~Tristan POV~
I glanced at my older brother, Luke. He had black, ragged hair along with blue eyes that had icy tips to them; many times I've heard about how handsome he is. Our mother, Maple calls the both of us handsome though, but lots of people just laugh when they hear her say that about me. Right now our mother is just shifting through paperwork, and right now me and Luke have to get along while waiting for her to finish up. I walked over to him, hoping he wouldn't shun me like he always does.
"Luke?" I whispered softly so he could hear. He rolled his eyes and turned his head away from me. "Do you wanna play?"
Luke glowered me. "Why would I want to play with you? Get away from me," He grumbled, looking back out the small window. Why doesn't Luke want to play with me? Aren't we brothers? Doesn't he care? Climbing onto the ragged couch, I sat beside him, hoping he would at least look at me. "Go away!" Luke pushed me away from him, knocking me off the couch with a thud.
Maple whipped her head to face us. "Luke, don't you dare do that again! Tristan's only six years old. He just wants someone to play with, and I can't do that right now," She snapped with a scowl on her face.
"Why not? Isn't Tristan the precious child that you baby all the time? Why should I do your work?" hissed Luke, his arms crossed. Mom doesn't baby me at all!
She stood up from where she was sitting, anger hardening her once warm, green eyes. "I keep us under a roof. I keep you both feed. I keep you safe from those out there who'd want to kill you. Now stop being so horrible to your little brother, for Bright Scar's sake."
Luke chuckled. "Huh! What does Bright Scar care, letting us suffer like this? If she actually cared about her flock, then she'd pull us out of this situation and smite all those who did us wrong! Why should I put my trust in an immortal being who doesn't care for us…," He trailed off, shaking his head. Maple only sighed and shook her head, while I only gazed up at my brother with a terrified stare. "I'm sorry, I just…I'm really angry right now."
Our mother only walked up to him and patted his back. "We all are, Lukas. One day we'll be out of here, and you won't have to hold onto your anger ever again for such a long time…"
"After you," I held the inn door open for Violet as she went inside in a nervous matter. Oh dear, is she a cautious mii? I mean, I don't mind that at all, but…this might make the process of choosing rooms and talking harder. Especially considering how she's the leader of the group. I followed her in, hoping she hadn't fainted yet. Once she saw me she immediately clung onto my shoulders, shaking tremendously. Jeez.
You both could share a room, Bright Scar suggested, her tone suspiciously lighter than usual. Violet warily looked away from me. After all, it's cheaper and it is important to have a close bond to your teammates. Glancing back at Violet, fantasies began to whirl in my head about us. One where me and her became best friends, another where me and Violet fell in love with one another, another where we became just good friends, one where we become bitter enemies… My mind stayed stuck on Violet and I falling in love, refusing to think of something else. Would Violet ever fall for me? Or would I ever fall in love with her? She is rather beautiful…but I doubt it would happen.
Violet sighed. "I-I guess it would be wise if we were to share a room," She stuttered, a tiny blush on her cheeks. "W-Well, I mean, i-if you want to. D-Do you?"
I grinned. "Of course I do, m'lady. Who wouldn't want to share a room with you?"
"A lot of people who I don't want to think about. Can we please just check out a room and…you know, not expose ourselves to public? Someone might recognize me," begged Violet, a desperate and irate tone to her voice. Sighing, I nodded. "Thank you, Tristan…"
Rolling my eyes, I sighed, "You're welcome. But really, no one would actually recognize you. Just where did you come from that people would follow you all the way out here?"
Bright Scar let out a chuckle. You know, Tristan, you might actually get answers out of some people if you just do what they ask you to. Very funny. I wrapped my arm onto Violet's shoulder, letting out a small sigh. Hopefully we find a good room. And by that I mean a cheap room. Violet only rested her head on my shoulder, not uttering a single word. Maybe she'll tell me later. Well I hope she will.
Walking up to the counter at the back of the room, a woman with light pink hair was typing away on the computer in front of her. She had soft dark brown eyes along with cat ears of a darker pink sticking up from her forehead. She had pale, thin whiskers stemming from her cheeks along with a long and slim tail of a similar shade to her ears. Is she a hybrid? She must be, I mean just look at her! Regaining my initial calm, I cleared my throat. She curiously glanced up at me, tilting her head.
"Hey there, beautiful. Would you be so kind as to hook me and my friend here up with a room?" I asked with a flirtatious grin spread on my face, basking in the hybrid's embarrassed giggles. She nodded, a giant blush spread across her face. Her dark brown eyes shone with a slightly glazed dash in them as she handed me our room's key. "Thanks."
