AN: I already warned I'll be updating once a month, it gives time for inspiration and writing. Remember Authors have a life outside the PC and writing.
To answer questions, Guest: I n a matter of speaking. I'm glad you're getting into the story and trying to predict what might happen next. It's great to see you engaging with the plot twists and challenges I've set up for the characters.
While I don't want to spoil anything, I'd like to remind you that this is primarily a mystery story. The characters, especially my OCs, are teenagers who are still learning and growing. They won't always make the right decisions or have an easy time solving problems. That's part of what makes the story interesting - watching them face challenges and develop as characters.
I'm intentionally taking a slower, more measured approach to build tension and develop the plot. The action scenes will come in time, but they won't be the main focus. Our characters are still in the investigation phase, and they need to be clever and cautious rather than rushing into fights. Remember, they're still rookies, even if they're strong enough, most of the villians are older than adults with experience.
I'm trying to create a balanced story where the characters face real consequences for their actions. Making them too powerful or having them solve everything easily would take away from the mystery and character growth I'm aiming for.
ONE MORE THING, People I'm glad you like the story but making demands to hurry up in reviews is very rude. It's not constructive and doesn't show appreciation for my work or respect of writing process. I would update faster if more people online would leave a proper review.
Besides it's like I said before I update once a month (An author, I follow does the same). Cuz This allows me to balance writing with my other responsibilities and maintain the quality of my work.
And second of all, CHILL! The release date of Hazbin Hotel Season 2 doesn't affect my writing pace. My story will progress at its own rate, it won't necesarily follow canon events. Plan to follow these words "Come on Be Bold, Change the way the story's told" And waiting for the next Helluva Boss episode to feature, a friend tipped me off Mammon's making a comeback in one of the episodes.
Inspiration and good storytelling take time. I'm committed to delivering a well-crafted narrative rather than rushing through plot points.
In the future if you have specific thoughts or feedback about the story itself, I'd be happy to hear them. Constructive, polite, friendly comments help me improve as a writer.
I hope you can understand and respect my creative process. I have big plans. Or maybe you like some "Spoilers"?
Thank you now here's small short chapter filler for now, you can thank the EB rewiewer for that demanding I rush. If you want a longer chapter WAIT patiently please, I have a life outside writing.
Chapter 10: Flashbacks and rumbling bellies
Before I mention what was our next move. Our friend Beth was going through a flashback, at least that's she told us. We got first hand what those snooty girls attitude problem. It was no thanks to their taunts, her insecurity caugh up with her prompting to gather the dragonballs and leave them unattended leading up to this trouble in the first place.
Time to make things go all squiggly again to show the flashback with a little help from that thing the wizards use – Pensieve.
The scene changes showing Alfea the magical school in Magix for fairies. It was another day at the large pink walled castle and blue roofs built around a courtyard. In this case now the students were gathered around to listen to words of encouragement and inspiration from the staff.
Beth stood among her friends, Theo, Zaira, Yui, Sarah, Zaira and two sisters, Kylie & Dana
Faragonda, the headmistress spoke up, "Attention everyone I have a few announcements, I'd like to address the third-year students and the ones who advanced a grade, about their final examination."
"I hope it isn't written one" Beth groaned
"Maybe they'll give us an obstacle course." Said Theo
"Please girls let me finish, and that includes you guardians." Spoke Faragonda. "This final examination is a very important step to your training as fairies,"
"This year you will be to obtain final transformation. Should you be successful, you will gain new power, fairy powder and miniaturization this is your chance to become a full-fledged fairy."
All the girls looked at each other. If they pass this test, they can become full-fledged fairies. This was going to be a challenge and opportunity.
"This is the only way you can pass your third-year n those who do will be rewarded for all their hard work with a prize that will change their lives forever," Faragonda continued explaining "those who do not will remain as they are now however let's let forget that a fairy has not always has greater power but great responsibility."
The usual…thought some of the girls were Brilliant in intelligence, but Lazy.
"Before anyone asks there no special preparation required this test will find you at a critical moment in time you will need to save someone from your own world, and it will require a great sacrifice if you succeed then and only then you will achieve final transformation.
