led to becoming a councilor and Ivan led the initiative to helping to capture endangered species hidden on human lands we were having trouble accessing." 

"You were born for this role," I had replied after a few more minutes of his venting. "If there's ever a moment you're doubting yourself, remember that if I'm not telling you off or being disappointed in you, you're doing a great job. Because you know I'll let you know if you're not." I took a moment to think. "I also wouldn't let you not do a great job," I joked. 

He smiled at my words, but immediately after he started to yawn. "I'll see you tomorrow morning. Goodnight Lady Nova." 

"And goodnight to you, too, Lord Eamon," I replied back, my tone just as teasing, before both of us turned our imparters off. 

While the conversation calmed me enough to go to sleep, that next morning I was riddled with nerves. "We need to get pictures done of you in that outfit," my mom told me, gushing over my ensemble. 

"Please, let's not do that," I responded, my voice pleading. Any reply was interrupted when I got a call on my imparter and excused myself to answer it, noticing it was Arrowe who was calling me. 

"Hey, Nova. I didn't wake you, right?" 

I shook my head. "No, I actually am heading over to Eamon Foster's house before school. Actually, on that topic, there's something I haven't told you." 

"There's something I need to talk to you about too, or at least need your opinion on I guess. You go first, though." He sounded nervous as he spoke, but I still took the opening. 

"So, long story short," I started to explain, "I manifested as a pyrokinetic. Like. A while ago, a few months now. I've been keeping it a secret but news will be released today, and I don't want you finding out that way since you're my friend and deserve better." 

He was silent for a moment. "Nova, that's fantastic. I'm so happy for you! Your parents must be ecstatic that you manifested in an ability."

Any nerves over him not being happy for me left. "Yeah, well wait until the actual news come out and you find out just how much." I laughed slightly. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you this sooner. Honestly, I'm sorry we haven't talked so much since we went out to dinner that night. Life's been a bit crazy." 

"So I'm assuming, from what you've just told me. Don't worry about it, actually what I need to talk to you about is because of this."

I frowned. "Alright, lay it on me." 

"I really like your friend, Blythe. Since we haven't talked much I've been talking to her a lot. And I don't know, I feel like she feels the same, though you can never be one hundred percent sure." I grinned at his words, knowing full well she felt the same. "I'm worried about the obvious dynamic here. Against my parents' judgement, I don't mind the obstacles we might face later were it to work out. That being said, would she?"

I don't think I had ever smiled as wide before when I responded, "I don't think she would mind, Arrowe. I think you should go for it."

He paused. "Would she go for it?"

I was trying to toe the line between my loyalty to each friend. I didn't want to outright tell him Blythe's feelings, when that should come from her, but I also didn't want to make it so he completely thought she was uninterested. "Let's just say, she talks about you just as much as you talk about her to me." I left it at that. 

He let out a relieved sigh. "Well, then I don't want to hold up your morning. Sorry for calling you so early, and congratulations again on manifesting. I'm excited for the news considering you needed to tell me before it is released." 

"Have a great day, good luck with what we just talked about," I responded, giggling at the thought of my best friend getting a boyfriend and then hanging up. 

"Who was that?" my mother questioned when I entered the living room once more. 

"Arrowe, he was asking me about something," I told her. "I also decided to tell him about my manifesting before news get out." 

"So you two did hit it off, then?" she questioned, giving a hopeful smile. 

"Yeah, we're hitting it off as friends," I told her, emphasizing the friendship part. "He likes Blythe and was actually asking for advice in asking her out." 

"Well that's great that those two are getting on then," my dad cut in, narrowing his eyes in my mom's direction, challenging any reply.

She let out a huff and then looked at me. "So, it is the Foster boy then?"

I looked at both my parents in confusion and decided to settle on my dad. "What is she going on about?" 

"We know the girls at your sleepover were teasing you about a boy, we couldn't tell if it was Arrowe or Eamon. We don't mind, we were just trying to grasp the situation." 

"Oh my god." The only thing I could do was laugh, because I couldn't believe the conversation we were having. "Well, yeah, they tease me about it. But it's not like that. Blythe and Lyra make jokes that Eamon and I are secretly dating or at least we're secretly in love with each other because we've become good friends. But that's all we are. Friends. I promise I'm not in love or dating anyone." 

I'm sure the blush on my face made them doubt me, but they listened anyways. "Don't be afraid to tell us if that does happen though," my mom said. "We like to know what's going on in your life, and we don't want you thinking we mind if you do start dating him. Because honestly, we don't." 

