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thevalleyisjolly · 4 years ago

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Thinking about alternate character classes lately, and I’m always thinking about A Crown of Candy at any given point in time, so without further ado, for your consideration:

Wizard!Theo, except that he’s the only wizard ever with a positive Strength modifier because that would be hilarious. Wizard!Theo, who learned more from Lazuli than anyone knew, whose magic isn’t loud or flashy but spell notes hidden in a false prayer book, a soft glow on the tips of his paws and a muttered breath as one of the princesses falls from the top of the staircase again only to land on their feet, as softly as a feather. In this world, he’s officially the royal tutor, because there are things that Caramelinda doesn’t know, but she does know what Lazuli taught him and she knows where his loyalties lie and she knows that one day, one day the spark she can see in Ruby’s eyes will need a teacher but will more importantly need a protector. And to the princesses, to the rest of the court, to the world, he’s a slightly gullible, rather awkward tutor who stands on ceremony far too much, and they laugh at him and his silly little sprinkle pet and isn’t he a bit of a large goon? Even Amethar forgets, every now and then, what he’s seen Theo do on a battlefield, to a battlefield, because as awkward as his social skills may be, Theo is committed to the part and he plays it well. In any lifetime, in any world, Theo loves his people and he’ll do what he has to for them.

Bonus subclass: School of Abjuration obviously, this squishy gummy bear has one mission, and that’s to protect people.

Rogue!Lapin, because obviously. Rogue!Lapin, who never summoned the Sugar Plum Fairy, who smiled and charmed and lied his way from the street to the service of a minor but respectable lord, and from there up and up the social strata until he is chamberlain to House Jawbreaker. Duke Jawbreaker doesn’t bother much with him, but Spearia Mentha takes one look at Lapin, standing too straight and tall, the accent of the common mountain folk still seeping out at his edges, his eyes sharp and clever even when bowing and murmuring obedience, and she thinks “Hmm.” And when her sweet baby has to go to Castle Candy as hostage, a safe and willing hostage, but a hostage nonetheless, she writes to dear sister Caramelinda and asks would it be alright if she sent someone from her own household, just to keep an eye on the boy, for her peace of mind as a mother? Liam arrives at Castle Candy, sans pig, plus one very stuffy guardian, and Lapin Cadbury looks up at the towering spires and parapets of the castle, and a small, rare smile flashes across his face for just a second.

Bonus subclass: Mastermind is really the only way to go, isn’t it?

Sorcerer!Amethar, but listen, alright, my kingdom for Sorceror!Amethar who grows up with magic as rage flowing through his veins, whose wrath manifests not as bursts of concentrated battle fury, but in wild surges of strange and powerful magic. There is magic in the blood and bones of House Rocks, an old and willful magic. His sisters protected him, as much as they could, but still, there are whispers, more so once the young prince becomes the grieving king with the eyes of the world on him. People mutter about the witch king of Candia, they say that he’s levelled armies with his sorcery, that he’s bewitched the Emperor Gustavo into friendship, that he’s dangerous and brings only death and destruction. And it hurts, it does, not because he cares what other people think, but because they aren’t all wrong. Look at him, the Unfallen, alive when so many have died. It hurts that he has so much power singing in his blood, and he’s the one who’s powerless, who can’t be the protector, who must be the protected. Why him? Why not strong Rococoa, or brilliant Lazuli, or kind Citrina, or cunning Sapphria? Why is he alive and not them, when he is the wildcard, the dangerous one, the last person who should be king?

Bonus subclass: I mean, it’s gotta be Wild Magic, no doubt about it.

Druid!Cumulous is another story that writes itself. Druid!Cumulous still swears the same vows of dedication and protection to Candia’s magic, Candia’s secrets, and so Candia itself rises to acknowledge that. It isn’t the red glow of the Hungry One that surrounds him when he fights, but the bright pink of the frosting sprites, the warm chocolate of the fudge brownies, the brilliant lemon-yellow of the river dragon’s scales, the slightest tint of sugar plum purple. All spirits are fickle and unpredictable and dangerous, but they can recognize faith and they can appreciate service and they can reward what is freely given. The Sugar Plum Fairy considers this one for a while. She has no little pet bunny in this world, no servant to demand wishes from. But fairies are jealous, too jealous. Hearts and minds and souls, of course they should be hers, wholly hers, why wouldn’t they be, and for all the vastness of her realm, all her secrets and all her magic, there is something more to Candia than what is just in her. So she lets this one be, and lays her trap for another prize, a bigger prize…

Bonus subclass: You could honestly make a good argument for Circle of the Shepherd or Circle of the Land, although Circle of the Moon is pretty great for more combat-focused war guys druids.

Warlock!Saccharina’s life is still a tragedy, because magic was only the most obvious thing that the nuns tried to beat out of her. Warlock!Saccharina is not born with lightning in her fingers and a storm in her heart, but she is born with a strength and a will that the nuns despise. In this world, Saccharina looks in the window, in the mirror, and she still sees a blue woman, a kind woman with a kind face, reaching out to her, comforting her when the nuns mistreat her, telling her wondrous stories and magical secrets. In this world, the Rocks sisters, held in a false afterlife, stage a jailbreak. Rococoa raises herself back to the living, cold with vengeance against the man who murdered her. Citrina hitches up her skirts and hikes off to Vegetania, prepared to visit as many dreams and instigate as many supernatural miracles as she needs in order to reform the Church. Sapphria laughs and winks and goes off to do something mysterious and terribly complex and probably very clever. And Lazuli? Lazuli goes to find her eldest niece, and to help her do something about the frankly terrible situation she’s in. She is no spirit of the dead that a small exorcism by a provincial abbess can banish, but something new, something more. And when Saccharina finally drowns the monastery, a grim smile on her face, it is with eyes and fingers that glow a brilliant, sharp blue.

Bonus subclass: Either Great Old One or Celestial, depending on how Lazuli fights her way back to the waking world. Reaching out to the mortal world from the afterlife? Probably Celestial. Something strange and mysterious that’s never happened before in all of creation, and isn’t entirely comprehensible even to her? Great Old One.

Barbarian!Jet grows up with so much rage inside her, but a rage for others, a fire for others. It’s a rage that goes bone-deep, born of so much love and fear, because Jet Rocks may be sheltered and immature and naive, but one thing she does know, one of the earliest things she knows, is that the world is dangerous for people like Ruby, people like Pops, the world does not like people like Ruby and Pops, and as young as she is, she’s already heard how people whisper and seen how they point at Pops when his back is turned. And if they found out about Ruby- It’s a different rage that drives Barbarian!Jet, not a mindless battle frenzy, but love sharpened to the keenest focus, to protect, to guard. In this world, and in every world, Jet Rocks loves her sister above all else, and will do anything to make sure she is safe. Her parents worry, of course. Caramelinda looks into her daughter’s eyes, sees hard steel and the heart of sacrifice, and she weeps when she looks into the mirror and sees the same, this is not the life she wanted for her. Amethar understands. He knows. He knew the minute his daughters were placed into his arms for the first time, and the instinct to protect something so precious, precious beyond measure. He just didn’t want his daughter to understand as well, not so soon, not so young.

Bonus subclass: Path of the Ancestral Guardian, I think, because Jet’s rage is rooted in and for her family. Also, imagine the confusion and the angst the first time Jet summons past ancestors to fight with her in battle, and none of them include her aunts because they’re too busy raising hell elsewhere.

Bard!Ruby tumbles out of the cradle with a cheerful tongue and a clever mind, and Amethar has to stop himself from calling after Sapphria, because Ruby is so much like her, so nimble on her feet, so clever with her words. But it’s Caramelinda that sees it first, how Ruby’s leaps and cartwheels hang just a little too long in the air, how Jet brightens and sharpens too fast after just a word from her. And it’s Theo, of course it’s Theo, who catches Ruby and Jet trying to rob the cookie jar with a spectral, definitely magic, definitely arcane hand floating in the air, where did she even learn that, he doesn’t have that spell, this is bad, this is very, very bad. Ruby’s more careful after that, after Mom’s lecture about how dangerous it is, and Pops just standing there, looking stern, nodding along to everything that Mom’s saying, not saying a word to the contrary. Her magic is just for Jet now, her and Jet and nobody else, and she does a very good job of pretending she doesn’t know anything else, pretending like she doesn’t feel the thrum inside of her, pretending like something isn’t singing in her blood with every leap and twirl and handstand.

Bonus subclass: College of Valour? It gets that combat flavouring without being as specific as College of Swords, but I’m open to suggestions.

Warlock!Liam, and he is so young, so lonely, roaming the forests around Castle Manylicks, when he finds her or maybe she finds him. Just a sweet little fairy who knows where to find the best seeds, the ones that have a little bit of magic in them, and here’s a lonely little boy who’s so interested in what she can show him! And then of course, this isn’t just any lonely little boy, this is the son of Duke Jawbreaker, someone royal, someone important. I’ll be your friend, she says, coy and sweet, a nice friend, not like your brothers. I know lots of things, secret things, magic things, that I can show you. Come with me, do you want to see something really neat? Her magic is almost golden, almost Bulbian, with the slightest whiff of something rich and sticky and sweet and purple, and Liam’s only glad that he has a friend now, someone who’s nice to him, who’s interested in the same things, who remembers his name and doesn’t pick on him because he likes seeds more than swords. Lonely children don’t need to be threatened or coerced, lonely children don’t need deals with the devil. Lonely children just need a kind voice and warm approval and someone to show them affection, and the Sugar Plum Fairy knows just how to work with that.

Bonus subclass: Gonna diverge from Lapin here and go with Archfey as the warlock/patron relationship, because Liam isn’t in a position where he has to pretend that his powers come from the Bulb, so the SPF can lean into her feyness more.

#dimension 20 #a crown of candy #long post #i realize this is a much more magic-heavy party so all the intrigue and secrets are cranked up to 1000 in this AU #a crown of candy spoilers

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monsterbaitwife · 5 years ago

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I was rewatching Safe Harbor ep & noticed that specifically Brennan describes Jet and Ruby seeing Caramelinda leaving her study and noticing the underwear on the desk behind her as she closes the door. But later Liam confronts her & she seems to genuinely know nothing about it (which I tend to believe she wasn’t involved at all).

Can Calroy cast Disguise Self and make himself look like Caramelinda? Brennan has mentioned he’s a Swash Buckler which I believe is a Rogue subclass...I don’t think they usually have Disguise Self but maybe he has a secret level in Bard or something? Also since he isn’t a PC his mechanics can probably be a little more wonky and Brennan could flavor him (ha) with different feats or abilities outside his subclass. We also know for a fact magical items like Lapin’s rabbit foot (which prevented him from all magical means of detection) exist so maybe Calroy has a magic item that lets him cast Disguise Self once a day or something. Also possible someone else cast a disguise on Calroy/just a random solider to appear like Caramelinda and lure the girls to the letter and the ambush.

I only bring it up because it is incredibly stressful to think that Cal could potentially disguise himself as other people and the party doesn’t know that. What if they meet up later with Sir Morris, or Primsy or Annabelle? Calroy could disguise himself as someone they haven’t seen in a few days and mess up their plans or pull another sneak assassination. These are people the party implicitly trusts at this point and wouldn’t think to make insights checks on them (although who knows, maybe after this betrayal they’ll insight check everyone Just To Be Safe). But like, imagine them bumping into Limon—you think they’re gonna perception check that chucklefuck?

And it wouldn’t necessarily have to be like another assassin attempt—if Cal or some other magical person can cast disguised as simple servants or allies, it could really fuck up plans if say Amethar gave someone a special message or request to deliver to a secret bad guy and now OOPS the troops aren’t going to know to come here in time. My only other theories are admittedly:

1) this was just inconsistent flavor-text Brennan provided and I’m reading too much into it

2) Caramelinda received an unopened letter & pair of underwear and thought “Jesus Christ I am sick of Jet sharing sexts with this fuckboy avocado” and just set it down to Deal With Later.

#d20 #dimension 20 #a crown of candy #d20 acoc #d20 fandom #dimension 20 acoc #d20 spoilers #a crown of candy spoilers #acoc #acoc spoilers

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aelwynrights · 5 years ago

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the succession of stories

read on ao3 here

the sounds of war ring out through castle candy. the queen does not move from her throne. the knights stay standing at attention in the halls and the courtyard, frozen along the wall. the servants do not look up from their duties as shouts echo through the halls.

it is not real, of course. there has not been war in candia for years. the children, though, are fascinated with the subject, fueled by stories of their ancestors and tapestries depicting their heroism. they tumble down the corridors, wooden swords at their sides. they are cousins, siblings, but today they are the heroes of old, six out of seven figures whose statues line the courtyard proudly. the oldest carries a sword and a wooden horn that is a smaller version of the one on his mother’s hip. the youngest is falling behind, a stick representing a crossbow in hand as he pumps six-year-old legs that cannot keep up with his companions. one of them, in makeshift robes, notices and nudges his brother.

“sir theobald, pick up count liam! we have to escape!” the young lapin holds out one hand, pretends that his magic is what lets the little knight lift the younger onto his back.

behind them, the two girls - cousins, though they are so close in age their mothers have given up on convincing them that they are not twins - argue, both holding one end of a thin play sword. “i want to be princess jet!” one of them squeals, already looking the part with makeshift war paint across her cheeks.

the other shakes her head firmly, thrusting an unstrung bow at the other. “i get to be jet this time! you’re ruby! you can do magic if you’re ruby!”

“i’m older, so i say you’re ruby!”

the younger concedes and lets go of the sword finally, shooting a fake arrow at the imaginary enemies behind them. “fine, let’s go!”

in front, the play king amethar stops before a junction, holds up his hand. “sir theobald, lapin, princesses, i believe we may have an ally among us.”

the ally comes in the form of an older brother, who smiles as he sees their weapons and wartime stances. even so, he does not bring good news - he shoots a glance at his younger brother and says, “at risk of disturbing the heroes of candia, mother wants to see you, pollux.”

“i’m not pollux, i’m lapin!” his brother says, costume robes that pool on the floor wrapped around him.

castor indulges. “fine, little lapin, but the lady melia wishes to hear your counsel, dear chancellor.”

the others sigh as little lapin salutes them and runs off to find his mother, sending one last magical wave at them as he runs down the corridor.

“castor, will you play with us?” one of the girls pleads, the little princess jet with her sword sheathed for once. “we need a sir cumulous.”

castor glances around and drops his voice to a whisper, conspiratorially for his young cousins. “but princess jet, of course! i simply needed to conceal my identity from whoever may be listening.”

there is a cheer, and the little theobald keeps time with castor, his favorite older cousin, now the monk of stories, leading them down the hallway and through doorways, hiding up against the wall as servants pass, giving them a wink as he indulges his younger cousins. the knights along the way pretend to be fructeran guards that do not see their stealth; the maids who pass are happy to be called dairian allies as the learned cumulous practices his history for the game.

“and then we arrive at the great stone candy mountains,” he whispers outside the throne room, “and we have an audience with the queen.”

the doors fly open as the queen glances up from her throne, smiling as her son and his younger sister arrive with their cousins behind them, their oldest cousin castor giving her a play-along grin. “ah, i see we have the great candian heroes here to see me!” she exclaims. “to what do i owe the honor?”

her son, who is not her son at this moment but is instead king amethar of days of old, kneels in front of her. “my lady, we ask for free passage through your hall to the candy fields beyond.”

“and of course you shall have it,” she replied benevolently, stroking her son’s hair. “you are, of course, the heroes of candia.”

“not yet, mama!” the little princess ruby pipes up. “right now we are on the run from the empire.”

her mother raised an eyebrow and beckoned her daughter to her, lifting her onto her lap. “someone has been paying attention in her history lessons,” she said, then glanced at her nephew who stood to the side, the closest to adult supervision they had. “or perhaps castor has been teaching you from his books?”

“he’s not castor!” protested the little knight. “he’s cumulous rocks.”

“yeah!” said the little count liam, still on theobald’s back.

“well, cumulous, i give you leave to take the heroes through my land and beyond, and i trust that the king amethar will be protected.” the queen let her daughter hop back off and join her cousin, already whispering to each other conspiratorially. “look after the princesses, too, yes?”

castor bowed to his aunt. “of course, your highness. your wish is my command.”

the queen nodded and watched as the group darted out of the room, castor letting the pretend princesses hang off his arms as they walked, squealing with glee when he lifted them up and let them swing themselves back off. the prince already walked like the king he was pretending to be, and the imaginary crossbow bolts that shot from the littlest one’s toy took down enemies ahead of them as he clung to his older brother’s back.

oh, that the real story could be so simple, thought the queen as they left, that their enemies could have been imaginary and their weapons blunted. the future had been kind to the heroes of old, had let them be honored even when they were disgraced in their own time, but even time could not erase the losses that history had written.

she glanced at the tapestry that hung behind her: a weaving of her grandmother on the throne, scepter in one hand, the crown gleaming over furrowed brows and sad eyes. there were other depictions of her grandmother throughout the castle, and a statue of her in the courtyard, but those always showed younger woman, fighting alongside her father and her sister, brave in the face of accusations and danger, and never alone. they didn’t ever show the afterwards, when she stood alone for the first time, the promises she had once made to her sister sugar-dust in the air, and her sister not by her side, but buried in a peppermint wood coffin.

perhaps, though, with the children, the story would be different. perhaps in their version, they would stand in victory, without the tragedy of their ancestors weighing them down, with not one loss. perhaps the next generation could rewrite their mistakes, learn from them, avoid the cycle of more loss. perhaps there was a chance that someday, the children of the castle would pretend to be heroes of peace.

she hopes that they will only ever face imaginary foes.

