[ Next morning ]

  It's another beautiful summer day and I just finished eating breakfast.

  In an hour or so I will be accompanying Emily to her school. Her csses today are mostly about preparing for school life again and of course talking about the holidays is encouraged. It's something this school has decided to introduce, and I can certainly understand the logic behind that.

  I can clearly remember starting school again st year, but being totally unmotivated to actually learn anything. This method ensures that everyone has had the chance to say hello and get used to being back in css.

  Her school is called the "Westview Academy," and it is a girls-only private school. In other words, only the kids with wealthy parents go to school there. Emily's dad is a surgeon, and she said that she barely managed to attend due to the retively high admission fee. But the school is apparently the best of the best in the Washington area, and he is willing to pay for that.

  Just like every morning, mom gives us an update about the monster situation. Her company is making great progress in synthesizing fairy dust, albeit only to destroy shields. If things keep developing the way they are right now, I won't even need to donate my dust anymore. But for now my fairy dust is the best they got.

  "Honey, you're not going to like this."

  "What? Did Rachel give up on baking chocote cake?" I grinned, because yesterday's taste testing failed miserably.

  "Ha...ha.....ha." Rachel said, but she's smiling. She's already used to years of teasing.

  "No, you can't leave home without your transponder and headset anymore. At least not for a while."

  "Waaa? Why?! I can't be seen wearing that! I'll look like a total freak!"

  "So business as usual then." Rachel snickered.

  I stare at her for a moment, shake my head and then focus on mom again.

  Mom smiles at the sight, but then looks serious again. "You don't have to wear them, only take them with you for emergencies. You can hook them up on your belt, see?" She shows me a rather crude looking belt with both devices attached to it. "The Major brought it st time, but asked me to give it to you at a ter moment. That's today."

  "It still looks nerdy, like a toolbelt. Do they expect me to fight or something?"

  "No, but apparently an unidentified blob showed up on radar screens tely. Any idea who that could be?"

  "Hehehehe.....Santa Cus?"

  "Try again."

  "Okay, okay...I got it. So.....really? You're not pranking me, are you?"

  "Awww.....I was, actually. But I can't lie to that cute face of yours."

  "Moooooom!"

  "Hahahaha!"

  "Okay...whatever."

  "Honey, to tell you the truth......the Major asked you to wear it today only. Apparently we will soon have military helicopters flying nearby and they want to......" she paused, probably trying to remember what the Major told her.

  "Py hide and seek?"

  "Something like that. Holding a joint exercise, were his words actually. But yes, it's basically the same thing. Adults pying games with expensive toys.

  I even checked with Thompson to see if I could dey this for a while, but these orders are coming from the usual pce."

  "Let me guess, from someone to whom I won't be sending a christmas card this year?"

  "Exactly, our President. And honey, we don't send christmas cards anymore. At least not by mail."

  "Hehehehe....I forgot, whatever. Okay, I'll py along. What do they want me to do?"

  "Just go with Emily and around noon activate your transponder and headset. They will expin what to do next."

  "I thought that we agreed to let me take it easy for a while?"

  "Same here. Just get it over with."

  "Yeah....okay. Anything else I need to know before I leave?"

  "Only that Rachel's newest cake this afternoon won't have chocote in it until she can perfect the recipe."

  "Hehehe.....Rachel, I already had a slice of your cake, and it was amazing. So why is chocote so difficult?"

  "Em.....let's see. So far I overbaked it and added too much chocote. Was my regur cake really good?"

  "Absolutely, and that's the truth. Sorry for teasing you, but I'm really looking forward to a chocote cake. Maybe because it's so difficult, that it will taste even more sweet when you succeed."

  Rachel smiled. "Maybe you can help me next time?"

  "I'd love to. But.....keep me away from the chocote. Since I became a fairy, I find that stuff irresistible."

  "Hahaha...we hadn't noticed," mom said. "Now get going, honey. Emily is probably getting ready to leave."

  "Okidoki...see you ter alligator. What?" My smile vanished because both of them stared at me.

  "Why would you say that?" Rachel asked, sounding very surprised.

