"And that is why we always have weapons lying around. You never know when hounds will come."

"I see…" Percival said, jotting down notes in his journal. "And while they are Maxwell's creation, they only really answer to their own impulses when he's not around."

"Yup." Melinda nodded. "It's just how they are."

"Fascinating." Percival chuckled a bit. "I'm going to need another journal soon. Nearly two weeks of studies and I already have one filled with contents about your world."

Melinda had a sneaky look come to her eyes before she produced a leather bound journal. "Consider it taken care of. As a sort of… anniversary present."

Percival's eyes lit up.

"Mel…"

"It's all yours."

Percival took it before hugging her.

"Thank you so much!"

"Hey, guys!"

Both looked up, seeing Robert waving to them.

"I got to show my latest invention! It's a good one!"

"We'll be right there, Robert!" Percival chuckled taking Melinda hand, heading to where Robert was. "Wonder what it is this time."

"I'm sure whatever it is it will be helpful. A lot of the stuff he's been making as of late have been rather useful around the village."

"Indeed."

They hurried to where Robert was, the man standing next to an odd box shaped contraption that had catapults attached to it that were spinning as steam came out of an exhaust pipe.

"Now what on Earth is this?" Percival asked, curiosity in his eyes.

"It looks intriguing."

"I'll show you." Robert looked off in the distance.

Percival and Melinda followed his gaze, seeing Sebastian standing not too far off near some scarecrows, a staff with a red gem attached to the end in his hands.

"Sebastian, light them up!"

Sebastian grinned wickedly, the red gem lighting up as he swung it at the scarecrows, flames spiraling out. The scarecrows were on fire in seconds, Percival and Melinda a little baffled at what was going.

What exactly is this accomplishing…?

Robert grinned as the device made a loud noise. The catapults were loaded with snow balls that came out of the machine's base and then were flung at the flames, putting them out instantly, the scarecrows completely intact.

"Tada!" Robert waved his hand. "I present, the fling-o-matic! It throws snowballs on to fires and puts them out in moments!"

"Well I'll be! Rob, that's brilliant!" Percival laughed. "It's perfect!"

"Oh, this will make summer so much easier! Can it be used to revitalize crops?" Melinda asked, an excited look in her eyes.

"Yep. Since the snow melts instantly in heat, it doubles as a watering mechanism. Just have to be sure crops are in range."

"Oh lovely!"

Robert nodded, a giddy look in his eyes.

"I must say the inventors around here have been so helpful in my studies. I still haven't gotten the communication device perfected, but I'm close. I even have a name for it now. Radio."

"That's wonderful to hear, Robert." Percival smiled. "While I haven't learned much here that can help me on Earth, I've certainly learned a lot in regards to the laws of this world and how science and magic can come together. Though I've barely scratched the surface of understanding this place. That's going to take a bit more time."

"Heh, pity you don't have the ol' dark knowledge." Sebastian remarked, twirling the fire staff in his hand. "You'd have everything you ever wanted to know and then some right there."

"Sebastian!"

"Pardon?" Percival blinked.

"Dark Knowledge?" Robert added. "What's that?"

Melinda rubbed the back of her neck. That one was harder to explain. "Well… It's something the king gives to people he essentially makes a deal with or sees great potential in. It's not handed out as easily as let's say the deerclops stomping through because there's too many beefalo - again."

"Ah… So it's a power, in a sense."

"Right on the mark." Sebastian chuckled. "Anybody can get it, just depends if Maxwell thinks you're worth his time. Mel has it because of her duty and such. She can casts spells no one else can and can make books that allow her to do so. All pacts are different depending on what someone specializes in, but one thing that is basic is you do gain knowledge of this world. It's what gives people a fighting chance to survive."

Percival placed a hand to his chin. "Huh… That's quite the interesting ability… Heh, you people are still so full of surprises."

"Just how we are." Sebastian twirled his staff. "I sadly don't have an dark knowledge, but eh, I'm fine. I've got my magic and I'm quite happy with it."

"And I'm pretty sure if you had it you'd find a way to be even more sneaky than usual."

"... Maybe."

Robert smirked, hitting a button the fling-o-matic, causing Sebastian to get buried in snowballs.

"I'd say definitely."

Sebastian yelped. "Why you little!" He grinned, producing a second staff this one with a blue gem. "Oooh Robbie~"

"Oh look at the time!" Robert made a break for it, Sebastian chasing after him. "I think I hear Andrea calling me! I think she wants me to help her with another device!"

"I'LL TEACH YOU TO HELP MY LITTLE SISTER!"

Melinda shook her head. "I better go make sure they don't kill each other."

"Good idea." Percival rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm going to keep looking around if you don't mind."

"Not at all." She gave a nod before hurrying after the two.

Percival shook his head, deciding to look further into the surroundings he was in. He hummed to himself as he took note of the some creatures running through.

