A/N: This was written 3 years ago, when life was a lil kinder. It was kinda good so I thought maybe uploading it would be better than to rot in this laptop forever haha
Sharing is caring. Warning: Minor character deaths
DISCLAIMER: I don't own the anime Demashitaa! PowerPuff Girls Z. The places are all fiction. All made up by me. No creatures were harmed in the making of this story.
AU: The Fox's Hound
∞Ch. 1: Acquaintances∞
It was on a late afternoon. The creamy orange sky painted the town in sepia. The sunset's light pushing through the clouds was reflected by the windows of the known Vorenshiore Palace.
As vast as the palace was, little were the people inside. Three children were tackling each other, tumbling and then running after another in the courtyard. Despite the fact that they almost ate dirt and got hurt, they were still enjoying. After sometime, the blonde kid slid and dove right into a puddle. Small snickers and laughter were heard.
"Disgusting." Standing on a balcony was a tall young woman who looked like in her twenties. She too was blonde. Half of her hair was tied in a bun adorned with a golden flower pin. She left the lower part free and let her big curls fall an inch below her neck.
She moved her chestnut-colored eyes on the person beside her who left out a soft giggle. "Honestly, Camilia." She scolded forming a scowl on her face. "Your son should be in his room finishing his cla-"
"Oh Cornelia… He's still five." Camilia spoke gently with her azure eyes focused on the said boy. "I don't want to ruin his childhood." She got up from her seat seeing her son nearing her. Camilia is shorter than Cornelia for about three inches. She wore her wavy bright blonde hair down. Somehow, everything about her was bright.
She gave her teary-eyed son a proud smile while patting his head. "You're alright! Let's get you cleaned." The boy sniffed and nodded.
"Boys, clean up time!"
"But dad isn't even here yet!" A raven-haired boy responded then groaned as he saw his amber-haired companion run right pass through him while snickering. "Race ya!"
Crumbles of biscuits fell on a huge peach carpet as the three boys busily munched their snacks. They sat on the carpet while waiting for their fathers' return. "I bet you I can eat that whole!" The amber-headed boy taunted as he pointed towards a huge muffin.
"I bet you I can do it faster!" The pale young boy argued keeping his deep green eyes on his rival. The bubbly boy just laughed while cheered on both of them. Before they could finish, a knock on the door disturbed them.
"Pardon me your majesty, I am here to inform-" The announcer was interrupted by a small squeak that possibly came from the prince. "Daddy is here!" He shot up and ran towards the door, opening it abruptly. The man behind the door had seen this coming. He moved back to allow the door to open freely without him getting in the way. It was almost every week that these things happen. The man just sighed after seeing the little boy run towards the great hall. Eventually, a pair of boys followed.
Upon entering the hall, three men stood near the door. It looks like they had just arrived and were having a serious conversation. The blonde boy took notice and interjected in delight. "Daddy!"
Upon hearing his son, he turned and gave him a gentle smile just as his mother would. The King had a slight long auburn hair and had deep blue eyes like his son. "How's my little Boomer?" Seeing that Boomer had some scars and plasters he made a worried look.
"This is nothing, Daddy!" The little boy beamed. "I'm a grown boy now! I didn't cry!" He looked so proud while saying it. The King stooped down and patted his head. "Yes, you're a strong boy and you will become a strong man!"
"Well, I'll be stronger! Like my dad!" The raven-haired boy happily jumps at his father. "I'm gonna be like you!" His father laughed and carried him up high. "Make me proud son!" Both of them laughed. "Because I'm Butch! And Butch means manly!"
The amber-haired boy just looked at his father. His red fiery eyes were focused on some papers. His father is the identical twin of the King. Their only difference was their eyes. His father fell in love in working not as a King but as a business man. He liked travelling a lot which made his son grew further away. Later on he asked, "Is mom home?"
"Oh? Ah… yes." He squinted at his son and got back to reading or checking the papers. "Dylan. I think we should discuss… now." He had that stern look. Sure, he was fitted to be the King. Dylan, his brother/King, nodded and told the boys to go and wait with the Queen. The children understood and moved along.
