The next evening, it was raining in Toonris, and at a clock tower, Emperor Belos and Scuttle were there in hideout, with the undead holy man throwing down a newspaper with a picture of Willow as a child on it. News have spread throughout the city, and even the nation, that Willow had finally found and that a ball was to be thrown in celebration. The villain was excited, but not for the ball.
Belos: Scuttlebutt! Find me a comb and maybe some cologne! I want to look my best.
Scuttle: dont call me that, and that's gonna quite some work, sir.
Belos: Then snap to it! We're going to a party!
Scuttle: A party in Toonris?
Belos: That's right.
The seagull looked at the paper, discovering the party his master was talking about was mentioned in the paper.
Scuttle: Ooh, you know, I could teach you all the latest dance steps. (begins moving his hips) It starts with something like a "whoo", then you get really crazy with the hips, sir. It's fun. Oh, and I just made up a really cool song everybody could get down to. I'll play a few bars right now.
He cleared his throat and began singing while dancing. Of course all Scuttle did was Squacking loudly before seeing the man wasn't paying attention.
Belos: (ignoring him) First, We'll let the Grand Duchess Willow have her moment.
Scuttle: Anyway, the dance gets crazy but who cares?
Belos: (slams his fist down) And then we'll kill her!
Scuttle: (absent-mindedly) Right, and then...
He then stopped, realizing.
Scuttle: Wait. Kill her? Belos, what happened to the party idea?
Belos: (snatches the paper) That's where we're going to kill her. (rips it up) We'll crush her at the height of her glory.
All pieces were falling, including the picture, which was still in one piece as it fell on the bat.
Scuttle: (miserably) And once again, we're back to the crushing. Look, why can't you quit obsessing over her?!
Belos: Because I need every last Blake dead to complete my curse, allowing me to rest in peace!
Scuttle: (puzzled) Well, how come you aren't targeting her grandmother? She's part of Willow's family technically.
Belos: She's an old widow (at least in this fanmake). She's not even a Park. Besides, Father Time will eliminate her soon enough.
Scuttle held up the picture.
Scuttle: You know, I'm really beginning to question being your sidekick and supporting your evil ways.
The seagull then got down on his knees as he held the picture.
Scuttle: Sir, Please I'm begging you. Just forget the girl, and get a life!
Belos: Oh, I will, Scuttle.
He snatched the picture away from him and crumpled it up in his fist.
Belos: (darkly) Hers!
Scuttle: You know that's not what I meant.
Belos: (annoyed) You think I even care?
Nevertheless, he laughed evilly as it rained on all night.
At this time, in Linda's home, Willow and Linda were in their pajamas, laughing and looking at photographs of their family. Willow looked at an informal photograph of her family, touching the faces slowly with her hand, sighing sadly.
Willow: I remember them now, how much I loved them. I really miss them.
Linda: (puts her hand on Willow's) They would not want us to live in the past, not now that we have found each other.
The old woman then found an old water-color drawing of her as she handed it to her granddaughter.
Linda: Oh look, remember this?
Willow saw the picture, taking it as she laughed.
Willow: My Old Drawing(laughs) Yes, Hildegard made me so mad. She said it looked like a pig riding a donkey! Now that I have a second look at it and think it through, she was right.
They both laughed before standing up and Linda led Willow to a large mirror.
Linda: In your laughter, once again, I hear my Gilbert, your dear father.
She turned to a small stand where a box was sitting, and then opened the lid, with Willow gasping at seeing a silver Russian crown inside that had three dazzling diamonds on it. Linda smiled as she placed it on her granddaughter's head.
Linda: But you have the beauty of your other father Harvey, Emperor of all Toossia. Now, Willow, it is YOUR time.
Willow then turned around and looked at herself in the mirror, with eyes widened. She knew there she was an actual princess.
The next late afterrnoon, in Uraraka's house, she had the same wide-eyed expression and still wore the crown, but now also wore a ball gown, which a seamstress named Nana Shimura was putting the final touches on it. It was a green ball gown that sparkled, with a lavendar sash across her chest, and a light green headband. Willow turned around slightly, touching the gown in wonder, with Nana, Uraraka and Amity watching in admiration.
Upstairs, in Linda's study, Hunter was there because Linda had summoned him.
Hunter: (bows) You sent for me, your Grace?
The old woman opened up the box near her, showing the reward money inside.
Linda: Yes, your reward, Ten million rubles, as promised, along with my gratutide.
Hunter: I accept your gratitude, your highness, but I can't except the reward money.
Linda smiled, though a bit suspicious.
Linda: You cant? What do you seek then?
Hunter: Unfortunately, nothing you can give.
He bowed and started to leave, with Linda both puzzled and intrigued as she spoke to him again.
Linda: Young man, where did you get that music box?
He stopped, but stayed silent. She then figured it out.
Linda: You were the boy, weren't you? The servant boy who got us out?