You will then be able to fulfill you purpose as a full-fledged fairy and protect your people n your world from evil and Destruction."
After Faragonda's speech the girls were excited not just what to expect but they had an upcoming event to plan with the student body for New Year's Eve party. Sure some would've preferred to celebrate with their families but there are times when there were get togethers among friends.
"We got this, we all come from Earth." Said Yui
"Not everyone." Said Zaira
She looked at Beth and Kylie. Faragonda had stated they save someone from your own world to obtain Enchantix. Unfortunately, neither Beth or Kylie came from Earth.
AND here's where the toxic classmates come in…
"Smart friend you got there." Sneered Nat. She was one of the mean girls in Alfea. The clique consisted of five of them.
Natalia "Nat" Halston had straight brown hair, with Ivy green eyes. And has always filled with jealousy towards the Ethereal Guardians. Not easily impressed or starstruck and has a habit of judging people based on their beliefs. She makes it her personal mission to undermine and humiliate the guardians in any way possible.
Ethel Fordyce, the frizzy blond, is quick to assume the worst about people, often jumping to conclusions without considering the full picture. She has a tendency to act before she thinks, and her straightforwardness often comes across as rude and malicious.
Brenda Glyn is another well-known bully, with short, curly brown-greyish hair, eyes, and a beauty mark on her left cheek, who looks down on and insults anyone outside of her social circle. She considers her wealth to be her main asset and tends to blindly follow Nat, who dominates her.
Isla Bernat the other brunet is characterized by her conceit, shallowness, and self-serving nature. She prioritizes her own interests above all else and has a tendency to be a tattletale.
Gemma Vilar, the grey-blond hair girl, puts on a perky facade when interacting with staff and authority figures but displays rudeness and sarcasm towards those outside her social group. She uses her wit to belittle others and often adopts a condescending tone.
Nat continues her taunt, "Pantheon won't obtain it, she's only half fairy not that it'll only make her any more a pure fairy."
Beth shrugged. "Big Deal, if that doesn't work, I could always catch up with the guys in strength."
One of her friends, Brenda Glyn laughed. "That's all you're good for. But didn't you say that power up requires some strike of anger."
"Hard to say," mocked Gemma, "Pantheon always gets ticked off at everything and we've yet to see the transformation on the other half of her race."
The girls glared at the laughing clique; Beth was already clenching her fists in anger which were turning white.
"Oh wait, there's no record of a female let alone a fairy hybrid obtaining SSJ form or Enchantix." Jeered Gemma
"I don't think she'll even reach Believix either." Said Isla snidely.
The clique of mean girls just laughed. Haruna then flatly said Don't you have duties to attend regarding the dance."
The mean girls stop, Ethel their leader was about to retort before calming herself. No that you mention it. Thanks for reminding me, we have to do some dress shopping."
Zaira rolls her eyes, "That hardly counts"
"I think finding the right attire is important for the social event before the end of the year." Replied Nat
"Besides the menial tasks is up to the rest. Ta-ta!" waved Gemma as she and the other girls left.
Annoying aren't they? They're worse than Gruge…at least Horrifica and her friends have gotten better when Oblina hung out with them without putting herself in danger.
Oblina's voice sounded, Don't start with that! Can we please get back to the story..
Alright.
The scene changes back to the tunnels showing the group, finally leaving the Greed ring.
Back to the fork, to choose another place to walk into the Belly of the beast. It's hard to say what can we expect when we decide to pick either ring. The sooner we do the sooner, we can avoid more trouble.
Beth, Theo, and Zaira with Ickis, Krumm and Oblina head back to the underground passage returning the fork in the path, with the six different tunnels that will lead them to the either ring. Wanting to put their distance between themselves and the Greed ring.
The six different tunnels loomed before them, each leading to a different ring, promising both peril and potential salvation in equal measure.
With the memory of Crimson's looming threat fresh in their minds, the group was determined to keep a safe distance from the Greed ring, not willing to risk an encounter with bounty hunters or Crimson's henchmen who may be hot on their trail. As Zaira double-checked the dragonradar, the device hummed to life in her grasp, its screen illuminating with a pulsating glow.
