April Showers

[Gelquie]

The way Iris got everyone together, working together, even figuring out such a clever and scientific way to figure out the problem, did much to inspire the much-inspired Era! She really made a lot of sense to them, and even if she was a bit behind on the times and technology, she was very willing to catch up!

Era quickly took to their post of laying down on a cushion, preparing their phone camera to record the whole proceeding. They were a little wary of their battery life, but they were sure if they only started just before everything else started, they could possibly get it. They still wished they had their good camera. But whatever the quality, they were not going to miss this!

And indeed they did not! They recorded, took notes, and watched in fascination as each effect had its impact, until eventually the storm outside stopped entirely. Ha, they did it! And their server was saved!

...Of course, this wouldn’t have been good for the greenhouse… They shared their concerns as well. But thankfully, a perceptive member of the group noticed the problem. Ah, a leak, of course! They were right about turbulence, in part! A little goes a long way, after all, and that goes for disruptions too!

Era would’ve loved to help out if they were only feeling better, so instead they offered to hand over supplies, and make suggestions where needed, not that many suggestions were needed. It seemed like they got this! They were concerned about the duct tape; that would affect the visibility of the ceiling, and their ability to observe, even if it was just a partial obstruction! But it was more important that the issue was fixed. Still…

They sat in thought as the problems were resolved. So it was ultimately, magic. Magic that affected the weather in this greenhouse, and was able to escape enough to affect the atmosphere. Maybe the magic moved on its own, or maybe the surrounding currents helped carry it. It was like dye in a river; one little bit would affect many eddies. And the specific effects it had… probably varied, depending on the biomes.

Oh, this was so fascinating! Era had been dutifully recording weather data, and taking measurements. But they’d never really considered the magical components! Or really anything about magic! After all, they’d never been able to do it, so they stuck to their abilities… But just because they didn’t use magic didn’t mean they couldn’t try to understand it!

So that was what they were all missing! Era knew what better to study, and probably no one had done it before! And now that there was no emergency, they had plenty of time to learn! Era could’ve squeed in joy. They couldn’t wait to report this!!

(...Oh, but they wondered if the effects propagated anywhere else outside of town, atmospheric circulation as it was… Well, their reports would just have to go non-local if that happened. It would be interesting to see where else this ended up!)

They were feverishly jotting down notes and pondering how to go about this new angle when they heard Holiday speak up. That she… wasn’t a plant?
But was in fact a weather spirit like Airin?
...That was super cool, if unfortunate for her.

They were going to do a team cast to release her. Era, as much as they would likely appreciate the outside look into magic, found themself wishing they could help. And so, when the magic users got together, Era stretched out their hands, trying to call to… dunno, some inner feeling? Inner spirit?

Whatever it was, it was a futile effort. Ah well, it was worth a shot. Anyway, Holiday turned back to what was apparently her normal form! That looked much more freeing!

And it seemed she would be off quickly, probably to take care of the errant magic. Which was probably appropriate, really, even if it meant Era probably wouldn’t hear about magical incidents anywhere else. Well, they supposed there were other ways to find out, they guessed…

Still, Era pleasantly waved. “Glad to see you’re in good form!” Era said. “Thanks for all your help and your future help, you were great and supportive, and also that is really cool, now you and Airin are matched!" Their look grew a little more fond. "And I'm glad you're back to your true self too. Go out and feel it! I’ll be around town if you ever want to visit! I’d love to see you two again!”

They looked to Iris. “And thank you for all the help too, that was super cool, you’ve got a lot magical talent and mind for this! I never really considered magical effects on the weather, but that makes so much sense! Actually, it makes me wonder. Would you mind if I came by once in a while? I’d love to see more of it, find out more about magical effects and maybe study them even if I’m not magic myself, because there is so much to find out here and it’s exciting and cool! And also you’re really cool and nice and I wouldn’t mind visiting if you want! Only if you’re okay with it, of course, it’s your house! I offer a lot of weather rambles, myself, a helping hand when I'm feeling okay, and vested interest!”

They paused. “Oh, and I’m Era. Era Newton.”

SPOILER: Click to show

Era is impressed by the way Iris handled the situation. They dutifully stay in the middle and watch/record this all go down, and there is much note-taking. As everything wraps up, they consider that they didn’t even consider magic in their weather studies, and maybe they should look into that!

Also, Holiday is actually a weather spirit, which is super cool! Just to see if they can, Era tries to use their magic to free her. Given how Era either doesn’t actually have magic or hasn’t figured out how to use it, it goes as well as you expect, but it’s the thought that counts!

They say their goodbyes to Holiday and Airin, offering them the chance to come visit again! Then they talk to Iris and express how much they’re a fan, and ramble a bit about magical effects on the weather and their desire to study them, and slips in an ask if they can come visit sometime, while finally introducing themself.

[June Scarlet]

Princess Sunshine took back her wand, and the tip stopped glowing. Sunshine remarked that it'd never done that before, but then the two girls were distracted by the Lady of the House, as she went through Era's remarkable records.

With Iris up to speed on the magical weather going-ons outside, it was decided to turn off the magical biomes of the greenhouse one by one. The group separated itself into magical users and weather observers. Jess stood between the two halves, torn. Was she magical? Or was she just a magician?

Taffy squirmed in Jess' grasp, and Jess set her on the ground. "Okay Taffy, you decide. Where do I belong?"

Without hesitation the guinea pig ran towards the corner where the other users of magic were gathering. Jess smiled, and let Taffy lead the way.

Once there, Jess scooped up the small cavy into her top hat. When the time came to cast the spells, Jess reached out to touch the support beam with one hand, holding the hat with Taffy in the other. She wasn't sure what sort of spell to cast, or even how to cast magic, so Jess just focused on pushing her energy into the beam. With all the other spells and magic going around, it was hard to tell if Jess had any effect or not. But it still made her feel good, like she was helping.

As they went around the greenhouse and used magic, the winds died down and the weather returned to normal. And it was discovered that the problem seemed to be magic leaking through cracks in the greenhouse. This was fixed quickly with duct tape, and a little help from the Kudzu. Jess even volunteered to be lifted by the Golem to patch one of the gaps. It took a little convincing, but she was finally allowed to patch a low-hanging hole with an adult there to spot her as the kudzu gently lifted her into the air. It was a thrill for Jess, though Taffy was content to stay in the top hat firmly on the ground.

Once the greenhouse was fixed, Holiday approached and explained they were not a plant, but rather a weather spirit trapped inside a plant. Together, the group circled the hotlips and cast one last spell, freeing her. Again, it was hard to tell how much, if any, of the magic came from Jess, but it still gave her a sense of satisfaction.

