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duckybeth99 · 7 years ago

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so short while back @genjis-girlfriend asked me to pick five prompts from the last sentence starter I reblogged aaaaand I actually did a couple more which is why it took so long so here we go!!

John and Johnny - “How do I look?”

“Fantastic,” John beamed. Johnny rolled his eyes with a smile and went back to the mirror in the hallway, fixing his graduation cap in his hair. John quickly intervened, fiddling with it himself. He moved the tassel to the correct side.

“Pops, I can dress myself,” Johnny smirked. John proudly placed his hands on his son’s shoulders. He gave them a squeeze and smiled at the reflection.

“My little boy,” John murmured, his voice tight. “Your mother would be so proud of you.” Johnny went quiet for a moment and stared at their reflections with a small smile. His dad told him how much he looked like her often. He moved from the mirror, shaking his head with a teasing smirk.

“Dad, I haven’t even officially graduated yet, and you’re already getting the waterworks,” he said. John readjusted his own clothes in the mirror and quickly brushed his fingers under his eyes to wipe whatever stray tears were starting to form and leak. “It’s not like I’m the first one in the family to graduate high school.”

“No,” John pinched his son’s soft freckled cheek with a smile, “but you are my little boy all grown up. All ready to start school in August, at my school!”

“Dad,” Johnny groans again. “Come on, can we skip all this? I don’t want to be late.”

“One picture? Please?”

“I promised to take some with Marianna, Harry, and some of the guys from the team after! You can get them then, Dad, we gotta go!!”

—

Ghostmo friendship - “You deserve better.”

Moirin gave a sad smile and sniffle, brushing her hand under her eye to wipe away her tears. She gave a soft yet tight laugh. John looked down at her sympathetically and scooted closer to her.

“I just thought,” she whispered, “that he loves me. Really. Truly. And I find out that even before he threatened me, he did so much behind my back. Lying to me, tricking me, cheating on me with Merhib, of all people. Maybe everything was there and I just didn’t want to see.” John shook his head and wrapped an arm around her comfortingly. She sniffled and rested her head against his shoulder.

“It says nothing about you,” John said. “Merhib’s always been our to manipulate all of us. Hurt all of us. Dagan was selfish. All you ever did, was show him love. The same love you show to everyone else. It wasn’t your fault he took it and used it, and it wasn’t your fault that he didn’t deserve it. It was his.” Moirin sucked in a breath and held back crying. John turned her in his arms, holding her in a hug and allowing her to hide in his chest and cry.

—

John and Beth - “You’re family.”

Beth looked up at John, almost in disbelief. But she shakes her head and lowers her gaze, rubbing her tan fingers against each other.

“As much as it would be nice to think that,” she murmured, “I know it’s not true. I mean, I’ve got my mom. It’s been just us our whole life. I can’t abandon her, a-and I appreciate everything, but.. but she is my mom, Doc. I can’t leave or change that.”

Beth slid off the guest bed, “I should get home. I have to be there before she is, remember?”

“Beth,” John stood from the bed, “what if... what if you didn’t have to?” Beth stopped and looked at her friend. She gave a sad smile and shook her head.

“I have to,” she gave a weak chuckle. “That’s just the way it is. My mom will freak out if I’m not there, and then she’ll—she’ll...” Beth cut herself off, and the way she does so tells John everything. So many little things about the girl tell him everything, all the things he’s sure were true anyway. Though he considered himself a smart man, he knows he doesn’t have to be to see behind Beth’s words. John sighed and set his hands on his knees before weakly pushing himself up.

“Alright then,” he said, “let’s get you home then. Better hurry before the traffic gets bad.” John leads her out the house and back to his truck, her backpack full of her clothes with her. Once he dropped her off, John found himself turning the radio off and thinking in the quiet to himself.

She wouldn’t believe they were family unless they were by blood.

Or by law.

He acted enough as a father to her. Why not fight for custody? Save the poor girl from the monster of a mother she had. Truly make her family.

—

Ghostmo pirate au - “I’m worried about you.”

Moirin gave a proud smile at John, “You don’t have to! I’ve been a pirate captain for years, dear. I know what I’m doing.”

John sighed, holding hands with his wife, “I want to know you’re safe—“

“I’m very skilled!”

“—well protected—“

“I have an entire crew on my side!”

“Moirin, please,” and he held Moirin’s shoulders. The way he grips her made her fall quiet. “I... yes, I know you can do all these things, you have people on your side. But I... I... I-I just got you back. I don’t want to lose you again.” Moirin’s look softened. She touched John’s cheek comfortingly, pressing a soft kiss to him.

“You won’t lose me again, John,” Moirin smiled up at her husband, this time more sincere, more loving. “I promise you that. It isn’t the same as it was before. We have people to rely on, protect each other, and if it would make you feel better, you can always join me.” John felt his face blanch.

