“Katrina Ritches is both anxious of her exposed appearance and apprehensive regarding the current situation,” said Faye, returning her attention to Phantasia.

“You’re an odd girl, all right,” said Joel, “Man, where’d you guys come from anyway? I mean I know its up north or something and I don’t wanna sound offensive or anything, but you’re the strangest girls I’ve ever met!”

“You have lovely hair too,” said Kaori, “Are you going to tell me that’s all natural, just like—” She paused, her eyes widening as she took in Phantasia’s current appearance, “Oh, I never even noticed! Tasia, your hair is…”

“It’s magical,” she said, grinning.

“It is natural,” said Faye, “It is a genetic trait of our people,”

“I so wanna see your homeland some day,” said Joel, “Crazy clothes and crazier hairstyles. Man, it sounds like something outta a cartoon!”

“You watch too much television,” said Kaori, elbowing her boyfriend in the ribs.

Joel winced from the playful hit. “Guess I ain’t allowed to go watch some now then?” he asked.

“You can take me shopping,” replied Kaori, “I need some more material for Tasia’s dress. And then we need to get you some food in, because your dad won’t have bothered. And you’ve got to do your homework or you’ll never pass the Second Year!”

“Sounds like you’ve got a busy day ahead,” said Phantasia as Joel’s face melted into a frown.

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep him occupied,” said Kaori with a smile, wrapping an arm around his and dragging him away, “See you two tomorrow morning!”

“Yeah, seeya,” mumbled Joel.

As the two of them left they passed Shelley without acknowledgement. Phantasia expected this, but Faye had already analysed the situation without need for explanation.

“Kaori Shimomura appears to hold Shelley Edwards in low regard,” she said, “While Shelley Edwards looks up to Kaori Shimomura as an idol she cannot surpass. This behaviour is unhealthy for both and should be discouraged. I am surprised to find you have not repaired this rift yourself, Princess, as it is within your behavioural patterns to do so,”

“Humans are complicated,” Phantasia said with a sigh, “Don’t you think I haven’t tried!”

“That you have and have not met with success does little to increase my expectations of humans,” said Faye, “Shelley Edwards appears intimidated by my presence,” she added as Shelley slipped off around the corner, towel clutched tight as she sought out the alternative entrance to the changing rooms, “She is not sure if I am to be regarded as an idol or a threat. I would rather be seen as neither.”

“I’m not sure you’ll have a choice!” said Phantasia, “Anyway, have you noticed anything about the illusion?”

“Their minds are confused,” said Faye as they began their own journey home, “The illusion placed upon them has been twisted and layered so many times now that it does not take much to expose the cracks. We must be cautious with our actions or else we will risk further eroding of the spell,”

“And why shouldn’t we be encouraging that?” asked Phantasia, “You think its a good thing that spell’s got them all confused like that?”

Chapter 42
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