Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Twenty Years Ago…

The meeting was hurried- starting faster than any had prior. There were no cheery greetings, no questions about how their days had gone- not even anything directed towards the scorch marks someone (they all knew it was %@&$}) had made earlier that month.

Just… silence. Knowing, waiting, expecting. Expecting for $48@& to start the meeting, expecting them to say what they all knew was coming.

They didn’t have to wait long, as the moment they all were situated around the table- he spoke.

“We have an… issue to address today.” He began, standing up from his seat at the table head, wings flaring out behind him. “As you all know, the Watchers have been out to get us for a while, especially after we beat them to the Altar.”

Everyone murmured their agreements, tensing at the mention of the Watchers. The Watchers were their adversaries- and the ones a Prophecy said they were to destroy;

"Eighteen it takes to fulfill the tome,
Eighteen it takes to become a whole.
Eighteen Guardians- learned in their skill,
Eighteen Guardians- to best the Watcher’s own wills."

Now- seventeen of them sat around the table. The time for these Guardians was running low. Forty years they had been trying to best the Watchers- trying to protect the next Guardians from that burden. But they didn’t succeed. The Watchers had already killed one of their members, so that left them with no other choice.

“We have to pass it on.” $48@& said, his voice rising as he spoke, “If we don’t it would throw off the balance- one of the next Guardians will have found out their fate long before the rest. If we complete the ritual now it will only be a week’s difference.”

“Well, I for one agree with $48@&.” A new voice- €+%l¥- interjected. She usually spoke softly, but today her voice carried a strength to it that only showed when her passion was deep enough to speak out. “If we wait any longer it will only harm the next Guardians more.”

Nods of approval circled the table, just as $48@& looked up from his book. “Well, we can do it now. All in favor?”

Normally, the Guardians weren’t this formal. Normally it was a muttered “okay” here or a “maybe not” there, but today- while talking of the Last Resort- it was as official as ever.

Hands rose across the room, allowing the Last Resort to begin. One by one, the Guardians began disappearing from the table in flashes of light and darkness. Only one being remained, and that was a cat. A Familiar. One who would be deeply helpful for the future Guardian she was to find.

It came down to two. Two last Guardians, one nervous- one waiting for the other to go. $48@& was waiting, and 7(:&-9u¥ hesitating, although that wasn’t a surprise for $48@&. After all, he was the youngest. He had always been hesitant- had always been the follower. Always hesitating before leaping into the often untold venture.

“7(:-9u¥… you alright?” $48@& asked, placing a hand on his friend’s shoulder.
“Yeah… yeah, I’m fine. It’s just… I don’t know, $48@&, I know im the youngest and all but I feel like I didn’t exactly… I don’t know- live up to you all? Like… it felt like I slacked.”

After 7(:9u¥ muttered that sentence of self-deprivation, $48@& instantly berated him; “No! You always did amazing! Just because you’re the youngest doesn’t mean you were a bad Guardian- you were amazing! Please, trust me in this, okay?”

The two Guardians smiled at each other, content to pass on with the rest. In twin bursts of lights, they disappeared- red dust flitting around the spot 7(:9u¥ stood moments ago, and feathers circling the air previously around $48@&.

After each Guardian was gone, it was like they didn’t exist anymore. Yes the history books still mentioned them, but they themselves had been lost to the universe, their Guardianship being passed to children, who would grow and eventually learn their abilities.

Nothing happened when they were gone- all to say of it was a car accident and a newborn being safe even when it should have been fatal. Only one being knew of the Guardians existing at all outside of myth- and that was the Familiar prior mentioned, waiting for her future Guardian to arrive at the beach where she would wait- the future Guardian would have not a clue about why she was there… not for many years, at least.

Chapter Text

Twelve Years Ago…

Scar was not a fan of the beach. Not just because the sand was hard to navigate with the cane he’d used all his life, but also because it was way too warm. He and his family had just spent a weekend out, taking a break from the small town they had lived in as long as Scar remembered. He was glad to be packing his bags, dragging it to the car even with some difficulty.

What he was not expecting, though, was for a member of the local wildlife to have taken residence inside their car. When he opened his back door, he was met with a cat face.

He stared for a moment before calling out- from both shock and a strange feeling… one that told him to keep the cat. “Mom! Dad! There’s a cat back here!” Scar called, climbing in after the cat. Almost instantly it crawled into Scar’s lap, purring. It nuzzled up against the end of his cane, and he kept scratching between its ears.

“Scar- we don’t know who that cat belongs to.” His mother called, but after seeing the cat curl up, she sighed. “Fine… Scar, look for a collar. I’ll go and see if anybody knows it.”

When his mother got back, she shook her head. Nobody had seen the cat, nobody recognized it. Scar had checked for a collar, and he didn't see one. There wasn’t even an indent in its fur for one to have been.

“Alright, Scar, what do you want to name it? Assuming you want to keep it, that is.” Scar’s father sighed, but smiled.

“Uhhh… I don’t know…” Scar began, but then the cat flopped like jelly off his lap, only for him to catch it so it didn’t fall. The cat meant to do that, mostly just so she didn’t have to get used to a new name again. But also so she could make sure this kid was the right one. “Oh! I wanna name her Jellie!” He was. He was quick to react- even though he knew that cats often landed on their feet.

Scar beamed, hands softly cradling the cat to keep her from falling again. His parents stared at their kid- their seven year old kid- who was so reckless but so caring, and they knew they couldn’t convince him to not take the cat. The family of three, plus a Jellie, piled into the car and drove home, away from the beach.

Away from the spot the Familiar was waiting, but not anymore.