“M-me?” he squeaked. Moirin nodded eagerly. “A-aboard your ship?! With all the other pirates—no, no, I have to care for Lady Beth—“

“Bring her along!” Moirin chuckled. “Her and Johnny. It’ll be a learning and bonding experience for everyone.” John looked even more nervous than before. Moirin gave a smile and kissed his cheek. “Oh, honey... nothing I say will ever make you stop worrying, will it?”

John let out a wheeze, “Consider it just my nature, dear.”

—

Electric dreams - “You’re the only person I wanted to be with tonight.”

Esther’s cheeks turned violet as she blushed, but a timid smile creased against her lilac face. Johnny held out his hand for his girlfriend, who shyly took it. With a smile, Johnny pulled out his phone and pressed play on a song. He set it down on the grass of the hill and lead Esther in a dance, beaming the whole time.

“This is like when we first danced at Beth’s birthday,” Esther smiled. Johnny snorted.

“Yeah,” he smirked, “except your dad isn’t breathing down my neck and we aren’t in a stuffy ballroom or being watched by all those fancy elite UpSideDowners.” Esther giggled.

“No, we aren’t,” Esther rested her head on Johnny’s shoulder. He looked down the hill. As the song ended, he sat down on the grass, an arm around Esther as she continued to lean against him.

“Down there’s my old high school,” he said. “My senior year, I was crowned prom king.” Esther gasped and lifted her head, staring in awe at Johnny.

“So you are royalty!” she blinked, “Just like your sister!” Johnny snorted as he attempted and failed at holding back a laugh.

“Not exactly,” he scratched the back of his head. “It was a... modern American high school thing, y’know? Girls ready to pull each other’s hair out to be picked as prom queen, guys who don’t really care but are roped in by their girlfriends. The, uh... the district wasn’t ready for two kings yet, so it was just me, not my boyfriend. Some other chick got to be prom queen. But to compensate, they didn’t make me dance with her. See, prom court is supposed to lead like the last slow dance. But they let me lead with Harry and she lead with whatever temporary guy she was with. And then I just got a bunch of pictures taken and even more girls both angry at me and wanting to take pictures with me. It was a weird night. But it was a one night thing. No real royalty.” Esther listened to Johnny with keen interest. She smiled at him and kissed his cheek.

“To me,” she murmured, “you’re a brave king in your own right.”

—

Johnny and Marianna - “That’s new.”

Johnny gave a little shrug, closing his fist to stop his electricity. He opened his hand again, now devoid of magic and smirked as Marianna snatched his wrist, looking his hand over.

“It’s not actually that new,” he said. Marianna looked up from his hand and back at his face. “I’ve had these powers since I was a baby.”

“I thought you were human,” Marianna raised a brow suspiciously. Johnny nodded.

“I am,” he laughed, “don’t worry about that part. It’s not changing any time soon. But I wasn’t born with the powers, is what I’m saying. Let’s just say it was a... freak accident.” Marianna frowned at him.

“You know,” she huffed, “I didn’t get dragged into this for the spoiler-free version of magic and your real life. I want details. Full and all.” Johnny rolled his eyes with a smirk and laid back in the grass of the Wilson backyard. He stared up at the clouds for a moment as Marianna laid down parallel to him.

“It’s a long story,” he rested his hands behind his head. “You sure you’re up for it?” Marianna nodded.

“You know me,” she smiled, “I’m always up for a good story.”

—

Adam and Makoto - “I won’t let anything bad happen to you.”

Makoto sighed as Adam bandaged up one of her recent injuries. Still new to the Realm, they had to help each other to survive. Both had their own benefits—Adam didn’t have to worry too much about the toxins, he could stalk animals for food better than Makoto. But Makoto could go out in the daytime to gather supplies Adam couldn’t.

Makoto lifted her tired eyes to look up at the vampire, “The worst has already happened to me.” Adam finished bandaging her would and sat back, looking at his handiwork. Makoto looked at it sadly and murmured a thank you.

“You know,” Adam began, “you don’t have to wallow in sadness forever.”

“You don’t understand,” Makoto whispered, hugging herself. “I lost my husband. My daughter. In one moment, I lost everything. My parents, my friends, everyone I ever cared about or love.” Adam stared for a long moment at the woman.

“And that’s why I won’t let anything else bad happen to you,” he said, relaxing beside Makoto. She looked up at him and raised a brow. “Look, I’ve been here for ages. You don’t think I haven’t lost people either, do you?” Makoto didn’t say anything. “So that’s why I won’t let anything else bad happen to you. Alright?” She didn’t say anything for a moment. Adam playfully shoved her arm. “Come on. Speak up. Saaaaay something, Koko.” Makoto looked up at Adam. She gave a sniffled smile and brushed her hand under her eye.

“I... I like that nickname,” she said. “My husband called me that at times. It’s... nice to hear it again.” Adam gave a small smile.

“Alright then, Koko.”

