#ship: paradise found

[the-storyteller-and-her-soldiers]

Happy Halloween~

"When Darkness veils the world, four Warriors of Light shall come. And I only count three of you!"

Happy Halloween everyone, I'm happy to say that I'm going as my bestie Neon~! She's 'suffering' because she wanted to go as me so that meant ballgowns, corsets, heels, and everything! Definitely say I got the easier look, not gonna lie... Though anyone wanna check on Jed, the poor guy freaked when he realized his one friend was actually his other friend! Jack saw right through our glamour though, I wonder how...

Anyways, happy spoopy day my dearests~ Stay safe if you're going out and I hope you get the most spooktacular treats~!

[the-storyteller-and-her-soldiers]

I was blindsided by Thancred, and still am, but I got my PS5 (finally~! <3) and downloaded SOP and my brother's trying it out so I get to see Jack from the beginning and I'm just swooning~! LIKE SIR, SIR, HOW FREAKING DARE YOU BE SO HANDSOME And wonderful?! ...And he's distracting me from my astronomy lab homework...

ANYWAYS I LOVE 2 FINAL FANTASY MEN who found it absolutely adorable that I got so excited and happy to get my ps5, but would try to encourage me to finish my work before playing. Though even as stern as they can be, when I pout and say that I've done a good section of it so I can totally play now they sigh and pet my head before agreeing to help me set it all up and even joining me for a dungeon or two when it is done! (If not just becoming my pillow and doing something of their own to experience my happiness!)

@floweringforgetfulness @goldenworldsabound @jellyfish-ships @hadesgoddess @canongf

[the-storyteller-and-her-soldiers]

Have You Seen My Love?

Okay, remember that trend that was in a lot of fandoms a while ago where it was like "Where's x's y?" or something like that, and the character would go around to the other cast members and be like "Have you seen my y? No? Okay, thank you anyway!" And it was usually very sweet, storybook, or comedic???

Yeah, well I've been playing Dissidia: Final Fantasy Oprea Omnia and they just released my husband (Yes I'm that gone!) Jack! Except since I'm brand new to the game, I'm probably not gonna get him for a while...

So while I'm collecting the other allies (Some popular ones I have are Warrior of Light, Cloud, Zidane, Yuffie, Vivi, Sazh, and Tifa!) 'cause all the characters from all the games are there, I can't help but be like: "Have you seen my husband, Prompto?" "I thought the big guy was doing some training with Noct!" "He is! I meant my other hubby who's also strong! But he's got short blond hair, blue eyes, a kissable scar across his nose??" "Nope, haven't seen him. Sorry, Becca..." "Okay, I'll be back later! Thanks anyway!"

And I keep coming up with 2 endings. The first one is while I'm moping around, Jack comes in behind me and asks me what I'm searching for. I go on about how dreamy he is and how much I love him, which flusters him to silence. But when he does get his voice back, he lightly encourages me to turn around. Cue me tackling him in a hug and snuggling close, and YAY happy end!

The second end is also happy but more comedic! I go around asking everyone if they've seen my hubby, even the villains! They have not, and I wander off... But as I'm moping, I remember my interaction with Garland and it clicks that HE was fighting my love! so before anyone can approach me, I get up, run ALL the way back to where Garland is, fight him off-screen (a la cartoonish hijinks), heal up my boy, AND THEN tackle him in a hug and snuggling close, and YAY happy end!

I dunno I just think we should do it in the community to show off our dynamics with other people in our f/os source...

[the-storyteller-and-her-soldiers]

A Delivered Surprise

Title: A Delivered Surprise Word Count: 1,645 Warnings: None, just fluff... and mentions of working retail Ship: Paradise Found (Jack x Myself) Summary: It's a rather common occurrence for me to go to work without food. Yet one day, I can't hold out 'til the end of my shift and order a drink. The only problem is that my delivery friend is more than happy to sell my shenanigans out to my boyfriend...

