16. Koda
CHAPTER 16
KODA
S unlight filters through the woven branches of our treehouse as I wake with Mia curled against me, her hair spread around her like spun copper.
Our treehouse.
I like the way that sounds, and a smile spreads across my face.
Her claiming mark – sure enough, a little tornado, dances across her pale skin. Last night feels like a dream, but the mark proves it was real. She's mine. Finally, truly, undeniably, mine.
And I am hers.
I smile again. A real smile. The kind that goes soul deep.
A sound from below makes my ears prick up. Footsteps on the stairs.
"Dad? I'm back!"
Nine hells.
So much for sleeping in.
"Mia," I whisper urgently, shaking her shoulder. "Wake up! Whisper's home!"
She blinks awake, momentarily confused. "What-? I had the weirdest dream... wait..."
"Wake up!... come on. Quick, hide-" But before I can finish, Whisper appears in the doorway. To my shock though, he looks entirely unfazed by the situation.
"Morning guys. Hi, Ms. Mia.”
His matter-of-fact tone elicits a little laugh from Mia from her hiding not-so-creative hiding spot under the sheets.
For once I am not sure how to respond. I am not exactly sure how to handle this new, slightly more, I don’t know, confident Whisper. It must be evident on my face.
“Dad, seriously?" He rolls his eyes. "I assumed she stayed over. I'm ten, not a youngling anymore. I know all about these things."
"Well... I see, of course ... that is..." I stammer, but Whisper's already moved on.
"Can we have pancakes? Scamper's mom made French toast, but your pancakes are way better."
And just like that, we're a family having breakfast. Mia, wrapped in one of my shirts that hangs to her knees, teaches Whisper her special pancake-flipping technique while I try to process how natural this all feels.
As they mix batter and pour it onto the griddle, conversation naturally turns to last night's performance. The pride in Whisper's voice is unmistakable as he describes how the younglings came together, how they practiced in secret.
"You should have seen Rowan's face when we first tried the harmonies," he tells Mia, carefully tilting the pan like she showed him. "And then when the witchlings figured out how to time the lights with the music..."
"You organized all that yourself?" I can't hide my amazement.
He shrugs, but I can see the smile he's trying to contain. "I could have only done it because of you, Ms. Mia. I mean obviously. You showed us how to blend our sounds together."
The way Mia beams at him, you'd think she'd just been given all the treasures in Fablewood. For that matter, I probably have a similar expression on my face.
I almost have to pinch myself to believe I am not dreaming. But, no it’s all real. My new reality. My son and my mate, laughing together in the morning light.
"You need more spin. It’s all in the wrist, " she instructs, as they focus back on making breakfast. She demonstrates what looks like a perfect pancake flip. "See? It’s an art unto itself!"
"Everything's art with you," Whisper teases, but his grin is fond.
Watching them together, my chest feels too full for words. After losing Shellyn, I never thought I'd have this again - this sense of wholeness, of family. Somehow, I know this is exactly what she would want for me – and for our son. A new level of peace and gratitude settles over me. It’s just incredible. Somehow this tiny hurricane of a human has brought music and laughter back into our lives.
And from the look on Whisper's face as he successfully lands his first pancake flip, I'd say he's just as happy about it as I am.
Later at the Bullhorn, I can barely believe how different everything feels. The tavern buzzes with excitement as monsters discuss last night's performance and what it means for Fablewood. Even the sasquatch council members, who I'd expected to be furious about the evening’s events seem transformed. Where yesterday there were stern faces and bristling fur, today I see genuine smiles and animated discussions.
Stonefur, who just days ago was ready to ban humans entirely, now gestures enthusiastically as he describes the performance to a few of the sasquatch younglings. "The way they moved!" he exclaims, actually attempting a little shoulder shimmy that makes his massive frame wobble. "And those sounds! Who knew our traditional calls could blend so beautifully with human melodies?"
Even Ridgerunner, usually the most traditional of us all, nods in agreement. "Makes you wish you were a youngling again... before we got bogged down in all these rules. No, I think it is time to embrace a little change. What are we going to do? Cover the temple up again? I don’t think so."
"Agreed,” Oakmane chimes in. "No reason we can’t open up a little bit of the sacred grounds. I believe our ancestors would approve. Well done Koda, we consider this matter resolved, and look forward to discussing this new discovery and how our people can contribute to further investigations at the next council meeting."
Just as I am thanking the group of my brethren Elowen bursts through the door, clutching the book from last night. "The temple!" she exclaims, practically vibrating with excitement. "The children's performance - their joy, their music - it must have triggered something! Look!" She lays the book on the bar, where previously blank pages now shimmer with text.
"The Society of Destined Hearts," she reads, her eyes sparkling. "That's what they called themselves. ‘A society dedicated to bringing together those fated to find love across worlds.’" She looks up at me. "Isn’t this amazing?"
“Wow, well, looks like we finally have a name for this mysterious secret society now. Have you told the girls yet?” My mind begins to wonder what this could mean.
“Nope, I just found that part... but I can’t wait to plan our next move!”
As if summoned by her words, the elders appear. It seems everyone has been positively electrified by the show last night.
Although I have a short list that will need to put in a little work to get back on my good side...
Faelar steps forward first, looking appropriately contrite I am pleased to see. "Chief Koda, we owe you - and your mate - our deepest apologies."
“And my friends and their mates I believe,” I point out, doing my best not to gloat. It’s not really Faelar’s fault he is so easily swayed by the others around him. Still, gotta make him squirm a little.
