If any words are in Italic, it means it is a past memory. If any words are underlined, it means the character is singing a song or few lyrics.


It was quiet in the little town of Tempo. Sometimes too quiet for his taste. A tall man with eggplant purple pompadour hair that went down over his shoulders, broad shoulders, muscular arms and bangs that covered his Alexandrite eyes could be seen carrying a sack of produce on his shoulder as he made his way over the small bridge. His hair blew in the calm wind. He reached up to smooth it out just before his bangs let his eyes escape the void. Hardly anyone saw his eyes, not even a few knew what they even looked like. He smiled at the birds flying by as he crossed the small bridge that connected the town with his parents' property. It was just another day for him. Selling as much as he could to keep his family well. It was hard, though, for everyone. His mother had a good job at the castle, but no one ever heard anything for years. The gardens they grew were slowly growing smaller and smaller. He knew sooner or later, he'd have to find another job or marry into wealth to save his family. He was no doubt going to find a job first. The marriage would be in case all else fails. But he thought about how strange it was. How the crops used to be so grand and plenty to share but over the course of two years, it faded into barely anything despite Lewis taking care of it as well as anyone else could. It was almost like someone did something to the crops to be this way. Belle did mention that she saw some white light come out from the woods and enter the ground. That morning, the crops looked so weak...

Lewis shook his head. No, it couldn't have happened like that. Surely he wasn't doing enough or perhaps the farm had some bad soil. Something besides that. He sighed as he walked through the town to the market area. He smiled at the first farmer he finds that he sells to and pulls out what he usually asked for. Potatoes and carrots. As he laid the few he had on the table, the farmer sighed. "You're a good man Lewis, but I'm afraid you'll bring barely anything for me to sell" Lewis nodded. "I know, but I've still got some growing. Hopefully, the soil is good to me and grows more than I need," he said, fiddling with his white tunic sleeves. Soon he was given the money. Very little, though. "I'm sure things will turn for the good. You've always been good to this town my boy. Even if not many agree with your actions and discussions" Lewis gave another smile before sliding the money in his Mulberry jerkin pocket in the front. "I know. Thank you, sir, have a wonderful day" "You too Lewis. Say hi to your father for me!"

He waved to the man before making his way down the street. Going to each usual booth to sell the remaining produce. From apples to lettuce and even onions. During the way, he stopped by to chat with some townsfolk. As others started waking up and getting on with their day. Once he was done, he walked to the bookshop. It was small but the books always let him escape the small town his family moved into. As he walked, it was the same conversations as the day before and the day before that and the day before that.

"You really think I'll pay that much for eggs? You are absurd"

"How's your wife doing?"

"Your bread is old as bark. I bet I can hit it against a rock and it will break the rock instead"

Lewis rolled his eyes. What a small town. One of his hands slipped into his dark velvet cotton pants and let out a sigh. He missed Paris. All the lights at night, the stores he could entertain his sisters with, it was all a wonderful time there. But his parents wanted to try somewhere new. After all, the plague was arising. They wanted to keep them all safe and well. Lewis understood but hated leaving his friends back there. One did come along. His brother and best friend, Vox. A slender man with blonde hair, bright blue eyes that sometimes switched to green and teal depending on his mood, who's height came to Lewis' elbow. Now don't get him wrong, he was an average height around town. It was Lewis that was taller than everyone in town. Vox had been with the Pepper family for a while. Since they were kids, the two had always felt like they were brothers from the start. He was unique in every way possible. Growing up training himself for battle despite Mrs. Pepper telling him to never go to war or any kind of battle unless someone he knew was in danger. Vox had his back always, man how much he missed him. Lewis then noticed eyes were on him.