Towards where the Familiar would live now- with the new Guardian- still unknowing of the future his life would take.

Chapter Text

Present day…

“Jellie, I’ll be back soon! I promise, Jells, I won’t be gone long!” Scar said, wrestling with his backpack before grabbing his cane, adorned with carvings he had made over the years- most of Jellie.

In response, the very angsty Jellie meowed in protest, but Scar thought he heard something beneath it- nothing huge, but… something. Close to an “Oh come on,” or a “That hasn't stopped you before.”

“Jellie, please? It’ll only be a few hours.” He sighed as the cat jumped up, batting at him as he tried to put his shoes on. Eventually she gave up, but she still glared at him like he had just betrayed her. She chuffed, nuzzling against his leg before he headed out the door.

“I’ll be back soon, Jells, see ya after school!” And with that, Scar headed off- the bus stop just around a corner.

***

Scar could feel eyes on him as he got off the bus. He was used to it, though- what other nineteen year old had a cane? But that didn't slow him down. He kept walking- past the cliques of popular kids and jocks. Past the groups of gamers and partygoers. Past the student body members. To his class, mostly just so he could avoid the crowded halls of the last-minute rush to class.

After he sat there in silence, other kids started filing in. A pair of boys from his eighth grade class, a quiet girl with pink hair, and just some normal teenagers. Nobody significantly noticeable, but nobody blatantly boring, either.

“Excuse me?” a voice asked, startling Scar from his thoughts. “Could I sit here?”

“Oh! Yeah, of course!” Scar said, sliding over to make room. The boy who had asked him belonged to a boy who looked far older than a high schooler- dark hair slicked back, a tailored suit, and a moustache. A small one, but a moustache nonetheless. “I’m Scar! It's nice to meetcha!”

“Its nice to meet you, too, Scar, I’m Mumbo!” The boy said, smiling in Scar’s direction.

It was quiet for a few minutes, the silence only broken by Scar’s cane clattering to the ground beside him. “Ack, sorry!” he yelled, scrambling to grab it.

“Oh, it's fine! Did you carve those yourself?” Mumbo asked, gesturing to the cane.

Scar fumbled for a moment, but once he regained his bearings he answered. “Uh- Well- Yeah..?”

Mumbo stared between him and the cane, “Dude, that looks professional! It literally looks like you got it carved from a professional carver, or like, got it carved at a woodshop! That’s amazing!”

Scar smiled, thanking Mumbo before hooking his cane on the leg of his desk again.

***

A few moments later the bell rang, and class finally began. The teacher had just begun explaining the year's lesson plan, when a boy ran inside. He looked to be around the same age as Scar and Mumbo- dirty blond hair curling wildly around his face.

“Sorry I’m late!” He yelled, rushing into the classroom.

“It’s fine. Go take a seat by those two over there and settle down. Don't be late again.” their teacher said, gesturing towards where Scar and Mumbo were sitting.

“Hey, guys! Name’s Grian, it's nice to meet ya both!” he said, setting his things down on the floor beside him.

“It's nice to meet you, too, Grian! I’m Scar, and this is Mumbo!” Scar said, pulling his things closer to him. They were, however, silenced quickly by the teacher- who finally had to start the lesson for the day. That didn't stop them from joking around, though- and almost getting a referral day one, but nobody could blame them. They acted as if they had known each other all their lives… not just the past hour.

Chapter Text

The front door shut with a soft click- signaling the return of Scar.

“Oh, finally!” Jellie thought, hopping down from her perch to approach Scar as he came in. She let out a friendly meow, followed closely with a lump of fur trapping him on the couch- where he had sat just for a moment.

“Hey there, Jells!” he laughed, setting Jellie on the couch beside him so he could actually put his bag away. Almost immediately, Jellie hopped back on his lap.

She let out a soft meow, but it didn't sound like a meow. “...You took too long.”

Scar froze, hearing a voice- Jellie’s voice- not knowing that the voice had come from his cat. “Hello!? Who’s there?”

Nobody said anything. Nobody spoke. Scar was tense, looking around the empty house for the source of the voice, not knowing it came from the tiny ball of fluff beside him.

The tense silence stretched on for minutes- neither cat nor human moving. “Maybe I just imagined it… I probably just imagined it.” he said, but Jellie just stared at him.

“Imagined what?” she muttered, expecting him to hear a simple meow… but he didn't. He didn’t hear a meow. He heard exactly what she said.

Scar tensed again, and that's when Jellie realized what was happening. “Scar… you can hear me, can't you?”

Scar looked around more, but his gaze finally landed on Jellie. “...Jells?”’

The two stared at each other- Jellie in understanding and Scar in confusion.

“Wait… Jellie, did I just… did you… what?” Scar stared at his cat, contemplating everything he thought he knew about her. “...Did you just talk?”

Jellie paused, seemingly hesitating, before responding. “I’ve always been able to talk, Scar.” she sighed, hopping up from Scar’s lap. “Its just that you can understand me now. It hasn’t ever happened this early… oh crap…” Jellie paused, beginning to pace the whole room.

“Wh… What's up?” Scar asked, seeing Jellie move faster and faster. He ran over to her, and she instantly curled up against him- back into old habits. “Woah, Jells! Hey, are you alright?!"

“Scar, it's… hard to explain. Here, follow me.” Jellie said, moving towards the door… but then she paused. “...I forgot I can't open doors… SCARRRRR!”

Scar chuckled under his breath, moving over to open the door before following Jellie outside. “So where are you taking me, exactly?”