Pushing the button, Zaira watched as the digital arrows on the dragonradar pointed towards two specific tunnels, each leading to the Lust ring and the Wrath ring, the domains of Asmodeus and Satan, where the dragonballs were believed to be located. The decision weighed heavily on their minds as they stood at the crossroads of fate, knowing that their choice would shape the path ahead and potentially lead them into the clutches of more powerful sin embodiments.
"The Lust ring and the Wrath ring," Beth announced, her brow creased in concentration. "That's where the dragonballs are located."
"We need to be far away as possible away from the Greed ring," Oblina said grimly. "But venturing into the heart of those rings doesn't exactly seem like a safe alternative."
"Do you think Asmodeus or Satan are anything like Mammon?" asked Krumm
Zaira shook her head. "I don't know, I only heard stories back on earth"
Beth chewed her lip anxiously. "The dragonballs are there, we may not have a choice."
Ickis shifted from foot to foot, his ears twitching. "Maybe there's another way to collect the dragonballs without having to go to those rings? Isn't there another ring or something we could try?"
Theo sighed. "Sorry Ickis, the dragonradar is quite clear. Those are the only two tunnels leading to the dragonball locations."
The group lapsed into a tense silence, each weighing the risks and rewards of the choices before them. After a long moment, Zaira squared her shoulders.
While me, Krumm and Oblina had our fill, knowing we can't do anything on a empty stomach. Looked like Beth, Zaira and Theo forgot to eat themselves.
The girl's stomachs let out simultaneous growls of protest, a chorus of hunger that echoed through the dimly lit tunnels. The sound of their empty stomachs reverberated off the stone walls, a stark reminder of their neglected need for sustenance amidst the perilous journey they had embarked upon.
Beth, Theo, and Zaira exchanged sheepish glances, while the monsters look at them, their faces flushed with a mix of embarrassment and exhaustion as the pangs of hunger gnawed at their resolve. Despite their weariness, the fairies knew that they could not afford to let their empty stomachs compromise their mission to retrieve the dragonballs and protect Hell from falling into the wrong hands.
Beth's stomach let out a loud gurgle, the rumbling echoing through the cavernous greed ring. She wavered on her feet, feeling lightheaded from hunger. "Maybe we should take a quick break," she said, trying to hide the tremble in her voice.
Despite feeling lightheaded and weak from their lack of sustenance, Beth's determination to retrieve the dragonballs remained unwavering, her resolve shining through even as her physical strength waned.
Her face contorted with a mixture of hunger pangs and exhaustion, Beth stumbled slightly, her hand reaching out to steady herself against the cold stone wall. The fairies and monsters exchanged concerned glances, recognizing the urgent need to address their hunger before pressing forward into the treacherous realms ahead.
"When was the last time you ate?" inquired Krumm, he didn't see the girls eat anything since they left the hotel and ventured into the Greed ring.
"I guess with the whole interrogation, we forgot to eat breakfast and lunch," Zaira replied
"Maybe we should make a pit stop at the Gluttony ring," Beth suggested, her voice strained but resolute. "I heard there's tons of banquets and some food is giant size. To have some energy before deciding."
Theo raised an eyebrow in concern. "I've read this story before, we eat something down here it will prevent you from leaving."
Zaira spoke up, "Hate to prove ya wrong, Theo but I already asked Charlie that when me, Sarah, Yui and Nat were here. There's no chance of that happening. It'll be safe to satisfy our stomachs only a bit in the gluttony ring. The worst we're in for if any of the food or drinks are spiked."
Ickis, Krumm, and Oblina, sensing the fairies' need for sustenance and understanding the importance of maintaining their strength for the challenges ahead, nodded in agreement.
Oblina nodded "A brief moment for you three to replenish your energy will be preferible."
Ickis agreed. "You did wait a bit for us to eat in the greed ring, now it's our turn. Don't want you fainting or getting irritable when we go to the Lust and Wrath rings."
He turned around looking at the tunnels, then spoke.