  "Eh...I dunno? It's just something we say because it rhymes?"

  "Uh-huh. You're right, Rachel....way too easy to tease."

  "AAAAAAAAAHHH! You two are evil! I'm leaving! Hahahah...bye!"

  [ Going to school with Emily ]

  "Do you think that they'll let me join you today?" I asked Emily while sitting in her bike's front basket in my fairy form.

  "You are a monster killer, a celebrity, a fairy and simply super cute. Why wouldn't they?" She grinned while parking her bike in the school's bike shed. She then looked around and focused on my lips the moment I returned to my fox-form. "I'm so happy that we finally get to spend time together. You being big and all."

  "Me too. Our pool party was rudely interrupted. Wanna go for a second attempt?"

  "I'd love to. Should we bring friends?"

  "Mmmm......do we have to?" I asked.

  "Just kidding. When will you be 18?"

  "Just 7 more days."

  "Hehehe....counting down already?"

  "Is it that obvious?"

  She looked around to see if anyone was watching and gave me a quick peck on my cheek. My wings buzzed for a moment, hoping for more attention, but it wasn't meant to be. "Sorry....cameras, if anyone asked, just a celebratory kiss."

  "Awww.......but I understand. After school, swimming in the pool?"

  "Hehehe....that rhymes...and sure."

  She motioned me to join her into the building and asked me to go easy on the affection, because that wasn't allowed. Strict rules for girls, gotcha.

  We pass lots of girls and all of them are staring at me, so I'm trying to break the ice."Hi....morning.....hi there."

  Emily introduced me to her friends, and she suddenly had lots of those. I think that she's really popur now.

  A female teacher approaches us and quickly spots me in the center of the group. "Ahem....may I ask who you are? Oh?" It sounds like she already recognized me.

  I smile and offer to shake hands. Let's be really polite to her. "Good morning, miss. Nice to meet you. I am Ann Finley and Emily here is one of my friends. I was hoping to join your css today. I promise I won't interrupt. But if you want me to leave, I will go now."

  "Nice to meet you too. I'm Sarah Henderson and I'm their homeroom teacher. There's hardly anyone in this world who doesn't recognize you from TV. You have inspired many of our girls to study diligently."

  I find that hard to believe, but okay. "Ehehe, I'm not that special."

  "And yet, that's exactly what you are. By all means, I would be honored to have you join us. If you have any questions or want to participate, please do. Today however is not about learning, but about preparing for a new school year. Your timing couldn't have been more perfect. What do you think, girls?"

  "Yeaaaaaaaaah!!!"

  "You've heard it, miss Finley."

  "Ah, it's just Ann, okay? I don't fancy titles and such."

  "Good to know. Alright, in you go, all of you." She gestured to get into the cssroom.

  The girls mostly chatted about their holidays, but at some point they all started asking me questions.

  "Ann, can you show us your tiny form?" One of the girls asked.

  "Sure, but perhaps we should go outside? I don't want to damage your cssroom."

  "That's an excellent idea. Why don't you all gather outside on the training field? We can continue the conversation there." The teacher said, and that was not a suggestion.

  A few minutes ter we arrived at the training field. It's basically a football field sized area, and the grass seems to have a difficult time regrowing after st year's exercises. There are no trees nearby, so I can go all out without harming anyone.

  The teacher walks over to me. "Ann, may I ask how old you are?"

  "Sure, I'm 17 but will be 18 in about a week."

  "Ahhh....alright. If you wish, you could attend school here. Won't you?"

  "I would love to.....but....I'm kinda in the military now. Fighting monsters and such. I even have a training scheduled around noon today.

  But I'd love to attend csses now and then, if you'll let me?" Yeah...sorry, not a big fan of school right now. Besides, I still need some rest after the Japan incident.

  "Of course, of course, I understand. Just know that you are most welcome here. Maybe you can even give a lecture one day? About the monsters, your abilities and perhaps fairy life in general?"

  "Em.....sure, I think I can do that. Sounds like it could be fun. So....maybe....soon?"

