Fantasy Howl's Flying Castle (Finished! ---Whoo! (*＾▽＾)／)

[Katsuya]

-Renee Pendragon-
​

Renee grabbed the kettle when James asked, titling her head a bit and answered honestly. "Yes, I do...." She promised to Sunny that she will go and see the Aged Author.


Letting the water heat up from Calcifer's flames, she went to grab green tea leaves and honey. Then she paused, looking at James curiously.


"Why...do you ask, James?"


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

[SIZE= 18px]- James Pendragon -[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 14px]"Flying Castle"[/SIZE]
​

"[SIZE= 18px]B[/SIZE]ecause I can . . . " James was struggling a bit with himself, "take a leave of absence from my apprenticeship and . . . go with you, Renee --- but only up to the Storm Wall!" he added immediately. "If it's too dangerous to go through, I'm not going, but if by some crazy miracle we have a chance of passing through the storm alive, then . . . I'll go in with you."


It was a very huge change of heart. Not because James believed in it as he still looked like he believed the whole idea of going into some place no one has ever been heard from again ridiculous, but because Renee wanted to go.


It was very true what they say, that even the proudest hearts could be changed with love. Not that James would ever be so mushy as to admit that out loud, but it seemed that he wanted to return the kindness and forgiveness Renee showed him by helping her with what she really wanted to do.


@Katsuya

OOC || Characters || Interest Check
​

 

[Katsuya]

-Renee Pendragon-
​

Renee froze when James offered to go, not believing it was real. She pinched her arm, feeling the sharp but short pain and realized...that she's awake. It's not a dream her mind made up; James really did offer to go...


"I- you...um-!" It seems she's at a loss for words, the shock really affected her. Renee didn't think James would truly be okay with her going to the Storm wall and yet...he offered to come with her...


Is her brother sick? Is that it? The winged teen checked the temperature of his forehead, noticing that he's okay with no fever and stayed silent. So he wasn't sick...


James...really did offered to go with her at a certain point...and that...that made her so happy that she was close to crying on the spot.


"I-...thank you so much, James."  Her wings fluttering happily. There's even a bit of blush on her cheeks . That's really sweet of James, even when he didn't want to go, he still offered and that's... Renee couldn't help but hug him again though not as rough as the one from earlier. In fact, it's gentle this time.


Then she remembered something and leaned back, frowning a bit. "...but I haven't heard anything about anybody going to the Storm wall...so why would..."


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

[SIZE= 18px]- James Pendragon -[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 14px]"Flying Castle"[/SIZE]
​

"[SIZE= 18px]Y[/SIZE]eah, yeah, you're welcome." he muttered, patting her head when she hugged him, but was smiling at her. He felt like they were proper friends again.


"Ah, yes . . . I forgot to tell you, Madam Suliman said that the kings and queens of the different kingdoms will be convening to send their best warlocks into the Storm Wall. There are people who believe about what you told them about the Aged Author apparently, but I don't know when it's going to be and I don't know if they've decided already --- oh, I've got it!" he said as though he suddenly remembered something.


"I've been invited to a royal feast this Tuesday at the King's castle and I can bring four guests, I can bring you and we could probably find out more about it there. There's bound to be some officers attending the feast, perhaps Madam Suliman too although we could talk to her tomorrow after school. We could find out if we could join them or something, though we'd need training to be able to keep up with the army."


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-Renee Pendragon-
​

So the Madam did listen to what she was saying, choosing to stay quiet from the public with her findings. Though she didn't expect others to believe in what she was saying too. That shocked her a bit. 


Renee got excited with the plan, smiling like a loon. "James, you're a genius!...oh my goodness-! Wait! If we're going to the feast to ask the Madam then...what should I wear?" 'Dress to impress' is seriously a girl thing to worry about when it comes to first impressions at a very cultured event, even more so when there's people who are very influential or famous. Though there's one issue the winged teen has that most girls her age wouldn't even bat an eye to and that's the dress itself. She never liked wearing them since they were so long and it gets in the way when she wants to move-! It's the most annoying thing ever! Then there's the heels-! Evil evil things that cause anybody's feet have aching problems!


'Might have to ask Echo's aunt...if she's willing...' She thought, already dreading at her positive response. Renee still remembered the dress Echo wore and the story behind that...she rather not be attacked by her Aunt Melody, thank you very much-!


"Though where do you think we could train to keep up with the army? Unless the army is willing to train us , which I really doubt, then hmmm..." Too many things to think about, too many things to do. She's getting really excited and anybody could tell just by looking at her wings, flapping loudly. Then her wings froze at something very important, looking like they were ready to take flight or something.


"But...wait...what about the twins? Will they be coming with us or are they going to stay here?" She rather torn about the twins. She wants the twins to come with them too, but...who'll take care of the castle? If the Storm Wall is still dangerous by the time James and her gets there, then she rather her younger brothers stay home in that case..With James looking after them...


Pouring the hot water in the cup, tea already brewed, with salted cheese on the side of the small plate with the cup and cream on top, Renee handed the tea to James. Her wings folded against her head as she pondered worriedly.


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

​

[SIZE= 18px]- James Pendragon -[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 14px]"Flying Castle"[/SIZE]
​

"[SIZE= 18px]E[/SIZE]r, I have no idea what you should wear." said James as clueless as she. That, 'what-a-girl-should-wear-that-looks-nice', conundrum was beyond him. No matter how much he had tried to understand the logic of his exes of how these shoes doesn't go with this scarf even though they already looked nice to him was beyond his man brain.


"I think the army would be willing to train us, that was the point of the tournament after all, to draw in all the best warriors in the land to fight against the dragon. I've seen recruitment posters all around, they are looking for volunteers."


James accepted the tea gratefully and sniffed the creamy honey blend and sighed. Tea always made him peaceful. The only thing lacking now was rain and it would be a perfect cozy sunset in front of the fireplace. With a good book and a platter of butter garlic toasted bacon mushroom cheese sandwich, mmm, that'd be the 'bees knees' as Johnny would say.


"Thank you." he smiled at Renee. "I don't know what Sen and Seth will do. They sacrificed their schooling so that they could make money for us, though with their passion for the guild. I think that's what they've really wanted to do . . . I'm quite confident in leaving the castle to them, though I'm pretty sure when we come back there's going to be a lot of dirty dishes and a whole lot of cleaning for me to do."


The twins were really bad at housekeeping. The castle has become dustier and dirtier without their mother, and a smell of stale laundry was starting to waft from the twins room. James could clean a room with the household spells he's been learning, but he has yet to learn how to cast one powerful enough to remove nasty smells and stubborn grime. He didn't know how to wash his clothes either and was thankful Renee knew how. He could cast "Clettidy", but it didn't remove the smell of sweat, and he kind of liked the smell of newly washed and pressed laundry.