Jellie kept walking, not giving Scar a full answer. “We’re going to… I guess an altar, you could say?” Scar just… stared. His cat- the cat he found years ago in his car- was taking him to an altar.

The forest curled around them, fog parting in their wake. Jellie was ahead, jumping between logs and over the fallen branches that blocked their path. Scar clambered over after her, much less gracefully but he still could.

Jellie could tell Scar had tensed, so she slowed her pace to match his own. “Trust me, Scar, I wouldn't be leading you into this if I didn't know what was going to happen.”

“I believe ya, Jellie, but it's… weird, y’know?” He sighed, staring at the sky as they walked.

“Yeah… Yeah, I know but I’ve done this before. Trust me.”

“I do, Jellie. I always have.”

Chapter Text

The pair trudged through the undergrowth- Jellie making little noise and Scar… was trying. Even if he wasn’t succeeding as much as Jellie.

“We’re almost there, it should be just… here.” Jellie said, rounding a corner. It led into a cave- not one of those abandoned ones, it was surprisingly clean, but one of those ones that just felt… off. Like it had a purpose- or just a space for animals in winter.

“Jells… you sure this is safe?” Scar asked, hesitating by the entrance. He was shaking- from cold or anticipation he couldn’t say.

“I’ve done this for quite a while now. Unlike you Guardians, I don’t have to pass my abilities onto another. I just change bodies.

Scar has no idea how to respond to this. First his cat called him a Guardian, then said that she had switched bodies before, and also said abilities.

Jellie chuffed at Scar’s confusion- it being her way of laughing at him- and waited for him to regain his bearings.

“Jells- what do you mean “change bodies?”

Jellie explained, although very cryptically; “The Altar should clear some stuff up, don’t worry Scar.” And with that, Jellie turned and headed into the cave, darkness swallowing her as she moved. Scar called out to her, but she didn’t respond.

The two walked in silence, going deeper and deeper. After what felt like ages, they came to an open cavern. It seemed.. familiar, in a strange way.

In the center of the room stood a block of carved stones surrounded by pillars on the outskirts of the room. The block, though, wasn’t quite… right. It shimmered like water, but was made from what looked to be obsidian and stone.

“This is the Altar. To the Guardians.” Jellie said, hopping up onto a pedestal beside one of the larger ones lining the walls.

“Guardians?” Scar asked, moving absentmindedly towards the Altar.

“Yes. The Altar explains more than I can, but they’re- wait, Scar, stop!” Jellie glanced over just as Scar was about to touch the Altar, stopping him just in time.

“What’s wrong?!” Scar yelled, backing away from the Altar, back towards Jellie.

“Nothing’s wrong, but you can’t just go touch it, Scar! Ok, fine, come here.” Jellie said, clearly tired of Scar’s antics.

When Scar reached the pedestal Jellie sat at, something appeared in the larger pedestal beside her- a staff; or a cane, Scar couldn’t tell. It seemed to be… both, maybe?

“Pick it up,” she said, and he did.

Everything went blurry, Scar grabbed into the edge of the pedestal for support, dropping his old cane in the process. His heart hammered in his chest, his breath catching.

“Eighteen it takes to fulfill the tome,
Eighteen it takes to become a whole.
Eighteen Guardians- learned in their skill,
Eighteen Guardians- to best the Watcher’s own wills.”

He didn’t know where he heard it- from around him or in his head- but he had heard it before.

Another catch id breath, this one accompanied by the feeling of… almost floating. It felt like the floor had dropped from beneath him and been replaced with clouds all at the same time.

“Hello, Scar Goodtimes.” A voice.

One Scar didn’t recognize… was talking to him.

“Hello?!” He called out, opening his eyes.

He was standing in a void, leaning on a pedestal. But instead of Jellie and a cavern, he saw a cloaked figure. The figure lowered his hood, revealing a… surprisingly normal looking man. The only really strange thing about him was that he had pointed ears.

“Who… are you?” Scar asked, much quieter now.

“My name is not important- all you should know is that you are to replace me.”

“What do you mean? Why do I need to replace you?” Scar was still gripping the pedestal, a headache clawing at his temples.

“Has Jellie not explained it to you?”

Scar froze. “…how do you know Jellie?”

“She used to be my Familiar.” The man explained, now eyeing Scar.

“Familiar? As in… like, magical animal companion kinda Familiae?” Scar stared, and the man nodded. “Why does she live with me, then? I’m not magical!”

The man just stared, a small smirk appearing at the corner of his mouth. “But you are, aren’t you?”

Scar froze. “Wha- what do you mean?”

“The staff wouldn’t have appeared for you if you weren’t. You wouldn’t have been able to come here- cavern and Void- if you weren’t. Jellie wouldn’t have met you if you weren’t.”

The world tilted around them, but they didn’t slide. Scar finally looked down at the pedestal, and he saw what the mad was talking about. The thing he had touched back in the cavern was indeed a staff, but he still had no idea what it did.

“What does it do?” He asked, the man smiled and walked over to Scar, placing his hand on his shoulder.

“You’ll know when I leave you, but I will tell you it can be used as a cane, if you need it to be.”

Scar didn’t know what to say. He had just been told that his whole life he had basically been waiting for a magical Familiar pet cat to lead him to a cave where his whole life would be shattered. “So… what exactly am I?”

The man hesitated only a moment, seemingly deciding whether or not to give Scar the full version or cut-down one. “About twenty years ago, me and the other Guardians had to pass our abilities on because one of our members had been killed and we needed eighteen Guardians to remain in a stable position.” He paused, catching his breath, “We decided to pass on our abilities to infants, who would find them in roughly eighteen to twenty years from then. I was the first to pass on my abilities, but the one who died had already found his ability, too. Keep a lookout for him. You need one another.”