Tag list: @disneymarina @goldenworldsabound @jellyfish-ships @hadesgoddess @singingdeepinme @floweringforgetfulness @canongf

Beneath the ever-buzzing fluorescent lights and within the concrete cubicle of her workstation, Rebecca was not known as the princess of Rosenfield. Instead, she was just one of the few cashiers taking the morning shift and trying to save her customers money. If one did recognize the princess but didn't know her well, they might think that this position was a punishment for being such a reckless royal. Yet, that was the furthest from the truth. Rebecca had taken this job of her merit. She enjoyed talking to her people as equals instead of from a pedestal and did her best to brighten people's days with her actions rather than her rank. She did also enjoy the steady paycheck she earned to save and buy little treats for herself.

One such treat was a delivery to her place of work while she was working. It wasn't anything extravagant, just a sweet vanilla smoothie to help her make it through the end of her shift. She could normally do so with just her water, but considering how hectic the weekend shifts were, that water evaporated within an hour of her four-hour shift. It also didn't help that the sunset-stranded lady had slept through her alarm and rushed by the castle's kitchen without even grabbing a single slice of toast. So in the end, all she was running off of was some water, five cherry tomatoes that she popped in her mouth from the breakroom snack table, and spite.

Glancing at her galaxy-covered phone screen during a lull in clientele, Rebecca's lips quirked upwards when she saw who the gallant hero was that was to be delivering her emergency life-blood. Out of all the drivers within the capital city, a newfound friend was the one to be saving the young princess's day. All she had to do now was wait.

After ten minutes of checking out clothes for both those going back to school and those going away for vacation, the store doors slid open. This allowed a tall, broad-chested man in a tight tank top who had his obsidian hair tied tightly to the top of his head to step through. His mahogany gaze searched for his target, lightly skimming the racks of athleisure and through the slight crowds of suburban-styled shoppers. Yet before he could search further, the light plopping of footsteps across the padded mat attracted the man's sights downwards.

"Hi, Ash," Rebecca beamed as she gave a small wave, "A drink for Rebecca Grace, right?"

Ash took a subtle step back in his surprise, taking a glimpse at the name on the label. He then looked back to the petite woman before him, trying to figure out why she appeared so familiar as he handed over the item in question. He hadn't made any deliveries to her in the short time he had taken on this side-gig to explore the place he now deemed home. Her clothes were unassuming considering they were a blank, black t-shirt and some comfortable-looking sweatpants in the same shade. The only thing that stood out was the dyed hair that the lady listed as her main identifier in the delivery instructions. The confusion on Ash's face must've been evident in how the girl giggled as she began sipping her drink.

"Do I look so unassuming that you can't recognize me? To be fair, it is rare that you, Jed, Neon, and Sophia see me outside of my usual formal wear!"

That's when Ash finally recognized just who stood before him. But that didn't stop the shock that ran through his system as he addressed her. "Princess, what're you doing here?"

"I work here part-time! It gives me a sense of normalcy with my people, so don't worry about not recognizing me. But I do have to thank you 'cause this is the only real food I've had today!"

Ash raised a brow as an expression of concern etched itself into the strong man's face. "You mean you haven't had anything other than a smoothie?"

Rebecca took another sip, smiling brightly as the little balls filled with mango juice exploded with the vanilla flavor in her mouth. She then nodded to answer Ash's question. "Nope, other than this, a bottle of water, and five baby tomatoes, I'm empty. But don't worry I'm totally fine!"

"Y'know Jack would lose it if he found out..." Ash remarked in a bemused tone, his sights lingering on the door behind him where the blond in question stood in utter boredom.

Now it was time for Rebecca's chocolatey sights to widen with surprise. She attempted to hide it by keeping her head hung low with her sights fixated on her already quarter-drunk drink.

"I-I doubt he'd care that much! But even if he did, that's the exact reason why you won't tell him. He'd have my head, and I quite like my head!"

Ash could only chuckle as he watched Rebecca's fair face begin to match the red of her hair in real-time. It had been a bit since the princess and his dear traveling companion had become more public with their romance, revealing how deeply they cared for one another. So to be a witness to both parties still getting so flustered in private was honestly the most astonishing sight in Ash's opinion.