"Let's ask them if they want to come, although . . . you should do the talking." said James remembering yesterday.


He and the twins had gone out of the castle because they didn't want Renee to hear them fighting. Girls usually get horrified when guys have a fisticuff to settle their disputes, but men just don't fight the way girls do who yell, back-bite, say mean things, or not talk to each other for months. Men, when a line is crossed settle things with brawls, it's just what feels right and the fights just end quickly with the two parties satisfied, although that's not always the case. Some things are just too downright despicable to be forgiven quickly. James didn't hold it against his younger brothers, it just means that they care about their sister very much and he wouldn't have it any other way.


Johnny came back an hour before seven with his basket full of mushrooms, berries, and purple yams that he had picked from the forest. The cloak he wore was patterned red, and with his sheep horns it made James think very strongly of the story of Little Red Riding hood. Sasha was perched on his shoulder with her beak full of frog and gave a muffled hoot of greeting at James before fluttering across the room to perch on the cabinet and eat her meal.


"Blimey, I just realized that I yelled to an entire street full of reporters that I . . . l-like Echo." he turned red.


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-Renee Pendragon-
​

Well that settles most of the questions she has..."If the army is looking for volunteers, then that solves of keeping up with the army." Renee wondered if they have spots open for the medical team, in that case...hmm...


"Right...I should do the talking...You're welcome." She smiled back at James, her wings fluttering


. She remembers the silent treatment the twins are giving to James and wondered if they'll ever be able to forgive the older Pendragon sibling. Renee knew that she's not able to change their minds, so she going to try her best at being in the middle ground, no matter how awkward that might be. As she discovered before, boys are weird.


Talking about boys, Johnny came back with his cute patched red cloak and Sasha on his shoulder...and Renee really wants to draw him like that. She nodded, smiling like a loon. "Yes...Yes, you did..." The winged teen wondered if Echo would want to take care of her plants...'I'm sure with Johnny around, she would love to take care of the plants...everyday.'


Sighing, amused about the pair, she continued. "Though I remembered that you said and I quote : 'In love with Echo Muses!' End quote." Renee wasn't teasing; She's stating a fact. "I wonder if the newspapers are going to write that..." She pondered aimlessly, walking back to sit by the fireplace and enjoying the nice heat radiating from Calcifer. The younger Pendragon decided to not tell Echo anything about Johnny's confession, but she is going to mention about how angry he was when she comes over to help with the dresses...


Renee shuddered at the idea of Aunt Melody coming by with a bunch of those evil heels and grinning like a mad hatter on a sugar-high...


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

[SIZE= 18px]- James Pendragon -[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 14px]"Flying Castle"[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 18px]J[/SIZE]ohnny went redder, "If that'll' be the headlines, then it's loads better than everyone thinking I'm in a love triangle with James, Renee."


James laughed heartily at that, while Johnny just shook his head, chuckling about the ridiculousness of it all and began to make dinner in the castle's second kitchen: a slab of pork haunch dried and simmered until the outside was crackly crisp, and chicken broth cooked with ginger, garnished with boiled egg, toasted garlic, and green onions.


James went up to take a bath, and by the time he came back down, dinner was served. "I'm invited to a feast in the King's castle this Tuesday night, want to come, Johnny?" he asked as he took a seat around the table.


"And perform before royalty? Yes!" said Johnny who began carving into the meat.


"Er, yeah, I can . . . work that out." said James, slowly. That wasn't what he had in mind. He thought Johnny might want to see the castle as a guest, but of course he'd want to go do a show in front of the King and princess. "I've got two reservations left, who'd you two want to invite to the feast, Renee?"


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-Renee Pendragon-
​

Renee giggled at his response, smiling widely. While the two guys were busy, she stayed in the living room with Calcifer, sketching down her thoughts of her family. One page had the twins smiling, another had James glaring at someone, some had all three together doing random things. When Johnny had dinner on the table, she closed the book and put it aside.


Smiling, amused that Johnny rather entertain the royal family instead of eating with them, Renee didn't have to think to answer her brother's question. "Why not invite the twins? If they don't want to go, I'll ask Echo..." She thought for a moment. "...and the Smithy's niece...what's her name again?...Minnie?"


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- James Pendragon -


"Flying Castle"


"We're not going." said the twins blandly after they arrived home in the middle of dinner and had been asked the question.


They didn't partake of the food and went straight up to their bedroom with their noses in the air. They still didn't want to breathe in the same air as their older brother, much less be in a place where he was going to be surrounded by admirers for being a champion.


Their boiling mutterings about, ". . . the princess is too nice" and ". . . should've been kicked out of the tournament . . ." were heard downstairs before their door slammed shut.


"If Echo's coming, I wonder if she'll perform with me again?" asked Johnny after the awkward silence the twins left in their wake; James had watched Sen and Seth go up and just sighed at his plate and continued eating his second helping of chicken broth.


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-Renee Pendragon-
​

Renee frowned sadly, wondering if they had eaten yet or not as she stared up the stairs where the twins left. So not even a once in a lifetime chance of dinning with the royal family would change their minds...all because James won at the tournament and the princess gave him the trophy anyways...She still finds this whole thing ironic: Everyone is angry at James, but the one who was wronged by him is not...


Taking another spoon full of the deliciousness that is Johnny's food, Renee was about to take another bite when she stopped and repeated what her brother's friend has said...


...She snapped her head towards Johnny, her eyes wide with shock and relief. "Echo performed? With you?? When??? I'm so asking her to sing now! How did she sound like?" Renee's rapid fire questions at Johnny was non-stop, her orange eyes glittered with curiosity and happiness for the red head. Her wings fluttering with excitement.


Johnny is such a good influence for Echo. Renee knew about her best friend's ability to sing to make the plants grow, but she never heard her sing. The red head was always afraid to do it. She wouldn't even think, let alone want, to go perform up in stage. So to hear that she did just that is bloody fantastic! 'I'm so happy that they got together~!' She thought, smiling widely as Johnny re-told of when she sang.


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

[SIZE= 18px]- Monday -[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 14px]" Kingsbury "[/SIZE]
​

"[SIZE= 18px]Y[/SIZE]es, yes, yesterday, and she sounds like cheerful school bells that herald the start of summer with a heart of fire --- and she can river dance!" said Johnny cheerfully. After recalling the story to Renee, he rested his chin on his palm as he remembered those times Echo danced close to him and left light touches on his shoulders, and gazed dreamily outside the window smiling dopily.