She only purred, her tail flicking back and forth. "You're really sweet and nice," She sighed happily, her starry gaze bright. Oh, if only she knew the truth…no, I am not a sweet and nice person. I'm just good at flirting with people, in my opinion anyways. "I hope you both have a nice stay!"
Smiling back at her, I began walking away while staring at the key. It had the number "103" on it. Hmm, hopefully that's not too long of a walk. Glancing back at Violet, the black haired thief was trailing behind me, her face completely red. Is she okay? Waiting for her to catch up, I rested my arm on her shoulder as we headed towards our room. She didn't bother arguing, as she only let out a shaky exhale. I guess she's just tired. Well, I hope she is. Headed towards the hallway that contained all the inn rooms, Violet nuzzled my shoulder and sighed. I don't blame you, Violet. I really don't. Soon I managed to find a door that had the number 103 on it; hopefully it's our inn room. Slightly nervous, I opened up the room's door to see two neatly made beds that seemed to have been cleaned up way before we got here.
"Well, here we are." I shrugged, setting my sword down by the wall next to me. Turning towards Violet, she'd already rushed towards the bed farthest away from us, beginning to curl up in it. She didn't bother to take off her boots or scarf; she was that tired. Walking up to her, I sighed, shaking my head. "Why didn't you tell me you were so tired? I would've gotten you to bed faster." Walking over to her, I set my helmet on the other bed.
Violet yawned, smiling a bit. "I'm not tired, I'm just…"
"Adorable? Beautiful? Gorgeous?" I teased, now sitting down on her bed. She blushed profusely, shying away from me. "I think you like being flirted with, don't you?" Rustling her long black hair, I let out a small chuckle at the thought of her actually enjoying it when I flirt with her. Like she would ever enjoy it. Violet simply got up and rested her head on my shoulder, not arguing with what I'd said. Okay, she's definitely really tired, because I have this sneaking suspicion that she would've had my guts for garters otherwise.
She sighed. "Today was…interesting, to say the least. I'm just glad no one found me out yet," Violet murmured, wrapping her arms around me. Holding back a tiny yelp, I allowed Violet to continue hugging me as if I didn't notice. She chuckled at my squeamishness, nuzzling my neck and shoulder.
Oh, Violet, I didn't know you loved snuggling with others, Bright Scar butted in, a teasing tone to her voice. For a moment there I thought you were a cautious mii. And that you didn't like Tristan.
Violet immediately flung herself away from me, her face a bright, rosy red. "I do not!" She protested, although her outcries were in vain compared to the way her expression showed otherwise. Completely flustered, she kicked off her boots and scarf as well as setting her dagger down on the nightstand. Wrapping herself up in her bed's blanket, she smiled shyly at me while trying to get comfortable.
"O-Oh. Should I get ready for bed too, or…?" I asked her, scratching my head. Glancing back at my bed, it didn't seem too bad sleeping in a bed by myself; after all, living in a small house with your mother and brother really takes a toll on you. But then again, I wouldn't mind sleeping with Violet…not in that way, though! She does look warm in that blanket, I'm not going to lie. And she did mention that she felt a little unsafe sleeping in an inn…
Violet sighed to herself, shaking her head. "Just go ahead and sleep in this bed with me if you really want to. I don't feel comfortable sleeping alone anyways," She confessed, blinking slowly.
Holding back the urge to smile, I took off my armor and boots, throwing them to the floor next to my bed. It couldn't be too bad to sleep with her, right? After all, she's…really pretty and sweet, from what I've seen so far. Pushing away the thought, I grumbled in my head. Don't think those thoughts, don't think those thoughts…
You are a pervert, Tristan, Bright Scar muttered in my ear. Violet didn't react, which I was slightly thankful for as I didn't want her finding out about…my less than warrior like traits… I laid down in the bed with her, getting underneath the covers. The warmth of her body brushed up against mine, almost wanting to make me caress her in my arms and snuggle with her. Oh, I really hope she doesn't notice that urge of mine…
I glanced at Violet, whose eyes were drooping already. Her amber eyes were sick with a glazed pain, as well as a mixture of terror. "You should head to sleep, Violet. Nothing will happen to you, I promise."
She held in her breath. "Promise?" She whispered, her voice begging.
"Promise. Now just…try to get some sleep."
With a grunt, I woke to the sound of a crowd chattering like mad bluebirds outside of the inn room. What the hell was going on out there? Glancing back to my right, I let out a sigh of relief that Violet was still beside me. Thank Bright Scar, no one found her. A wail of distress bellowed from right outside of the door. Letting out a tiny whimper, I gulped. At least, not until now. Nudging Violet's shoulder, the black haired thief began to stir as the commotion outside grew louder and louder.
