The Sinister Screen Queen

Tanya held the card between her fingers, inspecting it with growing skepticism.

The name "Mary Poppins" gleamed on the front in elegant script.

She looked up, her expression an uncharacteristic mix of giddiness and craze.

"So... what do I do? Eat it? Break it? Rub it like a genie lamp?"

Casey raised an imaginary eyebrow. Why are you acting like a starstruck fangirl?

Weren't you tormenting two girls the other day

"Shut up. This is different! Mary Poppins is iconic!" Tanya gave Casey a mock glare, then glanced back at the card.

"All right, so... what do I do?"

Figure it out yourself, genius Her system challenged her.

Tanya groaned, of course, she would be moody. "You're so helpful Casey. Fine, let's do this."

"Mary Poppins, come forth!" She declared dramatically.

Pfft

Tanya glares at the empty air, maybe she should be more forceful.

 She cleared her throat and adopted a theatrical tone. "Oh, great Mary Poppins, I summon thee—"

Nothing happened.

Casey snorted. You sounded ridiculous, you thought that would work?

"Alright, then what's the trick?" Tanya asked having little patience left.

Casey pretended to think for a second.

I dunno... throw the card to the ground and call her name? Crazy idea, I know

Tanya sighed heavily. "Why do you always have to be so smug about everything?"

Because it's fun Casey simply stated.

With a huff, Tanya tossed the card to the ground.

"Mary Poppins!"

The card glowed, and a brilliant flash of light filled the room.

Tanya shielded her eyes as a soft breeze swept through, carrying the faint scent of flowers and freshly laundered linens.

When the light faded, an iconic figure stood before her.

Her perfectly tailored navy blue coat was buttoned smartly, a red scarf tied neatly at her neck. A black hat adorned with flowers perched atop her head, and she held her iconic parrot-handled umbrella in one gloved hand.

Her bright blue eyes swept the room with patient authority.

Tanya blinked. "Okay... not Emily Blunt, so I guess you're the other Mary Poppins."

Tanya took a closer look at… everything.

"You know what? I'm fine with that."

Stop ogling her! Typical Tanya behavior.

Introduce yourself before she decides you're a rascal

Would that be so bad?

…?

Never mind!

"Uh, hi. I'm Tanya. I'm amazing, also fun, and—" Tanya's intro was cut off before she could say hot.

Mary raised a gloved hand, shutting her up.

Mary Poppins spoke, her voice melodic. "I assume you're the one who summoned me."

Her sharp gaze swept around the room. "What an untidy little room this is. Terribly filthy."

Tanya bristled. "Filthy? Hey, I cleaned up not long ago!"

Mary turned her attention back to Tanya, unimpressed.

"And you, my dear, Tanya, could use a bit of tidying up yourself. Nails far too long, hair in disarray, and…"

Mary leaned in and sniffed Tanya delicately. "You smell faintly of white wine. Shameful."

Tanya blushed furiously, unable to meet Mary's gaze. "I—what?! That's none of your business!"

Casey burst out laughing This is gold. Can I record this?

I'm going to record this

Keep quiet!

Don't need a mother, she's already being to… She said I smelled!

Can I get a redraw Tanya mentally begged.

Absolutely not Casey plunged Tanya into despair.

You're stuck with her. Good will hunting!

Mary, ignoring the exchange, folded her hands neatly. "Very well. I accept your call for assistance. It's clear you're in desperate need of my help."

"Though I dare say it won't be easy."

Pfft! Casey couldn't help itself.

Tanya scratched the back of her arm nervously. "Thanks… I guess?"

Mary snapped her fingers, and Tanya's stylish outfit was replaced by cozy pyjamas.

Magic!!!! Tanya couldn't believe it!

Tanya stared down at her now cartoonishly fluffy attire. "Did you undress me—?"

"Bedtime!" Mary Poppins declared firmly.

"It's far too late for someone your age to be up, especially indulging in questionable behavior." She gestured at Tanya's shocked expression. "And no arguments. Under the covers, now."

"But I'm not tired!" Tanya protested, then paused. "Wait. I'm way older than I look?"

Mary sniffed the air. "You had more than a few bottles, haven't you?"

"Your parents will be hearing about this."

Tanya's face turned beetroot. "You can't tell them! I forbid you!"

Mary's eyes narrowed, and her voice became softer. "Watch your tone, young lady."

She gestured toward the bed with her umbrella. "Now, off to sleep."

"I'm not a child."

You look like one, you act like one, you sound like one… so?

Tanya sat on the edge of the bed, fuming. "Why won't you follow my orders? You're a summon. You're supposed to listen to me!"

Casey sounded smug. Summons don't work like that. You can bring them to this world, but whether they obey is up to you

What, other Protagonists never had this problem, defective system! What would have happened if I had summoned a psychopathic manic!!!

It would have been interesting to watch

Tanya groaned, burying her face in her hands. "This is going to be impossible..."

Mary tapped her foot impatiently. "Still awake? Very well."

Mary Poppins reached into her bottomless carpet bag and pulled out an ornate perfume bottle.

"What are you—" Tanya began, but Mary spritzed a light mist in her direction.

Tanya's protests faded as the soothing scent of lavender and vanilla enveloped her.

Her eyelids grew heavy, and she slumped back against the pillows. "This… is not… fair…"

Mary smiled primly, tucking the bottle away. "There. Much better. Sweet dreams, Miss Tanya."

"Mrs…Andrews." Tanya mumbled as she went to the land of rainbows and unicorns.

Good night everyone