"Okay, I'm leaving," I said, deciding not to respond. "I'll see you guys when I get home. I think I'm going to their house after school for a meeting, though, so I might be later." I waved goodbye before going to our leapmaster so I could go to Eamon's house. 

I was the first one there, so it made me a bit unnerved, but Eamon greeted me happily. "My mom is in the kitchen going crazy making breakfast for everyone," he told me as we moved towards where Sophie was cooking a storm. "She does this every time there's a switch over, not just when we're in it. When I was younger they were my favorite days because all the extra food we got to have for dinner for, like, a week." He laughed. "I mean, I only remember two turnovers, though, and both had my siblings."

"Both your siblings are kind of legends considering both of them got initiated at age thirteen and became leader," I responded. 

"Yeah, really bad on my mom's part to not wait another two years to have me so all of us could have that five year gap and be initiated at thirteen." I laughed at his words before we entered where his mom was, and she immediately zoned her eyes on us laughing. 

"Good morning, Nova," she greeted, smiling at both of us. "I set up placemats so there was no confusion on where everyone could sit. Feel free to find your seat." 

Eamon explained he was in charge of greeting everyone, but he would join me at the table once everyone arrived. When I entered the room, I was shocked at the large table sitting in the middle of the room, different from the table I was used to being in the room. "We only pull this one out for special occasions," Leulla explained when I sat down a seat away from her, taking notice that the seat between us was labelled for Eamon. I was glad that the seat on my other side was labelled for Ashla. 

With the placemats I noticed that twelve people would be sitting here in the morning, Sophie and Keefe each taking a head on the table and five people sitting on each of the longer sides. Keefe was already in his spot, but his attention was taken up by Ivan who was telling him a story, Celeste was sitting to Ivan's other side and grinning at his words. There was no doubting, seeing them in person, that the rumors of the two dating were not fake. It was so obvious the two were obsessed with each other, being that even sitting there Celeste was holding one of his hands. 

"How was your night?" Leulla asked me, gaining my attention once more. 

"It was good," I responded. "My parents are very excited for me." 

"I'm glad to hear that. Are you nervous about going to school today? Eamon's probably got the most nerve-wracking part, since he's in charge of the announcements and telling everyone who is on his team." She laughed slightly. "I got so nervous when I did that, I said one of my teammate's names wrong. I still feel bad about it." 

"Do you still talk to your old teammates?" I questioned. I wondered how they felt about the thirteen year old girl they were forced to follow getting promoted to the youngest councillor in history, being that she was only twenty when it happened. 

"All the time," Leulla responded, smiling. "You'll come to find that, eventually, the people you end up relying on the most when you're older and have more responsibilities are the people who will be in this room with you."

I nodded as Eamon led a tired looking Atlas and energetic Juno to the table. Juno was seated next to Celeste, across from me, and Atlas took her other side. "Hey guys," Juno greeted, Atlas simply grunting as Eamon locked eyes and smiled at me before leaving the room once again. 

"Not a morning person?" I questioned, grinning at Atlas.

Juno nodded for him. "Yeah, takes a lot to get him out of bed. Part of it is we stayed up late last night and then we had to wake up extra early this morning for this. Poor guy is surviving on only a few hours of sleep." She rubbed his back affectionately, but I saw the teasing look in her eyes and that she obviously was playing up to make him feel better. 

Celeste turned her attention from Ivan and his father talking to turn to Juno and our conversation. "I get what you mean, I think we all stayed up late last night. Ivan and I had to do a bunch of makeup and transitioning paperwork so that the transfer of responsibilities would be smoother. Technically only he had to do it, but I said I'd help him out."

"How long have you two been together?" Juno asked, bringing up the question I had been dying to. They weren't official to the point that being together was just rumor, but I was certain that at least the two of them were official with each other. 

Celeste's cheeks burned anyways. "Uh, hard to tell," she responded, smiling. "We've grown up together and we've always been each other's best friend, I'm not sure when it turned into us dating." 

Ivan stopped talking to Keefe so he could butt in. "We got together officially when we graduated into the elite levels, but we've been kind of on since before that," he told Juno. "But I think our official time would be that." 

Celeste's eyes widened. "Oh yeah! I know exactly what you're talking about." She kissed his cheek. "You're right, we can be on the same page now." 

