Daughter of a Witch

Chapter Two: Through a Looking Glass

Modern Agatha took a deep breath, grounding herself. Having a younger version of herself-and Rio-suddenly thrust into their lives was more disorienting than she could have ever prepared for. Seeing her younger self, full of that stubborn determination and razor-sharp caution, felt like staring into a cracked mirror. She knew that her younger self would need time to adapt, but her sense of responsibility went deeper than that. If she could ease even a little of her younger self's pain, then perhaps this bizarre encounter might serve a purpose.

Turning to her younger self, Agatha extended a hand, attempting to keep her expression open. "Why don't we... take a moment? I'm sure you have questions," she said with a small, knowing smile. "Let's talk. Alone."

Young Agatha narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. "You want to talk? Fine. But I'm not exactly trusting you just because you look... well, like me."

"Understandable," Modern Agatha replied, a hint of amusement in her tone. "Trust isn't built overnight. Come on." She led her younger self down the cozy hallway to a quieter corner of the house. They entered a small study, its walls lined with books, a comfortable space she often used for reflection.

Once they were inside, Modern Agatha closed the door gently and gestured for her younger self to sit. She sank into an armchair herself, observing the wary look in her younger self's eyes and the way her fingers twitched as though itching for a spell.

"So... you're really me," Young Agatha said, her voice carrying an edge. "Why should I believe that?"

Modern Agatha studied her carefully, remembering the unyielding nature she'd carried at that age. "I know you're skeptical. If I were you... well, I'd feel exactly the same way," she admitted. "But think about it-who else could know your deepest insecurities, ambitions, and dreams you keep close, hidden away?"

Young Agatha's face softened only slightly. "Fine," she muttered, though her posture remained defensive. "So what's this 'future' of ours like?"

Modern Agatha smiled, resisting the urge to reveal too much. "All I can tell you is that it's nothing like you're imagining right now. Your life-our life-changes in ways that are... unexpected. But it's a life worth living. More than worth it, actually."

Young Agatha's gaze flickered with something undefinable, her shoulders loosening ever so slightly. She bit her lip, her gaze focused intently on her older self. "And Rio?" she asked in a voice so quiet and vulnerable that it felt like a whisper carried on a breeze. "She... stays?"

A surge of emotion rippled through Modern Agatha's heart. She kept her tone steady yet gentle. "Yes. She's here with us, isn't she? That's what matters."

Young Agatha closed her eyes briefly, a mixture of relief and disbelief crossing her face. She nodded, exhaling a shaky breath. "You're right... it is." She opened her eyes, the hardness returning. "But don't think I'm going to let my guard down for a second. I don't know what's happening here, but I don't trust anyone's intentions. Not even... yours."

Modern Agatha chuckled softly. "Oh, I remember this phase all too well," she said, shaking her head. "You have every right to question everything. But while you're here... maybe let yourself be open to what's around you. You might find there are things worth trusting."

Young Agatha frowned, studying her older self with a mixture of suspicion and interest. "We'll see," she replied quietly, though her gaze lingered on the shelves, taking in the worn, familiar spines of spellbooks and journals. There was a touch of longing in her eyes as if she was yearning for something she hadn't known how to name.

Meanwhile, down the hallway, Y/n showed Young Rio around the house, her nervousness fading as she saw her mother's younger self glancing around with wide-eyed wonder.