(I might change the title)
I hate him!
I hate him so much that I wanted to slam his stupid face onto the wall and slide it across the ground. Why does it have to be him? I hate how Merrill is such an ass! A conceited, salty-mouthed bastard who thinks highly of himself. Compared to me I like to show how great I am and boast about myself. A match made in Heaven.
It's been over a day since our fight, and I was busy in "my bedroom" doing nothing. I wasn't sulking! I was debating on whether I go over to Merrill and demand an apology, but I stopped and realized if I went to him, he would win, and Leon isn't going to be the first to admit defeat. But staying in my room wasn't the best plan. I don't have my phone for entertainment, no television to watch movies, and the books in my room were about "sophistication" and "etiquette" that I tossed the books under the bed.
Apparently, "Beauty" was raised to be married off to another man of higher status. From expensive clothes and accessories to products and makeup. Even the bedroom I sleep in was posh and polished filled with silk and well-sculpted furniture. I could've stayed longer but Donnie informed me of dinner and a "special guest" will be joining us. It was a no-brainer that he was implying Gregory. The whole family was attempting to get me to reconsider my decision.
I hate to be that person, but maybe this could be my best chance to redeem myself. I felt pressured by the entire village watching me. At least I'm a little comfortable with some familiar faces. A crowd equals less tension. I think I could do this...
When dinner arrived, I rushed down the stairs. I spotted Gregory and jumped into his arms. I heard everyone gush. Good. It's something. When I pulled away, I thought I saw something at the window. I looked over to see nothing but the pink hue of the sky. Must be my imagination.
During dinner... yeah... I wanted to go back to my room. My supposed family kept complimenting me; giving me praise for my sewing, dancing, cooking, etc. Some of them didn't sound like me. They kept repeating how mature and well-cultured I was. I wanted to roll my eyes at that. These people aren't my family and I'm not the sewing type!
My real brothers know who I am.
My father is a rat, not this old, deaf turtle! My father knows me!
"Excuse me", I politely said, dabbing my napkin over my mouth. I pushed my chair back. "I need to get some air." I headed out the door while ignoring their stares. The moment I closed the door I finally breathed.
I stood outside the house finally breathing in fresh air. I walked over to the wooden banister to look up at the night sky. I couldn't stand being in the same room as those fakers; I couldn't stand being in the same room as the handsome guy who everyone wants me to marry for protection; I couldn't stand seeing the gentle face of an old turtle portrayed as my father. Everything felt unreal and yet I was sitting there with a bittersweet smile.
I didn't feel at home. I miss New York. My brothers. My sister, April. My dad, Splinter. My friends. My enemies. The crazy adventures we get into. I miss it all. I don't know how the timeline works here. Was it faster? Slower? Average? I couldn't take it anymore!
I miss home.
I heard the door creak. Oh, my gosh. Can't a turtle breathe a little air without someone coming over? "I want to be alone right now." I stretched out the "really" part. I didn't have the energy to encounter anyone or talk to them either.
"...forgive the disturbance, but I was on my way home. I did not mean to ruin your peace." I looked over to Gregory who had a sullen expression. Yeah. He had the body of a bodybuilder with soft features. Anyone would be lucky enough to be his partner. Yet, the fairy tale I knew was where Beauty chose the Beast over the hunter. Now, this story turned into a complete one-eighty spin. Beauty marries the hunter for her town's protection, but what comes next? There had to be something I'm not seeing. "Is there something you want to speak to me about?" His question threw me off. Was I staying too long? "It seems you have questions you want to ask."
Yeah. I do have questions. Too many questions. There was one that bugged me more. "Why do you want to marry me?"
Greg tilted his head. "Whatever do you mean?" he asked.
"I mean..." I began, "Everyone wants to be with you, even older men and women want to be your partner. You have a better chance with them than me. What makes me so special?" For some reason, I pictured myself telling Merril all this. Asking him what makes me special about all the people he dated. Would he ever feel the same as I have?