"What an odd fellow. Thinking women can do whatever they wish"

"I mean, his looks can't be doubled"

"But he's so odd"

He gripped his bag harder. Was he too odd? No, he was okay. Right? "There's got to be more than just a town. What was Mother thinking when she brought us here?" He whispered to himself as he spotted the building where the bookshop. Smiling softly as he walked up the two small stairs. He pushed on the door, seeing a familiar face. Dirty blond hair, muscular man, and bright green eyes. He wore some black cotton pants, an apple green jacket and some nice black Italian shoes. Way nicer than Lewis' leather boots. "Ah isn't it my favorite customer in this town? Where did you go this time?" Lewis chuckled and pulled out one of the books he borrowed from his bag. "I found myself in Greece, watching Hercules defeat all his trials. Quite the adventure I must say" He said, putting it back on the shelf. Putting his bag down. "Anything new Sloane?" he shook his head. "Unfortunately not Lewis. But I'm sure you'll enjoy going back to the old adventures" "I'll be more than happy to" He said, slipping a book off of the small shelf and held it up. "I did like Italy a lot" The man chuckled as he leaned against the wall, watching Lewis sit down to read a bit. He had to adjust his square apron and his bread sleeve his mother made for him. He usually used it for many other things but the food was for the most part. He always liked to read the first few chapters in the bookshop. Since he was getting to be too busy for his own time, he thought it was important to jump into the book right away to find the time to take a breath. Sloane knew this. Ah yes, Sloane. One of his close friends since the moment he arrived in the town. Vox had met them before and then introduced Lewis to his new friends. Sloane and Lewis were closer than ever since the disappearance of his mother, Vox, Sloane's brother, and girlfriend. Especially with their hatred of Brian. He did something Lewis would never forgive him for.

Lewis was in town with his friends; Sloane, Galvyn, Vox, Alice, and Colin. Galvyn was a slender, brunette with hunter green eyes, Alice was a slim blonde with bright hazel eyes that shift from light brown to light green, and Colin was a raven-haired man with a slender body and toned eyes. The left was a darker blue while the right was a lighter color. Many did not like this friend group for the way they looked. Each had a flaw that wasn't normal. It disgusted the townspeople. Today the friend group were planning on getting what they needed together as they thought traveling in a group would make them feel better. Sloane, Galvyn, Alice, and Colin all lived in town before the Peppers and Vox moved in. They four showed the two boys around and warned them who was to trust and who was a liar. Sloane works in a bookshop and is trying to teach women to read and write. Alice was already a skilled reader and writer but the town judged her for doing so. She works at the same castle as Mrs. Pepper as a maid. Cleaning clothes, rooms, making beds and making sure the castle stays clean. Galvyn works there as well as a repairman. Fixing anything the Royal family needed to be fixed. The two of them loved working for the Royal family as they were kind and besides, Mrs. Pepper was there. She was like their mother and they knew she would always help them. Galvyn's boyfriend, Colin worked with the blacksmith. Always fixes knives or weapons as he's not ready for the heavier objects, which confuses the group as he would seem to be quite strong.

Now it was a calm day off for Alice and Galvyn, so they decided to grab some things for their houses before they had to head back. Galvyn had already told his friends of him becoming a male. They all loved him nevertheless and accepted him. Vox and Lewis even bought Galvyn new clothes as a gift. That was exactly what Galvyn was wearing right now. Some black leather boots, a nice light red jacket and under was a black tunic. He had wrapped his chest with bandages that he got from the castle and had Alice help him out beforehand. They went to the stores and markets, chatting away like always but someone saw this before anyone else did. Brian frowned as he watched the group. Sliding himself there and crossed his arms. "Why are you wearing that?" Everyone turned to the other. "What?" Sloane growled. "What is she wearing? I thought ladies wore dresses and skirts" he said, pointing at Galvyn. Colin frowned. "Well, Galvyn is no longer needing to wear those kinds of clothing. He's a male and has the right to wear whatever he chooses" Galvyn smiled at his boyfriend, but before anyone could think twice. Brian was standing on the fountain stones in the center of town. "Ladies and gentlemen! We have a problem here" "Brian what the fuck are you doing?" Vox boomed. "That lady right there thinks she's a male" Brian called out, pointing directly at Galvyn who's knees buckled and he held onto Colin. Tears welling up in his eyes as he looked around them. Everyone was glaring at him. "It is a disgrace that women think they could do what we men can do and even more than a female herself thinks she's a male"

