Midsummer Night's Dream

Part 2

Give Me Your Hands If We Be Friends

Continuing

(=/-\=)

Welcome again good friends one and all. Phoebus saluted with a vibrant smile. Let us continue this tale. It sure is a ball.

(=/-\=)

Jasper –Oberon: Titania's husband, king of the Faeries.

Paula –Titania: Oberon's wife. Queen of the faeries

Undertaker –Puck: Oberon servant

Ran-Mao –Peasblossom: Titania servant

Mey-Rin –cobweb: Titania servant

Hana –Moth: Titania servant

Elizabeth –Mustardseed: Titania servant

(=/-\=)

Phoebus sighed heavenly as he doth lie, in the springs of Titania's grotto, this is a great day. And now we return to her ladyship of the fairies. What delights await us…the results they vary.

(=/-\=)

In a luscious grotto filled with beautiful flowers was a stream of water bubbling with steam. The heat rose from the water in a relaxing mist. The fairies gathered round, enjoying the comfort. Lady Paula, with Elizabeth behind her massaging her shoulders, relaxed in the bath like water and sighed in pleasure.

"Never in my life had I felt so young." Paula breathed, leaning into Elizabeth. "And you, Elizabeth, doth make this moment all the more relaxing."

"I'm glad I am here to help." Elizabeth giggled, pouring some water onto Paula's aching shoulders. "What with his lordship giving you a hard time, I'm glad I can be here to relieve your stress."

"As am I." Paula hummed peacefully. With a stretch of her arms she yawned in exhaustion. "Alas our time together must come to an end." She stepped out of the water and placed a silk robed around her person. "Sing me now asleep," She instructed her fairies that fluttered about. "Then to your offices and let me rest." She ordered, resting on her leaf and vine constructed hammock.

Elizabeth fluttered from the spring, watching as her Lady was rose into the canopies where she could rest. A robe was placed upon her shoulders next, covering her wet body. "Mey-Rin, Hana, Ran-Mao," The three fairies called popped from out of trunk holes, "Let us sing for her ladyship so she may sleep peacefully."

Ran-Mao pulled a little harp from the trunk she was hiding in. "Sing." She said in monotone. Gently her delicate finger plucked the chords. A harmonious if not melancholy tune played through the area. Hana, Mey-Rin, and Elizabeth weaved side to side, loving the harmonious melody.

(Mai Otome)

"Let me tell of an old story," Hana and Mey-Rin fluttered to Paula, "Of a land that waits to wake." The two rocked the ascended hammock tenderly. "Let us raise up a light that shines, this in hearts that never pray." Elizabeth hovered with her back to Ran-Mao's, "I can see what tomorrow brings," Hana and Mey-Rin conjoined hands, "And my wish to become a star. To my loved one I must say, 'Will you please wait for me?'"

Paula drifted peacefully into her slumber, humming happily at the comfort tingling through her body. Hana, Elizabeth, Ran-Mao, and Mey-Rin all shushed each other. Tiptoeing on the air they departed to the forest, watching in admiration as their lady rested peacefully.

Over her head, with a bottle of red liquid hovering just an inch from her face, Jasper touched a hand to his wife's face, smiling menacingly. "To leave yourself so vulnerable – foolish indeed, My Lady Titania." Jasper purred quietly, stroking the strands of hair from her face. "Such a mistake bears consequences." He twisted the tiny cap from the bottle. "When you awaken and your sight becomes clear," Two drops fell onto her eyelids, seeping into the eyes, "You will fall head over heels for the next creature near." He put his mouth close to her ear, "Pray it be something of the most vile appearance." He licked her earlobe, earning a small groan. It enticed him to proceed. So he gave her a small kiss to her lips, then disappeared into the grove.

(=/-\=)

Within her bed Phoebus sat up from Paula's side. With a glare to Jasper he did deride. Betwixt a maiden with a potion of love. Such cruel antics.He whirled a finger, gesturing to the sky. This shant go well with the powers above. Gazing upon Paula he did think, Oh were I worthy to be one with this saucy mink. He sighed heavily and dropped his head, I suppose I should leave her bed. He slid from the bed and to the dirt below. We have more of this tale, so let us go!

(=/-\=)

Druitt – Bottom

Bardroy –Peter Quince

Finnian –Francis Flute

Taylor –Robin Starveling

Carmichael –Tom Snout

Maes –Snug

Ah yes…Phoebus whispered with a certain delight, our little play actors are here tonight. He descended from a tree by a rope around his ankle. With good old Druitt Bottom creating a rankle. He watched the six men fly by him with books in hand and smiles bright. Perhaps with a little luck, Druitt may become the true ass this very night.

(=/-\=)

"Alright you lot, gather round!" Bardroy summoned excitedly, placing his stage equipment down. A tiny dog the six men brought with them barked loudly and with elation. The many trees around him entreated his animal curiosity. "Come on! Hurry up! We got work to do!" His friends tarried not as they came around with the wagon of stage equipment. Bardroy stamped his boot onto a moss covered rock, standing triumphantly as if declaring the land his. "This green plot shall be our stage." He decreed. "This hawthorn-brake our tiring-house, and we will do it in action as we will do it before the duke."

"I agree." Druitt pinched some fungus from the tree trunk and grinded it studiously between his fingers. "The location is lovely, perennial even."

Bardroy groaned in dread and stared back to the blond haired man in irritation, "I'm sensing a but in there somewhere."

Druitt chuckled in admiration of Bardroy's insight to his character. "But I'm afraid there are sections in the Pyramus and Thisby play that will not bode well with our audience."

"Oh?" Bardroy replied, finding merit in his statement. "How so?"