Keefe smiled at them before turning to face me. "What about you? Did you stay up late last night like the rest of us." Something about his knowing smile had me believing he knew about the fact I stayed up talking to his son, still I decided to play it cool.

"Not too late," I replied. "Not enough to be grouchy, at least. I'm sure someone here will experience that at some point." 

"I have no doubt," Keefe replied, his smile not leaving his face as he turned to Leulla. "Your mother has been going crazy working to start this position to the point she's been outright stressed and even getting sick." 

My eyes widened, and I remembered the early on pregnancy rumors. I guess she was just working too hard, and suddenly I felt slightly bad. At the same time, I didn't fully believe the rumors, I just knew that people recognized the fact she had been getting sick. 

Eventually after some time everyone arrived and was seated, Sophie the only one not sitting as she distributed the food to everyone. Eventually each of us had a plate so she was able to join us, and we all were quiet as we dug in. The only people who weren't quiet were Briar and Marcel, who continued to goof off, amusing the rest of the table. 

"Alright, everyone, while you're eating I figure now is the best time to explain what's going to happen this morning, your protocol and everything," Ivan spoke up. "As you are aware, Eamon will be introducing each of you by your ability, so Nova this one is more for your sake of reminding you, I don't want you caught by surprise." 

"Thank you," I responded, smiling. Eamon rubbed my arm for a moment to catch my attention, where we locked eyes and he was able to transmit the message 'You okay?' to me.  I simply smiled at him in response so he knew I was as we listened to Ivan continue. 

"It should be quick and easy. After this you are expected to go straight to your normal classes. I'll be honest, you're going to get mixed reviews. A lot of people are going to be mad they weren't chosen, especially other excelling students you might know. Nova, you might especially have a hard time being that you're newly manifested and most people weren't even aware. Still, there's also the sudden popularity those of you not use to it will receive, there will be people convinced they're going to become more popular if they start trying to hang with you. To help this, during lunch it is expected that those of you in normal levels will sit together in the cafeteria as a united front. Feel free to have your normal friends join you, but avoid letting people who wouldn't normally look twice at you. They aren't your friends." 

"Us three already sit together," I spoke up, pointing to Eamon and Ashla on either sides of me. I turned to Briar and Marcel. "Would you like to join us, or would you rather we join you?" 

"We can join you," Briar spoke for both of them. "We normally sit on our own anyways, so we can just join your normal group. You sit with their cousin right?" 

"Yeah, Blythe is my best friend," I mentioned. "We also sit with a girl named Lyra." 

"You don't sit with Mika or Serena?" Keefe questioned, looking to Eamon. 

He shrugged. "Not anymore. Serena and I still haven't really made up, and Mika's been in and out of lunch detention." 

I snorted and couldn't help but cut in, "But so have you." 

He narrowed his eyes at me, but I saw the humor. "Ah, taking after me I see," Keefe responded, laughing. 

Sophie sighed. "It's definitely not after me," she said, but still sent a smile in his way. "It's okay, you have my good qualities to balance out your father." She sent Keefe a look before focusing back on her meal. 

Ivan took that as his cue to switch the conversation back on topic. "Anyways, obviously you're all supposed to come back here after school to go over your first assignments. My mom is going to explain before you leave what exactly your team's overall mission will be, but your personal assignments are after school." 

"Actually, I'm going to be explaining right now," Sophie cut in. All of us sat up in anticipation, and I, in a nervous habit I had thought was long over, started to chew on the skin on the inside of my mouth. 

"I've been working for the past two years to research the past of this project, and how we can work to revisit it once again. How familiar are you guys with the Human Assistance Program?" She looked around, expecting responses. 

"I know it existed," I offered when no one else spoke up. "We used to have elves blend in with humans and teach them things. I think." 

She nodded at my response. "Yes, that's a good overall explanation of it. In my research I found that the best way to bring this program to life once again is to influence young humans, not too young though. Teenagers. Like yourselves." 

"Wait, we're going to be meddling with humans?" Marcel cut in. "I don't even know how to speak any of their languages." 

"Yes, well, that's part of your assignments. I sat in a lot of the meetings with the council and we settled on the fact that your team leader here is a polygot." I had forgotten that Eamon was a polygot, even though it was common knowledge all three of the Foster children inherited that ability. "Juno, maybe not as famously, is also a polygot." We all looked to her, and she slightly shrunk down in her chair. "We think that as part of interacting with humans, we should start learning about them and their culture and their languages. That means we think it's important that more than just polygots should know how to speak some of their languages, and we are hoping that teaching you guys their languages will lead to more interest for others." 