"Burn her!" "Disgraceful!" "Teach her a lesson!" Galvyn's breathing picked up the pace as Colin held him close. Vox growled and his eyes glowed slightly. He was always different but his friends never cared. Lewis frowned and stared daggers at Brian as he got off the fountain stones as everyone called Galvyn out for being shameful and that he should get kicked out of the town. Burned for being different. Vox lunged himself at Brian but was held back by Lewis. "Lewis let me fucking murder this man and make him wish hell accepted him! I will fucking cut you up and let the wolves feed on your body!" "Easy Foxy" He whispered as he pulled his friend close and turned to his friends. Vox was still struggling in his arms and looked more like someone holding a cat with its legs dangling off of the ground and its paws over Lewis' muscular arms. He hissed and cursed at Brian who was terrified of Vox. Anyone would be. He was a skilled hunter, after all, people that saw him hunt thought him to be some Hunter God from what he was able to do. Vox had reached for his knife in his belt and Lewis looked down before he could throw it. Lewis held Vox's wrist. "Calm down Vox, don't let him win," He said before turning his body to his friends. "Let's get out of here guys" Vox climbed over Lewis' shoulder and his big friend managed to hold him steady there as he tried carefully to cut Brian from Lewis' shoulder as they walked back to the Pepper Residence. Where Mrs. Pepper held Galvyn and comforted her as Mr. Pepper got the story and had to hold his daughters from escaping the house and getting revenge.

Galvyn didn't leave his house for days. He stayed inside despite being needed in the castle. Mrs. Pepper and Alice explained what happened to the Royal Family and Lance was disappointed what had happened but understood and gave Galvyn as much time as he needed. Colin kept working hard and even tried buying more clothes for Galvyn. But he refused. When he finally went back to work, he had to cross the town to get to the path. Even with his short hair, he was wearing one of his old dresses. Everyone called him names as he passed through with Alice and Mrs. Pepper. Who both sassed anyone who came close. It was weeks until Galvyn tried wearing a thin skirt and a manlier shirt. His friends and boyfriend saw the pain he was in and hated seeing him like that. He wasn't even better when he disappeared. He was slowly getting to accept his self and not care about the townspeople. Colin was so sad when Galvyn never returned. He sobbed with Sloane as they were comforted by Lewis. Who was trying tp stay brave for his friends as they held onto him but he lost a mother and a brother. It took a while for either male to get up and continue on. Colin worked harder than ever before to get enough money to travel everywhere he could to find Galvyn. Sloane sold his favorite books to get more books for learners and tried teaching people to read and write to get some extra money. Of course, he tried teaching women and little girls but he was scolded by the priest for doing the Devil's work and had to stop if he wanted to keep his bookshop. Lewis had to work in the gardens every day and every night to make sure the product stayed healthy enough to sell. His father spends his days locked up on recipes and spices to be able to win at the festival and earn enough money for months. But grief stayed within each of the males' lives. It scarred their minds even in working.

His eyebrows furrowed at the memories before slamming his book closed. What was Brian even thinking? He hurt Galvyn so much and then tried talking to Lewis after every day. It made him mad just thinking about it. Sloane's expression changed from happy to worried. "Lewis?" He asked, walking across the floor to his big friend and sat down next to him. Clearly, Lewis was still the bigger man here from looking. "It is Brian?" "Yeah, that stupid idiot just can't stop trying and it frustrates me thinking about it" He felt a hand placed itself on his bicep. "I know Lewis. Hell, I get angry at him just by looking at him. I don't even know if my brother is alright out there. But we have to try not to kill him, not without Vox here" Lewis gave a small chuckle and looked at him. "You know Vox would just murder him without us touching him once right?" Sloane gave a smile at him. "As if I didn't know our feisty foxy friend. He'll make Brian regret everything, hell I want to do that but I don't have to will to. Not with Alice around. She'll be mad at me for doing such a crime, though she'll probably get into it" Lewis gently punched Sloane's shoulder. "Yeah, she probably would. But hey, thanks for the book. See you tomorrow?" Sloane nodded and stood up with Lewis as he grabbed the bag and handed it to his friend. He took it and smiled. "Stay strong my friend" "Same goes for you Lewis. Stay safe out there" He said as he watched his friend open the door. "With Brian around? There's no such thing as safety," Then closed the door behind him.