"He'd only be after you 'cause he loves you."

A shy giggle hummed on Rebecca's lips. "I know, I love him too which is why I don't want him worrying over my stupid antics. That's my job to do for him, you guys, and everyone else!"

"What's your job, princess?" A familiarly gruff voice asked as the subtle wooshing sound of the store doors opening filled the air.

Rebecca nearly choked on her drink as she caught the sight of her partner's sliver of a smile. After pounding her chest a few times, Rebecca beamed back the sales pitch that was grating to even her, "My job is to offer you guys a credit card! You save thirty-five percent when you take the moment to sign up, wanna try?"

Jack's icy sights only rolled as he shook his head and firmly denied her. He then cast his gaze over to Ash as he questioned what his girlfriend was really on about.

"While I was completing the delivery, the princess revealed she's been working on an empty stomach."

Ash smiled at Rebecca, showing her that selling out her secrets wasn't going to be a bad thing. Rebecca, on the other hand, glowered at the warrior with an expression that was meant to convey she was going to kill him. But in reality, she looked more like a kid who was snitched on for stealing from the cookie jar.

While this silent confrontation occurred between his two loved ones, Jack's gaze narrowed in on the petite princess. "What? When do you go on break or get the hell out of here?"

Another shy laugh left Rebecca's lips, but this one was much more nervous than flustered. "Well, I had my fifteen minutes half an hour ago... So I probably have another half hour yet before I can clock out. But I promise I'm fine!"

Jack stayed silent for a good moment with his lips pursed into a tight line. If it was up to him, he'd grab Rebecca by the wrist and the two of them would already be halfway to ordering something from the deli around the block. But considering that she was the only cashier who was working and that his brashness would only upset her bosses, Jack decided against it. Even if a part of him did just want to deck the older man that was glaring at the three of them for not taking better care of their workers.

"Fine, but when you get out of here--"

"I'm dead meat?" Rebecca finished, cautiously shying away as her partner stalked towards her.

But instead of lightly flicking the top of her head as Rebecca expected, Jack only sighed and patted it a few times. He then let his hand fall to briefly caress her cheek, before letting his calloused hand run down the smooth skin of her arm.

"No. We're getting you something to eat."

--

Jack and Ash left shortly after their date was made since Rebecca's manager had begun to confront them about getting that credit card. Jack only rolled his eyes and left before the grumbly man could finish the pitch that was somehow even worse than his girlfriend's. Yet Ash swore that he saw Jack's eye twitch as the two walked out.

So after thirty more minutes of removing tags and bagging clothes had passed, Rebecca was finally relieved of her accursed duties. Her stumbling steps were so close to simply sprinting that when she met up with her two earlier visitors, she nearly knocked the small container that Jack was holding out of his hands because she was so eager for the hug she was robbed of earlier.

Before the two had even fully untangled themselves, Jack brought the container to his girlfriend's attention.

"Here, I went out and got this instead of just waiting around."

Rebecca curiously tilted her head as she was handed the bowl and the three made their way to a nearby bench. The bowl was warm to the touch and whatever was inside looked golden and creamy. When Rebecca opened the lid and the savory aroma swept through her senses, a wide smile spread across her lips. Singing the praise of the two men and snuggling into the side of her love, Rebecca only paused to begin eating.

Now although any passerby would think that Jack was disgruntled by the affectionate display, Ash could see the smile creeping up his lips while he watched her eat and the subtle way that his iron grip pulled his partner closer...

[the-storyteller-and-her-soldiers]

Let Sleeping Princesses Lie?

So just to let you know this takes place after everything here! So as well as being my guard, Jack and his friends are trying to find people who can properly serve as warriors of light and hope for the people! What better way to do that than acting as the 'threat' that the old legends speak of? Not many people know about this double life other than Empress Alys, myself, my close friends, and my other close guards! But when it comes to finding a fit for any noble role, there are a lot of people who're unworthy yet feel entitled to it!