“Wait! What can I even do?” Scar asked, now walking forward with the staff as a cane.

The man smiled. “That, Jellie will help you with. Good luck, my dear protégée.”

With that, the man faded into the darkness, which in turn led Scar back to the cavern. It wasn’t a dream. He did indeed have the staff, but he felt something strange, too.

Reaching up? He found his ears had elongated, matching what he remembered of the man’s.

“So, you met him?” Jellie muttered, making Scar jump. She chuffed again, tail flicking lazily behind her.

“Uh… yeah… but how am I gonna… y’know, hide these?” He asked, gesturing at his ears. “They’re not exactly natural.”

“Oh, that’s easy! Just think them away. They’ll always be visible when you’re holding the staff but other than that you can decide.”

“Oh..! Thanks, Jells… I’d be so lost without ya tellin’ me this.” Scar sighed, leaning against the pedestal.

“Of course, Scar- it is my job after all.” Jellie jumped up, stretching against the stone floor. “Now how about we head back?”

Scar nodded, quickly picking up his cane and pulling his hood up.

“…Scar, why did you put your head up?” Jellie asked, staring at Scar with confusion.

“Ears.”

“Oh right- forgot about that. Yeah that’s probably smart.”

After they left the cavern, the two walked in silence- choosing not to talk about the chaos that had happened that night. Eventually they made it back to Scar’s house and he quickly put his cane by the door, which earned him a curious head tilt from Jellie.

“Well I do enjoy the staff!” He explained, his ears twitching as the hood fell off around them.

“I know- it’s probably good practice, too. I need to teach you everything now… yay.” Jellie hadn’t ever been sarcastic before, so hearing her clear dislike of teaching made Scar laugh.

“Don’t worry, Jells, I’ll try and actually retain knowledge this time!”

“Wait- this time?”

The two continued bantering, but eventually Scar tired out, and remembered he had school the next day, so he went to sleep, Jellie curled up beside him.

Chapter Text

Scar had already taken a few days from school to regroup- and because Jellie wouldn't let him go. He had to get back eventually- so after he was able to convince Jellie he was okay, she finally let him go back.

The next morning, while Scar gathered his things, Jellie stopped him before he left. “Hey, Scar?”

“Hm?” Scar hummed, now completely used to Jellie talking.

“Remember when I told you about the other Guardian? The one who died?”

“Yeah..? What about ‘em?”

Jellie hesitated, trying to figure out how to word it.

“If everything worked correctly, his abilities should have gone to someone around your age. Local, too.”

Scar paused mid-motion, now staring at the cat who mere days ago was just a normal housecat and not a Familiar for a Guardian. “...Local?”

Jellie nodded, elaborating as she stopped Scar’s staff from clattering to the ground. “All the Guardians should be around here- if they aren't close right now they normally are.”

“Oh,” Scar paused, staring at Jellie. “What does that have to do with me going to school?”

It was Jellie’s turn to stare now, but in disappointment and not confusion.

“Scar… That means they should have had something happen to them by now - like how you started being able to understand me.” She explained, jumping up to the couch.

Scar was still staring at her. “So they can understand ya, too?”

“Not exactly- you’re the only one who can understand me before they get to the Altar.”

“Ohhhh… soooo why are you telling me this, exactly?”

“Whoever it is is probably at your school, Scar.” Jellie explained. “If you notice anyone doing anything weird, it might be them. Whoever it is should also be able to see your ears.”

Scar perked up, finally understanding what she meant. “So they’ll be able to see my ears?” Jellie nodded.

“And Scar?”

“Yeah?”

“If you find them, invite em’ over after school, m’kay?”

***

“Ah, hello again, Scar. I trust you're feeling better now?” His teacher said as he walked in, startling him. “There is a seating chart now, by the way- you're next to Mumbo and Grian.” She gestured to a table in the corner, where as expected Mumbo was, but not Grian.

“Alright, thanks, miss!” he replied, heading towards Mumbo.

“Hey, Scar! Where’ve you been?” He asked as Scar sat down.

“ Hi, Mumbo! I haven’t been feeling very well, it’s good to see ya again!” It didn’t feel good to lie to Mumbo, but it’s what his magical talking cat friend told him to do, and he wasn’t about to spill his secret.

“You too! By the way Grian should be here in-” Mumbo was cut off as a very disheveled Grian came running into the room, almost running into another boy in the process.

“Sorry, Timmy! Hey, Mumbo- oh hi Scar! You’re back!” Grian said as he ran into his chair- almost literally.

“Hey, Gri! Yeah, sorry I was gone for so long, I wasn’t feeling well.”

“Oh you’re good! Glad you’re feeling better!”

Eventually, everyone settled down and their teacher could finally start the lesson without interruption.

“Alright- we’re going to be starting a group project today!” Their teacher called as the bell rang. “You all get to choose your groups today, but it cannot be someone at your table and cannot be pairs! Get situated and I’ll explain what you’re doing.”

The class was instantly sent into a spiral, as everyone had sat at the tables with their friends- including Scar, Mumbo, and Grian.

“Hey?” A voice asked, and Scar turned around to meet it. It was the boy who Grian had almost ran into earlier, and another boy stood beside him- one Scar only recognized as the assistant director in the drama club. “Want to be in our group?”

“Sure, why not! I’m Scar!” Scar smiled, walking over to the desk where the two had apparently set up.

“Nice to meet you, Scar! I’m Jimmy and this is Ren!” The boy said, Ren waving as he was introduced.

“It’s nice to meet you two as well!”