Gregory was quiet. Maybe the golden boy didn't have the answer I was looking for. No matter. I wasn't expecting one anyway. I turned back to the sky. I started counting every star I can. Then, I felt someone next to me gazing up at the sky.
"The first I saw you. You were a child", he started. "You and Merrill were causing mischief around the village. Lady Mayor was disgusted with your behavior and insisted on her son to teach you manners. I thought you were not going to go far, but I saw you grow into a fine young man with a caring heart. You are the town's ray of light; their miracle. The moment I fell was when you tended a yokai. They hissed and scratched, but you were calm and patient. You treated their wounds without anger. You are a blessing, Beauty."
I don't know if I should be grateful or weird. And why was my heart fluttering at his remark?! Seriously?! Am I that desperate for compliments?!
Greg touched my shoulder. "I know I said I would wait for you. Know this, I will wait for a hundred years until you say yes." What if I never say it, I thought. Greg deserved someone he could trust. Someone to be his partner, not me.
"Gregory..." I said, "I think... I think we should call off the marriage. We're just too different. You deserve someone who understands and cherishes you."
"Such as you and Merrill? If memory serves me right, you two are falling apart." I wouldn't say we're falling apart per se. We just disagreed. "As much as I respect your friendship, I believe Merrill is not the right choice for you. He made you cry. As your partner, I will guarantee you will never shed a tear. I will make your happiness my priority. I swear on my life." Gregory leaned in close. My mind became hazy. Did Gregory always glow like the sun? My knees were buckling. I barely held my stance. The man drew closer. Our lips were grazed over the surface. If I didn't know any better, I think he was going to kiss me.
"Blue!" A cry woke me up! I shoved him aside as I rushed over to the cry. Warren was riding on Mrs. Cuddles like a horse.
"Where were you guys? Where's Merrill?" I felt my blood buzzing crazy. I feared for the worst.
"Your boyfriend is up against an army of Shadow Beasts!" Warren yelled. "I don't know how long he could hold on."
"Master can do anything!" Cuddles praised. "Master is Master! Master at anything!"
"Highly impossible since he's human!" Warren whacked the rabbit over her head.
"Hold on", I said, cutting through their bickering, "You left Merrill alone against an army of shadow monsters?!" I hope he doesn't get turned into a werewolf. "Why didn't you stay or get help? Something!" I'm starting to panic!
"Think logically, you dumb turtle", the worm stated, "This entire village hates him! They don't care if he gets mauled by a bear! Secondly, look at us! We don't stand a chance!"
"Blue, don't be mean", Cuddles said, "Master wanted us to leave!" Merrill wanted what?! "He said he'll buy us time. If he's not coming back, then he wants to say he's sorry for what he said!" Is he sorry? He's SORRY! Oh, he will be sorry when I get my hands on him! How dare he think I won't do anything when I hear the news!
I rushed over to Greg. "I need to borrow your sword!" I told the man, ignoring the event that occurred.
"My sword? Heavens, no! This weapon is not fit for your such lovely hands!" I frowned at the rejection. "Whatever the reason may be, it is late for sparring."
"Merrill is in danger!" I blurted. "I don't have time to argue!"
"Merrill is in danger? Let me find him! I will form the hunters and we ride to his destination", Greg consoled me.
I shook my head. "The moment you start that, my best friend will be dead! And I... I..." I bit my tongue. I don't want our fight to be the last time. There's so much I want to say to Merrill! I want to tell him how much I hate his dumb, conceited, know-it-all attitude and I love them all the same! I'm scared! I don't want to relive the same trauma again!
Please be okay...
We heard a noise coming from the village. I ran over. I ignored Gregory calling me. If Greg couldn't give me a weapon, well, I'll borrow one from the blacksmith!
I managed to get to the town square to see Merrill fighting against three Beasts! He stabbed one in the head; it evaporated. He slashed the second's throat and cut his midsection. Merrill was down by one; the last Beast jumped behind!