"So which tunnel is the Gluttony ring?" Ickis asked.
"I believe it's the yellow," Krumm added while pointing.
"Alright let's head to the Gluttony ring. But only because we're all really really hungry."said Theo
With a collective resolve, the group set forth towards the Gluttony ring, the promise of a temporary reprieve from their hunger spurring them forward.
As they entered the realm of indulgence and excess, fairies and monsters alike prepared to partake in the offerings that awaited them, mindful of the need to balance their desires with caution. In this moment of unity and shared vulnerability, the group found strength in their companionship and the knowledge that together, they could face whatever trials lay ahead in the unforgiving domains of Lust and Wrath.
"That reminds me do you think we'll have to talk to the king in charge?" asked Ickis as they navigated the dimly lit passageway
A lively discussion unfolded among them prompting an exchange of opinions and strategies.
"Queen. It's Beelzebub." corrected Theo before asking "Why should we ask permission to eat?"
Ickis shook his head. "NO! Not to eat. Ask her if she knows anything about the dragonballs."
"I have my suspicions. But according to what I learned in sleuthing and CSI, you have to ask questions to suspects in order confirm or look for possible clues."
"Yeah that could work wait a minute- how do we know this Beelzebub won't just add something to drug us?" asked Theo narrowing her eyes.
"We look for the possible signs," said Zaira, "like they taught us. And keep our wits about. If all else fails the mosters will have to drag us out of there fast."
"Can we walk while we discuss? When I get hungry I get dizzy." Said Beth
Beth's admission of feeling dizzy due to hunger elicited a scolding from Oblina, who emphasized the importance of nourishing oneself.
"Next time, Do NOT go anywhere on an empty stomach." Scolded Oblina
The group continued their discussion while moving through the tunnel, the robotic fizzarolli trailed them at a discreet distance, its mechanical eyes capturing every word exchanged among the fairies and monsters.
In the realm of Magix, at Alfea, the concern over the whereabouts of Beth, Theo, and Zaira weighed heavily on the minds of the friends and fellow Ethereal Guardians. The Kids Next Door had been attempting to convey the urgent news to the other fairy guardians, hoping to enlist their help in locating the missing trio.
The five kids started speaking all at once trying to get Beth's other friend's who were also Ethereal guardians attention.
"Take deep breaths" said Haruna
They comply.
"I'm sure they're fine. Though it's not them to skip school. Do you have a number where we can reach them?" asked Yui
The KND slapped their forehead, frustrated by the miscommunication, shook their heads in exasperation
"Now, calmly, what was it you wanted to say?" asked Kylie
Irritated Numbuh 4 "No, Beth along with Theo and Zaira with the monsters ran off to wage war by playing spy detective in Pentagram city, the capitol of Hell because the dragonballs were stolen by a demon!"
Yui, Sarah, Haruna, Kylie & Dana gasped. They knew that was serious and a dangerous place for only three rookie fairys who were also part of the Ethereal Guardians along with three garbage monsters to go alone. Yui, and Sarah were horrfied most of all, they remember the last time they unintentionally ventured there due to the Yomi net incident.
"Oh really?" sneered a voice.
The five girls along the five KND operatives looked up, the same clique that had taunted Beth earlier had overheard.
OH NO, thought the group
With a malicious smile, Isla turns in direction of a hall and yells, "Miss Faragona! Miss Griselda! Come quick! Beth's quit school and joined a violence gang of terrorists!"
She along with her posseé ran off to tattle in order to get the missing Beth with Theo and Zaira in trouble.
"Hey! She's lying! That's not what's going on!" called out, Dana
"Ugh! Now we gotta do damage control!" growled Sarah.
The girls follow the mean girls to stop them from twisting the truth to Faragonda.
Yui looks back at the KND operatives, "You know, these are the kinds of things you should really tell the grown-ups right away. The reasonable ones that is."
"AUGH!" The KND shout in aggravation.
To be continued...
AN: REMEMBER if you have specific thoughts or feedback about the story itself, I'd be happy to hear them. BUT it has to be Constructive, polite, friendly comments help me improve as a writer.