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

[Katsuya]

Renee looked up when she heard Lydia's exclamation and narrowed her eyes when she saw her trying to get out of the cot. With a quiet sigh, she slowly moved away from the sleeping Rhea and walked over to where Lydia's bed is. Then she placed her hands on her shoulders to stop her from moving anymore. "Lydia...your body is a mess, same with Johnny's and Chenglei's...At least, let me heal you some more before we can do the rest of the plan..."

Mica chattered under Howl's hand and skulked out to jump of the bed to reach Renee, ready to do his job again. His beady black eyes looked at Lydia with a haughty look that said 'Stop messing with my work and sit still, will you?'

"Same with you, Johnny....I got to trap Chenglei too..." Renee muttered that last part, looking really...annoyed about trapping the injured blonde. She looked over at Thomas with a soft grin, her wings fluttering. "I'm going to fix you up too." Mica climbed up to her shoulder and gave Thomas a bored look, sniffing. Then when Renee sat next to the tiny witch, he nuzzled Lydia's shoulder and let his magic work.

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Zer0]

- James Pendragon -
" Fallen Tower "​

James still looked like he disagreed that it was alright, but didn't say anything as Lydia pressed her hand on his, and he squeezed it back. His features became friendlier when Thomas said he didn't mean anything by it, but then he stiffened at the last word.

"Lydia isn't an anomaly. " he said sensitively. "She's a brave, hard working spell weaver, so intelligent she makes me feel peaceful." he looked to the side, thinking, before gently adding, "Just don't call her an anomaly, Thomas. Or weird, or different, or any word synonym to strange anymore."

After the talk with Howl and Sophie, to which the twins agreed with Lydia that they shouldn't dally, Pond carried her together with Johnny, Echo, and James in her claws carefully, as they made their way to the fallen tower. All around them the warriors who were searching the dead for survivors, and carrying bodies away to a mound of their fallen brethren, looked on and cheered. Here now is the great relief they all have waited for, the end of the evil that started everything.

The fallen tower was a wreck. Serena, Seth, Minnie, Seifer, and Sen have a tale to tell after all this is done. Destroyed remnants of the twin's mechanical contraptions littered the battlefield. And there it was . . . the Nameless One's child, writing angrily within the great egg inside a turbid lake. It was encased inside a powerful spell circle and all around dragons stood as still as statues as their spell kept it under control.

It was now time . . .

Seifer came running up to Renee, hugging her without touching her with his hands. He was dirty and his hands especially as though he had been digging around and apologized for not coming. He had seen the body of a friend and he had been going around the tower searching the dungeons and digging through debris to see if more of his friends had been taken prisoner or killed a long time ago. He had a lot to talk to her about, but right now he understood that it would have to be put aside for later.

Kenren, who had rejoined the group with Chenglei, stood there not knowing where to start. Johnny seemed to feel the same way. The two closed their eyes and remembered the Ascension, looking for that voice that had spoke to them a long time ago. In the prince's hands was the crown he had received from that voice . . . what a coincidence that the emperor's crown could not be found. Perhaps this was meant to replace it . . . he remembered the choice that he made . . . the thing that was most important to him: his people.

Then wisps of light, rose from underneath Johnny and Kenren's feet. They were like fireflies, but Renee could tell that it was an ancient soul. Rhea, who woke up then came despite her fears of being near the evil that kept her prisoner, clutched Renee's clothes and whispered, "He's here."

Perhaps Draco had been listening all along, for when they looked for him, they found him. He had been waiting. And all that's left was to tell him what they wanted.

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle
OOC | Characters | Moments in Time
​

 

[Katsuya]

Once she felt that Lydia can sit up without wincing, Renee let Pond pick her up along with Johnny, Echo, and James. When she turned around, she saw that Rhea is up again and sighed. There goes the idea that she can sleep away the day and as Rhea followed her out of the tent, the Pendragon medic assured her parents that she will watch over her before following Pond.

Hearing the soldiers cheer for them as they walked towards the trapped evil egg, her wings fluttered in surprise when Seifer came by and hugged her without his hands. Renee nodded and smiled warmly as they decided to talk later on, after they do the next part of the plan...which is hard to do, now that Renee thought about it...How do they summon Draco from their items?