"Look out!" I cried, yet my reaction time wasn't enough for him to counterattack. The Beast clawed my friend's back. Merrill yelled in pain. I saw his eyes stone-cold. I hadn't seen those eyes since our first meeting. Not gonna lie, it scared me of how different he can be. With one last breath. Merrill rushed forward and stabbed the creature. He killed the last beast. It evaporated into black smoke. The smoke dissolved into my friend's nostrils. He jerked away with a headshake. Next, he violently started scratching his bandaged arm.
I ran over. "Merrill! What's wrong? Are you okay?"
He harshly shoved me back. The force caused me to fall. "Get back! I don't know why... but... but I... my arm... it's... it's forming!" I watched in horror as his injured arm jerked and shook. It throbbed. Then, it started growing. It grew fur and claws.
No...
So it was true...
Merrill plays the Beast!
The villagers were in shock as they stepped back keeping their distance. I heard a cock of a gun. Raph had his musket out. The nozzle pointed to Merrill's direction. There's no way I was going to let that happen! I ran over to my fake brother and moved the weapon upward as he pushed the trigger.
"Merrill, run!" I yelled at my friend. He stared at me with large eyes until he ran off to the dark forest. I wanted to run after him but knew I had to stay behind for his sake. I had to fix the problem I created. I was thrown to the ground. I was surrounded by an angry mob. They all yelled and cursed at me. They called me a witch, a heathen, a harlot (whatever that is).
My brothers created a wall around me. "Everyone, remain calm!" Donnie said.
"Beauty didn't mean to!" Mikey protested.
"Yeah!" Raph agreed, "He probably wanted us to chase him!" What?! No! "Right, Beauty?"
The villagers grew quiet expecting me to say yes like yesterday. "No", I replied, standing, "I wanted to save Merrill. I didn't want let Raph to kill my friend! While I have everyone's attention, I won't marry Gregory. The marriage is over! Gregory can marry anyone else but not this turtle! I'm sorry! There are better solutions than marrying me off to someone who's as old as my dad!"
Everyone gasped. An old woman fainted and fell onto a man who managed to catch her.
"You ungrateful wretch!" Big Mama the Mayor stomped over and raised a hand to slap me, but Xander held her back. "After everything we did for you, you won't pay us back?! We raised you to be the proper, perfect young man you are today! You have doomed us all!" Everyone started yelling again, even my fake brothers.
Everyone hates Beauty.
I'll admit it. I could care less.
I was pulled back to a strong wall. "Have you all gone mad?!" Gregory's voice boomed over the crowd. They grew quiet. "Have you seen the look of fear in Merrill's eyes? He's not responsible for the chaos!" He wrapped his arm around my waist holding me tightly. I felt safe...
"Don't you dare defend that creature!" Big Mama yelled. "He's responsible for our suffering! Even as a child, he created mayhem and mischief bringing Beauty into his scams. Beauty fell for his tricks like before! He's a menace that deserves to be punished!" The townspeople cried in agreement.
"You're wrong!" I told them, "Merrill would never do anything to hurt anyone! You all call Merrill a monster, but from where I'm standing, you're all monsters! Pointing fingers and criticizing like you're no different!" That didn't help with the situation as everyone started yelling curses. The angry mob came closer.
I was pulled away from the crowd and into a quiet area. I gazed around my new surroundings. It was a nice, little house. I was greeted by a large fireplace with a tall chair sitting in front of it. The fireplace was already lit. "You should be safe here", Gregory said, loosening his grip, "Please, sit next to the fireplace. The flames will keep you warm." He led me to the chair. "I will start on tea. Remain calm, Beauty. Everything will be sorted out."
I sat on the chair. "How can I when Merrill is out there being hunted down like an animal?!" I cringed at my loud voice. My tone startled the gentle giant. "I'm sorry", I said with a heavy sigh, "It's just... Merrill's out there confused and scared, and he needs me! I can't stay here drinking tea! I need to be out there!" As much as I'm mad at Merrill, I couldn't let him be alone. Not like this. I stood up, knowing exactly what I wanted to do, but Gregory gently pushed me back onto the seat.
