ruevealing | folkmore inbox.

I don't know, that's the problem!

[He looks up at them, eyes wide.]

We were flying home after the sleepover, and I randomly started teleporting all over Satori! I thought someone might've been messing with me, but Hunter said it was definitely me teleporting, and when I tried doing it myself, it worked. And then I thought maybe it was temporary, like your Halloween potions, but it's been 3 days and it's only getting stronger. Is this a thing that can happen?

[Something there leaves Rue's expression softening with realization.

Their own magic manifested in such a way - wild and uncontrollable at first, a juvenile owlbear popping off random spells until the magic settled more fully over them - so is this the same thing happening to Casey? He's certainly not becoming a fae, he didn't spend nearly enough time within the Fae Realm before Rue pulled him out, but if he's been exposed to their own magic for this long, what if it's begun to manifest within him now?

Any human ever brought to the Fae Realm always took on the magic eventually, is Rue - who had been remade beneath that same magic - spilling it all over others now too?

Or is the vow specifically, a fae promise given freely to a human, settling over his skin and tingling at his fingertips?]

Oh dear. [They can't possibly know what else this could be from.] I think this might be my fault.

[Casey pauses at that. He'd come looking for an explanation, not a place to lay the blame. The idea of it being Rue's fault had not occurred to him. On the other hand, Rue sounds maybe concerned? And he has no idea about the implications of fae magic, aside from Rue's abilities and what was done to him by the changeling.]

...Is... is it bad? It doesn't feel wrong or anything, I just. I didn't know what happened to me, so I thought you might know...

No no! [They reach over to take Casey's hand in their paw, trilling out a little musical song before that same fae magic would settle unseen over him again, this time Rue casting an experimental boost of agility within the teen.

The fae magic is undeniably the same.]

It isn't a bad thing, darling. You are in no danger or anything like that. It must be proof of our bond, the fae vow I left upon you, growing as the magic takes root. I'm certain the magic will become more predictable once it fully settles. When I was first fae touched, the same spontaneity affected me.

[Casey closes his eyes briefly, feeling that fresh wave of magic take hold. It feels familiar yet again, warm and enveloping. He feels stronger.]

...Am I going to turn into a fae?

[Because he is not sure how he feels about that and would have to give it a good thinking. Not a bad thing, per se- as a familiar, he's already not entirely human anymore, and he's felt the changes. But- well. He wants to be sure.]

No. [And that is fiercely uttered, Rue is certain of this.] I would never allow what happened to me to happen to you.

[If Rue was worried for even a moment that they could possibly change their children in such a way without their explicit consent, they would leave to keep them safe.]

A touch of magic manifesting within you is not the full and constant exposure of the Fae Realm's magic needed to transform you.

Oh.

[So, it's not dangerous. He's not becoming fae. And it's likely because of his connection to Rue? He's not seeing any cons, here. Something flutters in his chest, eager and excited, some part of him he'd stamped down and silenced since childhood. He loves magic, he's always loved magic. But at some point he'd grown aware enough of the differences between himself and his family to understand that he never would, because of what he is. This world has changed so much. He'd been wary of letting himself get too excited about it in case it was dangerous, or temporary, or it would have to be taken away from him-

He looks down at his hand, still resting in Rue's gentle grasp.]

I wonder if that's why... magic started working for me all of a sudden.

[Rue's gaze follows Casey's down to their clasped hands, where they give him another careful, reassuring squeeze.]

It very well could be. And I will apologize, if it truly is my influence, as I never would have done such a thing without your permission. It was absolutely unintentional, but still - I hope you won't be too upset with me for it.

Oh- no, no! [Hastily, he squeezes their paw back.] I'm not upset. You don't need to be sorry. I- I'm sorry if I seem upset about it. It's just...

[He looks down again, his voice quietly awestruck.]

I've always- always wanted it. My whole family had it, they were so strong and amazing, and I couldn't... [He trails off for a moment, then looks up again, his voice stronger.] It was a dream of mine. You and Hunter made it come true. Even if it was by accident- thank you! I'm really happy...

[Even borrowed magic is such a beautiful thing to him. Gifted through their bond... makes it extra special.]

[It just makes sense, for this to be grown from their bond more than Casey's brush with the other fae here. Rue doesn't even give that a thought, he was never with them for long enough for anything to really happen. So it must be something beautiful and significant instead.]

Any chance I have at contributing to your happiness is so special to me, Casey. I'm so glad.

[That the two of them could do this for Casey is especially precious to them.]

As it manifests fully, I imagine it will remain this single spell, if it's the only one you've been able to cast so far. Enough fae magic for that one ability, but what a useful one! If you would like help gaining control of it, you need only ask. I have similar spells, so I'd be happy to help you get it under control, so you aren't teleporting all over all of the time.

[Casey takes in all of this info with a slow, understanding nod. It's simple enough in concept. One spell, and one he can develop and learn to control over time.]

