
James sighed. âNo one is summoning anything right now. You all have a physical in twenty minutes and you need to find your rooms. Danni, Dorian please help your friends follow Percy inside. We,â James gestured to the parents, with an unamused look at Casper. âWill discuss if a seance is within school regulations. For now, you all have a competition to focus on and if you want to participate, I recommend getting your things in your rooms as quickly as possible and getting back down here so we can take you to the Academy. Remember that this is mandatory and failing to show promptly could result in disqualification.â He directed sternly.
Danni hesitated as April abruptly hung up. Did he mess up again? Did he forget to think about how April was feeling? But he was offering to help. Wouldnât talking to Poisson-Pas help? He didnât understand why she was so upset and she hadnât explained anything, just asked some cryptic question and then suddenly had to go. That wasnât fair! He wanted to- Danni made a noise of protest as James plucked his phone out of his hand.
âPops, no I need tâat! I donât know why Princess was mad!â Danni pleaded, giving his best pleading face. James held out for all of two seconds before sighing and offering it back.
âOne text. Youâll see her in just a little bit so you can talk it out thereâ Danni was texting before James finished talking, tongue stuck out in concentration.
Max nodded to Firestar as he took a step back from the portal. âYou have my contact information if anything. Oh, and do let me know if they're allowed a seance? It won't be till later anyways but it may help the children with closure and grief.â He said before closing the portal to California and turning around to focus on the group still standing on the front lawn. âCasper you heard James, this can wait until later in whichâŠyes I can arrange some outfits for everyone at the time of the seance. Until such time happens however, everyone should listen to James. We're running short on time and I doubt you all want to be disqualified simply due to tardiness Dorian, help Mr. Novikov out, he seems to be having issues with his key.â
Dorian was hovering over Danni's shoulder making sure he saw what was being said back. April had hung up so quickly he didn't know what to think. âMaybe she âad to go because a teach said so? If t'ey knew before us chances are no ones checked in yet soâŠcould be she âad to? I don't t'ink you said anyt'inâ wrong.â Dorian said trying to cheer Danni up. He went to grab his own phone to message his friends not present to ask if they were OK, but found it missing before looking towards his dad.
âIts indoors, where you should be.â Max said with a nod towards the door.
âFiiiine. I just wanted to see if everyone was okâŠâ Dorian sulked before running over towards Percy at the door alongside Vicky and Zari. âWon't work for me as I âave a room âere buuuut. Everyone go ahead and shake the âand on t'e door. It'll give you a key like what Perce âere âas. T'e trail of magic leads you to your room.â He explained as he held Percy's free hand and began to lead him indoors. âLet's go.â
Danni frowned at his phone and James's hand before offering it up quietly. James softened and pulled Danni in for a hug. âIt's normal for people to be upset, kiddo. Just have some patience.â James told Danni. âYou can have it back once everyone is settled in.â
Danni hugged his Pops back and sniffled with the effort it took to keep from crying. He got that but⊠He shook himself off, picked up AmĂ©lie, and twirled with a smile on his face. He could deal with that later. âMaaaads, Zariiiii come oooooon! We gotta see your rooms!â Danni shouted, excitement quickly bubbling up inside him on command. He let AmĂ©lie scamper up on his shoulder and grabbed both their hands before hauling them towards the house. âStop beinâ slowpokes!â