"Ma!" A kid with a green and somewhat spiked up hair whined. He scrunched up his nose as he faced the woman before him. "Why do I have to babysit again!?"
"It will be just for a short while." She smiled dearly at him.
"But she's a monster…" The little soon-to-be guardian pouted silently but was still heard.
"Dai!" She raised her tone a bit and sighed. She stooped down and looked at her son's emerald eyes. "Don't ever compare us to them. Understood?"
"I didn't mean it!" He reasoned and his mother just laughed and patted his head. Suddenly their door opened revealing a small girl. A dirty one.
"He threw me on the pond!" The little girl pointed at Dai who was sticking his tongue out to her.
"Well! You pushed me first!" They bickered.
"It was an accident!" She ran towards her mother crying. "Mommy, Dai's being mean!"
Dai scoffed and his mom pinched his cheek. She caressed the little girl's head. "Now, you two get along or you won't have any dessert tonight." When their mother turned around to finish her chores, the little girl smirked and stuck her tongue out. "Meheh. You got pinched."
Dai just stormed off to his room ignoring her comment.
The little girl snickered and turned her attention to her mom. She went up to the seat that was too tall for her but couldn't manage to sit on it. She pouted and helped her chin rest on the table top. "Mom?"
"Yes, dear?"
"What are you doing?" It was obvious that she was keeping her tiptoed position in balance.
"Kaoru, why don't you play with your brother, hm?" Her mother was focused with her curry. "The food won't be ready any soon."
She rested her left cheek on the wooden table. "Eeh… but he hates me."
Her mom sighed but giggled. "No, he doesn't… well, you could go up and apologize. It's not polite to lie and push people around."
She saw her daughter pout and head towards Dai's room.
Kaoru knocked on her brother's door and apologized. "I'm sorry, big brother." There was no response so she knocked again. "I'm sorry… don't hate me." She tried again worriedly.
Inside the room, Dai sighed and got up. Opening the door, he saw his little sis was about to cry. "Yeah, yeah. It's okay. Don't cry cuz you'll be loud again." He patted her head and she hugged him.
"Aww. That's adorable!" A man's voice bellowed. They both turned at their side and exclaimed. "Dad!"
"Daddy!" Kaoru had jumped on the man before them.
The man chuckled and hugged her tightly. "C-can't b-brea-"
"Oh! Sorry sorry!" He loosened and kissed his daughters cheek. "How's my little sweetheart?"
"Fine, daddy-o." She pinched his cheeks. "How about you?"
"Great as always! Especially when I get to see the family again." He exclaimed as he scooped Dai up too and gave them a warm embrace. Dai protested at first but he let it happen as he too missed his dad.
"And you're just right in time for dinner." Their mother piped in.
"I miss you too dear." Their dad put them down and moved to peck his wife. "I miss you more." She responded.
The two kids at their back made gag faces and their parents laughed it off.
"We scouted the area in Scandiva and there were no signs of the fox people." Butch's father, Ethan, spoke out.
"How about south of our kingdom?" Dylan looked over to his brother.
"Lochsen. I've sent some troops there and they would be back for 2 days." Reo, his brother and also the father of Brick, responded.
"We can't go further with the expedition yet. I still don't trust our neighbouring kingdoms." The King spoke up. "I've yet to speak with Heartcrest's King."
"I've heard they've got a daughter. Why not bring your son along?" Reo had something up in mind.
"And a friendship might bloom, making two kingdoms swear in allegiance?" Dylan guessed.
"Or maybe something more…"
"Well, maybe I could bring my son too." Ethan had suggested and the King nodded.
"I bet he's lonely without you around." The King smiled worriedly. "Oh, Reo, you could bring your son too."
"I doubt he would come." He said shifting his focus on the map lying before them in a huge table.
"Why not?"
"He'll miss his mother."
Next day has passed and Boomer was up early, excited that he will be together with his father in an "expedition".
They were now in the carriage with the two boys seated across each other. Reo and Ethan were in another carriage behind them. Dylan was with his son and Butch.
"Are we there yet?" The pale kid groaned. Dylan sighed and couldn't count how many times the kid said it with his usual bored tone. "We'll get there soon." He smiled optimistically.