Let's see… Beefalo… Gobblers… Koalefants… Least I'm getting names down. It's a start...

He found a rock to sit down on for a moment, making some quick sketches, sighing a bit.

That dark knowledge sounds like it could be rather helpful… Then again… What price does one pay for it? Would it even be worth it?

There was the sound of footsteps behind him.

"So, I finally was able to track you down…"

Percival looked behind him, his eyes growing wide.

Right behind him, was none other than King Maxwell. He wore a grin on his face as he came closer.

"I've heard a lot about you from Jules and a little bit from Melinda."

"Y-You have…?" Percival gulped, soon jumping to his feet, quickly bowing. "Oh! U-Um, M-My Liege!"

Maxwell chuckled, holding up a hand. "Please, no need to be so formal. I actually have come to talk to you man to man… or rather, man to shadow, if I may?"

"S-Sure." Percival stood up straight. "What can I do for you?"

"I've heard of the knowledge you've been gathering about our world and your relationship with my youngest and best archivist." His gaze turned serious. "You and your companion have been learning and inventing it seems as much as you can and I'm quite intrigued and quite interested in what you have to offer this world."

"T-That so…? I mean… Robert has been on the biggest inventing streak I've ever seen in his career. He's so close to completing the device he's been working on for months and it's great to see him progress. I'm sure he has a lot to offer with that alone. Me… I haven't really done much other than record things Melinda already has. I'm not sure how useful I would be in repeating what everyone else is saying."

"You have the perspective of those I've brought here. Your friend will find his way in time but he's not interested in my archivist. I'm asking as someone who could help channel that information into items the survivors may use to aid their survival. I'm asking as the king, do you want the knowledge?"

Percival's eyes went wide.

"Are… Are you… Offering me dark knowledge…?"

Maxwell grinned.

"Yes… If you want it."

Percival couldn't help but feel a chill go through him… yet… he couldn't help but feel excitement too.

"... What's the catch?"

Maxwell chuckled.

"You'll help create new ways for survival here and of course, swear allegiance to me if you marry Melinda."

"... That's it?"

"That's it."

"... Well…. I have been considering proposing to her soon… and… I want to be able to help her with her duties…"

"And she could use someone she could trust - and contrary to some beliefs I actually do want those who work for me to be happy."

Percival thought about it for another moment before holding his hand out.

"King Maxwell… You have yourself a deal."

Maxwell chuckled shaking his hand. "A good decision I assure you… Though I am going to apologize with what must happen now."

"Huh?"

Energy came to Maxwell's hands before he placed them on Percival's head, the dark power rushing through him. "For this."

Percival cringed, bringing his hands to his head, gripping at his hair, feeling the new knowledge take hold in his mind.

"Ngh! GAAAAAH!"

Maxwell moved his hands away, steadying the man when he stumbled. "I know it hurts. Trust me, I don't like doing this to those I choose to give it to."

Percival panted, the pain ebbing a little but still biting him at him.

"Augh… My head…"

"Easy now…" Maxwell sat him down under a tree. "Just try to relax. Melinda will be returning in a few moments. She'll know what to do with you.

Percival nodded, holding his head tighter

Maxwell turned away, disappearing in a burst of shadow magic as the forest grew quiet.

Percival stayed where he was, trying to process everything that was going through his mind.

All this information… Beasts… Shadow Creatures… Inventions… Guh… Too much at once!

"Percival?" Melinda's voice was heard calling. "Percival- Oh goodness." She ran over to him worry in her eyes. "What's wrong?"

"My head…" He groaned, looking up at her weakly.

Her eyes grew wide in alarm. "Hold on… Are you hearing any strange sounds?" She asked going through her supplies quickly.

"Yeah… I hear voices."

She produced a crown made of flowers, placing it over his head, bringing him close to her. "I was afraid this would happen. What did you do to make your sanity drop?"

"The king…" Percival closed his eyes. "He… He gave me something…"

"What did he do?" Melinda asked worried.

"Dark Knowledge… He said he wanted me to be able to help you…"

"He… He did…? Why?"

"He knows how close we are… He would want us to be a team when you become head archivist and if we… marry…."

Her eyes widened before they softened, keeping him close to her. "And you said yes… B-Because you love me?"

"And I want to be able to help you… Mel… I love you more than anything else on Earth and in this world. I want to be able spend every moment possible I can with you."

Melinda nuzzled him, a smile coming to her face. "I love you too, Percival."

Percival smiled, keeping her close to him.

"I have a lot to learn… but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to help you in your work." He pressed his forehead to hers. "To help others survive."

Melinda gazed into his eyes, stroking one of his cheeks with her hand.

"I know you can… Just… know that now this has happened there's no turning back. You have a work to do here now just as I do."

Percival brought his hands to her cheeks.

"I'm okay with that… I'm completely okay with that."

Melinda smiled, leaning in closer, the distance closing between them.

Nothing else to be said.

END