10. Mia
CHAPTER 10
MIA
O nly a few days have passed, but I feel like I'm finally finding my place among the monsters of Fablewood. Back in the human world, I only felt truly myself when teaching music and play - it was the one thing that just really clicked for me, and where I really felt appreciated. But here in Fablewood, it's incredible. These kids just seem so ready and wanting of what I have to offer. I feel alive in a way I can't even describe.
I look around at my little group of monster younglings and can't help but smile. Last week I would have thought I was watching the latest modern take on The Goonies meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer...but nope, now it’s my reality.
"Okay everyone, let's try that again!" I clap my hands, trying to wrangle the attention of somewhere between a dozen and twenty monster children scattered across the clearing. "Rowan, Scamper... no... those sticks aren’t for swordfights, they are your percussion instruments! I catch myself smiling despite my stern tone. “And Grimcub! Is that a war axe? Put that down. No axes in music practice!"
God help me.
The young troll and red devilish looking youngling drop their sticks with little pouts while the orc child reluctantly hands over what is actually a formidable weapon. I carefully set it aside, trying not to think too hard about why a child has access to battle axes.
Jeez, this sure ain’t the kindergarten back home.
"I've found this perfect little nook between a few buildings. The ancient stone walls seem to amplify every giggle and shuffling foot, turning even their chaos into something musical. It's perfect!
These kids... err, I mean, younglings... don't even know how amazing they are! Especially Whisper. Every time I hear him experiment with sound, my heart just about bursts.
Koda has no idea what his son is capable of.
But he soon will, I'm sure of it. When he sees what these children can do... well, how could anyone not be moved? Gosh, this whole town is incredible, like a fairy tale made real.
It's magical. Literally.
"Now remember," I continue brightly, "Games are super fun and all, but today, we're making music together! We're going to blend all your individual sounds – and maybe throw in some dance moves too – into something beautiful! I'm not quite sure what yet, but trust me, it's gonna be awesome! The acoustics in here are perfect for what I have in mind... Let's see what you've got!"
A small sasquatch – I recognize him from our impromptu peek-a-boo game in the brambles - lets out an experimental howl that echoes beautifully off the walls. The sound reverberates through the space, and other younglings quickly add their own voices with delight.
"Yes! That's perfect!" I bounce on my toes with excitement. "Now you trolls, remember those rhythms we worked on? Let's hear them on those big seed pods!" I drum the air enthusiastically, my heart soaring when they actually follow along.
"And my little witchlings!" I turn to the fairy and elf girls. "Show us those light patterns – the way we practiced – make them pulse with the beat! And feel free to add some dance moves too if you want!"
The witchlings don’t need to be told twice! Immediately they start to sway with the beat of the troll drums conjuring patches of colored light that pulse and fade with each beat.
“Yes! That’s fantastic!”
Next, I turn to the pixies, who are darting around playing tag instead of participating. I can't help but smile – I can’t believe I am talking with pixies! Actual pixies!
'Pixies! Remember that amazing sound you made with your wings yesterday? Let's add that in - it'll be perfect with the drums!'"
Instantly they start buzzing their wings in unison... and in time with the rest of the children's sounds. Their buzzing almost sounds like...
A little troll breaks my train of thought as he launches a half seed pod drum at one of the witchlings.
"Mossfoot!" He, at least, looks a little contrite as he sets down the other pod he was about to throw.
"Sorry Ms. Mia..."
"Focus, everyone!" But even as I say it, my own attention turns to Whisper, who's been quietly experimenting with different tones in a corner. His sound is unlike anything the other younglings have made - no gruff grunts or raw howls, but something entirely new – something with what is it... soul?
"That's incredible," I tell him softly, and his face lights up. "Want to show the others?"
An idea begins to take shape. Maybe they have some traditional song we could perform? Koda is going to be so proud! But more than that, it would be great for Whisper. If he could only realize his talent, I’m sure it would start to boost his confidence. A little “win” would go a long way.
I sure needed all the wins I could get when I was his age.
He nods shyly, and then, with a little more gentle prompting, he begins to let out a soft sort of howling song. And the really cool part is the way the others seem to just follow his lead. The pixies add their twangy thrum, even as the other sasquatch younglings join in with their own sounds, creating a kind of harmony.
It sounds amazing!
The sum total is like some otherworldly chorus that makes my heart swell.
My idea is taking shape. I just need to figure out a song or theme.
This is going to be epic!
CRASH!
I spin around to find Thundertoe, the “little” troll – he’s taller than I am - has somehow managed to knock over the entire stack of seed pod drums, sending them bouncing and rolling everywhere. The pixies scatter in alarm, their wing-buzzing turning into high-pitched squeals.
"Sorry Miss Mia!" Thundertoe calls cheerfully, if not a little embarrassed. "I was trying to juggle!"
And of course, this is the exact moment Mrs. Thornberry and Elder Luminara choose to walk by. They exchange a look that I'm getting way too familiar with.
"If they had only come by five minutes ago," I mutter to myself. "They would have seen something amazing." But just as well – I don’t want to give away any hints - when they see what I have planned, it'll blow their minds.
It’ll make up for whatever the monster parents are all worked up about.
Assuming I can get everyone focused again. Half the younglings are now chasing runaway drums while the others seem inspired to try their own juggling routines. Only Whisper and a few others are still on task.
But even from across the little square, I can clearly hear his strong tones. And it sounds like he and another young sasquatch are working on a harmony of sorts!