He didn't know when he began falling in love with her and her pots, by the time he realized it he had surprised himself by blurting the words out of his mouth. He had always thought love would come to him much later in life, that he'd meet the girl of his dreams in his travels: a beautiful meek country maid, chubby with fair skin, blue eyes and long golden hair, who had come to watch his shows. It'd be love at first sight and she'd understand his fear of girls, then agree wholeheartedly with him not to touch until ten years had passed.


Johnny had been so naïve, and he chuckled at how reality was so, soooooo far away from what he's dreamed of. So far!


Perhaps love doesn't always begin the way you think it would?


In the corner, James was looking at his friend, amused. Johhny was just smiling and chuckling there by himself in the silence like some happy oddball. "Johnny, know what a tree's favorite drink is?" he asked him loudly.


"Hm? You say something, mate?"


"Root beer."


"Oh, no thanks, I'm quite quenched." and showed him his empty mug of tea. James laughed. "What?" asked Johnny, confused, and then he stood up suddenly "Oh! I need to find that violinist in the park. James, can I borrow Sasha? I also need to send a letter asking Echo if she wants to perform with me during the feast."


"Yes, go ahead." said James. After Johnny left excitedly into the night, James turned to Renee saying, "I've never seen him so happy before. Renee, if you ever have someone you really like, I hope he's a guy who pays attention to you like that . . . 'cheerful school bells that herald the start of summer with a heart of fire' ." James repeated, amused. "Never heard that one before."

***
​

[SIZE= 18px]O[/SIZE]n Monday, there were reporters camped outside the fence of House 44 and a lot of fan letters stuffed into the mail box all addressed to Mr. James Pendragon.


Because the reporters wouldn't leave James alone, and Frey was still resting, he and Johnny galloped into the academy on Butters just before the bells rang after James answered their questions, quelling them by amiably promising to send letters of all their queries to their agencies by tomorrow. This wasn't all, upon coming to school he had discovered that he now had a fan club of girls who had prepared a banner lined with hearts for him.


It was . . . very flattering . . . until he realized that a lot of them were shipping him and Johnny together and were screaming frantically when they saw him come to school riding Butters on the saddle with him. James just laughed, while Johnny went red, but not out of embarrassment, he had just never experienced so many girls looking and shrieking his way before and was terrified. But the girls were interpreting this as just bashful behavior; A lot of guys were sniggering at them in the background.


With great dignity, James proceeded to class. He was late, and champion or not, Professor Magnus wasn't going to cut him any slack. The guilt from what he did to his sister was still fresh in his mind, but despite himself his lips twitched up and he couldn't help but strut a little. He really liked being admired by girls; Johnny on the other hand was really red and stammering, trying to tell them James wasn't his boyfriend while covering his face with his blue hat, but these girls were so scary and he ended up just looking like a speechless fish.


"Congratulations, Jamsey Wamsy!"


"You two look so cute together!"


"We heard you two live in the same house, so who's the mom and who's the dad?!"


"You're really handsome, Johnny, just stop wearing jester make up and you'll be an absolute heart throb!"


It was a relief when they got to class. Professor Magnus treatment of James did not vary one bit and the day proceeded with him and Johnny teaching the class how to summon and control "water slugs" now that they've finished learning how to summon will-o-wisps. Water slugs needed water to form and lived in Midgard itself, they were lesser spirits that permeated all rivers, oceans, and rains.


When lunch came Johnny immediately looked for Echo to explain that he did not like-like James one bit and proceeded to tell her about the times he broke his promises just because he was worried that his grades would drop by half of a percent, the time they fought because of some group project because someone didn't do as well a James wanted him too, and how he thinks he's right and insists on having his way on a lot of things, doesn't listen, and how he keeps bugging Johnny to place the shampoo the right way up after taking a bath instead of upside-down, which is more practical for Johnny since that means not having to squeeze the tube so much.


Of all the people, it was Johnny who was relieved the most when Monday and Tuesday ended and there was the feast and performance to look forward to.


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-Before the feast in Kingsbury-
​

In Renee's room, anybody who passes by could hear grunts and whines from one winged girl, a laugh from a reindeer fawn, and the outrageous sayings of an aunt behind the closed door.


"Now now dear! It's only heels. They're not going to kill you-"


"Madam Melody, please! I rather not wear thos-! AH!"


"Oh my goodness, Ren...I've never seen you this flustered before!"


"Yes, well I blame your aunt, Echo-! Ack!"


"Come now sweet potato! I know you'll thank me for this later. Now hold still-!"


"But-! but-! Can I, at least, cover my arms with something?" Renee asked, a bit subconscious of her arms and hands because of the bird-like skin that reaches up to her elbows. Melody shook her head in disapproval. "No, sweetie. This dress looks best with the arms showing. Go ahead, spin around. I want to see if this dress works on you."


The older red head scrutinized Renee as she spun around slowly, showing off the dress she picked out. It's as flow-y as Echo's emerald green dress. At the bottom to the top is a sombre of deep red-purple to red to orange respectively, a lasso of the same material as the dress delicately wrapped around her neck; holding the dress up with a golden sun pin that's over her collar bone. As usual, her freckled shoulders and back are bare. Her three-inch heels are a golden yellow, very close to the pin's color.


All in all...the dress made Renee feel very uncomfortable because it complimented her figure very well without revealing much of her skin. It's weird-!


Aunt Melody pondered for a moment and had a good idea. She walked closer to the young Pendragon and undo her braid, letting it cascade over her shoulder in wavy galore.


"There...Now you're lovely...Your turn, Echo dear." Renee could hear her friend's sigh as she sat down on her bed, tinkering on the pin. Her wings fluttering nervously.


She's really nervous, for what, she didn't know, but ever since James talked about a guy treasuring her like Johnny treasures Echo made her...really shy of wearing dresses. The winged teen always blushed whenever she remembered him saying it and she starts to get flustered. It even cost her classwork today because she mixed up the plants and it exploded again, causing her Professor to have bright pink hair. 'Augh! I shouldn't even be worried about that! I don't have the time for romance right now!!' Renee scolded herself, her cheeks already turning pink.


At least Echo will performing today with Johnny and the violinist, Serena, who conveniently works for the royal family, Renee will always have time for that!


"There! Now I'm sure your boyfriend will love this-!"


"Auntie Mel! Please! It's too revealing! Why are you always putting me into these types of dresses?!" Renee looked over to her friend, blinking at the dress she's wearing.


"Because you need to come out of your shy shell!" was the older fawn's reply, grinning with glee.


"Um...I think Johnny will faint before reaching the castle if you wore that, Echo..."