“Okay, class! This project is going to be on myths- preferably local but it can be any myth you like, but your group does have to agree on the topic! Go ahead and get started as soon as you make the decision.”

***

It took the three of them half the class to figure out what myth to do, and the only reason they had a topic to begin with was because their teacher had come over and given it to them because nobody else picked it; the Guardians

“So, what do you all know about the Guardians?” Ren asked, scouring the textbook he had been given. “All this says is the basic overview and some other books with more details.”

“I barely know anything- just that they’re said to have some Altar thing their old worshipers built, like, years ago.” Jimmy replied, leaning back in his chair, only to be pushed back by their teacher.

Scar knew he couldn’t just tell his teammates that he had a magical cat that could tell them all they needed to know, so he did downplay what he knew by a lot, opting to go for a very vague answer, “I don’t know that much but I think I have some books on them around my house, so I could bring those tomorrow?”

“Sure! How about we meet in the library after school? Just to group what we do have?” Jimmy asked, getting a nod from Scar but a headshake from Ren.

“I can’t meet today, sorry! Drama club.”

“Oh it’s fine! I can go with Jimmy and we can fill you in tomorrow?” Scar offered. Jimmy and Ren nodded as the bell rang, signaling the end of the period.

“Well, see ya both tomorrow! Ren called as he left the table, rushing off to his next class.

“See you then!” Jimmy called back. “So, the library after school today?”

“Yep! See you then, Jimmy! Bye!” Scar replied, following Mumbo out of the class.

Chapter Text

The library was quiet, as most libraries are, and Scar had just taken a seat beside Jimmy. He already had books strewn across the table, in piles, and even on the ground beside him.

“Hey, Jimmy! Wow that is… a lot of books…” Scar said, sitting down.

“Hey, Scar… yeah I may have gone a bit overboard, sorry..?” It sounded more like a question, but Scar said it was fine anyways.

The two boys worked in silence for a while- each taking notes from what they could find. Despite how many books they had, the information they were getting started to feel repetitive. Almost all the books had the Prophecy in it, but they were inaccurate, so Scar never mentioned them. The strange thing is that Jimmy didn’t mention them, either.

Scar could feel Jimmy’s eyes on him almost the whole time, but Scar never said anything. He figured it was Jimmy drifting into his thoughts, or him scanning the rest of the library behind Scar.

But he was wrong- Jimmy was staring at Scar, and doing a very bad job of hiding it.

The boys researched until the library closed, and just before the two parted ways outside was when Jimmy asked Scar something. Something neither expected the outcome of.

“Hey, Scar?” Jimmy was quiet- his voice only just above a whisper.

“Yeah, Jim?”

Jimmy paused, looking the street around before answering. “I uh… I meant to ask in class but I didn’t know if it’d seem weird or not but… uh… Y’know what- never mind.”

“Jimmy, you can ask. I really don’t mind!” Scar assured, and Jimmy did end up answering, albeit reluctantly.

“Why does it look like your ears are pointed?”

Silence. Scar was staring at Jimmy, Jimmy was staring anywhere but at Scar.

“Jimmy-” Scar began, but Jimmy cut him off.

“No, sorry, that was a weird question- I’m probably just seeing things…”

“…no.”

It took Jimmy a moment for him to realize what Scar had just said. Scar had just confirmed that Jimmy wasn’t seeing things. “What do you mean..?”

“I mean you aren’t seeing things. My ears are pointed.” Scar hesitated, but then he remembered Jellie’s request- if anyone noticed his ears, invite them over. So he did. “Also, do ya want to come over? I can explain… this, too.” Scar gestured at his ears, and to his surprise Jimmy nodded.

“...Alright, lead the way I guess.”

***

Jellie heard the soft click of the door, signaling the return of Scar- but this time he wasn't alone.

“Scar- who is this?” Jellie asked, although she had an idea- it was probably another Guardian.

“Jellie, this is Jimmy! Jimmy, this is my magical talking cat Jellie!”

It was certainly another Guardian.

“Your… Your magical talking cat?” Jimmy was clearly confused, and as much as Jellie wanted to, unless Scar could do magic that Jellie hadn't taught him yet they wouldn't be able to understand each other until Jimmy got to the Altar.

“Yeah!”

It was quiet for a while, Jimmy processing the situation he had been thrown into and Jellie trying to figure out what to do. Scar was just watching them, his gaze bouncing between the two and swinging his staff back and forth.

“So, Scar- he can see your ears?” Jellie asked, just to confirm. Scar nodded, and when Jimmy looked confused Scar explained that he could understand Jellie.

“Well then, how about we take him to the Altar?“ Jellie suggested.

Scar paused. “Already?”

“Scar, what do you mean ‘Already?’” What’s going on?” Jimmy asked, and Jellie stared Scar down for the second time that day.

“Why have you not explained anything to him, Scar?” Jellie sighed.

“I haven't had the chance yet, Jells!” Scar laughed, both at his cat’s distaste and Jimmy’s confusion. “Besides- you're better at explaining than I am! I was waiting for him to be able to understand ya!”

“I… I'll be able to understand the cat?” Jimmy was still confused. Jellie was still questioning Scar’s ideas, and Scar was oblivious to it all.

“Yeah- once you get to the… the Altar..?” Scar paused, seeking approval from Jellie. “Yeah! The Altar! Once you get there you should be able to understand Jellie!” Another pause, another Jellie meow. “Oh and we can go tonight!”

Jimmy paused, staring at Scar. “You still haven't explained anything to me, Scar…” he started, “But I trust you… and the cat.”

