Chizu

***

The book is nearly as big as me. It’s a feat I can even grasp it.

“Chizu! You have to get ready for bed!”

I grit my teeth, the book slipping from my unstable grip and hits wood with a thump. Ania, already in her night time shorts and tank top, stops and her gaze drops to the large object on the floor.

“Some light, night time reading, eh?” she cracks.

“I, uh, wanna study up on my magic.”

“Where’d you get this ancient thing?”

I suddenly find something very interesting above her head, on my feet, anywhere but her curious gaze. “A...library.” Man, I so half-assed that lie.

“How were you even able to drag it home? Wait, how do you know where the library is?”

“I...uh-”

“RAT!”

Damn! Fear sets my adrenaline off and I fall to the ground, scurrying away to Ania before I’ve fully changed form. Fingers pull my tail as I’m moments from my savior, flying me into the air so that my vision is filled with another pissed-off face.

“How many times must I tell you not to take my books on magic?!” Green eyes glare at me.

“She’s just trying to strengthen her powers, Vie. Calm down.” says Ania’s calm, rational voice behind me.

“What the hell does- You know what, that does not matter. What matters is Chizu taking dangerous books without my permission so she can practice being freaking Thumbelina!”

One time! I want to shout. One time my magic malfunctioned, ok?! This protest comes out as a rather weak sounding squeak.

“Just put her down, Vie. She’s a kid. Just have some patience.”

“But-”

“I will talk to her.”

Vie reluctantly sets me down. Once my paws touch the floor, I sprint up to Ania’s shoulder, nesting behind a veil of thick hair.

“None of that, Chizu. Apologize to Vie.” Ania says firmly.

With a small sigh, I make my way back down to the floor, once again changing to the form that enables me to speak with them. “I’m sorry for taking your book without permission.”

Vie raises an eyebrow, lollipop stick bobbing. “Do not do it again.” She grabs the book with expertise and I watch in awe as she heaves it at the wall. It disappears before making contact. Making the I’m-watching-you sign with her fingers, she storms off to her room.

“Woah…” I find myself gasping. Her power never ceases to amaze me.

“Are you going to explain to me just what the hell you were thinking?”

Ah, looks like I’m still not in the clear. I stand and turn to face Ania who waits patiently for an answer. I scratch my bare chest awkwardly, trying to put into words what I was indeed thinking.

Well, only one way to find out if I’m as stupid as Vie makes me out to be. “I really wanted to learn more about magic and Vie has those books right there-”

“Not ‘right there’, Chizu. She has them under lock and key.” Corrects Ania.

“Had them under lock and key.” I correct the correction. “She has them in a box labeled ‘Rat Poison’.”

Ania rolls her eyes. “That girl…” Then she places a hand on my shoulder. “I don’t know if I should salute you for your bravery, scold you for your stupidity, or throw that box at Vie’s head.”

How about all three?