Years ago, in the Forest of Palisman…
Bat Queen, the loyal protector of the Palisman, thrown, lost, and cast aside stood before this unique and strange Palisman and the master she held so dearly.
Every Palisman, who was without their witch, comes here, to be provided shelter from the cruel outside world. For one, it would be a new home for one who lost a witch to someone truly vile. To the other… it was a desperate rescue. Blue, who looked to the compatriot, hood over her head as she frowned towards the grief-stricken cardinal and then to the struggling Palisman. Her master was still alive, covered in bandages but was barely hanging on.
This place was his only hope.
"Please say yes… please say yes…" Blue whispered under her breath, "Please, hang on. It's not over for you yet."
"…"
Suddenly, she was before a giant, winged creature, whose eyes glowed like hot amber.
"Who brings witches to my domain?"
Blue then snapped out of her thoughts, looking out the window to realize where she was, the Emperor's Palace.
What had been more of a century ago, still felt like yesterday. Neither she nor Belos could forget that act of kindness the Bat Queen gave them. Even during the war and the Two Hundred Dance of Despair, Belos made certain they were safe, using magic to hide away his Palisman friends and guiding stray and miserable ones to the Bat Queen where they will be safe. It was the little they could do. Heck, even the Palace was converted to become Palisman-friendly when he reclaimed it. Still, Belos wished to do more for them.
He then heard the flutter of the wings, then he sat on a stump, preparing tea for two. The Bat queen appeared before him with a bow.
"The Bellowing One returns and his beloved Swan Palisman." The Bat Queen greeted with a pleasant smile on her massive face.
"I am pleased to see you, old friend. It seemed that you haven't changed a bit or our dearly charming friends." Belos smiled through his mask as he poured the tea, and spotted the palisman in the tree, many of them were ones who lost their witches in the war.
"Yet, you have changed greatly. When you first came here, you were empty, hallowed out." The giant palisman pointed out.
"I know, it took me years but thanks to you and Blue, I was able to put myself back together again."
"So, why are you here? It doesn't seem like just another friendly visit."
Blue reverted back to her palisman form as she sat on Belos' shoulder.
"Bat Queen, you have been good to me, you helped me and Blue when we had no one to turn to. You saved me from death and in these times, I feel as though it may not be safe for you and the others to linger in the woods-."
"Bellowing One-."
"I think you and the Palisman should move in-."
"We have been over this. I know you worry, but we are safe here and I do not like other witches, besides you. I don't trust them with so many of us cast out."
"Not all the Palisman here were cast out, others lost their witches… because of my failing. Let me make amends and repay my debt to you. I promise you all will be given the best care."
"I appreciate the offer, Bellowing One. But just because you see us as equals, family, doesn't mean others will."
She had to hand it to them, both are pretty stubborn, stubborn old goats, or in Bat Queen's case, bat.
Belos should respect her decision to stay. Bat Queen and the others can defend themselves with ease. After all, she lived this long, Blue highly doubted she could be taken down quite so easily. Bat Queen was strong, and the illusions placed in the forest still stand.
Yet, she can also see how her master sees things. The realm, though freed from the evils of the Blood Crusaders and begun to heal, was still an uncertain place. Belos was afraid of uncertainty, uncertainty could result in tragedy. Where there is control, there is safety. In a controlled environment, you will know what will happen.
Outside the reach of the Covens, Belos couldn't help but worry. What if someone decided to hunt them down again?
He didn't even want to think about that outcome.
Maybe that's why he's pushing so hard, he cares so much.
Soon Blue bumped into the Plant Palisman, Apple Brown Betty the Hummingbird, and the Bard Palisman, Biscuit the Scarlet Macaw.
"Good morning, Miss. Parfait. How are you today?" Biscuit sang with her melodies.
"You seem to be lost in thought today. Is everything alright?" Betty wondered as she grew a small apple tree, plucked on normal sized apple, and ate it.
Maybe… it wouldn't be bad to check up on them every now and then.
"Listen, can you two do me a small favor?" Blue requested from her younger sisters in a hushed tone so no one could hear them.
"Sure, we are off for today for our hard work. All the time we used for defeating evil jerks." Biscuit smiled with her rhythm and rhymes.
"What can we do for you? Do you want us to see if Snapdragon is obeying her probation or see how Darius and the others are doing in their investigation?" Betty wondered as she was well aware of Terra's unauthorized little schemes.
Belos was still grilling the Coven Head on that. If she wasn't such an asset to the Coven, Belos would have replaced her long ago. Despite being a crazy nutjob, she was a useful crazy nutjob, just needs to remember her place.
"No, this… this is more personal."
The two palisman then leaned in as they found it interesting.
Blue then took a deep breath.
"You know of Bat Queen, right?"
They both nodded.
"Good. I want you two to check in on her, and see if she and the others are okay."
"Say no more, my sister Blue. We'll see and make sure, that's what we'll do." Biscuit agreed.
"We'll check up on her and others. Don't worry about it."
Then the two turned into their palisman form and left.