Free, Holiday flew off to clean up the aftereffects of the strange weather. And Jess sat down on a bright cushion, Taffy in her lap. "We did it." said Jess, and Taffy gave an affirming squeak.

SPOILER: Click to show

Jess gives the wand back to Princess Sunshine PFA. Unsure if she belongs with the magic users or the weather observers, Jess lets Taffy lead her to the magic users. Between all the magic going on, it's hard to tell if Jess helped or not. Jess does help for sure with patching the roof, or at least the one low spot the adults would let her fix with supervision. Holiday is freed, again Jess isn't sure if she used magic or not. And finally a chance to rest.

This was mostly just catch up for the narrator post, might make another post later advancing things past that.

[Lizica]

“Glad to see you’re in good form!” Era said. “Thanks for all your help and your future help, you were great and supportive, and also that is really cool, now you and Airin are matched! And I'm glad you're back to your true self too. Go out and feel it! I’ll be around town if you ever want to visit! I’d love to see you two again!”

“You were so helpful as well! And good company,” Holiday said amiably, but then tilted her head and laughed lightly. “I do hope I’m not too much like Airin beside the whole weather spirit thing. We’re not even the same kind of weather spirit! I can explain the differences in our magic as well when we meet again, if that’s up your alley. I don’t know if that trickster would care to join me, but I’ll extend the offer at our next meeting. But thank you, I shall enjoy being myself again!”

Era then giddily turned to Iris. “And thank you for all the help too, that was super cool, you’ve got a lot magical talent and mind for this! I never really considered magical effects on the weather, but that makes so much sense! Actually, it makes me wonder. Would you mind if I came by once in a while? I’d love to see more of it, find out more about magical effects and maybe study them even if I’m not magic myself, because there is so much to find out here and it’s exciting and cool!” And after a pause, they quickly followed up with, “Oh, and I’m Era. Era Newton.”

As Era rambled on excitedly, their enthusiasm was soon mirrored on Iris’s face as well. “Oh, well! Lovely to officially make your acquaintance, Mx. Newton!” she said brightly, shaking Era’s hand with gusto. “Thank you, I’m so happy that you find my greenhouse and its magic so exciting--I’ve poured so much love and care into this place and my wonderful plants over the years, it’s my life. It makes this old heart smile, knowing that other people have found some enjoyment in it, too! All of you are welcome back here anytime you like.”

“But we’d appreciate it if you arranged visits in advance, instead of just showing up at the gate en masse out of nowhere,” added the flamingo, but Iris waved him off jovially.

“A friendly face is delightful any time it arrives, I think, so long as you don’t mind a little mess and a few unkempt plants!”

“Definitely arrange visits in advance,” the flamingo whispered aside to some of the adventurers as one of the uprooted bamboo shoots rolled over to Iris, who greeted it with more effusive cooing before cheerfully toting it a ways off to replant it with her trowel.

“Besides, it strikes me that you’re right, Mx. Newton,” Iris added as she gently patted the soil around the shoot. “The biomes I set up in here would be fascinating for studying the intersection between magic and weather studies! I’m sure it might be quite enlightening for me, as well. At the very least, having more visitors might help me to remember to keep a better eye on my greenhouse maintenance from now on, too, wouldn’t it?”

Holiday, who was still floating in the greenhouse air, added, “Not only is your company very welcome, but having more science done here should make sure the plants live their best lives as well!”

SPOILER: Click to show

Holiday, Iris, and the flamingo reply to Era (Gelquie). They thank them for all their help and their good company, and welcome everyone to come visit again.

[PFA]

Princess Sunshine wasn't quite sure how to help with turning off the biomes—this was a little outside of her magical expertise—but she knew she had to try. She wasn't about to come all this way just to back down at the last moment!

She stood together with the other mages, mostly just shooting Illumination Rays into the support beams and hoping it was helping somehow. For the arctic biome, she felt a bit more confident, instead using Summer Sunshine Relaxation. What better way to counteract the arctic than with warm sunshine, after all?

When they were finally able to shut off the biomes completely, Princess Sunshine collapsed onto one of the cushions with a sigh. She had used so much magic today, and now she was totally exhausted. It was worth it, though, because turning off the biomes revealed that the greenhouse had a leak, which was apparently causing the crazy weather outside.

"Another day saved, with the help of Princess Sunshine!" she said triumphantly, between heavy breaths. She had the feeling she would sleep like a log tonight.

The greenhouse was repaired with some cleverly placed duct tape, and Holiday—who turned out to actually be a weather spirit—announced her plans to head off and help clean up the mess outside. Finally, this whole weather mess was coming to an end.

As everyone was extending their congratulations to each other, Princess Sunshine overheard Iris say, "All of you are welcome back here anytime you like."

It was a generous offer, Princess Sunshine thought. It might have been nice to come visit again sometime, under less extreme of circumstances. As she was thinking about it, however, she remembered something. Something that had been sitting in the back of her mind since they got here, and had never really been answered.

"So wait," she wondered, sitting up from her spot on the cushion. "I mean, I know we kind of broke in, but what was with all the security on your house? Was it just because of the greenhouse?" Turning to the flamingo, she added, "And why did you lie to us and tell us that Iris wasn't home?"

SPOILER: Click to show

Princess Sunshine helps turn off the biomes, then flops down on a cushion from exhaustion. She's been using more magic than usual today. But yay, she helped!

When Iris (Pixie, Lizica) says that they can come visit her at any time, Princess Sunshine remembers something that's been bothering her, and asks why the gate guardians lied about Iris being home, and why the house security was so tight in general.

[Celestial]

Aggie waited patiently as Iris examined the videos and photographs on Era's phone which showed the weather phenomena. When she suggested resetting the greenhouse with the others' help, the Tea Witch clapped her hands together. "Oh, it would be my pleasure! I just need to prepare."

She made herself a cup of very robust, strong pu-erh tea and drank it in one go, much the same way one would take an esperesso in a hurry, if Aggie drank coffee. Once she was done, she cracked her knuckles. "Lead the way, Madam Iris."

First the rainforest biome. No problem. A nice, dry tea, deeply tannined, suited just fine. Aggie had a blend of strong black tea that she reinforced with grape skins and bergamot. It made one's teeth curl drinking it, and indeed, pouring it into the rainforest biome dried it right up.

Purr-eh was glad to no longer have the moisture fluffing up her fur and making it all frizzy. Goodness knows she needed to look her best if Mr. Snuggles was around.