"FOR ONE THING!" Finnian bleated desperately, trudging forward in a frilly white dress and bows in his hair, "I'M THE WIFE OF A MAN THRICE MY AGE!" Tear bubbles gathered in the corners of his eyes.

Druitt pushed Finnian off to the side. "No that's not it." Finnian crashed into Carmichael. "I'm referring to Pyramus drawing a sword and killing himself. It may unnerve the woman."

"By'r lakin, a parlous fear." Carmichael agreed.

Taylor interjected with an agreement, "Maybe as we're going along we can amend the play for the more fainted heart of the audience."

"Perhaps a prologue should be written for me." Druitt boasted. Maes and Taylor rolled their eyes, not surprised Druitt was thinking of himself. "One which gives the impression we will not do harm with our swords and that I, Pyramus, am not going to be killed."

"We already have that part written, you twit!" Bardroy snapped.

"Besides," Carmichael interjected, "The ladies will be frightened enough by the lion."

"I know I'm scared of it." Taylor mumbled.

"To bring in a real lion is out of the question." Druitt decreed. "Simply make a costume and state the lion is not a lion."

"Then we'll write another prologue stating so." Carmichael remarked.

"Nay you must do more!" Druitt pushed. "Have half his face be revealed and let he himself state who he is."

Bardroy swatted Druitt upside the head with his script. "FINE! FINE! We'll do all that!" He roared. "But we've disregarded something very important!"

"What's that?" Maes asked.

"The moon that shines down when Pyramus and Thisby meet by moonlight!"

"THAT'S RIGHT!" Maes blurted in panic. "Unless we build one, we'd better pray for a moon that night."

"I HAVE THE CALENDAR RIGHT HERE!" Finnian hooted. He scanned a finger over the dates and prodded the one for their play. "Lucky us! There's going to be a moon that night."

"Then we'll have to make sure the windows are opened so it is able to shine in." Druitt declared.

"Otherwise," Maes chuckled, massaging his head, "One of us will have to dress up as the moon." He laughed. "But there is the matter of the wall Thisby and Pyramus speak through."

"Bringing in a wall is a stretch." Carmichael remarked. "What do you think Druitt?"

"Perhaps we can put someone in plaster," He made a circle with his fingers, "Then have them speak through the hand like so."

(=/-\=)

Phoebus watched from yonder hill, finding this lack of rehearsal a melancholy thrill. That man, Druitt Bottom, doth have all the answers. Merely a way to gain leverage over his friendly masters. Over in a short distance he did hear… I believe I hear the knavish sprite draw near.

(=/-\=)

Undertaker grumbled and groaned under his breath, kicking the leaves from his path as he meandered along. "I work most of the night to concoct that brew…" He removed the vial from the pocket of his cloak, "And he decides to steal away my chance to spike Paula's eyes." He pouted the lower lip, "Party pooper."

"Take you places boys!" Undertaker stopped midstride, a leg extended out. "We're about to begin!"

Undertaker peered beyond a bushel of bushes, spying the six men putting together an odd set. "What hempen home-spuns have we swaggering here?" He asked with a mischievous smile. "So near the cradle of the fairy queen?" He cackled. "Huh?" Near his foot was a book inscribed with the name of a play he had once lived. "Pyramus and Thisby?"

"So hath thy breath, my dearest Thisby dear." Druitt recited dreamily. "But hark, a voice! Stay thou but here awhile, And by and by I will to thee appear."

Undertaker stifled a cackle beyond his long sleeve. "A stranger Pyramus than e'er played here." He laughed. "Too bad I have an Athenian youth to locate." Gazing up high he spotted the moon. It was in the middle of the sky. "Hmm…" His grin widened. "I have time."

Carefully and with light steps, Undertaker skipped to Druitt who was reciting his lines during his character's pause of appearance. Undertaker descended from the trees, hanging upside down by a rope of air. "If a man does behave like an ass," He draw a straw and a dart, "Then perhaps it is fitting he match one." With a tuck of the dart and blow from his lungs, the dart soared through the air and hit Druitt in the butt.

"SON A BISCUIT!" Druitt wailed, holding his rear. The dart vanished. "WHO DARES STRIKE ME!" He howled to woods. No one answered. Undertaker snickered at being able to stand in front of Druitt knowing he couldn't see him. "Damn woods!" He searched the ground. "Probably poked my rear on something.

"Something?" Undertaker laughed.

"REENTER PYRAMUS!" Bardroy howled.

"Oh dear!" Druitt fixed his hair. "Coming!" He ran back for the set, unknowingly dashing past Undertaker.

"Normally I'd stick around to see what transpires." Undertaker admitted to Druitt, though mostly to himself. "But I have others to pester." He skipped off into the woods.

Druitt cleared his throat, rose in hand. "If I were fair, Thisby," He twirled on scene, and bestowed the rose to Finnian, "I were only thine."

"AAAAHHHH!" Finnian screamed at the top of his lungs. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU?"

"What?" Druitt tilted his head. He looked to Bardroy who was just as terrified. "What's wrong?"

"O MONSTROUS!" Bardroy tossed his script down and fled the scene.

"O STRANGE!" Taylor followed after him.

"WE ARE HAUNTED!" Maes and Carmichael howled.

"GET THEE…RUUUNNNN!" Finnian tried to escape. Druitt grasped him by the trousers. The boy's legs revved wildly, kicking up dirt into Druitt's face. "What's wrong with you all? Why do you run?"

"THOU ART TRASNFOMRED!"

"WHAT? Do you see an ass head of your own?"

"No…" Finnian kicked him in the shin, forcing Druitt to release him. "T'IS YOURS!" Finnian ran as fast as he could and out of sight.

"God." Druitt growled. "The woods must have snuck something into them."

