Disclaimer: I do not own Hiro Mashima's Fairy Tail, any work professionally associated with it nor any pop culture or classical references. All original plots and characters are mine.
In a land far, far away lies the kingdom of Fiore, a small, peaceful nation of 17 million, and a place filled with Magic found in every home, bought and sold in every marketplace. For most, Magic is merely a tool, a mundane part of everyday life. For some, however, Magic is an art, and they've devoted their lives to its practice. These are the wizards. Banded together into magical guilds, they ply their skills in search of fame and fortune. Many such guilds dot the landscape of Fiore. But there is a certain guild in a certain town that soars high above the rest, one from which countless legends have been born. A guild that will no doubt continue to create legends well into the future. Its name...is Fairy Tail.
The room was dressed head to toe and Heart's Day galore with candles lit for those they loved and lost. Red hearts and pink hearts and white hearts littered the living room with other candles staged for ambiance. Rose petals decorated the table set for two with candelabra all dolled up and pretty. The food would come soon enough, but the plates and salad plates and the forks and spoons and knives and cloth napkins were set with chalices for the iced wine. Gifts were set up, however, for this date, but one was the most important gift. It was a photo album that spelled:
TALES OF HEART'S DAY
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Ah, welcome back!
How we've missed you, come in!
It's time for our next story, but it comes with a twin
There will be two parts to this tale
So cuddle in close
As we tell a story about friendship
And a love and trust that does the most
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Rainbow Roses were naturally bioluminescent. Some had predicted this was to blind predators from eating them and also confuse their predators, but it served well that humans found their shine pretty. But to see such a natural beauty of a flower wilted in its glass cloche was discouraging. It served as a centerpiece for the dinner (outside the extensive candelabra), but it sent a message of a dying love.
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Our last story concludes with a Princess and a Prince
Two friends, former enemies
A boss and an assistant
Respect and trust are the grounds of any bond
And allows it to function as something you can depend on
They've come a long way
With their own connection and trust
But sometimes, only sometimes
To be truthful with the person you bond with
Takes guts
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Prologue
Thursday Night
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A zombified Silver fell onto his bed with his headband pulling back his bangs. His room still smelled like paint, sweat, and desperation, but he just did not care anymore. He let out a deep sigh into his comfort before turning his head on his cheek with a grunt.
"Almost done," he told himself. "Almost finished." He forced himself to lay on his back, wincing. "Nnngh. I meet to ask Mom if she can reset my chi with some water healing. I can already tell I have some stagnation." He pouted. "I bet Ena can't tell. All she does is stare at me when I yawn like I'm annoying her." He stretched out before letting his limbs sit loose.
Mayan blues softened. What did I expect anyway? It's not like she has any to reason to notice. And honestly… A fresh red crossed his cheeks and ears and nose as he remembered all his startled and awkward moments where Ena was close and he had to scramble away to keep his dignity. If she did notice, she'd turn me into an actual dog. Maybe it's for the best she doesn't care.
Sighing, he turned on his side, and his eyes went to the Rainbow Rose. These last two weeks were pretty crazy. Between swim conferences and how busy work is getting and training and Ena's presents, I feel like I'm running ragged. I've barely had time for fun. Mayan blues dimmed. Is this what it was like for her? Lulu said Ena never really took breaks unless she hauled her away and even then, she was still working. I just don't get it. No vacations or fun?
Silver remembered seeing Ena hard at work with those determined eyes of hers.
"Falling behind isn't an option for me."
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The focus cemented on Ena as she sat at her coffee table with papers before her in neat piles and her PAL open. "I have to show a world of adults that I'm just like them," she said, tone hard. "I have to keep up. I can't afford to slack off for one day or they'll go back to treating me like a kid. I've worked too hard to build a respectable name for myself and everyone who took a chance to work with me."
Something shone in those dark browns. "I can't let them down."
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Silver got off his bed to sit at his desk and place a hand on the glass cloche that trapped the Rainbow Rose. The luminescence of the petals twinkled in his eyes. She's Master's daughter. She has eyes on her. She works so hard, but she never has any fun. He remembered how her face lit up at the mention of the garden in New Rosemary. She's so much farther ahead than me and I kept help but to admire her, but…
His hand stopped moving as he murmured, "I don't know. At least after our days together, I'd have swim practice and being able to hang out with friends or game… But for her, if she's always working and never has fun…does she even know what to do for free time?" It took us going on a mission and me convincing her to stay for her to relax.
"I must be a horrible boss if I wish I could have a longer vacation."
Silver hummed. Not a horrible boss… You're just human. He glanced up at the pinned flyer for the Contemporary Art Museum. Resolve filled him. If I'm going to make Sunday work, I want to make it so she doesn't have to think about work. She doesn't have to think like she's an adult. I want her to have fun. He stood up. I'm gonna do it. On Sunday, I'm going to make sure Ena has the best time of her life. She's going to laugh and smile and not worry about work. She's just going to be a typical kid.
He grinned. In terms of talent, I lack a lot. Compared to her, I don't have that much. But if there's one thing I can do is show her how awesome it is to just live in the now. He preened. "All right! Time for me to get back to work and make my presents perfect for Sunday! This will be the best non-date date she's ever had!" And as he dove back into his project, the Rainbow Rose…
The second sprout started to blossom.
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hitori ja kowakatta yoru demo
futari de nara tasukeatte
chikazukeru SATERAITO
irodoru machi o tobikoetara
sashidashita te o tsukamu "yatto aeta ne"
futatsu no kiseki ni omedetou
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Friday
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It was one of those mornings where Ena woke up before her alarm and had a burst of energy to go along with her. Up and out of bed with her hair tamed in a fishtail braid, she slid off her eye mask and got out her silk robe with faux fur and oversized sleeves. It was a gift from a well-off Zhōnguánese client, and she had come to love wearing it on her more enthusiastic days. She got her L-Pad off its charge and started checking emails and texts as she abandoned her room and went down the hall.
The smell of food and heat made her steer to the kitchen, as she helloed, "You're here early." She passed the kitchen to go into the dining room. "So I was thinking…" She looked up—
Dark chocolates widened then softened.
Silver had made her breakfast as usual. He went with breakfast in a blanket with scrambled eggs, green onions, and tofu bacon wrapped in croissants and had painstakingly made her morning tea. He had been darling enough to make her breakfast look as presentable as always. However, he snoozed in the next chair over with his head resting on his arms.
Ena quietly moved over to her seat. Delicate fingers tilted Silver's head so he was in a better position. She sat neatly and got her L-Pad all propped up so she could check emails. Her tea was first and she savored the first sip. Glancing at Silver, she murmured, "Thank you for the meal."
Silver only sighed, deep in his sleep.
Ena indulged in her breakfast while scrolling through emails. Most were meeting-based, email chains that did not need any attention, and the overnight manager letting her know about the happening before. She sighed. "Considering how rapid I'm expanding, I'll have to ask Gigi's opinion about hiring in another direction." She kept going through the emails. The tech pack is coming along for next fall-winter season. That last-minute change for our Heart's Day sale was a gamble, but it paid off with a boost in online orders. Another sip of tea then a sigh.
She sat back in her chair and looked at the ceiling. The new hires are settling in well. Remote operations have allowed me to onboard great creative minds who need flexibility and accessibility. Her eyes darkened. However, considering how much the House of E has grown, I'll need to consider a primary headquarters. And, as Gigi and I both discussed, Magnolia's not ideal for that. If anything, the places he sent me in New Azalea would make more sense. I put out some feelers with the investors and donors and all of them are more than willing to commit.
Her eyes closed. "Gigi was right. I should have created a senior management board a long time ago. This is stressful to take on alone. I need a vacation."
She froze.
Since when…did I ever think this was stressful independently? she wondered. Vacation? What's wrong with me? What changed?
A long exhale.
Ena looked over to Silver. Light had crackled in from one of the grand windows and bathed over his face. It bothered him a little when he wrinkled his nose, but he adjusted and sighed again. She hummed as her hand came over to run through his hair. "I guess you're what changed," she supposed. "I've been so used to being self-reliant. But then you forced your way into being my assistant."
Her eyes gentled. "You were quite terrible and combative at first," she conceded. "Most assistants would be out of a job for defying their boss like that. You're lucky I adore L enough to have kept you." She laughed to herself. "The amount of pleading and puppy eyes she did on your behalf… But I suppose that'll be a secret." She traced Silver's face with her eyes. "But you learned faster than I could imagine. You turned your arguments into eloquent opinions. And you've shown me your strengths and improved on your weaknesses."
She closed her eyes, and she rested in her chair. "Just months ago, I considered you one of the greatest annoyances in my life. Now, you might be agitating, but… I consider you…someone to admire." Hummed mirth. "Ha… Amusing. You're clumsy, a slacker student, easily flustered, stubborn when you want to be, and unnecessarily clingy…and yet you're still someone I've come to admire."
Browns opened to peer down at him. He's been so exhausted lately. Her hand came down to thumb his cheek. Maybe I've been working him too hard. I'm sure before all this, he had quite a social life. Jasper told me he's hung out with their group of friends or done any gaming. He had the life of any ordinary person, I'm sure. Her hand stopped as her eyes glistened.
"How I envy you," she murmured. "Living such a normal life…" She buried her jealousy and regret. How can I say that? Mom has done the best she can. Because of her, I have all of this. She's done nothing but loved me. I can't feel envy. She rested her cheek on her propped fist as she returned to threading her fingers through Silver's hair.