  "Thank you, we would very much appreciate that. And even if you don't attend school full time, you might still learn a lot from these girls. Every young woman should have the opportunity to learn and make friends, don't you agree?"

  "That's....absolutely true. Emily lives next door, but I'd love to have more friends. Anyway....soo......can I show them my abilities now? I only have until noon."

  "Of course, but before you go, we have a few clothing rules here. And...I must ask...are you wearing a bra?"

  "A bra? Eh....I honestly never thought about that since becoming a fairy. I mean, a big fairy. Somehow they are never bothering me. I think it's my dress or something."

  She nods but is definitely studying my chest. "I hope you'll forgive me, but this school takes pride in teaching our girls about etiquette as well. Something to remember if you wish to return. But I promise that it sounds worse than it is."

  "Good to know."

  "Are you going to be running and such?"

  "Yes? Ah......let me guess, you want me to wear a bra right now?"

  "Would you please? I can give you a brand new sports bra, courtesy of our school. Your size shouldn't be a problem."

  Eh..........okay? "Sure...I don't want to cause any trouble."

  "I think you'll fit right in here. Follow me please. GIRLS? We'll be right back!"

  She gave me a gray sports bra to wear and I have to say, it actually feels very comfortable. She was surprised to see me wearing my military uniform suddenly, but understood once I told her about the military training exercise I was about to join.

  I thanked her politely for the gift, of course, but what will mom say about this thing? Why didn't she tell me that I should be wearing one? Maybe to give me some space? Yeah....she and Rachel are always so nice to me.

  After seeing Emily staring at my somewhat ftter chest, I showed off my flying skills. I even picked up Emily and a few other girls and let them hover above the ground, but not too high.

  In another demonstration, I let my 9 fluffy tails extend their stingers and my wings produced quite the noise when I zigzagged over the field.

  After about half an hour, more and more students approached us and that's when I nded next to the teacher. "I think that's about it for my demonstration."

  "If you call that a demonstration, Ann.... then I fear to see you in a real battle."

  "Hehehe.....oh, and I can swim too!"

  "Can we!!!!! Please!!!!" It's still summer and most of them begged for the opportunity to go swimming, especially with a genuine fairy.

  "Then we'll do that soon, at least if Ann agrees?"

  "Sure! Do I need any special type of swimsuit?" I bet I do.

  "Yes, school provided. If you could please leave your phone number behind, I'll make the necessary arrangements." She then whispers. "If you can keep them motivated during PE Css, I'll treat you to my award winning apple pie. Secret recipe!"

  "Ehehe, it's a deal, miss Henderson!"

  The younger students apparently noticed me as well and I already know that fairies are irresistible to them, especially after the mall incident.

  "Ann!!! Ann!!" The little kids are surrounding me.

  "Hello kids! Who wants to hug me?"

  "Meeeee!! Meeee!"

  "Hehehe, careful with my wings now!"

  I noticed a basketball hoop in the distance and asked for permission to let one of the kids have some extra fun. I took her in my arms while she was holding a basketball.

  "Now hold on tight...." I flew towards the hoop and let her throw the ball, but she missed. "Awwww...."I take her back to the others and hear all of them begging to do the same.

  Suffice to say, all of us had lots of fun and the kids loved fluffing my tails. I have 9 of those, and thankfully I can disable the stingers, so there's no risk to the kids.

  At some point Emily reminded me that it was almost noon, so I quickly ate an apple to keep my energy up. And now it's time to say goodbye.

  "Alright, dies, it has been an honor. I hope that we'll meet again soon!"

  "Bye, Ann!!!"

  "Emily, I'll see you ter!"

  "Pool party, don't forget!" She shouted and ignored the pleas of the girls around her to join us.

  I shake hands with the teacher again. "Thank you very much for this opportunity. I had a great time. Oh, and thanks for the bra." I whispered that st part.

  "My pleasure. Can I have your phone number before you leave?"

  "Um...I don't remember what it is. Could you please contact Emily's parents? We live next door, sorry."

  "Sure. We'll see you soon, I hope!"

  "Absolutely, bye!"

  What a crazy world. This experience was the total opposite from school in my world! Then again...my parents could never afford such a school in the first pce.

