Chapter 1: Marshmallow Day!
The world of Canstella, a big beautiful marble of gorgeous scenery and characters.
A world where magic weaved through every breath and critters ruled vast lands, especially the Stawins, the beings of this world. Ranging from almost all animals.
The sun spilled golden light over the misty Patchuni Kingdom, shimmering on the dew-sprinkled hills and the marble towers of Castle Town. In the heart of the kingdom, preparations were well underway for the most dazzling day of the year — Marshmallow Day.
Though celebrated all over the globe, in the Patchuni Kingdom it was both a day for everyone and to see male Stawins of royal background to compete in many ways to win the attention of the Princess and her hand in marriage. Everyone came mostly to see the battles.
Inside a crystal-domed chamber of the palace, Princess Nabi Fukami sat slouched in a silk-cushioned chair, a scowl painted across her face. Her puffed cheeks were tinted pink with frustration.
"I'm not doing another equation," She huffed, tossing her glitter pen down. "Math is stupid and so is marriage!"
Across the room, Kit, a tall red fox draped in a flowing violet robe, blinked behind her spectacles. "You say that every year, Nabi. It's tradition for the princess to be presented properly to the suitors—"
"Oh, suitors," Nabi scoffed, brushing her paws against her long ears furiously. "I don't want a husband, I want a kingdom. Is that so hard to understand?"
Kit sighed, placing a paw on her shoulder. "You'll be Queen someday. You just need a King to... help rule."
"But why can't I rule on my own?" She snapped. "No one ever answers that."
Kit hesitated, guilt flickering in her eyes. She truly didn't know the full reason. "Your father says it's tradition. And... you're still learning."
"I've been learning my whole life!" Nabi stood up abruptly, pacing. "History, economics, math—which I still hate—and I memorized the trade routes of Canstella by the time I was eight!"
"You forgot the name of the Southern Isles yesterday." Kit muttered softly.
"I was tired!" She barked, folding her arms.
(Boop)
Among the merchants and townsfolk, a young wolf was busy selling goods from a wooden cart. Drako Wolf, with his thick grey fur and fiery red eyes, was stacking crates of fresh milk bottles and other dairy products. His paws worked quickly as his little brother, Pietro, ran circles around the cart, playing with a toy gun that shoots foam balls.
"Peanut, be careful!" Drako called, using his brother's nickname. "You're gonna knock something over."
A foam ball bonked against his head gently in response, his brother laughing like crazy.
He was mostly worried about the Radish salesman, he had bad luck with his cart being tripped over any time things get hectic. And his family was usually the cause. Mother was off today to get some medicine for one of the pregnant Trufflows. So he had to sell produce.
As Drako continued working, his mind wandered. He had always dreamed of leaving the woodland village and becoming a royal guard like his older brother, Garnet. Knight life seemed full of adventure, something far more exciting than the simple farm life he led. The royal guards were admired, strong, and respected. That's where he wanted to be, not behind a vendor stall.
Drako grumbled, wiping sweat off his brow. He glanced toward the distant castle, its pink and gold banners flapping in the wind. "Big day in Castle Town."
"You gonna see the princess?" Pietro asked, eyes wide.
Drako rolled his eyes. "Not unless she comes down to buy carrots. I'm just selling to the townsfolk."
"Think she's pretty?"
Drako paused. "I dunno. Probably stuck-up like the nobles that come through here sometimes. Bet she's never even dug up her own turnip."
(Boop)
Today was the day the Melee of Love begins, the competitors have settled in and now they;re fighting for the Love of a Princess who'd rather be looking for geodes.
It was exciting to see the different fighting styles everyone uses.
The bustling kingdom was alive with anticipation as the annual Valentine's Day competition was about to begin. Villagers, nobles, and visiting guests from surrounding lands all made their way to the grand battlegrounds, a vast open arena decorated with flowers and banners, all in red and pink hues to match the romantic holiday. The crowd grew thick, their chatter filling the air as they hurried to find seats or spots where they could watch the spectacle unfold.
"Laaaadies and gentlebeasts!" Boomed a magically enhanced voice across Castle Town, jolting birds from rooftops and rattling shutters.