Warnings: Some mild cursing, and one bullet mentioning violence but it's vague!

So it's one of the times that a prince from another land comes to visit. But it isn't for mere diplomacy, trade, or other politics. It's to ask my mother for my hand since he can't take a 'no' from me.

This normally wouldn't be a problem, except the guy's a pompous, whiny, and spoiled prick, who doesn't know what the word 'no' is!! It's his 37th attempt.

When Empress Alys and I learn of his impending arrival, the irritation and utter disappointment that floods our beings can't be hidden.

Alys tears up the letter and groans about having her weekend plans shot. I simply plant my face on the table, trying to even BEGIN mentally preparing for this man's slimy tactics he deems courting.

"Why can't we just kick his ass, Mom?"

"Royal politics, it's better to deal with one whiny asshole for a few days than the headache of stomping out a whole bunch of them in a war, his people seem nice enough and I don't want them harmed. Besides, you were banned from violence," Alys quips, earning another disappointed groan from her daughter. "Don't worry though, I'll do my best to keep him away from you."

This gives me an idea as I slowly raise my head from the table. I explain to my mother that she wouldn't have to keep him away from me if I wasn't around.

Alys is intrigued but recalled that we attempted this plan on his 15th attempt and he began harassing the entire capital city to find me.

"Yeah, I wouldn't want anyone else to deal with him. But what if I was 'kidnapped'?"

This catches Alys's attention, seeing how such a scenario used to instill anxiety the seemingly fearless woman. But now, this was a phrase used rather commonly when the princess needed a mental health day or simply wanted to be with one of her loves that held more of an unsavory reputation.

"And just who would be laying their tainted hands on my daughter?"

I look down again, not in defeat, but to hide the scorching scarlet creeping up my cheeks as I squeak out Jack's name.

Alys only giggles quietly at my flustered state and gently teases how she knew I'd fall for him. She then remarks teasingly that it has been a good while since I've been on a romantic getaway with him.

I slam my head on the table again before exclaiming how this is just for the prosperity of our people and our own mental health.

So after explaining the situation to Jack who seemed nonchalant about the issue but is more than happy both to have me to himself for a bit and to get away from the spoiled prince so he can't be at fault for killing him as my guard.

Within days, I'm 'locked away' within the Shrine of Chaos which honestly has become a second home.

In the walls of the shrine, and away from prying eyes, Jack's softness is truly revealed. He'll hold me closer, kisses of all types are more frequent, and that smile which is usually nonexistent is almost always present! All because no one's there to say he can't.

Not to mention that I get to spend some more quality time with Ash, Jed, Neon, and Sophia and I get filled in on all the adventures that we normally don't have time for!

Three more days pass and from checking in with mom, we know that the prince has set off to 'save me after she told him the tale of the 'Warriors of Light' and how she'd be honored if he were to defeat chaos to marry me.'

But we haven't seen a trace of him, and we should've at least seen activity from him a day ago at this point.

Jack tells me that I shouldn't worry about it and coerces me to just relax.

I do just that to the point that I soon fall asleep on Jack while watching a movie together.

Well, it's during my nap that the prince catches the attention of Jed who was messing around and sparring with Neon outside. So the two go and tell Jack so that everyone can get in position.

Jack takes his place on the throne, adorning his armor to really seal the deal. Even if a part of him is itching to punch the daylights out of the prince as he is for how the prince has treated me.

The scene is set, I truly appear as if Chaos has taken me hostage with how small I appear curled up in Jack's lap. But what no one approaching could see is how I snuggle further into Jack's lap instead of away or how Jack's metal gauntlets brush my skin ever so tenderly as if I was glass.

Of course, the prince wouldn't notice. His head is too filled with rancid dreams of marriage, what he'd do with his new status, and fear of the nightmarish creatures pursuing him.

But all that comes to a standstill as he approaches Jack. But instead of fear or voicing a challenge, he begins... monologuing... about himself.

Jack's helm is terrifying, but honestly, the prince is lucky to be viewing that helm and not Jack's face because if looks could kill then the prince would be suffering a fate worse than death.