For the desert biome, she prepared another black tea. Lapsang souchong, smoky as a chimney at Christmas, but with juicy summer berries infused within it to keep it from having a dry effect. The desert became dark and cool.

Arctic biome was easy: mint, cinnamon and chilli mixed with honey for warmth. And finally, to soothe the wind in the front garden, a calming chamomile and jasmine. And just like that, the weather all calmed.

Hoo-long stretched his wings, now that night-time had been restored. He flew up around the roof of the greenhouse, looking for a gap.

"Hoo-long, dear, you won't find any...gaps?" Aggie frowned as she saw the gap in the roof panels. Hoo-long landed near it, and with a little effort, squeezed himself through. When Iris explained that was what was causing the strange weather, the Tea Witch could not help but laugh. "Something that simple and mundane caused so much trouble! Oh, it's always like this."

At Iris' comments about the Kudzu, Aggie nodded. "Yes...it is quite. I do hope you don't mind that I took a little cutting from those we had to trim off. I am convinced it will make an incredible arrowroot tea, one that will improve one's ferocity and accuracy," she glanced back at Rose. "But don't tell them that, please. I fear they would be rather mad at me. I do hope it will not require those earplugs, but in case I do, I would like to take a look at that design."

That was when Holiday made the revelation: she was not a plant but an air spirit merely trapped within. "I'm sorry, dearie. But I am sure we can fix this too! After resetting the greenhouse, it should not be a problem!"

Aggie said that but then immediately was struck by a thought: what tea should she use? She had many types of tea, but nothing for freeing a trapped air spirit. She did not even have a blend of tea that would help with freeing someone. She could make someone warm, stop rain, make someone stronger or help with any kind of illness, but granting someone freedom? That was hard.

Purr-eh rubbed against her legs. The Tea Witch leaned down, petting her. An idea suddenly occured. "Purr-eh, cats are some of the most free-spirited creatures in the world, aren't they? Why don't you help the poor spirit?" she took a fairy cake from her basket, similar to what she gave to Princess Sunshine, except cat-friendly. "I know you can."

The cat devoured her cupcake, licking her jaws to clean the last of the crumbs off. She stalked over to the pot just as everyone joined hands. The light began to build, and Purr-eh herself was glowing with it. She, however, was in no rush. When she finally was near the pot, she did what all cats must naturally do when confronted with a potted plant: she swatted it with her paw.

The force was not quite enough to knock Holiday over, but Airin rose from it. Purr-eh turned around smugly, her tail waving in the air. Her work was done here.

"Good girl, Purr-eh, good girl!" Aggie picked her familiar up, scratching her under the chin. Purr-eh accepted this gratefully. This was also what a cat was meant to do: receive praise and adoration.

As Iris mentioned visitors, Aggie looked up. "It would be a delight for me to visit you, if you do not mind. I am fascinated with your garden, and I would love to learn some of your techniques. I will let you know in advance when I visit, of course. Perhaps myself and Era can come together? They can study the weather, I can take a look at the plants," the Tea Witch nodded. "Regardless, it has been a pleasure making your acquaintance, Iris. I am glad for this strange weather, chaotic as it was. If it did not happen, we would have never gotten to know each other, or in many of our cases, know each other better," she beamed at everyone else. "I thoroughly enjoyed this. Perhaps you all could come for a picnic? When the weather is nice, of course."

SPOILER: Click to show

Quickly catching up before the epilogue.

Aggie helps with the biomes, Hoo-long discovers where the gap in the roofs was, and Purr-eh, being a cat and thus a being of total freedom, aids in freeing Airin when Aggie's tea-based magic fails. Aggie asks if she can come see Iris again sometime and invites everyone over for a picnic at hers, when the weather is nice.

[Liou]

Having remained in combat-ready stance, preparing to run forth and defeat whichever weather-frazzling enemy the lady of the house pointed them to, Rose realised that there were no further rude plants or cackling weather-themed sorcerers to challenge them next, and that everyone was settling for tea. With a glance at the impending tornado overhead, they shrugged and sat on a cushion.

There had been magicians conducting experiments somewhere? With elements, and all? Amazing!

That was about the last thing Rose understood before they continued to listen with wide eyes, nodding.

Several people rose to their feet and Rose gave a twitch to follow them, before realising those were the magic users. They turned their twitch into a shift of their posture instead.

So they were supposed to observe the weather. Rose certainly could observe. They just weren't sure if they could notice what other people would be interested in, specifically.

As the mages went to take position, they waited with the rest of the non-magic users, fiddling with a teacup.

"Lovely weather we're - uh, no. I mean, lovely weather we're about to have, am I right?"

Giving up the small talk, they watched the spectacular surges of magic and changes in weather - which had become quite commonplace lately, in truth - and applauded and huzzah'd once it had all been magically fixed.

The kudzu was helping. Rose narrowed their eyes. "You're still not off the hook, bud," they grumbled to it between their teeth.

Just when they thought that the great magical gathering of saving the day was over, everyone began to gather to magically save the day again. Oh? This time to save a Holiday, rather.

Rose hadn't seen much of the actually-not-a-plant (not to be confused with the maybe-plant from earlier) since before the group had split into three teams. They'd had no idea that she was in such a predicament!

Rose was about to step out and let the mages save the day again, when they were dragged into the circle with everyone linking hands, power of friendship-style.

"Oh- wait, no, I don't do the magic here. I just assist, you know. I don't have my witch around -"

They searched for Aggie, but Aggie was organising her own familiars to participate in the efforts.

It was just them, without a witch. How could Rose chip in, all on their own?

They thought hard, looking at their feet, jaws tight, unusually still. While the circle was focusing, they began to think - or rather, to mumble in a low voice.

"Hey, Grandma Earth. It's me again. Hi. How are you and the kids? I'm good, thanks for asking - I think.

"Hey, I know that you know that I know that life and death have big, big rules to them, and that's real important, of course. We're good kids here, we follow those rules.

"And when you're a good kid, the rules reward you too, right. Like, once I'd been a really good familiar to my witch and served my full time. Grandma Earth allowed me to stick around in a different form, din'tcha. None of that resurrection weirdness, none of that messy reanimation of course, because we're good kids. Just a stay down in the ground, then picking up where I'd left off - same life, different body. Two births, two deaths, still one life. Good times, 'member?

"So, how about this spirity being right here, who's been living as a plant. Sure, maybe not exactly the same jurisdiction, I'll admit. But - someone correct me if I'm wrong - I figure spirity beings are easier to transfer between forms, aren't they. No big cosmic rules to break for that, right? So we can totally free her. Pretty please?