  [ Training mission ]

  I fly towards the end of the field and switch on my transponder, and then put on my headset. Let's see if anyone's listening.

  "This is Ann, standing by for a training mission." I said.

  Mom told me that I had to use a switch to change it from always transmitting, to only when I press a button. Depending on the situation, it might help me during battle to keep the microphone active.

  And of course I get a response immediately."Ann....., this is Major Reese, gd you could join us today."

  "Ah.....Major....sorry if I'm te."

  "No, it's still a bit early, but we'll be patching you into our combat group's frequency in a moment. The pilots will be calling you Delta-1, so please don't forget. I will be an observer, so only contact me if you really have to. Do you understand?"

  "Em.....yes I do, sir."

  "Good. Today's training exercise involves you dumping fairy dust over a dummy target. You will have to listen to instructions given by the pilots, follow them to a location and do what you are told to do. Making mistakes is not a problem, this is only a training scenario.

  You are not used to speaking according to military protocol, and that will be an experience valuable to you. The pilots have the opposite problem. They know how to use military protocol, but have to learn how to deal with an inexperienced civilian in a potential crisis situation. Experience gained today will help us out in the future."

  "Alright..... so... do I go somewhere?"

  "No, the 3 Apaches will be departing any moment now and will then be heading to your location. They will use the callsigns Blue-1 through 3. They will maintain a minimum safety altitude, so as not to disrupt civilian life. You are ordered to increase your altitude right after this conversation ends.

  Other nearby air traffic has been cleared for the duration of this exercise. Finally, callsign Eagle-1 is reserved for our eye in the sky, an E2 Hawkeye. They will see your transponder, and rey the radar images to the Apaches, so no worries."

  "Copy that. Wait....a Hawkeye? Aren't they supposed to be stationed on aircraft carriers?" Those are compact propeller aircraft with a huge pancake shaped radar on their backs.

  "Exactly, it is. And today it's within range and will therefore join the exercise. This is a joint exercise between the Navy, the Army and you'll be representing the Air Force. Make us proud."

  "Yes, sir, understood. Delta-1 standing by." Wow....they are taking this soooo seriously!

  "Good luck, I'm now patching you into our combat group. I will respect radio silence. Reese...out."

  Great.....they think of me as another helicopter pilot or something. Why do I even have to learn military lingo?

  I shake my head and move up into the sky, higher and higher until I'm satisfied that this is high enough.It's not fair....I don't even have a radar!

  "Delta-1, Eagle-1, do you copy?"

  Crap.....he's already calling me! I hear a beep after each message, so I don't have to say "over." But I still have to use those annoying call signs: first his, then mine.

  "Eagle-1, Delta-1. Eh....say again?"

  "Delta-1, we have you on radar. Increase altitude to Angels 3."

  Eh....okay....he wants me to climb to 3000 feet. "Eagle-1, Delta-1, unable to comply. I don't have an altimeter. Increasing altitude, waiting for your instructions."

  "Delta-1, copy that, keep climbing at current rate for 2 minutes."

  "Eagle-1, willco." I'm confirming his request.

  I'm really far above the ground now, and I can feel that I'm nearing my limit."Eagle-1, Delta-1, maximum altitude reached."

  "Delta-1, copy that. You are slightly below Angels 3. Remain at current altitude. Strike group Blue will join your coordinates, ETA 6 minutes."

  "Eagle-1, copy that, maintaining present location."

  My god....I'm nervous. If they keep chatting like this, I will surely make mistakes. I'm not used to talking like this and I only know what Lieutenant Benson taught me a while back. But then again.....I'm not even in the military! Why am I even worried?!

  Realizing that they can't possibly expect me to sound like them, I feel more rexed already. Let's have some fun!

  A few minutes ter I hear the helicopters approaching, all 3 of them. I can see people down below me rushing into the streets, trying to see what's going on. And I have to agree, these helicopters are quite loud.

  "Eagle-1, Delta-1, visual contact on Blue-1 through 3." I'm contacting Eagle-1, telling him that I can see the 3 helicopters.