Yet no one is more annoyed than me. To engage in an arrogant monologue is one thing that makes me hate you, to WAKE ME UP with an arrogant monologue is a way to make the fiery depths of hell look nice!

When the prince notices I'm awake, he begins going on about how he'll be the 'great Warrior of Light' and we'll be married once he 'badassedly defeats' this demon and all the things we must make up for when he gets me home.

One: I'm annoyed to be awake by this guy. Two: You do not call my love a demon, if I scold the people of my empire who I love for it, well, this guy is going to be turned into a burnt chicken nugget or SO HELP ME!

Jack notices that I'm .2 seconds away from casting a scorching flame. So he simply picks me up like I'm a small cat, places me on the throne, and goes to confront the prince.

This confrontation is actually Jack just backhanding the prince to the ground and then choking him to the point of unconsciousness.

With that handled, Jack goes back to me and pets my head before telling me that with this handled, we should be getting back.

So Jack carries me back home mostly, while we all take turns wheeling back the poor prince. All the while we're cracking jokes and the others are impressed with how offensive the patient princess can be.

When we get back to Alys, she promptly and graciously thanks Ashe, Jack, Jed, Neon, and Sophia. She then looks the prince over for anything fatal before shipping him back off to his home with a letter of 'heartfelt gratitude', written by myself, for taking part in the search for the princess...

If anyone were to ask, Jack and the others found him knocked out by a cactaur when searching for me. While the rest of the kingdom simply believes I was wrapped up in duties at the castle.

We may not know if this excursion has put off the prince permanently (Probably not) but he won't be back until his injuries are healed. Yet maybe, just maybe, this prince will finally let sleeping princesses lie...

Tagging: @canongf @disneymarina @floweringforgetfulness @goldenworldsabound @jellyfish-ships @hadesgoddess

[the-storyteller-and-her-soldiers]

LOOK AT THIS MAN AND HIS SMUG LITTLE SMILE! THOSE KISSABLE LIPS, ALSO HIS NOSE! AND I KNOW YOU CAN'T HEAR IT BUT HIS TONE IS SO PLAYFULLY SWEET AND SOFT! AND JUST I WANNA KISS HIM PLEASE~!

I'm so far under his spell that again I'm smiling like I'm helpless! Will I shut up? For now, maybe... But who knows

[the-storyteller-and-her-soldiers]

The Future With My Beloved (Dark) Knight

So as mentioned before I beat Final Fantasy: Strangers of Paradise! Not to mention that I can work the game's lore into my Royal AU! So I'm just writing an outline of how it'd work. (Some, kind of, spoilers just in case any of you intend on playing! But I did my best to keep it vague)

Tags as always: @canongf @hadesgoddess @disneymarina @jellyfish-ships @singingdeepinme @goldenworldsabound (Sorry, not sorry this man has got a chokehold on me!!)

Jack and his gang are from a kingdom unknown to any place in my realm.

All they know is that they want to hunt and kill Chaos and that the rest of their being is better off forgotten.

As they keep hunting Chaos and this darkness while meeting with me and my mom for info, fragments of memories and sparks of familiarity keep striking them.

Despite successfully eliminating sources of darkness, more keeps looming and seemingly growing stronger.

During these endeavors, they've all come to care for me and I care for them. I even go as far as defending them and their actions when other people begin thinking they're the evil ones.

Well, when these monsters break through my kingdom's defenses while they're away, my guards, a few friends, my mom, and I are all on the front lines to keep our people alive. I have pretty good offensive magic but mainly work as a healer for the wounded.

Jack and the others return in time to help us, and at that point they have most of their memories restored.

They've been through this exact cycle before, too many times to count.

The people of their home have been using my realm for their own gain. They've been the ones flushing such vileness into the world and sent Jack and his friends to regulate it. And if things go out of hand, they simply reset the plane and erase their warrior's memories.

To say that Jack and his friends are pissed is an understatement. But what pisses them off more is that the tragedy they witness has been seared into their minds...