I'm sure if he wasn't here, he'd be chasing after Paige, she presumed. I hope she gives him a chance. He might have his quirks, but he's kind, nice, and adorable. Almost like a trained puppy. She frowned. I don't understand why he didn't accept my offer so he could have a nice Heart's Day with her. I'd speak to her about it, but I'd rather not get too involved. I'm closer to Penelope anyhow since we both like dressing up L. Her expression turned wry as she thought about Luna hiding behind her when Penelope held up a sailor scout costume and Ena was somehow used as a human shield for a horrified Luna. But I think Penelope just enjoys embarrassing Luna as stress relief.
She shook her head in amusement before turning her attention back to Silver. I just don't understand why he'd spend Sunday with me if he's probably already spending a majority of the weekend chasing Paige. He might be strange and a fool, but I didn't think he'd be this foolish.
A creeping realization came. Is he doing this because he pities me for not having a Heart's Day heartbeat? she wondered. Her mood darkened. I don't need pity nor want it. I'm not interested in becoming someone he looks down upon. She turned away. I get enough pitying looks because of Aine, because of Mystogan, and because of Mom. I won't tolerate any more of it. She pulled her hand away—
Fingers shot out and a mumble, "No…"
Ena paused and looked back to see Silver had caught her hand in his sleep. What is…?
"Don't…" Silver's expression became agitated as tears cornered his eyes. "Don't… Hurts…"
Ena softened. Fool. She was gentle to shake his fingers off to go back to stroking his hair. "Your manners are terrible. Maybe my next gift to you should be etiquette classes. It's unbecoming to sleep at the table." A drifting exhale escaped her when Silver sniffled. A foolish ill-mannered boy indeed. Having the nerve to have a nightmare when I'm sitting right next to you. Don't you know you aren't alone?
Silver tensed as he whimpered.
"Stop crying," Ena murmured. The words alone would have been harsh if it were not for how soothing she sounded. "I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere." Her fingers came down to wipe away his tears. "You've stayed with me. I'll stay with you." So please stop crying.
As though hearing her, Silver greatly relaxed beneath her touch. He sniffed once before he stirred. Unlike Ena, who had sprung out of bed, he was slower to awaken. He groaned and yawned before he turned his head and his eyes cracked open.
Ena offered a closed-mouth smile. "Good to see you awake."
"Ena?" Silver rasped, still drenched in fatigue. "I'm sorry. I fell asleep?"
"Yes, but it's still early and I still have to get ready," Ena told him. "Thank you for the meal and tea. It was nice. But you can sleep for a little longer until I'm ready." She stroked his hair.
Silver sleepily hummed. "M'kay…" Feels so good…
Ena's next words faded in and out. "But you might feel more comfortable in…my…bed… Why don't you…sleep…? …with me…."
Sleep with Ena, Silver sighed. Sleep with Ena… Sleep with…
Her words hit him like a freight chain. His eyes shot open as a surge of nerves gave him energy. "Sleep with you?!" He tried to stand up, but his knees hit the table and he was slammed back down only to flail and his head hit the table. Woozy and still jerky, his body flailed as he scooted back only to push the table and his feet too hard. The table tipped, the plates rattled, and his chair went back—
SLAM!
The impact Silver was not prepared for never came. Instead, Ena had slammed the table back down and partially got up to grip his chair and keep him in place, but it cost them close proximity that had her notice how one of her eyes was a hair tinted over the other.
"Are you okay?" Ena asked him, serious.
"I, um… Y-Y-Yeah…" Red covered Silver's flesh.
"Good." Ena was careful to right him. "I think you need some calming tea more than I do," she dryly told him. "Let me go get you some." She pushed back her chair and stood up—
Silver panicked and went to grab her arm to stop her which was his first mistake. "No, wait!" But he reflexively jerked her back (which was his second mistake).
And the hijinks ensued.
Ena had not prepared for such force and, like a rag doll, she was forced down.
Silver's eyes went when she stumbled into him.
And of course—of course—the end result was nothing that either one of them wanted.
Their lips connected.
Ena was just as shocked as Silver as they stared at each other. But she was the one to yank away first as an alarming red nourished Silver's expression to the point where you wondered if he would expire steam. Shakily, his hand touched his lips. We… We just… I didn't mean…
"Silver."
He jolted when he saw Ena had drawn to her height with shadows covering her eyes as her rapier appeared. He exploded with excuses, "W-W-Wait a minute! I didn't mean to—! Wh-Wh-What I mean is—! I-I-I-I—!"
"You…"—her rapier loomed over a terrified Silver—"disgusting pig!"
°•°•°•°
A mother was jogging around down the neighborhood dressed in some new pants her husband had bought her and feeling pumped as she listened to an old school song that inspired her to hit her average three miles for her run. The music came to a close, and the playlist went to the next song—
"AH!"
"Stay still and die like the pig you are!"
"NO…!"
The mother frowned, ready to take off her earbuds, but the next song was a power jam. Shrugging it off, she kept jogging.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
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Fairy Adventure 085
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Tales of Heart's Day Weekend
Tale of Silver and Ena
Maleficent
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ハートの日の週末の物語
シルバーと恵那の物語
マレフィセント
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FUWA…
Ena looked up from her work when she noticed Silver rubbing his eyes again as he slouched over his tablet. Quirking an eyebrow, she asked him, "Are you okay, pig? You've been looking like a tired mess for the past two weeks."
"Sorry." Silver broke into another yawn. "I've just been busy after work." He rubbed his sore head and mumbled petulantly, "And I think you gave me a concussion. Maybe I should go to the hospital for this unfair treatment. And stop calling me 'pig'."
"Oh, I'm sorry." Ena brandished her sword. "What did the pig who dared touch my lips without my consent just whine about?" She flashed her blade as Silver sweated. "If you're still acting like a victim, perhaps I didn't punish you enough so you do need a hospital."
Silver held up a hand. "No, no, I'm good."
"Hmph." Ena dismissed her blade. "That's what I thought, pig."
Silver turned away, pouty. But it's not like I meant for it to happen, he wanted to remind. I'm a victim too! Well, I mean… He blushed. It's not like we really kissed, but still… He touched his mouth. Her lips tasted like cinnamon. His blush darkened. Maybe I'm not the victim if I wish we really did kiss. Still…
"Pig, why don't you go home early?"
"Can't you at least not call me 'pig'?" Silver whimpered in request. "I told you I'm sorry. Can't you call me something else?" Like my name. Hearing you say my name would make my day.
"I could call you 'worm' instead." Silver shrank down when a dark Ena loomed over him. "Oh, yes, I like the name 'worm' because it implies you're disgusting and also you'll be six feet under."
"Pig is a great name!" Silver blurted in nervous encouragement. "I love 'Pig'! It's cute like how pigs are! And above ground!"
Ena sat back with a huff and crossed her legs. "That's what I thought." She observed Silver break into another yawn. "Today has been a light day since it's all concepts for the tech pack and no fires to put out." She checked the time. "So you should go home."
Silver shook his head as he rubbed his eyes. "No, I'm okay. I can still work until you're finished." He yawned again. Ugh. Last Sunday pretty much killed me with the championship conference, but I couldn't even stay to celebrate since I've been working on Ena's presents. He cringed as he remembered rushing away from his team in their blatant confusion. Mom helped out as much as she could.
"I will help whatever Juvia's Precious Prince needs!" He remembered the fire in his mother's eyes. "If this is in the name of love, Juvia will make sure Juvia's Precious Prince wins his love's heart for sure!"
Silver blushed a little. Yeah, I might be exhausted. And it's a pain to have to get up early and stay up late, but… It'll be worth it.
"Silver?"
He blinked over to an agitated Ena and nervously laughed. "S-Sorry? What were you saying?"
Ena loudly sighed as she rested a cheek on a propped hand. "I understand you've been busy, but I allot all my staff mental health days per quarter for a reason. If you need to take a day off, I understand. The health of my employees comes before anything else."
"Oh, no!" Silver waved a hand. "Really! I'm okay!"
"Really?" Ena saddled him with an unconvinced look. "This is coming from the pig who was sleeping on my table."
Silver raised a shaky finger. "Well, um… You see…"
"What exactly has been making you so exhausted?" Ena demanded to know.
Silver's smile froze as he started sweating. "U-U-Um, well, Lulu and I have been hanging out some more, so…" He turned away, sweating more when Ena leaned close as though she detected his lie. Believe me, believe me, believe me—
"Really…?" Ena drawled. "And what have you two been doing that makes you so tired?"
"N-Nothing!" Silver squeaked.
"Then, why do you always looked like you're about to nod off in the middle of a workday if you've been allegedly doing nothing?"
I want to lie, but I'm just so tired, Silver whined. And I have seen Lulu, but only on FaceCall for her input. But I can't tell Ena at that—"Nnngh!"
Wide mayan blues collided with serious dark chocolate.
Ena held Silver's chin to keep him steady as she searched his eyes. "I think I know what's going on…" she slowly realized. Her hand let go of Silver's chin to whisk down his throat. "And I should have seen it sooner, given the holiday weekend…"
Silver swallowed. "Uh-huh…" Inwardly, his eyes were swirling and mini-Silvers were let on the loose as they ran around in a panic (although one was on the ground with a nosebleed). She's bewitching me to want her to touch me. That's it. Yeah. I'm tired and she's bewitching me.
"And what's more annoying to me is you thought you could hide it from me?" Ena touched his chest. "Your heart is beating so fast." She cocked her head as she scanned his neck. "Your skin is red…" Her eyes darted back up to his. "Did you really think I wouldn't notice"—her hand dropped to his thigh—"Silver?"
Silver's hand twitched. "I-I-I-I…"
It was like he had a shoulder Demon-Silver with those horns and pointed tail and heavy eyeliner and a shoulder Angel-Silver with swept-back hair and a lyre and a halo. Shoulder Demon-Silver salivated and urged, "Yes, yes, notice me, my queen, say my name! Ow!" He rubbed his head due to the hide Angel-Silver inflicted. "What was that for?"