"Hunh? What's up, Tristie?" She mumbled, a small smile plastered on the side of her lips. Her eyes were still dreary from sleep, but had a curious glow to them; they had a somewhat excited tone to them, too. Oh, Bright Scar. Why did I have to end up being the one to tell her? Her gaze widened once she noticed the noise outside. "What's going on?"
I held her closely to my chest. "You're not getting hurt by them, alright? I promised, and I intend to keep that promise."
Violet pursed her lips, shaking her head. "I thought we'd be able to get out in time before they arrived. I'm so sorry about this Tristan, you really don't deserve to be caught up in my…falsely accused crime. Come on, we need to find a way to escape now."
"Wait, how? The door's barricaded, and we definitely can't get downstairs to see that beautiful hybrid, now can we…," I muttered to myself.
The Chosen Hero rolled her eyes. "Are you kidding me? Thinking about some random woman you flirted with last night when our lives are at stake?! Honestly, Tristan, are you an idiot?"
I chuckled. "Maybe, but at least I don't go all moony eyed over someone I hardly know when sharing a bed." Violet's amber gaze hardened, as if she was about to smack me in the face. She then sighed and shook her head in defeat. "It's alright. My abs are prreeeeeettttyyyyy hard to resist; no one can beat a six pack. It's chill."
Violet slapped her forehead. "You know, instead of admiring that flab you call a 'six pack', why don't you help me find a way out before we're caught?!" She snapped, her voice beginning to raise just a bit.
"Touche, Vivi. Touche," I grumbled underneath my breath, waltzing over to the window. "Did you even think of the window?"
She whipped her head to face me. "The window? I-I…no- YES! Just…let's get out for now, and never return." Violet pushed me over to the window once I'd collected all my stuff. "You first."
"Violet, it's not even open!"
"Then open it yourself. We either live or die, buddy."
"B-But-"
JUST OPEN THE DAMN WINDOW, TRISTAN! Bright Scar cursed at me, her anger finally boiling over. Man, she must have a lot of patience to deal with us. With a whimper, I leaped through the glass window and landed on the ground with a thump. Looking up, I suddenly realized that the distance wasn't too far… Rubbing my head with my hand, I groaned. Blood trickled from my forehead, and a dizzying sensation washed over me.
From what I could tell, Violet gracefully landed next to me, which I was unsure if she managed that jump because she's a thief or because she's done this before. Probably both. Her relieved expression soon turned to worry once her shocked and bewildered gaze was set upon me. Please, Violet…I really don't think there's too much reason to worry.
Violet was breathing heavily. "Oh, Bright Scar Tristan… If I'd known…oh, damn it…" Her gentle dove-like coos were drowned out by the ringing in my ears. Grunting and groaning, I tried to keep myself from lashing at Violet on accident as she picked me up in her arms. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean…"
Bright Scar let out a tiny growl. Those people chasing you are insane, Violet. I'll tell you that much. First things first, we should flee and head to somewhere safe for the time being. That's where your quest shall truly begin. I was hardly listening to their conversation, drifting in and out of it. I could tell Violet was running and briefly walking as to be careful while holding me. Soon she stopped for a moment to catch her breath.
"So, where is this place anyways?" Violet asked, sighing a bit to herself.
Deep in the Strange Grove, where the wicked one resides.
A/N: Instead of doing the reviews at the top, I decided, "Nah this is easier." and did this instead. XD Hope y'all don't mind.
Fireking492: Ah, thanks! I hope it's just as good as the original Violetsbane. :3
Midnight: Oof, it's not really a main plot difference persay, but you could call this a sort of rewrite of Violetsbane but also an AU because it's the original plot I wanted to do instead. I love both Triolet and Violetfire, I also ship myself some good Vivy (VioletxIvy) and Violly (VioletxHolly), but hehehe...Violet's just really compatible with most of her team, just saying... :P
Cottonflower: Oof you seem to have managed to caught up now, but heheheee...let's just say you caught this fanfic at the right time. :P And thanks!
Also, I may or may not be starting a collab Miitopia story soon but it probably won't be out for a while...I'm going to be working on it with 9 others (yeppers that's a lot and that's why lovely discord exists). Anyways, some random trivia for this chapter:
~Violet and Tristan were originally going to head to the Riverdeep Cavern instead of the Strange Grove, but Marrowfrost realized he didn't want his characters to get their butts kicked yet so he was merciful.
~Bright Scar was going to have fewer lines in this chapter.
~Tristan was originally going to be deadpan flirting with both Violet and the female cat hybrid at the same time. There was also the idea of him basically hitting on a few others in this chapter, but it was already around 2,628 words by the time it was finished.
~This chapter was originally going to be longer until Marrowfrost realized what the word count was, and his set plan for this story is around 2300-3700 words per chapter. He was really lazy and didn't feel like dragging on Tristan's POV on any longer.