Chenglei waited awkwardly next to Kenren as they re-joined the group, not knowing how to start either. The blonde soldier sighed as he held his sword's handle, revealing the amethyst color of his blade from it's cover...and remembered his reason...Ash purple eyes wondered over to the prince and the cheering soldiers. He worked so hard, carefully, making sure every loose end was tied, and now they are close to finishing this war...

Echo leaps down from Pond's wings and thanked the gentle giant owl for giving her a lift once they were in front of the evil egg. Her green eyes narrowed a bit as she glared, frowning in a disapproving manner. She didn't like this thing for starting a war that endangered and killed many innocent lives. However she will stay silent as the orange pumpkin shaped gem buckle shined a bit from the forest green wrap that's around her waist. She remembered her oath, the memory of her mother and meeting Johnny as he encouraged her to do more...

Serena followed behind Pond, holding her violet-blue violin tightly as she, once again, faced the evil egg. The violinist is angry towards it but then it was dulled over with the underlining sadness of the corpses around them. All of these people were friends, fathers, mothers, sisters, and brothers to someone and as Seifer came up to Renee, Serena heard friend's body...She closed her azure eyes as she placed her violin on her shoulder to play a remorseful tune of comfort. A kind goodbye to those who passed on...

Renee held onto her opalite necklace as she stared at the giant evil egg. It's...pitiful. To know that there is a creature, an existence, that wants to destroy this world...She always wondered what made this egg want to do that but right now, she figured it's best to not know. "I can only hope a better future for you..." She whispered at the egg, really doubting that it can hear her. When she looked over to her friends, her eyes blinked in surprise at the small lights floated out from the ground they are standing on. She looked down to see the same floating lights are coming from around her too. It felt familiar somehow...someone really old...ancient really...

As she felt Rhea tugging on her shirt and listened to her whisper, Renee smiled and concentrated on the feeling. "...Can you help us, Draco?" She asked out loud, enough for her friends and family to hear her as she held her hands together like a prayer. "...You heard us...you know what our plan is...please help..." She readied herself to use the tree spell once it's all set by Draco...

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Again Thomas hadn't been meaning to offend anyone when he had said Lydia was an anomaly where they were from, just that she was different from what was considered normal. Though he didn't offer any sort of retort to James, if anything he seemed to relax somewhat, an expression of serenity seeming to befall his features as he placed his arms behind his head, an almost proud smile on his face for some reason. Lydia noticeably tensed as James began to correct her brother, though she didn't say anything and her expression turned more embarrassed but grateful as he talked, "James..." she whispered shyly with red cheeks.

Lydia jumped slightly as Renee placed her hands on her shoulders and glanced up at her, a somewhat sheepish smile on her lips before her brow furrowed slightly and she nodded slightly with a bit of a shrug of her shoulders, "I know... but the world is a mess too and the longer we wait to take care of the egg, the greater the chance that one of the Nameless One's followers will try to free it," despite her words, she did relax some and allow Renee to do her work without complaint. When Mica gave her the haughty look, she looked somewhat taken aback, blinking her wide eyes slightly before giggling softly and shaking her head, closing her eyes and letting the two healers work their magic.

Thomas' eyes widened slightly with curiosity when Renee spoke to him, obviously taking in her strange appearance, though despite not being as into the magic world as Lydia was, he didn't have much more of a reaction, perhaps Percy had somewhat conditioned him to the world of magic and now he was more open minded about what was possible.

When Pond lifted her and the others to carry them to the egg, Lydia smiled graciously to her and thanked her, touching her arm affectionately, giving Thomas a parting nod and telling him that she would be back after they got rid of the catalyst for everything. As they walked by the cheering soldiers, she hid her face somewhat, feeling ashamed but glad at the same time. Her gaze drifted around the battleground, a mixture of sorrow, relief, regret, and pride filling her as her green eyes surveyed the land, her focus stopping on the egg as the dragons kept it under control and all of her emotions evolving into determination.

She asked Pond to let her down once they had all arrived at the egg, for some reason feeling like she needed to be touching the ground for the next part. She showed no sign of hesitation or indecision as she stood amongst her friends, comrades, and extended family - because these were all things that all of them had come to be to her in the time they had all spent together and the feeling showed in her eyes as she looked around at all of them before her gaze was briefly directed at the egg. She then closed her eyes, the earrings she had gained at the Ascension still carefully placed in her ears as she bowed her head and clasped her hands together. She didn't just call to Draco with her mind, but with her heart as well. With that part of her that he had determined worthy of all the people that currently resided on Earth.