“Thank you!” Jellie sighed, but Jimmy still couldn't understand her, so Scar had to translate- even if it would be one of the last times.

***

Jimmy had stayed at Scar’s place for the rest of the day, light fading around the streets as they talked. Scar has been relaying information from Jellie for the past hour, and Jimmy was slowly understanding everything more. At first, he didn't trust the whole ordeal. But after Scar explained his story, leaving out his experience with the Altar, Jimmy started to get a better grip on it, even if he knew there were lots he wasn't hearing.

“It’s midnight.” Jellie said, causing Scar to stop talking. "We can head to the Altar now.” Scar replayed this to Jimmy, but he could tell Jimmy was scared. Or anxious.

“Jim… it’ll be ok.” Scar muttered, setting his staff aside. “It’s not that bad…”

“I know, Scar, it's just… I don't know what to expect, I guess?” Jimmy laughed, “I mean you did just tell me I have to go in the woods in the middle of the night.”

Scar started laughing, too, and Jellie was waiting by the door, scratching at it to get their attention.

“SCAR! DOOR!” she yelled, causing Scar to start laughing again.

“One sec, Jells! I’m coming!”

Chapter Text

The trio walked along the path, Jellie leading while Scar hung back with Jimmy, not knowing the path quite yet. Eventually, Jellie walked off-path, angling herself to where Scar vaguely recognized the entrance to the Altar room.

It was covered by a few layers of leaves, but nothing too difficult to clear. The main difficulty was that Scar and Jimmy were wearing hoodies- Scar so he could hide his ears and Jimmy because he hadn’t gotten the chance to get anything else, and they were both overheating.

“Over here.” Jellie led the others into the Cavern, and Jimmy gasped, while Scar simply pulled back his hood and smiled.

“Here it is, I guess!” Scar gestured around the room, his hand not holding his staff arcing above his head.

“Hey, Scar?” Jellie muttered.

“Yeah?” He replied.

“Come here-“ Jellie started, moving towards the larger pedestal next to the one she perched on when she brought Scar there earlier, “Put your staff on that.”

“Why..?” Scar asked, although he did still swap his staff for his cane, doing as Jellie asked.

“It lets you go with Jimmy when he meets his predecessor.”

“Ohhh! Okay, then!” Scar put the staff on the pedestal, and gestured for Jimmy to come over.

As Jimmy made his way towards Scar and Jellie, something appeared on one of the pedestals, making him jump.

“Well I suppose we found it.” Jellie said, running over to Jimmy with Scar just behind.

“Why did that just… like, appear!?” Jimmy yelled, almost backing into Scar in the process.

It wasn't much- it was a staff, like Scar’s, although it wasn't the same twisted oak and crystals like Scar’s- it was a lighter wood, with yellow feathers instead of crystals.

Jellie meowed, and so Scar relayed the message- “It's your staff, apparently all the Guardians have one, like mine over there!” he nodded in the direction of his pedestal. Jellie meowed again. “Oh yeah- touch it.”

Jimmy paused, stared at Scar, almost spoke, but then didn't. Instead, he hesitated.

“Okay… I trust you…” With that, Jimmy touched the staff- and instantly gripped the pedestal, his eyes shut. Scar stumbled, too, gripping the wall.

Jellie was the only one who stayed conscious- both Scar and Jimmy in the void with their predecessors.

***

Scar was first to regain himself, having been there before, and he noticed pretty fast that something was different.

For one, he had his staff with him… and he wasn't in his hoodie anymore. He was in a robe- green with gold along the edges. His ears felt longer, too- longer than they already were.

“Scar..? Where- what are you wearing?” Jimmy mumbled, stumbling as he stood up.

“No idea, but I don't entirely hate it…” Scar muttered as another voice came from behind them.

“Ah, it's a wonderful surprise to see you again, Goodtimes.” A voice said. It was the same man Scar had seen when he first entered the Cavern. “And I see you’ve brought a new Guardian?”

“Oh, hello again! Yeah, I did!” Scar replied, startling Jimmy with how calm he was after a man appeared in front of them from nothingness.

“Well then, give me a moment. I was told to inform the Old Guardians when they’re proteges arrived. What is your name, new Guardian?”

Jimmy was silent for a while, glancing between Scar and the man. If Scar could trust this man, Jimmy could too… probably. “Jimmy Solidarity”

The man nodded, stepping back before responding. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Solidarity- I will send your predecessor out in a moment.” And with that, he vanished- leaving Scar and Jimmy in the void.

“Who… was that, exactly?” Jimmy asked, still confused.

“Oh I don’t know his name, but he’s my predecessor!” Scar explained just as a new figure walked in.

He was another Guardian. He was wearing a cloak similar to the other, but this Guardian has wings.

“I take it your Jimmy Solidarity?” The man asked, nodding in Jimmy’s direction. Jimmy nodded, so the man continued on. “My name I will not tell, but what I will is that you are my protege. You are to take my role, and I wish you well in that.”

Everyone was silent, Scar trying to stay out of… that as much as possible while Jimmy questioned everything.

“So…” Jimmy began, “What do I do?”

The man gestured towards the pedestal with his wing- the staff Jimmy had seen previously sitting on it, a waiting invite to pick it up. “Once you have it in your hands, more will be clear. I trust your friend to explain what is not.”

Jimmy stared between the man and staff, and began walking towards it. But he had one last question; “Does anything happen when I do this? Like, physically? Like Scar’s ears…” he looked towards his predecessor, and was met with an answer he dreaded but figured.