"So we're all going to learn English?" I questioned, worried. My mind flashed back to only a few days earlier when we did our "tryout" for the team, and I told Eamon I had never been really good at languages when were looking towards the restroom sign. He must have been thinking of the same thing as me because he immediately transmitted to me. 

I already talk to my mom about this, don't worry too hard. She specifically mentioned that you would most likely not be doing any adventures without me, so if needed I can always translate. 

I looked at him with grateful eyes before focusing my attention back on Sophie, who noticed the moment that I had with Eamon. She narrowed her eyes at him before nodding her head when he most likely transmitted something. Finally she answered, "No, not all will be learning English. There are six highly inhabited continents, for the six of you. Eamon will be overseeing as we think it's best he be available in case there's ever a moment any of you need translation." 

"Do we get to pick our continents? I want South America since my house is there," Briar spoke up, suddenly excited. 

"You'll be getting your assignments after school as planned, but no you can't pick." She gave Briar an amused smile. 

Keefe decided to cut in, "I'm sure if you're not satisfactory with your assignment, you could talk to your good old team leader about it." He grinned at Eamon, who glared at his father. 

Conversation continued to flow, this time everyone expressing excitement at the upcoming assignment, making guesses on which languages everyone would be using. "Do you know already?" I had questioned Eamon, who gave me a smirk in reply, not answering verbally. 

Eventually we all left the Foster's and headed to the school, getting there just in time for announcements to begin. Everyone watched us walking up, our matching outfits contrasting against the normal Foxfire uniform attire. They knew immediately. I locked eyes with Blythe for a moment, whose eyes widened and I saw a small smile appear. At least she wasn't mad at me. 

Master Leto did a quick introduction, explaining the crossover of Team Valiant. Eamon stood next to me and grabbed my hand as Master Leto talked, looking at me. I feel like I might pee my pants. Please tell me everything is going to be okay. 

I looked back at him, and gave him a quick nod so he'd know he had permission to listen to my thoughts as I responded. I told you. You were born for this, you don't need me to tell you everything is going to be okay. But if it helps you, I think the only people who might believe in you more than me are your parents. 

He smiled back at me, but still held my hand in a tight grip as he tried to calm his nerves. Finally Master Leto finished his speech and turned the time over to Eamon, who was forced to release my hand. He looked back at me in a moment of reassurance, which I nodded my head at him to give, before turning to the body of students. "Hello, everyone," he spoke up, attempting to appear unbothered. "I am proud to announce our new assembled members of Team Valiant. The council spent months deliberating each student you see before us, and tested each person mentally and physically to make sure they were more than capable of joining the field. Each of the people before you passed their tests with flying colors, and I can personally vouch for each member belonging there."

He looked back at us and made a motion so we would all stand in a line and closer, something that was unrehearsed but looked as if we had been practicing for years with the way we moved in unison. I almost felt like a member of the council. "Beginning, I'd like to introduce Atlas Gryffon, Level Seven Psionipath." Atlas bowed slightly before standing straight again. "Juno Ensley, Level Seven Beguiler." Juno followed Atlas's lead and decided to bow. I realized the theme and got ready myself. 

It was going in order so Marcel was next, being he was a level six. After him was me, so I was letting out a small breath of confidence as Eamon introduced me. "Novena Madigan, Level Five Pyrokinetic." Gasps were heard as I took a bow, the first ever pyrokinetic to be invited to join Team Valiant. I didn't realize until just then the history I was making, inviting me to join Team Valiant was almost like the council proving to the world just how accepting they were of the ability. I slightly understood why they took the chance as I bowed, they were proving a point. 

After I bowed, Briar, who was also fifteen but due to her birthday was only a level four, came next. After Briar came Ashla, who was the youngest at fourteen years old and being a level three. To this day Team Valiant had never included younger than a level three, which made sense as levels one and two would have the chance to join once they were older. Atlas and Juno were level ones when the last exchange of members happened. 

"Thank you, everyone, for the support and we hope to serve you well," Eamon finished up after a small speech about the integrity of the team and our motives and such. Master Leto jumped back on to give a few more school announcements before the alarm went off for us all to go to our classes. 

"Was that good?" Eamon questioned me, looking a bit worried. 

I grinned. "Your speech was perfect," I told him. "I knew you would be fine." 