The younger red head sighed again, her ears wilted down as she turned for her aunt. The dress is a darker emerald green, like the one before, it has a slit on her right hip though this time...there are layers of a see-through material under the skirt. Then there's the deep v-line the dress made, showing off Echo's back and her fluffy red deer tail...Oh boy...


"Maybe Echo can wear this over it so it's not too crazy?" Renee suggested hastily, picking up a white thick sash that's supposed to cover her shoulders in case she gets cold. Aunt Melody approved and let's Echo wear it.


Without much protest (Lies! Renee protested a lot while Echo blushed red like a cherry), Melody made the two teens walk down the stairs, making a dramatic showing to the guys who are waiting. "Ta-da~! What do you think? My best work yet~!"


Minnie, who is sitting next to Calcifer, looked up and smiled a bit, nodding in approval. She's wearing a modest light blue dress that reaches down to her knees, having layers upon layers of white tulle under. It's easier to run in without the dress getting caught. That and her ammo of corks and fold-able toy rifle are hidden under the tulle.


"Any comments, Johnny boy?" Melody payed close attention to his expression as she made Echo spin around for him to see, and smiling like a loon that she is. "How about you, James dear?"


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

[SIZE= 18px]- Johnny Caprice -[/SIZE]
​

" Flying Castle "
​

[SIZE= 18px]J[/SIZE]ames was seated in front of the dining table busily writing last minute responses to stacks of fan mail with a long handsome quill, while Johnny sat some feet behind Minnie fascinating Calcifer with some card tricks.


When Echo dramatically entered the room, Johnny and James' eyes darted to the slit on her dress before they caught themselves and awkwardly looked somewhere else.


"Nice." said James, politely nodding at Aunt Melody, then busied himself with keeping his letters and bottle of ink.


He coughed then looked at Renee next with a scrutinizing look as though he was a father judging the decency of his daughter's clothing. "Wear something with sleeves." The way he said it, you'd think the whole world was full of bad men lurking in the shadows.


Meanwhile, Johnny, out of politeness, kept looking at Echo as she spun. She was so beautiful --- how come he never realized the rest of Echo other than her bright green eyes and fluffy ears were beautiful? --- and his face became redder and redder by the second. This dress was more revealing than the last and when he saw her fluffy tail that did it, he had to close his eyes and pull on his collar because it was really getting warmer in here.


"Erm, you look  ---" he forgot what was the synonym for pretty that started with the letter 'b'. " --- brilliant, Echo." No, that wasn't it. Why wasn't his brain working? "Absolutely --- absolutely spiffing."


This was awkward for him and her aunt seemed to be doing this on purpose, smiling like that. Not that Johnny was complaining, because he really, really, liked it. It's just that he wants to be accepted into her family and not make them or Echo think he's a pervert. And besides, as an aunt, aren't you supposed to protect your niece from a guy's thoughts?


Johnny stood up determinedly, no, he didn't want to make this an awkward situation. He was already used to this, feeling all stuffy and nervous, but he didn't get defeated by his girl phobia in the end and neither was he going to be defeated by his feelings of awkwardness and worries right now. He knew, being the brother of nine older sisters, that Echo was likely as nervous as he was, probably wondering if he thought she was pretty, and what he said and how he acted was very important to her.


Tonight they were going to perform together in front of the King and Princess and all that mattered was treasuring this momentous occassion together with Echo ('Oh, and James, Renee, and Minnie too.' he thought as an after thought), not being uncomfortable.


So he tried again. 'Spiffing' just wasn't good enough. He strode forward and looked at her . . . come on, brain, work . . . it wasn't working, he was just staring there like an embarrassed dummy . . . Slowly, he took Echo's hands in his, and then squeezed them gently. He tried to meaningfully smile warmly, a bit embarassed that his voice wasn't working, conveying with his eyes and smile: 'You look lovely.'


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-Melody Muses-
​

Melody couldn't help but laugh at James' response, patting Renee's head when she noticed how she rubbed her arms.


"Don't worry about it, sweetie. Brothers tend to be protective. It means you look so lovely that he's scared of losing you to another guy." It seems that Melody understood guy talk fluently, maybe it's because she has lived with the most confusing father as a brother-in-law for years. "Take it with your head held high, okay?" She advised, smiling warmly.


"Okay..." Renee agreed, her wings fluttered nervously as she walked over to James and sat next to him, trying to not be self conscious by looking over his fan-mail.


Meanwhile, Echo turned redder and redder when she heard Johnny's response, closing her eyes in embarrassment. See, she knew it! It's too much! Now she needs to go back up stairs and-! The red-head felt hands grabbing hers, her eyes opened to see that it was Johnny, smiling. She blinked, not expecting him to be this close or even holding hands with her, but...he...


With the way, he's looking at her...it's like he's saying that she looks lovely...Oh goodness...


"Thank you..." was her quiet response, her ears twitched.


Melody watched with approval as Echo smiled back, still red, but it seems her niece has got this. She already approved of Johnny when she first met him today, being all nervous as he was. Ah~ how she can tease the both of them without being terrible. It's great. Besides, she trusts her niece's judge of character.


Now most people would think that she's insane or doesn't care if her nieces and nephews dress up in a certain way. Truth is Melody does care. A lot. She wants to encourage them to be themselves and be more open when going out. It's a way of being brave or confident in front of others. It's why she wanted Renee to go sleeveless. The older red-head wanted her to be proud of who she is and not be afraid of showing anybody that. Same with Echo. Poor thing is too shy and she has such a sweet personality that has to come out somehow. What's better way to do it than going out for the night with a date?


All in all, Melody is just happy that she can teach these girls a thing or two about femininity and knowing when to turn it off or on.


"What time are you guys going to the castle?" The older fawn asked quietly, not wanting to ruin the sweet moment her niece is having with Johnny. "Because I do want to know when my little Echo will come back home...and not have her father freak out like usual." Her father is as over-protective as James and as nervous as Johnny. The man can be confident, but goodness can he worry.


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

​

[SIZE= 18px]- The King's Feast -[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 14px]" Outdoor Gardens, King's Castle[/SIZE] "
​

"[SIZE= 18px]W[/SIZE]e're leaving at six, ma'am." whispered James formally. "I think Johnny was saying he was going to bring Echo back to Dawnsfield before ten in the evening."


When six o' clock came there was a brisk knock on the door and Calcifer announced, "Kingsbury door." And there was their ride, a handsome white and gold carriage pulled by white palace horses. It was complete with a footman and a driver who wore white curly wigs and carried curly trumpets which they blew, then announced "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, your carriage awaits."


A large crowd had gathered to watch the Pendragons and their friends enter into the carriage, James stopping a moment to put his reply letters into the mail box. Johnny was so amazed as he sat there looking out the window, he had never ridden a horse carriage before, as he always rode on Butters.


