Into the Fray

Marzipan and Homestar traveled in silence, but at least under her charm the fairy seemed in much better spirits. Even if it was because she was influencing him to be that way. As long as he wasn't thinking about the events of the last week, or even just shortly as they witnessed the falling of their comrade, Strong Bad. As long as he couldn't think about it, and couldn't be influenced by Strong Sad's shadow magic she was sure he'd be alright.

She took the lead, knowing the forest well enough to slowly lead Homestar in a long sweep northward. If they can get close enough to where Strong Sad was suppose to live perhaps he will come to them. For now it was all she could think to do.

Homestar, on the other hand, half skipped along beside her, but he couldn't think. His mind was instead filled with Marzipan's commands. He was a happy fairy, on a journey with the druid princess Marzipan. There were no dragons, no Strong Bads, except in very back, hidden memories he couldn't access unless he fought the princess' charm.

They didn't stop again until night cast long shadows behind them. Marzipan had grabbed some wild vegetables and fruit along the way and handed some to the fairy as soon as they sat.

"Here, eat up Homestar. Then let's get some rest. We still have a really long way to go." She told him as she tried to smile. Even though he seemed happier, it was a lie. It was just a cover up to make him easier to deal with. A small part of her felt guilty leaving him like that. It couldn't be helped, she tiredly told herself, he had to stay that way until she could get him out of Strong Sad's spell.

Sleep came quickly to Marzipan as the night continued. She only barely remembered to tell Homestar to sleep as well before her head lulled onto her bundled up cloak and she closed her eyes.

This time there was no one awake to witness the dancing shadows. They lept from solid object to solid object until they clung to Homestar, the fairy sleeping deep under the massive amount of magic holding him. Quietly the large, cloaked, Prince of Sorrows peaked his head out, and looked down to Homestar. He let out a small chuckle, high pitched and false sounding. Then he picked up the fairy.

"Don't worry, Homestar. You won't be separated from the master I gave you long. Soon enough you'll be able to be with Strong Bad..." Strong Sad muttered, a frown forming on his lips. He briefly glanced over to Marzipan. "I'd hate to leave you too, princess..."

Homsar stuck his head out of her shadow, looking over to dark cloaked prince with a dim smirk. "Ah-ah-ah, ah got a cravin for toast!"

With his incoherient statement Marzipan rose stiffly in her sleep and was brought into darkness.

A very full caravan, filled with beautiful golden skinned woman, arrived into the core of the forest of dreams. Homeschool and Champeen sat together, waiting for it. When it came into veiw Homeschool turned to his wing-torn companion.

"I suppose this is good bye for now, Champeen. Take care." He gave her a quick hug. She nodded.

"You too. Later, Homeschool. I hope you find him."

"I will." He took to the air, saluting his companion one last time before he heading into the core of the caravan. "Your majesty?"

He was call over by a young voice with a very rich accent. He turned just in time to see the sea prince shrink down to his size, his fin like wings taking him up into the air.

"Pom Pom!" Homeschool couldn't help but chirp. "Its been so long since you ascended. Welcome back."

The nymph prince shook his head, motioning for Homeschool to stop. He questioned the situation of his dearest friend, Homestar.

The fairy frown. "Homestar was taken by the wicked prince. According to the wish granter, Bubs, and a previous encounter, they're head east towards the dragons. Homestar's fairy-hood was taken from him, stolen by the wicked prince and the druid princess Marzipan."

Pom Pom couldn't believe that Marzipan, who was known for her kindness, would be working for such as a Strong Clan ruffian. But he also didn't want to argue, and if Homeschool saw what he saw he was going to have to believe him. Finally he asked if Champeen will be joining them.

Homeschool shook his head. "No, she's was injured beyond repair, she can't fly with us... But I have some Runners to follow us."

They should go alone, Pom Pom pointed out. Between him and the fairy they were powerful enough to handle a Strong and a Druid, even Homestar if they had to. Besides time was of the essence and they had to leave quickly if they were to get to Homestar before they reached the dragon's land.

Homeschool nodded in agreement. "That's logical. Let's not waste anymore time and get going. I've got all I need." He pulled out his large, for him at least, spear, and slipped on his helmet. "I'll lead the way."

Like a shot they both fluttered quickly through the wood, towards the east. Keeping a sharp eye and ear for Homestar Runner.

As the two flew swiftly through the woods, keeping an eye out for anything out of the ordinary, Pom Pom glanced to the other other leaner fairy.

Homeschool couldn't help but notice the nymph prince's silent glances. He eventually slowed. "Yes, Pom Pom, its true." He quickly said, expecting the water fairy to chastise him.

Pom Pom just shook his head slowly, motioning for them to keep going. In his thick accent he acknowledged he didn't blame Homeschool in the least. The fairy commander was certainly a more capable soldier then his best friend Homestar could ever be, and he imagined that time and again Homeschool was given the short end of the stick when it came to competing for his grandmothers attention. However, he reminded, Homestar was special in his own rights. He was usually known for his innocence and sweetness when he wasn't being forgetful. Plus Homestar was the only wind caster currently alive within the troop. There was no way Homeschool could compare to that.

The commander looked away from the prince, frowning deeply as he looked anywhere but at him. "I know. Of course I can't compare to him. He's the best, he's Grandmother's favorites, he's... He's... He's perfect and I'm not!"

Swiftly Pom Pom flew in front of Homeschool, giving his an angered look. There's no way Homestar could compare to Homeschool either, he exclaimed. Homeschool was the smartest of the fairy commanders. He was fastest too, considering he didn't have wind magic to boost his speed. And what was more he had a wonderful companion in Champeen. In the past even she was a target of his flirting and Champeen told him Homeschool was her best friend and she would never settle for less.

As the nymph prince pointed this out Homeschool finally looked at the intense dark eyes that stared into his. "You're... You're right, Pom Pom... I do have it good... But because of Homestar's stupidity Champeen nearly lost her life to that... That beast from the Strong clan. She did it to save me."

Pom Pom nodded and began to fly along beside him again, refocusing on keeping an eye out. From what he heard Homeschool managed to call in reinforcement and send that The Cheat packing. Besides, he shrugged, the 'beast' will get what is coming to him when the General the Runners storm the western kingdom and defeat Strong Mad.

"Right... " Homeschool muttered before he heard something. It was hard to see, because it was dark, but he could have sworn he heard laughter. He fluttered quickly ahead, his companion just barely keeping up.

There, in the clearing Homestar and Princess Marzipan were being pulled into the shadows.