"Stop it with your dirty thoughts, you creep!" Angel-Silver admonished as he strummed his lyre. "You're just making it worse for us! She's just trying to talk to us like a normal person—!"
Ena's tongue darted out to lick her lips—
Two Demon-Silvers rested on his shoulders with greedy eyes and steam panting from their noses. "Yes, yes, yes…!"
Silver shook his head to banish his thoughts and closed his eyes. Why did his throat feel dry? "You caught me," he confessed, defeated. "I've been tired all the time because—"
"You're stressing about Heart's Day for you and Paige, I know." Ena sat back, crossing a leg and her arms, while she watched Silver freeze. "Why didn't you just tell me in the first place instead of hiding it from me? Some of the staff have made all these reservations with their loved ones and others are doing the pilgrimage. I'm not blind to Heart's Day tradition, and just because I don't believe in it doesn't mean I won't respect it if you have been trying to prepare for it."
Silver opened his eyes to look at his lap. "I see…"
Ena tossed her hair over her shoulders. "There are a time and a place to think about other things while you work, yes, but this is Heart's Day weekend. I'm sure you have big plans for the two of you, so—"
"I don't."
Ena blinked in surprise. "What? You don't?" When Silver shook his head, it perplexed Ena more. "I thought you'd be trying to get Paige to go out with you? If there was a time for you to confess, now would be it. Did you forget to or something?"
"Mmm-mmm." Silver gripped his tablet. "I…wasn't even thinking about her for this weekend. The only plans I made…were the ones I have with you."
Dark chocolate widened then darkened. "Silver…"
Does she understand now? Silver hoped. That I solely wanted to spend all my time with her? He closed his eyes when he felt her hand cup his cheek.
"That's enough."
Silver opened his eyes, and he was taken back when he saw a hardness in Ena's eyes. "What…?"
"I know people like you don't understand, but I'm quite happy where I am and on my own." Warning bit at the edge of Ena's sharp words. "I have the people I want in my life in my life. I'm not to be pitied because I'm alone. I don't know what you were thinking, but I don't appreciate being pitied. For you to go out of your way to stay with me on this holiday means you think I'm lonely, but I'm not. But if you truly think I'm to be pitied for being alone"—her eyes flashed with Magic—"we can go toe-to-toe to see who truly needs that pity. Do you understand, pig?"
Silver wanted to bawl. Where did I go wrong now? I'm not staying with you because I think you're lonely and I pity you. I'm staying because I…! He woefully nodded. "Yes, I understand…" When Ena let him go, Silver fidgeted and tried to explain, "Just so you know… I don't pity you for not having someone."
Ena snorted as she got up from her chair. "Then why spend time with me when you could be spending your time with someone you love?" She shook her head. "You don't make any sense to me." She was set to step out—
Fingers caught her cardigan.
Ena lifted her chin as she looked at Silver, impatient. "Well?"
Silver gritted his teeth. "What if I told you that I…?" His hand shook. "That I… I…" I…can't make myself say it… It feels wrong to say it now. She's angry. I don't want her angry when I tell her that I…
"That you what?" Ena prompted, irate.
"That I…" Silver let her go and looked away. "Nothing."
Ena huffed. "So dramatic." She shook her head. "I'm stepping out." And she was until her personal Compact rang. She checked it and pinched the bridge of her nose before she answered it. "Hi, Jasper. What can I do for you?" Four beats. "No, I'm not busy tonight, why?"
Silver, annoyed, rolled his eyes.
Ena cupped her elbow as she listened. "Mmm, yes, I've heard of the restaurant, but I've never been." She remained oblivious when Silver silently mimicked her behind her back. "The fanciest I've got? I mean that depends on fancy. Debutante fancy, gala fancy—what are you talking about?" Just as Silver was silently mouthing something, Ena whipped around and her eyes narrowed she saw him sitting there like a little Angel on his tablet. "Yes…" she answered slowly, "I have clothes for that sort of fancy." She turned around. "But you know I hate fancy."
Silver continued to grumble words he should never say aloud when Ena cocked an eyebrow and said, "Oh really? Well, thank you for the offer, but I'm not interested. I don't like fancy restaurants, regardless of the wine collection."
Silver beamed and was visibly thanking every god out there as he blew kisses to the ceiling and spun around in his chair.
"How much for a whole double-fudge chocolate cake?"
Silver froze, dreadful.
Ena cleared her throat all diplomatic and regal. "Well… Considering that generous price for a cake of that caliber, I suppose I have time for dinner and dessert tonight."
Silver tore at his hair as he started to cry and curse out the gods he was just praising.
"Seven is fine," Ena decided. Six beats. She laughed and shook her head. "No flowers, please, especially no roses."
Silver froze.
"No, no, I adore looking at flowers, but I hate receiving them."
Silver's eye twitched.
"I have nothing against the flowers, but I'd probably kill them in a day. Best to not give me flowers."
Silver looked ready to break down.
Ena nodded along to whatever Jasper was saying. "All right. Yes, I'll be ready at seven. Yes, uh-huh. Okay. Okay, goodbye." She ended the call. "That was Jasper." She turned to face Silver who faked a smile for her benefit.
"So I heard. Looks like you two have a date tonight," Silver tried to cheer, even though on the inside… What am I going to do now? I can't give her the Rainbow Rose. But that old man gave me the money to give it to her. And now Jasper's taking her on a date? I should have known. He's my love rival.
°•°•°•°
Gray watched in confusion when Juvia shivered. "You okay?"
"Yes, Juvia's Beloved Gray," Juvia chirped. "Juvia senses a love rival has been declared for her Precious Prince." The fire was back in her eyes. "Juvia will make sure her Precious Prince wins against his love rival."
Gray chuckled as he kissed her temple. "You're sweet, Juvia."
°•°•°•°
"I wouldn't call it a 'date'," Ena negated. "More like an outing. I'd hardly think dinner would be considered a 'date'."
Silver gawked. "But if you're getting all fancy and going to dinner… That's like the definition of a date!"
"No… It just means dinner." Ena tugged at her cardigan. "I'd prefer not to label things into dates. It gives people the wrong ideas." She made a face. "I don't want some creepy person to think just because we hang out means we're on some unofficial date."
"R-R-Right…" Silver agreed. "That would be creepy." Can she read my thoughts? She can read my thoughts, can't she? She thinks I'm creepy.
Ena clapped her hands. "But this is perfect. I'll go out with Jasper, and you can focus on Paige. Everyone wins."
I don't win, Silver wanted to protest. But he could not so he scuffed his feet. "Yeah. Guess so."
"Brilliant." Ena gestured to the DAL. "Let me go fresh up, and we can keep working. Once everything is set, you can leave. I have some work to do to prepare for dinner tonight." She salivated as she thought about the cake of her dreams. Double-fudge chocolate cake with vanilla filling and a side of strawberries… My weakness… My salivation… God's masterpiece…
Silver sulked when he saw the dreamy look on Ena's face as she left. I bet she's thinking about Jasper. This totally sucks. He's so smart to get her on board with chocolate cake. I should have thought of that. He laid back in his chair to sigh. It's my fault for not being quicker. I've just been so tired lately with Ena's presents. I'm finishing up her last gift, so I should be grateful I can go home and finish it. But… In his head, Chibi-Silver was throwing a childish tantrum. I want to take her out to dinner too! It's Heart's Day weekend! We could have talked, and I'd get to hear her laugh and see her face light up about cake and…!
He groaned as he saw Ena all fancied like a queen as Jasper dressed as a knight knelt before her and kissed her hand. She swooned and Jasper smirked back at Silver, who was stressed as a wimpy stable boy. Now she's going to fall for him. I bet he'll open the door for her and pull out her chair and make her laugh and get to kiss her.
"No!" Silver shot up, horrified at the imagery of Jasper and Ena closing in for a kiss. "She can't kiss him! She has to kiss—!" He covered his hand with his mouth to quiet himself. What if they kiss and it's one of those true love kisses or something and Ena just falls in love on the spot and she forgets all about me? Oh god, what if it's like Sleeping Beauty?
"Oh, my sweet Prince Jasper!" Fantasy-Ena sighed, swooning in her royal red princess dress while (for some reason) the birds were singing and nature was glowing. "You've saved me from a life with that evil Silver!"
"My princess, I could never leave you under his horrible spell!" Fantasy-Jasper declared all snazzy in his princely garbs. Ah, and he was on a noble white horse too with its luxurious mane blowing in the wind for dramatic effect. "We'll leave the evil Silver to the Moors and we'll run off into the sunset together and get married! For you have given me true love's kiss!"
Fantasy-Ena swooned again. "Jasper…!"
Fantasy-Jasper touched her cheek. "Ena…!"
Silver clawed away the nightmare, spiraling. No, no, no, that can't happen! Then my entire plan for Sunday won't work! She'll be too busy making her wedding dress instead of letting me show her how I feel! I have to stop them from kissing! But what am I supposed to do?
A thought came to him.
Shakily, he took out his Compact. A little ashamed, he opened up a next text thread and took a deep breath. I wouldn't be asking them if I could help it, but… His eyebrow twitched. They are the only two people I know who could help me since they're professionals.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
And that evening…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
I'm such a creep.
And he was.
He was staked out in the bushes across the street with his set of borrowed binoculars, a face mask, and a hoodie.
Yes, he was a creep.
I'm lucky the neighbors were nice enough to let me use their bushes. He wilted when he remembered asking them and their confused agreement. Although, if they knew why I was in these bushes, they'd probably call the police on me. He looked down when he saw an incoming message.