"I'm not asking this on behalf of my witch. It's just from me to you, as an alive thing, Grandma Earth."

With that affirmation, a new thought of individuality and independence clicked in Rose's mind.

They had squeezed their eyes shut halfway through. Rose lifted an eyelid, saw Holiday floating overhead and grinned broadly.

SPOILER: Click to show

Rose mostly sat and watched while all our fantastic magic people saved the day. No biggie! They're used to it. Then whoops, Rose was accidentally part of the group that was helping free Holiday, since that group was everyone! What was Rose to do? Rose was only a witch's familiar who got a second life as a human after serving her well! In a whispered request / prayer to Mother Nature / Earth / some big green lady out there, Rose uses their case to plead for Holiday's freedom too. Pixie Lizica

[Gelquie]

Era smiled at Holiday's compliments. And then realized what they had thoughtlessly suggested. "Ah, I meant the weather spirit thing! Although, you're different types? That makes sense! I think. I'd love to know more about the differences, even if it's just you explaining! I'm starting to think I need to understand magic nuances more." They gave a little bow. "Until next time, then!"

Era felt enthusiastic through the whole proper introduction with Iris, as well as hearing the sheer enthusiasm for her greenhouses just from the tone of her voice. They knew well that type of voice, and that it was a happy voice.

They chuckled a little at the flamingo's suggestion. "Well, consider this arranging my next visit, then," they said with a wink.

They mentally acknowledged Princess Sunshine's concern, regarding why the Flamingo and Holiday were lying for Iris, when she clearly loved company! And the security for the greenhouse. This was something they didn't understand... But more importantly to them, Iris, Holiday, and Flamingo were talking to them about very important matters regarding the weather, and Era was rapt!

“Besides, it strikes me that you’re right, Mx. Newton,” Iris added as she gently patted the soil around the shoot. “The biomes I set up in here would be fascinating for studying the intersection between magic and weather studies! I’m sure it might be quite enlightening for me, as well. At the very least, having more visitors might help me to remember to keep a better eye on my greenhouse maintenance from now on, too, wouldn’t it?”

Holiday, who was still floating in the greenhouse air, added, “Not only is your company very welcome, but having more science done here should make sure the plants live their best lives as well!”

Era was practically beaming at this point. "Oh, you're right! The problem with studying weather in any particular area is that few places are really isolated, even if there's local events, so it's hard to figure out all the factors, or whether there's magic involved at all when I'm really just getting started on that part. But here!" They spread their arms out in a vague gesture to everything. "A prime study spot! In general and figuring out the magic! And true, it'd help you and your plants too! I'd love to help make them their best selves."

As they said this, they gave a nod of acknowledgement to Aggie, in response to her suggestion that she could come and study the plants as well.

"I may need some magic pointers, and I may bring or set up some small equipment here to measure things..." They briefly acknowledged that they may need to take some equipment from their weather station to do that... This was important. "But anyway, I can come soon! Not today. After I rest. A time, maybe, uh... Do you have a phone? Here's my phone number."

They took out their little notebook and scribbled their name and number on a sheet of paper, before handing it to Iris. They were ready to offer a paper and pen to Iris if she asked.

SPOILER: Click to show

Era corrects themself for Holiday (Pixie, Lizica), and makes note of the fact that maybe they don't have enough magic nuance to know the difference, so they're definitely open to discussing it sometime!

Era briefly considers Princess Sunshine's (PFA) concerns, and notes that she has a good point. However, such important plot-critical details are not as important to Era as weather talk!

Era heartily accepts the offer to help Iris. (And gives a nod to Aggie (Celestial) to suggest that they support her helping with plants as well, if Iris agrees.) They give their phone number to Iris so they can keep in touch.

[RielCZ]

((The following is a collab with Rabbit (Rabbit ♠).))

Rachel and Evi listened intently whilst Iris spoke -- and, in something of a letdown, she wasn't even aware the whacky weather was happening. At least she seemed like a kind person, rather than the witch some had made her out to be earlier.

But there were still Err Bears and a raging Bearnado about, which had to be stopped. Evi didn't like bears on the best of days -- except grizzlies, they were cool -- so a BEARRENTIAL DOWNPAWR wasn't the best news he'd heard that day. Man, from random puzzle pieces to traversing the desert and now this? It felt like months had passed, today.

"Some dinger of a storm, eh Rae dear?" he said to her. "And we thought the earlier stuff was whacked out." He was concerned about what might happen if a bear smashed a window, or crashed into a child or even an adult or something.

"As if there weren't enough crazy weather conditions," Rachel mumbled. "And I thought the glitter was bad."

Talks about how to quell it stirred through the crowd. It sounded like they could shut down the greenhouse's magic and stuff would go back to normal? But it involved the magic users primarily -- people like him would be literally caught in the middle, taking notes and observations, as requested by Iris.

Yes, Evi didn't have any inherent magic, but he certainly cheered on his fellow Blue Team mates as they gathered their enchanted prowess with the rest of the magic users and together helped turn off the biome -- everyone looked so cool. He pulled out his camera and just had to snap some shots of his crew. Jess being led by Taffy and concentrating like a madwoman at that beam. Princess Sunshine's radiant rays, and her elated exhaustion once it was finished. So many "nice" photographs of all sorts of magic caught in a crossfire.

Hey, Iris had said to wait in the middle and observe and take notes. A picture was worth 1000 words, right? And a high quality professional one was probably worth 10000.

Rachel, meanwhile, was not sure how to help with turning off the biomes. She wasn’t magic - the only magical part about her was Bella, and that was more it than her. However, Rachel was quick to open Bella whenever snowballs came the Green Team’s way. She was usually careful about opening her umbrella inside, but she did not want to get hit with more snowballs... or other wayward magic.

It was a fierce display, but, at last -- the magicians had done it! Everyone cheered as they heard the pounding err bear rain trickle out into a light splattering of fur, and then altogether nothing thereafter. Evi pulled Rachel close. Rachel hugged Evi close and kissed him on the cheek.

The two then listened to the murmurs of conversations happening around them and especially intently to Iris's explanation and Era's theories. It seemed they had had simply turned off the greenhouse's magic, causing everything to return to normal; the magic leaking from the place had seemed to be the cause -- interesting. Definitely newsworthy.

But they couldn't just turn it back on without fixing the greenhouse's wear and tear, lest the whacky weather happen again. But if that was all just caused by small cracks, thank Woo that Err Bear hadn't completely smashed through the window above -- who knows what whacky weather magic would have been unleashed unto the world. Iris's box.