  "Delta-1, copy that. Eagle-1 will remain radio silence. Blue-1 will take over from here. Eagle-1 out."

  My god....they are talking too fast! I can barely follow them!

  "Delta-1, Blue-1, approaching your location. Follow me to the next NAV point."

  "Blue-1, Delta-1, copy that. I'm at maximum altitude and speed is limited to about 100 mph."

  "Delta-1, willco. We will adjust speed accordingly."

  "Blue-1, copy that."

  The three helicopters are approaching me, and they seem to be well armed too. They pass by and I simply follow them.

  They are definitely holding back on the speed, and I can sense that I can fly much faster now. I guess that the Godzil crystal boosted more than I had expected...

  "Blue-1, you may double the speed. This is a walk in the park."

  I could hear amusement in his voice. "Delta-1, copy that, increasing to 200 mph."

  Now this is more like it! Is this really 200 mph? It's.....just a rexing flight now? And yes, I know that they use knots instead of mph, but I'm not exactly a pilot.

  After flying for about 10 minutes we're getting close to the ocean and he's contacting me again.

  "Delta-1, we are approaching the location of the dummy target now. These are your orders. Once you can see the inftable dragon, drop all your dust over the target and clear the area. We'll do the rest. Do you copy?"

  "Blue-1....say again. Did you say....inftable dragon?"

  "Delta-1, confirmed. You have 5 minutes to prepare if needed. Do you copy?"

  "Blue-1, copy that. I now have a visual on the target. Negative on the 5 minute wait. I will dust the target after your confirmation and then clear the area."

  "Delta-1, proceed when ready."

  Okay....here we go. I'm rushing forward towards the target while flying underneath the helicopters. My speed has truly increased and my wings can now easily take this speed.

  I see the red inftable dragon dead ahead, and it's an absolutely ridiculous target. But still, I need to pretend that it's real, so I take position far above it and then start releasing the dust....all of it. It's like my bomb bays are open, dropping all dust at the same time. I swear, this isn't snow anymore....it's like a rainstorm down below.

  It takes at least 15 seconds before all my dust is released, and it's much, much more than I would have to use in reality. But they asked for all the dust, so they are gonna get it!

  As soon as the dust is released, I rush away from the helicopters."Blue-1, Delta-1, GO GO GO. Dust completed."

  "Delta-1, copy that."

  Not more than 5 seconds ter I can hear the loud sound of machine guns and I'm sure that nothing is left of the poor dragon.

  I'm decreasing altitude and then hold my position, waiting for further instructions. I was dizzy for a few seconds, probably because I'm hungry.

  "Eagle-1, Blue-1, decring mission success. Anomaly detected on target."

  "Blue-1, Eagle-1, copy that. Reying to Major Reese."

  Next I hear the pilots expining what happened. Apparently I released a bit too much dust over the area, meaning that the whole area is now basically a dense forest. There are trees, grass and flowers everywhere. And the trees.....absolutely huge! I think....that they actually look like Redwoods!

  The Major ends the training exercise and congratutes us on a mission well done. The helicopters are returning to base, and I'm basically doing the same but in the other direction. Suddenly we hear an unexpected message, interrupting the conversations.

  "BREAK BREAK BREAK!

  Delta-1, Eagle-1. Two live targets are closing in on your position, ETA 20 seconds. You are ordered to intercept. Blue is out of range. Expect two A10s for air support, callsign Red, ETA 2 minutes. Expected monster type is Wyverns. They are flying low and slow and have evaded radar until now. Do you copy?"

  Crap! They want me to kill them?! And for Pete's sake, stop talking so quickly!

  "Eh....copy that, Eagle-1. Searching for Wyverns now."

  It only takes a few seconds before I see 2 big birds heading straight towards me, and they do appear to be Wyverns. I'm gd they warned me about them, but ....they are actually not that big and scary anymore. Maybe....I can do this?

  "Eagle-1, Delta-1, I have a visual on two Wyverns. Engaging targets now."

  "Delta-1, copy that."