The irreplaceable and priceless artifacts that adorned her ears began to glow faintly with the energy of her prayer and eventually just as the glowing lights had begun to rise around her friends from beneath their feet, those same wisps also began to rise from beneath Lydia's.

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Zer0]

Campaign Finished!

" Thank You for Playing, Katsuya Roleplay Skittle ! "
​

The pinpricks of light warmly glowed. Like the gradual budding of a leaf, Draco slowly stepped into their midst. He stood before them, an ancient spirit softly shining in the same warm light. He was smiling, and they could see through his startling eyes the gaze of all who united their spirits to his to seal away the Nameless One ten thousand years ago.

He bowed his head, he and all the spirits within him heard their prayers; the evil monster inside the egg seemed to sense its impending demise, because more than ever it thrashed and threatened to break free, a manna storm ripping inside the tower like a tornado, as dragons left and right collapsed from the strain.

Draco turned to face it. "Once more, lend me your spirit." he said to everyone.

The heroes' hearts thrummed with the fire of their souls, the strength that kept them standing tall, as a golden balm, like sun-lit water, reached out from the innermost part of themselves, mingling with the glowing lights, then swirling soothingly around the gargantuan egg; it's hunger to devour rose, chaos wrestling with peace . . . until finally, the chaos fell away.

As the stormy wind died down, and the manna lake stilled, all the malice from inside the monster fled, disappearing as the glowing lights gently faded away. There before them was an existence that suddenly didn't know why it was here, and as Renee cast her powerful spell that turned the egg into a tiny seedling, she could feel in her hands that it did not know what to do now. It seemed lost, and didn't know who to turn to. It felt Renee very close, and one weak little root curled around her thumb as though not wanting to be left alone.

Many songs were sung of that day, and the feasts celebrating their victory lasted for more than a month. The legendary deeds of the heroes spread to all corners of the world, terrifying the remaining followers of Valdanr. With the rout of the giants, slowly the lands became free as foe after foe scattered before the alliance reclaiming their lands. The cat-folk led by Ricket swept through the Sonoran desert, until news reached the alliance that they had destroyed the last black tower in Ashenvale.

Luthien, happily swaying inside her little pot, travelled with the elves back to their homeland where they began to heal the forest. As Kenren had said, Bourgeaus was the first city to be developed, their factories repaired or built from the ground up to supply for the restoration of the surrounding lands. Queen Mia came back with the refugees and began to rebuild. Families reunited, and Johnny was so happy his family came. Seifer reunited with his mom and, being a huge mama's boy, cried. Dawnsfield was retaken and the satyr prisoners freed. Sen and Seth rejoined their guild together with Minnie. Before their guild had been just a small business competitor, but now they have connections with the Jahara Empire and the Shoflo Ocean Pirates, trading between them and their home country to get the economy going. A whole new world opened with those in the Storm Wall. Renee learning how to make portals had allowed their new friends from the other side to send provisions and materials for their war-torn continent neighbors to rebuild.

James stayed close to his family. The flying castle came over to Bourgeaus, and Howl and Sophie welcomed Lydia's family and everyone's families who had no place to sleep inside their home. It was bustling and cramped, but Mrs. Pendragon and all the moms never failed to cook a breakfast feast for everyone.

Echo's singing was needed very much to heal the land and Renee's medical skills; Serena's songs kept everyone's spirits up, and Queen Mia hugged her old friend, missing her deeply after all this time. Lydia's seals were in high demand right after the war against shades that hadn't disappeared when Valdanr fell. Slowly, the heroes gathered and attracted followers to their side, many of the soldiers choosing to follow them to help with all the rebuilding, and repairing.

Until one day, their growing followers needed a name . . . Little did they know that this was the beginning of a league that would slowly become the new order that would protect Midgard, established by Lydia, supported by James, Renee, Echo, and all their friends inspired to the cause.

Spoiler

 

[Zer0]

Epilogue
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[Katsuya]

Renee brought the seedling close to her chest as she sat down to the ground, letting Rhea see it too. The seedling can hear her heart beat as she smiled warmly at it. "...Welcome to the world, Caritas..." She muttered softly as her wings fluttered happily at the seed. "Don't worry. I'll look after you."