Yes, there was more to do. Before the two knew it, they were being lifted up and made to duct tape the rafters. At least Evi could get some good expository shots from up there. But he was no stranger to DIY repair work -- he had duct taped himself out of some pretty dire situations.

Once they were back on the ground, Holiday piped up and mentioned that she was actually a trapped weather spirit... or something. In the commotion, it was kind of hard to tell. But Evi shrugged as everyone circled about the hotlips plant and focused their magic onto her. "If anything," he said to Rachel, smoothly, "it's a good excuse to hold hands."

They held hands and Evi tightly shut his eyes, concentrating on the plant they had encircled. What a strange, magical world this was... His mind wandered to his youthful card tricks. It was just stage magic, but the closest thing to magic he'd ever done... But then he thought back to his photography. Again, people had told him he could capture the magic of real life in a single image -- a scene, frozen in time. He thought to his hometown, to Rachel, to this greenhouse situation -- all scenes he had photographed.

Could the magic of real life ever be compressed into one fixed matrix of numbers that when put together and correctly interpreted meant something to someone? Well... no. Life was much more complex than that. But by Woo, he (and his camera) would try to capture some of life's magic. And maybe the whole process was magic in and of itself -- the magic being that that matrix of numbers has meaning at all, and the power to make one laugh, cry, and feel.

Rachel looked over at Evi and smiled. "Evi, dear. We did it."

The photographer opened his eyes and started at the big purple aery being before them. He quickly stole a photograph, Holiday grinning and elated in her wispy glory, the still smiling but much more lifeless hotlips plant below. Nice. Eerie, too, in a way. But nice.

“Thank you, I’m so happy that you find my greenhouse and its magic so exciting--I’ve poured so much love and care into this place and my wonderful plants over the years, it’s my life. It makes this old heart smile, knowing that other people have found some enjoyment in it, too! All of you are welcome back here anytime you like.”

Aww, well that was nice of her. "That's awfully nice of you!" Evi replied with a smile. "You know, I'd love to bring you and your marvelous garden to life on the pages sometime in a special issue of Not The Wildest Flower!" He held up his camera and took a side-eyed glance at Sherrie, before turning back toward Iris. "If you're OK with you and your plants being photographed, of course."

"Or maybe you might be interested in an interview with the Uffnewt Weather Station," Rachel added.

“But we’d appreciate it if you arranged visits in advance, instead of just showing up at the gate en masse out of nowhere,” added the flamingo.

He glared at the Flamingo. He was still somewhat skeptical of the pink bird, what with the initial deceit. As Princess Sunshine so aptly put it just now, "And why did you lie to us and tell us that Iris wasn't home?"

He looked at the Princess. "Yeah, I'd like to know, too!" affirmed Evi.

But it seemed as though Iris was nice, so if she liked the flamingo, Evi supposed he might be OK. He waved his hand dismissively. "Eh, no guarantees we won't just swarm this place en masse again, buddy," the photographer ribbed. And then a thought struck him -- was the flamingo a weather spirit, too? The pink bird was friends with one, at least, if he wasn't one himself. Anyway, Evi didn't want to upset the flamingo on those grounds. "But, er, we'll try. But hey, all of us showing up here and fixing this weather craziness do make a good story for you to tell, eh?"

Evi turned back to Rachel. "Just as this sure will be a good story for us, all of us. To friends, family, our grandkids someday. It's really the story of a lifetime."

“Story…” Rachel’s eyes widened. “Story! How could I have forgotten? Evi, we need to report on this now.”

She quickly stood up and dusted herself off. Even after everything that happened, Rachel still needed to look presentable to the camera. Once she was clean of any dirt, Rachel dug through her pockets and pulled out her phone. She shoved it to Evi and stood back, mentally preparing what she was going to say. This was the story of the century, after all.

Evi fumbled with the phone. "Why can't I just record it on my--" and then he realized her urgency, and that she wanted this streamed to the Uffnewt Weather Station ASAP. "Ah, gotcha." He smiled at her.

And then he frowned at her mobile device. Darn dumbed-down phone camera settings, unable to easily modify... ah well. The auto-levelling didn't give horrendous results. He opened the Uffnewt Weather Station News Reporter app and navigated to the "LIVE REPORTING" feed. The video would go to the main station switchboard in the production room -- Rachel had run the details by him in the past -- and be up to the producer to air. But he figured they would -- the story was huge after all. "We're going live from Iris's home in 3, 2, 1." He hit the "record" button on the app.

With a deep breath, she began, “Reporting live, this is Rachel Leewind, here with breaking news. Hold onto your umbrellas, people, because you will not believe this.”

SPOILER: Click to show

A much needed pre-epilogue catchup post!

Rachel and Evi linger in the background during the falling action. They help out when asked and do what they can. The two get a bit mushy, as all couples do. Then Rachel makes Evi record her as she records the weather story of the century.

Mentions made of Jess (June Scarlet), Era (Gelquie), and Holiday (pixie). Sherrie (Ginz ❤), Princess Sunshine (PFA), Iris, and the Flamingo (Lizica) are at least somewhat interacted with.

[Pixie]

"You know, I'd love to bring you and your marvelous garden to life on the pages sometime in a special issue of Not The Wildest Flower!" Evi exclaimed as he flourished his camera. If you're OK with you and your plants being photographed, of course."

"Or maybe you might be interested in an interview with the Uffnewt Weather Station," Rachel added.

“Oh my, such publicity!” said Iris, surprised at this particular brand of interest. “I admit my habits have been rather reclusive of late, but I’m sure my plants would love a little spotlight. So many of them positively jump at the chance to show off.”

"So wait," Princess Sunshine interjected. "I mean, I know we kind of broke in, but what was with all the security on your house? Was it just because of the greenhouse? And why did you lie to us and tell us that Iris wasn't home?"

"Yeah, I'd like to know, too!" added Evi.

Iris looked down at the flamingo. “Did you lie to them about where I was, dear?”

The flamingo awkwardly looked askance a little. “Ahh...well...I--I may have, My Lady. Just a little bit, though! Holiday and I didn’t particularly want to let them all in at the time. I mean--well over a dozen strangers showing up unexpectedly out of the blue, with Meepits and familiars, shouting and shooting light beams at trees, and quite frankly, being somewhat insulting to your house as they stood there criticizing all the weaknesses in the glamour until it was hacked down, and--and this is also after Holiday and I had been bludgeoned by golf balls earlier this morning--so you’d have to forgive us for not being overly keen to welcome an entire small mob onto the property--”

Iris chuckled and gently patted the flamingo on the head, whose face would have turned even pinker if it had been able. Turning back to the curious guests, Iris said, “I’ve had some problems in the past about trespassers, you see. One of my friends here ought to have mentioned it already, but all the magic I’ve infused into the greenhouse over the years has inadvertently heightened its transparent glass qualities, and made it somewhat invisible from the outside. So, not only was there that incident with people accidentally colliding with the invisible greenhouse before I installed the fence, but because I spend so much time in here with my plants, my poor main house often tends to look somewhat abandoned. Before we put up the security glamour, we had to worry about urban explorers coming in and making a mess of things.”

