So I saw fanart on tumblr by mooshkamoogle involving how Evan would be like if broken hearts were also a thing in NNK2 and he was missing Kindness. Somehow this spawned the urge to write a scene in that AU.
Since then, I've been getting some ideas/rules for this particular take on the AU:
1. If a ruler is broken hearted, this will affect the Kingmaker through the Kingsbond
2. Doloran and Shadar are the antagonists but they don't work together outside of 'I already called dibs on that guy go away.' Shadar is actually tainted with the Horned One's power so he usually doesn't interfere with Doloran's plans.
3. idk either Oliver is from a different time period or he's not from the same world as Roland because he would definitely be aware of the nuclear war happening around him and the fact that President Crane is presumed dead.
4. Shy Pirate Guy Who I Forgot His Name Again is holding the extra Kindness to save the day
Personally, I'm happy what I got so this AU is done.
Originally posted on tumblr on September 1, 2018
Stick to the Script and Other Stories
By Bilbo-sama
Kindness Can Go A Long Way part 1
There was something wrong about the Kingdom of Evermore, Oliver noted. The town within the kingdom, for one, had a timid feel to it. The citizens seem fearful and all speak in whispers. Any attempts to ask directions to the castle revealed nothing.
"Ye sure ye want to go there?" asked a ruffian-looking man, "No swab who is given audience to His Majesty ever comes back."
"I just want to help," said Oliver nervously.
In the end, a red haired girl dressed like some of the sky pirates approached him.
"His Majesty has heard news of your arrival," she said solemnly, "I came to escort you to the castle." She sounded regretful about it.
"Thanks! I'm Oliver, by the way."
"He's the Pure-Hearted One!" added Mr. Drippy.
Hope flickered in the girl's eyes before she schooled her face into a more neutral expression, "I see. Come, it's this way."
The boy and the fairy followed her past a fish market where several Grimalkin with Dellian accents stopped and whispered as the strange pair followed the War Minister's daughter.
No one believed they would return from the castle alive.
The castle interior oozed with an atmosphere that seemed even worse than in the town. It felt…malevolent and hostile. The few guards and servants the foreign duo saw seemed timid or just sized them up to see if they would make a good fight before dismissing the thought. Oliver would feel both relief and insulted in those instances. It was a weird feeling to have.
A man in a blue long coat intercepted the girl escorting Oliver and Mr. Drippy on the way to the throne room. His brown eyes were bordered by stress lines and dark bags from a lack of sleep.
"You stayed up late again, Roland?" said the girl.
"It…" Roland eyed the newcomers, "it was necessary."
"Of course," nodded the pirate girl, "you have a busy job."
"I do," agreed Roland vaguely before waving a hand at Oliver, "So who is this?"
"He claims to be the Pure-Hearted One."
Roland looked surprised and hopeful before he looked resigned. "Not for long, I'm guessing."
"What's that supposed to flipping mean?" demanded Mr. Drippy.
"You'll see soon enough," replied Roland tiredly, "give your father my regards, Tani. Now, if you excuse me…" He hurried off to the side of the hallway to a room that resembled an office. He closed the door with an ominous click.
When they at last arrived to the throne room, a boy around Oliver's age but with some Grimalkin features sat waiting on the throne. His eyes were a murky blue and his blond hair was stringy.
"Tani, what took you so long?" he demanded in a frustrated tone.
"They were a long ways away from the castle itself," answered Tani neutrally even though she radiated the need to roll her eyes at her King.
"Fine," hissed the king. "You may go."
"Of course, Your Majesty," she curtsied and flashed Oliver a regretful look before she strode out of the throne room.
"So," began His Majesty coldly, "who are you and why should I care if you die in my Kingmaker's jaws?"