#Beth writing #ghosty beth #ghosty blogging #Johnny Bosteau #makoto bosteau #adam fontaine #marianna wilson #mcgillicuddy sunshine #pirate au #ask bloge pirates #esther #electric dreams #ask bloge #welcome to riverview

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duckybeth99 · 7 years ago

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When We’re Together

GIANT MONSTER FIC HAPPY HOLIDAYS

—

“You know, this whole ‘trying-to-outdo-last-year’s-Christmas-present’ might be more effort than it’s worth.”

“This is what she really wants,” Ghost huffed, wrapping his scarf around his neck. Johnny crossed his arms and pouted. “Junior, we just have to invite one family. One.”

“But what about—?” Johnny stopped himself then smirked. “Oh, okay. I can roll with that.”

“How did you find out about this again?” Ghost rucked his face further into his scarf as him and his son climbed into his car. Johnny turned up the radio while Ghost started the car up.

“Esther told me,” he relaxed in his seat. “She’s ‘Her Highness’s’ confident. Beth tells her everything.”

“Well then, I’m even more thankful for that girl,” Ghost chuckled. Johnny smiled and pushed one of the air vents to his face, the heat feeling great on his already freezing face.

“Yeah, me too.”

The two drove into town, Johnny looking up at all the lights and wreaths hanging on street lamps and decorating the streets. Ghost kept his eyes on the road, careful of the snow on the roads. The Bosteaus manage to make it to the Wilsons household.

More Christmas lights hang up around the house, twinkling against the snow on the roof. Ghost rubbed his hands together and breathed into his gloves as Johnny rang the doorbell, noting the wreath adorned with small decorative candy canes, bows, and tiny lights. Mr. Andrew Wilson answered the door, a book in hand. As soon as he saw who was at the door and noticed the snow picking up outside, he spoke.

“Get in from the cold!” Andrew laughed as he stepped aside for Ghost and Johnny to come in, “It’s freezing out there.”

“We’re used to the cold,” Johnny rubbed his boots on the welcome mat. “My sister, remember?”

“In fact,” Ghost slid his scarf off with a kind smile, “she’s why we’re here.”

“Oh?” Andrew led the men inside the Wilson household. He was about to tend to the fireplace when Ghost smiled and waved his hands over it. The warmth that was going out returned to its full brilliance. Andrew chuckled at it.

“Never going to get used to all of your powers,” he said. “And if this involves Alex, he isn’t home right now. He’s out getting extra groceries for Alma. She’s really going big with the sweets this year.”

“Yeah, I can smell it,” Johnny grinned, looking towards the kitchen. “Home made candy canes? You guys are nuts.” Johnny snatched one from a bowl full. Ghost frowned at him for a split second, before shaking his head.

“It’s not about him directly,” Ghost began, “it’s about the whole Wilson family. See, Bethany wants everyone together for Christmas. Everyone.” Andrew scratched at the side of his face then offered a grin.

“Well, with how long those two have been together, it’s about time we all shared a Christmas together,” he smiled. “So, this at the farmhouse or the castle?”

“Castle,” Johnny sucked on his candy cane and smirked at the sharp point he made, “‘cuz the princess is also celebrating with the whole kingdom.”

“We’re going to a castle?” Stella ran up to her father’s leg. The father smiled and scooped up his young daughter.

“Beth’s, kiddo,” he tapped his daughter’s nose. Ghost smiled at the exchange.

“We’ll get more details soon,” he patted Andrew’s arm. “Sound good?”

“Perfect,” he smiled back. “Everyone will be thrilled.” He have a teasing smile to Johnny, “Marina will be excited to see you and Esther again. It’s rare she sees people from school anymore.”

“I’m sure she will be,” Johnny twirled a second candy cane on his finger, “I mean, who doesn’t like seeing me?”

“We ought to get going,” Ghost shook Andrew’s hand, “I’m also supposed to pick up some gifts for my wife right now.”

“I won’t keep you,” Andrew chuckled, “and good luck. Tell Makoto and Adam Alma and I said hello.”

“Of course,” Ghost nodded. Johnny watched his father start to walk away.

He snuck one or two, or four more candy canes into his pocket and followed after his father.

—

“And it’s just them?” Esther inquired, her arm linked with Johnny’s as they walked through the palace gardens, now covered with Beth’s snow. Since she came to power, and many of her citizens missed it from life, she brought back snow during the season.

She lived very closely to the concept of Hell freezing over.

“Well, yeah,” Johnny shrugged, “there’s nobody else. I mean, my mom, Adam, your dad, you, Alice, you’re all gonna be there anyway. Moirin took on inviting her mom and my grandpa.” Esther frowned and slid her arm out of Johnny’s, crossing her arms.

“You know that you’re forgetting someone.”

“No I’m not,” Johnny stuck his head up confidently. “Beth asked for her family.”