“Yes. My wings will be yours. But no worries- these larger ones you can hide whenever.” The man pulled back his hood, releasing smaller tufts of feathers behind his ears., “these, however, are what Guardians will see no matter what. And what the touch of the staff reveals.”

Jimmy nodded, and he did as the man had instructed. He touched the staff.

***

He was back in the Cavern- Scar and Jellie talking nearby.

His back felt warm, but not in a pleasant way. Although it wasn’t uncomfortable either. When he turned he saw wings- the same wings the man had in the void.

“Oh, Jimmy! You’re awake!” Scar said, running over. “You okay?”

“Uh… yeah, I’m just a bit tired…” Jimmy grunted as he stood, using the staff as leverage.

“Well, I’m glad you’re ok, Jimmy. You can always crash on Scar’s couch- he’d be fine with it.” A new voice spoke, causing Jimmy to look to where he least expected- the cat.

“Jellie!” Scar yelled, causing Jellie to laugh.

“I guess I can understand the cat…” he murmured as Jellie hopped up beside him.

“You definitely can understand me, Jim- if you didn’t we’d have a problem. Now onto wings-“ Jimmy cast a look over at Scar, receiving a nod. Jellie was always this straight to the point. “You do have to preen them, but that’s easy- just go through each feather once in a while. Oh and hiding… you can hide your wings at any time, you just have to think them away. But the feathers behind your ears will be visible for every Guardian and whenever you’re holding that staff, or don't choose to hide them.”

Jellie rambled on about the two of them the rest of the walk home, Scar and Jimmy both barely listening. The moment they made it back to Scar’s house, Jimmy took up Jellie’s earlier offer and fell face first onto the couch, his wings becoming visible half-fall.

“Jim..?” Scar asked, just to make sure she was breathing through the cushions.

“I might just sleep here tonight- that cool with ya, Scar?” Jimmy’s voice was muffled through the pillows, but he was understandable.

“Of course! If you need anything Jellie’s normally around here somewhere and I’ll be upstairs! Goodnight!” Scar called, heading up to his own room, Jellie in hand.

“‘Night…” Jimmy said, and he just fell asleep- his wings sagging around him.

Chapter Text

“Jimmy, are you sure you can go back to school?” Jellie asked as he and Scar got ready.

“Uh… yeah, I’ll be fine- besides, I have most of my classes with Scar so if anything goes wrong he’ll know.” Jimmy replied, still getting used to being able to understand a cat.

Jellie sighed, but relented, “Alright… but stick with each other as much as possible. And keep an eye out to see if either of you can find the next Guardian.”

“Alright then- bye, Jells! We will, no worries!” Scar said, him and Jimmy heading out the door to school.

***

The two were apart for the earlier part of the day, but by their first shared class they were glad to talk again. Jimmy looked exhausted, but Scar had seen him across the halls talking with who he assumed were his friends, and even though he wore a jacket in case something happened he never had his hood up- the feathers hidden to everyone else. Jimmy and Scar both had friends in that class, so they didn't have a chance to talk until they got into their project groups.

“Hi, Jimmy! How’re ya doing?” Scar asked when they got into their group, Ren still gathering her things on the other side of the room.

“Hey, Scar- I’m doing good, thanks. I haven't seen anybody, by the way.” he replied.

“I haven't either, but you didn't tell me until you stared at me for a solid hour, soooo…” Scar laughed, Jimmy joining in after a bit.

“True, but in my defense I could have been seeing things! Feathers are much more obvious.” Jimmy muttered, but then their teacher walked over, Ren just behind.

“Hello, you two. I've already spoken to Ren about this, but there’s two students coming who were absent while groups were decided, and seeing as your group is the smallest, they will both be joining your group. They’ve been briefed on the topic, so everything should go well.” She said as Ren sat down. “They should be here in a moment.”

Just as she turned around, two boys walked into the room- the ones who would be joining their group.

“Hey- you guys are the group we’re gonna join, right?” The taller boy asked, to which Ren nodded, sliding aside for their chairs. “Alright! It’s nice to meet you, my name is Etho and this is Bdubs.”

“It’s nice to meet you both! My name is Ren, and this is Jimmy and Scar! Welcome to our group!” Ren reached out a hand, and Bdubs shook it.

“Thank you! So the project’s on the myth of the Guardians?” Bdubs asked. Ren started explaining everything, while Jimmy and Scar had a muted exchange with one another.

“Was it this awkward for you yesterday, Scar?” Jimmy muttered, leaning towards Scar almost out of his seat.

“Yeah, but it wasn't that bad! I just had to not mention basically everything.” he whispered back.

“So, what have you guys gotten so far?” Bdubs asked, pulling his notebook from his bag.

“We started yesterday, so we don't have much- just the basics.” Scar replied, “Mostly we just have the basic information and reported “sightings””

The group talked for a while, and they made a lot more progress than they had the day before. They were able to find a version of the Prophecy that they decided to go with, and it was one similar enough to the real Prophecy that it didn't bother Scar and Jimmy, as much as they wanted to write down the original one they didn't, to not draw attention to them. All was going well, but one thing kept plaguing on Jimmy and Scar’s minds- who was the next guardian and where were they?

Chapter Text

It had been a few days since Jimmy learned he was a Guardian. So far he and Scar had been going to school just as they always had, looking for other Guardians, and just… trying to stay on top of everything.

But one day, Jellie had a request.

“Hey, Jimmy! Jellie wanted to talk to us, you free?“ Scar asked as they left school that day.

“Uh… yeah, do you know why she wanted to talk to us, exactly?” Jimmy asked, although he still followed Scar back to his house.

“She didn’t say… I’m sure it’s not much, though- she didn’t sound too worried.” Scar explained, Jimmy nodding in response.