The castle loomed into view. It was magnificently decorated for the feast and a line of trumpet men announced the group's arrival in a very loud voice that carried across the outdoor gardens, where the party was being held under a clear night sky.


James strode across the red carpet that stretched across the entrance, but not before offering his arm to both Renee and Minnie. He was wearing sharp, respectable dress robes of a deep midnight blue in a fashion similar to a scholar or scribe. His black hair had been cut and was combed smoothly back. Paired with his steely eyes, it gave him the look of a formidable intellectual figure.


Johnny was dressed in the cultural formal wear of his nomad people: bright, colorful, and seemed to be mostly made of ice bear fur. Needless to say it was very fluffy. He offered his arm to Echo and summoned Butters and Meatballs to flank them, this was how close he was to his summons. Whilst James usually only summoned Frey if he needed something, Johnny shared almost everything with Butters and was introducing Meatballs to this way of life as if they were equals or part of the family.


To James surprise, most of the guests were not nobles and the politically powerful, but fellow battle mages and exotic warriors from many different races. There was a party of fair, graceful elves, clad in white garments that seemed to shine with an inner light. Their white jewels glittered like stars and they seemed to carry great power inside them. They talked in smooth melodious elvish and gathered around their champion: Tamara Menathradiel.


There was a band of raucous barbarians with grizzled beards and fierce bushy eyebrows singing and drinking ale with the first runner up of the master category, a berserker who could shapeshift into a great bear. Seifer was there too, blending in quite well with the high society crowd with a glass of champagne in his hand. He had brought his fellow jocks along and a beautiful foreign girl with dark skin who seemed to have problems understanding the common tongue.


The king and princess were there mingling with the crowd and followed closely by guards who were dressed for the occasion and were good at keeping close without spooking the guests or looking too intimidating that no one would approach them. There was Madam Suliman too talking to the second runner up of the novice division, Conchita, the Spanish fencer, and General Leo was also there talking to a group of men in armor who looked like high ranking officers from other kingdom.


There was a table ready for Renee, James, Echo, Johnny, and Minnie at the champion's area already laden with plates, biscuits, dried fruits, glass pitchers of juices that refilled itself, and other foreign delicacies including some small cakes that smelled strange and new. Waiters weaved through the crowd expertly carrying trays of food and other drinks.


It seemed that the guests can already start eating --- the barbarians were definitely already gorging themselves full. There was a buffet table in the center groaning under the weight of all the food, and in the center of it all was a really, really, tall chocolate fountain.


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-At the King's feast-
​

Melody nodded in approval, waving them good-bye as the white carriage took the group to the feast. Then she closed the door behind her as she walked home, ready to gossip again with the other family members about the boy who caught Echo's shy heart.


When they reached the castle and went inside, Renee couldn't help but gasp at all the different guests and food that's presented for them.


Holy Merlin-! General Leo is here too?! She wondered if she should say hi to him, it's been awhile since she last saw and heard of the general. Then there's king and the princess and Madam Suliman who were mingling with the other winners and runner ups. She's not going near Seifer and his group of lackeys. She rather eat a whole star fruit than talk with him and star fruits are sour-! Though there's one champion that she does not see: The master champion, Beilai. The creepy dark knight...He might be coming later...maybe...


Renee squeezed James' arm nervously, not knowing what to do first until she saw Minnie go up to the barbarians, complimenting the first runner up and his wins in battle. Ah...Minnie's so brave...that or she does not care and loves battles and weapons. It looks like she'll be fine too, with the way the barbarians are having fun chatting with her and having a toast with a strange juice in their cups. She's even showing off her toy rifle...


Wait-! Since when did she have that here?! Well...as long she's not shooting at anyone, it should be fine.


The winged teen decided to greet General Leo since he's the only familiar and friendly face around here. "I'll be right back, James. Gonna say hi to someone." She let go of James' arm, hugging him briefly and left his side.


Renee sauntered up the group of armored men, smiling and curtsied a bit to show her manners. Her wings flapped nervously but also in glee. "Hello, General Leo. It's been a while. How are you?"


Meanwhile, Echo walked in with Johnny, her eyes widened at all the different food! They even have old man's bread spaghetti! Strawberries, kiwis, even dragon, star and passion fruit!


"Woah...I didn't see this coming..." She agreed to perform in front of experienced warriors and the royal family...The red head felt a bit scared since she didn't want to mess up, but knowing Johnny will be there too, with Butters and Meatballs...


'I'm going to be fine. Just enjoy the party.' Echo thought to herself, smiling widely at Johnny before dragging him to the middle food table where the chocolate fountain is, wanting to try out the new fruits that she hasn't seen before. Serena is here too, wearing a white-blue dress and brought her violin with her, waving at the couple before going up to them to chat.


"Hello dear friends! How are you?" The blonde cheered.


Echo promised to herself that she'll give her best performance tonight for these men and women.


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

[SIZE= 18px]- The King's Feast -[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 14px]" Outdoor Gardens, King's Castle[/SIZE] "
​

"[SIZE= 18px]G[/SIZE]ood evening, Ms. Pendragon, not well if you've been reading the papers. Gentlemen, allow me to introduce Ms. Renee Pendragon, a survivor of Paroosia."


The other officers inclined their heads courteously. Except for one, the officers were older men, decorated veterans who carried themselves in that straight, brisk manner all military men do.


"We've heard of you and your brothers Ms. Pendragon," said a balding warlock who had a tomato nose and a protuberant belly, " your family helped evacuate the citizens of Leor through your father's flying castle. Very noble, very noble . . . I am Colonel Musgrave of the Eidolon Kingdom. This is Marshall Hakim of the Jahara Empire (a dark-skinned man with big eyes, a curly goatee, and wearing a turban bejeweled with rubies clapped his hands together and bowed saying, "Shalom"), Tsar Ragnar vassal of the Kingdom of Nords (a big, heavily scarred, and grey-haired Viking wearing furs grunted at Renee beating a fist to his breast), and Kenren Taisho heir of the Chrysanthemum Throne.


The youngest and shortest officer, an oriental who looked like he was in his early twenties, bowed at Renee. "But you can call me Ken-chan." he added smiling in a friendly manner.

***
​

[SIZE= 18px]A[/SIZE]t the buffet table, Johnny had been marveling at the chocolate fountain and was immensely curious with the dragon fruit which was the strangest fruit he had ever seen. He examined a lot of dishes and came to the pastas.


"[SIZE= 18px]S[/SIZE]o this is old man spaghetti!" said Johnny poking the pasta with his fork and pulled in a swirl of it on his plate. He was gathering portions of all the dishes he wasn't familiar with. A waiter provided Butters with a bale of hay and a large plate of corn, Meatballs was given a giant doggy bowl with a big juicy bone inside which he gnawed on contentedly.