*****

Celebrations ensue and reunions of love ones are seen almost everyday or it felt like that for Echo. When Queen Mia came by with refugees, a few from Dawnsfield, the fawn can see practically her whole family that didn't go with her aunt Melody running over to hug tackle her to the ground with Lykon jumping in and crushing them all while laughing loudly. The little kids squee-ed like a rubber ducky while the aunts and uncles congratulate a blushing and silent Echo with the older cousins bragging how awesome she is. Then when aunt Melody and a few more aunts and cousins came with Johnny's family, coming over to hug her again another day of the party. Then...she officially introduce Johnny to her whole large family; they dragged him in a squeezing hug fest as Echo thanked his family for looking out her aunts and uncles in their stay at Winslow.

Polorius and Mr. Lock reunited with Mrs. Lock and Serena, having their touching moment before...the mentor busted his dance moves as Serena played her violin. Foo giggled happily as she danced and making fire tricks to bring everyone's spirits up. When Queen Mia came by to hug her, the violinist hugged back and started to cry; saying that she missed her dear friend and they should dance together and she wanted to play all the new songs she made during the adventure. In the middle the celebration, the blonde danced with Seth and her father was watching over them with an overprotective stare on his face while Mrs. Lock cackle in her hand. As Lydia's home was rebuilt, Serena went off to find Hisaya's family and when she did, she introduced herself and told the wife the truth about Hisaya. She promised to visit them again with Hisaya once they settle in their new home.

Minnie flinched in surprise and fear when her very old and dangerous looking Uncle hugged her tight, asking her all kinds of questions; the ones that caught her off guard were the concerned ones coming from the stern and scary man. Are you okay? Do you need food and water? Why didn't you come back home? What happened to your arm? She didn't know what to say; more like she couldn't as she quaked in fear and stuttered her answers as her uncle didn't let her go yet. He noticed and let her go, watching her go hide behind Sen and shyly snuggled into his back. Which made her uncle, Arthur Von Ironheart, narrow his eyes at the twin with sadness and jealously. He should have known that Minnie would not be comfortable around him, with the way he raised her.

Chenglei helped Kenren build Lydia's home place and during him carrying a plank of wood, his little sister tackled his back, chattering and hugging him tightly as he placed the plank down and hugged back. It seems that she wanted to see Chenglei again and heard where he was from the songs and stories of the group's adventure. So...she went to Bourgeois with Granny Zhou who-

"Kenren Taisho, you look like you just ran out of the underworld and mocking them with a grin like a cat who caught a canary." Granny Zhou mothered Kenren as she came with Tsumiki. Speaking of which, when she saw Kenren, tackled him too, screaming her relief of the two. They even came with Mrs.Taisho too!

Renee, after planting Caritas in a beautifully decorated pot, spoke to her parents with Rhea, talking about her little sister's secret and that she needed to be planted soon. After they visit the other manna trees first though. The Pendragon sisters went to the port where Luthien is leaving from, letting them have their moment together before Luthien left. The older of the Pendragon sisters told Luthien that she will visit her when she can, so she can see in her memories of how Ethellion and Rhea are doing later on. Same to Ethellion when Renee created her first portal under her father's supervision to the other side of the Storm wall. She even introduced Luthien and Ethellion to Caritas and explained the whole thing to the manna trees and how this little sapling will be helping them soon enough. "Don't worry, Caritas is a good seedling." She said confidently. Her wings fluttering happily.

She reunited with Sirius, hugging his snout before placing loving and worried and caring kisses with her wings flapping. "Momma missed you, my little twinkle!" Renee introduced the baby dragon to her parents, younger siblings, and possible mother in law with Seifer beside her. She gripped his hand tightly as she nervously spoke to them about their plans in the future. The medi-witch even mentioned about helping Echo with growing trees and plants back around the places like Ashenvale and the black dragons' barren home, creating a liquid that can help the plants' grow faster. Also working for Kenren as his personal medic just to visit Rhea when she's planted in Granny Zhou's home.

Though none of them expected to have gifts from the allied countries. Minnie really loved the bejeweled blades because they can cut wood like butter and beautifully colorful light outfits from the royal children. She thought the Ashenvale elven armor have a beautiful design and it's magical too. It's not even heavy! It's really light like a feather!

Echo blushed at Awashima's many gifts. One that really got to her was the many different seeds from their side of the Storm Wall for her seed collection and the huge box filled with delicate threads of different hues for her embroidery. That really touched her heart. She even showed them to Johnny and said that she will be using them very soon as her ears twitched in her joy. Training equipment from Master Sai and Mushi made her smile wide because it's made with a very strong metal so she can used her strength on them. Queen Mia is so sweet too; she gave her a photo...of her mother in a gold rosscco frame. Apparently the king have talked with her mother before and took a picture of the fawn who defended the rights of others with all her might.