"I know you want to find your friend, but things have risen into chaos. The Beast is framing Merrill, separating you both and breaking your relationship." The man kneeled holding my hands in his grasp. "With Merrill gone, you are in danger. We may not be engaged but let me protect you. Merrill is cunning; he will find a place to stay hidden until everything is calm. I will search for him in the morning. I advise you to stay for the night. You will rest in my guest room."
I huffed. Once again, I'm viewed as a delicate flower. How annoying. If I had my sword and powers, I would teach the mastermind a thing or two. But nope, I'm stuck with nothing. Without any options, I agreed. "You're right. I'm scared for Merrill, my family, everyone", I said, playing my meek role, "I wish things would go back to normal."
Greg lightly squeezed my hands. "It will. I promise. The village is petrified. Humans and yokai react differently. Fear consumes our common sense. Believe me. Things will return to normal. That is a guarantee."
I wish I could believe it. I wish I could believe every word he said would lighten my doubts. It didn't, but I wasn't going to say it. I gave him a soft smile. "Can I have that tea? Maybe it'll settle my nerves."
Greg returned a smile. "Of course. Whatever your heart desires." He kissed my hands before leaping to his kitchen area. I watched him start a kettle. I let out a held breath.
I watched the flames dance over the burning logs. My mind was filled with more questions than answers. Nothing was adding up. Merrill was cursed? When? How? That clone I saw... was he from a previous cycle? Were there more like him? Is that why he disappeared? Because he became the Beast?
What about what he said after he disappeared? Quill? What did he mean by quill? Should I be searching for a quill? Is the quill key to getting us home? Should I be searching for a specific kind?
What about my memories? If me and Merrill did repeat the cycle over three hundred times, why didn't we remember anything? Cuddles and Warren remembered what happened or at least bits and pieces. All I remembered was how I got here. We were sucked in by an enchanted book. I awoke in a bed in clothes I never thought I would wear with a red rose pinned to my bandana. Everything else was a blur. It's like putting together a puzzle in the dark; sure, you got some pieces that stick together but they don't fit.
Why did Warren and Cuddles remember more than us anyway? Was it because they weren't part of the story? Side characters without recognition? Or was it because they don't pose a threat to the mastermind?
Sitting here watching the fire wasn't to give me an answer. No matter how much I wanted one. I sighed again while rubbing my forehead. I could use that tea right now about now. I opened my eyes and was blinded by the light. I covered my eyes. The light dimmed. I peeked over my arm and then spotted a floating light. I looked over to Gregory. He didn't seem to notice the sudden flash. I went back to the little floating light. It didn't do anything. It just... floated. The warmth was too familiar.
"Light?" I quietly asked.
The light went off without a word. I got up from my seat and saw it going upstairs. I chased after it making sure I wasn't creating any noise. It didn't go far. I managed to spot the floating light gazing at a closed door. "What are you doing?" I asked.
I knew I wasn't going to get an answer. I just watched it float. Then, it went over to the door and phased through it like a ghost. I clenched my fists as I went over to the closed door. My hand hovered over the handle.
What was I supposed to find? The truth? A gateway back home? A mystic artifact? I wanted to know! It's better than sitting in the living room waiting for tea like a perfect picture.
I sucked in a deep breath and touched the handle. I pushed the door open. The room was average if you count the fur blankets and animal heads mounted on the wall. Yup, this room is perfect for a hunter. I gingerly touched a fur blanket. Man, what animal had this fur? Had to be a big brown bear.
My eyes caught the little light. It hovered over a desk that held a hardcover book with a quill pen next to it. The light ball sucked into the quill. Didn't that clone mention a quill? I walked over to the desk and saw the book's cover: a red rose.
...I've... seen it before... why did Gregory have it?
My eyes went to the quill lying next to it. The feathered pen pulsed a dull light like a dying heartbeat. I touched the pen. A massive headache struck my head. Memories and events rushed over my vision like a fast-forward movie. Everything was coming back to me. I've seen it all. I knew the truth. I knew who was behind it all; the real mastermind; the one person who kept us trapped in the storybook.