I'm immensely weak from exerting so much energy making sure everyone else was safe, so with the wounds I've sustained already all it takes is one more to finish me off. This is exactly what I take when shielding all those lingering from an elemental quake.

Of course, everyone is losing their shit. The only princess of the Aster-Blossom empire sacrificed herself for the sake of the warriors and her people.

But even with my final breaths, I share a smile and a very tired giggle. (Something Jack usually loved to witness but now was just wrong in his eyes.) As I tell them I'll be fine, but "Heh, who heals the healer...?"

When darkness is mixed with such volatile emotions, that is when Chaos truly corrupts. And that is what Jack is going to use to not only break this cycle but break my realm and himself away from his old world

My mother and my loved ones find me right as Jack lays me down and leaves. They only caught the back of this 'monster' so they don't realize what and who it is.

But my friend Ren (which is @floweringforgetfulness ) is so sick of death ripping away those who she loves. In her anger, she forsakes her personal promise of only using offensive magic (MORE LORE WITH HER LATER) and unleashes a powerful spell that manages to revive me.

No one knows how she did it and once she knows I'm well, she demands no one ask her to EVER do that again. Everyone respects that wish and her guard Yone takes it upon himself to watch over her as we all head back to Rosenfield castle.

Jack succeeds in his new personal quest of BECOMING Chaos and infecting the link between worlds so much that his people sever it completely. He doesn't care though, the Aster-Blossom empire is his home now even if everyone ends up fearing him.

He does return to Rosenfield, expecting to quietly mourn the love he'd now never have. But there is no funeral, no despair (at least none as severe as he'd expected), and no noticeable difference other than repairs going on.

At first, he's pissed. This empire claimed to adore their princess but her own mother can't even host a public gathering in her remembrance.

He's prepared to storm the castle, rage blinding him. He's done with these false dreams, fake tales of happy endings, and all that shit. But as he enters the castle, Alys meets him right there.

Before he can call out her fake benevolence, she raises a hand and beckons for him to follow.

Jack's doing everything to bite his tongue, but everything in his being is clenched tight.

Though Alys simply escorts him to my room, nodding to the guards in passing to lighten up just a bit.

As the door is opened and they step inside, Jack is met with the sight of me lying in bed, surrounded by pillows and plushies and medical equipment alike, playing my switch

When I see who's come to visit, I light up and go to sit up. But my movement is very limited due to how sore I am and I'm scolded by a nurse for moving at all.

Both Jack and my mom rush over telling me to take it easy. Jack remarks about how I, of all people, should listen to those providing proper medical treatment.

I laugh, followed by another groan, as I take Jack's hand in my own and profess how happy I am that he's okay and that he's here for a new day.

Jack caresses my cheek, being extremely gentle considering he's engulfed in terrifying armor. Then he tells me that this time he's here to stay, that he won't be rushing off anymore, and that if we'd let him he wants Rosenfield to be his home.

Considering that Jack deviated from his orders to protect the empire and seems to be in perfect control despite the darkness within him, my mom agrees. But she does ask what he and his friends will do if they don't plan on wandering anymore.

Jack replies that even if he severed the ties to his old world, they may try to reform it. So along with protecting me, he's going to use the shrine of Chaos and his power with his friends to train other Warriors so that the cycle remains broken...

"Now princess, once you're feeling better, how about I spirit you away to my dark castle?"

I blush and joke that it's such a scandalous proposal, but it'd be nice to get out again before returning to daily duties. Alys, on the other hand, clears her throat and casts Jack a protectively warning glance.

"Don't worry, I'd have her back sometime within the next week... Maybe..."

[the-storyteller-and-her-soldiers]

Happy and Hopeless

I KNOW YOU'LL HAVE NO CLUE WHAT I'M ON ABOUT BUT I JUST BEAT FINAL FANTASY STRANGER OF PARADISE ON NORMAL BY MYSELF AND AHAHAHA My hands hurt but it was so WORTH IT!!! I'm just proud I did the whole game without lowering the difficulty, I know there's no judgment for that but it's like proving it to myself!!