#dimension 20 #a crown of candy #acoc #my writing!#a crown of candy spoilers #acoc spoilers #can you tell i wish i had grown up in a castle #king amethar rocks #sir theobald gumbar #chancellor lapin cadbury #princess ruby rocks #princess jet rocks #count liam wilhemina #cotton candy temple cotton candy monk #cumulous rocks

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jq37 · 5 years ago

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The Royal Report– A Crown of Candy Ep 7 Escape From the Bulb Creeps

Journey to the Past

We are fresh on the heels of the deaths of both Lapin and Peppermint Preston (Reeces in Pieces) but there’s no time to mourn because the remaining 5 PCs (Zac is absent all episode) are all fugitives of both church and state. With everyone stunned and out of sorts, Jet takes the lead and begins running towards the alleyway she banished Thad to several episodes ago on a goof turned escape plan. And none of the adults have a better plan so they follow her without argument or question. Ruby sends Yak up to help scout and, as they’re running, each of the group have flashbacks to simpler times:

Ruby: Ruby sees herself practicing acrobatics on the castle walls having just seen the Swirler Sisters perform. Her mom makes her come down and scolds her for not taking her princess duties seriously. Royal life is hard enough without her making it harder with her flights of fancy and she should be training to be ready for it.

Amethar: Amethar sees himself at the Stone Candy Mountain mid-war with his four sisters who have just got the news that he married Katherine Ghee--his dairy wife we learned about 2 eps ago. His oldest sister--General Rococoa--is livid about the shortsightedness and political implications of him marrying a commoner. St. Citrina, the third sister, comforts Amethar and says that if he really loves her, the marriage should stand. The youngest sister, Princess Sapphria, is chill about the whole thing and thinks (1) it won’t matter since he’s so far down in the line of succession and (2) he should have a good time if he wants to. Something ~crazy~ would have to happen for Amethar to ever get the throne so it would be *stupid* to waste time worrying about. (Thousand yard stare.) Lazuli shows up and is very fuzzy on where in the timeline they are--showing her background as a divination wizard--before congratulating Amethar on his marriage. Rococoa wants the marriage annulled and Citrina says that, for that to happen, Amethar and Katherine would need to be in the same place with the priest who performed the ceremony--Father Belford. They can take care of it after the war if Amethar wants. In the meantime, they tell their dad *nothing*.

Liam: It’s Liam’s 14th b-day and he’s still living with his dad (Joren Jawbreaker) and his mom (Spearia Mentha--a cool Vegetanian hippie woman) and his 35 other moms and dads (polygamy is big in the Sweetening Path apparently). His dad shows up and has trouble remembering his name but does present him Preston as a pet which he’s pretty stoked about. Afterwards, he meets up with his mom who says that his entire extended family talked about his going to Castle Candy as a ward/political prisoner and have decided that he can, but that he should be careful. The outside world isn’t as accepting of other spirits and ideas. Back in the present, Liam feels something dark inside him grow with the loss of Preston. Ice creeps up on his crossbow and his magic changes (mechanically speaking, he has gone from a Beastmaster to a Gloomstalker Ranger).

Theo: It’s Theo’s first day on the job as Lazuli’s ward and, after getting some business done (including a short conversation with a cotton candy monk who seemed suspiciously fleshed out to just be a random NPC) she turns to him and asks his opinion on non-sanctioned magic. Theo (who insists on addressing her by all of her titles) says that magic has never been his thing. He doesn’t have the mind for it. Lazuli takes issue with that assertion and Theo is forced to consider that he might be limiting himself for no reason. Lazuli says that she’s realizing that magic is a lot bigger and unknowable than conventional wisdom suggests and then Theo runs off to fetch her more parchment.

Jet: Jet is 14 and practicing fencing with Calroy. He gets the point with a fencing dagger (which is apparently a thing, confirmed by my one friend who fences) before they ease into a conversation about politics. Calroy asks her if she sees herself challenging convention and we all know Who Jet Is As a Person so her answer (big yes) isn’t surprising. What’s slightly more surprising is that Calroy candidly agrees with her that change is good and needed. A lot of people would love change but most of them aren’t situated in such a way that they have the power to bring about any. Calroy says he looks forward to her reign and they continue sparring.

Back to Reality

In the present, church bells toll behind them and Ruby feels a piece of paper fly out from her pocket--it’s the “For Candia” note from Lapin. She grabs it with her Mage Hand and just feels like the worst person on the planet for being mean to Lapin all these years and then watching him give his life for them. He presented as boring and lame but he was a good man.

They all reach the delirious Thad (he’s been in this alley since episode 3) who Jet flirts with to try and get his carriage but Liam circumvents that by getting a Nat 20 to fully knock the dude out. The servants with him flip out but Jet threatens them into running away and, before they can get very far, Ruby casts Sleep on them which drops them. Then, she casts Disguise Self and Prestidigitation so she looks and smells like Thad (we’re also blessed by Siobhan’s ridiculous French accent) and goes out to Thad’s carriage with Jet on her arm, lying to the servants there that Jet has been knocked up and they have to have a shotgun wedding. Her deception check succeeds and the footman declares, “To the cathedral!” NO. Beach wedding! It’s a beach wedding! They all pile into the back of the carriage--Ruby up front since she’s pretending to be Thad--and head out.

While they ride, Liam unsuccessfully tries to cry quietly and Theo eulogizes Lapin and says that what happened to him was no one’s fault. Jet asks Amethar if he had a death wish back in the Cathedral and Amethar, not in so many words, admits that he did. Yak comes back down from scouting and relays that the Glucian Road (the way back to Candia that they came) is about to be absolutely crawling with imperial soldiers. And cutting through Fructerra to the north (the shortest route) is also bad because that’s Plumbeline’s territory and she’s already proven herself untrustworthy. That leaves the “safest” options Brightgarden (basically the Vatican City of this world so not really a place they wanna be right now) and towards the Harbor.

Everyone takes another minute to have a full breakdown--especially Liam who is coming to terms with the fact that he’s gonna have to be a war guy now--and Brennan rolls death saves for Thad (he lives) before they get back to business. If they want to go to the Great Stone Candy Mountain (Where Joren Jawbreaker is), going by sea is faster. Ruby points out that they’ll have to go into the territory of Cordeau (aka, Lord Bleu--the suspicious cheese dude Primsy is lowkey courting) if they go by sea but Theo points out that they’re F’d no matter where they go so they lock in the plan.

A Fun Boat Ride

Once they get to the docks, Brennan points out that none of them have sailing proficiency (Emily: I have tarot cards) so if they just grab a ship with no crew, they’re for sure gonna die. They’d previously asked Calroy to ready a ship for them but they have no idea if that happened and they don’t have a way to ask him. The only ship they recognize in the harbor is The Colby--Annabelle’s ship. And, what do you know? She’s on the ship at that very moment, officiating a wedding for Primsy and Lord Bleu. The dude works fast.

Theo sees that they’re casting off soon and also that Morris Brie is walking around all agitated and worried--looking for Manta Ray Jack they guess. Liam casts Pass Without Trace and Amethar gets a Nat 20 to open one of the cargo crates they’re going to load onto the ship so they can hide inside (leaving Yak and Sprinkle outside to be their eyes). While they’re in there, they hear Primsy and Bleu talking and learn that he’s gonna be following behind in his own ship (since he’s captain) and they’ll meet back in Lacramor. We also learn later that his ship is called the Dairy Heir because Brennan was put on this earth to test me.

Ruby hears that Morris Brie is still walking around all worried and decides to Message him in Lacra. “Manta Ray is Captured. The House of Rocks has Fallen. All is Lost. Help.” She calls herself a friend and, on a 20 Persuasion, Brie thinks she’s a spirit. She tells him where Jack is and calls him a good man when he agrees to check.

Brennan rolls for an unspecified thing in front of the board--saying they need an 11 or higher and want a 15--and gets a 12.

The ship is held for a while, long enough that they’re loaded into the cargo hold, and Brennan narrates everything that happens from the eyes of Yak and Sprinkle (bending the rules a bit so everyone gets the benefit of knowing how Ruby’s clutch move played out):

Annabelle is agitated, waiting for Brie and Manta Ray so they can ship off. A messenger comes to her with the information that the Emperor is dead, Candia is at war with the Concord, and Amethar has been excommunicated. Primsy, who is technically in charge, reacts exactly how any sane 16 y/o would--she has absolutely no idea what to do. Another messenger shows up with a bloody letter (and, sidenote, I need Brennan to stop cursing us with detailed info on how various food people bleed. It’s extremely unsettling) from Brie which she reads and before deciding to ship off immediately.

The Candians decide to stay hidden for an hour which is good because 30 mins later, the ship is stopped and boarded by imperials (lead by Grissini). They check the barrels but not the crates because no one would be able to open them. Well, no one except Amethar on a Nat 20. They’re not found and the imperials leave.

After the hour is up, Ruby can see through Yak that there aren’t any ships except for the dairy ones escorting Primsy back home and there are only about 12 people on the Colby. There’s a long discussion about the best strategy--Should they go up or call someone down? Should they talk to Primsy or Annabelle? Should Jet volunteer as a hostage?--before Ruby makes an executive decision and decides to Message Primsy.

“Primsy, I invoke the friendship of House Rocks and House Lacra.”

On a 20 persuasion check, Primsy, like Brie, thinks she’s a fairy or a spirit, which she is childishly excited about. Ruby says that if she comes to the hold, she’ll show her a secret and Primsy, who has apparently never seen a horror movie before in her life, comes right down. To her credit, she does ask if she can bring Annabelle, but Ruby says no. But that doesn’t deter her. Once she’s down there, Theo, who also has the Message cantrip, says, “Don’t scream, no matter what you see,” which is absolutely the worst thing he could have said and, on a 3 Persuasion--plus Amethar bursting out of the crate to try to show her she’s among friends, Primsy has the correct reaction which is to scream bloody murder, calling down basically everyone, including Annabelle.

Everyone throws down their weapons (Jet just stows hers in her back pockets) and Liam tries to hide but gets a Nat 1. Annabelle is, of course, furious that they’d stow away while fugitives, endangering them all but Ruby is able to slightly charm her (non-magically) and she reveals that the letter she received before says that Brie rescued Manta Ray and they’re hiding in Comida. Ruby is relieved her plan worked and, when Annabelle scoffs at her for taking credit for the work of the spirits, hits her with a Message to prove her abilities. Annabelle seems taken aback that, even while wanted fugitives of basically the entire world, Ruby would take any of her precious time to help Manta Ray. “[He’s] a good man,” Ruby responds, as if the decision took no thought at all. Primsy comforts Liam as he breaks down over the loss of Lapin and Preston again.

Brennan has everyone do a group persuasion check where only one of them cracks a 15. Annabelle and Co. are really in a terrible position here. These are their allies but they’re also being hunted right now and the Dairy Islands really cannot afford to be at war with the Concord. Helping them would be tantamount to a declaration of war. “Please don’t make us make you,” Ruby says. Annabelle scoffs that even if they kill her, either her crew would kill them or they’d kill the crew then die at sea. Ruby apologizes for the empty threat and says she’s just scared.

Annabelle decides that they can’t help them but they also don’t have to fight them. They’ll take them to Lacramor as prisoners and then assemble a council to figure out what to do with them. In the meantime, they’ll be clothed and fed and brought to a room without chains. The Candians, who don’t really have a ton of options here, agree.

Sacre Bleu

Soon after they’re situated (they get a short rest here), Primsy invites them to the Captain’s Quarters (which she shares with Annabelle) for tea. She doesn’t allow herself to say anything that would jeopardize her country’s position, but she seems very much on their side and confident this will be sorted out once they land and the council discusses it. She’s also excited for them to meet Lord Bleu, which they’re...less enthused about.

Ruby tries to get it into her head that she’s a strong, independent woman who doesn’t have to just do whatever he says--or even what Annabelle says--but it seems that Bleu has gotten to her first because Primsy says that he tells her that too and that he’s right about everything. Theo asks if he has any enemies in his house and she says no, confused about why he would ask. Jet decides to fully let the cat out of the bag and says that someone from Bleu’s house attacked them. Primsy, with shockingly little genre savviness, says that there have been a lot of deaths in Bleu’s family to get him to the place in the line of succession that he is and that they did get a letter from Plumbeline saying that Amethar would probably be named successor but if not him then it would probably be her. And if anything happens to her, guess who’s suddenly in charge? None other than Lord Consort Cheddar, aka Bleu. Theo tries to tell Primsy to watch her back but, on a 2 Charisma check, he just pisses off yet another House Cheddar lady and Primsy leaves for the Crow’s Nest to catch a glimpse of her new husband on his ship. On a Nat 20, Jet stealths behind her to protect her.

Liam goes to find Annabelle to try and convince her to drop them off at the Candy Mountain instead of Lacramor. He starts well with a compliment (“Your haircut looks fresh”) before trying to pimp out his harem of parents in exchange for the ride and rolling a 4 Persuasion. Liam submits to the slap he knows is coming--but it misses due to Ruby’s Hex giving her disadvantage and making her take her Nat 1 instead of her Nat 20. As she stumbles forward, she notices something in the distance and walks off to check on it, Liam following behind her.

Brennan has Murph make three mystery luck checks in the box of doom because he is the enemy and Murph rolls a 7, 16, and a 14. For Murph, pretty good!

They’re just about at the Yogurt Shoals (Bleu territory, you’ll remember) and they notice that all the other ships except for the two house Bleu ones have veered off in another direction.

It starts to rain milk (Brennan seems to indicate that’s what the 7 roll was) and Annabelle yells at Primsy to come down from the crow’s nest. Primsy notices that the other ships are gone right as arrows start to fire from the Bleu ships to hers. Jet, at once, shields Primsy from the barrage.

Annabelle tries to get them out of there in a hurry but finds the sails are damaged and the House Bleu ships sidle up along the Colby and pull a Ben-Hur, tearing up the sides of the ship until it begins to sink. Everyone roll initiative!

Also, it’s Zac’s Birthday.

Happy Birthday Zac.

Medal of Honor

Gotta give out our first double medal of honor this episode, fittingly, to the twins who were on fire this whole episode.

At the top of the episode when no one else knew what to do, Jet took the reins and picked a plan and everyone else was swayed by her force of will and didn’t even ask any questions. And then later, when Theo fumbled his diplomacy, she again acted on impulse and put herself in the perfect position to protect Primsy.

And then Ruby--in the talkback, they said they were talking about “Ruby’s Big Day” which was great because so was I in my head. Taking her magic--the very thing that put her in so much danger--and turning it to their greatest asset with the clutch disguise and then using the hell out of the Message Cantrip? Lapin has been dead for less than a day and she’ll already taken the position of party Face.

Very Galaxy Brained moves from our girls this ep.

Sunny Side Up

The immediacy of the “Do you think she’s gonna get off?” response from Ally was like they’d been waiting their entire life to make that specific joke.

Also on the topic of Ally just literally saying anything, watching everyone break as Liam described the game “Stairs” was an experience. And Brennan having to react to that as a parent and acknowledge it was full abuse gave me shades of Kristen talking about all the cult literature in her family’s house that Brennan was hearing about for the first time in that moment.

The whole sequence in the alley with Thad was such a perfect moment of catharsis after the heaviness of everything else. That, “Point with my hand or?” Siobhan’s French accent. Liam hitting a Nat 20 to knock Thad TF out. Everyone coming up with plans on the spot on top of each other and the big, “NO!” after Brennan’s, “To the cathedral!” The rubberband needed to snap back to comedy for a bit after last week and all those flashbacks and they did it perfectly here.

Jet already having a “Bastard Jet” tattoo and Murph improvising that she made him do it with a cantrip.

“Advantage for boldness and disadvantage for madness.”

Things I’m Concerned About

Short list this week because the answer is basically “everything”.

Brennan. Brennan, if anything happens to Primsy...I know that this is all pre-recorded and whatever happened already happened but if Primsy is hurt in any way...Brennan…

Very interesting that the Pontifex OK’d the wedding of Primsy and Bleu basically immediately while all manner of insanity was going on but couldn’t find the time to get the emperor paperwork filled out. And by interesting I mean she’s a snake.

A big ocean battle after only a short rest? With no healer? Don’t care for that one bit.

I would not want to be Katherine Ghee right now. Idk what she’s doing but if she’s alive and well, I have to assume her life is about to be filled with BS.