(=/-\=)

Phoebus laughed out loud, fall over into the grass. HOW HE DOES NOT NOTICE HE HAS THE EARS OF AN ASS! Clearing the tear of bliss from his eyes he rose to his feet. With Alliahnna and Soma Undertake must meet. Phoebus dashed and leapt through the wood. Keeping up with the story as he should. To Alliahnna and Soma Undertaker goes. He smiled widely. What will happen? Nobody truly knows.

(=/-\=)

Four hours on end Soma and Alliahnna traveled into the wood. Tripping over rocks, stumbling over twigs – the way was longer and more grueling than they originally thought. Soma admitted his guilt in forgetting the way. Alliahnna assured him there was no trouble. She loved being in the forest alone with him. But Soma thought, what with is being so late, it would be better to travel during the day. Alliahnna agreed.

The two found a clearing where they could make camp. Because they weren't married, Alliahnna and Soma decided to sleep a small ways apart. It took Alliahnna quite some time to fall asleep. Excitement about being Soma's wife made her heart flutter. Soma felt the same way.

Sleep had grasped the two young lovers in an hour. Peaceful dreams swept their minds into a state of euphoria. Images of their being joined in holy matrimony filled their hearts.

"Ah, here you are, my boy." Undertaker chortled, slithering from beneath a bush to Soma's side. He pulled at the clothes he wore, "Those be Athenian garbs if I ever saw 'em." He laughed. "Then this must be the one who despises the maiden from said Athens." Off to the side he saw Alliahnna hugging her arms together like a pillow. "That must be the fair maiden who seeks your love. What a pretty soul I see on the ground." He twisted the cap from the bottle and hovered it over Soma's eye. "So let this brew help you see…" Two drops on one eye, "The lovely maiden sleeping before thee." Two more in the other. "Ensure you awaken when I'm gone." He climbed to his feet, and tiptoed away. "For now I must return to my lord Oberon." Undertaker stopped for a moment and thought, "Oh I can't resist." He reached into his cloak and drew a black marker.

"WHOA! WHOA! WHOA!" Phoebus entered onto the scene, snatching the marker away. "That is not part of the script!" He scolded.

"Aw…" Undertaker whined. Then he pulled out a feather and whipped cream. "What about-"

Phoebus took it and pointed sharply to the path, "GO!" Undertaker lurched forward. Hanging limply as he sauntered off sadly into the bushes. Phoebus sighed gruffly, touching a hand to his forehead. "Aye me."

"Hrm…mmm…ugh…" Soma stirred.

"Oops!" Phoebus scrambled off into a tree. "Almost forgot I can't afford to be seen." He flicked himself in the head. A gloss flowed over him, making him invisible to all eyes.

"FOR THE LOVE OF HERA," Sebastian fumed, leaping from one branch to the next, "You're like a boil on my ass that I cannot be rid of!" Grell, exhausted and out of breath, staggered to a halt. Hands on his knees he panted heavily. "I charge thee, hence," He pulled a tiny pellet from his pocket, "And do not haunt me thus!" He threw the pellet to the ground. A cloud of smoke exploded.

"NO BASSY!" Grell shrieked. The smoke engulfed him, making him cough. "O, wilt thou darkling leave me?" Grell called to him. "Do not so!" He tripped over something, stumbling from the clearing cloud. To Grell's dismay Sebastian was gone. "Once again he has escaped me." He dreaded. He dropped his face into the mud. "O, I am out of breath in this fond chase!" He leaned on an elbow and drew in the dirt, "The more my prayer, the lesser is my grace." He puffed some hair from his face, "Damn Alliahnna. Living happily with her man, while mine is denying his feelings. Eh?" Grell saw Alliahnna sleeping in a patch of grass, soundly asleep. "Even now she sleeps so peacefully. I can't sleep like that! I can't even fall to the ground gracefully because of this ugly log-oh!" Grell found his foot entangled with the side of Soma. "By the gods its Soma." He crawled to his hands and knees, hovering over the unconscious man with fright in his eyes. "But I tripped over him and he didn't even stir. OH!" He clamped his hands to his face, "Do not tell me…SOMA!" He threw himself onto Soma, placing his ear to Soma's chest. There was a heartbeat. "SOMA," He grabbed Soma by the collar and shook him violently, "IF YOU LIVE GOOD SIR, AWAKE! AWAKE I SAY!" Soma gargled as his head jerked back and forth. As Grell stopped, swirls filled his eyes. "Perhaps I was a little rough." Grell cursed himself.

Soma steadily came to his senses. His blurred vision cleared, bringing Grell into sight. Twinkles sparkled around Grell as if he was the most gracious beauty of all the land. "BY THE GODS PLEASE BE ROUGHER!"

"Say what?" Grell remarked in confusion. Soma wrapped his arms around Grell, hugging him close to his chest. "HO MY!" Grell panicked. "Soma, what's the matter with you?"

"Oh beautiful Grell!" Soma cooed, hugging Grell even tighter. "Nature shows art!" He cupped Grell's face, gazing lovingly into his eyes. "That through thy bosom makes me see thy heart."

Grell laughed nervously, embarrassed by the praises. He pushed himself from Soma's embrace, dusting the young boy off. "Maybe your slumber was due to you hitting your head. Ensure you take two drafts and call me in the morning."

"I do not need medicine." Soma laughed, crawling toward Grell. "And I did not hit my head." Grell scooted away, unnerved by the change in attitude. "It is you that I love," Grell's back hit the trunk of a tree, "And I shall slay Sebastian to keep you!"

"Ahem…" Grell smiled nervously, "Look love," Grell pushed him back a couple inches, "I understand Bassy loves your lady. But that's no reason to kill him. You should be happy that Alliahnna loves you."

"Alliahnna?" Soma said the name with bewilderment. "To Hell with her and her pretentious father!" A light bulb popped in Grell's head. He believed Soma to have lost his marbles. "Having to jump through hoops to get her…Tedious moments I have spent with her, when I should have been with you."