"So where are we heading, father?" Boomer looked at him in the eyes.
"We're going to meet the King and Queen of Heartcrest." He patted his head. "I hope you'll get along with the Princess."
"A girl?" Butch had stressed the 'girl' word. "Just a girl?"
"What's wrong with that?" Boomer got confused.
"I thought we were going to fight monsters!" Butch pouted. "This is boring."
The man chuckled and focused on the road. "Oh. I think we're here."
The two kids briskly placed their faces on the glass window. "Whoa…" Both chorused in awe.
The place was larger than theirs and it was very colorful. The feeling of warmth and romance swarmed the area. It was alive with fiery dancers that seem to stand out with their red clothing. Butch thought the place was eerie because there were couples everywhere. There were too many people unlike their place. He didn't mind it though.
"There are so many people." Boomer commented.
"I think they're having a festival of some sort." Dylan smiled as the carriage went to a stop.
"Yes! We're here!" Butch had exclaimed. The door was opened by someone. The servant got shocked as Butch jumped out of the carriage. Dylan and the Prince followed after but not jumping out.
They were welcomed by two maids. They were twin redheads. "Welcome to the Palace of Heartcrest." They cheered and bowed at the King and his companions. "The King is waiting on the ballroom. We will show you. Come, your majesties."
"The people today seemed more active than usual. Are you celebrating something?" The King asked.
"Oh, it is our Princess's fifth birthday!" She said giddily.
"Goodness! I should have brought a gift." Dylan said with a panic.
"It is alright, your highness." The other one assured. "All the King wanted was to have her little girl some company." She smiled at the young prince.
They were now entering a huge ballroom when the maids had stayed behind. They had told them beforehand that if they needed something, they could just call them.
"King Dylan Avadon Niche of Vorenshiore with his companions, Prince Kyle Brandon Niche and Lucas Earl Butch!"
The names apparently caught the King's attention and moved towards them. "Ah! King Dylan, I am glad to finally meet you."
"The pleasure is mine King…?" He offered a hand.
"Edgar." He took it and they both shook hands. King Edgar looks like a nice man. He gestured to his wife and introduced her. "This is Vanessa, my beautiful queen." He placed a kiss on his queen's hand. "Oh, dearest." She then greeted Dylan. "It's a pleasure to meet you and Oh, you too, dear prince and adorable young man!"
Butch grunted silently as he remembered the lecture of Aunt Cornelia about behavior. He was told sternly that if he continues his repulsive attitude, he can say farewell to being a great knight. Not knowing what repulsive meant, Butch disregarded it.
Boomer eventually saw a young girl approaching. She was wearing a pink gown that has sparkles on the top. Her hair was tied up in a bun and was adorned by a huge bow.
"And lastly, I would like you to meet my daughter, Princess Lianne Bridgette." The King ushered her closer to them.
She bowed clumsily falling over the King. "Oh, oh! S-sorry…" She blushed embarrassed.
The man smiled and patted her head. "It's okay young lady." He looked at Boomer and then back at her. "This is my son, Prince Kyle Brandon. We call him Boomer though."
"Boomer?" The Princess squinted her eyes. "I have a nickname too! I'm Blossom, nice to meet you!"
Boomer smiled gently and bowed at the Princess. "The pleasure is mine, Princess." He mimicked his dad.
Meanwhile, Butch was eager to unleash his locked frankness. He was itching to be mean and just be himself.
The adults went away for a bit when it was announced that Ethan and Reo had arrived.
"So, why is your bow bigger than your head?" Butch snickered while pointing at it.
"E-eh?" Blossom looked at Boomer. "Does it look weird?"
"Umm…. I don't. I don't know." Boomer scratched the back of his head.
"You are jerks!" She stormed away and went to the table where sweets had been laid.
Boomer nudged Butch's head. "We're supposed to play nice."
"That's your job, princey." He rolled his eyes. "Why didn't you support her?"
"Because that would be lying." They both laughed but Boomer felt the need to apologize. "I'll go apologize though. I feel bad."
"You're such a baby."
"And you're not?"
