Edited: 01/19/26
Chapter 33: Catch-Up
Danny gestured awkwardly between the two girls. His brain felt slow. "Right. Sam. This is Octavia. She is another friend of ours." He looked at Octavia. "Octavia. This is Sam. She is in our history group."
Octavia gave a slow nod. Her gaze fixed on Sam. "Hello."
Sam narrowed her eyes slightly. "Hi."
'Great. Another pretty girl with perfect posture,' Sam thought. 'Probably thinks she's better than everyone else.'
'Another bystander,' Octavia assessed coolly. 'Where was she when Danny needed someone?'
Tucker beamed at the newcomer. "Sweet. Another brain. We can use the help. Pull up a chair, Via."
"I intend to." Octavia retrieved a chair from the corner of the dining room. She placed it beside Danny and sat with perfect posture. She surveyed the books and papers scattered across the table. Her eyes settled on the thick volume near Sam's hand.
Sam broke the silence. "So. Where are you from? I haven't seen you around Casper Intermediate." She set her pen down.
Octavia adjusted her skirt. "I live outside of town, actually. I'm homeschooled."
"By her dad," Tucker added. He didn't look up from his screen. "Mr. Stolas. Who is totally loaded by the way."
'Of course she is,' Sam thought bitterly. 'Wealthy and homeschooled. Probably never had to deal with real problems.'
Octavia shrugged. "I guess. It is not something I care much about."
'Right. They always say that,' Sam noted. 'Rich kids always pretend money doesn't matter.'
"That is how we met," Danny said. "Her dad started tutoring me a few years ago. We became friends after that."
'Three years of friendship,' Octavia thought, studying Sam from the corner of her eye. 'And this girl just showed up. Now Danny has another "friend" at school.'
Sam raised an eyebrow at the foreign name. She glanced at Octavia. The other girl didn't act like the wealthy girls at school who flaunted their status. Octavia appeared distinct. Genuine, maybe? Sam relaxed her shoulders slightly.
'She's been friends with him for three years?' Sam observed. 'But I've never seen her at school. How convenient that she shows up now that Danny's making other friends.'
'Why is she sitting so close to the table? Acting like she belongs here?' Octavia's fingers tightened slightly on the edge of the table. 'Danny doesn't need people taking advantage of his kindness.'
Danny cleared his throat. "Okay. The Cold War. Where were we?"
"Singing fish on the moon." Tucker pointed at his screen. "Check this out. The CIA actually considered putting speakers inside catfish to spy on Soviet harbors. Project Acoustic Kitty."
Sam rolled her eyes. "Of course you focused on that."
"It is interesting," Tucker argued. "They spent millions before they realized cats do not take directions well."
Danny leaned over to look at the laptop. "We are supposed to cover the space race section. Did you find anything about the lunar missions?"
"Yeah. Got that too." Tucker scrolled down. "The Soviets had their Luna program. We had Apollo. Both sides scrambled to plant flags."
Octavia turned to Sam's book. "A People's History. Interesting choice." Her voice remained polite. Neutral.
Sam looked up. "It is more honest than the official narrative."
'At least she reads something with substance,' Sam admitted reluctantly. 'Maybe she's not completely vapid. Still doesn't mean she's not using him for homework help or something.'
"Power structures are a constant," Octavia replied. "Things stay the same without a total change in government ideology." It wasn't much different in Hell. 'Let's see if she actually understands what she's reading or just picked it to look smart in front of Danny.'
Sam stared at her. "You have read Zinn?"
She shrugged. "I read it once. I dove into hum... world history recently." Octavia picked up one of the books. "Proxy fighting. It is similar to gang territories."
'Okay, she definitely read it,' Sam conceded. 'But reading one book doesn't make you a good person. Plenty of manipulative people are well-read.'
"Yup. Ms. Willis said we need primary sources." Sam tapped her pencil against her notebook. "Maybe we could check the library archives later this week."
'She wants to meet up with Danny at the library,' Octavia thought. 'Of course she does. Another excuse to spend time with him.'
"Or," Tucker suggested. "We could just finish the digital presentation part and call it good enough."
Sam glared at him. "Some of us actually care about grades, Tucker."