Grell furrowed his brow, impaling Soma in the deepest glare daggered resentment. With a swipe of his hand he swatted Soma's cheek. Soma held a hand to that sore cheek, confused by the strike. "Wherefore was I to this keen mockery born?" He hissed, trying to control his emotionally cracking tone. "When, at your hands…" He stormed to his feet, "Did I deserve this scorn?"

"What-"

"Is't not enough, is't not enough, young man?" Grell screeched, his heart wrenching in two. "That I did never, no, nor never can, deserve a sweet look from Sebastian's eye. But you must flout my INSUFFICIENCY?" Grell lashed a foot out. He kicked Soma into a tree across the way. But fare you well: perforce I must confess," Grell picked up his dress and marched away, "I thought you lord of more true gentleness!"

Soma spit out a few leaves, a nut…and an owl's feather. "WAIT! Grell!" Soma began to give chase, then saw Alliahnna. He motioned his hands, tiptoeing silently. "Just stay asleep," He whispered, "And don't come looking for me." He picked up speed, going after Grell. "WAIT FOR ME GRELL!"

"HUH?" Alliahnna groaned, shooting up with a bed head of hair. Her eyes partially lidded as if she were drunk just a few moments ago. Glancing around she saw she was still in a forest grove, sleeping on the surprisingly soft dirt. "Ay me, for pity!" She stretched her arms out above her head. "What a dream was here." She yawned. "Soma look how I doth…quake?" Soma was gone. "Soma?" She called. "SOMA?!" Only the echo of her voice replied. "Where on Earth did he go?"

(=/-\=)

Phoebus grumbled and groaned in annoyance. The dram of this tale, too much for him, is the flamboyance. The wrong Athenian that sprite did plague. What will transpire now is anything but vague. Turning the page of the scene he did return, what became of the ass Bottom is what I yearn.

(=/-\=)

Druitt pouted and hmph'd to himself. He sat on a rock, angrily awaiting the return of his ass behaving friends. "I see their knavery." He growled to himself. "This is to make an ass of me!" He kicked a mushroom over. "To fright me, if they could." He stomped about. "But I will not stir from this place, do what they can! I will walk up and down here, and I will sing, that they shall hear I am not afraid!" Druitt cleared his. Testing his voice and taking a deep breath, he sang,

"Alas, my love, you do me wrong, "To cast me off discourteously."

Paula, still sleeping above, awoke to the strangest of serenades her ears had ever heard. But strange though they were, in a certain manner they songs were…delightful. "What angel wakes me from my flowery bed?"

Druitt touched his heart and continued to sing, "Greensleeves was all my joy!" He sang at the top of his lungs. "Greensleeves was my delight," Paula placed her hands to her lips, not wanting to giggle so loudly that she would interrupt, "And who but my lady Greensleeves."

Paula rolled over onto her stomach, then leaned over the ledge of her bed. To her astonishment and delight a blond haired mortal with donkey ears stood below. "I pray thee, gentle mortal, sing again." She purred, startling Druitt. "Mine ear is much enamour'd of thy note," She eyes him hungrily, "So is mine eye enthralled to thy shape." Druitt looked himself over, bewildered by the odd woman's praise of him. "Be it bold or not, good sir, I must say…I think I love you." She batted her eyes.

Druitt chuckled bashfully, honored by her words. "I do thank you for your words, My Lady." Druitt thanked with a low bow. "But Methinks, mistress, you should have little reason for that." Paula tilted her head, unsure of what he meant. "And yet, to say the truth, reason and love keep little company together now-a-days." He laughed, ultimately braying like an eel, "Nay, I can gleek upon occasion."

"Thou art as wise as thou art beautiful."

Druitt sputtered his lips, finding her praise of him a little overestimated. "Not so, neither." He steadily backed away, wishing to escape the uncomforting sea of words. "But if I had wit enough to get out of this wood, I have enough to serve mine own turn."

Paula furrowed her brow heatedly and rose to her hands and knees. "Out of this wood do not desire to go!" She ordered heatedly. Druitt froze in his spot. "You shall remain here in this forest whether you want to or not!" She snapped her fingers. Ran-Mao and Hana dropped from above. They restrained Druitt by the arms. He attempted to protest but was whisked swiftly into the air. Roughly they plopped him into Paula's bed. Paula climbed up on top of him, pinning his arms above his head. "My fairies shall tend to you, and bring you riches to keep you happy." She proceeded to bribe him. "In exchange you shall sing to me." She commanded, tapping his nose. "Okay."

"As you wish." Druitt agreed, not able to fight.

Paula nodded and clapped with glee. "Ran-Mao! Mey-Rin! Hana! Elizabeth!"

"Ready." Ran-Mao reported in her usual lack of enthusiasm, pulling herself up by the bed.

"And I." Mey-Rin answered, raising her hand.

"And I." Hana appeared on the ledge of the bed.

"And I." Elizabeth giggled.

"WHERE SHALL WE GO?" They all asked excitedly.

"By the gods…" Druitt's eyes twinkled in elation, "Beauties in non-human forms."

"Ensure you are courteous to this man. Tend to him." Paula requested gently.

"As you wish, your ladyship." Hana promised. "Hail mortal. I am Hana."

"I'm Elizabeth."

"I'm Mey-Rin."

"Ran-Mao."

Druitt exploded form the lovely faces all around him. The bray of a donkey sounded from his throat. Paula put her fingers in her ears and leaned over to Elizabeth, "When we do go to bed, make sure his tongue is tied."

Elizabeth drew a pair of scissors, "I'll cut it out if you ask."

"No, no. Just tie it."