Mr. Snuggles gave a pointed meow at her feet, and Iris picked him up and nuzzled him fondly. “That’s right, we should probably put the glamour back up, but these days we only have to worry about you making a mess of the house! Yes we do!”

"Eh, no guarantees we won't just swarm this place en masse again, buddy," Evi told the flamingo, who for a brief moment looked like he would have rather have spent the afternoon debating with the shouting saguaro back in the desert biome. "But, er, we'll try,” Evi amended, and the flamingo exhaled in exasperation.

“Please, for the love of ’Woo,” he groaned.

“But hey,” Evi added brightly, “all of us showing up here and fixing this weather craziness do make a good story for you to tell, eh?"

Aggie smiled alongside the others as she turned to Iris. “It would be a delight for me to visit you, if you do not mind. I am fascinated with your garden, and I would love to learn some of your techniques. I will let you know in advance when I visit, of course. Perhaps myself and Era can come together? They can study the weather, I can take a look at the plants," she suggested. "Regardless, it has been a pleasure making your acquaintance, Iris. I am glad for this strange weather, chaotic as it was. If it did not happen, we would have never gotten to know each other, or in many of our cases, know each other better."

“That’s a wonderful way to think of all this!” Iris beamed. “I’m sure it‘s been good for all of us here to have had such inquisitive and helpful visitors come by, even if your reason was a bit dire this time.”

Mr. Snuggles purred loudly in agreement, fully content. He was satisfied that he was showered with love and attention and skritches; satisfied that he’d helped guide some people here; satisfied that a plant’s pot had been properly swatted for justice by Purr-eh in the name of cats and aery spirits everywhere; and satisfied that maybe the visitors would come back and visit again and bring more snacks and skritches along with them next time.

Era meanwhile seemed excited and enthused to help study and keep an eye on the greenhouse. “Do you have a phone? Here's my phone number," they added, very practically.

“Oh, lovely! Thank you.” Iris exchanged her own phone number on Era’s paper. “My old rotary phone should see a lot more traffic now, it seems. Perhaps I should set up an additional landline here in the greenhouse.”

“How could I have forgotten?” Rachel suddenly exclaimed. “Evi, we need to report on this now.”

She and Evi quickly bustled about, readying a proper report right on the spot. “Reporting live, this is Rachel Leewind, here with breaking news,” she began, with professionalism, poise, and urgency. “Hold onto your umbrellas, people, because you will not believe this.”

As Rachel continued the impromptu report, Aggie looked to everyone and beamed. "I thoroughly enjoyed this. Perhaps you all could come for a picnic?” she offered. “When the weather is nice, of course."

Iris smiled even more broadly. “That’s a fantastic idea. And I have a good feeling that the weather will be looking up quite soon.”

Holiday, who had been floating around a small bout of procrastination and contemplation, said, “After all these rituals, on top of everything, you must all be so drained. I’d like to help put things back to normal in here before I clean up outside. I’m used to working with larger spaces, so it won’t completely drain me. Lady Iris will still need to fiddle with the biomes, but I can get things a lot more comfortable for the greenhouse residents in the meantime.”

Holiday dashed out through the nearest door from the greenhouse’s heart, and into the air beneath the greenhouse roof. She took high paths through the labyrinthine vegetation that were inaccessible by foot. With grand gestures of her arms, a violet vapor radiated from her hands. As she danced through the air, the strong, dry heat returned to the desert. As she flew over the tundra, it became frigid again. Her return to the rainforest filled it anew with hot mist.

After her flight throughout the greenhouse, she returned back to the center for just a moment to wave farewell to everyone else.

“The biomes are about back in place now. Best of luck, Uffnewt--I’ll be around!” Holiday called out.

“And you can come back and visit any time,” the flamingo called back. “The front gate is always open to you.”

Holiday left the center of the greenhouse through the same door she had entered it from, to move swiftly above the path she had only shortly before been carried through. Past the snarking Chia Pets, and past the place she’d reunited with her rival. Out through the hidden door.

Oh, Holiday would be back. She had chosen to. But for now, she could return to her calling. A gleeful laugh rippled through the greenhouse, like the sound of a sprightly drizzle bouncing from a glass rooftop.

[June Scarlet]

Jess watched from her cushion as the adults chattered and photographed and such. Taffy yawned, her pink mouth showing for an instant. Jess took the top hat, and lovingly placed her guinea pig inside. Taffy snuggled sleepily into the lining. In the instance of a blink, Taffy was gone. Jess wasn't worried, though. She knew the cavy was only a magician's trick away.

Perhaps when everyone got together again, which seemed certain of happening now, she'd pass the top hat around, seeing who could and couldn't pull Taffy out of the magical hat. Jess had a suspicion of who was able to pull something out of the hat, but there was one major doubt in her idea. Herself.

Jess was an independent twelve-year-old girl, but this might be a case for further help, assistance from the many wise adults in the room. But they seemed busy right now anyway, as one pair started livestreaming a news report.

Next time, then. Next time they got together, Jess would pass the hat around, and get to the bottom of her little mystery. And if it did turn out... Jess didn't even dare hope, but if it did turn out that there was something to all this, well, maybe she could ask for help or tutoring in magic.

Jess smiled to herself. That would be very nice indeed.

SPOILER: Click to show

Taffy is placed inside the top hat and disappears for a rest. Jess resolves to pass the top hat around next time everyone gets together, to see if her suspicions prove correct. Jess doesn't dare hope she has magic, but if she were to, maybe she could also ask around for tutoring.

[Liou]

"See ya Holiday! Send us a postcard some time!" Rose waved to the weathery spirity being on her way up. On second thought, they added, "Please don't make it rain postcards though!"

The weather lady from the telly was fixing her hair and clothes? And standing in front of a photographer who was holding a phone? And speaking in a television voice? Rose's jaw dropped.

Were they about to be on the telly?

Rose had never been on the telly before!