From a puff of glittering smoke at the coliseum stage, a showboating red peacock in a velvet coat twirled dramatically into view. His tail feathers shimmered with enchantments that sparkled in the midday sun.
"Welcome one, welcome all—to the one! The only! The annual Marshmallow Day Melee of Love! Where princes and lords BATTLE for the chance to win the hand—AND the heart—of the beautiful Princess of Patchuni!"
Crowds swarmed from every street and corner, some cheering, others groaning.
In the midst of the commotion, whispers could be heard between the villagers, many of them familiar with the annual tradition and the notorious reputation of the princess who never picked a suitor.
"She's not going to pick one again, is she?" An older squirrel muttered to his companion, a portly badger, as they shuffled in.
"No chance. I heard she's never interested. Honestly, it's just a show at this point. I've got 5Sparks on her refusing them all again!" The badger replied with a laugh.
"Ha! I've got 10Sparks on that! She's stubborn, that one."
"Don't matter," Said an elderly turtle, shuffling along. "The princess always looks like she'd rather choke on a carrot than marry anyone."
The smell of fresh Sakura lingered in the air as Nabi's fragrance, but Nabi Fukami, dressed in an elaborate pink and white gown, was far from impressed. Her makeup was flawless, her dress dazzling with intricate lace and ribbons that swayed with every subtle movement, but her eyes—half-lidded in boredom—betrayed how little she cared for the spectacle unfolding beneath her.
King Francis stood at her side as they walked up to their viewing seats, hands folded in behind him as he leaned to the side to glare at his daughter for scowling. "You look stunning, don't make that face." He whispered.
"I'd rather choke on a carrot." Nabi muttered.
"Try to smile. Just a little?"
"I am smiling." She wasn't, as they sat down.
Below, the peacock announcer twirled again and pointed both winged arms up to her.
"And there she is, folks! Our darling, our dream, our dazzling diamond—Princess Nabi Fukami!"
Cheers erupted like wildfire. Confetti burst from enchanted barrels. A brass band launched into a dramatic fanfare. Nabi rolled her eyes so hard her crown tilted.
He waved his hand, and two doors on opposite ends of the arena began to creak open. "And now, without further ado, allow me to introduce our first competitors!"
The crowd hushed as two figures stepped out. The first was a tall, muscular giraffe prince, adorned in gleaming golden armor around his long neck. He raised his sword, flashing a confident grin to the audience. "I am Prince Gordy of the Golden Sands! I'll claim victory today and win the heart of the fair princess!"
Nabi rolled her eyes so hard she swore she saw the back of her skull. "As if." She muttered.
The second competitor emerged— a sturdy stag with antlers adorned in ceremonial ribbons, followed, his eyes narrowed with determination. "Prince Tyron of Moonveil," He introduced himself quietly, his sharp eyes glinting. "The princess deserves someone who understands subtlety and grace. I will not disappoint."
Nabi raised her eyebrows at him, Kit chuckled at seeing her tail wiggling.
"Two mighty warriors, ready to battle for honor, glory, and the favor of Princess Nabi!" The announcer bellowed. "The rules are simple! The first to be knocked out or yield will be the loser. But remember, combatants—keep it honorable! The princess is watching!"
Nabi leaned toward the edge to see better, her voice dripping with excitement. "Fight away, I wanna see bruises!"
Kit gave a small laugh. "Forgot you liked seeing carnage."
The announcer fluttered into the air and tossed a trail of magical hearts above them.
"ON MY COUNT!" He shouted. "Three… two… ONE—LET THE LOVE GAMES BEGIN!"
A horn blared. Weapons clashed. The crowd exploded with cheers and jeers.
"Yeeeeeeeeah!"
"Nabi sit down!"
(Wooosh!)
Drako wiped the sweat from his brow, having just finished the morning's farm work. He carefully loaded the crops into the cart, along with other products they would sell in Castle Town.
Before Drako could really think, out of nowhere, his older brother, Ruby, tackled him from the side, roaring in mock battle.
"You're late for the fight, Drako!" Ruby growled, ruffling Drako's fur and grabbing him in a headlock. "You better be ready to throw down!"