(=/-\=)

Phoebus leaned on an elbow, resting on a branch. Wishing those scissors would fall into his hand, perchance. Love would I to sever his tongue. Silence the voice of a man who smells would than horse dung. He jumped from the tree and descended into a different grove. Too long over Athens has he rove. To Lord Oberon's side I must go. Puck's entrance is afoot. To that I say…oh no.

(=/-\=)

Jasper, his mind wandering through the vastness of its curiosity, thought about Paula and if the potion did work on her. "I wonder if Titania be awaked." He murmured as he stroked his chest pensively. "Then, what it was that next came in her eye," He chuckled menacingly, "Which she must dote on in extremity."

"How about a man with the ears of an ass?"

Jasper titled his head back, curious of the voice. He was stunned to find his mad sprite grinning above him. "What madness falls from your mouth?"

"There were these men – play acting mechanicals – that were lurking in the grove nearest her ladyship." He wriggled his fingers, "With a little dash of this and a sprinkle of that, I gave the man the ears of an ass. His friends ran faster than I knew a human could."

"This went better than I'd hoped." Jasper approved. "What of the Athenian?"

"I got him while he slept. And next to him was the woman too."

"Impressive."

"O, why rebuke you him that loves you so?" A desperate voice rang throughout the night.

"Stand close!" Jasper Pulled Undertaker to the ground, lurching over the ledge her laid on. "This is the same Athenian."

"How the Hell did I run into you again?" Alliahnna howled, storming from the cover of trees and bushes. "Last I checked you were still in the city!"

Sebastian emerged from the bushes, huffing and Puffing after her. "I followed after thee when I heard you had gone!"

Undertaker scratched his head in bewilderment. "Well that is the woman." He confirmed. "But that is not the man."

"What?" Jasper questioned.

(=/-\=)

"Lay breath so bitter on your bitter foe!" Sebastian proceeded.

"Do my words not reach that thick skull!" Alliahnna hissed, bearing her teeth to him like fangs. "I-DO-NOT-WILL-NOT-AND-CAN-NOT-LOVE-YOU!" She howled, enunciating each and every word with the strongest resentment. "Unless, of course, you murdered Soma while I was sleeping! Then I would charge you to kill me too!"

"I would never harm you!" Sebastian swore. "But Soma shall fall by my sword if that will make me have you!"

"In that event I'll leap from a bridge! Dive head long first so I will meet my end swiftly!"

Sebastian stretched out a hand, smiling tenderly. He caressed her cheek, admiring the soft flesh. "I would catch you long before then." He whispered. "I would steal the wings of Pegasi and swoop to your aid."

"GRR!" Alliahnna slapped his hand away and punched him in the stomach. Undertaker and Jasper winced, cringing as they felt the blow. Sebastian grabbed his stomach, feeling winded. "Out, dog! Out, cur! Thou drivest me past the bounds of maiden's patience!" She grabbed him by the collar, forcing him to see the rage burning in her sapphire eyes, "And I swear if Soma lies dead in these woods, I shall dispatch you to the fiery abyss myself!"

(=/-\=)

Undertaker leaned in closer and closer, engrossed by the drama. Jasper's fingers pinched his ear, yanking him closer. "YOU GRAY HAIRED FOOL!" He roared in a whisper. "You sprinkled the draft in the wrong Athenian's eye! It was meant for the blind fool here!" He pointed to Sebastian.

"Huh?" Undertaker remarked absentmindedly. "Is that right?" He shrugged his hands. "You really should be more specific. Merely asking for a man in Athenian garb is like asking a hammer man for a hammer!"

Jasper yanked on the ear harder. "DISPENSE WITH YOUR IDIOCY AND FIX THIS!" He roared. "Of shall I ask Phoebus to drive the story to a point where you are forced to shave that rat's nest you call hair!" Phoebus appeared behind him with two pairs of scissors, cackling like a mad man.

Undertaker scrambled away, holding his hair. "NO NEED FOR THAT!" He produced the potion. "Consider this mess fixed!" He whirled around, twisting into a thin line and vanished.

Jasper massaged his forehead in irritation, "Moron."

(=/-\=)

Alliahnna drew a fist back, prepared to punch Sebastian in his smug face. Time came to a sudden halt, stopping Alliahnna and trapping Sebastian in their place. Undertaker appeared next to them with sweat beading down his brow. "That was close." He breathed in relief. Holding Sebastian's face so he could steady himself, Undertaker dropped a few drops of the draft into his eyes. "Hopefully this will fix things." Scooping Alliahnna up from her feet, he leapt into a tree and rested her on a branch. "Let's just keep you here until things go as planned." Undertaker snapped his fingers and he disappeared. The world proceeded in its forward motion.

Sebastian fell forward, getting a mouthful of dirt and grubs. Alliahnna wriggled about, nearly falling off the branch she sat on. Sebastian massaged his head, spitting the soil from his mouth. "What happened?"

"Why should you think that I should woo in scorn?" A voice familiar to Sebastian's ear echoed.

"You do advance your cunning more and more." Yet another familiar voice. Only this one more pleasant to the ear. "Now go away," Grell ordered, trudging through the bushes, "So I may-OH!" Grell gasped, coming across Sebastian. "Sebastian? What are you still doing here?"

"Waiting for you." He swooned with flushed cheeks. "Goddess, Nymph…" He caressed Grell's hand, then massaged it to his cheek, "Perfect, divine."

"Uh…say what?"

"WHAT!" Soma roared, ripping the bushes from their roots. "I'm the one that loves her!" He bellowed heatedly, grabbing Grell's other hand. "You love Alliahnna!"

"And Blind I was for doing so!"

"O spite! O hell!" Grell leapt into the air and did a split kick, kicking the two men away. "I see you all are bent, to set against me for your merriment!"

