Here's the third and final instalment of the Prospero Arc. After this I'll begin working on my new Star Vs series. But in the meantime, Adventure Time is owned by Cartoon Network, now enjoy.
Chapter 14: Prospero's Journal: Part 3.
Day 60:
Firstly, I'd like to apologize for the schmaltzy way I chose to end my last entry. I was really tired when I wrote all that stuff, and I was just so relieved that the Queen decided to meet us halfway and didn't make us lug Whipple all the way back to her palace.
So… you know, that's my explanation for that.
Anyway, we moved into our new place about a week ago and the first thing I noticed was that this treehouse is nowhere near big enough for Canyon to fit inside. Fortunately, this doesn't seem to be an issue, as my giant teacher seems content to sleep in the shade. Apparently, she's not as sick of living outdoors as she thought. Go figure.
At any rate, since the previous owners took all their furniture with them when they left, I had to do a little shopping. Which was pretty easy, since I had so much loot left over from the Dungeon Train. Did the whole place up in a short of pseudo Oliver Haddo motif. I've converted one of the storage rooms into an Astronomy Tower, the other into a Potion Laboratory, the old trophy room into a Private Study, and the ground floor into a Library/Workspace.
Did I mention that I'm seriously getting into this whole wizard thing?
Because I am.
Because it's awesome.
I'm a frickin' wizard now, baby.
I love the future!
I also bought a large saltwater tank for Whipple, which is now on display in the aforementioned Library. The little guy seems quite happy down there. Amongst all the literature.
Anyway, now that we're all settled in, Canyon says we can start my training tomorrow.
For which, I am super excited.
Did I mention that I love the future?
Day 63:
Been at my wizard training for a few days now, and I must say, with all possible objectivity, I am crushing it.
These powers. They flow from me so naturally now. It's as if they've been with me my whole life. Which, in a sense, isn't entirely inaccurate.
Though, personally, I'd like to think Canyon's exceptional teaching skills have the most to do with my progress. I mean, for the most part she's pretty easy going. She lets me pick what I wanna learn and when/how I wanna learn it. But at the same time, she puts her foot down if she thinks something's too advanced or too dangerous. A tender touch and a firm hand. What else could I expect from a Zen master like her?
Anyway, I'll be recording the details of my training in my other journal from now on. But I'll share this one little tidbit here since its of such deep personal importance to me.
On day one of my training, Canyon suggested that I make a Focus; some kind of seal or object through which to channel and better direct my power. Thinking back to my namesake, I decided that a staff would be most appropriate. So to that end, I cut off a loose branch of the Treehouse and carved it into a walking stick. Then I topped it off with a large sapphire I got from the Dungeon Train.
It's not pretty, but it works.
And more importantly, for centuries to come, grandfathers will tell their grandchildren about the Amazing Prospero and her Magnificent Staff of Power.
Prospero the Magnificent.
Prospero the Ice Witch of the Grass Lands.
Prospero the Good Witch of the Plains.
Did I mention I'm seriously getting into this whole Wizard thing?
Day 65:
Interesting day today.
Read an article online about these rare mushrooms that grow in the Evil Dark Forest. Supposedly they can be used to make Invisibility Potions. Sounded cool, so I went out to pick some.
However, on the way I got sidetracked by this really cool looking gated garden. Feeling curious, I decided to check it out. Only instead of flowers, I found doughnuts growing on all the bushes inside.
Naturally, I took a few jelly-filled for the road. But then the owner of the garden, a very old, very angry witch showed up to yell at me.
I offered to pay for them, but she was totally livid.
She tried to curse me, so I encased her in ice and ran away.
There's a heatwave expected tomorrow, so she'll probably thaw out by then.
And she was pretty slow with that cane, so I don't think she'll come after me.
Still, I think I'll avoid that whole area from now on.
Meh, who wants to be invisible anyway.
Day 68:
On a whim, I paid a visit to King Simon today.
Not really sure why. Guess I just felt like being neighborly. I mean, his Kingdom is just a stone's throw away from my Conservatory, after all.
That's what I'm calling the Tree Fort now, BTW.
The Conservatory.
Anyway, I've been made aware of Simon's… proclivities regarding beautiful woman, but his daughter the Vampire Queen assured me that the new medication she has him on keeps his more… kidnappy habits under control.
Besides, I had Canyon tag along, just in case.
Not that I ended up needing her or anything. We just played video games and stuff all afternoon.
It was fun.
Canyon had fun too playing with all the penguins.
She's… she's really into penguins.
Like… really into them.
To the point that its almost creepy.
Eh, whatever.
Simon's a pretty cool guy. You know, for a crazy old man.
I don't know why, but being around him just feels… right for some reason.
Almost like I've known him for years.
I wonder what I should have for dinner tonight.
That macaroni's gonna go bad if I don't eat it.
Wait, why am I writing this down instead of just thinking it?
