Into the Vanessaverse

Malls were supposed to be a dying industry, Agent thought to himself as he walked towards the double-doors. Between the rise of social media and online shopping, as well as various social and economic shocks, the pastime of shopping at a mall was becoming a distant memory. The parking lot was empty, nary a car in sight, nor were there any other pedestrians walking near the structure. In fact, the entire building looked near abandoned, a living liminal space in front of Agent’s eyes.

He wouldn’t have come on his own merits, unless there was a bookstore or game seller on the premises. As it stood, he was on an important assignment, direct from Vanessa herself, who had detected something quite unusual about the location.

“I’ve never seen anything like it outside of my manor,” she had explained. “Some sort of extra-dimensional transport, impossible to pin down consistently. I can’t even scry and get a look on the inside. Impressive work.”

“So you’ll be taking a look?” Agent has asked.

“Oh goodness, no, I’m too busy,” Vanessa said, lounging on her chair in what was clearly not busy behavior. “You do it.”

Thus, the assignment.

It was otherwise pretty basic a task: get in, scout out what it looked like, maybe grab a few samples if it was organic in nature, and then get out. Cinnabons would be a plus.

Agent wasn’t fully sure if the doors would open, the mall’s exterior looking far too decrepit for consistent care. They could have been locked outright. Yet to his surprise, the doors opened without any resistance. Even more shocking was what lay beyond the door.

It was a drastic transition between the outside and inside, the sprawling mall’s layout clearly lit and bright—and certainly busy. People were walking around, shopping, eating, and otherwise milling about. No, “people” was inaccurate; these were all anthropomorphic animals, every single one of them. And the style of clothing they wore…it seemed rather outdated, like something from the nineties. Even the music seemed stuck in the decade; he hadn’t heard the current song faintly playing over the mall’s radio system since he accidentally turned on the retro station.

As Agent scanned the area, he could see some of the stores in the complex. A Kay-Bee Toys was on the far end of the immediate area. And was that a Radio Shack? Why, these very locations he hadn’t seen since…since…

It dawned on Agent what was happening. The mall was a verifiable time capsule of sorts, capturing the essence of nineties nostalgia. Not that he really had much of that, being born midway through. By the time his schooling had started and his teenage years has kicked in, most of consumer society was focused on online shopping and a rather disturbing dislike of allowing teens to be unsupervised in public squares. A pity, really; he’d have loved to browse more.

But he had a job to do, so he pulled out his cell phone to take a photo. He would have, anyway, except the pocket he usually held it in was empty. Agent’s eyes widened; he patted all his pockets, trying to recall which one held it in. It would have been easier with a free hand.

A free hand?

He looked to his left hand, noticing a bulky case he was reasonably certain he didn’t hold before. He flipped the latches open, peeking inside. He saw a rather large and clunky phone, a cell phone prototype of sorts. But what was it doing there? It took Agent some thought to recall, but it hit him. Of course he had this phone; his parents gave it to him so he could call in case of emergencies.

It took some further seconds for Agent to realize that he had been an adult for well over a decade and that he had never owned a phone like that.

At that point, Agent was suitably creeped out by the reality seeping through the mall. Not even five minutes in and it was starting to pry into his memories? That was quite enough exploration for the day, he thought. Time to offer his findings for a much more experienced member of the magical community.

He turned right around and placed his hand on the door’s handle, ready to push. He never did; his arm simply wouldn’t finish the motion. He didn’t know why, exactly.

“Oh, there you are.”

Agent practically jumped at the sound, turning to face a newcomer. It was a teenager, a purple-toned bat who dressed herself with the latest in manga-enthusiast garb. She was looking right at Agent, smiling.

“O-oh, hey, Rowena,” Agent said, mentally questioning how he knew the bat’s name. Then he questioned why he was speaking words he most certainly did not mean to say. “S-sorry, I was just—”

“You were trying to get out and be social, only to stumble a bit and now you wanna go home?” Rowena guessed. Agent couldn’t help but nod. “Been there myself, Amy.”

“Y-you have?” Agent asked, involuntarily. It was like his whole body was on autopilot, forced to act and move and speak in ways that drastically contradicted who he was and what he was doing there. His name wasn’t Amy, for starters. It was…It was…

The real horror started setting in now. His name! He had lost track of his own name, and yet the new name Rowena had offered—“Amy”—felt so familiar in turn. So natural, and yet it wasn’t. His mind raced, struggling to retain his memories, even as two changed for every one he focused on. He…He knew this bat. He…SHE, rather, knew all of her friends too, from school. But that was impossible; she hadn’t been in school for ages, she was twenty-eight. Or was it sixteen?