"I tell no falsehoods2!" Soma stressed, meandering to Grell. "He loves Alliahnna! Let me have you!"

"No!" Sebastian hissed, shoving Soma aside, "I love Grell! You love Alliahnna!"

"OH WILL SOMETHING HIT ME SO I KNOW IF THIS BE A HORRIBLE DREAM OR NOT!" A branch over him snapped. Alliahnna screamed in fright as she landed on top of Grell. Sebastian and Soma blinked in confusion. Alliahnna and Grell moaned in pain. "If I knew it would be literal I would have asked for something more specific."

"Oh. Hi Grell." Alliahnna groaned.

"Hello Alliahnna." He smiled in pain. "What were you doing in that tree?"

"I honestly haven't the slightest idea." Her disoriented sight cleared itself in seconds. To her eternal delight she found Soma standing before her. "SOMA!" She cheered, leaping into his arms. "Where have you been? I've been searching all over for you!"

"He's been with me for the last ten minutes." Grell groaned, stomping to his feet. "Playing a horrible trick of love on my heart!"

"Soma!" Alliahnna snarled. "Why would you do that?"

"Because it is not trickery!" Soma shoved Alliahnna into Sebastian's arms. "I do love Grell." He wrapped his arms around Grell's waist, pulling him close. "I love her more than the air I breathe."

"WHAT!" Alliahnna roared, fire spewing from her mouth.

Grell languidly gestured a hand to the obviously blind man, "See what I mean."

"I think I fell out of that tree harder than I thought."

"Perhaps if you had fallen onto Soma," Sebastian gently eased her aside, "Then he would realize he does not love Grell but you, and I can have Grell and not you."

"Normally I'd tell you to piss off, but I have to agree." Alliahnna placed her hands to her hips. "I think Soma inhaled something brewed from this forest."

"In which I shall forgive this atrocity," Sebastian grabbed Soma by the arm, "IF HE DOTH STAY AWAY FROM MY GRELL!"

"Your Grell!" Soma blurted. "You're the one who called her uglier than a stump!" Grell's head dropped. Blue lines of despair hung over his head. Alliahnna massaged his back, soothing the wounded heart. "So to you sir, I say," Soma touched his hands to Sebastian's chest, "EN GARDE!" Soma wrapped a leg around Sebastian's and tripped him to the ground. Grell and Alliahnna gasped and staggered back. Both men wrestled and rolled on the ground, punching each other in the face and shoving the other into the dirt.

(=/-\=)

"Well that escalated quickly." Undertaker remarked, eating berries from the bush he and Jasper hid beyond.

"And all because of a love square gone awry." Jasper sighed in annoyance, not able to understand human men. "Lord what fools these mortals be."

"Fools or not," Phoebus chuckled, descending from the off scene cut, "This is great! I'll be back with the nectar!" He sped off for the nearest concession stand.

(=/-\=)

"For the love of Hephaestus!" Alliahnna face palmed her forehead. "All this because one man does not understand NO!"

Grell sighed dismally, holding his cheek. "And to think all I wanted was for Sebastian to love me." He pouted his lower lip. "Had I known this would happen I never would have told him about any of this."

"YOU DID WHAT?"

Grell cringed. "Oops."

Alliahnna grabbed Sebastian by the collar, "YOU TOLD SEBASTIAN WHERE WE WERE?"

"Not to spite you! But to make him so grateful he'd want to be with me!"

"DAMMIT GRELL! He's made it clear he doesn't love you! Why the Hell would he changed his mind when he stupidly loves me?"

Grell folded his arms unenthusiastically, "Well as it stands he loves me." He pointed to the wrestling duo that had each other in head locks. "So does your beau." A light lit over his head. He glared in an animal rage to Alliahnna. "YOU PLANNED THIS!"

"I beg your pardon!"

"You plotted against me with this!" Sebastian and Soma were now striking at one another with sticks. "You made them play this horrible trick just so you can feel superior!"

"Unlike you I'm not so petty that I need the love of SO MANY MEN!"

"EXCUSE ME!"

"SCHNEIZEL, SEABSTAIN, YOUR FATHER, MY FATHER – THE LIST GOES ON!" Alliahnna stamped her foot into the dirt. "YOU'RE A WOMAN WITH NO STANDARD, NO SHAME, AND WITH LOOAAADDS OF PROBLEMS!"

"My only problem is you!" Grell tackled Alliahnna to the ground. Alliahnna kicked her knee into Grell and rolled on top of her. Alliahnna smacked the back of Grell's head into the dirt. Grell rolled her over and did the same.

(=/-\=)

"I'm back!" Phoebus huffed, passing the drinks around. "What I-whoa!" He gaped at Alliahnna and Grell. "What-"

Undertaker raised a hand, "Don't ask. Just watch."

(=/-\=)

Soma and Sebastian swung for each other's head. They came to a dead stop when they saw Alliahnna and Grell going at it. "GIRLS!" The two men cried, dropping their sticks. "Girl stop this!" Sebastian pleaded, watching the two toss each other about.

"Yeah! There's no need to behave like this!"

Grell and Alliahnna came to a halt with Grell elevating Alliahnna with his shoe and Alliahnna having a fist full of Grell's hair. "ARE YOU SERIOUS?" They both hissed to the two men. Soma and Sebastian backed away, hands raised, letting them settle this matter. "You know what?" Alliahnna spoke softly. "They're right." She smiled darkly. "There's no reason for us to fight each other." She slid from Grell.

"You are right of course." Grell crooned, dusting himself off as he rose to his feet.

(=/-\=)

"There's no way this is over!" Phoebus boomed.

"It's not." Jasper assured him. "It's only beginning."