⌜Messages
Gary
Remember to act casual and keep at least ten yards away⌟
⌜Messages
Mom
Oh! Make sure Silver keeps his breathing even to make sure Silver isn't noticed!⌟
⌜Messages
Gary
You've got this! Fighting!⌟
Silver sweatdropped, feeling sick. I asked them because they're both certified stalkers with success. He remembered his mother sitting him down with a whole PowerPoint while Gary FaceCalled and pitched in ideas and comments here and there, and Silver dutifully took notes. I stalked Paige before, but this feels different. This feels… He buried his head in his hands. This feels very illegal.
GRRRRRRRRRR…
Silver readied himself with his binoculars. Okay. Here we go.
A car came down the street and parked in the Fernandes parking drive. Jasper got out and looked dapper in his overcoat and slacks. He must have said something to the Ryde driver before he jogged out and went up the porch before ringing the doorbell.
Silver clenched his binoculars. I bet he thinks this is a date, he grumbled. I thought he was supposed to be my friend. Now he's my love rival. Well, you're not going to kiss Ena before me.
The door opened.
Okay. I'm sure she didn't even dress too fancy for this, Silver reasoned. She probably just dressed beautifully like always. She didn't dress…
Mayan blues widened. Woah…
Jasper had to take a step back. "Woah…"
"What? Am I overdressed?" Ena had decided to do a deep ruby rose for her dress bangs and a cream-colored casual V-neck chiffon blouse with a loose front tie attached to it. Scarlet hair had been pinned up in a Perench twist updo with a rose headpiece tucked in. Her shoes and coat were the same ruby-rose while her bag matched her blouse. She looked at herself in minor distaste. "I admit the color scheme is a little cliché, but—"
"No, no, it's fine," Jasper assured. "You just look…"
Silver's eyes shimmered. She really looks…
…gorgeous./"…gorgeous."
"Well, you look handsome," Ena complimented with ease. She looked up the door before she turned to him and offered her arm. "Shall we go?"
Jasper smiled. "We shall." He hooked his arm with hers as he escorted her down the stairs.
Silver could breathe a little, but still… She looks so gorgeous and beautiful tonight. His mood soured as he watched Jasper open the door for Ena, and she patted his cheek in gratitude. All because of him seducing her out with chocolate cake. I could have done that. He blinked when he realized both of them were in the car and it was backing up. He whipped out his Compact to text Gary:
« They're on the move »
« Ok. Did you bring your board? »
« Yeah, but do I have to use it? »
« Just until you're out of the city. Once they're out, you can use Magic »
Silver pocketed his Compact and binoculars and popped up from the bushes once the car started down the street. He gulped. If she finds out, I'd think I'd rather be arrested than face her. He grabbed his skateboard before he got his start and skated down the street. But… Those mayan blues intensified. I won't let him steal a kiss from you, Ena.
°•°•°•°
Ena shivered and rubbed her arms. What was that?
"You okay?"
Ena smiled and nodded at Jasper. "Oh, yes, I just felt a little chilly for a moment there, but I'm fine." Her eyes fled to the tinted windows and narrowed. Someone was threatening. I could feel it.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Fairy Adventure
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Silver skated down the outdoor commons filled with retailers, restaurants, apartment complexes, and even a retirement community close by. Dressed in pinks and reds and whites, the theme of the outdoor commons was love and affection between relatives, friends, and lovers. Sales flashed by as many were out and about with last-minute present choosing while others bundled together with friends for some drinking and shopping. One of the florist shops nearby was handing out a free flower if you could describe the love you wanted to send to the person you gave it to. A pair of wives who were bikers were debating to pop into a cigar shop or into one of the nearby bars. A group of high schoolers was taking up space as they tried to find Level Up for a night of good food and some games. City Pop rocked the commons' speakers in its nostalgia electronic beat that made you wishful of a time period you had never lived in before.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
« This is the Eustoma Town Center, or better known as the Eustoma Commons. It hosts over 300 retailers and is a popular entertainment spot. Nearby is a local community college and also Eustoma College of Science and Arts. »
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Silver skated in the bicycle land since the sidewalks were full of pedestrians. I wouldn't have been able to use Magic here. Too many people. Gary was right to have me bring my skateboard. He kept a lock on the car housing Ena and Jasper. I wonder which restaurant they're going to out here. Everything's packed.
He followed them until they came to a stop in front of a regal building with a subtle dome-shaped roof and quite the number of people clumping together as they waited for a potential table. Silver skated up a ramp to the sidewalk and got off. He slipped his skateboard into his bag before he hurried up to hide in the throng, but he could clearly see Jasper help Ena out. It looks like they're going to…
Silver looked at the restaurant. …eleven-fifty-nine? I've never heard of it. He tensed as Ena took to Jasper's arm, and Jasper looked delighted to guide her. I gotta get closer, but… He gulped when he saw how the suits and dresses and heels. …everyone looks fancy and I just look creepy!
"If she's going somewhere fancy, make sure you have a set of fancy close to change into," Silver remembered Gary preaching to him. "And if you don't have anything fancy, just use a High Society Glamour Ring. It should get the job done! You can borrow mine!"
Silver grimaced as he took out the Glamour Ring. It looked nothing like anything special. Just a silver band with an etched-in internal ring.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
« This is a High Society Glamour Ring that changes people from their everyday dress into the appropriate royal types in high society! Due to the bans on Glamour Rings in many places, they're quite expensive to get their hands on! »
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
I guess it's this then. I don't even want to know why Gary had one of these just lying around. Silver switched as he looked at the ring and his hand. Well… He closed his eyes as he started to put on the ring. Here goes nothing.
°•°•°•°
The hosts ranged from high schoolers to older twenties and dressed in sleek black, faces pristine, and they were ready to take the high fluctuation of guests with their headsets and tablets that marked the lay of the restaurant. They worked as a unit to help bus and set tables, offer alternatives to picky guests, and ensure the waiting guests were supplied with beverages and little snacks. But, unfortunately, they did have to tell those hopeful of a table that a wait was necessary without reservation.
"Um…" A cleared throat. "E-Excuse me?"
Three of the hosts were at the hosting counter as they worked to clean the menus and keep the restaurant in order, but one replied: "Yes, sir, how can I…?" His eyes widened and he gaped before he pinched the hostess next to him. She looked up, gawked, and forced her coworker to look up and bask too.
"How can we help you, sir?" the three asked.
"Um, well…" A young man stood before them with the most vibrant blues they had ever. Blue hair was 4/6 parted and voluminous, his face almost glowed. Sharply dressed in a black and silver suit with a swanky watch, the young man looked like the pinnacle of wealth, yet his face gave him such beauteous innocence. "I'm, um, here to see if I could get a table?" he requested.
He's…like an Angel! the three of them swooned.
"I'm sorry, sir, but the wait is at least a half-an-hour," one of the hosts told, dazed.
"Oh." The young man's eyes well downcast. "That's too bad. The love of my life just came in here with her date. I was just trying to see if I could have one more chance telling her how I felt…"
All three were goners when they saw his blush. And he's a romantic!
Unbeknownst to the three of them, Silver was reading the little script drafted on a stick note and stuck to his hand. Okay, just breathe and read from the script. Breathe and don't pass out. Breathe and don't blow up and think how illegal this is.
"Could you describe her to us, sir?" the hostess eagerly implored.
"Yes. She has stunning red hair and brown eyes. She looked like a vision in red." The young man's mayan blues shimmered as he flushed, a smile on his lips. "She looks like the queen of my heart." Internally, he was on the ground, sick. Oh god, who wrote this? He could see his mother giving him a thumbs up while Gary wore a hachimaki and cheered for him. I sound like a sap. No one will believe this.
Oh god, he sounds so romantic! the three cheered.
"We won't be able to get you a table, but how about the bar?" one of the hosts suggested. "I think I know where your love is sitting and the bar will give you an excellent view."
"Yeah!" The hostess pumped a fist in support. "And you'll find the perfect opportunity to tell her how you feel!"
Silver smiled. "Thank you so much for your help!" They bought that? Wow. Maybe Mom and Gary are better writers than I thought. Or I got lucky and these three are hopeless romantics. Not like I have room to talk.
"This way, sir."
"Thank you."
Silver took a look around as he was guided through the tables and people. Floors a dark wood, the ceilings had been enchanted to show those starry nights. A waterfall took up a large corner where people could put in jewel for their wishes. What made the restaurant different was the stage in the center and a sizable pit boat that housed a jazz band at the moment playing Embraceable You. Couples had the opportunities to dance if they wanted on the stage, but none had been up to the challenge. Almost every table was packed with groups or couples who expressed love in all its forms. Unsurprisingly, no little children were allowed into the restaurant after a certain hour. The bar was alive with a few LVs that showed the news rather than sports, and the bartenders looked dapper.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
« 11:59 is a famed restaurant that might be expensive, but the price is worth it with hefty portions and fresh food imported from all around the world. 11:59 features live bands, cabarets, burlesques, and more, and its private rooms can be rented with personal staff and private chefs for a pretty jewel! »
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
"Here you are, sir."
"Thank you."
Silver went up to the high-rise chair and settled himself at the bar. He ordered water and a soft drink to nurse, but he could not resist when the bartender told him about their special appetizer and he added that on. With a quick glance around, he could see Ena and Jasper sitting together without a care in the world. He thanked the bartender for his water and drink, but his stomach dropped when whatever Jasper had said had Ena laugh.
This is the worst, Silver lamented. What am I even doing here? Trying to drown myself in pity and watch her laugh with Jasper? He sunk his draw in his drink and took a healthy slurp. I shouldn't have done this. If she finds out I'm here, she'd just turn me into her new pet frog or a book or something. But I'm a creepy idiot who did it anyway, and for what?