Neither Amy or Rowena noticed or commented on additional changes on the outside, namely the human’s increasing proclivity to rodent appearance, including height. She was shrinking quite rapidly; was Rowena always taller than her? Surely that was the case…Never mind the growing tail behind her, nor the rapidly spreading fur along her arms and legs. The internal clock was dialing back, months regressing in seconds.

All the while, Rowena kept up her friendliness with Amy, extending a hand. “Hey, if it helps you socialize, I can bring you over with me,” she suggested. “I was gonna meet up with my friends anyway, so you could join us!”

“R-really?” Amy asked, uncertain. The human was unable to break away, as more furry features developed, a muzzle growing. Internally, the former male rallied against his own body’s changes, inside and out. Those memories…They were far too strong to protest against, they felt so authentic. So REAL. Down to the smallest lesson in high school chemistry, even. Miss Simmons certainly did give out so much homework, it barely left any time to try coding on her Commodore. But she did it, straight A’s so far, even if it meant her social life suffered.

“Come on,” Rowena encouraged, tugging at the half-mouse’s hand. Amy followed suit, her feet rebelling against the mind. Her age felt less, from twenty-eight to twenty in such a short time, and still getting younger. Before adulthood. Back to her childhood, a life she did not live, but a life she recalled once more. An ideal life.

…

Rowena’s friends were waiting at the food court, chatting amongst themselves idly. It was a motley crew: a young bull, a hyena girl, a fox with a particularly strong accent, and a bored-looking poodle. Amy recalled each one from varying classes, at least two from homeroom. She never interacted with them much, keeping to herself usually.

“Sorry I’m late!” Rowena called to her friend group, and everyone turned their heads to see. “I met up with Amy from school. Figured she could use some social time, so let’s be nice to her, okay?”

Rowena then addressed Amy, happily gesturing to each student. “You remember Darcy—” She pointed to the bull, who nodded idly. “And Lucy—” The fox, who gave a small wave to the newcomer. “And also Ciara…” The hyena gave a small wave, barely letting her hand leave her lap, as she only slightly glanced towards the duo. “And lastly we have Venus.” The poodle, who didn’t react at all, still tapping away at her PDA.

“H-hello,” Amy said, still nervous. She gave a slight wave, trying to get over her nerves. The lackadaisical reactions did not help. Fortunately Rowena was nearby, and she patted the nervous mouse on the shoulder.

“I know it’s tough,” she said. “But trust me, these are the best people ever. And I’m their leader.”

“We never agreed to that,” Ciara chimed in without looking. “Besides, I’m more likely to be the leader.”

“We had a leader?” Darcy asked, confused. “Was I…Was I supposed to be one?”

Venus scoffed. “Now look what you did,” she said to Rowena. “You broke Darcy again. We have to get a new one.” Then she turned her head to Amy, not amused. “As if I hadn’t dragged down my social status far enough already.”

“Hey, lay off,” Lucy interjected. She was the first to stand up, patting Amy on the back. “We’re all dags here, deadset.”

Amy blinked. “D-dags?”

“Aussie slang, mate,” Lucy explained. “A dag’s a nerd. I’m sayin’ we’re all nerds here.”

Again, Venus scoffed. “Maybe some of you are…”

“Guys!” Rowena interrupted. She gave a few silent gestures of annoyance, making several towards Amy’s direction. “What did I just say? Just be nice, to her and each other.”

“This is our screwed-up crew,” Ciara said. She had the faintest smile on her face. “Welcome aboard.”

For her part, Amy tried to keep up with the banter between this clique. It was…difficult, to say the least. There were harsh words being sent all over, some minor insults lobbed. And yet there was no venom whatsoever in any of their barbs; even Venus, the most stuck-up, continued to stick around with a group she pretended to not respect. This was a tight-knit friend group.

And did they just invite her to be a part of it?

“Y-you’d really have me?” she asked, uncertain. Friends of her own? It sounded too good to be true.

“Of course!” Rowena gave a wide grin. “We’re all social outcasts in a way. We’ve gotta stick together somehow. Plus it’s nice to have another computer geek in the fold. I get to show you all the latest anime!”

They were all so nice about it…

The thought of having so many friends now, protective from the first interaction, was overwhelming to the shy mouse. She started to tear up a little, while still giving an appreciative smile. Rowena gave her a hug in response. “T-thank you…” she said. “Truly.”