  I rush over to my "targets" with a big grin on my face. I'm no longer worried....let's see what this baby can do. My shield is on, and my tails are in their attack position, meaning that I can't fly like this, only hover. It creates too much drag. I'm now basically a hovering gun empcement.

  The Wyverns have noticed me and are definitely preparing to attack."KAAAAA KAAAA!" They're screaming, taunting me.

  I'm not in the mood to do the same, so I simply start my attack."Fox-fire!" I shout, instinctively knowing that my stingers can also be used for a long range attack now. Multiple blue balls of energy leave my tails, while making a loud whooshing sound, and then quickly impact one Wyvern.

  The Wyvern is immediately ripped to pieces, not even able to scream! Burning debris is falling down towards the city. Oops. I guess that my stingers are much, much more useful now!

  "Kaaaaaa!" The other Wyvern has decided to make a run for it, seeing that I'm not an easy prey.

  I'm now following it, while reporting the situation."Eagle-1, Delta-1, spsh 1 Wyvern. Tracking the st one now." I'm confirming 1 dead Wyvern.

  "Delta-1, copy that."

  But the question is...how exactly am I going to attack it now? It's going faster and faster, trying to outrun me! And even with my speed upgrade, it seems to keep going faster than me! It keeps looking back at me, but no matter what kind of maneuvers it tries....I keep tailing it. The only issue is the speed.

  I need more speed!!!

  A few moments ter, my body starts acting on its own again. I can feel my wings folding backwards, and then feel some sort of a speed boost. When I look back...I see many green particles leaving my now streamlined tails.

  A strange blue "thing" suddenly appears in front of my eyes, and when I blink, it seems like it's actually directly on top of my eyes, like another eyelid.

  "No way......my dust has already reloaded? And.....I have an afterburner now?!" This is it.....common sense is no longer applicable. Is this really happening? A fantasy turned into reality?

  I no longer have any issues following the Wyvern, but....as fun as this is, I still can't kill it! Shooting it requires me to use my tails, and they are needed for me to chase it. I hate to admit it....but I'm not going to be able to do this on my own.

  "Eagle-1, Delta-1, unable to use my weapon at this speed. What is the ETA on Red?"

  "Delta-1, copy that. Red-1 is approaching your coordinates. ETA 30 seconds. Keep tracking the target, we're using your transponder."

  "Eagle-1, Delta-1, willco." I'm confirming that I will follow it.

  Why didn't they simply send the Apaches after it? Then again...this Wyvern is going really fast.

  The Wyvern suddenly changes course and is now heading towards the ocean, where it probably came from. There's no way it could have come from somewhere else, because there are radars and sensors everywhere. At least, that's what the Major told me.

  It's still increasing speed, but I have no issues following it. How fast can these things go?!!

  Not sure how much dust I have left, but I can't check it right now. Maybe it's replenishing at an insane rate now too? I'm hungry......and longing for chocote again.

  Finally I hear the words I was waiting for."Delta-1, Red-1, we're on your six, ETA 20 seconds. We have a lock on the target. Change course to 2-7-0 and leave the area immediately."

  "Red-1, unable! Tell me left or right!!!" No time to be polite. I don't exactly have navigational instruments in my brain!!!

  "Delta-1, turn left, now!"

  "Willco!" I immediately turn left, about 45 degrees and get the heck out of here while increasing my speed.

  When I look to my right for a moment, I see 2 A10 Thunderbolts chasing the Wyvern. The machine gun one of them uses is so loud that it hurts my ears. The Wyvern? Nothing left of it to study.

  "Eagle-1, Red-1, target spshed. We are RTB." They destroyed the Wyvern and are heading home already.

  I ignore a few of their messages and then see that I have a problem. My "afterburner" .... won't stop. No matter what I try....it simply won't stop!

  "Eagle-1, Delta-1, I'm decring an emergency."

  "Delta-1, copy that. Isoting your frequency now....okay it's just us now. What's going on?" Eagle-1 stopped using the military lingo and is talking normal English now, which I definitely appreciate in an emergency situation.

  "My afterburner won't disengage because my tails won't listen to me! I keep going faster and faster! I really need some advice!"