Right, it might not be pretty, but overall the kids are making progress. At least Whisper gets it. And the pixies and fairies too! And what did my first music teacher Mrs. Fritz say?
“If I only reach one of you, then I have done my job.”
And I have definitely reached Whisper, judging by how adamantly he and his friend are working together.
This will show all the haters around here that I am not just some wingnut!
Oh crap.
Is that Koda?
Of course it is, he is hard to miss.
My heart skips as I spot him across the square, looking all chief-like while some parents talk to him.
Great.
No, great nothing Mia, why are you nervous? He’s been great. And you are doing a good job.
Right but that’s the thing. I have picked up on his looks. Right? Or is that in my head?
Oh relax, you’re not twelve. No one is judging you!
Besides, it’s be great! Things just need to take shape. We’ve barely started. Then, when they see it, they will understand. What’s the big deal, anyhow? These monsters need to lighten up.
I need to lighten up.
Still, I can’t help the sinking feeling in my gut.
With all the whispering and the looks, it’s like when I was a kid all over again.
Just then I look up to see Zoe, probably stopping by to see how I’m doing.
“Hey Zoe!”
“Hey Mia... um... whatcha doing?” Is that a crease across her brow? I note the way she is taking in my little band of kids.
“Oh, isn’t it awesome? I have this great idea. With the kids... We’re gonna...”
“Mia, um, in case you haven’t noticed, we are kinda new around here...”
“Well yeah,..”
Oh, not Zoe too...
“I mean like “humans haven’t been around Fablewood for I don’t know, 500 years, new?” Zoe keeps looking at me with that look. The same look I used to get from Mom actually.
God, enough with the “looks’, people!
She’s not your mom Mia...
“Five hundred years is a long time. So?”
“ So, you are kinda making some serious waves! Did you even get permission from their parents to be, I don’t know... doing whatever you are doing?”
“Permission...?”
The sinking feeling is getting worse. And the mom thing just doubled down.
And worse yet, does she have a point?
“Oh shit, I always do this...” I look to Zoe for clarity, because I’m not even exactly sure what I might have done.
It’s all so confusing...
“Hey it’s not the end of the world...”
"No, but maybe you’re right. It didn’t even occur to me. I’m sure they will approve when they see what they can do."
I tell Zoe, trying to shake off my doubts.
As we speak, I spot Elder Luminara approaching with that woman from earlier. If I could just show them what the younglings can do...
"Hey kids, come here!" I call out, trying to keep my voice bright. "Let's show them what we've been working on!”
But before we can even start, the woman with Luminara waves her hand dismissively. "I think we've heard quite enough for one day."
"But wait, you haven't even seen-"
"We don’t need to see... the sound is enough! It’s like someone throwing a bunch of pots and pans down the stairs," Luminara’s nose rises in the air as she speaks.
“And hitting a cat with every throw!” the woman adds, not quite under her breath.
I feel a familiar frustration building inside.
“Wait, what? No, they’re just learning... you’ll see...”
"This is not our way," Elder Luminara announces, her wings practically buzzing with agitation now. "If you are going to live among us, young lady... which is yet to be determined, mind you...”
She lets the sentence hang in the air as Koda joins the group...
“Chief Koda, surely you can see-"
"See what?” I can tell he too is frustrated, but why do I think he has his own reasons for it?
“This... rabble... and the cacophony they are creating!” Luminara's wings buzz even harder as her nose rises impossibly higher.
I've got it under control," Koda rumbles, but I notice his fur bristling all the way down his back.
My Fur baby is none too happy.
"Just wait until you see after they practice a little!" I explain, doing my best to prevent this turning into a total dumpster fire. "It's going to be-"
BOOM!
Shit. Too late.
One of the little witch children's light spells goes slightly awry, sending sparks everywhere. Three younglings start chasing the sparkles while two others start pretending they just got blown up. Great now they are screaming and going into death throes. And more kids are joining in... The resulting chaos is... well, pretty spectacular actually as now the sparkles are zapping between the drum shells... It would be perfect, if we were doing some sort of battle reenactment.
"See? They're expressing themselves!" I say, but my voice sounds a little desperate even to my own ears. "This is part of them finding their unique styles!"
This is not helping my confidence.
My mother's words echo in my head: "Why can't you just do things normally, Mia?"
But this is different. This is important. We just need to clean it all up a bit and create that performance. Then they'll understand. They have to. And Koda especially...
But how am I going to turn this into a ‘final performance’?
As I catch Koda's reflection in a shop window my heart sinks again. Is he shaking his head in frustration?
Sure looks like it.
And worse, I realize Whisper has his eyes on him too from across the courtyard like area. As he stops his harmonizing practice I could swear I see his little shoulders slump.
I am not going to let him retreat back into his shell so easily. Not when he is finally starting to shine.
"Okay okay, kids, let’s huddle up here. I have an idea!" I announce, trying to ignore the knot in my stomach.
If we can pull it off it will be incredible... but that’s a big if at this point...
“Koda, wait... I just want you to...”
But he is already making a beeline for Whisper.
Oh, and now leading his son away, back toward his treehouse...
Still, I know what I saw earlier. What I heard. I can still hear that soulful sound Whisper made. And I remember how all the kids just gravitated to follow his lead. I know we can make this happen. Koda will see, and all the townspeople too. It will be amazing.
It better be.