Except one time when Myriam had made a funny video of them playing with a rubber chicken, but that was far too long ago, and they had ended up running around the camera too much, and the old tape must be stuck in a box somewhere, Rose should look for it sometime -

For now they needed to cross through the telly program. Behind Rachel, Rose carefully leaned in, tilting their head. They tried and failed to repress a cheeky grin. They gave the phone and the phone-holding person a little wave before dashing across with a little skip.

Maybe Myriam would see them on the telly from where she was holidaying now!

Rose skipped up to the mages to tell them how great they'd done.

"If my plants need some soothing cheery light I'll be sure to ask you! Once you've rested your powers - bet they need a lot of rest while they're growing," they told Princess Sunshine - speaking in a very loud stage whisper, barely a whisper really, due to the proximity of the broadcast in progress nearby.

"I'd love to swing by and trade some plant gossip! I don't grow anything exotic, mostly local veggies, but I could bring you fresh herbs when they come in," they told Iris, beaming.

"This sounds so interesting!" they told Era. "Won't you have so much equipment to carry around, though? Let me know if you need an extra pair of arms! And legs, too! And help for any odd jobs around the place!"

Their tour brought them to Cassidy. "Oh, could I please take your contact numbers and things, it's always good to know a nice healer to call when somebody gets a boo-boo!"

They hopped over to Jess. "Was that your first time in a group spell? Hey, great job! I've never met a mage with a guinea pig familiar before. Wonder why there aren't more, really, guinea pigs are crepe-uscular after all, and they're honest and super sociable and perceptive. Pretty well suited to a mage of your age, too. Hope this one helps you discover cool new things!"

SPOILER: Click to show

Rose waves bye to Holiday Pixie ,
is excited to be on the telly and skips behind Rachel Rabbit ♠ while Evi is filming RielCZ because they were never taught shame I guess,
they congratulate PFA and Kat on magic performance, are interested in visiting Iris Lizica , offer to help Era Gelquie with logistics, and congratulate Jess June Scarlet on being a young mage with a neat guinea pig familiar!

[Celestial]

Aggie smiled as she watched Holiday go, happy the spirit was back in her proper place. "Oh, I do love a happy ending. Why don't you all come back to my place? We could all use a break to process what has happened."

She looked behind her to see Evi and Rachel begin a live report. Aggie gave a little wave and then sidestepped out of camera, not wishing to be that person who crashed any live reports.

Purr-eh, however, had no such compulsion. She hopped down and stepped right into view of the camera, making sure her good side was fully on display. Everyone deserved to see her glory. The black cat sat down, lazily turning her green eyes to the camera before licking her paws and washing her face. Oh yes, she was magnificent. Nobody would be paying attention to that silly reporter now. And Mr. Snuggles...well, he has never been on television, had he?

Oblivious to her cat's antics, Aggie wandered over to Rose, smiling brightly. "You'll have something to write to Myriam about next time she sends you one of her postcards," she remarked. "Please do give her my bestest regards."

She blinked as her attention turned to who Rose had just addressed: Jess, alongside Taffy, her guinea pig. It took Aggie a second to register what Rose had said: guinea-pig familiar.

"Oh, my dear, I did not know you had a familiar as well?" Aggie bent down to look at Taffy. She reached into her basket and produced a little biscuit made of seeds and grass, perfect for a little guinea pig. "My apologies, I had no idea she was a familiar. Purr-eh, darling?"

The cat slowly turned her head and wandered over to her mistress, rubbing against her feet before giving Rose a little headbutt. Even this strange loud dog person needed to be marked as hers, in case Mr. Snuggles got some ideas. Then the little mage got a headbutt, and then the morsel...

Purr-eh's ears flicked forward. No, not just a morsel. This one was like her: a higher being. She snuffed at the guinea pig before giving Taffy a long, slow blink.

"Well, would you look at that. Purr-eh certainly seems to accept her," Aggie clapepd her hands before seeing Jess's expression. "Oh...do tell me you knew all this, darling?"

SPOILER: Click to show

Aggie is glad Holiday is out there, free. Purr-eh, meanwhile, crashes Evi(RielCZ) and Rachel's(Rabbit ♠) broadcast, because the news is always better when interrupted by cats. Aggie chats to Rose(Liou) who is talking to Jess(June Scarlet). Aggie tries to make friends with Taffy, the familiar, who even Purr-eh accepts as a worthy familiar. But it seems Jess had no idea?

[June Scarlet]

Jess was still sitting on her cushion when Rose hopped over. Jess quickly stood up, leaving the top hat on the ground.

"Was that your first time in a group spell? Hey, great job! I've never met a mage with a guinea pig familiar before. Wonder why there aren't more, really, guinea pigs are crepe-uscular after all, and they're honest and super sociable and perceptive. Pretty well suited to a mage of your age, too. Hope this one helps you discover cool new things!"

Jess followed along as best she could. "Yes, that's the first time I've done group spells- Wait, I'm not a mage, I just do magic tricks, I- yes, guinea pigs are great, but-"

Aggie pulled out a special treat for Taffy, who poked out her nose out of the hat at the smell of the tasty biscuit. "Oh, my dear, I did not know you had a familiar as well? My apologies, I had no idea she was a familiar. Purr-eh, darling?"

"She's not, she's-" Jess watched as Aggie's black cat Purr-eh sniffed Taffy, then accepted her in one long blink. Jess' mind worked overtime. Taffy was an unusual guinea pig, to be sure, but a familiar? But they only belonged to those who had magic. It didn't make sense, unless...

Aggie clapped her hands before seeing Jess's expression. "Oh...do tell me you knew all this, darling?"

Taffy started squealing for the treat, and Jess picked her up, taking the offered treat from Aggie and holding it for the cavy. Taffy munched happily away.

Jess shook her head. "I had no idea Taffy was a familiar. I guess that makes sense, though, considering the unusual way in which I found her. I found this top hat at Mr. Magnolia's resale shop and somehow pulled a guinea pig out of it. I bought the hat, but I still haven't figured out how I'm able to pull her out. My team has done some experimentation on the subject, but haven't come to a conclusion yet, maybe we can work on that a bit more next time we all meet."

Taffy finished eating, and chittered in agreement. Jess gave her some skritches. "Yes, you must be a familiar, you good girl you."

SPOILER: Click to show

Rose Liou compliments Jess and her familiar, Aggie Celestial offers a treat to the familiar. Jess is like, "What familiar? Oh Taffy the Guinea Pig is a familiar??" Jess pulled Taffy out of the top hat a while back, hasn't figured out what it all means, but maybe next time the group all meets together, they can work it out.

