ALL NOVEL Loop 24 - Ethel’s School for Unusual Animals
Ethel looked over her class. Bug was sitting on a pillow in front. Many Legs and Many Eyes were in the back, capybaras occupied several desks, and strangest of all, though, was the small oak tree at the side of the room. To anyone not in the know, they would just assume it was a plant decoration for the room, but no, while learning to use her powers, she had accidentally permanently awakened it.
“Professor Ethel.” Bug’s voice interrupted her train of thought.
“Yes, Bug?”
“Shouldn’t we invite the mana spirits too?”
She thought about it. Bug was correct. It would be good for them, but they had other priorities involving harmonizing their realms at the moment. Maybe one day though. She would need to remember this.
“Not quite yet. We only just convinced Many Eyes to join us, plus Frank here.” She pointed to the oak. “Let’s try to avoid swelling our class size too much.”
“It was very loneeeelllyy withouttt Many Leeeeggs.”
“I know, it’s okay. We’re glad to have you.” Ethel tried to soothe the spider. “Frank, would you like to introduce yourself?”
The tree rose up slightly. “Hello, I’m Frank. Did you all know that those books we are learning from are made from trees like me? I didn’t, and I’m not sure I like it at all.” Frank had a deep Boston accent. Ethel had no idea where he had picked it up.
“Frank, we’ve discussed this, those trees aren’t like you. As far as we know, you are the only sapient plant currently on the planet.” Ethel sighed and sat down at her desk. “Alright class, where did we leave off last time?”