“Beth asked for ‘everyone to be together and not fighting’. And I told you that exactly.” Johnny sunk further into his jacket, shoulders hunched with a pout. Esther huffed, rubbing her gloved hands together for warmth, “You know you have to invite Ms. Ara—“

“No, we don’t!” Johnny kicked up a pile of snow, “Oh, come on! What’s she done for Beth? At least the Wilsons are nice, and we all go back anyway.”

“You know Ms. Arazel means the world to Beth,” Esther scolded Johnny. Johnny groaned.

“Can you not call her ‘Ms. Arazel’, please?”

“I am to refer to anyone in the royal family by their formal names when they are not present, Sir Jonathan.”

Johnny crossed his arms with a glare at a pile of snow. Esther sighed and floated over to him, rubbing his arm gently, “Remember that this is for her. You know it would mean everything to her.”

“She’s a princess!” Johnny threw his arms up exasperatedly, “She can have anything in the world, and that’s what she wants?!” Esther offered only a little shrug and nod. Johnny threw his head in his hands and groaned.

“Fine!” Johnny huffed, “Fine, fine, fine, fine! But only if Pops agrees, too. If he doesn’t see the point in it, then there isn’t one, and I won’t do it.”

—

“There’s no way I’m inviting Neva and her parents to Beth’s Christmas party.”

“It’s grandparents, actually,” Alice piped up, setting the teapot back down on the tray. Adam rolled his eyes.

“Come on, John, she’s a sweet girl!” he began. “She’s making an effort.”

“She abandoned her daughter—“

“She was sixteen, dear,” Adam crossed his legs and took a small sip of tea, one eye shut and the other giving an odd look to Ghost. “You don’t expect her to raise a child when she herself was one.”

“It took her until Beth was fourteen to come back to her life!” Ghost felt his face flare up, “And then, she ditched her again!”

“Because you chased her off!” Moirin huffed, “She would have stayed!” Ghost began to grumble to himself.

“John,” Makoto sighed and held her husband’s hand, “I know you have your reasons to dislike her, and I’m not at all going to make the argument that she’s perfect. But one party with her won’t kill you.”

“We say that now,” Ghost grumbled, crossing his arms. “You know the story of the frog and the scorpion?”

“Oh, I do!” Alice eagerly waved her hand, before blushing at realizing her outburst. “Sorry. Um, but I don’t think she’s a scorpion.”

“You’re an example of the frog,” Ghost mumbled, “and so is Beth. I just want to protect my family.”

“See?” Johnny pushed open the doors of the parlor room, his girlfriend following him, “He doesn’t see the point either!”

“Alright!” Moirin stood, hands on her hips with a frown, “You two are acting ridiculous. How selfish can the two of you be to put your feelings over Beth’s?”

“But—!”

“You know she’ll be bothered the whole night if Neva isn’t there,” Moirin crossed her arms, a firm stance and look to the Bosteau boys. They both looked down with glares and pouts. “And if you’re truly worried, you both are more than capable of pulling Beth out of any situation, and so are the rest of us.”

“Remember what you told me, Johnny?” Esther floated up beside Moirin, “That one thing… ah, ‘go big, or go home’?” Johnny looked over at his father. Ghost sighed and shook his head.

“Fine,” he mumbled, “We’ll invite the Arazels.”

“Be careful in that Realm,” Makoto said. “It can get crowded and chaotic fast.”

“Have you even met them before?” Adam sipped his tea, “You’d be searching for a pair of skeletons for hours.” Ghost thought for a moment, then smiled.

“Well,” he stood, a sudden, unnerving perkiness to his voice and gait, “that’s where Neva will come in. She’ll help if she wants to come to the party.” He looked over his shoulder, “Junior, we should get going.” Johnny trailed after his father. Makoto sighed, taking a drink from her tea and rubbing her forehead.

“Those two always have to make things harder for themselves,” she commented. Adam laughed.

“That’s just their nature, dear. We can’t change that. Not yet at least. The science hasn’t come back on it.”

—

Neva followed Ghost and Johnny through one of the Realm doorways in awe. All three were bundled up still, as Beth’s magic spread through the UpSideDown. Where she had been given permission to, she brought her snow and ice to Realms that couldn’t create it on its own for the joy of the people living there.

This Realm, the Land of the Remembered, was one such land.

Neva watched all the calaveras get ready to celebrate Christmas. Red banners written with gold read, “¡Feliz Ñavidad!” and musicians parades around singing holiday songs. Neva found herself pausing in her walk with the boys to hum along.

Ghost and Johnny have to tug her back to follow.

“You can’t wander on your own like that,” Ghost mumbled. “You’ll get lost and you don’t have a badge to prove yourself.”

“Huh?” Neva blinked. Johnny held up his finger, as the group approached the Department of Family Reunions. The security looked at the three living beings oddly. Ghost and Johnny reached into their pockets and held out small badges.

“And her?” one guard squinted. Ghost sighed and nodded.

