Magic in the Key of Joy (A Wylde & Cray Adventure) UIC2022

Chapter 9: Wylde Hunted

All things considered, I suppose I could have handled that situation better. I don't know if it's got to do with my losing control whenever I'm at an emotional breaking point, and then – don't laugh, you musical nerds – let the music take me; or if it's because being next to Cray just unravels my focus.

I've replayed that scene over in my head before landing in Atlantis a dozen times – and yes, I've already scored Atlantis: The Broadway Musical, serialized it for television, and story-boarded the blockbuster movie. It began with that whisper. I don't remember what it said, something to do with 'the song of life' or some such metaphysical mumbo-jumbo, and I sang something from Les Mis (and I don't even like Les Mis) and dammit, fainted before Cray was going to KISS ME!

If I meet with the Three Fates (I picture them now as a kind of Little Shop of Horrors all-girl trio) I am going to give them a piece of my mind that they'll choke on for centuries! I woke up and was promptly smothered with kisses from Luna, and then met with Kray's sweet Aunt Baelena, who everyone treats as if she's some kind of Goddess. My Bae (yes – she loves that I call her that) likes her drinks strong, and her men stronger.

(They'll be here soon, says Luna.)

The first time Luna mind-spoke me, I was so shocked that I fell out of bed.

(He did not! So dramatic, this one.)

Hey, that's my imaginary captive audience you're not talking to! And being dramatic is a prerequisite for my job, okay?

(Well, Excuuuuse me!)

You're excused. Bae gave me the complete synopsis that I should have been given before being folded through space. One world, two realities. The Sidhe and the Sluagh. The truth behind the Bermuda Triangle. Elve-is Presley (who knew?) But this whole adventure so far has been like being stuck in the chorus of Company's "Another Hundred People" – hardly time to breathe before the next word. It's life, unscripted. And it's terrifying.

(Places, Wylde! Behind the archway, now.)

And magical.

"Luna said he's awake," I can hear him saying. "Go in and see," Bae answers. His shoulders appear, and I grab him, ready to finally kiss him. To find myself tossed bodily halfway across the room, hitting the wall. A sharp pain shoots across my back. Somehow, Cray has appeared below me in time to catch me before I hit the floor and he gently carries me to the bed.

"I'm so sorry!" he cries.

(Are you all right? asks Sunny from Cray's shoulder.)

(Well, that didn't work out as planned.)

(You're behind this, aren't you? growls Sunny. You've been watching too many Sapien films!)

"It only hurts when I breathe in," I answer truthfully. He's looking at me intently, seeing if I'm being honest or not. Satisfied that I am, he asks: "We could kiss now, if you like. I know I'd like it."

(It's all he's been thinking about, reveals Sunny.)

"Sunny!" exclaims Cray, a little embarrassed. It's adorable and endearing, but truthfully the kissing moment is gone. For now.

"Can you tell me what the hell that whole super ninja-fast response was all about?"

"Don't ever surprise me from behind, and don't ever jump me if I don't know you're there.  It's my trained reflexes. Sorry!" He looks relieved.

 "Bae told me about your...what? What did I say?"

Suddenly a massive creature fills the doorway. "She is to be addressed..."