"I know people like you don't understand, but I'm quite happy where I am and on my own."
"Men serve a purpose and that's it."
"I don't want a relationship. I like being alone."
Silver looked down at his water. While the Glamour Ring showed others who he was, he would see himself and those sad eyes of his. "She doesn't want anyone, idiot," he murmured. "I have to respect that." But why does it still make me nervous whenever she goes out with Jasper? Or when she kept touching Luke?
The water rippled.
A translucent eye looked through the water surface and to Silver.
"Then why spend time with me when you could be spending your time with someone you love?"
Because I… Silver pressed his lips together. I…
"Are you stalking me?"
Silver pulled out of his thoughts to look to his right and was quickly startled. "Paige?"
"Yeah." Paige crossed her arms. She had abandoned her normal look for a lengthy long-sleeve dress tonight that was a tinted red that almost went with her eyes but not quite. Her hair was touched to give her curls, but all the glamor on her paled in comparison to the scowl she was giving Silver. "How did you track me down this time?"
"H-Huh?" Silver shook his head. "Wait. You're here with…?"
"Nelly. I figured she needed some cheering up when she came home upset today." Paige's eyes narrowed. "But you probably knew that."
Silver waved a hand. "N-No, I didn't!"
"Then why are you here?" Paige wanted to know. "Are you on a date or did you actually come here alone?"
"Uh…" Silver glanced over at Ena's and Jasper's table, and his heart sunk when Jasper touched Ena's hand and she did not pull away. "No, I'm…" He looked at his water. "I'm here alone…"
Paige frowned, unconvinced, when she looked where Silver had glanced at. Her eyebrows shot up when she saw Ena. "Oh, wow… I didn't know Fernandes got a boyfriend—"
"He's not her boyfriend!" Silver looked a little surprised himself at his outburst and quickly sipped his drink.
The pieces started to string together for Paige. "You're not here for me. You're here for her." When Silver did not answer, flustered, she settled on the high-rise chair next to him. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "Nelly told me you were here for a reason, but I assumed you were stalking me, considering…"
Silver grimaced. "Right…" He swallowed. "Um, well… S-Sorry about everything in the past. I knew it annoyed you, but I did it anyway…" He sighed. "And I understand you're never going to feel anything for me. I have for a while now. I am sorry for everything." I'm sorry to you too, Ena. I shouldn't be here. You'll never feel anything for me. But if you feel something for Jasper or Luke… I have to respect that since I respect you. He went for his wallet. "Anyway, I better go."
"Stay for a sec."
Silver blinked at Paige in obvious bewilderment. "Why?"
"You came all this way, and we haven't talked in a while," Paige noted.
Silver blinked twice. "You want to talk to me?"
"Sure." Paige cocked an eyebrow. "Now that you're not my love-obsessed stalker anymore, I think we can actually have a conversation."
Silver flushed. "Ah, right, um… Sure. We can talk."
"Cool."
Silence.
Silver stirred his drink as he cried, This is so awkward. Maybe before, I'd have so much to say, but now… I don't even know where to start. He sipped his water. Maybe I should make an excuse and head home.
"So you're in love with Ena."
Out of the top five moments in all of Silver's life that embarrassed him to the point of tears, he now had a sixth when water came out of his nose out of the shock.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
And then…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Crisis averted thanks to Silver being a Water Mage and easily gathering back the water and putting it in an empty glass to be thrown into the sink, he had gathered himself back together and got his coughing fit and tears under control all while Paige observed him in mild amusement.
"Well, that answers that," Paige supposed. "I didn't expect such a violent reaction."
Silver wheezed once more and took a sip of his drink to calm himself down. "Wh-Wh-Wh…?" He coughed thrice. "How did you know?" he hoarsely asked.
"Nelly told me."
Silver felt like he had been punched in the gut. I should have known! Penelope knows all! "Then why did you ask if I was stalking you?"
"I just had to be sure." A seriousness held in those pale reds. Paige turned to the counter. "You have to know by now that I couldn't have and I won't return your feelings."
Silver waited for the hurt to come from rejection, but nothing did. He nodded as he gripped his drink. "Yes. I know."
"I just want to be clear," Paige explained. "Some of the things you did were nice, but I wasn't going to fall for you. Right now, my only responsibility and concern is Nelly. It doesn't matter that she's S-Class. If she keeps going where she's going, I need to get stronger to protect her."
Silver hummed. "I…understand."
"Good. I'm glad." Paige glanced at him. "Can I ask you something, though?"
"Yeah, sure."
"Why were you so obsessed? Why stalk me and chase me around?"
Silver blew out a breath. "Thinking back on it now, it seemed pretty stupid," he chuckled without humor. "I can't really remember why I did what I did." He stirred his drink. "But… I know whatever I felt with you… It wasn't love. I know that now."
"No shit," Paige deadpanned. "You clung to me like some infatuated fanboy."
Silver choked. I know I admitted it to myself, but she sounds so harsh when she says it like that…
"Still, though." Paige rested her cheek on her propped fist. "I'm impressed you have the balls to go after Fernandes. She's highly skilled and impressive. I mean, she's trained under Master and is on par with some of the best swordsmen in the world. Heck, she's done fencing and live-steel sword fighting competitions and she's won nothing less than gold. Even great sword masters recognize her potential. Not only that, but she's an entrepreneur with international ritzy clients. And her net worth?" She snorted, shaking her head. "She's worth a helluva lot of jewel. Seriously."
"R-Right."
Paige sweatdropped when she saw Silver was a shaking mess with a slapped-on smile.
"She's just one of the most amazing people in the world. No pressure," Silver got out. "This is fine. Everything's fine. I'm fine."
Did I just break him? Paige soothed, "Hey but you have great qualities too."
"No, I don't," Silver said, miserable, and he sniffled. "She's perfect and cultured and gorgeous and she knows everything, and I'm just…" He sniffled. "I'm the pathetic idiot hoping she'll notice me."
Paige's eye twitched when she saw Silver begin to tear up. Oh no… Please tell me he's not going to cry…
"I'm some creep who kissed her on New Year's Eve without her consent, and then I did it again today!" Silver blubbered. "And I couldn't focus when she was sad so I was big spoon, but then I fell asleep"—HIC!—"and she got mad at me, and I couldn't even ask her to keep dancing with me at the ball-thingy in Crocus because I got nervous, an-an-and"—HIC!—"I was lying when I saw I had asthma, and I smelled her"—SNIFF!—"d-d-dirty towel, and I had dirty thoughts about her, and I even stalked her all the way here to make sure she doesn't kiss Jasper!" He shed his Glamour Ring and defaulted back to his normal attire and ripped off his hood. "I even wore this stupid Glamour Ring because I'm a creep and a weirdo and she'll n-n-never notice me, and…!"
"Shhh…" Paige patted his back stiffly and was well-aware of the bewildered looks the other patrons were giving them. "H-Hey…! It's okay, um… She'll, um…for sure notice you?"
Silver sniffled. "Do you think so?"
"Yes."
Silver and Paige paled.
"She will."
Silver started sweating bullets, paralyzed with fear. That's it. I'm done for. She's going to turn me into a dog now. I can live with being her dog. Maybe she'll like me better as her pet. I could live well as her dog. Who am I kidding, she'd chain me up outside and leave me to fend for myself? Or worse, she'd fix me?
Paige hazarded a look back. "Ena, I…" Her face went flat when it was just Penelope standing there as she sipped a juice box with her hair down in bountiful waves as she wore a sparkly velvet dress. "Penelope, I told you not to do the voice thing!"
"Why?" Penelope sipped her drink. "It was hilarious."
Paige's eyebrow twitched as she gestured to Silver, who looked like his soul had left his body. "How is this 'hilarious'?" she hissed. "You can't go around and mimic people like that!"
"Okay." Penelope got on the high-rise chair on Silver's other side, pale reds vacant. "My apologies, Silver. Ena still hasn't noticed you. You should be relieved."
"Th-Th-Thank you, Penelope," Silver croaked, white as a sheet. Those words are the greatest and worst words of my life.
It was when Paige noticed Silver's bag. "Hey…" She reached over to unzip it and saw the skateboard inside while Penelope reached up and helped Silver reclaim his soul like the good Soul Mage she was. "You skateboard?
"Yeah." Silver could finally breathe again. Poor thing. "Nothing serious, though. I suck at rollerblading unlike Lady J and Gary, but before I could learn how to make my waterboard, I skateboarded."
Paige had to grin. "You know I skateboard, right?" Her face turned flat when she saw innocent question marks popping off a Silver. "God, you stalked me for who knows how long and you didn't even know that. You're such a bad stalker." While Silver gawked, Paige inspected the skateboard. "Nice cruiser longboard." Her grin was back. "If I'd known you'd done skateboarding, we could've hung out and gone to the park. We definitely should."
"Really?" Silver sounded bewildered at the offer.
"Yeah!" Paige jerked a thumb at her twin, who listlessly looked around. "Nelly's great for recording me doing new tricks, but she doesn't get skateboarding. Before she can fall, she'd start floating. And Elvin doesn't like skateboarding either." She rolled her eyes. "He thinks it's dangerous and always goes on safety lectures. Mary Jane can skateboard, but she hasn't touched it just like Justin can, but he's too busy these days." She appraised Silver in interest. "I could use a friend who skateboards."
Silver worked his mouth. "Oh… Um, well…" He softened and smiled. "Sure! Sounds great!"
"Awesome." Paige held out her fist and Silver bumped it. "I won't ever like you in that way," she made clear, "but it's nice to like you as a friend."