The gossip started once again for the day as soon as he stepped out of the bookshop. Sloane always told him he could just hide inside his shop for hours if he ever wanted to hide from the gossip, but no. He had a duty as the older brother and oldest child of the Pepper family. He can't stop now.

"Did you hear about his mother?"

"It's a shame isn't it?"

"Sooner or later he'll lose all the produce then what?"

"Rumor says he'll have to find another job in town or marry into the money"

"Wonder who the lucky person would be"

Lewis scoffed quietly. Lucky person? His ass. No one in this town actually liked him for what's on the inside, it was all about his outside. It was mostly because he was the strongest in the town but also the most handsome around. Good looks meant no one really looking into his heart. Well, his friends did. Now that he was thinking of his friends. He got worried. No one is sure why or how, but Lewis was afraid something happened to them. All he knew was that Vox was going to the castle to pick up his mother, Galvyn, and Alice. But he left no note or trail behind. He lost three friends and a mother that day, it was hard for him to even remember that he lost so many close loved ones that day. It was hard for everyone affected.

He then bumped into someone. Taking a step back, having to see those flowers. He groaned mentally, why didn't he just pay attention and walked somewhere else? He sighed mentally, Brian surely kept trying didn't he? Brian was loved and adored after the war. No one really knew Brian as well before. Some say he really destroyed people during the war, others say he's a hero. But those that Brian bothered and spoke about himself a lot too, such as Lewis and his friends, knew the truth. He had a condition where his mind goes somewhere else during a battle. He changes into a monster. Lewis hated how everyone in town thought he was a hero. He knew though, Brian probably murdered and killed so many people good and bad.

He looked down at the orange-haired man with bright red-orange eyes. His build wasn't much, slim but he had some muscles under his clothing. He wasn't fooling anyone wearing a red tunic and brown cotton pants with a black jacket and Italian shoes. He looked really slender and barely had the muscles he would boast about. Lewis huffed a breath, rolling his eyes again under the void of his bangs. If only Vox was here, then Brian would run. Vox always followed Lewis around town since Brian had taken a..liking to him? No one really understood. What they know is that Brian wants to marry Lewis and only Lewis.

Vox glared at Brian from afar. How he hated that guy for trying to get with his best friend and brother. "Why can't I happen to find his dead body outside of town hm? No one will know what happened to him" Lewis chuckled as he finished up with a farmer and turned to his friend. "Foxy, I know you hate the guy. But killing him isn't the best idea" He threw the sack over his shoulder and they started down through town again. Vox grumbled and crossed his arms. "He probably wants to marry you because you're the most handsome in town. You know that mind of his thinks he deserves and has to have the best" He chuckled again, looking down at Vox. "You know it doesn't matter. I won't say yes to him and that's final" Vox looked up at Lewis with a smile. "I know, but still. Not even one little try?" "Vox no, I swear..."

Brian pulled on the sack and got a quick kick to the jaw from a sly fox. It sent him back a few and got the townspeople to gasp as he held his broken jaw. Lewis turned around and glared down at Vox. Who shrugged. "Hey, he deserved it" Before Lewis could even scold Vox, some people cried out. "Oh no, Brian!" "The poor boy!" "How dare he harm him?" They gathered around him and the Doctor came in to see the damage. Others glared at Vox. "You should be hanged for that!" "He never did anything to you!" "Someone get the sheriff!" Vox's eyes glowed slightly but were held back by a firm hand on his shoulder. He looked up to Lewis who had a straight face. With his eyes hidden behind his bangs, it was a scary thing. Some of the townspeople backed away as Brian raised his eyebrows. "Let's get home, it'll be dark soon," He said before walking away. Vox turned to the townspeople and growled before following Lewis. Catching up to him.