(=/-\=)

"Perhaps the ones we should be fighting," Grell shot a disdainful glare to the two men, "Are the ones making us jump through hoops in the first place!" He pointed accusingly to Soma and Sebastian.

"You take Soma." Alliahnna offered.

"Then you take Sebastian."

"WAIT!" Sebastian stepped away.

"Hold on!" Soma pleaded. Grell reached behind his back. From the thin air itself Grell drew a large chainsaw from behind him. The motor revved, anxious to rend flesh to pieces. Alliahnna reached under her dress, drawing a long rapier glistening for blood to stain it. "How long have they had those?" Soma asked, gaping in fear and disbelief.

"I haven't the slightest clue."

(=/-\=)

"A better question would be where did they get those?" Undertaker questioned.

"More like where were they keeping them?" Phoebus corrected.

(=/-\=)

Grell and Sebastian swiped their blades clean across. The sticks held by Soma and Sebastian split in half. They looped their weapons around and axed down. Soma and Sebastian jumped out of the way. The blades gusted up the dirt.

"NOW, NOW!" Sebastian waved his hand, urging Alliahnna to remain calm. "Stay yourself!" Alliahnna twirled the blade and aimed it downward. "Let's not do anything brash!" Alliahnna stabbed down. Sebastian rolled out of the way. The blade missed and hit the dirt.

"GRELL! PLEASE! CALM YOURSELF!" Soma dodged, ducked, and weaved. Grell swung his chainsaw wildly and relentlessly, creating wide gashes in the trees. "GEEZE WOMAN!"

(=/-\=)

Phoebus and Undertaker leaned on one another, chortling hysterically at the chaos. Phoebus stopped laughing when he sensed an impending doom drawing near. Looking over toward Jasper he cringed in fear. "What is it?" Undertaker asked through fits of laughter.

Phoebus backed away slowly. "I think I'll just…Uh…" A rope came down. Phoebus grabbed hold. "Good luck!" Phoebus ascended back to the off scene.

"Good luck? With what?" Undertaker turned to see Jasper beaming with an aura of pure rage. "Um…" Sweat sped down his brow, "Hi."

"THIS IS THY NEGLIGENCE!" Jasper roared, blowing Undertaker's hat from his head. "Still thou mistakest, Or else committ'st thy knaveries willfully!"

Undertaker laughed under his cloaked hand. "Believe me, king of shadows, I mistook! Did not you tell me I should know the man by the Athenian garment be had on? And as you can see there are too such meh...ACK!"

Jasper clamped his hands to Undertaker's throat, "Get down there and cease this for naught quarrel! Then allow me to fix this mess!"

"Consider it done." Undertaker gargled saluted. With a snap of his fingers and vanished into thin air.

(=/-\=)

Soma and Sebastian had their back to the trees. Alliahnna and Grell drew closer to the cornered men. Their blades begged for their blood. With heated growls they raised the blades above their heads. Soma and Sebastian cowered down with their arms over head.

"Excuse me." The four all glanced to the side. Undertaker waved with an impish grin. "Hi there." His palm out flat and puffed on it hard. A mist of sparkling flew through the air. It stained the eyes of the love sick four. One by one they all dropped to the floor. (Damn rhyming.) Snoring peacefully the love struck youths were. Loudly in fact. "That was easy." A hand smacked the back of his head. "OW!"

"This whole thing would have been easy if you had paid attention!" Jasper roared.

"But you-OH NEVERMIND!" Undertaker snapped, folding his arms in a pout.

Jasper exhaled gruffly, annoyed by his trickster's negligence. "I shall set this right." He scrunched up his sleeves, or lack thereof. "Lest confusion reign until morning's light." Rubbing his hands together, Jasper gathered a special dust. He blew to his palms, cast the dust into the air like a special veil. The dust gently sprinkled onto the four youths, covering them in a thin sheet. "When thou wakest, thou takes true delight in the sight of thy former lady's eye."

"Well geeze," Undertaker snarled, "Why didn't you just do that in the first place?"

"Will you just get them back to whence they came!" Jasper snarled. "I have a queen to see to." He trudged off.

"Okay, FINE! Leave me to do all the heavy lifting!"

(=/-\=)

BAH-HA-HA-HA-HA! Phoebus hooted with hysterical laughter. And I shall continue to laugh for many years after! But alas for him the story must go on. Good thing there are only two scenes left. The end is anon.

(=/-\=)

In the bed of her fairy tended grove, Paula and Druitt slept peacefully. Paula cuddled beneath his arm, holding his body close to hers. Jasper appeared just beside the bed, almost pitying his wife's magically chosen love. He slithered to her side and scooped her into his arms, cradling her on his lap like she were a newborn. "Be as thou wast wont to be," He glided a finger over her eye, "See as thou wast wont to see," he caressed the other eye, "Now, my Paula," he tenderly kissed her lips, "Wake you, my sweet queen."

Paula steadily began to stir from her slumber. To her eternal delight she met the eyes of her lord, master, and husband. "Jasper…" She sighed happily, cuddling to his waist, "You'll not believe the dream I had." Jasper stroked a strand of hair from her face. "I dreamt I was in love with an ass."

"You're not entirely wrong." Jasper chuckled. He pointed a teasing finger. "There lies your love." Paula turned to where he pointed and screamed in fright. "Do not worry." Jasper laughed. "He will be returned to where he's from." He motioned his hand to the fairies lingering about. Mey-Rin and Hana fluttered down. They picked up Druitt and carried him off.

"What on earth has happened while I slept?" Paula asked in a daze.

"An event that will be nothing more than a midsummer's night dream." Jasper cooed. "Now let us forget this petty quarrel between us, My Lady wife." He held her closely. "And let us return home for a good night's sleep."

Paula sighed happily, nuzzling her face into his chest. "I would like that. I would like that a lot."