A friend… Silver's smile widened. "It's nice to like you as a friend." Yeah… My heart only beats fast for Ena. Everything I felt for Paige was nothing more than an obsession…an infatuation… It was never love. But a friendship… His eyes softened, and he took a swig of his water. I could definitely love her as a friend.
"Silver." Penelope sipped her juice box. "What sort of dirty thoughts do you have about Ena?"
For the second time that night, water sprayed from Silver's nose.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Two hours later…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
"Phew!" Paige blushed as she settled down her drink and wiped off the remainder of it from her lips. "Man! That stuff was good!" She gestured to Silver, who had stuck deliberately to soda and water. "You're not drinking?"
Silver smiled and shook his head. "No, thank you. I have to get back home." And I don't want to get drunk and do something I regret. All those dramas I've watched tell me the most likely scenario is I'd confess. He wilted as he could picture him drunkenly professing his love and Ena snapping him into a frog before riding off into the sunset with Jasper on that same damn white horse with a luscious mane. Yeah, I'm not in the mood to get rejected tonight. He took out his wallet. "I'm going to hit the bathroom and then go home."
"Don't worry about payment," Penelope said. "I'm paying. You both are poor in comparison to my S-Class salary."
Paige and Silver felt like they were hit with lightning. She's right, but that still hurts.
"We can take you home," Penelope offered. "Paige and I flew here. We can fly you home."
"Oh, you got your Flying License?" Silver asked in surprise.
Paige sweated while Penelope explained, "Paige isn't. She has her permit, but I'm licensed, so she's allowed to fly under my supervision."
"Don't make it sound like I'm a child!" Paige scolded, embarrassed. "I'll get my license any day now! I'll even get it before Mary Jane!"
Penelope sipped her juice box (and let the record show she went through sixteen high-sugar juice boxes). "I wouldn't say that in front of Uncle Laxus and Aunt Mira. Remember what happened to Father."
"Right." Paige looked solemn. "Poor Dad."
Both Penelope and Paige sighed, "Father/Dad…"
Silver sweatdropped. They make it sound like he's dead… He scooted out of his chair. "I'm still going to the bathroom first. I'll be right back." He shoved his hands into his pockets and maneuvered his way to the bathroom. He had to take a step back when a bathroom attendant was in there, and his eyes sparkled when he saw a ceramic fountain. Wow… This place is for the rich! He quickly did his business, then went to wash his hands.
I'm sort of surprised Ena came to a place like this. I've seen some of the finance reports. Even for her age, she makes some serious jewel. Her clients are all countesses and dukes and ladies and lords from around the world, and she dresses like she's on a runway. But she prefers home cooking or little restaurants.
"It has nothing to do with me putting my nose in the air to a richer palette and lifestyle," he remembered Ena shared with him. "But in my experience, while the imported foods still have their merit and should be experienced, restaurants like Double Trouble make me feel more inspired than anything else. And after all, it's my job to be inspired, isn't it?"
Silver turned off the faucet and found a hand towel to dry off his hands. I didn't know what she means. I still don't know it exactly. But still… Knowing even she prefers a burger from Double Trouble than eating in a place like this even though she has the money to… Seeing her work with people in our town and helping fix their clothes and designing them personalized outfits… Hearing someone as phenomenal as her say she needs a break once in a while from the noise…and she lets me spend the break with her…
Silver's cheek pinkened. To me? It just makes her even more beautiful in my eyes…
"A mint, sir?"
Silver blinked up at the attendant. "Oh, um… Sure." He took the mint.
"And might I offer you a bit of advice?" the attendant suggested. "A king may have a kingdom, but it takes a queen to rule that kingdom." He smiled knowingly as Silver's blush deepened. "Just something to think about, Prince of the Sea."
"You know who I am?" Silver asked, astonished.
The attendant nodded. "Why, yes. Prince of the Sea of Fairy Tail." His eyes flashed. "Quite the regal title."
"Some people said it's arrogant," Silver confessed as he scratched his cheek. "I didn't really have a choice. When I made my debut, people started calling me it. Until I find a better name, I won't be changing it."
"I think the title 'Prince' suits you just fine," the attendant assured. "Although… Perhaps you'll make a great 'king of the sea'."
Silver laughed. "No way! My mom would get that title!" His eyes rounded when he noticed the man's earrings and that shiny, scaley look to them. "Oh. Your earrings…" Doesn't Gale have an ear pierced with one of those earrings?
"Oh." The attendant touched one of his earrings. "Yes. The material is from my home country. Many of us wear this jewelry to represent where we're from."
Silver had heard these words before. "You're from Giltena?"
The attendant nodded. "Yes, I am."
"Wow…" He's the second person I've met from there. I really need to ask Lulu about her bracelet and Gale about his earring. Silver paused. "Wait. Giltena?" He opened his mouth to ask the question, then he closed it and shook his head. "Ah, I'm sorry about that." He went for his wallet. "Here. Um, thank you for the mint—"
"No need for the tip." The attendant bowed lowly. "It was an honor to meet you, My Prince."
Silver, awkward, bowed back. "Thank you. It was nice to meet you too, sir." He let the bathroom after looking over his shoulder. That was…strange… He shrugged and popped in the mint. I wanted to ask him about Mercuphobia, but if Dad said they sealed away the Dragon Gods, then there's no point to asking. He stretched out. Either way, no time to think about it. I just want to go home, and…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Entering Slow Motion Mode_
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Something rushed for Silver.
Silver noticed nothing until the very last second.
His eyes widened into fear. His mouth opened in a plea.
SLAM!
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Exiting Slow Motion Mode_
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The unisex bathroom was large with an accent chair, a lemony scent, and clean as a whistle. But none of that was important with Silver on the ground, fearing for his life, and Ena standing before him with the shadows covering her eyes.
"You…"
Silver sucked in a breath when her sword appeared and the blade was pointed at him.
"Why…"—Ena looked down at him with wrathful eyes—"are you here?"
Silver gulped. Okay, this could go several ways. A… She could kill me with her sword and then kill my soul, and no one will ever see me again.
Chibi-Ena slammed her sword into Chibi-Silver's chest. Blood was everywhere as a skull and crossbones appeared and his soul left his body, but Chibi-Ena captured his soul and squeezed it to death.
B… She could turn me into something and trap me like that forever as her prisoner.
Chibi-Ena cackled as she held up a birdcage with a scared Chibi-Silver in there who had been turned into a budgie with blue feathers, and he feared for his life when she started offering crackers.
Or C… She calls the Guard on me and I'm arrested for stalking and harassment and she rides off with Jasper and they get married and leave me there to rot in jail.
Chibi-Silver tried to reach out of the bars of his cell with Chibi-Luna as his jailor while Chibi-Ena was in her wedding dress at the alter with Chibi-Jasper and as the sunset with their background and (somehow) Chibi-Julia was the priest who allowed them to wed.
Silver wanted to cry. No, no, anything but option C— He gulped when the sword brushed his shirt.
"I will ask this one more time." Ena let her blade feather under his chin. "What – are – you – doing – here?"
"I… I…." What am I supposed to say? The truth? A lie? Silver panicked. If I lie, she'll get mad at me. She already smells mad at me, but she'll be even madder.
Ena sighed, and her anger dispersed alongside her sword. She sat down on the accent chair to rub her temples. "Honestly, you might be my saving grace."
Silver blinked thrice. "Huh?"
Ena relaxed in the accent chair as though thoroughly exhausted. "Silver. I need your honest opinion on something. Give me that, and I'll overlook you conveniently being here in my presence even though you looked like a commoner daring to enter here."
"Yes, ma'am." Like an eager puppy, Silver knelt before her, spine straight and hands on his knees. Internally, he was teary. Great, she thinks I'm nothing more than a commoner and here I am, coming to her beck and call like a servant to a queen…
"I…" Ena's hands twitched. "I think…I'm giving Jasper the wrong impression of me."
That shocked Silver and concerned him at the same time. "What do you mean?"
"Oh…" Ena pressed a hand to her forehead. "I don't know," she breathed. "It's just… Something happened…" She shook her head. "It's nothing. Forgive me—"
"No, please, don't say that," Silver urged. "What happened?" His eyes turned deadly. "Did he touch you somewhere?" His anger rose when Ena hesitated and her eyes went to the side. Dammit. I was talking to the twins that I wasn't paying attention. Jasper might be one of my good friends, but I won't allow him to touch Ena in a way she doesn't want. He got up, head full of rage, and muttered darkly, "I'll be back."
"No."
Silver was stopped with fingers on his sleeve. He looked down to see Ena's ashamed look and backed down from storming out to kneel before her. "What happened?" he wanted to know. No, he had to know. "What did he do?"
"It's…" Ena hugged herself, rubbing her arms. "It's nothing. I'm making a big deal out of nothing—"
"Ena." Silver met her eyes, his soft and hers guilty. "It's me."
Ena sucked in a breath. "It's really nothing," she tried to dismiss in a quiet tone. "I just… We hug and that's fine. We cheek-kiss and I don't care. I do those things with everyone—"
Not to me, Silver pouted.
"—but then…" Ena shook her head. "I don't know. Maybe…I should have said, 'no' to coming out here with him. I should have read the room or something. He told me he doesn't really find this holiday romantic, and he just wanted to celebrate with a friend, but…" Her eyes dropped to her lap. "Maybe I was too friendly…"
Silver hated hearing the uncertainty in Ena's voice. "What happened? What did he do?"