Hunter was helping me, too. And of course Leo has his portals, he'd be so upset if I didn't tell him, I bet. I've got lots of options for training.

[The mention of Leo makes his eyes widen, pausing to think about that, one hand idly pressed against his chest.]

Oh- I didn't even... it's the same kind of power as sensei.

[Did the fae magic sense his childhood desires, and somehow manifest to give him the same magic as his teacher, his father? How unexpectedly kind. Though if the magic itself is sourced from Rue, then it's no wonder. A little bit from both of his parents... truly he's living the dream.]

[It's such a sweet way to think about it. A gift from both of his parents, manifested through their bonds. Even if Casey does not speak the words aloud, Rue can see how touched he is by the very thought.

So they will untangle their paw from the boy's hand and instead drag him in for a hug.]

You're both connected even now, of course. I told you that love between you both was forever. No distance could ever erase that.

[He laughs quietly and leans into the hug, winding his arms around them in return. His cheeks are pink from more than just the cold, warmed by the sentiment and affection from his family.]

Yeah... yeah. He's right here with me. [He swallows around the lump in his throat and beams, his eyes bright.] He'd be so happy if he knew!

[It's why he's just gotta tell Leo for sure.]

And more proud of you than you know.

[These moments are so precious, the times that Casey can speak of his sensei with fondness and warmth, not just the lingering sting of hurt and grief. The fact he can look back on that man and smile, even as emotional as it makes him, is such giant step forward in his healing.

Rue is so endlessly proud of their boy.]

Leo will be so thrilled.

[Sensei being proud of him was such a difficult thing to envision, ever since he'd had to close the portal on Leo and heard those words. Now, though, it's... less painful. It warms his heart at the same time, the thought so much more bearable. Proud of him... he hasn't technically done anything to earn this power, but hopefully he can earn that theoretical pride by putting it to good use. And of course, showing gratefulness to those who (even subconsciously) gave it to him.]

I'll tell him soon. For now, got any advice for a novice teleporter?

[Since they're right here and all, and they offered.]

[Casey... Rue can't even try to hide the way the offer touches them.]

You don't want to wait to talk to Leo? We both know he'll say it's his domain.

[Teasing and warm as Rue pecks a kiss into Casey's hair.] Not to mention, it might be a perfect opportunity for the two of you to spend time together. Not that you ever need the excuse, but it's far easier for you and I to make time for one another. Leo and Donnie get so caught up in their lives, it might a good in to get some extra time with him.

He'll also be so endlessly proud if he has the chance to teach you.

No no, I do! Of course I do. And I will.

[His cheeks go pink, his head ducking and leaning a bit into the kiss. They make a whole lot of very good points.]

I'm sure he'll teach me plenty about teleporting. A-and I want to hang out with him more, I really do. But it's also fae magic, so... I wanted to ask you, too.

[As both the source and the local expert, he'd be a fool not to.]

Casey.

[Their voice rings out with their usual soft, musical calm, a gentle laugh curling right at the end.]

You have nothing to be embarrassed about. I'd be so joyous to teach you what I know, you don't need to explain yourself. I only wanted to give you the choice, if you'd rather have that moment with Leo.

[He straightens up as they say his name, like he'd been caught raiding the cookie jar. He's doing that thing again, fussing too much over the small stuff. This isn't a zero-sum, low resource situation here.

So:]

Why not both?

[Does he have to choose?]

[They will just reach up to brush Casey's hair behind his ears, still giggling softly.]

Why not both! That sounds perfectly fine to me, as long as you are happy.

I'm very happy.

[He beams up at them from beneath their feathers. It's been kind of a whirlwind, wondering what this means, if it's safe (if it wasn't Rue's influence), if it's something he gets to keep. Now that any of his concerns have been alleviated, he's allowed to really enjoy it. And what a wonderful feeling it is.]

You never answered my question, though!

[Casey beams up at them, adorably peeking up from their feathers, and Rue can't help but match his shining expression.]

Well, I'm certain Leo would be able to give you much more thorough advice considering it is his speciality, but for my specific spell, I find the visualization is the key. When I was first learning it, even speaking the details of where I wanted to land beneath my breath helped to focus where I ended up.

Visualization... hmm...

[He thinks on that for a moment. His teleports thus far have been vision-based. He'd see something interesting in light and he'd suddenly find himself there. It makes sense that visualizing where he's headed would work.]

So far I've only been able to jump to places I can see. Does that help you go further? Like somewhere out of view?

Unfortunately, my ability isn't nearly as fine-tuned as Leo's. I can only go to where I can see. Though I imagine the same would apply, no matter the distance.

[Rue can't imagine why it wouldn't.]

Would you like to test that theory out?

Oh, we could! I know this area pretty well by now, I think I could imagine parts of it just fine. I just can't go far- I'll get sick if I use too much energy.

[He's still a baby magic user, level 1.]

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