Liam’s rage (which he talked to Amethar about) seems like the kind of thing that becomes a problem either for poor decision making reasons or literal communing with evil spirits reasons. So I’m for sure monitoring that situation, just in case.

Understandably, the gang wasn’t able to go for their allies this episode, but that puts them in a BAD position to put it mildly. If Calroy did ready that ship, it’s possible that at least some of the rest of the Candians will be able to get out once they hear the news. Fingers crossed for those guys but it would be a fittingly brutal story move if all the fun, tutorial level NPCs just get executed now that we’ve left the starting area (which already was pretty brutal to be sure).

Five More Things

It took me saying the episode title out loud while writing this recap to understand that it was a Bloodkeep reference. I was like, what a weird thing to call an ep. It doesn’t fit the titling conventions for this show at all.

Loved getting to see Amethar with all his sisters, even with the ouchiness of knowing how that all panned out. I especially liked Citrina as a foil for the Pontifex. If the Bulb is nothing but raw power divorced from morality then it’s nice to see someone who has a connection to that power using it in the name of love.

Theo continuing to use everyone's titles even after all that happened is so true to character. Also: “Call me Bastard Jet.”/”As you wish, your highness.”

Zac’s character didn’t show up this ep so I’m very curious when it’s gonna happen. It could happen in the battle ep--some rando helping you mid life or death battle would give very wary people a reason to trust a stranger--but it seems more plausible it would happen next story ep. I wonder if that cotton candy monk mentioned is gonna be his next character. I wonder if it’s gonna be a candy person at all.

Listening to Ruby and Theo talk about how mean they were to Lapin and how guilty they felt about it was A Lot. Like, we only had him for 6 episodes but they have an entire lifetime of history with the dude and Murph and Siobhan really made that hit home in their tiny moments. It was A Lot.

Also! This has nothing to do with Crown of Candy and it’s circulated a bunch already, deservedly so, but I wanna shout out this hilarious Fantasy High animatic by @morikorii. Super happy we’re starting to get kickass animatics for D20 stuff from crazy talented artists.

#dimension 20 #dimension 20 spoilers #a crown of candy #a crown of candy spoilers #the royal report

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talesofealdancynedom · 4 years ago

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Meriam Craweleoth & Felin Haracwen, as girls in normal nobles clothes, wandering the local magic forest; Hope you didn’t forget chapter one, because it’s about to hurt.

Tale 19: Meriam Craweleoth: Mage Queen of The Grand West (chapter 10.1 -

Another Day 10/10) part 4. Stories of Old

Maps

none

At dawn, Meriam, Fredrick, and Eatheltwein, headed down to the dining hall for breakfast. To their surprise, they saw they had a guest; who was sitting across from princess Charlette, Eathel’s new wife. No one had stopped their intruder for one reason: they had seen him before.

Murdoc was helping himself at the table, surrounded by books, and his panther familiar Stearra, purring at his ankles. He ate like a small child, that just learned to use a spoon. Everyone took their seat, as the servants brought them dishes. They all ate their food quietly as dawn light poured in.

“Pardon me, master Monafyra-” The king started.

“You can call me Murdoc.” He said, without looking up. The pure audacity made everyone in the room livid, but not so much as to make any of them speak up.

“Yes. Murdoc... Why are you in my dinning room? And how and when did you intrude our palace?”

“I walked in the front of course,” Mudoc said, continuing to eat. He was wearing his plum and black wolf fairy robes, which made apear like an animal. He looked older than Meriam had remembered; she had lost track of time.

“You had many guards, but none of them stopped me. Either they knew who I was, or what I was. All of this is irrelevant to the fact I came to deliver some news; again. Then, there was gravy, eggs, and bread; And I saw no point in refusing the kindness of others.” Murdoc continued, whilst gesticulating and chewing. Fredrick waved his hand, letting Murdoc carry on; now that he had finished his food.

“I come to give lord Eatheltwein my journals, as I am retiring form magic to settle down in my homeland; don’t seek me. King Edmond used his power to give me refuge. Th people of The Far North believe mages can be made to give up magic. Your kingdom however, Meriam, is not so polite. I have visited each of our mage friends, only to see a trail of bodies. All our dear friends are nothing more then illustrations of tragedy, on my parchment. At the hands of wizards, I’m sorry to say. Common folk no longer think that mages are necessary to wield magic; as if that’s was all our worth. Even my brother Tiberius, and his daughter Fyra, turned out to be dead on my way here. I have good stealth magic to evade people. Unlike you, Craweleoth.”

“You come to tell us mages are dying, wizardry is spreading, and that the people of the Grand West of Anglia, are coming to kill my wife?” the king coughed.

“Aunt Merry can use time magic; she can get away, I’m sure.” Eatheltwein said, looking at Meriam, who stared back in fear. Everyone knew of the Mage Queen, but no one knew Eatheltwein was a mage. They had been led to believe he was a wizard, just as she had planned.

“You have all the time to run away Meriam, but no matter which way you turn, the events that transpire in Ealden Cynedom always snap back; you will die. Eventually. They will come for you shortly, I suppose.” Murdoc said. Then he read the room. Meriam looked petrified, Charlette was confused, Eathel was sad, and the king looked unwell. “I know death when I see it, my lady.” He concluded. Murdoc got up, thanked the servants, left all his journals next to Eathel and Meriam, and left.

“On a good note, we were invited to the borders of Francia, by my king father; to shake hands for peace! Aren’t you happy Queen Merry? Peace at last! We can all heal because of you.” Charlette chimed. The king coughed on his food, and Meriam rubbed his shoulder staring unblinkingly at Charlette. Eatheltwein seemed exuberant. Charolette’s words did not comfort Meriam. She was equally scared to go to boarder. Meriam hadn’t been there since she was off to get married; and saw her friend be murdered by her own people. To think, she was excited not two days earlier.

The royal court traveled steadily to the border between Francia, and Anglia. It rained, and then it shined, and then they reached the open meadows, that were starting to yellow as harvest season approached. Both parties stood a hill apart. Charlette waved to her father, who walked forward.

“Dear, I still feel unwell. Would you like to shake for peace? This was your mission.” Fredrick asked. Meriam nodded. She slowly walked forward through the grass. It smelled woody and dry, and brushed her skirt like when she used to run around as a girl. She continued onward. The uniforms of the Francian guards accompanying their king, hung loose, and their faces were sad and tiered. Meriam continued. Just at the border pole, Meriam stopped; there was some clover blooming by it, and dirt trailing along the boarder. The king stopped and held out his hand. He was not happy.

“Mage Queen. Your nephew is pleased with my girl, who appears to be in good care. We are tiered, and we wish to retire. Why do you not shack on peace, now that I’m repenting for my foolish legacy? Instead, you stare at clover that is at our feet.” The Francian king snapped. Meriam stared at it, and a tear went down her face.

“Did you know I was born in Francia, by Fort De Lapin. The magic forest of The Rat Rate. I grew up here, and I learned magic here. My mother left, thus my father found the daughter of a warlock, who had also recently had a baby. My milk sister Filen Heracwen, meant the world to me. She died here, trying to see me off as I was forced to marry against my will; she was shot by one of your men, for trying to leave with me. Possibly to send a massage of your own people, the reason doesn’t matter. I bet there isn’t anyone alive who remembers her name, or that she loved magic and her kingdom. She wanted to be my hand maid, and go with me on quests. Yet she died here, without a family to burry her, or siblings to mourn her. She passed before she could wed; unlike me, She wanted to merry a farm boy, and have three kids. Have her first daughter named Odette. Felin thought it was a pretty name for a girl. She went dark to open the Rat Gate, even though she was a commoner, because she loved magic so much, she wanted help it. Yet, she died before wizardry could give her that. And her only kin, uncle Normanwe was not there for her, because he was dying on your behalf in far off battle. I look at the clover, because it reminds me of her. This is the closest thing she will ever get to a funeral. Fourty years too late. I am sad, because I never got to attend. I am sad, because a young lady needlessly died, when she had a future in front of her. I am sad soldiers would kill a civilian. I am sad I got taken away from my home, and now that I am back, I wish to leave.” Meriam sobbed. Her voice echoed across the field to both sides, as it grew in volume and tears. Everyone stopped, and looked at the clover. Everyone had forgotten, or was oblivious to, why Meriam wanted to stop the war so badly. It wasn’t because she saw Francia was an enemy; but because she didn’t want anyone else to die. It was too sad. Meriam didn’t want to have this funeral. Everyone began to cry, and not know why. In the absence of a head stone, or body, they felt like they were attending the wake of not just a girl, who could have lived, but for everyone they loved who died; For a war that had long lost its purpose, and unjustly claimed many. Everyone, on every side, had lost someone. And no one, on either side, had truly had the time and relief to just mourn. Meriam, who was considered the most formidable player around the world, reached out and shock the king’s hand. She held her chest and went to her knees wailing alone in the field. Shacking the hand of a man who was responsible for her pain. At long last, Meriam no longer felt hate, only pain.

When they arrived home, the king was ill. No doctor could figure out why, but he remained in bed. Meriam tended him, while Eatheltwein took up royal duties. Fredrick would not get better, no matter the rest or medicine provided. Meriam even tried magic methods. She was given her own chambers, as they feared she would catch his sickness. Then one mourning, the doctor came to Meriam in her study, and told her the man she loved, wed, and had shaped her whole life, was dead. He had lived long, but Meriam wished she could give him more time. She could, with magic, but she pushed away that intrusive thought. We will all die eventually; she could hear Murdoc say in her mind. But time is precious, and she could not let go of the possibility of saving everyone, if she went back for them. Meriam took three days to leave her bed. And wore her purple dress to Eatheltwein’s coronation, and to dance with him. She did not smile like the last time she was adorned like a courtly lady. She wondered if Fredrick would have liked to see her wear his favourite dress one last time. She even wore her Francian pearls, from when she was young, but was never aloud to wear. She wore no makeup, and had a pearl comb holding her hair back in a knot. In the mirror, she had aged half that of her husband, due to magic changing her appearance.

Before bed, she took off the dress and held it; the fabric was still warm. In her bath, Meriam realized she loved that dress too. It felt like she was dancing with Fredrick again when she wore it. Remined her of his smell and smile. The dress was perfect, and barely worn. It was light, airy, flowy, soothing, and feminine. Unlike her black crushed velvet fairy robes. Her protective fairy robes were a magic gift made by the Fairy King, yet had half the value of that periwinkle gown. Then, Meriam wondered something: if all mages had fairy robes, which protect against spell and sword, why did they all die if they knew wizards were coming? Why did they choose to remove their robes and surrender to death? She thought. Meriam did not sleep well, as she mulled over mortality, and impending doom. She didn’t want everyone’s stories to end while hers continued. Her bed felt so cold without Fredrick next to her.

In the middle of the night, Eatheltwein came into Meriam’s new chambers, and sat next to her bed.

“Are you awake, aunt Merry?” He asked. Meriam shrugged in response. Eathel put the candle on the side table, and lay next to her on top of the sheets.

“Charlette told me to come and see how you’re doing; without uncle. I am so sad. We have peace at our borders, and wives hold their husbands; but you are alone. No other mages, children, or husband. Just me. I will miss you too someday. Are you also scared of the Wizards? What will you do if they come here for the raven gate, and for you?” Eatheltwein whispered. Meriam never thought about that. She was busy wishing for other people.

“I wish you to tell everyone you’re a wizard, and to not go into the shadow veil to see your cousin Odette. I want you to hide, bury or destroy the Raven Gate, so no one wanders into it. I want you to be happy, when I’m gone.”

“You would let them take you, so that they can feel secure? Even if it is a lie, and mages will still be born to magic families?”

“I don’t know. But I think that may have been what happened to my friends around the world. Remember Eathel; magic does not have sides, or possess malice. It would make sense not to fight, and instead accept destiny.”

“I don’t think your capable of either of those thing’s, aunt Merry.” Eatheltwein laughed. He was still a source of sunshine. Meriam reached over her sheets to hold his hand.

“Can you stay? For tonight.” Meriam asked. Eatheltwein nodded.

“Can we go on one last adventure, before I’m a wizard and king, figuring out how to transition power before our people invent guillotines. For old times sake?” Eatheltwein asked earnestly. Meriam laughed and grabbed his hand closer.

“Yes. Yes, we may your majesty. I think Fredrick would have wanted us to be happy too.”

Just before dawn, while the servants woke and prepared for the day, Eatheltwein and Meriam snuck out of the palace in their fairy robes. A note was left for Charlette; telling her to keep their location secret, unless they never returned. Which she was inclined to do, as keeping secrets is exciting if you’re a noble woman. In the streets, the peasants were busy starting work and waking, and the knights were changing shifts. Merchants started to set up, or pack to leave to their next market. Meriam didn’t even need to freeze time to get by. Only as they reached the Raven Gate, in the square, did Meriam pause time.

“Eathel, where do you want to go?” Meriam said, clasping his hands in excitement. She had hit the point of sadness, that results in manic giddiness when you can no longer cry, and have sleep depravation.

“Bantia! I’ve never herd or seen a single person from the land south the of Dania, and north of The Far South of Hispania. I bet that is the only magic forest you haven’t seen aunt Merry!” Eathltwein gleamed with the glow of dawn.

“No, actually I haven been to the wolf gate in North Moon, nor plan to…. Which means Bntia must have the Tree Gate… Magic plants… That colourful forested area in the shadow veil.” Meriam mused. Now she was curious; her seer nature made her thirst for magic knowledge once more. Meriam grasped Eatheltweins hand, and they leapt into the shadow veil through the Raven Gate one last time.

NEXT--->

<---PREVIOUS

#art #tales of ealdan cynedom #short stories #fantasy #meriam #felin #eatheltwein

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vivianquest · 5 years ago

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Julius Lapin, MD, does not look impressed. He shakes his head slightly, and the way how light dances on the soft tuft of hair on his forehead makes you want to tousle it.

“I’m not buying the story you’re selling, Rebis. You made us travel to this backend of nowhere town to test us because you need each and every one of our special skills. You are not in a position to turn anyone down.”

“Oh my, you presume to tell me my motivations? Do go on, if you have figured it out please share your insights with everyone. I am dying to hear this!”

“For starters, I’m a medic but also immune to most environmental hazards. That one,” he points at Janice, “is not only muscle but also has no qualms about sharing her gift of regeneration.”

Hearing that the people around Janice murmur and take a step away from her, but she does not pay attention to them.

“Really now.” Rebis does not sound amused anymore. “What about those two chumps over there, the washed up hyena and the weird otter thing? What could I possibly need them for, hmm?”

“The hyena’s a mid level church official.”

“Ha! If I needed a preacher-”

“Thus he’s fluent in Old Imperial. A dead language, restricted to the clergy and their servants. Quite useful when exploring ancient Ophidian ruins…”

Joe harrumphs and adjusts his tie. “This washed up hyena also happens to have leadership training, has certificates in administration, and is skilled at close quarter combat. I resent being talked to in this manner by a cheap toy!”

“As for the other,” Lapin continues, “an infiltration specialist-”

“Oh no, count me out,” Jaan crosses his arms. "I'm not going to scrounge around in some dusty pit. I'm a people person and my skills would be wasted in whatever dump you're headed at!"

Joe looks relieved, but also slightly disappointed, so Jaan continues. "Besides, you need someone to mislead the people coming after you, and I just love telling lies."

"Honestly?"

"You can take my word for it," he makes a lopsided smile.

"That leaves just me, then," you say to Rebis. "You can't find anyone small enough to crawl through the inevitable air ducts and pick locks except me."

"Don't flatter yourself, lady. The frogs are pretty small too, and crafty to boot."

You give the drone a flat stare. “They also need moisture to live and we’re headed for desert.”

"...Fine. All of you, meet me at the front door in five minutes. You’re accepted on the adventure of your lifetime.” He sighs. “Maurice, can you hold off the rude lioness for me? I would be much obliged if we got a head start of a day or two."

"I'll stay and help them," Daniel cracks his knuckles and grins at you. “You bailed me out of a tight spot once, so it’s the least I can do. These weenies need someone to show how it’s done!”

You glance at Lapin who nods, and then you reach out to shake Daniel’s hand. His meaty paw is big enough to swallow it whole.

“Thank you Daniel. I won’t forget this.”

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll gather up some friends and follow you after I’m finished here. You’ll have a debt of gratitude I’m going to collect!”

“Always a repo man, you big lummox!” You snort and both of you laugh a little.

Joe pats Jaan’s shoulder. “So, this is it then? I hope that we’ll meet again.”

“Ha! I never thought I’d hear you say that.”

“Truth to be told me neither.”

There is a pause that starts to grow awkward between them, and Jaan breaks it.

“Hey cap’n?”

“Yea?”

“You’re all right.”

“You too, Jaan.”

“Oh come on, that is starting to stretch my suspension of disbelief. Get going already, before we start hugging each other!”

Joe shakes his head ruefully. “I’ll never hear the end of it now, me telling you that you’re okay...?”