"Oh, hey Brian. Didn't see there" Lewis mumbled as he ran a hand through his hair. If only Vox was here, he wouldn't have to deal with Brian. "Oh it's okay, I bet you were busy looking out ahead with your height," he said, batting his eyes. Lewis gave a nervous smile before his collar was pulled down so they met face to face. "You know I was wondering if you've seen my trophies and awards in the tavern" "Nope I don't think I recall seeing your-" "Great! Then let's go and do such that!"

Lewis pulled his hand away from his collar and stood up tall. "I can't Brian. I have to go back home to take care of my sisters." "Take a break from them! I'm sure your old man can handle them" His eyebrow furrowed. Of course, he'd say that. God this town. "Look the disappearance of my mother and my brother is still hard, Brian. I have to go help them, besides, I promised my sisters I'd help them with the horse today" "And what makes you think they can't do it on their own? Besides, they're girls. Sooner or later, they'll have to learn their position in this town. You're a guy, you're supposed to let them work until they die" Lewis crossed his arms. "No. That's not what I believe. My sisters work hard yes, but they're just kids! They'll grow to be different than what everyone here wants them to be. I know for a fact my sisters are going to change things around here and show to all the others girls that they don't have to be good girls. They can be whatever they want" He said, tapping harshly on Brian's chest. "Now I have to go. Don't you dare follow me" He left without another word, leaving Brian with heart in his eyes. "Damn he's rough... choke me now" he mumbled, fanning himself as his sidekick came to his side. "But what about your proposal Brian?" She asked in quite the unhappy tone. Vanessa had always been a bright, smart lady. Bright green eyes, slim body, green hair, and a wonderful smile. But Brian had taken her heart and she was under his control now. She would do anything for him, anything at all. Pouring all her love into his requests despite never getting any love returned. She had hated Lewis right from the start of Brian's love for him. It was quite the love line. Both were pouring their love to another, never getting it returned. "I'll ask him today. Surely he can't wait any more than I can. Come on, I want to look my best for him" He said, making Vanessa follow him.

Lewis crossed the small bridge to get to the house. Looking up as he saw his sisters rushing at him. Jumping up and grabbing onto his jerkin. "Lewy! We missed you! Did it go well?" He nodded as the three little ones before hugging them in his arms. They were triplets and all were much different than the next. Belle was an outgoing girl who wore pants under her light green skirt and usually wore a tunic for the top. Her hair was a mix of pink and magenta, different part of her hair was the solid color and she loved it up mostly. Cayenne was a dark velvet red-head who's bangs covered her eyes as well. Her cheeks were spotted with freckles. She usually wore red dresses and skirts but liked wearing high heels for some reason. She ran fast no matter what shoe she had on. Paprika had two streaks of a pale yellow and the rest was pink. She was the smallest of the girls and always wore a smile on her face. Each girls' skin tone was different as well. Belle had a nice tanned skin, Paprika had caramel pigment and Cayenne was a mix of pale and tan. Their eyes were different shades of pink. They were all different but loved nevertheless. Though they were tiny, barely reached Lewis' hips.

Lewis put them down "Yep, we can go out to the market tomorrow. Let's get to Cubanelle." Belle and Paprika pulled Lewis by his hands to the stables he built with his mother one day to keep their animals safe and warm from storms. Cubanelle was Lewis' first horse. He had found the young horse wandering in the woods nearby the house. It took a while but he tamed her and gave her a place to sleep. Lewis had noticed she was injured. Someone shot her in the leg, the bullet went through her skin, bone, everything. His parents had watched him spent a lot of time tending to her wound. Taking care of her as she recovered. He had just turned 13 when she was better. Cubanelle finally was free, she galloped around before the small boy turned around to go back home. He stopped when she bit his collar and pulled him back.