When the violinist called, Johnny turned to her, going red and bowing politely. "H-hello, Serena. I'm doing quite well, thank you." and he glanced at Echo who was obviously the reason. Though the three had been together cramming in some practice time yesterday and earlier today, Johnny was still a bit nervous around her if she came close. "You look nice in your dress, did your aunt pick it out for you too?"

***
​

[SIZE= 18px]M[/SIZE]eanwhile, James had been in conversation with Conchita Chinita after the fiery Spanish fencer came over to ask him if his burn injuries were healing well. He declined when the conversation turned and she surprisingly challenged him to a duel here and now. He quickly excused himself lying that he saw someone waving him over. When he got away, he strode over to Madam Suliman whom he'd wanted to talk to since the beginning.


"Good evening, Madam Suliman." he said bowing courteously to the king's head sorceress. "You are looking well."


"James. Congratulations on your victory. "


"Thank you."


"Ms. Chinita has been talking ceaselessly about having a rematch with you. Did you accept her challenge?"


"No," said James laughing lightly, "she wants to challenge me right here."


"She hasn't been taking her defeat very well, she's one of the top fencers in our school and had been training mostly to counter Mr. Rathmore. She didn't believe your lighting salamander would be ready for the tournament."


" Me too, but the hard work paid off. Madam Suliman, could I have private word?" Curious, she agreed and they went to a secluded area in the gardens, James pushing the wheelchair the head sorceress was always sitting on. "I've come to ask you if it's possible for me to join the expedition to the Storm wall, together with my sister. After we have been trained of course and if the leaders will agree." said James straight to the point.


"Why the change of heart? You have been so keen on protecting her."


"Because . . . she wants to go." It was a very lame reason, she probably thought he was spoiling her sister, making a bad decision.


"Why does she want to go? Has she been hearing voices?"


"I haven't asked, neither has she told me anything like that. But she still wants to find our parents' bodies."


"I see . . . who the kings and queens send to the Storm wall isn't decided by me. You must speak to the king himself although he already has chosen who of his soldiers shall go."


"Madam Suliman, if it's not too much, would you be willing to vouch for me and my sister?"


"What shall I get in return?"


That surprised him. " . . . Is there anything you want, madam?"


Madam Suliman smiled, but her face became grave as she began to ask of him of something very secretly. Later, James returned to his table looking like he had a lot on his mind and gazed at the direction of the princess as though in the process of deciding something.


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-At the King's feast-
​

"Then please, call me Renee, Ken-chan." She nodded at the oriental man, blushing a bit as her wings fluttered. He seems nice for someone who's a heir to a throne. Unlike a certain white haired arrogant archer of a jerk....


Renee curtsied to the older men as well, smiling humbly. "A pleasure to meet you, good sirs...and thank you for your praise."


Then she stood straight, looking at General Leo with a sad frown. "I have read the newspapers and I'm terribly sorry of what happened...though I'm surprised with the army's methods." The winged-teen commented honestly, looking confused and worried as she tilted her head. The manna bomb on the dragon really had her livid at the time, but she realized that maybe the army had a reason for it? Hopefully...


"I...I don't know if I could ask this question out here, considering it's in public and I know what I want to ask is...um...about a secret departure to...somewhere dangerous..." Renee mumbled, not knowing how to phrase the trip to the Storm wall without making it obvious. Heck, she doesn't even know if General Leo is in on this trip or not, but she had to try. She would ask Madam Suliman, but her brother is talking with her instead.


The winged teen stared at the general, wondering if it's alright to ask her question in front of these trustworthy men or not....

 
​

***
​

 
​

Serena giggled, giving enough space for Johnny to feel comfortable. "No, I live by myself. This dress was given to me as present from my family when I got a job here." She answered, amused by Johnny's question. Her family used to live in Leor until the dragon and its shades attacked there. Now they live somewhere futher away from Kingsbury.


"Thank you for the compliment. I do like your fluffy attire! Same with your dress, Echo." The red head blushed, mid-way to eating a chocolate covered strawberry and smiling timidly at the blonde. "T-thank you. I just hope it isn't too much or fall off in the wrong moment."


"Hm...I doubt it. It's held up well." She commented, smiling. "Let me know when you want to start, okay you two?"

 
​

***
​

"You look very creepy, staring at the princess like that, big brother James." Minnie commented, her apathetic voice hints a bit of amusement.


She sat next to him, not minding any action the older Pendragon makes. The blue-haired teen had finished celebrating with the barbarians when she happened to spot James come back from a secluded area, she guessed. With him being so quiet and looking over the princess, she had to wonder what the older teen was thinking. So...she decided to poke his brain a bit.


"In love with the princess, are we, Big brother James? Or Is there another reason why you were staring like a stalker?" Harsh words from a small girl, but she means well....She's just very blunt and has no filter to smooth her words.


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

[SIZE= 18px]- The King's Feast -[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 14px]" Outdoor Gardens, King's Castle "[/SIZE]
​

"[SIZE= 18px]A[/SIZE]h, the manna bomb. You're familiar with what happens to a balloon when it takes in too much air, Ms. Pendragon? It pops." said General Leo squishing a grape fruit. "The dragon's hide is far too tough and far too resistant to magic. It is not invulnerable, but I lost too many lives just tearing a wing, and not a large tear at that . . . There was a ninety one percent chance the sheer amount of pure manna would be too much and burn the blasted worm from the inside, nine percent that it would empower it instead. And, well, you've read the papers. But rest assured, we are devoting all our strengths to defeating it."


"Mahh, this tournament has certainly drawn in the best," said Kenren, swirling his glass of champagne, "and if I'm not mistaken here is the champion we've all been waiting to meet."


There was a round of polite applause when Belial stalked into the garden. As always his beastly helmet was on and he neither spoke, nor turned to anyone who greeted him. It did not deter Colonel Musgrave, however, to waddle over and invite Belial to join the other officers for conversation and a round of drinks, to which the dark knight nodded mechanically in agreement.


Whoever, whatever he was there was this gnawing feeling that he wasn't human. His mere presence was making Ragnar of the Nordic Kingdom restless; General Leo remained amiable, Kenren Taisho's demeanor remained courteous and princely, while Marshall Hakim eyed the man tall and steadily.


"So, Belial, my good man, congratulations for winning the tournament!" boomed Musgrave.


"Dance." said Belial twisting his head to look at Renee. The dark insides of his helmet made one think of cold empty tunnels.


"Er, excuse me?" said Musgrave as though he did not hear him properly.


