AN: Sorry for the delay, but certain other fandoms got me hyped along with writers block. And working on some other chapters along with fanart illustrations.
Anyway here ya go. This is it. Finally you all know the reason why Tazita's Aunt is so smotering and overprotective.
Ch11: You can't change the past
There are times when excessive levels of involvement and control by parents in their children's lives is very aggravating and suffocating. A motivation for this parenting style is driven by the parents' worry that their child might come to harm or not flourish.
Many parents believe they are using good parenting skills to the max. Unfortunately, maximizing good parenting skills can skew the skill and it is no longer beneficial.
Or in this case another relative like a certain teapot lady.
After fixing the hazardous mess, and giving Werner a good beating a second time, Ruer decided to try to relax talking in a friend's home. Most of her friends were from the quilt shop.
Normally they'd try to console her but lately after much thought, Tazita isn't the problem but Ruer's parenting.
The sewing machine lady decided to speak up, "Ruer, dear, we've known you for years, and we can sense that there's something you've been hiding. Please, trust us enough to share your burden."
Ruer pauses, her hands trembling slightly, "It's complicated."
"So, what's your problem?" demanded a more assertive ladybug.
"Hate to say it Ruer, I've been reading psychology, there's a motive that you won't allow Tazita to actually be any child having freedom." Added an apple lady
Unbeknownst to them, outside the cottage, Ms. Chalice, who happened to venture in the area, quietly eavesdrops on their conversation, her interest piqued.
"I'm sorry. I can't."
"No, you can. You just won't. Spill!", said a sewing machine lady
"Are you scared of being left alone permanently?" inquired the ladybug
"No"
"Do you want to wait until she's grown to 'supply" to pay bills, to keep the family home maintained and care for you?" demanded the ladybug woman suspiciously.
"Of course not!" said Ruer indignantly
"Then Why not? Why won't you?" The ladybug kept pressing, "I cannot believe you don't want your niece to grow up."
"Don't you want her to be a functioning adult?" asked the Apple lady innocently
The pressure of all the women's demands finally causes Ruer to crack her secret out loud.
"Because the devil will take her away as promised!" She gasps as she covers her mouth
The women stopped their accusations, staring in shock. It wasn't what they were expecting, they assumed it was a case clingy women, narcissism or child labor, but not this.
They learned and heard stories what happens when you deal with that guy. It never turns out well.
Even outside Chalice gasps, at hearing this revelation but continues to listen.
"She made a deal with him?" asked the apple lady.
"No,"
"You sold your niece to him?" demanded the sewing machine lady looking at Ruer in suspicion.
"No, it was my brother and SIL, in a way…" "It's a long story, my friends. It's time I tell you the truth. But promise me, you'll keep this secret close to your hearts."
The apple lady nods solemnly, "We promise, Ruer. You can trust us."
All the ladies nod.
"I distinctly have a special tea that unlocks memories I bought recently." Said the apple lady.
"Better include some chamomile tea just in case." Added the sewing machine lady.
It was a long time ago back when we lived on the fourth inkwell isle. They had crops which earned their keep and passed their days.
Now you see my sister-in-law was attractive unfortunately being young and lovely was also vain and selfish. My brother would deny her nothing.
The ladies kept listening as one them, encouraged her to continue the story, "Go on, Ruer. We're here for you."
I tried to be the peacemaker and make them see reason that it was going to lead in trouble one day.
Sadly, that day happened around the time when they learned they were going to have a child.
Times were hard and famine had hit our crops which were our lively hood. As we grew poorer and poorer.
When he was out of earshot of my SIL, he lamented at night that a curse had been set upon them.
One day when the tax collector stopped by collect, he only managed to collect the remaining seeds that haven't been planted yet along with other stuff that seemed valuable for the moment.
A flashback is shown as Barrel was begging and pleading him not to take their stuff.
Barrel tried to plead with him, "Take all you want but you take everything we'll have nothing to live with."
The Tax collector shrugged him off roughly, "Not my problem. You figure it out yourself."
The taz collecter was already gone and Barrel was just down as Ruer tries to cheer him up. But Barrel ran off into the woods, Ruer was concerned he might do something hasty in his desperation.
"Where are you going? Wait, we'll put out heads together to overcome this problem." She called out
According to my brother, when he went off in the evening for a walk to clear his head. At least that's what I've been told.
"What's the use? I work from morning until night and what do I get? Nothing." He lamented
"What are you whining about?" Asked a voice with a British accent.
Barrel at hearing the voice gets startled, thinking it was a ghost or some spirit.