(=/-\=)

Phoebus, stroking the pristine strings of a golden harp, wandered in a green meadow with an elated heart. And now dear friends we reach the near end. He gazed upon a slumbering quartet. Perhaps ravaged bonds shall be on the mend. In the distance he saw horses on the rise. Let us fall back and be in for a surprise.

(=/-\=)

Horses stampeded over the green hills of the meadow. Riding them were Esmeralda, Schneizel, Will, and Agni. Esmeralda, curious of a strange clearing in the tall grass, slowed her horse to get a better look. "BUT SOFT!" She cried out, prompting Schneizel, Will, and Agni to stop their horses. "What nymph's are these?" She asked in a daze.

Lying in the small patch, pairs joined hand in hand and arm in arm, were Alliahnna, Soma, Sebastian, and Grell. A very strange sight. "This is my daughter Alliahnna." Agni gasped. "That is Soma there. And there is Sebastian with Grell."

Will bounced his glass. The gleam hid his annoyance in his amber eyes. "How disgusting."

"Disgusting or not…" Schneizel cleared his throat, "AWAKEN YOU FOUR!" He shouted. "ANSWER FOR YOURSELVES AND YOUR PRESENCE HERE!"

"Ugh…" The four groaned, fluttering their eyes open. Alliahnna smacked her lips, tasting the odd taste of wood, mulch…and grass. "Father?" She moaned, eyeing Agni through blurred vision. "What are you doing here?"

"I should be asking you that, young lady!" Agni snarled. "What are you doing here with that man?" He pointed resentfully to Soma. "And You Sebastian!" Sebastian scratched his unkempt hair, Grell clinging to his side. "What are you doing here with Grell?"

"I honestly…"He yawned loudly, "Haven't the slightest idea." He mumbled.

"Nor I." Grell groaned. "Weren't we just in the woods about to kill each other?"

Schneizel and Esmeralda laughed at the question. "Of that I am certain." Schneizel laughed. "Soma and Sebastian have been at each other's throat for the longest time. Now here you all sit as if nothing had happened."

Soma held Alliahnna hand tightly within his. He held her close as if never wanting to let go of her again. Sighing with dismay he faced Schneizel and Agni. "But something did happen." He admitted somberly. "I whisked Alliahnna away with the intent of marrying her in a place where the Athenian law could not touch us."

"AGAIN YOU DEFY OUR LAWS!" Agni roared. "Lord Schneizel I beg the law upon his head!" His eyes fumed red. "Once again this man intends to steal Alliahnna from both you and I, Sebastian! Your wife of my consent!"

"Of which I must protest, Master Agni." Sebastian announced strongly. Agni was aghast by the proclamation. "Master William, I know you do not approve of me just as Agni does not approve of Soma," He wrapped an arm around Grell's waist, "But I am afraid I am madly in love with your daughter."

"And I with yours, Master Agni." Soma announced happily. Grell and Alliahnna laughed giddily. They embraced their loves tightly, not allowing anyone or anything to part them.

"Then it looks like I have no choice." Schneizel shook his head with a smile. "As this is my wedding day," He took Esmeralda's hand in his, "I propose here and now that were have three vows of matrimony exchanged at the temple." The four lovers gasped and laughed in cheer, exchanging smiles of victory. "Unless, of course, you two have an objection." Schneizel crooned to Will and Agni.

"What's the point?" Will questioned in defeat. "Grell will just seek him out again and love him ten times more than before."

Agni touched two fingers to his forehead, growling in agreement. "I'm afraid the same is said for Alliahnna as well."

"THEN GET THEE HENCE YOUNG SOULS!" Schneizel cheered them on. "We have three weddings to prepare!" Without hesitation the four followed after their lord, laughing in triumph as they made their way to the beginning of the rest of their lives.

(=/-\=)

A curtain falls upon our play, deeming that it is the end for this day. Phoebus emerged from the shadows with Tanaka, Will, and Zanosuke. Here and now these men shall say.

If we shadows have offended, Phoebus bowed with a sweep of his hand, "Think but this, and all is mended,"

"That you have but slumbered here," Tanaka continued, "While these visions did appear."

"And this weak and idle theme," Zanosuke stepped in, "No more yielding but a dream."

"Give us your hands, if we be friends," Will opened his arms warmly to the audience, "And Robin shall restore amends."

A pair of fingers snapped with a sound. Peacefully asleep did the four men fall to the ground. Which is where I enter and must say, Undertaker chuckled, entering on scene, that what you read is something that never existed on any day. Taking a pen he poked the scene. It shattered apart on every seam.

(=/-\=)

The moon was high in the night blanketed sky. A train on its way to Toulouse hurriedly charged as the next morning was nigh. On each other's shoulders the Paris Friends did sleep. Attendants on the train were careful not to make a peep. Esmeralda lied with Phoebus, and Bardroy with Hana. Agni kept watch over Soma, while Sebastian slept with Alliahnna. Grell and Will did sleep soundly. Druitt hummed in his sleep profoundly. Mey-Rin, Elizabeth, Ran-Mao, and Lao – not servants to anyone. At least not now. Finnian and Carmichael and Taylor and Maes, were resting peacefully for their future days. Paula and Jasper, though not lovers by heart, slept closely together and until morning would not part. Schneizel, Tanaka, and Zanosuke are all that remain. Like everyone else they are slumbering the same.

With a final dotted period Undertaker closed his journal. He tucked it back into his cloak where he would keep it hidden from all wandering eyes. Looking out the window he was the night covered land pass by. The star twinkled brightly, and the moon shined with a special glow.

"This whole story is nothing more than a midsummer night's dream." He chuckled to himself. "Only it makes me wonder if the ending with have the same pleasant resolution."

ONE IN THE MORNING! LATER PEEPS!