He let out a relieved sigh and grabbed my hand. "I don't think you understand just how much I appreciate you being here and supporting me."

I blushed at the fact he was holding my hand but made no move to pull away. Instead I focused on his words. "Well, I don't know what else I'd do," I responded, not knowing what else to say. "Wanna walk to our classes together? We have them right next door." 

"Sure," he said, and we walked down the hallway, trying to ignore the passing glances and gossip. I wasn't sure if the gossip was about our new roles, or the fact as we walked Eamon never let go of my hand. 

***

Lunch was slightly awkward as I saw Blythe waiting for me with narrowed eyes. I bit my lip as I took the seat next to her, and she continued to just stare me down. She eventually gave up on the stare and sighed. "I know you weren't allowed to tell me, but man did I get whiplash seeing you stand there." She shook her head to herself. 

I gave her a small smile. "You know I never would've been able to keep the secret for long anyhow, remember my ability?" 

She laughed. "You looked so much like a girl boss up there. And the way everyone has been talking about the fact they let a pyrokinetic onto Team Valiant makes you such a legend. A lot of people have been asking me about you since they know we're friends. You're getting famous, my friend." 

I blushed. "Yeah, well, exactly what I didn't want. But I don't know, when I got the offer I almost rejected it but then I realized that it would be the biggest regret of my life if I did." 

"You know what else they were asking me about?" The mischievous look she gave made me want to tell her that I didn't want to know. Instead I sighed, and looked at her expectantly. "A lot of people were asking when you and Eamon Foster started dating." 

I groaned. "He was really nervous so I was being supportive," I tried to tell her. 

"Yeah, okay," Blythe responded sarcastically. "I totally believe that, you liar." 

I blushed in response, but didn't say anything when I noticed Eamon showing Briar and Marcel the way to our table. "This is my cousin, Blythe," he told them as soon as they walked to the table. 

Blythe smiled and waved at them. "Hello, nice to meet you guys. Although I like to go by Nova's best friend more than his cousin. It describes me better." 

Eamon rolled his eyes. "She doesn't like me, but I secretly think I'm growing on her."

"You're growing on me like a pimple I want so badly to pop," she deadpanned before focusing her attention on the two newcomers. "Are you guys excited about your new induction?" 

"It's been a crazy few days, but I wouldn't have it any other way," Briar responded, taking the seat on Blythe's other side. Marcel sat next to her as Eamon took the open seat next to me as usual. "I never imagined this would happen to me." 

Ashla and Lyra arrived together, oddly enough. They were joking as they arrived and sat so Ashla was next to Marcel and Lyra was next to Eamon. "Hey guys," Ashla greeted. 

"You looked so great up there, Nova! I felt so proud of you," Lyra said, looking to me. 

My face most likely flushed. "Thanks," I responded. "I didn't know you two were friends?" 

"We hit it off yesterday when I sat here," Ashla responded. "We were talking last night too and realized that our lockers are right next to each other. Really weird we never noticed." 

Lunch continued where we all conversed trying to get to know each other more, especially trying to get Marcel and Briar more involved in the conversation. Marcel was more closed off, as he was trying his best to be on good behavior. Briar explained, in a moment of making fun of him, that he was only accepted on the basis on becoming a better person, and that if he stepped out of line they already planned on having him leave the team and replaced. Apparently even the council recognized when someone was arrogant and overly self-assured, and didn't like that quality for the team. But Marcel was super valuable to them, so he was being at least considered and was invited to try and prove to them he could be better. 

When lunch was over I felt satisfied with the fun group atmosphere we had going, and as we were leaving Genesis risked being seen with me. "Would you mind if I sat with you guys at lunch tomorrow?" 

I frowned. "You're only wanting to because we're popular now." I remembered Ivan's advice. The thing was, Genesis technically was a friend to at least Lyra. 

She let out a sigh. "Actually, I planned on asking today anyways, Serena's really inserted herself into our group since her fallout with Eamon and I cannot stand the girl, I'll take risking my popularity over that any day." 

I thought about it. "I'm not sure why you're asking me and not Lyra, I'm not the leader of the lunch table. And she's the friend. I don't mind, but I would talk to her." 

She nodded at my words. "Thank you, Nova." 

"No problem," I replied, smiling slightly before heading off to my afternoon session. 