"I can help with research," Octavia offered smoothly. "I have access to my father's library. There might be relevant historical texts there."
'Of course she has a private library,' Sam thought. 'And now she's showing off. Trying to make herself look useful so Danny will rely on her more.'
'I'm not letting some newcomer monopolize Danny's time,' Octavia decided. 'Not when she probably stood by and did nothing while he was bullied.'
#
The group settled into the project. The earlier tension dissipated as they passed books and traded notes. Tucker typed rapidly, pulling quotes from digital archives. Sam cross-referenced dates in her history book. Octavia leaned over Danny's shoulder, pointing out a connection he'd missed in his notes.
"See here?" Octavia tapped the page. "The Berlin Wall went up in 1961, but the airlift was back in 1948. Different crisis, same city."
Danny nodded, making the correction. "Right. Thanks, Via."
'She's actually helping him learn,' Sam observed. 'Not just giving him answers. That's... different from what I expected.'
Sam cleared her throat. "The airlift section needs more context. We should mention how it set the tone for the entire Cold War strategy."
"Good point." Danny flipped through his textbook. "Where did I see that..."
Octavia reached across the table for another book. "Try chapter seven. It had a whole section on containment policy."
'She knows his study materials,' Sam noted. 'How long has she been helping him?'
Tucker glanced up from his laptop. "Hey Via, didn't you say your dad's been tutoring Danny for like three years?"
"Yes." Octavia straightened in her chair. "Father started with astronomy, but we expanded into other subjects over time."
Sam's eyebrows rose. "We?"
"I help sometimes," Octavia said simply. "Father has obligations. When he's busy, I work with Danny on his assignments."
'So she's been tutoring him too,' Sam thought. 'Huh… a pretty girl like her is actually helping.'
Danny smiled. "Via's really good at explaining things."
Octavia's expression softened. "You just need the material presented differently than how school does it. There is nothing wrong with that."
'She genuinely cares,' Sam realized. 'She actually wants him to succeed.' "So you've known Danny since fifth grade?"
"Yes." Octavia nodded. "Since he was ten."
"I visit when I can, but attending regular school is impractical."
'That explains why I've never seen her,' Sam thought. 'She wasn't avoiding him. She literally couldn't be there.'
Tucker stretched in his chair. "Yeah, Via and her dad come over pretty regularly though. Danny's parents love them."
Sam blinked. "Your parents have met them?"
Danny nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah. Mom and Dad think Mr. Stolas is great. They always ask when he's coming by next."
'His parents approve,' Sam processed. 'And they've been doing holidays together. Seems they aren't as rotten as I thought.'
Octavia watched Sam carefully. Something in Sam's posture had changed. The defensive edge had softened. "What grade are you in?"
"Eighth. Same as Danny and Tucker." Sam gestured at the boys.
"Do you share classes with them?"
"Just history," Sam admitted. "Different schedules otherwise."
Sam noticed the shift. "You were worried I wasn't really his friend, weren't you?"
Octavia didn't deny it. "Danny is kind. Sometimes people take advantage of that."
"I get it." Sam's voice softened. "I'd be protective too if someone had been my friend for three years."
'At least she understands,' Octavia thought.
"For what it's worth," Sam continued, "I think it's good Danny has someone looking out for him outside of school. Especially with the crap Dash and his cronies pull."
Danny's shoulders tensed. Tucker shot Sam a look.
Octavia leaned forward. "What do you mean?"
Sam frowned. "You know. The stuff that Dash does every day."
"Every day?" Octavia's voice went cold.
It turns out that your bully learning you're writing insults about him to fill a book does not stop the problem. Who would have thought? Danny waved his hands. "It's not that bad…"
Octavia turned to face him fully. "You didn't tell me it was happening that often."
Tucker winced. "Dude. You definitely downplayed it."
"Because it's fine!" Danny insisted. "I can handle it. At least Dash is just focusing on me and ignoring you, now."
Tucker hummed in thought. "That is true. It's actually been kinda nice not being targeted.
Danny rolled his eyes. "I'm glad you're benefiting from my suffering."
"That doesn't mean you should have to." Octavia looked at Sam. "Where are you when this happens?"