“Uh-oh, she’s crying now,” Darcy said, uncertain about the sight. “Maybe we should walk around a bit, get her comfy? Maybe show her the best hangout spots?”

“He’s got a point,” Ciara nodded. She, too, got up. “She’s probably got sensory overload or whatever. Let’s get her something to eat.”

“I’ll catch up in a sec,” Rowena said. She was looking in another direction, towards one of the mall’s doors. “Hey, Lilly!”

Rowena, ever the energetic bat, rushed to meet one of her other guests. Venus sighed. “Another one?” she asked. “Honestly, can’t we have at least some standards with our group?”

“Ah, ya said ‘our’,” Lucy chuckled, teasing Venus. The poodle blushed a little. “Someone’s knickers got twisted.”

Venus gave a rude gesture, but said nothing else in protest. The group laughed; even Ciara joined in.

Rowena returned shortly, metaphorically dragging along a wolf girl. “Group, Lilly,” Rowena said. “Lilly, the group. We’ve got Ciara, Darcy, Lucy, Venus, and Amy.” She gestured to herself. “And of course, the fearless leader herself.”

“Oh for god’s sake,” Ciara said, not wanting to repeat the same antics as before. “Alright, that’s it, let’s get food already.”

Everyone stood now, all gathering together and chatting. Amy hung back a little, though she did move forwards. Lucy took notice, and she pulled back far enough to take Amy’s hand.

“Come on, ‘en,” she said. “You too, Lilly. You’re one of us.”

Amy was pulled along with the new wolf, and the mouse could get a good look at the newcomer. Somehow there was something familiar about her…Ah, yes. She recently moved down here, from what she understood. A musician, it seemed, not quite as extreme as Lucy’s own band but an enthusiast nonetheless. A fellow nerd, even. Amy had wanted to initiate contact before, but with her nature…

“I-it’s good to meet you,” Amy said. She offered a hand to Lilly, who took it gently. “I’m Amy, I was also in your class. I’m, um…I’m also new to this.”

“Oh good, I thought I was the only one,” Lilly gave a relieved sigh. She smiled; the braces in her teeth fully visible. “But this is fun, right?”

The question stuck inside her mind, reverting across her subconscious. The former human inside had ceased fighting entirely, having quieted down and accepted this new role, and not just because of the magic of this mall. No, he had quieted down around the time this friend group, unhesitatingly, had welcomed her into their fold. They all felt familiar in some way, as though he had met them before, and in some ways, he did. High school was not favorable to Agent, neither bullied or popular; he was just there. Here, he had received a second chance for friendship.

Here, Amy was liked.

The physical changes had completed during the conversation without comment, the last remnants of former humanity having been replaced with rodent appearances. Even the clothes had shifted from the trademark red shirt and blue jeans into a more reserved white shirt, a school uniform even during the summer break. The square glasses were now round, as thick as bottles. Her teeth, too, possessed braces, but that was nothing new, she felt. It was one large tooth, which was weird to put a single brace on, but that was her orthodontist’s call.

She reflected on Lilly’s question for a brief time, then smiled. Her nervousness was fading. “Yes, it is,” she said. “It’s nice.”

The group had elected to order from one of the food court’s burger restaurants. Each teen took a turn to order their choice. Amy, too, requested her usual—a quarter-pounder—and was in the process of pulling out her wallet when Ciara cut her off.

“Put that away,” she said, simply.

Amy blinked. “B-but I—”

“Newbies don’t pay,” she interrupted. She pulled out her own wallet, with more than enough money to cover herself, Amy and Lilly. She handed this money to the cashier. “There we go, and keep the change, thank you.”

Lilly was touched by the kindness. “Can’t I repay you later on?” she asked. Ciara shook her head.

“Newbies don’t pay,” she repeated.

They were only familiar for five minutes and she was already paying for their lunch. Despite her punk exterior, Ciara definitely possessed a kind heart. They all did, really, and Amy could recall their personalities from school. Lucy was always a bit more brash and outspoken, but she was protective, like a big sister. Darcy acted a bit dimmer, but he was as bright as any of the students, especially when his interests piqued—and he always came to school on his skateboard. Venus was understated, but she recalled that every time she was bullied in the halls or have her computing books slapped out of her hands onto the floor, she would later see that same bully receive a dressing-down from the poodle, and she would be bullied no longer. Rowena was always bubbly and enthusiastic. And Lilly, despite being new, was kind-hearted and passionate about her music.