"Ack—cut it out, you idiot!" Drako laughed, trying to squirm out of his grasp. "I just finished with the Trufflows! I don't have time for—"
Before he could finish, their older sister, Amber, who had apparently been waiting in ambush from the cottage roof, leaped down onto all three of them, knocking the brothers into a heap on the ground.
"And the winner is… Amber!" She declared, pumping her fists in victory.
"Unfair!" Ruby groaned from underneath the pile. "We weren't ready!"
Drako groaned from the bottom of the pile, laughing despite himself. "Amber, come on! I have to get to town before midday!"
Their mother, standing a little distance away, smiled as she watched her children play. Her hand rested on her chin, a bit of worry in her eyes, but the warmth of their togetherness outweighed it. Pietro toddled over to her, tugging at her dress to get her attention.
"Mama, here." Pietro said with a giggle trying to hand off the chews to her.
"Ah..thank you hun." She bent down to pick him up, watching her children with a loving smile.
After much more laughter and a few half-hearted attempts to break free, Drako finally managed to wriggle out from beneath Amber and Ruby. Dusting off his clothes, he turned to his family, waving goodbye. "I'll be back later. Don't cause too much trouble without me, okay?"
"Trouble? Us?" Ruby grinned mischievously. "No promises."
Drako chuckled as he began his journey to the Castle Town, Uptown Patchuni, the cart bumping along the dirt road behind him. The day was bright, but as he walked through the woods, something felt... off. The trees, usually so full of life, seemed duller, and the air had a strange, heavy feeling to it. Drako slowed down, glancing around warily. Something caught his eye—a gnarled tree root sticking out of the ground, covered in strange splotches of an unfamiliar color.
He crouched down, picking up the root and turning it over in his hands. The splotches had a faint, pulsing glow to them, as if they were alive. A chill ran down his spine.
"What the...?"
He considered taking the root with him, but a sense of unease settled in his stomach. Instead, he tossed it aside, deciding it was best to ignore it for now. Maybe it was just some weird forest fungus. With a shake of his head, he continued on his way, the strange sensation lingering in the back of his mind.
When he reached uptown Patchuni, he was surprised to see how empty the streets were. Red and pink decorations hung from the buildings, and everything was adorned with hearts and flowers. Yet, there were few creatures around. The few who were there seemed to be walking arm in arm, whispering sweet nothings to each other.
He parked his cart and stared in awe as a floating carriage passed by, drawn by misty creatures with wings of crystal.
He gave a long whistle. "So this is where all the action is…"
A whiny of a pedigree Palpermoose sounded behind him and the carriage driver huffed at the young wolf. "Hey! Riffraff! Move that cart! This street's for nobility!"
Drako clenched his fists and spoke through gritted teeth. "Right. Sorry, sir."
As he pulled the cart to the side
Before he could think further, a familiar voice called out his name. "Drako! Yoo-hoo!"
He yelped, spinning around just in time to see a skunk girl with a bright smile rushing toward him. It was Petunia, the girl whose family ran the fragrance shop. She'd always had a bit of a crush on him ever since he saved her from a tricky situation when they were younger.
"Hi, Petunia." Drako greeted nervously, trying his best not to look too awkward. He could already see the box of chocolates in her hand and felt a pang of anxiety rising.
"Happy Marshmallow Day!" She exclaimed, practically bouncing on her feet. "I got these for you. It's a special day, after all!"
Drako froze, his mind racing. He could feel his heart sink a little. Oh no... not again. Petunia had had a crush on him since they were kids, ever since he'd saved her from a wild creature one day. He didn't feel the same, but he couldn't bring himself to hurt her feelings either.
"Oh... uh, thanks, Petunia," He said, carefully taking the chocolates, his voice strained. "But, uh, I can't really—"
Before he could finish, Petunia clapped her hands together. "I know! Since it's Marshmallow Day, maybe we could spend some time together? Just the two of us?"
Drako's eyes widened, and he quickly glanced around, looking for an escape. That's when he remembered the Marshmallow Day competition!