The voice however came from the trees as a man stepped out.
A mysterious stranger named Mr. S came along and promised to help flourish our land. All he wanted in return was supposedly some cooperation and one promise.
"Care to tell me why are you down in the dumps?" inquired Mr. S
"If you hadn't noticed the famine hit the land hard. And now we don't have anything to feed myself, my sister nor my wife. And I don't think talking to a stranger about my woes can help…" explained Barrel
"You'd be surprised. Listen up, I can help you with your troubles."
"You can?"
"You just need a little fixer upper and some replacements in supplies and harvest. But in order for that you need an investment."
Mr. S pulls a rather large suitcase with money out of thin air.
"You're giving me all this?" asked Barrel astonished.
Mr. S. "I'll make you richer by far ever before. There is one thing regarding the subject of payment. I want the first living creature that has been born in your home."
"First thing born in my house?" Questioned Barrel. He shrugs and says "Yes alright I agree. As you wish."
Assuming it be a domestic animal, he promised what was demanded.
Barrel was so happy he came running and jumping with joy while holding a suit case full of money.
He had not yet arrived there when I came out of the front door and called out to him that he should rejoice, for his wife had given birth to a little girl.
When I announced the good news, he turned very pale as if he had seen a ghost.
Then he explained wat happened and who he had seen. I reprimanded him, but my SIL was carefree while saying but he hasn't harmed you, he let you go and returned safely that's all that matters.
But he explained there was a price to be paid.
He realized that this man had cheated him. He went to berate the man refusing to give up my niece. It was then the man revealed himself –
The Devil!
"The Devil!" the ladies gasped.
Yes. It was him; he had transformed in front of him.
He was aware of my niece's birth when he offered my brother the deal. He then said it was too late time for compensation.
The only my brother could think was run.
"Like many debtors" said the Ladybug shaking her head.
Yes, fortunately I wasn't one.
With determination, he gave me and his wife instructions. "Listen to me carefully never let our child out of your sight or go alone for anything."
"But why?" Asked Ruer while Crista listened as she stayed in bed.
"Because the Devil. Will take her away and I don't want lose our daughter. Never!"
"What?!" Ruer exclaimed.
The situation had only become more perilous when he told me that mysterious man turned out to be the Devil in disguise.
I gave him another earful but also Crista Lina reminding her that her whims and spoiled nature landed them in trouble.
But it had only gone from bad to worse, when the plague affected them, we were forced to leave to protect my niece. But they made me promise to look after their daughter. And that's what I have done.
Ruer looks at her ill brother and sister-in-law with the doctors.
"Barrel you must pull through." Pleaded Ruer
"I go where all people die and where our own parents and grandparents are." He turned to his sister, "Listen to me Ruer, promise me you'll care but mostly protect our child. I beg you to do that."
"How can, we be sure?" Coughed Crista
"Don't underestimate him. He's out there and waiting for her. Beware of the Devil and his tricks."
He continued coughing and that's when the plague doctor told Ruer to leave with the infant.
Thus, I heard they died from the plague, which left for me to move to the first inkwell isle. There was more than enough fortune for us to start from scratch in our new home.
I raised the girl as the light my life and never let her stepped outside.
"You kept her sheltered because the Devil was after her because of the deal they made." Said the Sewing machine lady finishing her sentence.
Outside still eaves dropping, Ms. Chalice was shocked and horrified. "Tazita is also a target for him. I didn't realize the danger she was in."
Back with the ladies still talking, the Apple lady placed a comforting hand on Ruer's shoulder, "We must do everything we can to protect Tazita. We'll stand by your side and keep her safe."
Said Ruer, "Thank you, my friends. Your support means the world to me."
"Ruer, we should find Tazita and tell her the truth. She deserves to know the danger she's in."
"But-"
The Ladybug shook her head, "It's the only way she'll understand. And we must learn to let our children spread their wings"
Ruer nods.
As the conversation comes to a close, Ruer and her friends understand the gravity of the situation.
Ms. Chalice grapples with the dilemma of revealing the truth to Tazita, "Ruer, should really tell Tazita about the Devil's involvement, she deserves to know the truth."
She thinks aloud, "But grownups tend to put off things."
She ponders, "Should I tell her? But the sweet cup won't believe me."
"Maybe I should consult this with the dingdongs, they'll know what to do."
With her collective knowledge and determination, she runs off back in direction of the home of the cup brothers. Hoping to find a way to shield Tazita from the looming threat and keep her safe.
To be Continued...