“She’s with us,” he said. “Mother of the princess.”

“Alright, go on in,” the guard pushed the doors open for the trio, “but we have our eyes on you. For emphasis, one of the calaveras knocked on the back of his head, letting an eye pop out. Neva tensed and held back a small barf.

“Are people normally this strict on Realm travel?” Neva whispered to Ghost. He nodded.

“It hasn’t been until recently that Realm travel has become more frequent,” he began. “Unless you were from the Central Hub of the UpSideDown, where many miscellaneous creatures live, people rarely traversed to other lands.”

“Everyone pretty much stayed in their own lane,” Johnny shrugged as Ghost checked them in at the front, “and nobody felt a need to break that. Beth pushing for Realms to unite and not be separated started change, and so did Pops’ and Ma’s development in Realm travel.”

“As much progress as we make, there are still some Realms that have restrictions because of culture,” Ghost noted. “Like this place. The creatures—“

“Inhabitants,” Johnny corrected with a frown.

“Inhabitants,” Ghost nodded and continued, “are not allowed to enter at least the UpSide, unless it’s that Day of the Dead celebration. But rules regarding other Realm travel hasn’t been discussed yet.”

“Wait,” Neva blinked and frowned with a mix of confusion and frustration, “so you don’t even know if we can get my grandparents for the holidays?!”

“It’s the effort that counts,” Johnny grumbled, pulling out one of the candy canes he snuck from the Wilson house and sucking on it.

“So why am I here anyway?” Neva crossed her arms with a frown. Ghost’s lips twitched into a frustrated smile.

“I thought you wanted to help in making Beth happy.”

“I do!”

“Then why don’t you just shut your—“

“Is there a, ah… ‘Boy-stay-yo’ here?”

Neva, Johnny, and Ghost stopped in their bickering and looked over to one of the workers at the department. She gave a wave to the family and gestured for them to follow.

“Pardon me,” Ghost began as she led them inside her office, “but it’s actually pronounced Bosteau.” Ghost emphasized his old French accent on his last name.

“Ah, sì, sì, sì,” the woman waved her hand with little care. “Lo siento, we don’t get many people with… different sorts of last names here.”

“Different—?” Ghost blinked, glancing at Johnny. He wasn’t used to hearing that, not since he was younger and first came to America, around all the English sounding names.

“Anyway!” the calavera laughed, “I’m here to offer my assistance. You’re here under the service of Princess Bethany, crowned ruler of Hell?”

“Yes,” Ghost nodded, clearing his throat and showing his badge. Johnny followed. “Jonathan Bosteau, Head Royal Scientist and adoptive father of the princess.”

“Assistant Royal Scientist,” Johnny said, “and Head Knight to the princess. And her adoptive brother.”

“And you?” the calavera looked with anticipation to Neva. She tensed and gave a shy smile.

“Birth mother,” she murmured. “It’s my grandparents��her great grandparents—that we’re looking for.”

“Mhm, I see,” the colorful skeleton woman practically bounced to behind her desk, rifling through papers. “Well, we have a long line of Arazels here, a very linear one. They very much kept with their Dìa de Los Muertos traditions, you know. And it looks like there was a trend of only one child. How convenient!” Neva gave a little shrug and sheepish smile to the boys as the skeleton flipped through files. “You are the granddaughter of the latest departed in the family tree?”

“Yes,” Neva nodded, before a brief pause. She added quickly, “U-unless my mama is here, but as far as I know, she’s still alive. She’s… only fifty-three by now.”

“The latest Arazels we have departed are…” the skeleton squinted at her papers before smiling, “ah, Señora and Señor Rosa and Julian Arazel. That’s them?”

“Yes!” Neva beamed excitedly, ready to almost start jumping in joy, “Where are they?”

“Well, here’s copies of their papers,” the woman smiled and handed the paperwork to Neva, “but, we know this place is big and hard to navigate if you aren’t from here, so we can call in a guide if you wish.”

“Please and thank you,” Ghost nodded.

“Uno momento!” the skeleton sing-songed, picking up another manila colored folder and walking out of the office for a phone. Neva looked at the papers in her hands.

“I haven’t seen them in years,” she murmured. “They died a few years ago. After… after I left Beth.”

“Which time?” Johnny mumbled. Neva gave a pained laugh.

“A few years ago,” she repeated. “When I came back home, I found out they had passed away. It… it was a double whammy. I totally lost whatever relationship I had with Beth, at least I thought I did at the time, and I lost the last family I had. Everything fell apart.“ Neva looked further down the page, blinking in surprise.

“What’s up?” Johnny noticed Neva.

“My mother,” she murmured. “I… never knew anything about her. Her name, it’s here at least. Rosalina Arazel.”

“You… never knew anything about your family?” Ghost raised a brow. Neva slowly shook her head.

“I just know she was twenty when she had me,” she said, “and I think my father’s name was Gabriel. But that’s all I know.”