“Yea I’m going to rub it in if you return. I’m looking forward to it, so don’t let me down!” Jaan taps Joe’s chin with his knuckles, but the hyena just takes it glumly.

#Vivian Quest

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hah-studios · 8 years ago

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The Beauty of a Beast Part 3

In celebration of the upcoming Disney remake and for one of the most timeless love stories ever told: mixing three different adaptions and adding my own twists. A beautiful and strong-willed girl must pull a prince from a monster, a castle from its curse, she must do the impossible and find a way to love a beast.

The final part of my Beauty and the Beast story (and just in time!) and I hope you all enjoyed it!

Usually when Gaston spent the night at the pub it became a place to celebrate how amazing he was. Nowadays it was a place to pity him.

Belle’s rejection had wounded his ego no doubt, but what hurt more was that he couldn’t try to win her over, the girl having disappeared the night of his proposal. Her brother and sisters coming to the pub to try and appease him, stroking his damaged ego and telling him how Belle had just been surprised, that she would come around with time, just be patient with her. With a few drinks in him Gaston was just recollecting his resolve to pursue the girl when suddenly Maurice and Nicholas came into the pub. The old man had been trembling, eyes wide and glassy while his son held his arm and led him to their other siblings.

“Father!” Tristan gasped. “Where have you been?”

Maurice’s voice was hollow, “Belle…it took Belle.” He grabbed Tristan’s arms, “Belle was taken by a beast!”

Gaston watched silently while Maurice’s children tried to calm their hysterical father down. Not even Nicholas believed what he was saying. But the young man did explain how Belle had gone to look for Maurice-and she hadn’t returned.

Gaston had led a small search party out, exploring the outskirts of the forest while Maurice kept insisting that they had to go deeper, that the beast’s castle was in the darkest part of the forest. Gaston had rolled his eyes at the man, there was no way a fragile thing like Belle would have gone that far into such a foreboding forest. No, after a few days everyone except for the old man had decided that Belle ran away, and everyone had their own theory on why she did.

“She was such an adventurous soul, she wanted to put some miles behind her.” “She actually hated her new country life; she went to find a way to regain riches.”

“She didn’t want to marry Gaston.”

That last theory always soured his throat and made him throw back another glass of beer. He sat before the roaring fireplace of the pub, antlers from his many kills hanging above the flames, usually a sight of pride they did not ease his soul tonight. But despite his melancholic drinking he had noticed a group of unfamiliar men, travelers, hogging one table to themselves. They had come in whispering but after a few pints their whispers became loud enough for Gaston to overhear.

“I ain’t goin’ back there!” The man who spoke was as white as a sheet, holding a grubby hand to his stomach.

One of his friends turned to him, “But imagine how much money we could get with a kill that big.” Talk of hunting piqued Gaston’s interest.

“Like we could kill it! It nearly ripped my intestines out! And it probably ate that girl we found!”

Gaston turned in his chair to get a better look at the men. Their clothes were ratty, hair a tangled mess and they were swaying in their seats from the effects of the alcohol. But the fear in their eyes was far too genuine. There was something out in those woods, and apparently not only it attacked them but also a girl who was out in the woods…

Gaston stood up to join them, lips curling into a smile.

When the Beast arrived at the dinning room Belle’s smile was full of relief, standing up she met him halfway. “I want to apologize again,” she explained, expression morphing from relieved to stricken. And while he knew it was awful he couldn’t help but like how worried she was. She really cared for him…

But he still assured her, “I’m fine.” He waited for her shoulders to relax before tilting his head to her. “Could I ask something of you?”

Her eyes glittered with curiosity and he took a moment to admire how large her eyes were, how warm the amber looked, matching her dark skin tone. “What do you need?” “I’d like to-to have a dance with you.”

He could practically taste her surprise, no need for the arched brows and parted lips. Belle looked him over as if she wasn’t completely sure this was her Montague. “In the ballroom?” she clarified softly.

He nodded, self-doubt clogging his throat and making words stick to his tongue, so he only nodded a second time. And slowly, oh so slowly, a smile curved Belle’s lips and- how could one person be so beautiful? “You want to dance with me?” The elated way in which she spoke did not slow down the Beast’s heart. He finally wrestled words out of his mouth, “I-I am not a very…coordinated dancer. But I’d like to try. With you.”

Her expression, warm and sincere, felt like an embrace. “Lucky for you I was raised by a socialite and know many a dance moves.” She held his hands in hers, so different yet so fitting. “Let’s dance tomorrow; we can make a whole evening out of it.”

The Beast had to swallow a large level of pride to ask Renard and Plumes to help get him ready for the evening. The fox and owl gushed over him, instructing him on how to groom his fur, help him find the perfect outfit. All the while telling him how happy they were for him.

“She was worried for you last night, you know,” Renard told him while hunting through the walk in closet. “That’s why we went looking for you.” The Beast examined his reflection in the mirror, something he hadn’t done in a long, long time. Even with his fur well maintained now he had no idea what that girl saw in him, however he wasn’t going to take back his invitation to dance. Instead he looked to Plumes who sat atop the mirror, “Is it bad that I was happy she was so worried for me?”

The owl blinked at him. “That means you care what she thinks of you.” Renard trotted out of the closet, “And that’s never happened before! Not even when you were human!”

Plumes spoke while the Beast pulled on the outfit Renard had chosen. “Speaking of, tonight you must let your feelings for her known.” The intensity of his eyes reminded the Beast that the rose only had so many petals left.

Renard was nodding in agreement, “You can’t deny it. You care for the girl and tonight after the dance is a perfect time to tell her!”

“It’s time to break the curse,” Plumes added.

The Beast nodded, his chest swimming with feelings of anxiety, excitement, and something he didn’t think he would ever feel again…

Belle spun in front of the mirror once again, going through so many dresses, trying to find the right one. “This is silly,” she remarked when she found herself not overly fond of an eggshell blue number. “I’ve never cared so much over what dress I wear. That was my sisters’ job.” Lapin and Chat sat on her bed and the two exchanged a knowing look before the rabbit spoke, “Maybe that’s because you never had anyone you wanted to impress.”

Belle’s cheeks turned hot and she ran her fingers through her hair, an awkward bubble of laughter bursting past her lips. “You think so?”

Chat purred, “I’m sure the master is getting himself worked up into a right proper tizzy as well. He really wants to impress you.”

Belle smiled softly at the words, her heart picking up its pace. She did another spin, this time the eggshell blue was painted over by a shining, golden yellow and she couldn’t help a soft gasp. The bodice was a simple design, but it had wrapped off-the-shoulder sleeves along with matching yellow opera gloves, the skirt itself decorated with flowing yellow lace. Her hair was pulled up into a bun with ebony locks trailing down her neck in beautiful waves. Instantly she knew this was her dress.

The cat and rabbit cooed appreciatively, insisting she looked absolutely stunning and that the master wouldn’t be able to lift his chin off the floor. Belle giggled at their reaction, her stomach fluttering with butterflies, some anxious, some excited, and some trembling with a feeling she had feared she’d never know…

“Look at you,” Belle smirked. She had walked into the dining room to see the Beast in a blue suit, the tail coats and lining dashed in gold and a puffy white ascot hanging from his neck. She smiled at him, “Sir Montague you can clean up nice.”

He let out a breath of laughter and shrugged, “I have my moments. Renard and Plumes, standing behind him, loudly cleared their throats. “My servants were a big help.”

Belle stepped forward, holding the skirts of her dress in her hands and she spun a small circle before him. “Do you like the dress?” She didn’t mention it was the eighth dress she tried on.

“Of course,” he smiled at her. “You’re wearing it.”

Blushing pleasantly Belle accepted the seat he pulled out for her. The two usually sat across from each other but tonight they sat next to each other, elbows touching as they enjoyed the meal and company.

“Your fur is practically shining,” Belle told him, noticing the shine in his gray fur. The Beast looked to his paw, admiring the slick fur. “I haven’t fixed myself up in…in a long time,” he admitted.

“I haven’t dress up in a while either,” Belle replied, running her fingers across her finely done hair. “I always preferred reading.” He nodded in agreement. “Yes, but doing this once in a while…it would be nice.” “I agree,” she said, a spoonful of soup passed her ruby lips. “We could do it once a month.”

The fact that they had that kind of time, that he could spend years with her…spend the rest of his life with her…

The rose is wilting.

The cold reminder brought his anxiety and self-doubt back, he swallowed against it. “Belle…” he tired to find the next words. “I wanted to…” He could find nothing.

Belle guessed his next words, it was an incorrect guess. “You wanted to go ahead and dance?” He wilted slightly. “Yes.”

Belle took his hand and led him to the ballroom, the room having been polished to perfection by the staff. The night sky was clear and to perfected by the staff. The night sky was clear and beautiful and the chandeliers lit, the light falling them and dazzling across their fur and skin. Renard and friends head slipped in after the two, making themselves comfortable at the piano. Meanwhile Belle pulled the Beast onto the heart of the dance floor. And Belle found it ironic that what felt like a life time ago, she had hated the thought of being in the same room with him. But now, now she pulled his paw forward to hold her waist, her hand lying on his shoulder. Their fingers interlocked and the Beast’s blue eyes trailed to their hands, something unsure played across his face. Belle quickly called out, “Chat! Play me something.”

A few seconds later a sweet tune filled the room and the Beast turned his attention back to his dancing partner. Belle’s voice was professional and serious, but the twinkle in her eyes ruined the effect. “We’ll start with something easy. We’ll form a box.” When his brow furrowed she continued, “Just follow my lead.” She pulled him forward, moved to the right, pushed him back, and then to the left. They repeated the steps a few more times and Belle saw realization spark in his eyes, their feet were forming a box. When they had stepped into rhythm he pulled his gaze away from the floor to her. She smiled at him, “You are a natural.” He returned her grin. “Now let’s try a spin.” As the night went on the Beast showed a rusty but natural talent for dancing, mastering Belle’s lessons fairly easily. It made her wonder about the past he refused to share. But her curiosity was short-lived, instead her attention focused on the dance. She focused on the way his paws held her, large but gentle, in the way her hair flew across her shoulder, in the delighted shine in his twilight eyes and the wonderful way her heart wanted to burst. The ballroom swirled around her, stars and candles and marble. She felt warm, and energetic, and happy.

The dancing was coming to an end when suddenly the Beast grabbed her waist with both paws and lifted her into the air. Belle let out a shock of surprised laughter as he spun her through the air, but he only spun twice before tripping over his own feet, sending them both to the floor. The Beast had landed on his back; Belle sprawled on his chest and both laughing.

“Are you okay?” he chuckled, eyes glowing up at her.

She grinned, “I could ask you the same thing. Next time make sure you have solid footwork before trying that again.”

“Promise,” he smiled, sitting up.

Belle let out a breath, “Want to take a break? I’d like to walk out to the balcony.”

He nodded quickly and helped her to her feet. As they walked to the balcony Belle noticed the delighted and encouraging smiles of the staff.

The night air was cool and crisp, and Belle happily breathed it in. She stepped into the moonlight, leaning her arms on the stone railing as she gazed out at the gardens and the forests beyond.

She felt his eyes warm her back and she spoke without turning back, “A gentleman doesn’t stare, Montague.”

He snorted, “Why does everyone keep insisting I’m a gentleman?”

She looked over her shoulder, smile widening, “Because we all know there’s a heart of a gentleman under all that fur.”

He didn’t roll his eyes at that, instead looking at her with sincerity. “Come here, I have something for you.” When Belle was before him he lifted her hand, palm up, and placed something smooth and cold in her hand. Belle’s eyes widened-it was her father’s locket. The Beast still held her hand, “I shouldn’t have kept it, I’m sorry…I was so awful to you.” Belle met his eyes, “Something tells me someone was awful to you as well.” His eyes grew glassy.

“I think…” she breathed thoughtfully. “I think we both needed someone, someone who can understand us.” Her other hand covered his paw, “I’ve never met someone who understood me…not like you.”

His throat bobbed and his words were shaky, “I feel the same.”

Belle leaned her head against his chest, followed by the rest of her body. He wrapped a comforting arm around her and Belle spent a moment listening to his steady heartbeat that still felt like it was fluttering. For a moment Belle was completely content.

Then she clenched her hand around the locket.

“Belle.” The Beast’s breath made her hair shift. “Are you happy here?”

“Of course I am,” she breathed.

However he heard the tinge of melancholy. He pulled back slightly to meet her eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“I…” she didn’t know how to say it without breaking his heart. “I want to see my family again.”

As expected his expression grew painful and his paw dropped from her back. “Oh.”

“Please don’t be upset,” she begged.

“I’m not.”

“I truly adore it here, I do, but I’m still reminded of them…and I can’t help but hate how I didn’t properly say goodbye.” “Belle,” his soft, understanding tone silenced her. “Do you want to visit them?”

Her eyes nearly fell out of her skull, “You’d-you’d let me go?” He stepped forward and his gaze was intense. “You stopped being my prisoner a long time ago. If you want to leave I will not stop you.” His eyes softened and he swallowed, “But I would be very happy if you came back.”

Belle took his hand in both of hers, “Just give me a week. Just one week to see them.”

His insecure expression made her heart ache. “Then you’ll come back?”

She hoped her smile showed her sincerity, “I promise.”

His smile was just as genuine, “Best get ready.” She let out a delighted laugh and dashed off; she was out of earshot and didn’t hear his next whisper: “Farewell, Belle.”

The Beast and his servants sat in the room where he had first met Maurice, first bonded with Belle. Said girl had just left, giving them a swift goodbye and a renewed promise.

“Well I think it was very sweet to let her see her family,” Lapin said. She laid next to Renard, they along with Chat were sprawled before the small fire. Plumes, roosting on top of the chair, hooted. “We don’t have that kind of time! The rose will finish wilting any day now.”

Chat was determined to stay optimistic, “She’ll return soon, it’ll be fine.”

But then the Beast let out a sigh, “She won’t be coming back.”

Frightened eyes stared at him. “Why would you say that?” Renard demanded.

“Because she loves her family.” Plumes had puffed up his feathers in anger, making him twice his size. “The why did you let her go?!” The Beast’s chest twisted in agony, “Because I love her.”

Belle, accompanied by Philippe and Darling arrived home at daybreak. Dismounting from Philippe she walked out of the woods, her house in sight. Walking closer she saw a familiar shape out in the yard, crouching by a broken wagon wheel. Maurice stood up straight and went stock still when he spotted Belle.

Rising tears blurred her vision and she smiled. “Papa…” She broke into a run, “Papa!”

Her embrace knocked him to the ground; tears streamed down their face as they kissed each other’s cheeks and sobbed how they had missed each other.

Nicholas’ voice suddenly spoke up, “Father, what’s-BELLE!”

A moment later Nicholas appeared by their side, wrapping his arms around his sister. A few seconds later Tristan, Susan, and Lucy joined them, and to Belle’s surprise they were just as happy to see her. Belle’s family pulled her into a large family hug, wet with tears and warm with laughter.

News in this town spread faster than wild fire in a dry forest so Belle had been home for only a few minutes when the news reached the pub where Gaston loitered. He was still with the group of men who had explained there was a giant wolfish monster stalking the forest and that the girl they had seen was clearly Belle. LeFou, who sat next to Gaston, believed they were making it up.

Hearing the girl was not only alive but back the gears in Gaston’s head started to turn. “Boys,” he turned to LeFou and the gang. “Let’s go see what my future wife has to say about this monster.”

“You didn’t have to run away to prove a point, Belle,” Tristan was saying.

She sat at the table with her family, all enjoying a cup of warm tea. Her older brother’s words made Nicholas scowl at the man. “You were trying to make her marry a man she didn’t love!” To Tristan and the twins’ credit they did look guilty.

“I wanted to find Papa,” Belle explained.

Maurice looked to his daughter, “How did you escape Belle?” Her siblings’ interest instantly piqued, obviously their father had told them about the Beast.

Belle looked to her father. “He let me go.”

Jaws dropped to the table and Maurice looked at his daughter as if he didn’t believe her. “That horrible beast let you go?” “He’s not horrible,” Belle insisted, just managing to not raise her voice. “He’s changed. He knew I missed you all and let me come home. He even gave me your locket back.” She decided to wait to tell them she would only be here for a week. Even if the Beast hadn’t asked her to come home she would still return to him. She loved her family but she also-

Nicholas interrupted her thoughts. “Belle…your bag is shaking.” They turned around to see Belle’s knap sack (she had taken it with her to carry small amounts of food and Maurice’s locket) shaking to and fro before suddenly a fluffy white head popped out.

“Chaton!” Belle smiled.

The kitten returned her smile, “Belle!”

Her sisters shrieked when the kitten spoke but Belle had stood up and walked over to Chaton to pick her up, “You little stowaway.” She turned to her family, “Everyone, this is my friend Chaton.”

Maurice smiled at the kitten as she was placed on the table, “I remember you.”

Nicholas looked absolutely entranced by the talking cat while Tristan and the twins looked convinced they were dreaming. The kitten greeted all of them in turn before turning back to Belle. “Why did you leave Belle? I thought you liked us.” Belle’s heart ached, “Of course I like you. But I missed my family.”