Ena closed his eyes. "It's…" She sighed. "I didn't mind…at first… I just thought he was being friendly like normal…" She brushed her hair behind her ears. "He just kept…touching my hand…" She snorted. "I know it sounds stupid when I say that. It shouldn't bother me. But I must have had something on my face because he wiped something off my mouth with his napkin…" She rolled her eyes. "You probably think I'm crying over spilled milk—"
"I don't." Silver situated himself to be back in her line of vision. "I don't," he repeated. "If you don't like the way he's touching you, then you don't. It doesn't matter what happened before. It just matters you don't like it now. Right?"
Ena still looked uneasy. "Maybe I'm overthinking things," she reasoned. "I'm sure he didn't mean for it to come across like that. We're friends. This is…" Her hands clenched. "This is nothing. I'm making things up in my head. And if I really didn't want him to touch me…"—dark chocolates were gutted in shame—"I would have said, 'no'…right?" Then why didn't I…?
"May I hold your hands, please?"
Ena sighed. "Silver, I'm in no mood for your little games."
"I'm being serious."
Ena looked at him to see the determined expression on his face.
"May I hold your hands, please?" Silver asked again.
"Um…" Ena held out her hands for him. "I suppose so, yes."
Silver was careful in holding her hands with his. "My parents always taught me about boundaries, but… Something about what my dad told me a little while ago hit me," he explained to her. "It was nothing different from before, to be honest. It's common sense. But it's different now because…" Because I… "He told me about boundaries and respecting people's boundaries. It doesn't matter what anyone else is doing. It matters about your boundaries."
"I think I'm just being dramatic," Ena mumbled. "I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it—"
"But what if he did?" Silver questioned. "What if he did mean something by it?"
"I-I…" Ena swallowed. "But he wouldn't," she whispered. "Why would he? I… I'm nothing more than the reject kid of my family."
Ena… Silver gentled his voice. "Maybe you don't see it, but you're an incredible person," he murmured. "You're someone a lot of people admire. And you're also someone a lot of people find beautiful from the inside out. And…" He squeezed her hands. "And if Jasper found you to be that sort of person like a lot of us do…we can't fault him for seeing the truth." I can't really. She's smart and brave and beautiful. He'd be an idiot not to see that. "But still," he continued with resolve, "it doesn't excuse people from touching you and making you uncomfortable when you don't want it. You might be amazing, but you're a person with boundaries that people should respect."
Talk about me being a hypocrite. I stalked her all the way here to stop if she and Jasper ended up getting closer. But… If she wanted him…I'd have to respect her choice without question.
"But…" Ena scrounged for a reason. "But I'm just overthinking this. I know he's a friend. He's been nice and kind this entire time. He wouldn't do something like that."
"I'm not saying he's a horrible person," Silver exonerated. "I know people can make mistakes and get too friendly and not realize that. Jasper's one of my greatest friends." He noticed Ena shy away and added, "But you're one of my greatest friends too. And if you say you were uncomfortable with something he did, I believe you. It's okay to not be comfortable with someone touching you in a way you don't want to be touched."
"But I…" Ena sniffed. "I would have said, 'no' or said something if I…"
"Maybe," Silver agreed. "Maybe you would say something. But even if you didn't say anything, it doesn't mean you were okay with it in the first place." He saw Ena was not convinced and sighed. "I had to learn with someone that even though I might love them, it doesn't matter. What they want matters. But my dad also told me I had to respect my own boundaries and not let someone else take advantage of them."
"Your dad is very wise," Ena complimented, tone hushed.
Silver smiled. "Yeah. Guess he is." He tacked on, "And so are you."
Ena snorted. "I'm not wise. A wise person wouldn't be hiding in a bathroom, complaining about her friend being a friend."
"A wise person would know when they feel uncomfortable," Silver told her, timbre soothing.
Ena went silent.
I hope I didn't say something wrong, Silver worried. It's not like I can talk. I'm not Mom or Dad. I'm not that smart. I was just saying things they taught me. Maybe I screwed up even more.
"Thank you."
Silver scrambled for a moment. "U-Um. For what?"
Ena softened with a small, sad little smile. "For a little while, you've always shown up when I'm in trouble like a white knight. Or perhaps the prince saving the princess," she regarded. "I don't like relying on many people. I don't want to become dependent on anyone. All it does is bring pain when you do, but…" She squeezed his hands. "When I'm like this… I'm starting not to mind…showing this side of me to you…"
Silver blinked. Ena…
"You somehow know what to say," Ena went on, "even if it's nothing at all. You've shown me kindness when I don't deserve any. Even when I kept asking you to leave me alone"—grateful dark chocolate clashed with mayan blues—"you…stayed. Why?"
Silver wanted to reply, but he hesitated. I stay with you because… Because I… "Because we're friends." He smiled for her. "And friends stay with each other no matter what."
"Yes." Ena brushed away a stray tear, beaming. "We're friends."
She's crying, but… She doesn't smell sad, Silver thought.
"Then, as you are a friend I can rely on…"
Red hair fluttered.
Mayan blues widened.
Silver froze when Ena wrapped her arms around him to hug him dearly.
"…please don't leave my side," Ena whispered to him. "I know I'm not the person you love. And I know you might not like me or the way I am or you might hate being my assistant. But… Could you please stay by my side for a little longer?"
Mayan blues shimmered.
She's really bewitched me.
Slowly, Silver wrapped his arms around her. Asking me something like this… Her spell must've been pretty powerful when she cast it on me because now I can only answer… "Okay." He nuzzled her close. "I'll stay by your side forever."
Ena tightened her hold. "Thank you."
You evil witch. Don't thank me. There's no need to thank me when you're holding me tight under your spell… He closed his eyes and relaxed into their embrace. …and making me fall more and more for you every day…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Later that night…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Silver waited on the porch while Ena unlocked the door. "Thanks for escorting me home, but it wasn't necessary," she told him. "I would have been fine. Plus, you kept glaring at Jasper the entire ride back."
"I did not!" Silver defended. Though, he remembered the car ride with a confused Jasper, an awkward Ena, and a suspicious him between the two. He clung to Ena as he kept staring (more like glaring, yes) at Jasper like an untrusting dog. "And besides, I was looking out for you!"
Ena laughed behind a hand. "Yes, of course. A prince has to do his duty to scare off the others from the princess," she teased.
Silver puffed his chest. "That's right! I was doing my duty!"
"Of course you were." Ena stepped inside before looking at Silver. "Are you coming in?"
"Huh?" Silver rubbed his cheek. "Oh, um, it's getting pretty late, actually. I better start heading home." Because I blew off my night, I'll have to make it up tomorrow to finish up the final gift before Sunday. He sucked in a breath. No matter how much I do want to cave and go inside, I have to be strong. Ena's present is depending on me—
"Nonsense. It's late." Ena widened the door. "Come. You'll stay here for the night."
Silver practically floated in, dreamy. "Okay…" Then he came to his senses and leapt back, waving his hands. "No, I'm not letting your spell pull me in!" he told her in a cry. "And it's indecent to let a man into your hose this late at night!"
Ena paused and stepped back outside. "Yes, but you're not a man."
SHING!
Silver was on the ground, mortally wounded, pride murdered. I'm must be a masochist for this type of treatment. He slowly returned to his feet, still pretty sore, and mumbled, "So you don't even see me as a man?"
"No."
Silver could imagine himself clutching his heart and fainting into a chaise lounge chair while Luna fanned him and demanded a doctor. At least I like someone who is honest with me. He scuffed his feet. "Well, then…" He drew up his chest and mustered all his bravery to look her in the eye. "Then I'll do what it takes so you start seeing me as a man."
Ena blinked. "Silver…" She smiled and pinched his cheek, much to his disgruntlement. "It would take you a lifetime for me to ever see you as a man. You're much more like my adorable, foolish pet piglet."
I guess being her pet is a step up, Silver miserably supposed as he waited for her to let go of his face. He scrubbed his cheek and muttered, "If I really was your pet, I'd be demanding some better treatment."
Ena raised an eyebrow, cocking a hip. "Like what?"
Silver crossed his arms. "Well, for starters, if I was your pet, I demand a lot of cuddles. And we'd have to eat every meal together. And you'd have to pat my head."
"You're a very high maintenance pet," Ena jested dryly. "Eating every meal together isn't feasible, and neither is excessive cuddling if you're going to continue to swim in that dirty water."
Silver huffed. "I told you it's clean water—" But he could not speak.
Ena was stroking his hair.
"But maybe I can pat your head on occasion," Ena conceded with a smile. "You've done so much for me. It's the least I can do in return. Every time you do well, I'll pat your head." Her head tilted as her smiles widened. "So you did good today, Silver."
Silver blinked before he looked down at his shoes with his face warm, lips pressed together. She treats me like I'm just her assistant…and babies me like I'm her pet…but… He lowered his head for her. But this… His hand came up to clutch the cloth of his heart. It feels…nice…
"I'm sure you're tired." Ena pulled her hand back. "I'll see you Sunday—Ah…" She blinked when Silver took hold of her hand and brought it to his chest. "Silver?" Worry filled her. "Are you okay?" His heart… She stared at her hand. It's beating fast. Medical jargon floated around her. I bet if I take his pulse—
"You'll see."
"What?" Ena brushed back her hair to hear him better. "I'm sorry. Can you say that again?"
Silver gulped. "I…" A deep inhale. A deep exhale. Determined mayan blues connected with perplexed dark chocolates. "I'll make you see," he told her, "that I'm your man and not your pet."
Ena stared.
Silence.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Wow ~
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Internally, Silver thought back on his words and was quietly digging his own grave. I… I hate myself so much sometimes.
"Pfft."
Silver flinched.
Ena chortled behind a fist. "Well. Man or pet—neither of those titles matters to me. Because to me, you're more than that." She cupped his cheek. "You're my Diaval. My faithful assistant I can change into a man or a pet. And I'm Maleficent." Her eyes dimmed. Yes. I am her. Alone in the Moors with just L as my Princess Aurora.