Ghost felt uncomfortable at the eerie parallel to Beth, when she became desperate to learn about her family. Which led to Neva coming into her life, and Merhib using the truth to manipulate Beth more. Before the three could talk further, the woman came back with another skeleton trailing after her, a scrawnier, male one.

“We found a guide to help you!” the woman smiled. “This is Mateo. He will help you locate your ancestors.”

“Thank you for the assistance,” Ghost nodded. Mateo gestured for the three to follow him out of the office. Neva handed the papers to him.

“Can you help us find them?” Ghost asked him. The skeleton looked at him confused. Neva blinked and handed the papers to the man.

“Gracias,” he said. “Ah… um, lo siento, pero no hablo inglés.” Ghost frowned.

“What?” he looked confused at the calavera. Neva stepped forward.

“He said he doesn’t speak English,” she noted. “Uh… you don’t speak Spanish? After all the other languages you know?”

“No,” Ghost scoffed, “I was too busy learning English, Japanese, Latin, and Greek after starting as only a French speaker.”

“And you don’t know anything either?” Neva blinked at Johnny.

With a stone face, he spoke clearly and shrugged, “私は日本語を学んだ.” Neva tilted her head and sighed.

“Lucky us we get one who can’t speak English,” Ghost mumbled. Neva smiled weakly.

“Well, guess I got more use than just identifying my grandparents,” she said. “This won’t be so bad. C’mon.”

As the four walked through the snowy land, Neva found herself constantly glancing back to the papers she gave to Mateo and thinking about her parents. Rosa and Julian told her very little. They said it was for her protection.

“Pops,” Johnny nudged his arm to his father. He jutted his head to Neva. Ghost looked confused at his son. “You think it’s kinda weird how… she found herself in a same situation as Beth?”

“It’s coincidence,” Ghost grumbled, “and speaks volumes about Beth’s whole biological family. It wasn’t just the Collins who were monsters. Sounds like Beth’s grandparents were, too.”

Mateo lead them through the bright and colorful land, until they reached a small corner of the land. Small homes stretched along the snowy path.

“Esto es los barrio,” Mateo pointed down the path. “Aquí es donde viven.”

“This place is so small,” Neva murmured.

“Kinda crummy, too,” Johnny mumbled. Ghost hushed him. Mateo looked up at Neva and said something more to her.

“He says that… people’s lives are affected by how many people and how well they’re remembered,” Neva explained. “My family is… pretty much just me, so I’m all they have.” She slowly looked down, sadly as though she was trying to hold it back, “I never realized that I was that alone.” Ghost fell quiet. When he was about to retort, reminding her of Beth’s same loneliness caused by her, Mateo pointed to a house at the end of the block. Neva seemed shocked by it.

“It… it’s just like home,” she whispered. Mateo nodded. He walked to the front door and gestured for Neva to knock. She stood, almost frozen.

“I… I haven’t seen them in years,” was all that came out. Ghost found himself walking up beside her and holding her shoulder. Neva flinched at him holding her, and looked worried when he reached for her wrist.

But his grip was gentle as he held it, balled her hand up and held it to the door, then released her. Neva took a deep breath and knocked.

—

Beth looked out on one of the palace balconies at her kingdom. She saw the beautiful decorations all around the village, her icy magic blanketing the land. Everyone enjoyed it. Beth giggled quietly, watching the joy all shared that Christmas Eve.

“Your Highness?” Esther knocked on the doorway, drawing Beth away from looking out, “People have begun to arrive for the celebration.”

“Great,” Beth beamed. “I’m almost done getting ready. Oh, and hey, don’t worry about waiting on me tonight, okay? It’s Christmas Eve! I want the whole family to enjoy. You’re part of that. Spend time with your boyfriend and father.”

“Thank you, my lady,” Esther curtsied politely, smiling softly. She exited the princess’s chambers, shutting the bedroom door behind her.

She smiled as she rushed down the stairs, holding Johnny’s hand excitedly, “She has no clue!”

“That’s the idea,” Johnny smiled. “Thanks for checking up on her.”

“We only have a little bit of time before she comes down,” Esther tapped her bottom lip. “And citizens are starting to gather in the front courtyard. They can’t wait for the celebration!”

As the two began their walk through the palace, laughing and talking. They passed by the grand Christmas tree in the foyer of the palace, with ornaments and lights all adorned through it. Presents for the whole family were wrapped precisely under it, along with presents for the servants who lived at the palace.

Mabuz looked at the gigantic tree, straightening his outfit. Esther had insisted he get dressed up with everyone else this holiday season, and he was never one to say no to her. It wasn’t much of a change, but he put the effort to find a blue robe and undershirt below his normal armor to look more festive.

He heard people entering the foyer, and looked over his shoulder to see Moirin and all her children enter, Marion, Thomas, and Marlin following shortly after. Mabuz glared at the stench that radiated faintly off of Thomas. It wasn’t bad as before—Mabuz had a feeling he was trying to be more presentable as he was part of a royal celebration.