His eyes lit up with an idea. "Oh, uh, actually, Petunia, I can't, we grew a great batch of crops today that my mom really wants me to sell." He flashed her an apologetic smile, slowly backing away behind his cart. "Maybe... another time?"
Petunia's face fell for a moment, but she quickly recovered with a huff, smiling sweetly. "You always have something to do when I'm around, I'll get that date soon enough my grey hero!"
"We'll be married someday!~" Drako shuddered as she ran off yelling that.
(Whoosh!)
After twenty minutes and no sales, mostly because everyone was in the arena. Drako Wolf stood by his produce cart, arms crossed, tail flicking.
The echo of cheers drifted down from the competition.
He peeked around the corner.
More cheers. Loud ones.
His ears perked up.
"Ughhh," He groaned, eyes flicking back to his cart full of turnips, radishes, and squash. "I'm right there. I could see the fight. Just for a minute…"
He stared at the cart. Then at the castle. Then back at the cart.
A pause.
Then a shrug.
"Who's gonna steal a turnip?" He muttered, tossing his apron off.
With that, he dashed off down the stone road, tail streaming behind him, weaving through the crowd as the coliseum grew louder and louder.
(Wooosh!)
Drako weaved through the alleyways, scanning the outer walls of the battle grounds. The cheers of the crowd echoed in the distance, pulling him toward the arena like a magnet. His heart raced with excitement—he had never been this close to the competition before, and now he was determined to find a way in. Drako crouched behind a pair of stacked apple crates near the side entrance of the coliseum, eyes locked on two guards chatting lazily.
They both were pit bulls.
"…and then he says, 'That ain't a goose, that's my wife!'" One of them howled with laughter. The other snorted, doubling over, and in that exact moment, Drako zipped past them—silent as a breeze.
"Perfect.." He whispered to himself, trying to stay low and unnoticed.
Meanwhile, in the arena…
The crowd roared in excitement as the latest battle came to an end. Prince Allister stood proudly as he flexed his muscles, striking poses for the cheering girls in the stands. His gaze, however, was fixed on Nabi, who was watching the competition with visible disinterest.
The crowd roared louder than ever as the ground shook from a thunderous body slam. Dust swirled in the battle arena while the announcer fluttered from excitement.
"YET AGAIN, the mighty Prince Allister of Sunspike proves himself UNSTOPPABLE!" The peacock shrieked, flipping midair. "That's FOUR wins in a row, folks! Four! The biceps! The bravado! The royal BEEF!"
Prince Allister, a hulking lion Stawin with a shaggy mane braided in gold beads, pounded his chest like a drum. "Ain't nobody topping me! That bunny will be mine!" He exclaims.
The announcer's voice came back. "And NOW the final contestant—Prince Lee of Marewell faces off against the undefeated golden boy himself!"
There, stepping timidly into the arena, was the final contender.
Lee, the prince of Marewell, stood in delicate sea-blue silks that shimmered faintly with ocean magic. He was short and slender. His tentacles, lilac and silky, curled gently over his shoulders like ringlets. His long bangs covered most of his big eyes, and he blinked awkwardly. His appearance was shy, nearly swallowed by his bangs.
The crowd didn't hold back, bursting into laughter.
"Aww, is he lost?" Someone jeered.
"Looks like someone's little sister got on stage!" Yelled another.
"Where's the rest of him?!"
Prince Allister smirked and cracked his knuckles, striding forward to tower over Lee.
"You sure this isn't the talent portion, guppy?" Allister sneered. "You here to sing or dance?"
Lee tilted his head, seemingly unbothered. "...I'm here to fight."
The lion cackled and gave him a nudge with one paw. "Listen, squiddy. Why don't you scurry back to the kiddie pool before you get hurt?"
Lee didn't respond. He only tilted his head.
From her high seat, Nabi leaned forward, ears twitching. Her frown faltered.
Her father noticed
Nabi's knight, a stern grey wolf in gleaming armor, was watching the crowd. Garnet Wolf narrowed his eyes.
He spotted something. Someone.
Drako.
His younger brother's messy fur and mischievous grin were impossible to miss.
Garnet's jaw tensed.
"Of course.." He growled and started pushing through the crowd.
