Quoted By:
<span class="mu-r">“Why’re we standing around speculating when we could literally go and ask nature Girl ourselves. She’s literally right over there.”</span> you said, pointing to the nearby mutant druid.
She was currently being subjected to having tennis balls stuck onto her antlers by her fellow Morlocks. To your surprise, she actually seemed to be enjoying herself for once. And with sentient beings, no less.
You waved her over, and she hopped off of her grizzly bear to approach you, looking serious despite her ridiculous appearance.
<span class="mu-g">“What is it? If you’re going to ask about the park’s security, I already told them to stand down for the time being.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“It’s not about that, but thanks.”</span> you added. <span class="mu-r">“We were just wondering if you had a hand in getting those animals to like Cindy.”</span>
Nature Girl cast her scrutinizing gaze at Cindy. She shook her head.
<span class="mu-g">“No. I didn’t tell them to do all that.”</span> she answered. <span class="mu-g">“I told them to be nice to her, but not <span class="mu-i">that</span> nice. I don’t know where that came from.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“They clearly like her.”</span> Pei said, letting the squirrel crawl back into Cindy’s sling.
The Korean girl squirmed uncomfortably and shifted her arm as it wormed its way back in.
<span class="mu-g">“Yeah, I can see that.”</span> Lin said, shifting her attention to the bird on Cindy’s shoulder.
Lin whistled at it, and got a series of chirps in response. Lin nodded seriously, looking more engaged in this conversation than she has for any you’ve seen her have with the other Morlocks.
<span class="mu-g">“She says that she likes your voice.”</span> she said in a gentle voice.
Cindy glanced down at the bird and let out a melodic whistle. The bird pecked her cheek in response.
<span class="mu-s">“Ow.”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“Yeah, don’t do that. That was very offensive.”</span> Nature Girl warned.
<span class="mu-s">“Sorry. How did you do it?”</span> Cindy asked.
<span class="mu-g">“Like this.”</span>
Lin let out another whistle, and the bird on Cindy’s shoulder responded more positively this time.
<span class="mu-s">“Like this?”</span>
Cindy whistled again, and it earned her another peck and some agitated chirping.
<span class="mu-g">“Maybe you should try out some bird body language to appeal to it.”</span> Lin suggested. <span class="mu-g">“A little head-bobbing or some tail-wagging.”</span>
You, Cindy and Pei watched with mild interest as Lin shook her hips from side to side. You haven’t seen her this animated in a while.
You and Pei turned to stare at Cindy, wondering if she’d really do it. Her expression was…apprehensive, to say the least.
<span class="mu-s">“No no, yeah. Lemme just…”</span>
Cindy whistled once more, and this time, you <span class="mu-i">did</span> feel something. Without thinking, you found that you’d taken two steps towards Cindy. So had Pei, for that matter. You snapped out of it quickly, but it seemed to have the intended effect on Cindy’s bird.
It flew back to her, landed on her shoulder, and nuzzled its head against her cheek.
<span class="mu-s">“Aww. Hey, I did…”</span>
(Cont.)