And let me tell you all of it just left me more in love with Jack than ever! PLUS I CAN TOTALLY WORK IT INTO MY ROYALTY AU!! But like take a look at me 'cause I'm Mrs. Garland!! Just saying that makes me swoon!!! Whether he's a lord of Chaos or Warrior of Light, I love him and he loves me all the same!

[the-storyteller-and-her-soldiers]

Proper Treatment

Title: Proper Treatment Word Count: 1,494 Warnings: None, just a very socially inept knight meeting with a very socially expressive princess and the two fumbling around each other! Ship: Paradise Found (Jack x Myself) Summary: When a band of warriors return to their quest-giver in order to report and get a new lead, they are instead met with a different royal and an entirely different attitude! Tags: @canongf @disneymarina @floweringforgetfulness @goldenworldsabound @hadesgoddess @jellyfish-ships @singingdeepinme

Scarlet sunlight drenched the towering halls of the Rosenfield castle and caused the long-running crimson carpet to be bathed in a similar tone. This gorgeous glow also illuminated mulberry tendrils and cast a rosy hue upon them while the princess who possessed them wandered through these corridors. It had been a relatively easygoing day for Princess Rebecca. It began with breakfast with her mother, a bit of a review session with one of her tutors, a midday picnic with Ace for the castle staff in the gardens, and now she was simply wandering to her room to have some time to herself.

The castle guards lining the pathways promptly greeted her as she passed. When these guards had worked for noble families, they were lucky if they had caught an indifferent glance from their masters or mistresses. Many of the newer recruits would be caught off their guard when Rebecca would pause to discuss how they were doing and if there was anything that she could provide them.  While the guards who were more familiar with the princess's ways only smiled and thanked her for always caring so much about them before letting her go on her way. So it did slightly startle Rebecca to hear the clinking and clashing of a fully armored guard coming straight for her.

Immediately Rebecca asked what was wrong and what she could do to help. The guard in question, a fresh baby-faced boy who was no more than seventeen, answered immediately albeit a bit out of breath.

"The warriors- they're back from your mother's mission for them and their leader, I think he is anyways, is asking-- well, demanding-- for an audience."

Faded locks swayed slowly while Rebecca nodded in understanding. Normally, the guards would just deliver the message to her mother. But seeing how her mother was in a very important meeting, and probably doing her best not to doze off from boredom, Rebecca was the only available person to greet them. Mentally putting her gaming plans on hold, a cheery smile dawned on Rebecca's peachy lips as she asked the guard to escort her to the group.

Within minutes, Rebecca stood above the courageous beings who fought to keep her kingdom and its people safe. Yet instead of staying in her place, looking down on them from the top of the extensive staircase, Rebecca took the time to travel down every last one and stood before them.

Icy irises pierced through Rebecca's small stature when they fixated on her. The blond who they belonged carried an almost unreadable expression. Perhaps it was one of discontent, or maybe it was more along the lines of tedium. Rebecca found it hard to place with the larger man looming over her and the sensation of her throat going dry. Glancing over and catching sight of blond's much more compassionate-looking, rose-haired, companion seemed to be enough for Rebecca to regain her composure.

"Welcome back, and on behalf of Rosenfield and the Aster-Blossom empire, thank you! I take it you've returned to report to and seek more info from my mom?"

An affirmative hum buzzed on the tall blond's lips before simply asking where the empress was. With his piercing gaze no longer burning through the young woman and instead taking in the shimmering scenery, Rebecca silently took a breath before wondering if this man was upset with her. That was when that friendlier man, Jed, finally spoke.

"Don't mind Jack here, he's just itching to get the next lead on Chaos is all."

Rebecca nodded once more and allowed her tensing muscles to relax slightly. "Oh, I understand! Always looking for the next fight to win, though I do have to admit that it is rather noble of you! The only problem is that Mom's still in some meeting with some older nobles and only the Holy know how long that'll be... You gotta love old, rich people!"