"Different part of the building," Sam said immediately. "I didn't even know Danny that well until recently. If I were I'd try to get a teacher or something." Sam studied Octavia's reaction. "You really care about him."
"Of course I do," Octavia said, as if it were obvious. "He's my best friend."
'She means it,' Sam thought. 'She'd probably fight someone for him.'
"Good," Sam said firmly. "He deserves people who give a damn."
Octavia smiled slightly. A real smile. "Agreed."
The tension that had hovered over the table since Octavia arrived finally broke. Tucker grinned.
"Okay, now that we've established everyone here wants to help Danny, can we get back to the Soviets?"
Danny groaned, but smiled. "Yes. Please. Let's talk about Cold War paranoia instead of my life."
They worked in comfortable silence for another hour. Sam pulled up references. Octavia helped Danny organize his section. Tucker compiled everything into the digital presentation.
Danny reached for his phone after the steady progress. "Mind if I put on some music? It might help us focus."
No one objected. Danny queued up his playlist. Generic modern pop filled the room. Sam endured it for twenty minutes before she spoke up.
"Can I suggest something else?" She held out her hand for Danny's phone.
He passed it over. "Sure."
Sam scrolled through his music apps. She found what she wanted. Heavy guitar chords filled the room. Raw vocals followed the intro. Danny looked up from his textbook.
Octavia tilted her head. She listened intently. "This is different. I like it."
Danny bobbed his head to the beat. "Me too. Is this rock?"
Sam wobbled her hand. "Kinda. It's Alt-Rock."
"Who sings this?" Danny checked the screen. "My Chemical Romance? Never heard of them before."
"They're pretty well known outside of mainstream pop," Sam said. "That's 'I'm Not Okay'. What do you think?"
"It's good. I kinda want to hear what else they have." Danny nodded along to the beat.
Octavia's lips curved into a small smile. "Me too."
Sam looked between them. She felt satisfied. Her music choice worked. "Just wait until you hear The Black Parade. There's so much good music outside the mainstream," Sam said. Her enthusiasm grew. "Alternative rock, punk, metal, gothic. Stuff with actual meaning."
"Can you make us a playlist?" Danny asked. "I want to hear more of this."
Sam's eyes lit up. "Seriously?"
"Yeah!" Danny looked at Octavia. "Right?"
"Absolutely," Octavia agreed.
'They actually want to hear my music,' Sam thought. A warm feeling spread through her chest. "I'll put something together," Sam promised. "Different genres. See what you guys like."
Tucker glanced up. "Can you throw in some techno? For balance?"
Sam rolled her eyes. "Fine. One techno song. But you're listening to the rest."
"Deal." Tucker returned to typing.
When they finally wrapped up for the evening, Sam helped gather scattered papers. Octavia closed books and stacked them neatly.
"Same time next week?" Tucker asked.
"Works for me." Sam glanced at Octavia. "You coming back?"
"Maybe, depends on family stuff."
Sam nodded. "I hope so. Danny seems less stressed when you're around."
Octavia smiled. "I'll try."
Danny walked them to the door. Tucker left first, calling goodbye over his shoulder.
Sam adjusted her backpack. "See you at school, Danny. Bye, Octavia."
"Goodbye, Sam," Octavia said.
They watched Sam head down the sidewalk. Danny closed the door.
Octavia spoke quietly. "I kinda like her."
"Yeah?" Danny grinned. "I thought you two might get along eventually."
Later That Month
Sunlight entered through the tall windows of Stolas's Earth residence. Danny finished the final incantation of the day.
Stolas walked to the side table. A silver tea service waited there. "We have covered enough for today. The healing section is extensive. We only scratched the surface. But progress is progress." He gestured toward the seating area. "Shall we?"
Danny sat heavily in an armchair. He felt mentally exhausted despite his improved stamina.
Stolas handed Danny and Octavia their cups. "Tell me about your earthly studies. How is that history project?"
Danny smiled. "We got an A minus. It is not bad considering the start. Tucker handled the technical parts. Sam did the research. I took care of the presentation." He blew on his tea. It contained herbs from Stolas's garden to restore magical energy. "The teacher said our section on propaganda was strong."
"Sam? Is that the girl you mentioned?" Stolas sat in his chair.