"You can go Cubanelle. You're free!" He exclaimed. The horse huffed a breath before pressing her forehead against his. As if telling him thank you but she wanted to stay. He smiled before holding her chin. Closing his eyes. Since that day, the Peppers had Cubanelle helping whenever she could. Pulling, plowing, taking the family places. The girls had grown up with her. She was gentle to them even when they were babies. But she always followed Lewis when she could. Even if he was walking in town, she would tag along and protect him from any assholes. Lewis looked up to see the familiar colors of Cubanelle. A completely black horse with a spot of white on one of its eye. Kinda of like a bull's eye. Her mane was pink as the girls thought to try using paint in her hair. No one knows why but it kinda stuck to Cubanelle's mane no matter how many times Lewis washed it. She made a noise before trolling to the male. Nuzzling in his hair, before he laughed. Holding her chin gently, their heads pressed against each other until Cubanelle nudged Lewis backward. He managed to catch himself before chuckling. "That's my girl" he whispered before following her to the stables. The girls were just behind him as well. Lewis put down the bag on one of the barrels. Grabbing the big sack of feed for the horse and pouring it in the bucket hanging on one of the posts that created the stables. She huffed a breath before putting her nose in the bucket and eating away. He put the bag down and grabbed the brush laying on the barrel too. Brushing out her long hair and body. The girls all climbed on one of the haystacks and watched him. "Why don't you girls get some water for Cubanelle? She's probably thirsty too" They nodded, Belle jumped down to grab the bucket. The other two quickly followed to the well just a few meters away from the house.

She made a noise before trolling to the male. Nuzzling in his hair, before he laughed. Holding her chin gently, their heads pressed against each other until Cubanelle nudged Lewis backward. He managed to catch himself before chuckling. "That's my girl" he whispered before following her to the stables. The girls were just behind him as well. Lewis put down the bag on one of the barrels. Grabbing the big sack of feed for the horse and pouring it in the bucket hanging on one of the posts that created the stables. She huffed a breath before putting her nose in the bucket and eating away. He put the bag down and grabbed the brush laying on the barrel too. Brushing out her long hair and body. The girls all climbed on one of the haystacks and watched him. "Why don't you girls get some water for Cubanelle? She's probably thirsty too" They nodded, Belle jumped down to grab the bucket. The other two quickly followed to the well just a few meters away from the house.

Lewis chuckled before looking to the house behind him. It was quiet. Too quiet. No smoke, no noise. Nothing. He walked out of the stables and walked around to the front door. Up the pale stone stairs and pushed the wooden door open. Closing it behind him before a familiar noise crept into his ears. He hadn't heard that noise since the last night his mother was still with them. He walked down the hallway and stopped at the corner where it led into the kitchen. He put a hand on the corner wall and peeked inside. Watching as his father sat at the table with an open music box in front of him. Short blonde hair with pink sides covered his head, his eyes were a wonderful light rose pink, and he was a skinny little guy. Wasn't even close coming to Lewis' stomach. He was slouched, staring at the box as the music played from it. His father's arms were crossed in front of the box, just so quietly until Lewis saw him sit up slightly and gently ghost-touch the box. As if one single touch would break it completely.

"How does a moment last forever?

How can a story never die?

It is love we must hold onto

Never easy, but we try"

His father's fingers gently touched the picture in the back of the lid. It was his family and Vox all smiling as they sat on the steps on some old cottage with bright lights shining in the back. It looked like it was taken in a city. Everyone looked young in the picture, Lewis and Vox looked barely 15 and the girls were barely toddlers. It was before they ever moved or even thought of the action. Before all of this happened.