[Lizica]

“Here at the Uffnewt Weather Station, we've been having a particularly nice week so far,” one of the station weathermen announced on television that morning. Ray Nextpected sat surrounded by some lightly annotated weather maps, a few tidy printed reports, a small array of terrariums, sun lamps, and a miniature climbing wall constructed from red thread.

He took a long sip from a mug which, when empty, read “404: Coffee not found.” This coffee was the good stuff, made how he liked it. He now regularly met up for coffee with a particularly sociable and caffeine-loving Err Bear whom he had seen two months ago moping around with the empty mug.

“For tomorrow’s weather, we should be expecting partly cloudy skies, with warmer temperatures toward the end of the week. --Barring anything more unexpected, right, Herbert?” Ray turned with a grin to one of the lizards lounging beneath one of the sun lamps. The lizard said nothing, briefly vanished entirely, and then teleported back to its post, now at a more comfortable angle under the light.

“That’s exactly right,” said Ray, turning back to the camera. “No matter what kind of weather we’re having--be it sunny skies or glitter rain, fair weather or bear weather--we here at the Uffnewt Weather Station will do our very best to get back to you with the latest.”

Truthfully, the Uffnewt Weather Station had been kept very busy during the past two months, though by general consensus, it was an exciting kind of busy. Fresh research was being done. New positions had been filled. Numerous major reports and interviews had been conducted, and alongside the vast intricacies of the greenhouse's contents, the townspeople who had ventured out to solve their town’s mystery had also uncovered the probable cause behind the strange weather at the time--leaked weather magic, a smattering of errant chaos magic, and possibly accidental amplification from a friendly trapped weather spirit.

When the weather weirdness had at last come to a halt, it was much easier to clean up and rebuild. Holiday had done quite a bit to clear up much of the loose magic in the atmosphere, as well as attempting to clear a few of the odds and ends that had fallen from the unruly rain clouds. But although the Uffnewt Regional Airport’s runway was no longer covered in cooked eggs, and the sidewalks were no longer covered in glitter and paper clips, there was still much work to be done. Some houses needed to be repainted; some garden fences needed fixing; some roofs needed to be retiled. And the home repair shops, gardening supply stores, and pet stores in town saw a surge in business as the townspeople embraced the chance to try something new while they renovated.

The town continued to change in the way that towns do-- new faces came and became familiar, older familiar faces left. New shops opened, others closed, or some changed owners as the old ones found new callings. The strange predicament had brought people together, and they all worked on recovering together. The tangible evidence of those strange April showers had all but faded, but the memories were still fresh in Uffnewt’s consciousness.

But while the memories lingered, the frustrations of the event had blown over. The word around town was that later today, Iris, the woman who had been accidentally largely responsible for the wacky weather, was hosting a large potluck at her home, and everyone was welcome. (Homemade dishes were also welcome, but not necessary. It was sort of a Puzzle Mystery Casual Dinner Party/Gala for Friends Potluck.)

Her home was one of the many in Uffnewt that had seen some changes in the past two months: All the windows had been repaired, as well as its porch light, steps, and fence pickets, and the entire house had been cleaned and layered with a generous coat of daffodil yellow paint. There were still, however, an abundance of spider webs on the porch, a grumpy-looking plastic flamingo in the yard, and some very vibrant flowers beneath the eaves.

So perhaps everything there was just as it should have been.

Inside the greenhouse, the repaired glass roof cast faint rainbows across the tree canopy. A barbershop quartet of pitcher plants was rehearsing. A tiny forest of bamboo contentedly swayed as one. Curtains of moss were open as if for a stage. Each biome was alive and rustling with chatter in the plants’ various unique languages.

Mr. Snuggles alighted on a tree branch from a hidden hatch above, shaking the sweater static out of his magnificent coat.

A single grey cloud drifted nearby the house, then skewed from its path. A careful observer would catch a glimpse of Holiday, who had returned to see her friends.

The skies were softly clouded, enough to mellow the heat of early summer, and the sun shined gently from a sky like blue watercolor. As a fresh breeze swelled throughout Uffnewt, through shop windows, past station instruments, down dappled avenues, and over patched greenhouses, the weather seemed to smile. On a day like today and after everything they’d been through, the townspeople could relax and find joy in sharing these small moments together in the warm sunlight.

[PFA]

Norma Schoolchild smiled, enjoying the nice weather as she walked her dog, Sundrop. The warmth of the sun was so soothing, especially after the crazy weather they'd had recently. It had been a couple of months since then, but Norma still remembered that day fondly. After all, it was the day she'd finally gotten her big break as Princess Sunshine!

She may have only been one of the many who had helped Iris fix her greenhouse that day, but it still meant that she was more memorable than ever before. More people around town knew the name of Princess Sunshine, and that meant that her good deeds finally meant something. Finally, instead of being "that girl in the frilly dress who picked up trash," she was Princess Sunshine who picked up trash. She was moving up in the world!

For the moment, though, it felt nice just going back to her normal life. Walking the dog, enjoying the fresh air, not having to worry about getting glitter in her hair... it was great.

"Hey!" came a voice, distracting her from her thoughts. Norma turned her head to see that the voice came from one of her classmates, Matt, running to catch up with her. "You're Princess Sunshine, right?"

"Huh?" Norma blinked. "It's me, Norma. From school, remember?"

"Come on, you look exactly the same," Matt said. "You're just wearing a different outfit."

"First of all, Princess Sunshine wears a magical dress granted to her by the sun," Normal told him. "Second, no I don't!"

"Right, whatever." Matt shrugged. "I just wanted to say 'thanks' for helping us repaint the garage the other day. You— er, she was a big help."

"I'll be sure to pass the message along if I see her. Whoa!" Norma stumbled as Sundrop jolted forward, dragging Norma along with her. "I gotta go. See ya around!"

"See ya," Matt replied, waving as they parted ways.

"What's the deal, Sundrop?" Norma asked, looking ahead to see what had caught the dog's attention. They were standing in front of Iris' house, and Sundrop had taken it upon herself to greet the plastic flamingo with excited barking and a vigorous tail wag. Norma chuckled at the sight... and then suddenly, realization dawned on her. "Oh no! The party! I totally forgot!"

She smiled sheepishly at the flamingo. "Uh, I'd like to stop by and say 'hi,' but... are dogs allowed inside?"

SPOILER: Click to show

Norma Schoolchild is walking her dog when she passes by Iris' house. Oh no, she forgot about the party! She asks the flamingo (Pixie, Lizica) if she can bring her dog, the latter of whom is very energetic and excited to the see the flamingo!!