Back to the fight
The battle began.
Allister didn't hesitate—he lunged forward with a thunderous punch.
Lee ducked. Swiftly.
The crowd gasped.
The punch hit nothing but air, slamming into the stone and cracking the stonework even more than it was before..
Lee sidestepped, spinning with a dancer's grace, and jabbed at Allister's side with a glowing water-formed trident—striking once, twice, three times.
Allister growled, his claws crackling with electricity as he swiped at him again, missing again. Lee flipped back, keeping low, using speed and precision. His tentacles shimmered with bioluminescence as he used his powers.
"He's fighting…" Kit whispered.
"He's good!" Nabi said, her eyes wide.
Allister was getting angry now. "QUIT DANCING AND FIGHT ME LIKE A MAN!"
Lee's eyes glinted beneath his bangs. "I fight… like a squid."
In a blur of twisting tentacles and graceful strikes, Lee countered Allister's attacks with precise parries and quick stabs. His form was tight. Fluid. Professional.
"WOAH, HE KNOWS WHAT HE'S DOING!" Someone screamed.
"NOOO, I'M GONNA LOSE A BET!" Bellowed a red-faced walrus in the crowd.
Even the announcer was losing his mind.
"LEE WITH THE WAVEFORM PARRY! WHAT A MOVE! DO MY EYES DECEIVE ME? IS THIS… SQUID BOY ACTUALLY GOOD?!"
Allister snarled and came in with brute force. Lee ducked. Slid under his legs. Spun. Water spiraled around his body as he launched into the air.
"SPINNING WAVE KICK!" The announcer screamed. "IN THE AIR!"
A tentacle lashed out and wrapped around Allister's arm, pulling him off balance. Lee launched a burst of shimmering blue magic that crackled across the ground and burst beneath the lion's feet—sending him skyward.
The crowd exploded into cheers and gasps.
Drako, watching from the rafters, gawked. "Okay, I like this squid."
King Francis, seated beside Nabi, had leaned forward, his big fluffy paws gripping the armrests of his chair like a kid at a sports match. "Ho-HO! That was a dropkick whirlwhip! Haven't seen one o' those since my crown fit straight!"
Nabi blinked. "Wait… you like the fight portion of the competition?"
King Francis coughed. "What? No. Ridiculous.. This is for—"
"USE THE CHAIR!" He yelled, pumping his fist as Allister picked up a magical steel chair and slammed it against Lee's back.
Nabi tried to stifle a grin… but her eyes turned back to Lee.
"C'mon, sea boy!" She shouted. "Don't let him knock your cute butt out!"
Even Garnet, watching as he made his way to Drako, narrowed his eyes. "…Not bad."
But the tide shifted quickly.
Allister snarled and powered through grabbing Lee by the neck and slamming him down into the dirt. The crowd gasped. Lee groaned, his watery trident dissolving. He was pissed off with his dancing around, and the fact that the princess was cheering him on got him even angrier. Allister raised a paw, claws crackling with electricity.
"You put on a nice little show," He growled. "But the circus is over."
Nabi jumped on her feet. "GET UP!"
The arena went silent.
All eyes turned to the platform.
Nabi, red-faced and fierce, had her paws clenched at the edge of the balcony.
"Don't let that arrogant furball win! Get up! You're not done yet, Lord Lee!"
Lee, bruised and struggling to breathe, looked up toward the royal platform.
And saw her.
The princess.
Cheering for him.
His pupils widened. A flicker of light pulsed from his hands.
With a sudden surge, he twisted out of Allister's grip and somersaulted away. The lion growled, but Lee was already springing forward with renewed energy—tentacles swirling, weaving around the lion like coils of water. He launched himself into the air, summoning a massive orb of deep sea magic and bringing it crashing down on Allister like a tidal comet.
BOOOOOOOM!
Dust and water magic exploded everywhere. The audience in the splash zone got hit and cheered wildly.
When it cleared, Allister was flat on his back, arms twitching.
Lee stood over the defeated lion, panting. Water dripped from his fingertips.
The announcer popped up beside him, feathers frazzled.