  "Copy that. Stay calm and stay focused. I want you to change course to the right and head for the ocean. Try a water nding with your shields on. It should create lots of drag and slow you down."

  "Willco." I take a deep breath and try to calm down....but it's not really working.

  "We will send a rescue helicopter to your location as soon as you hit the water."

  "Thanks...."

  Crap....this is so not my day. And it all started out so nice!

  I'm trying to force my tails to spread out and create drag, but the things won't budge! Think, Ann...THINK!

  Should I....try disabling the fairy dust skill completely? It worked on the Concealment skill as well.And no fuel means...no afterburner. Yes, let's do that!

  But unfortunately something happened that interrupted me while browsing my stats menu.

  I'm already flying over the ocean for a few minutes when I suddenly hear a loud sound behind me, shaking me thoroughly. But after that....everything is calm again.

  "AHHHHH.....what the heck? Eagle-1, what the heck just happened?"

  "You just went supersonic. Currently at mach 1.2 and increasing fast. Try not to change course."

  "Yeah....gotcha. I'm attempting to manually disable my afterburners. Anyone around to pick me up?"

  "Negative, closest rescue option is the CVN Carolina. 30 nautical miles from your position. Slowly change course to your right, about 30 degrees. They have rescue helicopters."

  "Copy that.....changing slowly." I'm trying to change course and can do so easily. My body apparently has no issues with this speed whatsoever.

  "Delta-1, turn right 5 degrees more. Expect visual in a few minutes."

  Wow....so I'm almost there already?!!!"Eagle-1, understood. I will attempt to disable my afterburner in a few seconds and then try nding near the Carolina. Kindly get a chopper in the air already. I'm trying to not overshoot the ship."

  "Copy that, request reyed. You are now at mach 1.8. Confirm when you have a visual on the Carolina."

  "Understood. I see......yes...multiple ships in visual range. Forcing a shutdown now."

  I'm focusing on my stats and then say "stop fairy dust!" And seriously....my afterburner stops immediately!

  My tails immediately fan out and it's like hitting a wall....reducing speed insanely fast. My shield is holding, thank heavens, or I wouldn't be alive right now.

  I feel my wings returning to their normal position and I feel relieved to be hovering again. It's finally over!

  "Eagle-1, Delta-1, situation under control. Cancel chopper, I will nd on deck. Request clearance."

  "Delta-1, reying your request now. We're patching you into their frequency."

  "Copy that...and thanks for the support!"

  "Delta-1, Carolina, this frequency is now reserved for you. Drop the call signs."

  "Thanks, Carolina. I'm heading to you right now. Sorry to disrupt your operations, I won't bother you too long. Situation is now under control. Only exhausted and needing to refuel. No medical intervention needed."

  "Understood. You just helped to kill 2 Wyverns. They slipped past us, so let's call it even."

  "Yes, sir, thank you, sir."

  I make my way towards the aircraft carrier and nd without any difficulties.

  "Oh my god....I'm standing again!" I'm shaking on my legs, and I'm already surrounded by medical staff within mere moments.

  I switched off my transponder and headset, and followed them below decks. They insisted on giving me a quick physical, but besides exhaustion, I was just fine.

  They let me rest in the mess hall, where I enjoyed coffee and fruit to my heart's content. Meeting the Captain and the XO was a privilege, especially because they invited me to the bridge.

  They put Major Reese on speaker, and apparently I did a great job during the exercise. He was happy to learn about my afterburner too. Next time they need me, they won't even bother picking me up, because I can just use my own afterburner!

  When it was time to head for home, they insisted that I activate my headset and transponder again, and treated me like a departing helicopter.

  I decided to just py along and was able to return home using my own built-in compass, the one Fern had told me about. And no, I didn't fly any faster than 100 mph on my way home. Just nice and slow.

  Mom first scolded me for taking unnecessary risks, but in the end she nearly hugged me to death.

  She then told me ter that Emily wasn't even aware about what had happened. She asked me to join her in the pool, but noticed me sleeping on the couch..... completely oblivious to everything around me as usual.

  Oh...and Rachel's cake? It was simply delightful.