"Dance." said Belial in a hoarse whisper and suddenly extended a hand to Renee.

***
​

 
​

[SIZE= 18px]M[/SIZE]eanwhile, James was startled out of his reverie. "Oh, Minnie, it's just you. Never you mind my reasons." he said, annoyed, and placed a palm on her head, then turned it to face the other way.


Tonight was the first time he's met this emotionless girl. His routine of going to the academy early and coming home late because of training for the tournament had prevented him from meeting anyone else outside of school and family, so Minnie to him was very much a stranger, and he knew nothing of her except that she was the twins' guild secretary.


He wondered what the twins have been telling her about him. He glanced at Madam Suliman who was talking to a frustrated looking Conchita, then back to the princess who had spotted James looking at her and then smiled. He could still see on her face the warm interest she had taken on him after he had fessed up during the awarding ceremony.


Princess Mia laid a delicate hand on her father's arm, whispering something in his ear, before the king looked over at James and Minnie's table and then nodded at her. She then gracefully swept across the dance floor heading unmistakably for their table.


James immediately sat up straight and was suddenly conscious of his appearance. "My lady." he stood and bowed deeply, looking as dignified as he could with a touch of humility, and offered her a seat. She had been very merciful to choose not to hate him as most would understandably do.


" Mr. Pendragon." she said in sincere pleasantry and sat herself beside Minnie. She had not yet acquired that "politician's smile" most royalty have. She was like someone still learning the ropes of royalty, proud of her heritage, but not yet confident enough in how to act in public. She turned to Minnie and spoke in a practiced way,  "Good evening, I am Princess Mia, it's very nice to meet you."

***
​

"[SIZE= 18px]Y[/SIZE]es, we shall." said Johnny to Serena. When she left, Johnny resumed taking samples of all the food, chatting all the while, "You know, Echo, I haven't been this polite for long periods of time. Often, when I am with James my speech is more . . . me . . . Would you still like me if you knew I said 'Bloody Trolls' and spoke bluntly?"


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-The King's feast-
​

Renee nodded at the general's explanation. The logic behind the Manna bomb made sense now....


She quickly snapped out of her thoughts when the dark knight appeared and she became wary of his presence. Renee still remembered that ominous feeling when he came in the Fighter's hall and like before, she didn't take her eyes off of him. It's odd, especially when she's not that magically inclined like James, yet even she could tell that he's dangerous. She couldn't relax around this ...person...being at all.


So he took her by surprise when he offered his hand, asking for a dance....


All the red flags popped up in her mind, telling her it's not a good idea, to say no, anything to stay away...but she didn't listen in fear of offending the people around her. Her wings slowly puffed up and trembled, practically molding themselves on her head.


"I...would be honored to dance with you..." Renee quietly muttered, hesitantly placing her hand on his and letting him take her to the dance floor...

***
​

 
​

"Hmm...If you say so, Big brother James...My apologies for frightening you. It's not my intention to do so." She muttered, a bit amused by his annoyance.


Minnie knows of what James did, all because of the twins mutterings during the guild work. It's rather amusing to see the twins be this angry and relieving their frustrations by working hard. The mutterings should stop though, no one in the guild should be hearing that since it's not their business just like how it's not her business...


Until now that is...


When Renee invited her to this party, the blue haired teen noted that the sister is nice to James. Hence calling James 'Big brother James' instead of 'Silly troll brother'. It's her way of saying 'I don't care what I heard, I just want to know you'. Minnie wanted to see why Renee forgave James and report back to the twins, maybe to give them food for thought and stop their annoying mutterings during work.


When the Princess came by, Minnie bowed her head a bit to show respect, and smiled coolly. "Hello Princess Mia. My name is Minnie Von Ironheart. It is very nice to meet you." The smaller teen replied. "How are you doing in this fine night? Enjoying yourself, I hope?"

***
​

 
​

"Of course I still like-like you if you're blunt and say things like 'Bloody trolls'. Better yet, please. Be honest with me." Echo replied, enjoying the various fruits on the table. A light blush can be seen on her cheeks as she looked over to Johnny, smiling timidly.


"I'm pretty sure everyone says 'bloody trolls' once in a while. Renee does whenever she talks about certain people." She meant Seifer, of course. Echo admits that it's really funny to see her friend affected by the archer. She doesn't even realize it either: how she tends to mutter 'That bloody troll Seifer' whenever she sees him in the hallways and goes to the opposite direction or how she's trying to get better at archery and shoots at a sketch of his face on it, tearing it into pieces. So it made the red head wonder if she's denying her possible feelings for the guy or is she really that annoyed by his actions...


Talking about her friend, Echo saw Renee walking with the champion to the dance floor. Then she frowned a bit, confused and worried by her friend's trembling wings...'What the...?'


@Zer0

 
​

 

[Zer0]

[SIZE= 18px]- The King's Feast -[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 14px]" Outdoor Gardens, King's Castle "[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 18px]T[/SIZE]he dark knight's gloved hand was unnaturally cold. He smelled too, as if he had not taken a bath since the tournament, his armor still had brown crusts of dried blood and dust from the coliseum. The crowd's eyes were around them. They murmured, whispering that perhaps this man was not as unsociable as they thought, though they did notice how Renee trembled slightly.


Seifer, who spotted what the talk was about looked appalled that the champion would dance with chicken girl. When they passed by him in a slow waltz --- Belial was leading the dance clumsily on a slow shuffle --- he gave Renee and the knight a look as though he considered them beneath him and invited his date, the beautiful foreign lady who had trouble understanding the common language, with him for a dance too.


He was a much better dancer, gliding across the floor effortlessly as he showed off. "What happened to your fiery spirit, or are you really a chicken girl?" he sneered, noticing how Renee looked uncomfortable with this man. "Or perhaps I should call you door mat girl, since apparently it's alright if your monster of a brother can just walk all over you."


Meanwhile, the longer Renee danced with Belial, the harder it seemed to breathe. Voices, whisperings could be heard melding with the whispers of the crowd, dark and brooding, and the coldness from his gloved hands seemed to be seeping into Renee's bones. Thoughts unbidden came to her mind . . . the time she heard Sunny call to her . . . the discovery of the dragon egg . . . her and James fight when he told her he wasn't allowing her to go to the Storm Wall . . . James breaking down and confessing to her that he had cheated and that there was a survivor who had gone down to the roots of the manna tree who could tell them what happened to their family . . . Master Drake Bertrand . . . Dalaran . . . he is in Dalaran . . . and that there were people secretly planning to go into the Storm wall to find . . . the Aged Author.