He appreciated the effort, but found himself still annoyed by the few muddy steps that trailed after him. The advisor snapped his fingers for a servant to quickly clean it up off the polished floors. Nevertheless, he still bowed and offered polite greetings to them all.

“This tree is huge!” Flynn grinned up at it, “How’d they get it in here?”

“Magic,” Emmett and Emily chorused.

“Yeah,” Ariel nodded, looking up at all the ornaments, “probably magic.” Moirin giggled softly at the happiness her children expressed, looking at all the different decorations and talking all about them.

“Now don’t be rude,” Moirin smiled at her children, “say hello to your grandparents!” The children beamed at seeing Marion, all running up to give her hugs. They chattered to her and Thomas about all they saw in the palace, Marlin joining in and pointing out the different ornaments he saw on the tree.

“Hell is frozen over,” a voice said. Mabuz looked over at the front doors as he adjusted a wreath on the wall, seeing Alex and his family enter. His older sister, Marina, continued her thought, “I guess the saying is totally invalid now.”

“This place is huge,” Stella gasped, looking all around the giant palace. She looked over at the other children, who smiled at her. She looked up to her mother and father for permission. The parents nodded and let go of Stella, who ran up to the magic godsiblings she heard Beth tell Alex and their family about before.

“Thank you for the invitations,” Alma smiled and gave a small curtesy to Mabuz.

“Well, you’re the first to give thanks for that,” Mabuz nodded, “but you are most welcome. The princess wanted the whole palace to be open to her family, and she counts you in that. However, I would recommend you also thank Mr. Bosteau for bringing the invitation to you. I don’t typically travel to deliver such news myself as I’m very needed here.”

“Understandable,” Andrew nodded. “Thank you, either way.” Mabuz have a simple bow. Alex gave a small smile to Mabuz. He only offered a subtle glare back that his family wouldn’t notice.

“Do you know where Beth’s father is, by chance?” Alma asked. Mabuz twisted his curled beard in thought with a frown.

“I saw Johnny here already,” he mused, “but not Jonathan yet. Nor have I seen his partners, Ms. Arazel, or her grandparents.”

“That’s odd,” Marina murmured. “I thought the celebration was starting soon.”

“It is,” Mabuz rolls his eyes, “and Her Majesty isn’t even ready yet.”

Alice passed by the groups, wand in hand as she touched up some decorations with her light blue bubbly magic. She fixed crooked garlands, tilted candles, empty treat bowls, and wonky ornaments on the tree. She grinned proudly at her work, sporting a Hanukkah sweater styled as the traditional ugly Christmas sweater made by herself. She made Johnny one with a baseballs and a bat on it and saw him wearing it when he passed by with Esther.

She tapped her wand to her cheek as she wondered where the other person she made a holiday outfit was.

“Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, to one and all!!”

Everyone looked to the doors that burst open, and in steps Adam with a flourish of a robe styled as Santa’s outfit. Alice giggled at seeing her friend wear the outfit she made for him.

“We were wondering when you would show up,” Moirin smiled as Ghost and Makoto followed after Adam, much more simple and humble as the entered and greeted their friends and family.

“We were a little hung up trying to, ah… take care of Beth’s present,” Ghost shrugged. Makoto looked over as Adam bowed to the young children, who laughed at his Santa get-up. When he finally let the attention on him die down for a split moment, he gave a quick, sincere hug to Alice. Adam then made his way back to Ghost and Makoto

“So, may we ask what this grand present of yours is?” Mabuz raised a brow, stepping up to the group.

“Ah, ah, ah!” Adam wagged his finger with a smirk before Ghost could answer, “Nobody gets to know about presents so early! Santa says so.”

“You’re hardly a formal authority for Christmas,” Mabuz scoffed, but he didn’t press further. He left to assist one of the servants having trouble with fixing one of the treat tables.

“She isn’t here yet?” Makoto whispered to Ghost. He huffed and shook his head.

“Looks like she’s not,” he grumbled. “The one time I ask her for something that she said she wanted to do—“

“Give her a break,” Adam waved his hand dismissively, “She’ll be here! Have a little faith.”

“Every time I do, she ends up ruining it.”

Beth finally made her descent down the staircase, in a new beautiful ice dress she made for herself. Her princess tiara rested in her dark curls, and her pale hands gracefully waved over the rails of the grand staircase. Her icy magic placed a delicate frost against it and the rug on the dark steps. The servants bowed to the princess, which, as usual, made her shy, but her family’s smiles comfort and calmed her.

“Thank you for joining me in celebrating the holidays,” Beth began. The outer layer of her dress has a longer back, trailing after her as she made her way down the last few steps. “It means so much to me. I—“

The doors to the front of the palace suddenly opened, stunning Beth and rendering her to lose her train of thought. Inside rushed Neva, in the similar icy dress made by Beth, of a teal color with sheer long sleeves. Her hair was pinned in a slightly messy but still formal bun. The woman lifted part of her skirt as she ran inside.