"That makes you a queen."
Ena blinked back into reality. "Huh?"
"Well, Maleficent is technically a queen, right? She was raised by the fae, so she's sort of like the queen of fae. Which totally fits you with your mom being called the 'Fairy Queen'." Silver thought on it. "So if she's the Fairy Queen, then I guess that would make you the Fairy Princess, right?" He grinned. "And I'm the Prince of the Sea. So it's like a fairy tale."
Ena softened. "I wouldn't exactly put it like that," she told. "I'm not royalty." Her eyes averted to the side. "To be honest, I doubt I could ever achieve the level of my mother. I'd never be 'queen' material."
"Then…" Silver smiled, innocent and pure. "How about you be my queen instead?"
"No."
I can't even say I expected anything else, Silver thought while he tried to look unaffected. He got out his skateboard and adjusted his sweatshirt. "Well, I better get home and you should get some sleep."
"Right." Ena pointed a finger at him. "Stay in well-lit areas."
Silver smiled. "Right."
"And head straight home. No wandering."
"Right, I get it."
"And go straight to bed," Ena commanded. "Which means no gaming or whatever it is strange people like you do."
Silver laughed. "Right, okay, straight to bed, promise." He nodded to the door. "Go inside. I'll leave once you're there."
Ena hmphed, but she did go inside. However, she hesitated and looked back.
Silver frowned. "Is there something wrong?"
"No." Ena clutched the door. "Thank you…for believing me." Her eyes flitted to meet his. "Perhaps…you'd make a decent prince after all. For the right princess, that is." She ignored the surprise on Silver's face as her eyes averted. "Well, good night." She fled inside and closed the door.
Silver looked at the closed door, dazed. "Night…" He turned away as he messed with his hood. After going down the steps and back to the main sidewalk, he got the back of his skateboard on the ground and ran with it before getting onto the deck and skating down the street pavement. As the February air chilled around him and the street light glazed him, he kept up his speed.
"Perhaps…you'd make a decent prince after all. For the right princess, that is."
"You're my Diaval. My faithful assistant I can change into a man or a pet."
Prince, man, assistant, pet, friend, pig… A sharp turn was in the distance. She sees me as those. Without a thought, he increased his speed. But either way… His eyes lit up into a comfortable hue of blue as water extended from his arm like a tentacle and wrapped around the corner street lamp. He whipped himself around the turn, going in low, before he caught enough speed to lift himself up and spin his board with a grin.
…I'm going to show her that I can be the person she can always depend on!
He spun his board when it touched the ground before he proceeded skating down the street.
"Could you please stay by my side for a little longer?"
I won't ever leave your side. Just you wait. Silver's grin broadened. Ena Fernandes… I'll show you that love can go on forever! And I'll make you see you're more than just Maleficent. It was not something you could see at first glance, but with a closer inspection of his teeth, you could see a hint of canines. I'll make sure you know you're an amazing queen too.
The Rainbow Rose encased in glass atop the dinner table looked healthier than ever. It glowed its rainbow for the world to see, bright and beautiful and beaming. Although its spine arched, it kept its petals preened and proud, as though happy enough to show off to whoever gazed upon its beauty and grace.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Maleficent and Diaval strike again
The feelings they share have grown as guildmates
And as friends
For they share a made-bond not forged from despair
But from respect and trust
And a promise they both share
•
Their story continues dressed in their Sunday best
An outing, a non-date
Between boss and her loyal assistant
But tonight, we shall end our story of love and its plights
Happy Heart's Day to all
And to all a good night
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Onaka sukanai? Nani ka tabetai?
Eeto, atashi mizu de ii ya
Ano ne, tokoro de, toutotsu dakedo
Okashiitte omottara gomen
•
Bikkurisuru kamoshirenai no
Demo ne, kiite hoshii, eeto
•
Puhaa, doushiyou
Ano ne, jitsu wa ne…
Dame da, yappari kowai no
•
Kimochi tsutaetai yo anata ni
Kono kimochi doushite kurushii no
TO BE CONTINUED…
Next time
On Fairy Adventure
Episode 086
TALES OF HEART'S DAY WEEKEND
MALEFICENT 2
MISTRESS OF LOVE
Voices of Characters in Order of Appearance
— • — • — • —
Narrator – Kelsey Grammer
Silver Fullbuster – Yuri Lowenthal
Ena Fernandes – Xanthe Huynh
Jasper Langley – Zeno Robinson
Gray Fullbuster – Newton Pittman
Juvia Fullbuster – Brina Palencia
Gary Fullbuster (voice only) – Griffin Burns
Paige Strauss – Erika
Penelope Strauss – Cristina V
The Attendant -
• — • — •
Additional Voices
Opening Narrator – Mary McGlynn
Description Narrator – Mary McGlynn
Closing Narrator – Melissa Fahn
— • — • — • —
⌜OPENING SONG
⟪ Prism ⟫
ClariS & GARNiDELiA
Lyrics by
Ryosuke Shigenaga⌟
•
⌜ENDING SONG
⟪ I Like You, I Love You ⟫
Kagamine Rin
Composed & Lyrics by
JevanniP⌟
The hotel was quite nice, to be honest. Nothing fancy. It was a modest hotel with some slow-to-get-there updates, but it was a good enough hotel for many people out of town to choose for their home away from home. The attendant from 11:59 offered pleasant greetings to the staff and did his helloes and nods to guests like he was taught. He secluded himself in his hotel room. It was not much. It was not like he needed much.
The attendant casually closed his curtains to his room and turned on the LV. A news station had appeared to be at the tail end about Xu Wing's unification movement and how Zhōnguá actively was against it before the anchors moved onto the politics of a Spiritless protest outside a Magic Council branch office.
The attendant went into his small bathroom and ran the sink water. He was careful to remove one of his earrings and cupped his hands with it to gather the water from the faucet into his palm.
His ear-ring glowed.
He took a step back as the water in his palm shifted out of it with his earring guiding. The water swirled and tumbled until it fanned out into a circle with the earring at the center. But the water did not stay translucent. Instead, it framed what looked to be a throne room.
"Report," came instant command.
The attendant bowed lowly. "Your Highness, the young prince grows stronger in his tides," the attendant explained. "He recognized my scale came from Giltena." He hesitated.
"Go on…"
"It would seem the young prince wanted to inquire more about Giltena, but he failed to do so," the attendant spoke. "It's just an assumption, but perhaps his father explained to him about you, Your Majesty. As you told us, you have seen him in your dreams."
A long sigh. "I could only hope his parents told him. I wasn't expecting him until he was older. But my mentor and I can already feel our connection with him and the young prince is already having dreams and vision." A shift.
The attendant hesitated before asking, "Have the Scrying Scouts found the human responsible for the young prince's suffering?" He bowed lower. "I only ask out of worry for His Highness' safety, Your Majesty."
"Not yet." Agitation but unto himself. "But we have placed protection on him. Tell me something, my friend. The Enchantress he is besotted with…"
"Ah, yes, sire." The attendant was quick to report, "She shows significant prowess like the previous Enchantress Irene. However, I have not yet felt the power you have warned us of to be inside of her."
A shift back into the throne. "I understand—" A haggard cough.
The attendant looked up in heavy worry. "Your Majesty—!"
"Peace, my friend." The next cough was muffled into a handkerchief, but the blood was there, sprinkled. "There is little need to worry about the Enchantress. It was just my idle curiosity." A lifted chin. "You will be well compensated for your work. Make haste with your return."
The attendant bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty. May the waves be in your favor."
°•°•°•°
The video was gone as a violent coughing fit came over. The room was dedicated to the ways of the ocean, with statues made of the greatest heroes of the sea and a mosaic title dedicated to the gods who had once ruled the ocean before. With no water, the servants retained their human form with their glowing scales as bracelets, earrings, necklaces, chokers, and even armbands. But all of them stopped their duties as they watched in great despair as their king keeled over.
Another handkerchief was before him, but he sighed when his bloodied mouth was dabbed for him. "I can do it myself."
"No, you can't," she snapped, but the worry was prominent in her shaking hand. "You should rest now, My Lord, please. You can't keep straining yourself." She offered him water to sip from a straw. "Let me handle the young prince. I can have him brought back to you—"
"We can't do that." He finished a few sips of water. "He's too young."
"But if you wait for him to come of age, you could be gone before you properly teach him," she argued. She placed a hand on her chest. "Allow me to take pointe, My Lord," she begged of him. "We can offer plenty of accommodations to the young prince so he will still get a proper land education."
He sighed as he rested on his throne. "You know as well as I once he comes home, he will have to remain here until he is strong enough to surface again." He smiled over the indignance on her face. "It will be fine. I have you by my side. I can't and won't falter so easily."
She huffed, but she had to let this matter go for his sake and her sanity. "Fine. But why are we watching out for the Enchantress?" she asked, irked. "Just because that old man asked for us to doesn't mean we should have to. She isn't the sea's problem, My Lord."
"She isn't a problem, and I was the one to suggest it to the Grand Law Dragon." He waved his hand to summon water before him. But the water projected imagery to him of a young girl of scarlet hair as she focused on a design she finished up while in an accent chair. "The original Enchantress didn't pass down any of her powers to the current Queen of Fairies. The first son inherited his father's power, and the first daughter has too little of a connection to any power after that spell she cast fourteen years ago. But this daughter the young prince cares for carries the power of the Enchantress. And if she has that power…"
The girl of scarlet hair paused in her drawing, body tensing. Without moving a muscle, her sword was summoned and stabbed into the video. The water broke apart and dropped onto the floor.
"…then she might truly be the next Sage and the perfect future Queen."