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Cindy cut off suddenly as she stared past you. Lin seemed to be alarmed as well. You and Pei turned…and took a step back as a flock of birds came flying towards you.
No. Towards Cindy.
She panicked, and pursed her lips to attempt another whistle, but Nature Girl stepped in front of her.
Lin spread her arms out, raised her hands, and <span class="mu-s">bellowed</span>.
The birds flew around and above you, breaking up before they could collide with Nature Girl, and came back together in a cylindrical flying formation. You all stared up at them as they spiraled up towards the sky and flew off in separate directions.
You weren’t the only ones, either. Everyone present was watching, as well. And as soon as the flock of birds had gone, their gazes naturally drifted to Cindy and Lin.
<span class="mu-r">“Are you sure you don’t have any powers?”</span> Pei asked.
<span class="mu-s">“Pretty sure…?”</span> Cindy said carefully.
Her squirrel had fled by now, but the yellow bird was still circling the area.
As for Nature Girl, she seemed to be <span class="mu-i">very</span> interested in Cindy now. She was giving the girl an appraising look, and you had a feeling that she was going to try and make more than a token effort to get to know her.
<span class="mu-r">“Forget Disney Princess.”</span> you said, sounding truly impressed. <span class="mu-r">“Are you sure you’re not blessed by the God of Pigeons instead?”</span>
Cindy frowned at you, and Pei’s face split into a grin.
<span class="mu-r">“Now <span class="mu-i">that</span> I believe.”</span> she said.
<span class="mu-s">“I’m not exactly looking for an open spiritual relationship.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Tell that to the Pigeon God.”</span> you said, sharing a laugh with Pei.
Nature Girl was still staring at Cindy.
<span class="mu-r">“Are you planning on playing, Pei?”</span> you began. <span class="mu-r">“Because if not, I was wondering if you’d be interested in teaching Cindy a thing or two about manipulating Chi. Nothing too intense, of course.”</span>
You gestured at Cindy’s cast and boot, and Pei made a thoughtful noise.
<span class="mu-r">“Hmm. I guess it wouldn’t be a <span class="mu-s">huge</span> waste of time. She moves with grace and purpose, and she has actual combat experience.”</span> she reasoned, gesturing at Cindy. “Let’s see whether she has any talent in cultivating chi.”
Cindy smiled, her mood suddenly lightened.
<span class="mu-s">“Seriously? You’re okay with it?”</span>
Pei shrugged.
<span class="mu-r">“Eh, why not?”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“...Can I join too?”</span>
Everyone turned to Lin. She was leaning in and pointing to her own face. Pei and Cindy exchanged a glance. Both shrugged and muttered their agreement.
Nature Girl gave them a rare, friendly smile. Although, it was kind of ruined by the odd tilt of her head.
You smiled at them, taking this opportunity to slowly back away and give them their space. In the meantime, you had a basketball court to build.
(Cont.)