Chaton pouted, “Why didn’t you just bring your family to the castle?”

“With the beast?” Tristan scowled.

The kitten glared up at him, “He’s very nice now! And he loves Belle, he’d let you move in!”

Belle blushed, embarrassed by the kitten’s blunt words. But luckily a distraction came as the sound of Chaton’s rumbling stomach. “I’m hungry, is there anything to eat?”

The day passed quickly with Belle and Chaton telling Maurice and the others what castle life was like, though Maurice and Nicholas were the only ones to accept that there was just a castle in the woods filled with talking animals. While they talked Chaton showed obvious favoritism to Nicholas, sitting in his lap and purring as he rubbed her head. When they weren’t talking about how Belle’s time had been they had talked how her family had coped. Life had more or less stayed the same despite her absence, still having to work and still bored out of their minds. Susan mentioned how Gaston had been in a state of melancholy after she left and had even led a rescue party. Belle had rolled her eyes and said he had done it because he hated to lose-which was true. And to Belle’s relief no one tried to defend the man.

But say the devil’s name and he will appear. When night fell there was a knock on the door. While Belle and her sisters knitted, Nicholas played with Chaton, and Tristan tended the fire, Maurice opened the door. His words instantly sent Belle on edge: “What are you doing here?”

“I heard Belle had returned.” It was Gaston.

Belle stood up, fright making her skin chill. Her siblings stood up as well, Nicholas and the twins standing before her protectively and it eased Belle’s fear slightly.

“What’s wrong?” Chaton’s voice had grown scared, burrowing into Nicholas’ palm.

“It’s going to be fine,” Nicholas whispered to her. “Just stay quiet.”

Maurice was still talking to Gaston, blocking the door, “Where did you heart that?”

Belle could imagine the egotistical man waving his hand dismissively, “You know how gossip is in this town. Is it true?”

Maurice was silent for a few moments but ultimately decided he couldn’t hide his daughter forever. “Yes.”

“Excellent!” Gaston’s voice smiled. “May I see her?” ”Her opinion of you hasn’t changed,” Maurice snapped. Belle had to bite her lip to keep from laughing; she obviously got her attitude from her adopted father.

But Gaston wasn’t deterred in the slightest. “Not yet, but I’m here not to propose but to ask her some questions. I know of the monster that had attacked her.”

Those words sent Belle past her siblings and her father, standing in front of Maurice and glaring up at the smug chiseled face of her worst enemy. “What are you talking about?”

His smile didn’t wane, “Belle, darling. Thank heavens you’re all right. I heard that you had been attacked by a ferocious beast.”

Her brow furrowed, “Who told you that?”

Gaston stepped to the side to see that behind him was a whole mob of townspeople; they were carrying torches and pitchforks and looked frightened and furious. In the front of the crowd was LeFou and…Belle’s heart dropped. The bandits that had attacked her were there, and by the leering looks they remembered her all too well. Belle took a step back, grabbing her father’s arm for courage. She turned her eyes back to Gaston, “Why are you listening to them?”

“We’ve all been listening to them,” Gaston waved his arm to indicate the mob, “We’ve seen the damage such a monster can do.” Gaston looked to one of the bandits and he lifted his shirt, across the flesh of his stomach were five long red welts, claw marks. Belle took a small moment to enjoy the satisfaction that the Beast had nearly ripped the disgusting pig’s guts out. But then she had to come back to reality and how, to all these people, and maybe even her family, this was a poor man who had nearly been killed by a savage monster.

Belle released her father’s arm and stepped forward, her eyes glared at the group of bandits, wishing she could set them ablaze. “The only monsters are only those bandits!” She pointed to the group of men. “They attacked me in the woods, would’ve killed me or worse. Montague saved me!”

Her words were meant with silence. And then Gaston curled his lip at her, “Montague?”

Belle looked up at him, holding her ground and raising her chin. “It’s what I call him. You’re nothing but a filthy liar, Gaston. He’s kind and gentle and my friend.”

He scowled at her and for a moment he looked as ugly as his personality. “If I didn’t know better Belle I’d think you had feelings for this monster.”

Belle bared her teeth, “He’s not the monster Gaston you are!” Her words got surprised murmurs from the crowd, Belle’s family staying silent.

Gaston stared at Belle with hate flaring in his eyes and she saw she had finally got it through his thick skull that she would never be his. But what she forgot was Gaston’s mindset: if he can’t have Belle no one would.

He turned his back to her and addressed the mob. “It’s worse than I thought. Instead of killing her this beast has turned her against us! This creature kidnapped her own father and she is defending him! For all we know she had told him all about our village, she might be planning to help it come and kill us all!”

Gaston controlled the mob like a puppeteer, pulling their strings and turning their heads to share frightened words, widened their eyes and opened their ears to him. “But not if we kill him first!”

No. The crowd erupted into bloodthirsty cheers. Gaston stalked down the steps of the house Belle ran after him, leaping on his back and crawling at his shirt. “Don’t you dare!” But when Gaston got over his surprise from her attack he easily peeled her off him and pushed her roughly back to her house, Maurice reached out and grabbed her before she fell to the ground.

Tristan and the twins followed after their father, Nicholas and Chaton no where in sight. “That was uncalled for, Gaston!” Tristan snarled at the man, Susan and Lucy checking on their sisters. Gaston placed his level gaze on Belle’s brother for a few seconds, but then he snarled right back. “You’re either with us or against us.”

And despite Belle’s growing fear she felt a deep love for Tristan and the twins when they protectively stepped in front of her, having finally see the horrible man Gaston was and taking their sister’s side. But her happiness was very shortly lived, Gaston flicking his wrist at the mob and several men stepped forward and grabbed the family, dragging them kicking and screaming to the barn.

“Don’t listen to him!” Belle begged of the people. “I know you’re scared but the Beast would never hurt any of you!” But her pleas fell on deaf ears and the family was tossed into the barn, using a log of wood to bar the doors from outside.

Belle had jumped up as soon as she was released and slammed her fists on the splintered wood of the door, even when she felt splinters dig into her flesh she didn’t stop pounding against the door, not until Maurice pulled her back.

“Belle, stop it,” he begged. “You can’t open the door that way.”

That fact brought her to tears; she slid down to her knees and covered her face with her hands, “It’s my fault! It’s all my fault!” I’m so sorry!

Chat’s fur was bristled. Chaton was playing hide and seek but her mother was in no mood to play along. She sat in the library with Renard, Plumes, and Lapin, all sprawled around the room and quiet. The master had vanished to the west wing and hadn’t returned.

The rose only had one petal left, and the servants were accepting the fact they would never be human again.

Renard’s voice was soft and sad, a tone he had never used before: “Maybe it would’ve been better if she had never come at all.”

Chat tried to think of something but any comfort would feel so empty. Plumes feathers were practically drooping and Lapin’s nose wiggled, looking around at the three animals as if they had the answer. She looked ready to hop out of the room when suddenly her long ears shot up, eyes moving to the window. “Someone’s coming.”

A moment later all their heads lifted, hearing the distant sound of people. “It couldn’t be…” Renard breathed, rushing to the window with the others on his tail.

“Is it her?” Chat asked, pressing her paws against the window glass.

The four animals’ jaws drop when they saw it was a mob, torches burning against the night sky and heading straight for the gate.

Renard snarled, “Intruders!”

“What do we do?” Lapin asked frightfully, “They’re going to storm the castle!” Renard dropped to all fours, “Not while I’m still standing! Human or not this is our home and we’ll defend it!” He flexed his sharp claws and bared his teeth, “Let’s put these to good use.”

Belle and her family were trying to figure out if they could dig their way under the door when a familiar voice called out from the other side. “Belle! Father!”

“Nicholas!” they all cried out. In all the chaos Belle had forgotten he had vanished during the confrontation.

“I went upstairs to hide Chaton when Gaston arrived,” he explained from the other side of the door, he grunted as he started to remove the log. “Then I heard the shouting and thought it was better to stay hidden for a while.” Chaton’s voice spoke up, “Good thing we did! Now we can get you!”

The log fell to the ground with a thud and a moment later the barn doors swung open, moonlight outlining Nicholas, Chaton riding on his shoulder. Belle was already pulling Darling to the door, pulling herself up on the mare and grabbing onto her mane. “I need to get to the Beast,” she told her family. “I need to warn him.” “You can’t go alone!” Maurice told her. “I’ll go with you.” Tristan stepped forward and grabbed Maurice’s shoulder, “Father you stay with Susan and Lucy, me and Nicholas will follow Belle on Philippe.” Maurice still looked unsure but Belle was done waiting. She had to get back.

Kicking Darling the mare whinnied and darted to the forest, her brothers scrambling to mount onto Philippe and follow after her. As the dark woods swallowed Belle and Darling the girl made a deal with the heavens above. Just let him be okay when I get there and I’ll tell him what I should’ve told him before I left.

Chat had run to the west wing to tell their master. He sat before the rose, blue eyes blank. “Pardon me, sir-”

He was already shaking his head, “Leave me in peace.”

“But, sir, the castle is under attack!” The rest of the staff had already gone to the first floor to prepare for the attack.

The Beast released a breath that was both sarcastic yet painful. “Of course it is…” He closed his eyes and looked to wilt right before the cat’s eyes. “Let them come. None of it matters anymore. Nothing matters anymore.”

Chat looked at him helplessly for a few moments before shaking her head and dashing back to the others. She found them blocking the front doors, the wood shaking on its hinges. She hurried downstairs and pressed her paws against an empty square of wood, vibrations running up her paws, “What’s going on!?” “Then chopped down a tree and are trying to break down the door!” Abel told her, he and his pups pressing their shoulders against the wood. “Renard we can’t hold them back!”

“I know, I know!” The fox was looking around the room, “Okay! I have an idea!”

With one more hit the doors flew open, revealing the dim interior beyond. Gaston’s lips curled into a delicious grin. “Take whatever you want,” he told the mob. “But remember, the Beast is mine.”

“What about us?” the leader of the hunters glared at him as the group walked into the castle.

Gaston met his glare head on, “You really want to face the monster that nearly tore you in half.” He watched the torn look in the man’s eyes, on one hand he wanted the money he could get from killing such a creature, on the other hand there was the fear that said creature would finish the job. Gaston didn’t wait for an answer, instead heading up the stairs while the mob looked around the first room.

Then there was an inhuman shriek.

Our from the crooks and crannies and side rooms and ceiling came a legion of animals. The leader of the hunters was knocked down by a feral fox, an owl and several other birds flew overhead, clawing at the mob’s head. Even a rabbit bite LeFou’s ankle.

Gaston cursed under his breath and dashed up the stairs, he had no interest in these animals. His prize was somewhere else in this castle and he was going to find it.

Darling was covered in sweat when she broke from the trees, arriving at the castle with its open gates. Belle sucked in a breath and urged the mare on, Philippe and her brothers following after. Belle dismounted Darling before the horse had completely come to a stop, running inside the castle’s open doors and stepped into chaos. The servants were making a mockery of the mob. She saw Chat and a few other felines of the castle, chasing down a few men. Abel and his pups nibbling on one mob member, not making him bleed but definitely scaring the daylights out of him. She also saw Renard clawing at the bandit the Beast had attacked.

“Wow,” was all her brothers could say when they reached their sister and saw the sight before them. Chaton saw her mother and cheered her and the other animals on, digging her tiny claws into Nicholas’ shoulder.

Belle turned to his brothers, “I need to find the Beast. You help here.”

“But Belle-“Tristan began but was interrupted by his younger brother.

“You be careful,” Nicholas ordered, “Gaston is probably looking for him as well”

Belle smiled at them, “This is me we’re talking about. I can handle anything.” She whirled around and dashed into the madness. She heard her name being called out happily, Renard having pinned the bandit down and smiling at her with adoration and relief. She smiled back but didn’t stop, almost at the stairs a rough hand dug into her shoulder. Belle was turned around to stare into the snarling face of one of the other bandits, he held her arms in a vise-like grip and she remembered him as the bandit who had tried to lift up her dress. There were bite marks across his arms and bleeding cuts on his head.

“You’re not going anywhere, sweetheart!”

No fear iced Belle’s veins, instead a furious fire set her blood ablaze and she knew she had no time for this piece of scum. So she kicked him in his nether regions. “Do not call me sweetheart,” she said simply as he fell to the ground, moaning in pain and cradling himself. Belle hurried up the stairs and made her way to the west wing, vaguely realizing she had never been to the room. But now was not the time for idle curiosity now was the time to punch Gaston in his perfect, smug face. Something someone should’ve done a long time ago.

The Beast wished he could be left in peace, when Chat had first come into the room his stupid heart had fluttered with hope that maybe Belle had come back. Maybe he could finally tell her how he felt.

When heavy footsteps reached his ears he forced his head up to see a strange man standing there. Slick black hair and a face like a Greek statue he was someone he imagined any woman would love to be with. And he was aiming an arrow to the Beast’s heart.

He turned his back to the stranger. Go ahead, it’s already broken. But despite his melancholy when the arrow sliced across his back he still reared up and screeched in pain. He had hardly gone quiet when the man slammed into the Beast, knocking them into the glass that shattered from the impact. He rolled down across the slick shingles of the room, landing on a lower balcony, the man landing on his feet before him. Breathing through the pain licking down his spine the Beast tried to stand up-but then wondered what was the point? It was all over.

The man kicked him in the ribs and the Beast flinched. The stranger’s taunting voice spoke above him, “Get up and fight!” Another kick and he let out a mocking laugh. “What’s the matter then, Beast? Too kind and gentle to fight back?”

The Beast only closed his eyes and waited for the man to grow bored and once more fire his arrow, he hoped his servants were okay, he hoped they could find a better life even with the curse. He hoped-

“STOP!”

The Beast’s eyes flew open and he looked beyond the man’s shoulder to the broken glass of his room…and there she was. Belle’s hair was loose and flowing across her shoulders, her eyes were wide with fright and anger and she looked ready to jump down after them. And she was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.

The stranger followed his gaze to see Belle; he then scowled and turned back to the Beast, a new arrow notched. But this time the Beast slammed his foot into the man’s stomach, knocking him across the balcony and hitting the wall. The man pulled himself back to his feet, eyes blazing with blood lust.

“Don’t you dare hurt him, Gaston!” Belle screamed out, jumping past the broken glass and clumsily sliding down the shingles, she knocked into Gaston and the man stumbled, his bow falling out of his hands. She pulled away from him and started to hurry to the Beast but Gaston grabbed her before she could, pressing her back against his chest and pulling out a knife.

The Beast snarled and moved forward only to stop in his tracks when he turned the knife on Belle, the sharp edge pressed against her neck. “Don’t move,” Gaston ordered, looking crazed.

The Beast’s heart had stopped but Belle didn’t look nearly as frightened. “You coward,” she growled.

Gaston laughed, not moving the knife. “Come now, Belle. Do you honestly want to be with that when you could be with me?” Belle looked at him with disgust, “He’s not holding a knife to my throat.”

But Gaston had turned his attention to the Beast. “What gave you the right to think you could have her all to yourself?”

“Let her go,” the Beast begged. “This is between you and me. Let her go please.”

“Between you and me?” he echoed, “Don’t be ridiculous. This is between me and Belle and her choice.” He looked down at the girl and his voice changed, sounding soft and sincere. “This is your last chance, my dearest. Choose me and live, choose him and die.”

Belle slowly turned her heard to give Gaston her iciest looks and for a moment that felt to the Beast like eternity she was silent. Then she spoke: “I’ve chosen the third choice.” And then before Gaston could react she shot her head back, knocking her head into his face and breaking his nose, the knife moved away from her neck and Belle pushed out of his grip. But as she did so the knife sliced across her cheek, ripping over the flesh and making blood stream down her face. Belle cried out in pain and the Beast surged forward, grabbing Gaston by his shirt and slamming him back into the wall, knocking him unconscious. He dropped the man to the stone floor and quickly hurried to Belle, holding her face in his paws to examine her wound.

“Are you alright?” he felt like he couldn’t breathe. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.” “Then why are you crying?”

Belle smiled through the tears that had started to fall, “Because I’m happy! You’re okay!”

He smiled at her, the unbearable ache subsiding in his chest and he pressed their temples together. “I am now that you’re here.”

They took a few moments collecting their breath and letting their heartbeats slow down before Belle spoke. “Are you sure?”

He blinked and pulled his head back to look at her. Belle ran her finger over the dried blood on her cheek, the wound having stopped. “I think this’ll scar. I won’t have the ‘flawless’ beauty other men had always complimented.” “That’s not the beauty I care about,” the Beast’s voice was soft. “I worry about the beauty inside you, and it’s still shining. You could be covered in scars and you’d be absolutely angelic in my eyes.”

Her smile only widened and she giggled breathlessly, “Don’t be such a sap.”