The two walked in silence to Scar’s house, but once they got inside it was nothing peaceful.

“Finally you two showed up! Hurry up- we have to get to the cavern.” Jellie sounded almost frantic.

“Jellie? Why- did something happen?!” Scar asked, grabbing his staff as soon as he could, tossing Jimmy’s to him.

”No, nothing happened- but you guys have to practice magic, and the Cavern is the best place for that!

“Jellie, as much as I respect that, but what magic are we learning? Didn’t you already teach us?” Jimmy asked, scrambling to catch up to the frantic cat. The trio was outside now- Jellie practically sprinting through the bushes.

“I just taught you the basics- but there’s more, too.” Jellie sounded tired of them, but she wouldn’t give up on them. “Jimmy you should be able to learn Wind magic and Scar, you should be able to learn Trickster magic.”

“Wait, really? I didn’t know there was more magic to learn, that’s so cool!!” Scar’s interest had peaked, and he was ready to get to the Cavern.

“Don’t try anything yet- you have to learn to control it first.” Jellie sighed, then turned to let them catch up. “That goes especially to you, Scar. Trickster magic is stronger than it seems.“

“I wasn’t gonna try anything! Jells, if it were any other circumstance I wouldn’t be listening but you’re some million year old familiar, so I think it’s a given to trust ya!” Scar said.

***

The group finally arrived at the Cavern, and they were excited. Jellie jumped up to a pedestal while Jimmy and Scar gathered around her, and after a while she was able to explain it to them.

“Ok so each Guardian has the basic magic I taught you guys a while ago, but they also each have their own magic, too. Like Scar, you’re the only Guardian with Trickster magic and Jimmy’s the only one with Wind magic unless you count the Guardian with mimicking abilities, who can mimic other Guardian’s magic for… if I remember correctly about a day.” Jellie explained.

“Wait, Jells, what do ya mean by “Trickster Magic?”” Scar asked, “Cuz Wind magic makes sense but Trickster Magic doesn't…”

“Trickster magic is more like a mix of the other Guardians- You’ll be able to fly to some extent, do some mild Wind magic, and have stronger basic magic than the other Guardians. And probably more, too. Sometimes it's different for each Trickster Guardian- those are just the basics.” Scar nodded, very excited. Jimmy just sighed- he knew that Scar would get way too excited for that.

“So… Can we start training now?” Jimmy asked, twisting his staff in his hands.

“Not yet- you guys both have your school thing to do and it takes forever to teach. So not today.” Jellie said, already moving towards the exit.

Scar and Jimmy were both ready to start learning, but they weren't going to pressure Jellie. She was right- it was already late, and they did have school the next day. So they parted ways- both waiting for the time they could learn magic from a talking and likely thousand-year-old cat.

Chapter Text

The next few days passed fairly normally- neither Jimmy nor Scar noticed anything, but they kept their eyes out. Nobody cast them weird looks, nobody acted strangely, nothing.

But the peace didn't last long.

As many schedules go, Jimmy and Scar didn't have that many classes together; they just had one the one. But in classes they didn't share, that's where the brief peace ended. For both of them.

The bell had rung for dismissal, but most of the students were still packing up. Jimmy included.

“Uh, Jimmy?” The voice startled Jimmy, but when he turned he saw a face he recognized- Bdubs.

“Oh, hey! You need something?”

Bdubs was silent, staring at the floor beneath his feet.

“Bdubs… you ok?” Jimmy’s voice softened. He had a guess on what was going on, but he didn't want to assume.

“It’s nothing, just forget it… sorry, I don't know what I was saying…” Bdubs sighed.

Jimmy now had a very good idea on what Bdubs almost asked.

“... Were you going to ask if I have feathers behind my ears?” Bdubs stared at Jimmy- then, slowly, he nodded.

“How’d you know? It didn't look like anybody else could see them so I didn't know if it seemed weird…”

Jimmy smiled, picking up his bag. “I would explain but a cat is better at that than I am, but I guess the best way would be that only certain people can see them, and that I knew someone new could see them, I just didn't know who.” He paused, then seemed to remember something. “Oh yeah! Could you meet me and Scar out front after school?”

Bdubs was silent for a while, but eventually spoke. “Uh… sure, but… why?”

“It’ll explain more about why I have feathers behind my ears. And it’ll be easier when we're all in the same place.”

“Does Scar know you have… feathers..?” Bdubs asked.

“Yeah- he's the one who helped me not panic.” Jimmy laughed, then left the classroom with Bdubs right behind him. “It’ll be fine, Bdubs- Scar knows what he’s doing more than I do.”

“Alright… I trust you… see you after school, Jim.” Bdubs smiled, trying to act calm.

“See you then, Bdubs!”

***

Meanwhile with Scar, things followed a similar path. Normal class day, nothing excessive, nothing weird. But near the end it took a turn, as someone approached him.

“Scar…” It was Etho. “Can we talk? Like, after school?”

“Oh, sure! Why do you want to talk, exactly?” Scar replied, turning towards Etho.

“Uh, nothing much… I just have a question…” He was clearly skirting the question, but Scar wasn't going to push.

“Alright, then! Well you can ask me whenever, but where would you want to meet?” As Scar spoke the bell rang, so the pair started packing as they talked.

“Maybe in the courtyard by the old tree?” Etho suggested, and Scar nodded.

“Well then I’ll see you after school, bye Etho!” Scar called as he walked out, leaving Etho quietly confused.

Etho’s question to Scar wouldn't be normal- it was a question similar to one Jimmy had asked Scar only about a week ago.