"Sometimes our happiness is captured

Somehow, our time and place stand still

Love lives on inside our hearts and always will"

"You miss her a lot, don't you?" Lewis said, walking into the kitchen and pulling a chair from the table and sitting down with his father. He gave his son a weak smile. "How could I not? I know you've told me there's always a hope and we just need to move forward knowing she would say that. But...but I can't. Your mother was the gem of Paris and I won her heart as she won mine." He put a hand on his father's back. "I know, you both loved each other so much it's hard to be apart. " He kneeled down next to the table. Rubbing the other's back. "Don't you miss her Lewis? And Vox as well?" Lewis shook his head. "Why wouldn't I? I think about her and Vox every day. If they're dead or if they're alive. We spent two weeks looking for them and we found nothing to give us a clue. Anything. But we have to be strong for the girls. They don't even remember what Mother looks like, not even Foxy" he said, looking down before picking himself up. "Mother would want us to keep them safe and sound. To give them a chance at any new chapter" Mr. Pepper nodded before getting up, his hand gently closing the music box, stopping the music. It was quiet again.

He shook his head and smiled softly at his son. "And how was the market?" He brushed passed Lewis to get to the stove, collecting the papers he had written new recipes on and what was needed to complete each one. "I sold everything we had left. Got some money for everything, it'll last us a few days if we're careful. Oh and Marcus says hi to you" "Ah yes! I do love Marcus. Even with such little we have, he always takes anything we give him." Lewis chuckled before picking up a rag from the table. Walking to the sink and putting it in the bucket of water. Rinsing it out and laying it on the side. "Papa?" he asked, turning to him. "Do you think I'm odd?" Mr. Pepper raised an eyebrow at him before motioning Lewis to follow him, walking out and into the parlor. He grabbed his sack and started putting the papers in neatly. "Odd? Where did you get an idea like that Lewis?"

He leaned against the wall, arms folded over his chest. "People talk, I walk by, they don't know what whispering is. I am no idiot, I've got ears and all" His father chuckled before turning to Lewis, walking to him and unfolded his arms. Taking both of his big hands in his own little ones. "Lewis, you should not pay attention to them. Think of odd as a threat. This town is so closed minded, they wouldn't know creative even if it slapped them in the face ten times." Lewis chuckled. "You're different from everyone else in many ways, but that is what makes you so grand my son. You seem like someone with such selfishness and greed, but you've got a heart of gold. The purest I've ever seen. Which is why your mother gave you that locket" He smiled as he put a hand on the locket Lewis wore around his neck. Not once had he taken it off. Not since his mother gave it to him. "Thank you, Papa. Though I am going to miss you so much when you leave" He said as he looked down at him "I know, but I'll be back before you know it. Besides, it's not like you have too much on hand" Lewis helped his father cook dinner and the girls came in. They all had a wonderful dinner before they all helped their father pack up everything needed.

By sunset, Mr. Pepper had everything he needed. A bag filled with clothes, essential needs, another filled with his papers and recipes. Lewis tied them to Cubanelle's saddle as his father kissed his daughter's heads. Hugging them and making them promise to help their big brother with whatever he needs them to do. Paprika held up the golden music box to her father, he smiled softly and took it. "Thank you my dear" He whispered as he put it gently in his satchel. Touching it before turning to Lewis, who helped him up onto the saddle.

"Now take care of Papa for me okay Cubanelle?" Lewis said before she huffed and stomped her foot, he believed that was a duh in horse. He chuckled before looking at his father. The girls all smiled up at him. "Could you bring me a new dress please Father? I want to look nice on special occasions." Paprika asked, giving her best puppy eyes ever. Even if she did not need to. " I would like a new knife to practice throwing please," Belle asked, making a throwing motion with her arm. "I'd really like some new pranks. Anything will do father" Cayenne asked, moving her foot in the dirt. Mr. Pepper looked at Lewis. "And you?" "I do not need anything Papa" "But surely you wish of something" He rubbed his chin, before snapping his fingers. "How about a Purple Rose? If there are any even growing" Mr. Pepper huffed a breath. "You always make it hard for me to give you something for all your hard work" His son winked. "It's what I do the best Papa" The other smiled "Take care of your sisters now. I'll be back soon"

And off he went. He turned back to watch his house and family turn smaller and smaller. He would miss them dearly. Now, to find that Purple Rose Lewis asked for.