He wanted to join in with her laughter but a second after she had finished speaking he felt a jagged bolt of pain through the small of his back. He howled in agony and Belle let out a scream, Gaston had risen and stabbed him when they were distracted. The Beast violently whirled around, dislodging the man who hit the railing of the balcony, bloody dagger in hand. He lifted himself to his feet, eyes inhuman, burning with lust for Belle and jealously for the Beast and hate for them both. But before he could take a step forward Belle ran at him, “Don’t touch him!” She pushed him, and the man was sent over the edge flailing and screaming as he fell into the dark.

The Beast dropped to his knees and then fell down. His vision was starting to turn black and his ears were growing numb. He vaguely heard Belle call his name; he also heard what sounded like Renard, Chat, and Plumes. They all sounded so scared.

Belle appeared in his sight, her tears streaming as she pulled his head onto her lap.

“Beast,” she sobbed, “Keep your eyes open! Look at me!”

He smiled at her. “I’m fine,” his voice was so quiet.

“No you are not you’re hurt! We need to find something to stop the bleeding!”

He slowly shook his head, “No…it’s too late.”

She only cried harder, “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, Beast. This is all my fault! If I had never left they would have never known about you.” He reached his paw out and his took it, her fingers were trembling. “It’s okay. I’m happy…I got to see you again…one last time.”

“Don’t you dare talk like that,” she said hotly, “You’re going to be just fine. We’ll get you fixed up and then we can spend the rest of our lives here, dancing and playing and reading.”

His eyelids lowered, “That would’ve been paradise.”

“Beast I order you to live,” Belle’s angry voice wobbled. “If you die I’ll die too, and then I’ll follow wherever you go.” Her voice broke and her next sentence was more of a sob than words, “I’ll go wherever you are sent but I will not abandon you.”

How had he gotten so lucky? How had he met a woman who cared for him so deeply? That thought reminded him that there was one more very important thing he hadn’t told Belle. But he had to be careful about it.

“This is how it looks.” Through her tears her brow furrowed.

“You-you always said how Romeo and Juliet were so in love. No, this is what a it looks like when someone dies for their true love.”

Her eyes widened the amber glassy. He breathed out his next words, “I love you, Belle.”

She swallowed and so many emotions came across her face, “I love you, too.” And oh, how was it possible simple words could be so sweet?

He closed his eyes and Belle shook him, “Don’t you dare! Look at me, look at me! Open your eyes!

Belle couldn’t breathe, she couldn’t think, she could only feel. Feel pain tearing her heart into a thousand pieces, feeling the hot tears slid down her cheeks and across the caked blood. Felt her entire body shaking as she felt into his chest, burying her head into the fur of his neck. “Don’t leave me! Please don’t leave me! Not now, not after they had just confessed to each other. It wasn’t fair, it wasn’t fair!

Unbeknownst to anyone-the last petal fell.

Nicholas cheekily waved goodbye to the fleeing mob, all covered in bite marks. He and Tristan stood with the cheering animals, proud of themselves for defending their turf and apparently hadn’t noticed the two men still in the castle.

Chaton was purring in her ear. “We did it!” she exclaimed even though she and the two brothers mainly stood awkwardly by while the other animals sent the mob running.

Nicholas turned to look at the staircase where Belle had vanished, she hadn’t returned yet and he was starting to get worried, “Maybe we should go check-” he stopped mid-sentence when a golden glitter shone at the corner of his eye. He turned his head to see Chaton being enveloped by a golden light. “CHATON!” he gasped before falling to the ground. The golden light faded and instead of Chaton there was a small girl in a white dress, blue eyes wide and silvery blond hair tangled. She sat up on his chest, eyes looking at her now human hands then slowly turned her head to look at Nicholas. She broke into a wide grin as around her the rest of the animals were enveloped by golden light.

A sudden light shown beyond Belle’s closed eyes, her eyes popped opened and she let out a cry of surprise, crawling back a few paces as the Beast was encircled in a glowing light. Renard, Chat, and Plumes looked thunderstruck.

In the circle of golden light Belle could make out the silhouette of the Beast, it grew smaller, leaner, no longer wolf like and her lips parted in awe. The golden light fell away and instead of the Beast there was a man, his hair a fair shade as well as his skin, he slowly pulled himself up and to his feet, staggering as he did so. Belle watched, transfixed as he examined his body, his legs and now healed torso, his hands. And then he whirled around so suddenly he nearly tripped.

Belle was suddenly starting into twilight eyes. She breathed out a word, “Montague?”

He smiled, “Belle…”

She rose onto shaking legs, still unsure she was truly seeing what she was seeing. He walked to her, grabbing her hands, interlocking their fingers and familiar blue eyes shone down at her with love. And then she was positive.

Belle released a shaking breath and smiled at him, “It’s you. You’re okay!” She suddenly held his face between her hands and pulled him to her lips, he instantly returned the kiss, his warm hands caging her. Fresh tears, joyful tears, fell down Belle’s lips. When they pulled away he whispered, “You broke the curse. You saved me.”

“Just like you saved me.”

They pulled each other into an embrace, cheeks aching from smiling “I love you,” she declared happily. His voice was softer but no less happy. “I love you too, my Capulet.”

Sudden whoops of excitement brought their attention to Renard and the others, only to see the fox, cat, and owl had vanished. In their place was a ginger young man, an older lady with silvery blond hair, and a bespectacled man with a heavy set.

Human Renard ran to them, “I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT!” He pulled them into a tight hug that Chat and Plumes quickly joined in. Belle laughed along with them, happy and in awe and in love.

She had never needed to go far away to have the adventure she always read about.

Morning light shined on the ballroom, the now human servants and Belle’s family surrounding she and the prince as they dance and spun to the happy music, he sun casting gold, purple, and red light over the ballroom. Renard had an arm around Lapin while he and Plumes argued over who had said Belle would break the curse. Chat and Chaton sitting at the piano while the older woman play an elegant and loving song. As they did so she once again brought up the cut on her cheek, it was slowly becoming a scar. “I think it gives you character,” he smiled. “It’s a testament to your bravery.”

She smiled at him, glad to know that the one man whose opinion mattered to her didn’t care if she her skin was flawless or not. But her lips turned up into a thoughtful frown as she looked up at her prince.

He blinked, slightly concerned. “What is it?”

“Would you ever consider growing a beard?”

#Now I can get to my commissions #beauty and the beast #poc belle #fanfiction #disney #batb

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drtenebrisxii · 8 years ago

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Lost Traveler 5 – Finishing a crazy day…

At the left, infinite seas, extending far away to realms of wonder and madness, the night in the horizon painting its mirror surface a dark purple.

At the right, the hiding sun, the ending of the Techno Goddess’ supremacy and the beginning of the Arcane God’s. The last rays of sun painting white, orange and red the horizon.

And in front of them, their destination: a seaside cliff over which tall figures loomed, only standing out from the darkening horizon thanks to the many lights in their windows and the ones coming from the many places down below the huge towers. “So this is city 45”, had thought the young Princess Flare DeFleur, as their makeshift biological transport kept closing distance to it.

It doesn’t take long before she notices the coastal defenses…

Huge stationary cannons were set on metallic platforms built on the cliff and what looked like water monstrosities were patrolling the shoreline in the company of what she immediately identified as other magic users like herself, some of them showing off their powers by flying above their magical servants; others were “boldly” riding them, and others were accompanying their creatures by driving small motorboats close to them.

Flare could felt the gazes of some of them, after all, they could feel her presence the same way she felt theirs.

-This place seems way more protected than any city I’ve ever been…- mutters Flare to herself.

-That’s because it is- comments the beautiful but manly voice of Nyepu, startling her a little. When she faces him, he was already packing away his cellphone.

-How was the call…? - asks her with a little smile- …it… wasn’t as bad as it sounded? – the dragon just snorts in annoyance.

After defeating the water abomination some time ago, the remaining of their trek was silent and uneventful. The felixin mage, whose name the little princess never asked (she just put “mysterious cat” in the name space), spent most of his time taking a nap. The other passengers kept to themselves, busying themselves with their phones or sleeping a little. And, after telling Nyepu about her situation, the dragon decided that they should probably talk in more detail in a more private place. By the time they started to see the city, the dragon took out his own phone and called someone… and a very heated conversation started, judging by the angry expression in the draconic researcher’s face and his violent gestures; although, in an intelligible combinations of sounds that she’d never heard before but was pretty sure was supposed to be a language… The rest of the survivors showed some interest at first, and even asked Flare if she understood the alien gibberish Nyepu was saying… but she was as clueless as everyone else and, except for the felixin, who recorded a good part of the conversation, everyone else lost interest pretty soon… even Flare… until now…

-Well, let’s just say that I’m in big trouble thanks to you… so you too are in big trouble…- he says, annoyance very clear in his voice – …that and we are getting someone to pick us up in the train station-

Before Flare could ask anything else, a booming voice caught everyone’s attention. It was informing them that they were going to be taking a test to determine if they were possessed or were daemons in disguise by personal of the local police forces as soon as they reach the train station, and they better obey without question. The voice came from a slim dark vehicle that was flying above them with thrusters, its lights cast upon the passengers, blinding some of them, before it flew away as silently as it came.

The passengers spent the rest of the trip to the train station in silence, since they were about to get there soon, anyway… Flare only had time to watch a little of the city and was awestruck by it. She saw how the railway they were on was built in the middle of a canyon that ended up in the sea and went way into inland, basically splitting the city in half. She saw the myriads of bright adds in the walls of the canyon, offering services, naming businesses and stating slogans. She saw how said walls had been carved in many places to form fenced balconies, small plazas and passages.

Flare saw a lot more things in this city, and while she came from a busy city herself, this one felt to be in a different level. By the time they finally got to the station, her mind was still reeling with the many catwalks in the cliffs, stairs, the flows of people going everywhere, more stairs, and the transports swarming the bridges and airspace she’d seen so far… and let’s not get started on the noise and the lights…

Once in the train station, a white place built in such a way that it was suspended between the canyon’s walls and seemed to be bigger inside, the passengers were escorted by a bunch of officers, some lapin, humans and homunculi (the goat-people) wearing green uniforms, to a reclusive office inside the way-too-well-lit station. There, they were met by a pair of male estirges carrying with their mechanical arms instruments that Flare had seen a lot of times in the past: Aurometers.

No one out of the reduced circle of people directly involved in the production and maintenance of those things new exactly how they worked, but they were capable of detecting and measuring the intensity of magical aura in a given space… in this case, the space was the close surroundings of the survivors… and when they were put into two lines to be measured, a lapin officer noticed that something was off…

-Wait a second… - said the rabbit-looking officer, narrowing his big dark eyes- There is one more of you than we were reported…- bearing his fangs in annoyance, he ordered the passengers to form a line to inspect them all… that’s when Flare decided that it didn’t make sense to remain silent.

-I am the one you are looking for, sir- says her immediately, flying to the rabbit’s face- I wasn’t in the original list of passengers- she wasn’t sure if there was an actual list, she’d always traveled in the private train of her family, after all, but she still declared this as apologetically as possible.

-Oh yeah! I almost forgot that!- suddenly says Nyepu, floating to them, and catching the little princess and the pint sized officer off guard- Excuse me, officer, but this girl is my assistant and, you see, she is a powerful magician, so she used her magic to boost her flying speed to catch up with me as soon as possible while I was in the train… she met with us after our wagon was sacrificed…- “Wow… he sounds so natural…”, thinks Flare after hearing how casually he was lying, “who would say that Nyepu was a good enough liar”.

-Why hadn’t she waited for another train instead of doing something so stupid?- says the officer, crossing his little arms in a very skeptical pose with a way more skeptical face.

-Because she is a very reckless girl, aren’t you, dear?- asks him to her with a toothy smile that clearly tells her “Don’t fuck this up”. “Har har, so funny of you…” thinks her, managing to keep herself from smiling at the dragon’s description of her. She is a princess after all, and while she’s very honest and frank most of the time, as someone who have to live in the world of politics, the ability to read a situation and “convincingly play along” was a required must that her mother drilled on her with a lot of effort…

-I kind of am- says her in an impeccable display of false embarrassment, and with an apologetic look she says- you see, I was so worried about what could happen if the boss didn’t receive this part of his device that I decided to take it to him and, well, instead of waiting for the train I was like “he hadn’t left too long ago so maybe I can catch up with the train with my magic and ask him to open a window or something…”- and then, avoiding the eyes of the police-rabbit, as a very shameful person would ordinarily do, she added- by the time I thought of all the things that were wrong with that idea I had already catch up with them-

-Wow… you must be really stupid if it took you that long to figure that out…- begins to say the officer, still looking skeptical, when Nyepu interrupts him.

-I won’t allow you to say that- says him in a slightly offended tone- I’ll have you know, sir, that my assistant is a very capable lady, her problem is that she sometimes gets a little too caught up in doing something one way that it takes her a while to consider other options… that and her magic gives her a very good boost, so she really got to us very fast…-

-Well, she certainly is the queen of making bad ideas work in the end- says suddenly the mysterious felixin from before- When she saw our predicament, you know, the sea daemons coming towards us, she went and fought them off all by herself… it was stupid and inspiring at the same time-

-That’s true!- says the giant lapin that had been with them, smiling proudly- man, had you’d seen her in action, you’d fell in love with her! This girl might be reckless but is damn good at magical combat! – his passion apparently motivated the others to says similar things… some even took out their cellphones to show to the law enforcers what little they could record of her during her daring rescue mission.

Seeing how genuinely excited and impressed were the passengers and the officers with the descriptions of her heroics and what little the limited video records could provide to back them up, the young avian princess was feeling very abashed…

-What is this? Are you getting redder under your feathers?- asks the dragon with a sly smile. She couldn’t help but laugh at his comment and said:

-Well… yeah, I am… I… certainly wasn’t expecting this much excitement from them, at all…- she landed on the dragon’s shoulder and covered her face with her wings- I’m so happy but also so abashed!- Nyepu only laugh a little before saying:

-Well, while they couldn’t see all of what you did, they still saw you doing something really stupid and actually succeeding in making it work in the end…-

-Pri! It was not stupid! I knew what I was doing the whole time- claimed her, her chest swelling with pride.

-Yeah… I guess you almost drowning back there was also part of your plan…- said him playfully.

Before she could retort anything, though, the officers ordered them to form the two lines again, stating that they were accepting their still difficult to believe explanation of why was Flare here in account of her heroism, but she was still taking the test as everyone else, especially since she’d been the one most exposed to daemons today.

The test was actually really simple, the male estirges carrying the devices only needed to get close to the person to be inspected and measure his or her magical aura. Non-magical people like Nyepu had an aura of low intensity which oscillated inside a range that was always below the intensity of daemons’ magical auras… magical people like Flare, on the other hand, had to prove that they were capable of altering the intensity of their aura since, for whatever reason, daemons seem to be unable to do that. So, if someone supposedly non-magical had a too high intensity of aura, or someone magical couldn’t alter the intensity of his or her aura, then they sure were possessed or were daemons trying to pretend that they were the real deal…

Each one of the passengers passed the test without any big surprise and, after the estirge and the lapin officers try and failed to subtly ogle the young princess, Flare and Nyepu said their goodbyes and crossed the hot sea of people going all over the place to get to the western entrance of the station, bombarded by the noise of many boarding calls, varied announcements, conversation and the sounds of the departure or arrival of one of the trains on one of the four lines that converged at this station. As they made their way, many gave curious or weird looks to the half-naked dragon and the little princess; they were also pretty sure that someone actually called them “sexy pair” along the way but they didn’t stop to check it out…

-Sooo… who are we waiting for? - asks Flare after a while of silent contemplation of the beautiful and strange fountain in the center of the underground plaza they were currently in… yes, they were underground, in a plaza carved out of the land itself, sitting, him on a bench, her on his shoulder. They’ve been waiting there for some minutes already.

- A colleague of mine… - says him vaguely, staring at the same fountain… or more accurately, the water it was spraying into its pool. She clearly notices how he forces himself to look at her with his big reptilian eyes – His name is Giorgio, a homunculus with the annoying habit of getting on my nerves…- his face now shows neutrality, but his words had some disgust in them – he must be arriving soon- “Hmmm… he really seems to dislike the guy” thinks Flare. Since her companion didn’t seem interests in saying anything himself, she decides to ask everything she had in her mind.

- I see… and where is he going to take us? – asks the little avian. At this, the dragon seemed a little more distracted of his negative feelings from earlier.

“Fricking water…” he had been thinking before Flare talked to him. He had been thinking in how strangely empty he was feeling by being in dry land after having been for so long at the sea. “Is that damn ‘Called of the Seas’ nonsense”, he had thought, trying to force himself to just get over it, just as he’s done before for the most part of his life… but this time, that hollowness had come with way more strength than expected… And having a water fountain pouring water into its pool in front of him was not helping matters… Thankfully, his avian companion was distracting him with a conversation now. “The little troublemaker…”.

- Well …- he began, now more focused in answering her than in his corroding emptiness. He was about to go along with the plan of his colleague when he stopped to look at her and saw with surprise how was she looking at him with her sky-blue eyes: she trusted him, her eyes had an innocence that was telling him that she was going to believe whatever he’d say… “The effects of her drinking my blood might still be on effect…” thinks him, and then considers that he probably was still under her “unconscious” blood magic, because he was entertaining the idea of actually ignoring the original plan so he could keep her around longer, “That I’m still feeling quite hollow might have something to do with it as well”, he thinks bitterly.