To those watching, they would see that Renee's eyes had glazed over, looking like the glassy eyes of a lifeless doll as she danced with the creepy dark knight. It only lasted for a few seconds, because no sooner had Seifer stopped to see Renee's reaction to his taunt, Belial let go and then just walked off to the buffet table. He just stood there, not taking any food and was just staring at the chocolate fountain.


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-At the King's feast-
​

Renee couldn't breathe, wheezing quietly as she continued to dance with the dark knight. Her face turned pale as her vision slowly went dark. Her body harshly trembled when memories and whispers of the past few weeks popped in her mind, bringing back her anxieties and fears. From meeting Sunny to James' confession, all of the whispering meshed together in an endless cycle and she just...wants to end it all.


'That's enough...be quiet...shut up...Shut Up! SHUT UP!!'


She couldn't voice her thoughts. Her wings went limp and shaking as if they were worn out from flying for a long time. Unable to make a sound and staring in space, her knees bucked, making her sit on the floor. She crossed her arms around her body, as if she was freezing cold and terrified. Her head bowed, white hair shadowing her dulled orange eyes. Her heart pounded against her chest; anybody could feel her pulse racing by touch. A quiet whimper was the only noise she made as her anxieties grew with each passing second...


'It's all my fault....' Renee thought, numb to everything around her.


Echo, now very alert of what she saw, ran around the table to avoid the dark knight and straight to her friend. The red head quickly sat next to her and shook her shoulders, her worries grew as she didn't get a reaction out the winged teen. That never happened before; Renee would always scold Seifer at whatever he said or glares at him, so for her to not do that gave the fawn a very bad feeling. Then she noticed the tears falling from her cheeks...that's not good-!


"Renee? Renee?!...Oh my goodness...James?!! Where is he? JAMES!!" She screamed, her worries turned to panic.


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

[SIZE= 18px]- The King's Feast -[/SIZE]
​

[SIZE= 14px]" Outdoor Gardens, King's Castle "[/SIZE]
​

'[SIZE= 18px]S[/SIZE]he said she like-likes me.' sighed Johnny dreamily, feeling bubbly inside. He did not notice that some of his old man's spaghetti was slipping down his plate. He always tended to drop whatever food he was carrying when he was distracted.


He was looking away and was for the first time blushing. It was a different reddening from when he was nervous or afraid, because he did not turn into a tomato. Rather there was only a slight tingeing of pink on Johnny's cheeks and his lamb ears pressed flat against his side as if he was hugging his face out of giddiness.


Every time Echo returned his feelings, he felt more and more emboldened to take their relationship further and wondered if it would be going too fast if he visited their home next week to ask her father if he would allow him to court her.


He suddenly realized that he has not replied to her, and turned saying, "Right, I'll be more hone ---" and saw Belial before him instead, staring at the chocolate fountain. Johnny froze, hands balled into fists and brows furrowed. He could not quite put it but there was something dangerous about this man.


He heard Echo scream and saw her kneeling beside Renee who was crying. Seifer was there kneeling too and apologizing for some reason, looking alarmed.


"Look --- that was just a joke." he was explaining to Renee, bewildered that she reacted this way to his taunting. He must have really hit a nerve. "I didn't mean what I said --- okay, I meant it, but I didn't think it'd affect you like this."


"GET. AWAY FROM MY SISTER." snarled James who had crossed the dance floor so quick he shoved Seifer aside hard enough to knock him crashing into a nearby table, spilling food and drinks everywhere. Alarming and disgruntling the guests.


Johnny was by Renee's side. He knew she would never react this way to a taunt, much less from that guy. "What happened, Renee?"


@Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

-At the King's Feast-
​

Echo flinched when James pushed Seifer and hitting the table, her ears flattened back. Wow, she knew he was protective, but to see it in action is whole different story.


Renee sobbed, stuttering something. "I-I-I'm so-sor-sorry...I-it's A-a-al-all my f-fau-fault!" She kept repeating 'I'm sorry', 'It's all my fault', and 'Stop it! Shut up! It's really cold.' That last one caught Echo's attention and turned to her friend, who's seemingly out of it.


"Renee?...Why are you sorry? Seifer's the one who taunted you, right? It's not your fau-"


"It is! It is my fault! None of this would have happened if I didn't listen to Sunny!"


"Um...Renee? What are yo-" Echo got confused, wondering if this panic attack is caused by a different reason and not by Seifer's taunts.


"Then-! Our parents wouldn't have died! Rhea would still be running around laughing! Markl and the witch of the waste would still be here-! But they're all gone and it's my fault!!" Renee rambled, her figure crumpled on Echo, her head leaning on her shoulder. She sobbed loudly, unable to breathe as she wheezed.


"Look, James is here. See? He's right there-"


"James would still have mom nearby! He wouldn't have to be scared if I just stayed home instead of distracting the dragon! It's my fault-!"


"Renee-! You need to breathe! Come on, breathe!" Echo tried to get her to sit up, but she wouldn't; Renee is curled up on the red head. Why isn't she reacting to anything she's saying?!


"I'm s-sorry-! I-I-! I don't blame James f-f-for hu-hurtin-ing me! I-I don-don't blame h-him f-fo-for ha-hating me! I-I k-killed our pa-paren-!" Okay, that's enough. Echo leaned away from Renee and did what any good friend would do at the moment: She slapped Renee's cheek. Hard enough to make a loud and crisp 'clap' sound that anyone in the room would hear.


The winged-teen's head snapped to a side, a bright red mark appeared on her cheek, and stopped on her rambling. Then she slowly looked at the fawn, her eyes wide open and shiny with tears, while cupping her stinging cheek. Echo smiled, though wary of Renee hyperventilating again. Her voice took a warm and patient tone as she tries to lure Renee's attention away from her dark thoughts.


"Okay...Renee, listen to me: breathe in..." The red head saw her friend taking a shaky breathe, listening to what she's saying for once. That's a good sign...


"Good...now breathe out..." Echo made sure to calm her down first before getting to the bottom of this. Obviously Renee has kept something very dark in her heart and something...or someone triggered it.


"Good....breathe in..."


Echo peeked over her shoulder, slightly glaring at the dark knight who's currently staring at the chocolate fountain, very suspicious of his actions.


Meanwhile, Renee kept breathing, hiccuping a few times and covered her pale face with her shaking hands, ashamed. She didn't want anybody to know how she really felt, much less James or the twins. She peeked through her fingers, looking at the older Pendragon and quickly hid behind her hands and wings. "I-I'm sor-sorry....for c-caus-causing trouble."


"Maybe...we should go somewhere else to talk?" Echo suggested, looking between James and Johnny and sometimes at Seifer too. She felt like he deserved to hear this too for some odd reason...


@Zer0