It was a good group. Now, she was a part of it. There was a sort of responsibility there, she supposed. Helping to care for newcomers herself and protecting others from feeling like a social outcast. Returning what she was gifted in kind. Maybe breaking out of her shell a bit too.

She sat with her group, listening to their stories politely, not really contributing herself beyond reacting. She was still included, however, and everyone valued her input, even if it never actually added anything to the conversation. They’d talk, they’d banter, occasionally make a rude gesture, but they’d laugh it off and resume their talks without interruption or major fights. It was nice.

This was very nice.

Darcy finished his own meal first, a salad, which in retrospect made sense for an herbivore. “Dudes, this place makes the best salad bowl, I don’t know what it is,” he said in amazement. “You’d think when they put leaves together like that, anyone could do it, but–”

“It’s lettuce, you dork,” Venus chimed in. She put up a good expression that screamed “I am forcing this unwillingly down my throat”, despite the fact that she ate the entire burger. “Leaves are, like, for bugs.”

“Yes, well…” Rowena said, patting her mouth with her napkin like a gentlelady. “Speaking of leaves, y’wanna hit anywhere else up here? I heard they added some new games at the arcade here.”

Amy’s ears perked up at the sound of that. There was an arcade? She…faintly recalled that being the case, though being a shut-in meant she didn’t actually go to one. Her computer was usually enough. That, and sometimes her Saturn.

Lucy took notice of Amy’s reaction, noting Lilly had also perked her own ears up at the idea. She laughed gently. “Guess we’ve got two votes,” she said, patting the mouse on the back. “Probably could kick yer arses at Street Fighter.”

“Yeah, I’m calling that bluff,” Ciara said, dismissive.

Rowena nudged Amy up. “C’mon, let’s get those quarters ON.”

Venus reluctantly stood up, encouraged into going as well– “As long as I get to shop for makeup after,” she claimed. The group marched ever-onward. Amy found that she especially gravitated towards the nerdier members of the posse. Rowena, the first to initiate kindness and belonging. Lucy, with a sisterly bond. Lilly, with her equal measure of shyness. Not that she didn’t like the others, of course—they were all perfect friends already, and the sheer comfort that belonging to the friend group provided was like a warm blanket. She felt at peace, she–

They were interrupted by a strange figure wearing a black gothic dress and a fair amount of makeup. She practically glided across the floor, and she made a direct beeline towards Amy. There was something familiar about her, she thought…for about one second, before her intimidated nature took over.

“Ah, good, there you are,” the woman said. “This is such a powerful mall, darling. Clearly it’s already made an example of you.”

Amy still didn’t fully register awareness of this woman, still heavily nervous. Lucy stepped forward, putting an arm in front of her.

“Can we help you?” she asked. Her voice was cold; protection was on her mind.

“Sorry, kids, but I need to borrow your mouse friend,” the woman explained. “Earth to Agent, it’s me, Vanessa. Remember?”

The name briefly strung a chord, but not by much. Amy still wasn’t sure what was going on. The other kids recognized her nervousness and banded together. Ciara folded her arms, glaring. Rowena immediately went into an exaggerated fighting stance, like one of her anime. Darcy snorted in aggression, and even Venus put her hands to her hips, daring Vanessa to come closer. Lilly patted Amy’s hand in support equally as nervous but trying to hold it together.

“You’re scaring our friend,” Ciara said. “Back off.”

“Please just listen,” Vanessa said. Her head darted left and right; she looked increasingly panicked. “This place is extremely powerful, I can’t hold it off much longer. We have to–”

With a blink, the woman vanished mid-sentence; it was like reality turned off and turned back on again, minus one intruder. Amy stared at the blank space in front of her, feeling a minor sense of unease. Then that unease passed; what was she so worried about again?

Lilly patted Amy’s hand, having noticed the mouse tense up. Amy looked to her nerd friend in curiosity. “Are you okay?” Lilly asked.

Amy looked back at the others, laughing and talking with each other without interruption. The smiles on their faces, directed at each other. Directed at herself.

She gave a firm nod. “I’m okay,” she said, and she meant it.

Idly she glanced at the wall now. There was a poster taped up, advertising an upcoming student film being released to the public soon, apparently. The poster featured some sort of feline witch zapping some unseen adversary in a generic fantasy realm. “The Witch of the Wilds” was the title. Something about the poster intrigued Amy…She did always enjoy a good dark fantasy.

Then she followed along behind the others, keeping up with their movements. Part of the group.

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