He nodded in confirmation, making her smile warmly.
Linda: You saved her life, along with mine. Then, later, you restored her to me, yet you don't want the reward?
Hunter: Not anymore.
Linda: Why the change of mind?
Hunter: You can call it more of a change of heart. I must leave now. Thanks, your grace.
He bowed once more and left the room quickly, leaving her in wonder. She wondered a bit, but then realization came to her: he was in love with Willow, and she had loved him, even though she was still mad at him somewhat. Willow was walking up the stairs when she saw Hunter coming down the steps. She sighed, thinking he only came to collect the reward money.
Willow: Oh Hello, Hunter.
Hunter: (stops) Hello.
Willow: I take it you've collected your reward?
Hunter: My business is complete.
A butler named Armand spoke out.
Armand: Excuse me, young man, but you will bow and address the Princess as "Your Highness."
Willow: (to Armand) Oh No, that's not necess...
Hunter: (interrupts and bows) Please, your Highness. I'm glad you found what you were looking for.
Willow: Well I'm glad you did too.
Hunter: Well then, goodbye, (bows again) your Highness.
He then took his leave, with Willow staring at him for a minute.
Willow: (softly) Goodbye.
In another room, Izuku was putting the final touches to his Imperial Court formal wear, with Luz wore a traditional spanish outfit. and King was putting on some formal service wear. Clover came in and looked at herself in the mirror, in a crown and sash, before shaking off the crown and King chuckled a bit.
Izuku: Oh, H-hope you don't mind?
He took the little medal from around Clover's neck and pinned it on his own chest.
King of Demons: well of course not, He's just a Bee. Big one. hehehe.
King then puts on the little crown
King of Demons: I may not be a Literal King. But certainly looks good on me
Luz then laughed as she picked up and cuddled with King
Hunter entered and picked up his travel bag, with his friends seeing his reflection in the mirror and turning.
Hunter: Well, Congrats guys on being reappointed to member of the Imperial Court.
Izuku: (shrugs) Yeah, Uraraka really convinced the empress to remember my duties.
Hunter: (to Luz) and congrats to you two getting being trained to be palace guards.
Luz: Gracias Hermano
Hunter: Well, if any of you are ever in St. Toonsburg again, look me up. So long, guys.
Hunter shared a brotherly hug with each of them.
Luz: I'm telling you, you're making a huge mistake.
Hunter: Trust me, Guys, this is the only right decision I'm making.
He then shook her hand, and Izuku's, before patting the King on the shoulder.
Hunter: And King, stay out of trouble.
King of Demons: With my royal duties, I can promise that.
Clover understood Hunter was leaving as she whimpered a bit.
Hunter: Take care of Willow for me
She licked his hand.
Hunter: I can't stay. I don't belong here.
With that, Hunter left to head for the train station to return to St. Toonsburg. The black and gold bee felt it wasn't right for him to leave.
That night, at the opening ball, lights gleamed in the ballroom as everyone danced and socialized around the room, with guests whispering excitedly about the long lost princess appearing. Clover sat beside the solitary throne, looking bored. Willow peeked out from behind the curtains, looking for a certain someone, with Linda behind her and the empress smirked, knowing she was thinking of Hunter.
Willow: He's not there.
Daphne: Oh, I know he's not, he's probably gone off to spend as much-
She found out her grandma was behind her.
Willow: I mean who, Grandmama?
Linda: A remarkable young man who found a music box.
The navy blue-haired princess knew right away whom Linda meant.
Willow: (frowns) No like I said, he's probably too busy spending his reward money as fast as he can.
Linda: (motions to everyone dancing) Look at them dance. You were born to this world of glittering jewels and finest titles, but I wonder if this is what you really desire.
Clover yawned a bit in boredom.
Willow: Of course, of course it is. I found what I was looking for. I found out who I am, and I found you.
Linda: Yes, you did find me and you'll always have me, but is it enough?
She smiled warmly, as they embrace for a moment, before looking at Willow.
Linda: My darling, he didn't take the money.
Willow: (shocked) He didn't? Not even enough for food and tolls?
Linda: Luz snuck some in his pocket to pay. Knowing that you are alive, seeing the woman you were destined to become, brings me joy that I never thought I could feel again.
Willow embraced her again, resting her head on her shoulder, and then started heading for the party, before going through the curtain, Linda spoke to her once more.
Linda: I just want you to know that no matter what happens, we'll always have each other.
The old woman then left, as Willow was confused upon hearing what she said.
Willow: (turning again) Grandmama, can't you tell me-
However, she saw Linda was no longer there, so she looked at the crowd and straightened her shoulders, about to join the party, before thinking about Hunter again and about what Linda said, wondering what path should she choose. Her thought was then broken by Clover flying infront as if something was wrong. She turned in time to see the Clover flying out the terrace doors.
Willow: Clover?
She followed her to the terrace.