-Well? – she prompts. The dragon gulps some saliva… his day had been a horrible mess… and it could only get way worse if he goes and brings her with him to his workplace… but… if he does that, he can save money in unnecessary lodging, breakfast and taxis… not to mention that, by having her with him, he can present her to his superiors… and if the guys are clever enough, they’ll see in Flare an opportunity instead of a problem… “All I have to do is break the rules… well… fuck it… let’s go for it…”.

-We are going to go to the outskirts of the city… we have a little research facility there with very good lodging…- he says, “yep, screw the rules, I’m a genius…” thinks for himself, his hollowness forgotten. The plan his assholish colleague had cooked with him by cellphone had implied that the homunculus would not take her to their research center; so the dragon had to invent a story so his colleague could just dump them in a random motel or something before Nyepu could get the money and get rid of her… But Nyepu had concluded that bringing her along would be more beneficial… and, well, he still wanted to help her in her crazy mission of defeating her evil clone, so they should stick together… “We should talk a little more about this mission of hers later, though”, he thinks.

-Wah! I’ve never been in a research center! – says her excitedly, her sky blue talking gem shining with more intensity than usual. -And what are you doing there? – her eyes are suddenly filled with realization and her excitement fell as she asks -Ahm… was… was the thing I destroy part of whatever you were working there? – He only laughs lightly at her reaction, “at least she seems really ashamed for it…”, thinks Nyepu.

-It was… and it was really expensive, but don’t worry… I can build another one… with the right components, that is- says him with a small smile and the little princess’ expression lights up.

That’s when the dragon’s eyes catch a familiar homunculus wearing a magenta track suit walking towards them, crossing the pleasant plaza they were in with long strides. When his strange ovine eyes finally land on them, Nyepu was very sure that the annoying guy blushed before doing his best to look slightly pissed off. “Yeah… I forgot this bastard has the hots for me or something”, thought him in disgust, releasing a heavy sigh… “What and awkward moment to be half naked”.

-Nyepu!- exclaimed the white goat guy with grey wool, sounding as reprehensible as possible, but failing, while finally getting closer to them – what was all that crap about you losing the control core?! A-and put something on, geez… have some d-decency – he muttered the last part after forcing himself to look at the dragon in the eye, traying too hard to keep his annoyed expression while fighting a smile and blushing furiously… “Man, you are more transparent than a crystal window…”, thought Nyepu slightly amused.

-Hi, Giorgio- he forced himself to answer as neutrally as possible- I already told you what happened earlier, nothing else to add to it… by the way, this is Flare DeFleur, the girl I also mentioned- says him, motioning to the little avian in his shoulder.

-Good evening, Mr. Giorgio! Is a pleasure to meet you! - greets her enthusiastically. “Believe me girl, it is not…”.

-I agree, it is a pleasure to meet me- answers the male lamb in a cold tone… the very same one he uses with people he doesn’t like; Nyepu had heard him talk like that to way too many people…- So you are the problematic girl that put my colleague here in so much trouble…- he says, crossing his arms. Flare falters at this, but Nyepu intervenes.

-She’s the girl that had accidentally destroy the device, yeah, but that’s not a big deal… she says she will pay for it and, with the help of my notes, I can have a new control core in less than a month…- says the dragon- Also, she saved as all of that mess of a train trip from this morning- adds him. At this, Flare gives him a look, which he quickly returns, hoping that that is enough for her to understand that he had kept in secret the negative details of her involvement in the whole incident. “She had picked up very quickly on my ruse with the officers after all…” thinks the dragon.

-Yeah… I remember that- answers Giorgio, still with his arms crossed and giving the young princess a disapproving look- Anyway, come with me- says him, beginning to walk away- let’s take you two to a place to stay for the night… we have a lot of work tomorrow- the dragon and the estirge followed him, flying.

-Actually, I think you better take us to the research center…- says Nyepu.

-Excuse me? I don’t think we have rooms there, don’t be silly- answers Giorgio a little too fast without looking back, although he had winced a little at the mention of their workplace and started to walk faster.

-You and me know that that is not true…- retorts Nyepu matter-of-factly. - Now let’s go there now, I don’t feel like taking up a taxi tomorrow when I can be there already… that and I also need to put something on… is getting colder…- For a dragon, the night was not exactly the best part of the day, being cold blooded and all that. Giorgio stops and gives the dragon an incredulous look…

Flare was not sure of what was going on at all.

This goat-guy was very weird, not only was he getting flustered just by looking at Nyepu, he also seems to be disgusted with her for no apparent reason, and now he is acting weirdly about the research center. Didn’t Nyepu told her that they lodging there? Why was he lying about it now?

-Ok… man, I can stand you being a little careless… I can even stand you having some affair with this bird! But you are just pushing it now… you know the rules… so what the hell?!- “And now he looks really pissed off! … Wait… affair with me?!”, thinks her, her beak hanging open out of shock “What’s the deal with this guy?! Is he his boyfriend or something?!”.

-I already told you that I really don’t want to waste time with a taxi tomorrow and paying for a hotel when we have a place is kind of pointless, don’t you think? Also, I have a plan, ok? … and, I had no affair with her! And even if I would it be none of your business, anyway– answers the dragon, sounding eerily calmed. Giorgio was redder than her feathers by now, looking embarrassed and furious at the same time; but, instead of doing something regrettable, he takes a deep breath.

-Listen, asshole, rules are not there to be step over… and you already are in trouble as it is… do you really want more? – Says Giorgio, massaging his temples, and wisely ignoring the last part of the dragon’s answer.

-I already told you that I have a plan… now let’s get going- says Nyepu, his eyes clearly saying that he’s not going to accept any other argument. Giorgio just sighs heavily in defeat and keeps walking while muttering something about Nyepu being a “stupid sexy asshole”. “Well… that explains a lot”, deadpans Flare in her mind, flying at her dragon friend’s side, remembering that the dragon had better hearing than her so he must have heard everything that the apparently gay goat was saying… judging by his annoyed but resigned expression, he was and was also used to it… the young princess couldn’t help but laugh a little in bemusement at this.

Giorgio took them to a parking lot where they boarded his car, a green, slim and seemingly expensive model that levitated, before they finally started their journey to the research center… the dragon had to coil himself in the back seat since he was too big for the front one, so Flare had to go there instead, much to the driver’s and her mutual annoyance… specially since the security belt was too big for her…

They spent most of the trip to the outskirts in silence, so she had more time now to better see the city. As in any other city, evenings were also bustling with activity. Since mages were at their peak power at night, most of them prefer that time to do their things than daytime; she herself was like that after all, and so, many magicians were moving around the city, be it flying, levitating of mounting their servant daemon… of course, there were standard sizes for daemons to be allowed into the streets since there were still lots of people who used technological vehicles. The night was full of magical auras, the businesses were still open and attending, the many ads were bright and numerous, and many noises filled the air. She could hear varied music tunes, people discussing, haggling and, sometimes, could even hear sirens and others noises.

It was when they were crossing one of the bridges that crossed the canyon in their way to get to the surface that they all saw a big screen over a building where an anchorwoman, a well-dressed human, was announcing the news… and was informing about the incident in the train track that connected City 45 with City 79. Some videos were shown where one could watch how Nyepu and the passengers built the hover bio-vehicle on which they manage to get to the city; are others, when Flare flew into the horizon, using her magic to attract the daemons; the appearance of the monstrous water demigod; the ultra-flashy explosion with which she defeated it; and a short video of the two of them flying back to the survivors after winning. By the time the screen showed how a little and very bright fairy was interviewing some of the passengers, they were moving and almost done crossing the bridge. Flare was very proud, but the many things that weren’t said (like her being the one who cause the whole problem in the first place) make her feel a pang of guilt. Giorgio seemed enthralled by the shots of Nyepu and, at the end, blushing furiously again, felt obligated to congratulate the dragon and the estirge for their heroism… he also commented on how Nyepu had actually gone and done something heroic for a change with a smug face… the alluded dragon, who was now blushing in embarrassment, didn’t answer anything back for some reason… but that’s when she remembered how adamant the dragon had been at first to help… “Nyepu wasn’t exactly a hero when I met him… and… and he only helped because he was influenced by my probable blood magic…”, that thought saddened her and she made her best to hide it. The news could have been completely different had she never had drunk the dragon’s blood…

The moon was high in the dark sky and in company of many stars, it was a cool night. Flare’s power was close to its peak and she could already feel the many formless spirits that filled the air going everywhere: summoned by the magic users to fuel their spells, creating spaces where powerful daemons could manifest and generally just being carried where the most powerful magic sources were. This were the aetherical flows, and magicians usually used them to search for overpowered mages, magical artifacts, dangerous cults and hiding daemons; but only really powerful and experiences magic users could feel these during daytime… Right now, though, she could feel them with clarity and by the time they were in the outskirts of the coastal city, where the buildings were smaller and more improvised looking, and people look shiftier and more dangerous, she could sense that their path coincided with one of this flows, but she dismissed it as a coincidence…

By the time they finally abandoned the city (after passing by many defensive turrets and a control post where they had to be bio-scanned for identification by a very bored human officer) into a vast dessert and began to get close to what looked like a distant outpost, Flare was fairly sure that not just one, but many aetherical flows were converging somewhere close to the outpost they were going to… it was just too much of a coincidence to not to ask about it. When she commented on her observations, both males remain silent for a moment. Giorgio looked resigned and just laugh bitterly while Nyepu explained that indeed, they were going to that outpost, which actually was the research center they mentioned before, and the aetheric flows were converging in some sunken ruins they found in the river at the bottom of the canyon, at which edge was the research center. She was not given the chance to ask if there was a connection between their research and the ruins, since the draconian researcher explain it anyway:

Their work there was about “reviving” an ancient weapon of the legendary Empire of Leviathan (the empire of the Sea Dragons), apparently, the sunken ruins had a sort of “factory” or, more appropriately, “hatchery and surgical facility”, where these things were born, grown and prepared to turned into living weapons…

-That… sounds cool… and kind of cruel…- had commented the young princess on the topic. She knew, as everyone else, that part of the technology of the civilized world was literally alive, as in it was made of living non-sentient beings which apparently were design by someone to fill particular purposes… that doesn’t mean that there wasn’t a lot of people who cringe or were outright disgusted by these bio-tech for obvious reasons, but since it was useful, very few people complained… most of said bio-tech came from the Sea Dragons (like Nyepu) and the Myquita (the race of sentient fungus), so they were the most used to these technologies.

Flare now understood the secrecy… they were bringing back ancient technology, which in on itself was pretty awesome, but it was bio-tech which was considered to be… a little unpredictable… so people usually gets very nervous with ease around “new bio-tech advancements” and, more often than not, tend to shut down any operation at the first sign of weirdness… similar stuff happened with magical research since the weirdness usually was way more difficult to control, so she understood the whole situation here. She’d seen some weird stuff in her school days… and had met some people that is no longer around the living for causing it…

When they finally got to the outpost, they were greeted by felixin guards who bio-scanned them again and, after Nyepu told them that Flare was with them, were allowed to enter into the facility. She could see and feel a good deal of felixin and human mages patrolling the perimeter of the outpost, which was composed of various prefab buildings of metal, plastic and the strange organic tissue with imbibed crystals that some buildings were made of. They went to a parking lot and then, silently, were guided by Giorgio to one of the buildings… people was eyeing her with curiosity and she noticed a lot of dragons in the place, most of them seem to be scientific personal, wearing white bio-suits similar in appearance to the one Nyepu had worn when they met.

-Well, here we are… - said the homunculus at the entrance of the well-lit place - so, what will you do? As you know, all the rooms are occupied, so where is your little friend going to stay- asks innocently the goat guy – I can lend her my room and we can stay together this night- said him, getting very red again while traying to keep a straight face, much to the amusement of Flare and Nyepu… “Wow… this guy is so transparent”, thinks the avian girl, giggling lightly in spite of herself.

-I don’t think so…- answers the dragon dryly- actually, I think she can sleep with me… she doesn’t needs too much space… of course, if there is no problem for you- he adds the last part while looking at her, giving her a sly smile. The girl smiles back and gives a sidelong look to the goat guy who was looking at her intently as if saying, “say no!”. She made then a show of thinking it for a while and then said:

-I agree, I prefer to share Nyepu’s space; after all, I wouldn’t even dream on imposing on you, Mr. Giorgio- says her with a pleasant smile to the disappointed homunculus. The guy tried to stammer something, but the dragon beat him:

-Well, that settles it then, we are going there so I can show her where to sleep and to get some biomass for my bio-suit… go tell the admin that I’m back so we can get done with businesses for today- said him and began to move towards an elevator that was at the right of the entrance to deny any chance of argumentation. Slumping in defeat, Giorgio sighed and left saying that he was going to do that.

Once on the lever, Flare and Nyepu share a laugh at the expense of the very obviously gay homunculus.

-Wow… I wasn’t expecting him to be like that… does that guy harasses you all the time like that? - asked Flare after having been laughing for a while.

-Today he’d been a lot more blatant than usual… but yeah… one day, he started to act different towards me for reasons I can’t even begin to fathom… it took me a while to understand what was going on…- said him, getting a little more serious- I told him, repeatedly, that I’m not gay and I’m not interested in him… but that hadn’t stopped him…- now he was looking a little annoyed- It had been very stressing, really, but since the guy is still one of the best technobiologists I’ve ever met, I had learnt to just let it slide and focus on working…- he shrugged while saying that.

-Wow, that must suck- said her when they left the elevator and were now flying over a corridor with many doors with very organic-looking panels at the sides. – And, well, I can relate… my mom had been very insistent on me having boyfriends… like, very, very, insistent… and some of my pretenders had been horribly stubborn themselves, prii… and it just got worse when some girls began to try to court me as well after noticing how I kept rejecting the guys… it was maddening!- said her, getting exasperated just by remembering how many times her pretenders had interrupted her training sessions and had basically hunted her all the time… they would even fight each other for the “right” to be with her… although, she had to admit that when that wasn’t utterly embarrassing, it was kind of funny to watch…

-And I was whining about my problem with him… your case must had been a living hell! - said the dragon sympathetically, touching the panel of a door with the number 307 over it. The door slide open and they entered into a small room (he had to slither to do so since his antigravity generators were too big to enter flying) with a big tank full of water, a desk, a chair and a closet. There was a smaller cylindrical tank at one corner with a strange fluid in it that Flare guessed was the “biomass” the dragon had mentioned before. She noticed how damp was the air inside the place instantly, wish made sense since he is a dragon after all; she was sure it wouldn’t a problem…

-It was indeed! Pri! - said her, resting on the desk, there were many books piled there, as well as a lamp and a personal computer (the computer was actually a very thin sheet that would generate a holographic keyboard and a “touchscreen”). - I had to threat a lot of them with arrest if they didn’t stop!… at least, that diminished the number of nuisances to a more bearable level- said her, exhausted by just remembering all her efforts to try and get away from her pursuers…

-No shit? - asked him with disbelief, while removing the cap of the biomass tank.

-No shit- answered her, solemnly- my mom wasn’t very happy with my solution… and the girls gave me the silent treatment after that- said her, then added smiling- my next pretenders had all told me first how I couldn’t arrest them because they had diplomatic immunity- The dragon laugh at that (it was a beautiful laugh) and she laugh with him with her chiming voice while he submerged his clawed hand inside the strange fluid. Flare saw with awe how the beige-colored biomass began to cover his arm and moved to cover his exposed torso before coalescing into the familiar blue body armor she’d seen on him when they met today… “This had been a very crazy day…” she thought, remembering all the things she’d done today while looking how his armor changed in color from blue to white.

He then took a part of the biomass and, as it were plasticine, molded it to look take the shape of a small pillow… although, for Flare, it was a big pillow…

-Here- he told her, putting the pillow on the desk next to her, she immediately sat there… “This… this so comfy!!”, thought her, snuggling into the pillow - sorry for the simplicity, princess, but is what I have… I can make you something to cover yourself with if you wish, though- offered him, sounding as polite as possible. She accepted the offering and he went back to the biomass tank and created a small sheet, slightly bigger than a handkerchief. - Well, now I have a certain bigwig to face…- said him.

-Would you need my help? - asked her, flying beside him. He stopped at the door for the moment, pondering her question. Then he shrugged and told her to tag along, then…

-…as you heard, the royal couple is quite excited with their upcoming wedding and the current harem of princes are more than eager to have their next brother in love joining them soon…- was saying a rather beautiful female felixin reporter in the holographic screen generated by a personal computer. Looking at said screen with utter disbelief are four individuals:

-I can’t… This is…- sputtered Giorgio, now wearing a protective white suit.

-Well…while this confirms nothing… it certainly makes things… interesting…- says a dark green dragon wearing a red bio-suit, recovering his collected demeanor from before. That guy was the administrator of the whole operation, Nyepu and Giorgio’s boss.