Rebecca finished her explanation with a quiet giggle. It earned her an understanding nod in response from the moonlit-haired girl of the group, a grin from their fist-fighter, and a small laugh from Jed, but Jack's response was different. First, it was an almost inaudible grumble of surprise, then tension flooded his toned muscles for only a moment, while his crystal waves fixated on the princess once more.

This time, however, Rebecca's ebony gaze met his stance. Her beaming smile didn't fade but instead melted into one of tenderness. "Have you guys taken a moment to rest at the inn, or stop by a healer's clinic??"

"Nope," Their fighter responded while placing his hand on the rugged navy cloth covering Jack's shoulder. "Jack insisted we meet with the empress before anything else."

They all seemed nonchalant on the matter and didn't appear to possess anything more than shallow scrapes, but a small knot began forming within Rebecca's stomach. "So I take it you had some of your potions on the trip back?"

This time, much to Rebecca's surprise, Jack's gruff voice filled her ears. "Nope finished those right before killing whatever the hell was guarding that tomb."

At this point, concern began to dig its claws deep into Rebecca's nerves. "So you're telling me... that you haven't had any healing since BEFORE a giant fight?"

The group, all except Jack who seemed unfazed, were noticeably taken back by the princess's tone of genuine concern. So once again Jed smiled and took a moment to rub his chin before explaining that Jack had the best medicine. Rebecca tilted her head with a brow quirked while she finally took a moment to fixate on Jack. His clothes were rugged, his hands calloused, the only weapon visible was a massive greatsword, and his demeanor didn't match one of any healer she knew. Rebecca then replayed Jed's explanation in her mind and noticed how he ran his thumb over his lower lip before rubbing his chin.

"Excuse me one moment,"

Taking a step back, Rebecca's delicate fingertips clasped together in an attempt to contain her burbling sense of excitement. Her lips pursed together while she continued to stare down the group who were completely unaware of the impending outburst.

"Spit is not by any means proper medical treatment! If anything, that could do more damage by putting bacteria into the wound!! Then you may have to fight an infection and then that could make you so much weaker and--" Rebecca's hands flew to her heated cheeks to transform her rambling to a low groan of absolute dismay.

"Look, I know you guys may not care but my mom's gonna be in that meeting for a bit longer. So if you're gonna be here waiting, would you mind if I took the time to heal you all?"

Jack stepped forward and shook his head, taking in the sight of the small scrapes and black-and-blues that littered Rebecca's visible skin. "Look, Princess, you don't have to go out of your way for us. If anything, shouldn't you focus your efforts on yourself?"

"I'm fine, I get these from bumping into stuff and stumbling over myself. They fade with time in my day-to-day routine. Plus I don't spend my entire life hunting and killing giant monsters! There's a difference!!"

Jack quizzically raised a brow. He was about to remark how this all was unnecessary, but when he took in Rebecca's pleading pout, all he did was let out a sigh.

"I know you guys may just be hunting Chaos for your own benefit but still, you're helping the world be a bit brighter and lighter in doing so. So if there's a way that I could help you feel a bit lighter for the next fight, then, please... I want to.  So if you could just stay right here, while I go and get my spells and supplies!!"

With that royal decree spoken, the petite princess turned on her heel and rushed off for her needed materials. The group of warriors, on the other hand, remained still. They could only blink and glance at each other and the local guards as they tried to process what had just happened.

"Y'know, I can totally see why the people praise the princess now," Jed mused, with a wide smile that reflected the warmth in his heart over such treatment.

Their fist-fighter, whose name was Ash, only laughed quietly beside Jed. "Yeah, I've heard of warriors dropping everything for royalty but this is the first time I've ever seen a royal want to do that for us."

"Yeah, she's something alright..." Jack muttered, casting his gaze to the floor while the slightest sliver of a smile spread across his lips.

Although his fondness was well-masked to everyone else in the corridor, the moonlit-haired girl named Neon couldn't help but playfully question it. But it seemed that such revelations would be reserved for another time since the only reply she got from Jack was a disgruntled grumble telling her to shut it...