Eventually school came to an end and everyone met at the leapmaster, ready to head to Eamon's home so we could get our assignments. "You'll be fine," Eamon assured me as we stood in line. "I know I was avoiding telling you earlier, but honestly I do know everyone's assignments. And like I said, you're mostly with me." 

I nodded in reply as we got distracted at reaching the front of the line. Upon reaching his home we made our way into the living room where his mother was waiting, a bunch of folder and paperwork laying out on the table in front of her. We took our seats and accepted the assorted beverages she held out to us in question. She spoke to Eamon directly as she stated, "I set everything out, and now this is all you. I'll be in the kitchen if you have any issues." She put her hand on his cheek in a soothing manner, smiling at him with pride, before exiting the room like she said she would be. 

"Okay, well, let's talk assignments. As you know, each of you will be assigned a continent. Obviously continents aren't consistent all over, you will be expected to travel to different destinations within your continent, not focusing on just one country. I specifically worked on arranging each of you with a content I felt would work best with your strengths. Firstly, Ashla, you'll be going to Asia. Your biggest strength is obviously agriculture. Countries like Russia, India, and China are some of the most top agricultural producing in the world for humans. 

"You'll most likely be going to India first and the languages you're most likely to be expected to know are English and Hindi. Everyone here will be training in English, but some of you will have to learn one more." He looked to the rest of us at his last statement before turning back to her. "Over sixty percent of the land use is agricultural land. In this folder," he handed her one of the folders on the table, "you'll find cultural information and other things needed to know. It is most likely you will not be stepping foot into the country for at least six months, but it is expected by that time you'll memorize what's in that folder." 

She took it from him and opened it. "This is so cool," she muttered to herself, flipping through the different papers. Eamon continued to give out the different assignments, giving explanations behind each one. 

Briar, ironically, was given South America. Something she was extremely excited about. Marcel was given Australia, Atlas was Africa, and Juno got Europe. 

I was last, and realized the only thing left was North America. I was worried everyone would get jealous, but they were too busy going through their assignments excitedly to notice. Juno's task seemed the most daunting to me, until I remembered she was also a polygot like Eamon. I wondered why it had never come up before, but I guess she probably just didn't rely on the ability enough to give mention to it. Being in Europe, it was extremely diverse and there would not have been enough time for her to learn all the different languages. English, Italian, Spanish, French, Dutch, German, and possibly even more. Just the thought gave me a headache, and I'm sure she appreciated her ability in that moment. 

"Nova, your task is just a tiny ounce different, and we'll be working together the most out of everyone."

"Shocking," Marcel sarcastically quipped. Briar immediately shoved him and they locked eyes. "Sorry," he apologized in Eamon's direction, although it lacked emotion. 

Eamon shrugged him off before handing me my folder. "We'll be spending some time with my Aunt Amy, my mom's human sister. We're going to be with my cousins and incorporating ourselves into that group more so. We have more of an in than these guys, but ours will be a bit more work as we'll be spending more individual time with people and making better connections." 

"I'm going to have to learn English, huh?" I sighed. 

"You'll have the time to work on it, but we will be going there earlier than everyone else. I'll be there to translate for you." He smiled gently at me. I took my folder and flipped through, seeing the culture description for North America, including a list of all the different countries in North America. I noticed that for when I eventually went to Canada, I was expected to learn at least a little bit of French just in case. Greenland spoke their own language called Greenlandic, but it wasn't expected I would be spending any time there. If I did, it was listed that I could probably get by knowing English. 

My folder also included information on the people I'd be seeing the most, Eamon's human aunt and cousins. "Have you met them before?" I asked him quietly as he took a seat beside me when everyone started to focus on their assignments and read through them. 

He nodded. "I see them often enough. My cousins are cool, but they think we're weird obviously. I've met my cousin's friends too, and they okay." 

I smiled. "Well, this will definitely be an exciting adventure."

He grinned back at me. "An adventure sounds like the best way to put it."

---

over 6000 words for this one. the chapters just keep getting longer. help. unedited as usual because long chapters such the life out of me.

only two more chapters after this and then book done. rip. there'll be an epilogue ofc. and i'm so attached to these characters i might write a lil bonus scene or two as a treat. i literally don't remember what life was like before writing this book. i don't want it to end even though it has to :(

i did promise i'd get this update out today and midnight is in 25 mins so i'm just now making the cut. i haven't done my hw for today at all which might hurt later but worth it so i could get this out. 

and just so y'all know. next chapter definitely coming out on valentines day. ;). 

any predictions?