"Yeah. She is interesting. She is really passionate about environmental stuff and animals." Danny took a sip. "She and Octavia got along well once they started talking about historical power structures."
Octavia nodded. "She is smart. She is aggressive in her opinions. But she isn't wrong about most things."
"And your other classes?" Stolas asked. His four eyes blinked in sequence. "Are they progressing satisfactorily?"
"They are fine." Danny shrugged. "English is boring but easy. Math is math. Science is cool this semester. We are studying astronomy."
Stolas set his cup down. "Speaking of your daily scholastic life. Octavia mentioned something interesting to me." His voice remained casual. Danny tensed immediately. "She tells me you incorporate subtle magics into your everyday routine."
Danny looked sharply at Octavia. "Via! You promised!"
Octavia raised her hands defensively. "Sorry. We were talking stories over dessert. It just slipped out." She shrugged. "Besides. You aren't summoning hellfire in the cafeteria."
"I am not disappointed, Daniel." Stolas leaned forward. "Practical application is an excellent way to hone skills. I am simply relieved you haven't attempted anything drastic."
Danny stared into his cup. "I almost did," he said quietly. "With Dash."
The room became quiet. Stolas waited for Danny to continue.
"He found my journal during lunch. He read parts of it out loud. I wrote some snide remarks about him." Danny tightened his fingers around his cup. "He threw the book at me and chased me afterward. I held my hand up. I waited to blast him."
"What stopped you?" Octavia asked.
"Pity? Guilt? Something like that." Danny sighed and slumped back. "It is tiring. I keep that frustration bottled up so I don't lash out. Sometimes I wonder if things would be easier if I just..." He trailed off and waved his hand vaguely.
Stolas leaned forward. "Daniel. If this Dash character causes you distress. I could arrange for a minor accident. Nothing fatal. Just enough to instill humility."
"Or I could talk to him," Octavia suggested. Her eyes looked dangerous. "I can explain certain concepts about respect. Very thoroughly."
Danny smiled. "Thanks, but no. I have seen where souls who torment others end up." He straightened. "I do not want to be like that. Even if Dash deserves it."
Stolas nodded. "That is a wise choice for your age. Restraint in the face of temptation shows true character." He refilled Danny's cup. "Though perhaps we should spend more time on defensive spells this week. Purely educational."
"Of course," Danny agreed. He exchanged a look with Octavia.
"And perhaps," Stolas added. "A minor lesson in memory manipulation. Again. For academic purposes only."
Danny laughed. The tension left his shoulders. "I think I would like that."
Octavia perked up at the mention of memory manipulation. "Speaking of academic purposes. Father. Is the Infernal Academy hosting that exhibition next month? The one where young practitioners showcase their progress?"
"Indeed they are," Stolas replied. His feathers ruffled with pride. "I planned to discuss that with Daniel today. You would be expected to attend as my apprentice. Though not necessarily participate."
Danny set his cup down. "The one where all the noble families will watch?"
"After three years. Most of the nobility accept you as my unusual protégé from the outer reaches of the Pride Ring. Even those who questioned initially have moved on to fresher gossip."
Danny ran a hand through his hair. "I guess I am just paranoid. Furfur stared at me last time. He looked suspicious."
"Lord Furfur stares at everyone like that," Stolas waved his hand. "It is his only social skill."
Danny shifted slightly. "How is Lady Stella? I haven't seen her around lately."
"She is attending social functions in the Pride Ring," Stolas replied. "She sends her acknowledgments."
Danny suppressed a smile. Over the years Stella's attitude toward him evolved. She went from open hostility to cool civility. She occasionally showed genuine politeness.
She actually complimented his presentation during a House Goetia event last time. It was high praise from the aristocratic demoness.
"I will take it," Danny said. "It is better than being called 'that stray child'."
"Mother is warming up to you," Octavia said. "She actually asked if you were coming to the Winter Solstice celebration this year."
"Really?" Danny raised his eyebrows. "Last year she told the servants to put me at the children's table."
"That worked out well for you," Octavia reminded him. "You avoided Lord Andrealphus talking about his latest collection."
Stolas chuckled. "Indeed. Though I believe her inquiry was about preparation rather than genuine concern for your attendance. The catering this year is extensive."