"Yeah cuz I'm a young man!" Butch said proudly, repeating the Queen's comment.
"An adorable young man." He corrected.
"Shut up."
Before Boomer could hear his retort, he was already moving towards the Princess.
"Umm… Princess?" He would want to apologize but that thought was replaced by something else. He saw her ate a bunch of pies and other more sweets, making her face get dirty with jam and powdered sugar.
"Vhat?" She replied between munches of donuts.
"You're not very Princessy—"
She gulped down and enjoyed a glass of apple juice. "What did you say?"
"You'll have bad teeth when you grow if you keep eating that much!"
"Why are you so mean!?" She whined and Boomer thought he'd probably go deaf.
"I'm just honest, sheesh!" He went away before the servants had pampered the Princess. He got back to where Butch was but he was gone so he just made his way to dine.
"I can't believe this! Hahah!" Butch jumped around and rolled over the grass. He was now at the edge of the forest that was behind the castle. There was a huge wall around the castle but there was a small hole enough for him to fit. "Oh yeah~ who's the man? I am!"
Slightly nervous but excited. He moved further in the forest. "I'm gonna make my daddy proud!"
"He's missing?" Ethan sighed and chuckled. "He's probably just loitering around somewhere. He's not that hard to find anyway… Sooner or later we'll hear some trouble and I bet he's part of it."
"Sire, someone has managed his way on the hole behind the castle." Some guard had delivered the message.
"What? I thought I had closed that hole." The King looked worried. They couldn't help but hear the conversation.
"This… person who went into the hole. What was he like?"
"A servant had seen a small figure entering it. She couldn't quite see the whole body or face since she was far away. She told me she saw the color black."
"It couldn't be…" Dylan looked over to Ethan.
Ethan sighed heavily. "He really gets in big trouble."
"This place is creepy." Butch remarked as he felt the forest to be so silent. Maybe too silent. "Hmph. This is boring… no animals or anything."
He surveyed the area one last time and decided. "I'm just gonna go home then." Talking to himself keeps him less scared. At least, that's what he thinks. He turned back and all he saw was trees. "Darn…"
"Now… where…" He sweated cold. The forest seemed darker but he was sure he wasn't gone that long.
"P-probably this one…" He went on and the grass grew longer as he unknowingly stepped deeper into the forest.
He stopped when he saw a figure not that far before him. He hid in the nearest tree and slowly peeked to the area. There was a small kid dressed in robes. The figure was squatting down. He guessed it was a she and she was weeding something out. She stood happily as she got what she wanted. Right then, Butch saw a pretty looking girl. Her hair was out of ordinary. It was a shade of lavender.
He remembered Aunt Camilia saying something about being nice to girls. She told them that if they see a pretty young lady they should give her a flower, a pretty one too. He shook his head from the memory and thought it was stupid to do that.
Kaoru's mom has asked her to pick up something for the stew that she was making.
She hurriedly went out for it because she knew her mom makes the best stew out there.
When she got to the place, she picked out the best of the spices by their smell. Her senses were more vivid than Dai's. Dai didn't mind because he had a sensitive nose. He couldn't bear the smell of onions and if he got senses like Kaoru where she could smell something a mile away, it would be hell for him.
Before going out, there was really an unfamiliar scent that she could smell. It wasn't bad just different. As she was picking it out, the scent grew stronger and she was sure that it was near. Her instincts told her that it was safe. Not long after, she went over where the smell is coming from.
S-she's coming! What, why, how!?I He felt himself panic and then he stumbled back a bit. It made a thud sound.
"Aha! Who's there?" She giggled quietly curious at what she'll see. She ran towards the tree and a flower greeted her face.
"Huh?" She looked dumbfounded when a boy before her showcased a small flower.
"I… I- You're pretty!" She looked more confused than ever. She tilted her head on the side and had a confused face. It made her cuter.
"U-umm… take the flower?" Butch handed it to her.
She took it and Butch ran off so fast. She was about to follow him when she heard her mother call for her. "I'm coming!" She looked at the flower once more and laughed. "He's weird."
She stared at the object at hand and ate it. "It's not even that tasty." She frowned.
ch.1 end