"Oh, Beauty. You came quicker than I expected." I turned around and spotted Gregory. His soft expression grew cold. His stone gaze held my stare. His warm smile turned to a dark smirk. His character changed.
"You trapped us here, didn't you?" I asked, knowing the truth, "You're the mastermind."
The once kind man closed the door. "Your arrival was quicker than your last visit, but I had to give myself credit. If I hadn't pushed the plot forward, you wouldn't be here in my arms."
"I'd rather hug a rabid possum than you", I sneered.
"Ah, yes, you made it quite clear to everyone." Gregory slithered to me. My body hit the desk. His large body loomed over my smaller frame. He cupped my chin lifting it to meet his eyesight. "Why don't we restart the proposal? I did everything to be the perfect, understanding man you see before you. You asked me why I wanted to marry you." He leaned in close. I knew where this was going. I played dubious. "You intrigued me. You are different from the others." Others? So I wasn't the first?
"You said there were others?" I asked, softly, watching how his gaze grew darker. I got him hooked. "I wasn't the first?"
"You were the first to come this far", Gregory stated, "I knew you were the one who can grant me my happy ending." Happy ending? With me? In his dreams!
I grabbed his face and locked eyes. I closed the distance between us. "Do you know what I think?" I said, huskily. Greg's eyelids were closing. "I think..." My breath hovered over his lips. "I think... you're... an... absolute dumbass!" I headbutted Greg's forehead hard. He massaged his forehead, yet I shoved him back. I grabbed the book and dashed out of the room. I ran downstairs the exit was within reach. As I reached the door, it suddenly vanished, and I was faced with a blank wall. I angrily punched the wall. If only I had my mystic powers, it would be an easy escape!
"You truly love to play the mouse, do you, Beauty?" I faced the mastermind/author again. Why didn't I see this sooner? Gregory played his role perfectly. An honest, devoted man who helps people in need. The fact that everything revolves around him should've been a dead giveaway. I watched him walk down the stairs slowly. "Hand over the book. You have no idea how to use its power."
"It's Leo. At least get my name right, you bastard", I growled, securing the book in my arms, "And I think I'll figure it out. It shouldn't be hard."
"Such an ongoing attitude. It is to be expected of a protagonist. In here you are Beauty. My other half. My true love. Why fight fate? Why fight destiny? Do you not want to be God?"
"Because I don't belong here!" I answered, clutching the book closer to my chest. "I don't want anything you're offering! Fate? Destiny? Don't make me laugh! It's a great dinner joke! You trapped me and my friend here for you to control us! All for what? To get your happy ending? What? You expect me to fall for you after your proclamation? You're telling me to forget my life and live in a fairy tale! That's not going to happen! There's one person I love, and his name is Merrill Ramirez! And nothing, and I mean nothing will change that!"
Gregory stared with blank, cold eyes trying to get me to submit. Fat chance, asshole! He climbed down the stairs. I held the book with all my strength. "Why must you be difficult, Beauty? I was doing what is best for us."
"Best for yourself", I corrected.
He sighed, disappointed. "I was hoping you would be the one. You were worth the repeats. Perhaps a little isolation can help improve your decision." He snapped his fingers. The book jerked to life; it jumped out of my arms; its pages rapidly flipped. The book opened to a section where it summoned a cyclone. It started sucking me in. I tried to get away from the wind power, but it was too strong to get away.
The next thing I knew, I was pulled into the current and got sucked in.
~Lady Ai~
As soon as Beauty was consumed, I grabbed my fallen book. Why must you protest me, my darling? You could be a god like me, yet you chose to be with the miscreant. No matter. Merrill will become the Beast just like his clones. I flipped through the pages until I landed on a familiar individual.
Beauty's page was a side facial portrait. His eyes closed. I softly touched the page. I will take you to a safer location, my fairest.
I will have my happily ever after. I have worked this far to get it.
And I won't let it slip through my fingers again.