-Damn it, girl… she is…- began to say Nyepu, still gawking at the male-surrounded estirge appearing in the holo-screen.

-She… she is identical to me…- finished Flare, her beak hanging open as her little talker gem broadcasted her words with some little shines in a very low volume.

Flare and Nyepu went together to the Administrators office, the dragon had told her to stay outside until he ask her to come in, though; so, when they got to their destination, the little girl had waited in a small reception at the entrance of the building while Nyepu entered to be verbally beaten by his superior for his incompetence, disregard for the rules and general lack of professionalism… Giorgio had been there, watching impassively how the white dragon face the abuse with stoicism worth of a military man. When he was given a chance to speak, he offered the required apologizes and suggested a solution for their current predicament that wouldn’t involve further investment of the directorate… He then mentioned the situation of Flare: a stranded princess in an unknown land that had somehow appeared here with no memory of how while a mysterious alter ego of her was impersonating her for unknown reasons… the girl was already indebted with him, but helping her could provide a lot more benefits in the long run… Of course, the admin and the other researcher in the room were very skeptical of the incredible contrive convenience of all of this, so he was asked to prove his words… that’s when he asked the young avian princess to come in and, to prove she was been impersonating, they turned on the admin’s personal computer and look out for news about her… it didn’t take long and the result was the current scene: the four individuals gawking at the incredible similitude between the two birds.

Effectively, the estirge being now interviewed by the felixin reporter in the news feed was ridiculously similar to Flare… although, this other Flare had certain notorious differences with the one at the dragon’s side: she wasn’t wearing a magical armor (she was naked, except for a gorgeous necklace with many gems of different colors imbibed in it); had some sort aura of elegance that the original one lacked; and was surrounded by four males of different races: a estirge with a generic moustache, a young although bearded human, a fairy with really long eyebrows, and, the one that was apparently going to get married with her, a lapin giant… looking at these guys, Nyepu could only focus on one question: “Didn’t Flare told me that she had no harem?”.

Now, while that wouldn’t come as a really important thing to consider most of the time, for a supposedly harem-less avian, the group in the holo-screen seems a little too big… “so, there are three possibilities: this bird had been lying about having no boyfriends (or husbands, as seems to be the case), she has a severe case of amnesia, or the imposter had been very busy…” thought the draconian researcher… if there was something he was sure was that she was not lying; so it just left the possibility of amnesia and the actions of the impostor… the amnesia theory had only one problem: her own goals. If the girl were to be believed, then she just woke up today and, as such, there is just not enough time to change her life goals from having a happy family to becoming a heroine… unless there’s some mind control involved, but then, it could have been easier to the probable mastermind to just directly control Flare instead of having a clone going through the painful job of convincing every person who knew Flare that she was the real deal… That only left the possibility of this harem of males being the result of the impostor’s work… but that theory had another big problem: how long had that taken? Even with the mentioned pressure of Flare’s mother, the impostor still had to act as the real deal… and real deal, supposedly, was adamant to get married… not to mention that royal engagements usually are very carefully planned, all of that requires time… a lot of time…

Nyepu was unable to get to a conclusion… he had thought in all the possibilities in a matter of minutes but he simply had not enough information to put all the pieces of the hypothetical puzzle together, and by the look on Flare’s face, she was having as much of a hard time as him in trying to understand what was going on… “This is a mess… but… I can probably start with something…”, he thought before taking a decision and finally starting to speak, catching everyone else off guard:

-As you said, admin, this doesn’t prove much… but now I have a theory…- he began and, giving the still shocked Flare a look, he’ll need her support for this and, by the understanding in her eyes and by how she finally closed her beak, he could tell she was going to support whatever bullshit he’d tell to his boss.

He explained to them the amnesia theory, suggesting that Flare did knew all the members of her harem, even the future one, but whatever freak event had left her lost and allowed the entrance of the impostor, had taken away a lot of her memories and, as such, she was regressed to her days as a lone princess… explaining why her first and only impulse was to call her mother. Flare showed very real confusion at this, but quickly played along and said that she was beginning to remember things, starting by identifying the estirge husband as prince Heron and the first one she married… at this, and just to be an asshole, Giorgio searched in his own cellphone for the information, and ended up confirming that prince Heron was indeed her first husband… and that they got married 10 months ago…

At this information, Nyepu and Flare had been very close to drop the act, the dragon managed to fake a fit of cough, which he blamed on having his chest exposed for a long time, to keep himself from showing too much surprise… Flare, on the other hand, while unable to keep herself from gawking in shock, managed to make it look like said shock was for having forgotten so much time of her life… although, there was a worry in her eyes that the dragon interpreted as the very real concern of that been the actual case…

The admin stated the very clear disadvantage Flare would be in if she really had lost so much of her memories… but the estirge claimed that she was beginning to remember things, although, they were still a little fuzzy, and it wouldn’t take her too long to fully recover them all, especially if she were to find herself surrounded by the familiarity of her own city and people… since the green dragon hadn’t seem very convinced, Flare told him that there was a very easy way to prove she was who she was: by going to the entrance of their research complex and use one of the bio-scanners to confirm her identity. Doing this proved to be the right course of action, because the bio-scanner showed that she indeed was ‘Flare Gavina Aralfrava Timet DeFleur Hedrian Gibranda’… there were more names and surnames there, but that, and the mention of her being the third heiress to the Sky Kingdom’s throne, had been more than enough to prove that she was the real deal…

Some discussion later, the admin finally agreed to help them by providing them with tickets to the Sky Kingdom’s capital city, City 36; some money to spend in food and lodging, and, of course, permission for Nyepu to go with her and take as much time as it was necessary. Giorgio was a little sore about not being allowed to go with them. The admin would be getting the components to rebuilt Nyepu’s device in the meantime and was expecting to start other “businesses” with the Sky Kingdom once this mess was all over.

After that, the meeting was ended and everyone went to rest…

-Nyepu…- had said Flare in the darkness of their shared room, snuggled on the comfy pillow and covered by the sheet her friend had done for her. The dragon in question was submerged in the biggest water tank in the room but was capable of hearing her very well, as him taking his head out of the water demonstrated.

-What is it? - he asked, the lack of sleepiness in his voice suggested that he couldn’t slept.

-Do you… really think that I’m amnesiac? - asked her, looking at him in the darkness, her eyes adjusted to it; the shinning of her talking gem indicating where she was.

-I’m not sure… but if you aren’t, then you’ve been away from home for almost a year…- said him. “That is true…” she thought… The last thing she remembered doing was her going to deliver a message to prince Heron’s city before all of this… well… that and…

-Nyepu…- called her again.

-What? -

-There is… one thing I hadn’t told you…- she said carefully, she could felt the reptilian eyes of the researcher on her after she said those words, but his silence prompted her to go on- before I woke up… I was… in a dark place… hearing someone saying very… creepy things to me…- she was greeted with more silence, so she kept talking- I didn’t mentioned it before because I was not sure how real that was… but now… what I’ve been there for a whole year and can’t remember it for some reason? Because… because I remember how incredibly happy I was by flying… as if I hadn’t done that in a long time…- if that was true, then what had happened her there? Why was she there? And who was talking to her? She could remember nothing except for the last words she heard before waking up… and for some reason, just remembering make her uneasy…

-I don’t know- said Nyepu, suddenly, startling her- let’s just focus on you getting back your life… you’ll probably find more answers by confronting the impostor- he gave her a small reassuring smile before adding- everything will be alright-

-Thanks… I’ve only met you for less than a day but I already think of you as a good friend- says her. He laughs a little at this.

-This has been the craziest day I’ve had… and you calling me a good friend just puts the cherry on top…- he says bitterly.

-What do you mean?-

-Nothing… let’s get some sleep, tomorrow is going to be a long day…- said him before sinking again inside his water tank. She eyed him for a while, debating with herself if she should keep the conversation he obviously wanted to end when she yawned and decided that sleeping would be wiser now… she’d have time for asking him more tomorrow….

And so, smiling to herself for having a friend accompanying her in this adventure, she finally slept.

#city 45 #onirica universe #sci fi & fantasy #cityscape #aliens #lost traveler #mine #story

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adiabolikpastel · 3 years ago

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Rating: NSFW Situation | PG-18

Word Count: 1,810

Pairing: Burai Rosenfeld x Roselyne Dupont (mxf)

Universe: Excruciating Duplicity

ღ A new servant has come into the Vibora main estate- the first one in history. What changes will become the mansion with this Lapin on the loose? ღ

Mun Yu: Huge shout out the the 'Falling in Love with the Villain' type playlist on YouTube for the sound track of inspiration. Also the Burai that is used in this story, in this universe, belongs to @the-sloth-woman. Thank you so much for allowing me use him. This is my first writing for these two. Enjoy.

☆+ ﾟ .+ .ﾟ.ﾟ｡ﾟ｡. +ﾟ｡ﾟ.ﾟ｡☆*｡｡ . ｡ o .｡ﾟ｡.o｡* ｡ .｡

It had been a few months since Rose came to work at the main estate for the Vibora Clan. The main house was stunning to say the least. While not quite as mystical as Karlheinz’s Eden Castle, the Vibora’s – Castle held an air of elegance. The crowning jewel on the outside being the immaculate courtyard and the long winding driveway. Decorated with well-kept bushes, topiaries, and marble statues. The courtyard showcasing a pristine fountain. Just off of the main property, lies a rather ominous forest.

Getting used to such a massive palace took some time, but Rose was starting to feel at home. There had never been another Lapin servant permitted to work in the main house. However, Rose was personally requested by the Lord of the manor. Well – less her personally and more so the work that she does. While at one of the smaller homes, where Rose had previously been stationed, Lord Rosenfeld deemed the organization of the house to his liking. Thus, he ordered the one responsible to come to the Main Estate – where they alone would be in charge of his central offices.

That being the case, Rose had yet seen her master in person. Though according to the older staff, that was a good thing. The Lord of Demons detested seeing the staff working. It was a known fact that any of them in his sights for too long was punished. The small demon had no intentions of being a bother, let alone doing anything that would warrant a punishment. So, she quietly attended to her duties, which intelled maintaining the Master’s study. Rose was brought here for that very reason, and with the schedule made up for her when not to clean, the months fell into a routine.

This was something Rose enjoyed, however, unlike most demons. The day to day services were the one thing that brought her joy. While in the old home, servants would often complain about their duties. Especially the Lapin, which made up most of the lesser servants. Rose wasn’t like that. The joy of completing a task, maintaining the gardens, all in the name of their great Master. There was nothing she ever needed more.

Now being at the main house, her days were filled to the brim with happiness. When Rose was unable to clean the office, she allowed herself other duties. The older staff of the mansion were grateful for a young set of hands. Rose would help in the grand gardens, cooking meals, cleaning the many suits of armor that filled the halls. It was all so peaceful. Until…

Roselyn found herself standing in the doorway to the Master Office. Just as she had for months. Only this time there was someone seated inside. Behind the desk, a presence forced itself over her. Power. Pain. Dominance. He did not look up. He did not have to. The air in Rose’s lungs seemed to vanish. Feeling crushed by simply being in the same room as him. As eyes rose from the desk, deep crimson orbs locked onto the small demon. Suddenly there was another overwhelming shift in the air.

Hunger. The way a predator would look upon its prey. Attuned to each movement. Each breath. Rose could feel her legs begin to buckle under, submitting to this desire.

“Foolish child.” A voice tugged her body, pulling her away from the black hole that had been attempting to swallow the small demon. “Forgive us, Sire.” With those words, Rose was pulled free of the strangling grasp of those eyes.

The voice belonged to one of the senior maids, who would lecture that night in great length about staying out of the Master’s way when he was working. She apologized, though inside she could not suppress this nagging feeling. One she had never experienced before. A deep desire to be eaten. Was it like this for everyone working in this palace? How did they manage each day feeling like this?

Rose pondered if servants were not actually punished for seeing the Master. Rather, if they simply could not take it anymore. The thought scared her. For all of Rose’s life, she had been content simply serving the Vibora Lord. Performing her duties in his name, to uphold his presetin image and home. Now, there was a sinking feeling of fear. Fear for her life. Fear of herself.

In the preceding days, the man who had been a mystery all but 24 hours ago, was now seeming around every corner. While tending to the bushes, the Master’s car rolled down the drive. Once again the bloodied eyes were upon her. When cleaning the armor, their reflection gleamed in the plates. Was it misfortune following her? The Master’s wrath? Had she offended him so greatly? Rose questioned the other staff closer to her age about any frequent passing's of the Master. They had never experienced such a thing.

Rose attempted to put it out of mind. Continue as things were. Despite the blood that followed her daily. She worked through the crushing instincts to simply curl up. Lost in her determination, Rose failed to notice the presence while cleaning the Master’s desk. Hands coming into view sent a surge of fear through her. Backing away. Head lowered. Eyes refusing to look up.

“Are you the one who has been assigned to this room?” It was almost like a command, demanding her answer. Her fear meant nothing. The first words uttered between the two.

“... Yes…” Her voice was barely able to escape.

Moving to sit at the desk, he looks over the documents stacked neatly. Should she leave? Could she? The lump stopping her breath seemed to also anchor her in place. With eyes cast down, she could not see him, but knew her presence was not forgotten.

“You have arranged these wrong…” His voice aggravated. A slight clench of teeth. Her eyes rose, mostly on reflex. His hair was dark, like the wings of a raven, despite being a snake. Perhaps that color wasn’t supposed to be that of a bird. More like the scales of a deadly mamba or the king cobra. The way the candle light danced against the strands painted the pattern of a snake trail in the sand.

“I have seen you working. The first Lapin I have allowed into my home. The work ethic alone is well worth the prices of possible embarrassment. However, I cannot allow this to continue. I brought you here specifically to maintain this office. If you cannot do that, I have no use for you.” Rose lowered her eyes once more.

“That being said… your presence has brought out another… issue.” He turns the chair around to face her. “You captivate me. In a … primal state than what I intend to continue to leave unchecked.” The soft flicker to flames mimicked the beating in her heart. Is this also what she had been struggling with as well?

“Since I have little time to waste on these passing glances, I will give you three options.” He turns back around in his chair. “One. You will be sent back to your previous station. I will never return to that home, find myself something else to satiate these urges, and you will be permitted a life of… dissatisfaction.”

With a wave of his hand, the curtains closed around the room. “Two. You speak a word of this, or either of your other two options to another soul, and I kill you. Simply leaving you another pitiful Lapin corpse. Lost to time and I will find some other way to satiate these urges.” He sighs slightly, “This I do not prefer to do.”

There is a pause before he speaks again. Rose felt the world swirling around, a mixture of his increasingly strong aura and the words he was saying. If she were to understand him correctly, he was speaking explicitly. However, what could he possibly want with her?

“Three… this one is the most appealing to me.” A soft chuckle escaped his lips. “You become mine.” The flames flicker, as her heart skips a beat. “I will return to this office when I know you will be here. When I do, you will appease me, in every way I ask.” He taps on the desk, “This is not a marriage, nor do I have any intention of sharing you with anyone. You will be mine, just as you always have been, only now, you will be tasked with much more than simply cleaning.”

Rose could feel her instincts going crazy. What was this? A rush unlike anything she’d ever felt before. Never before had she felt the urge to run and fall to her knees at the same time. “In addition, there are other stipulations to become mine. I will be bringing you along with me, should I ever need to… release tension. You will be given your own room, separate from the other. Given special meals, to ensure a balanced diet.” A smirk spread across his lips. “I will tend to your needs, just as you would tend to mine.”

He would stand, straightening his coat. “Choose option one, and I will sign these papers, approving the transfer. Choose option two by leaving this room. You may enjoy one final night's sleep, and I shall dispose of you.” Walking around the desk, he moves to the door. “For neither of those… climb up onto the desk. Spread open your legs, and prepare yourself. I will give you ten seconds, as I have grown tired of this game.”

Roselyn’s mind raced with everything that was just explained to her. Run. A voice screamed, but what good would that do. Running meant death, though despite this, her instincts wanted to flee. “Ten.” Leave. She could return to her old station. The old house. But could she after this intense meeting? “Nine.”

A decision. Move. Her body took a few steps towards the door. “Eight.” Glancing back to the papers on the desk. “Seven.” The desk. “Six.” Crimson eyes watched each weighted shift. “Five.” Annoyance laced in his voice. It would be best not to make him finish.

“Four.” Submit. Rose walked to the desk, touching it softly. “Three.” She could hear his hand on the door. Turning to take one last look at another option. “Two.” Her eyes fall to him. The reason for a lifetime of service. Why would it be any different now? “One.”

Rose lifts herself up onto the desk. One leg placed beside her thigh. A hand reaching down to expose her bloomers. The sound of the door lock latching. Soft touch to her most intimate area. Steps walking towards her. A soft gasp, “Master…” His hands rip away the frilled undergarments, and brush up her legs.

“Such an obedient little bunny… good girl.”

art by: @enelo

#Excruciating Duplicity #plot writing

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