“I-I’m sorry I’m late!” Neva apologized, standing with the others of Beth’s family. While she earned a roll of Ghost’s eyes and a huff from him, Beth only smiled.

“It’s okay,” Beth said. “I’m just happy you made it.”

“It’s not just me,” Neva smiled back. Beth blinked and tilted her head. Makoto gave a look to Ghost and Johnny. Adam smirked at Mabuz and nudged his head to the doors. Everyone’s gaze followed.

The doors opened again, much slower and more gentle. Beth’s confuses look soon turned to surprise and joy.

Two colorful calaveras slowly entered the palace, looking in awe at all the people and the lavished place. Beth couldn’t contain her bright beam.

“Beth,” Neva began softly, “these are your great grandparents. The people who raised me. Your family.”

“How—this is wonderful!” Beth covered her mouth. Her joy was all across her face.

“This is your daughter?” Rosa slowly smiled. “Oh… Neva, she’s lovely.”

“The holidays with my family,” Beth murmured, “it’s all I wanted! And—and we’re going to celebrate with the whole kingdom, all of us!” The servants and patchwork family cheered excitedly. Beth turned to Neva, “Thank you.” The woman beamed, ready to share a moment with her daughter. She stopped and looked to Ghost and Johnny.

“If wasn’t just me,” Neva smiled. She turned her daughter around to face her father and brother.

“You… you found them for me?” Beth murmured. Ghost nodded.

“Not only that, but they invited us,” Alma stepped up.

“And us,” Thomas smiled, squeezing Marlin’s shoulder and Marion’s hand. The princess looked in awe at the family she had around her.

“I never thought,” Beth began, holding her hands close to where her heart would be, eyes closed peacefully, “that I would ever have a family like this. So big, so full of love… even if we’re all different and fight sometimes. I mean, every family does. But all of us, together right now… it means the world to me.” Beth opened her eyes and lowered her hands. She then rushed to Ghost’s arms, holding him tightly. He hugged her back with that loving smile of his. Johnny joined in the hug.

Ghost looked at Neva and her grandparents, who stood to the side and watched the exchange. The old man glanced his eyes down to his daughter, then back to Neva.

He held a hand out to the woman. She looked at him with surprise. His worn hand remained. Neva smiled and made her way over, joining in the hug. Rosa and Julian joined, then did Makoto and Adam when Johnny nudged his head over.

The family finally released, and Beth smiled to two guards at the front doors, “Open the doors and the gates to the courtyard. Everyone’s waited long enough!”

The guards obeyed, Beth grinning and gesturing for her family to follow her. She lead them out to the courtyard, and she grinned and waved to all of her subjects.

“Happy Holidays,” Beth called, “to one and all!” Everyone applauded and cheered. Neva and Ghost smiled down at their daughter, her between them. Beth smirked and gestured for them to wait, holding up a finger. She waited for the cheers to die down, then stepped further forward.

Raising a corner of her skirt, Beth stomped one of her feet. In one straight flash of magic, a long trail of her icy magic shot against the ground. Finding the center, it shot up into a tall straight beam. Beth spread her arms and hands, allowing the beam transform into a tree made of ice. Branches sprung forth, now standing as a tall ice tree for all to see. People cheered once more. Beth smiled back at her family. Alex shyly stepped forward and cleared his throat.

“May I add something?” He asked. Beth nodded happily. Alex summoned his light magic to his hands, and shot a single spark into the tree. It reflected through the grand ice sculpture, changing colors and glowing brightly.

“It’s beautiful,” Beth kissed Alex’s cheek, holding his hand. She then blinked and gasped, “I almost forgot! A star for the top!”

“Can I try something?” Johnny smirked. Beth gestured for her brother to step forward.

The proud knight flashed a grin to his audience, and summoning the energy of his electricity to his hand. With a proud and joyful shout, he shot the spark to the tree. It rushed up the icy branches with Johnny’s guidance, bouncing and sparking up to the top. With a final flick of his fingers, the sparks culminated to create a sparkling, bright star. Everyone cheered again.

Beth smiled at her whole family once again and held out her hands to her parents. Everyone joined hands and felt the joy of the season. The love of the whole family.

Beth looked up to Ghost and Neva one more time, a sincere smile on her face, “This has been the best Christmas of my life. Thank you. Thank you so much.” Ghost squeezed Beth’s hand and gave another glance to Neva. He pressed a kiss to Beth’s head.

“Anything for you. Merry Christmas.”

#Beth writing #ghosty beth #ghosty blogging #Alejandro wilson #McGillicuddy sunshine #esther #Alice #skeleton uncle #Johnny bosteau #Makoto bosteau #Adam fontaine #Thomas favroe

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