"A MIRACLE! A TWIST! A LEGEND IN THE MAKING! Ladies and gentlebeasts, Prince Lee of Marewell WINS THE FINAL ROUND!"
As the confetti exploded, Lee glanced up at the royal platform again.
Nabi was smiling at him.
And for the first time today, he smiled back.
Back with Drako…
And in that same moment…
"Drako Wolf!"
Drako yelped as a large paw grabbed him by the scruff and yanked him backward from the wall.
He looked up into the furious face of his older brother, Garnet.
"Uh… hi Garnet," Drako grinned sheepishly. "Did you see that fight?! That squid kid's awesome!"
Garnet narrowed his eyes. "You're supposed to be selling turnips."
"The carts fiiiine." Drako huffs, waving him off dismissively.
(Cutaway)
The produce cart was being raided by a pack of feral Feline creatures known as Jangmols, each one snickering as they ate to their fullest.
(And back to them)
"What in the name of the moon's whiskers are you doing here?" Garnet hissed. "You abandon your cart, sneak into a restricted royal event, and nearly get caught by palace mages. Are you trying to get me fired?!"
"I just wanted to watch a little!" Drako protested. "Come on, you get to stand up here all the time—"
"Because I work here."
"Because you're perfect." Drako muttered.
Garnet growled low. "I'm on duty. Watching her. You? You're lucky I'm the one who caught you."
BOOM!
A thunderous explosion rocked the coliseum.
Crowds screamed.
Garnet snapped his head toward the horizon and ran to the nearest balcony.
Outside, in the skies above Patchuni…
Flying pirate ships.
Three of them, sails emblazoned with a flaming crow sigil, descended from the clouds. Magic cannons glowed on their sides. Screams echoed from the streets. One ship loomed directly over the coliseum..
Garnet's eyes went wide. "No…"
A second blast followed, sending shockwaves through the marble walls.
Drako's heart pounded. "What's going on?"
"The Skylanders. They're trying to kidnap the princess again," Garnet muttered. "They always come on Marshmallow Day, and I'm supposed to be guarding her."
A cannonball exploded just above the royal platform, and Kit formed a protective shield around her, the king and Nabi.
From the loudspeakers, the peacock announcer screamed. "We—uh—we appear to be under attack! This is not part of the show, folks!"
Garnet spun toward Drako.
"Go home. Stay out of the way."
"But—!"
"Now!"
And with that, Garnet leapt from the balcony, blade drawn, cape flaring, shouting to the other knights. "TO ARMS! GUARDS, DEFEND THE ROYAL FAMILY!"
Drako hesitated, watching the pirate ships. His fists clenched. "I'm not running away." He whispered to himself, determined to find a way to help.
Notes:
King Francis is a black and white spotted lop rabbit, and takes his role as ruler seriously. He adores his daughter and he fears that she won't be able to run the kingdom with how she is, he just wants a capable Stawin to help her.
Drako's family is recurring. Garnet too. All grey wolves.
The Trufflows—fluffy, cow-like creatures with thick fur and sweet-tempered dispositions—their milk is surprisingly sweet.
Those two pit bull guards are tertiary characters.
Lee is a Firefly Squid and a confidant for Nabi, he's a static character. While Kit has been with Nabi since she was born, Kit infantilizes her like her father does so she doesn't tell her much.
The Skylander Pirates are indeed a reference to Skylanders, it's in my head because of my friend and I can't forget it!
Petunia is basically Panini from Chowder.
Drako, Kit, and Nabi are the protagonists.
Drako has a lot of self loathing and mostly because of someone he doesn't want to talk about. He's 18.
Nabi has a lot going on in her head all the time, and with her different way of thinking and doing things it's why her father dotes on her. She's a smart gal, just forgetful. Suffering self doubt because of her father and Kit, she does hate herself too.
Despite that she keeps a mask on that she hopes keeps anyone away because she doesn't want to be pitied. That mask is her royal bratty attitude. She actually just turned 18.
Kit is a magical fox that's been with the royal family for years, she teaches Nabi everything because King Francis worries about Nabi being in actual schools. She's got mom vibes. How old is she?
Now you're asking too much.