But. even Luminara nods, though she looks like she's swallowing something sour. Something very sour. Oakenheart merely grunts, but coming from him, that's practically gushing. Tree people aren’t known for their oratory skills after all.
"We were wrong," Faelar continues. "About everything. We promise to make it right."
“We all make mistakes, Elder, but, um, I am getting a little feeling of Déjà vu here... please tell me you’re not going to flip tomorrow and find a new reason to be upset with us next week...”
“No, no, no... I am looking forward to working together moving forward. I must say this temple discovery is most exciting!”
The tavern door swings open again, and this time it's Whisper who enters.
The Bullhorn is absolutely bustling today.
There's a new confidence in his stride that makes my chest swell with pride. Several young female sasquatch wave from their table, giggling behind their hands.
"Would you look at that," Zoe says to Mia, as her and Olivia and their mates come in from the bier garden. "Seems like someone's got admirers."
"Our little star," Mia agrees, beaming. "Hey, and where have you guys been?" she asks, turning to Olivia.
"Oh, just fixing the fairy lights in the bier garden," Olivia responds, giving Whisper a mock stern look. "Someone's re-installation... was less than professional..."
Whisper shifts, looking sheepish. "Sorry... we did our best to put them back like they were...”
"No worries, just playing with ya, kiddo," Olivia teases with a smile.
Murk, who's been listening nearby, chuckles. "Speaking of our young performer, I heard you had quite the spark about you last night. I can’t believe I missed it!”
“Somehow I think you will get another chance to see the younglings put on a show,” I say, smiling at Mia.
“Of course he will!” She replies, lighting up. “That ‘spark’ was just the beginning!”
So much is happening in the tavern, I almost miss seeing Mary Poppins saunter over to Mia's feet. My mate scoops up her cat with a delighted laugh.
"Look at us, Poppylicious!" she coos. "We both found our mates!" Right on cue, Othrix pads over, earning a playful eye roll from Thokk. "Though yours seems to have quite the reputation as a ladies' man..."
"The Slayer of Tiny Beasts has many admirers, it is true. But only one mate. Those two are inseparable." Thokk rumbles, but there's no hiding his amusement.
"Speaking of tiny beasts," Kalen cuts in, turning to Whisper. "What do you say we finally get that Cubicles and Chihuahuas campaign started? I think you've more than earned it after last night's performance." He glances at me. "What do you say, Chief? Maybe let the kid skip his homework for once? We can play this afternoon."
A laugh erupts from deep within my chest. “Maybe just this once...”
The smile that lights up his face makes my heart swell.
"But you have to do it tomorrow then," Mia adds with a wink, and I can't help but grin. My little tempest seems to be learning some balance as well.
The tavern door swings open yet again, only this time it’s Finn who strides in, travel pack slung over his shoulder, his satyr's hooves clicking on the wooden floor. "Hey all! Miss me?”
For a moment he just pauses as he takes in the lively scene, perhaps not accustomed to being the center of attention himself.
"Don't take this wrong, brother, but I've been a bit preoccupied," I chuckle. "But looks like you have been off on one of your adventures?"
"Spot on you are my big hairy friend," he grins, slinging off his pack before twirling a horn tip for dramatic effect. "And I have returned with presents. For the ladies..." With a flourish, he produces a few multicolored little sacks. "Some might call them... magic beans?"
Zoe and Olivia gasp in unison. "Coffee!"
"How did you-" Mia starts, but Finn just winks.
"A rogue never reveals his secrets...”
"We could set up a little coffee stand," Mia suggests excitedly. "Right outside here!”
“Hmm,” Zoe responds, “Not sure I want to see a bunch of monsters on their first caffeine high...”
"Seriously though," Finn interrupts, "what's got everyone so worked up? This Bullhorn is practically jumpin’!"
As the others fill him in on the show and Elowen's discoveries about the "Society of Destined Hearts," I pull Mia closer, still amazed at how perfectly she fits against me.
“Wait... so you are saying our town is full of secret portals? And that these portals connect to the human world...? Do tell me more...” Finn is suddenly very interested.
“Actually, they could connect to who knows where else!” Elowen pipes up!
“Easy there... let’s not give our resident bon vivant any ideas... we still have no idea how to really access or even control them...”
“I hope there’s one that goes to Hawaii!” Zoe interjects. “I’ve always wanted to go.
“Well, I would settle for Monstertown,” I add. “Would make visiting our relatives a lot easier...”
Mia turns to her friend, Zoe. "I just can’t get over all this. I mean... who knew working at your aunt's estate would lead you – would lead us – here!”
“I know right? She says?”
“Well, I, for one, am glad you did!” I say. “Cause, it brought you to me.” I pull Mia in for another kiss, relishing the way she feels at my side.
“Fate would have brought us together, one way or another furbaby.”
I don’t argue, because I know she is right.
I pull her in for yet another kiss, this time a little awkwardly, unintentionally pulling at her dress...
“Oh my god, you got your mark!” Zoe suddenly gushes.
Zoe and Olivia crowd around to admire the black and white tornado.
“When will it color in like yours? Does that take a few days, or what?” Mia queries innocently.
"Ooh, just wait till you see what comes next," Zoe teases.
Looking around the tavern - at my friends, my son, my mate - I feel something I haven't experienced in years: completeness. Mia catches my eye and smiles that smile that first captured my heart, even if I was too stubborn to admit it then.
Nine hells, but I'm the luckiest sasquatch in all of Fablewood.