Day 71:
Took a trip to the Fire Kingdom today.
Canyon needed some of their famous Sandalwood Scented Candles, and since I had never been I offered to get them for her.
Overall, I'd say the place certainly lives up to its name.
Lots of… fire, all over the place.
Fortunately, I met a friendly little fire creature on the outskirts of the Kingdom who agreed to cast a Flame Shield Spell on me so I wouldn't, you know, burn and die.
Once inside, I quickly learned that honesty is the law of the land in these parts. Lies and secrets are considered illegal within the boundaries of the Fire Kingdom.
Meh, no big deal, right? I mean, I've got no reason to lie and the only secrets I have are kept secret from me. So I should be fine as long as I just tell the truth.
Or so I thought.
After purchasing the candles at the local marketplace, I accidentally bumped into the ruler of this fiery domain, Her Royal Highness, Flame Queen herself.
She's a little younger than I was expecting, based on her reputation, and a whole lot rounder too. Apparently, she suffers from a rather embarrassing eating disorder. Poor dear.
Anyway, after I apologized, we started talking and for a while it was pretty nice. I find her sweetness very becoming and a nice contrast to her Kingdom's unwelcoming visage. And in some strange way, I feel like I've known her forever.
However, things took a sudden unexpected turn when the subject of what we were each doing in the marketplace came up. I told her about the candles for my teacher, and she revealed to me that she's looking for a holistic cure for her eating disorder; in the hopes of one day returning to her original size.
Wanting to cheer up my new friend, and in keeping with the Kingdom's strict rules about honesty, I politely told her not to worry so much about her appearance because, and I'm quoting myself on this one, "Fat people can be cute too".
Flame Queen did not respond well.
In fact, she punched me hard in the stomach and told me I was permanently banished from her domain.
The rules of this Kingdom are extremely unclear.
Day 73:
Couldn't sleep last night, so I went out for a walk around midnight.
About an hour in, I came across two strange figures making out under the stars.
One was a man in a white suit with a skull for a head.
The other was a woman in a brown dress with two snakes for heads.
After unintentionally interrupting their make out session, the two introduced themselves as Life and Death.
Wasn't sure if what was happening was real or not, so I decided to play it cool.
I asked them if meeting them like this meant it was my time to die.
Death just laughed and said, "Nah, we're just on a date".
Then he asked me if I was afraid of him.
I just shrugged and said, "Not really."
He laughed again.
Said I was different from all the other Ice Elementals.
Said I was politer than Evergreen and braver than Patience.
No idea what he was on about, but I thanked him for the compliment.
Still not sure if it really happened or not, but it makes for a good ghost story just the same.
Note to Self: Remember to buy marshmallows and chocolate for smores later.
Day 76:
Had a sudden craving for hot chocolate today.
Didn't have any mix at home, so I went to a local coffeeshop instead.
While I was there I ran into Slime Princess and somehow, we struck up a conversation.
It's strange. Much like with Bonnie and Flame Queen, I got the unexplainable feeling that I've known her all my life. Luckily, this time my encounter didn't end with someone punching me in the stomach.
Anyway, eventually our conversation turned to the subject of dreams, and for some reason I felt comfortable sharing some of my recurring nightmares with SP. Specifically, the one about me murdering someone in New York.
When I expressed my concerns about this being a memory from my former life, she told me not to worry. SP claims to know a thing or two about dreams and says that dreams are very rarely as literal as they appear.
For example, she shared one of her recurring dreams about making out with the hero Finn. She claims that the dream doesn't necessarily mean she's in love with Finn, but rather that she's attracted to strong, powerful men of action.
I suppose this makes sense.
But if my dream isn't a real memory, then what does it mean?
SP seems to think that my dreams are a manifestation of guilt and that the act of murder might actually be a metaphor for some other heinous action. Like perhaps betraying someone close to me or leaving someone I care about behind.
Sounds kinda iffy to me.
But I'd rather believe that than that I used to be a serial killer or something.
Day 81:
Had interesting dream last night.
This one different from the others.
In it, four people are arguing in a high tower.
A Pink King.
A Red Queen.
A Green Knight.
And a Blue Fool.
They are arguing because a giant comet is heading straight towards them. Death is almost certain.
The King, Queen, and Knight accept that the end is near, but not the Fool.
The Fool is brash and arrogant.
The Fool mocks the others for their complacency and strives to save his own neck.
But his efforts are all in vain.
The comet comes and destroys all life.
The King, Queen, and Knight die peacefully in their sleep.
But the Fool is wide awake.
The Fool feels every sensation as the comet's energy rips his atoms apart.
The Fool dies alone and scared.
Weird dream.
Wonder what it means.
End Notes:
Sorry, no worldbuilding bonus notes this time. Next time for sure. I promise. Anyway, I hoped you liked this little story arc and I'll see you when I think up another one. Until then, Peace.