Serena squealed in joy when Queen Mia told her about her new studio to play in that she was thinking of building in the new castle. She even gave her a gold hair clip with her family's insignia on it; a firefly on a lock. It's to help her travel around the lands and have access to anything music related. From Awashima, she has a closet full of oriental clothing which she knew by looking at them are very fancy. She can wear them whenever she played on stage!

Chenglei have gotten swords of all kinds from the allies, surprising him with how many there were. His favorite sword, other then Kurosaki, has to be from Awashima since it's made from their strange steels and metals as it's handsomely crafted for him to wield. They even got him decorative thread with an expensive silver tea set and tea leaves. "I can't wait to make some for you, Ken'en." He told his peach prince with a bright smile.

Renee blinked at the beautiful choker from the Ashenvale elves. It looked like silver branches intertwining together, dipping and holding a jewel that reminded her of their famous gems. According to their letter, it's her pass for her to visit Luthien whenever she wanted. They even send her their lovely white dresses. From the Orients, she has an intricate gold hair comb decoration that has bejeweled cherry blossoms and dangling petals from it. She asked Kenren why she has a present from him and he explained her rank of being his personal medi-witch. So she wore it proudly. From Mizutsume, she has scrolls of the different kinds of portals she can make and when she mentioned about living on the other side to help Bahamut, has granted her a home near the dragons and Awashima. Big enough for Sirius to fly and grow in. From Mia, a door for her to pass through from her home to Kingsbury and access to any medical herbs for her to plant and use.

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

For the first time since they had made the final jaunt for the other side of the Storm Wall, Lydia did not feel obligated to get back to work immediately. True she knew that there was a certain necessity for doing so, she also knew that she, just like many others, needed rest badly. Not only that, but they had just accomplished something that no one else had accomplished in thousands of years, and they were much younger than the original guardians that had defeated the Nameless One. That triumph alone called for celebration and so amidst recovery and filling Thomas in on details that she hadn't been able to tell any of her family since her last letter, Lydia did just that - celebrated.

Of course the celebration didn't feel fully complete without her family there to celebrate with her and that fact was made that much evident by Thomas being there with her. She was impressed with how Thomas had taken to everything. He didn't seem fazed by anything that she had grown so accustomed too, but then again he hadn't overly opposed the idea of magic and anything magic related before she had left Bourgeaus. Thomas had really only treated it with a sort of disinterest but he had never outright condemned Lydia's decision to study magic. While Frederick didn't show a great belief in magic either, he did show a little more interest in it that Thomas, going so far as to occasionally ask Lydia about the logic behind it, though he did tend to treat it more like a hobby rather than something that required real skill and could be turned into a vocation. Lydia's parents weren't very interested in the concept of magic and treated it as a passing phase that Lydia would grow bored of eventually and so while they didn't talk to her about it, they did humor her, assuming that she just needed to get it out of her system and she would realize it was a waste of her time. The most full supporter she had concerning the world of magic was her grandmother, she had been the one to encourage Lydia to follow her heart and it had all started the first time she had told a Little Lydia a tale of fancy about Howl Pendragon and had seen those bright green eyes light up with something more than just the wonder over a fantastical tale.

When the Dubois were finally all back together again, Frederick's joy of seeing his baby sister once more was unmatched, and Amelie appeared just as glad. They both showered her with affection and stories that they had read in the newspaper. Frederick told her how glad he was that she had finally found her place in the world and that he didn't need to worry about her anymore. Upon being introduced to James, Frederick didn't treat him with the same scrutiny that Thomas had, nor did he address him with the same surprise upon finding out that he was dating Lydia. The gleam in Frederick's eye could only be described as welcoming and that same warmth that was in his eyes was in his hand as he offered it to James and while it was unspoken, it was obvious that Frederick had faith in Lydia's choices and knew that she wouldn't have given her love to James half-heartedly.

Madam Dubois was tearful upon being reunited with her daughter. Once she had her arms around her, it didn't seem like she would ever let go, only pulling away at intervals to look at her, the tears continually flowing from her blue eyes that were filled with relief, joy, and a sort of shame that seemed to say she regretted not taking Lydia more seriously before. She and Amelie both fretted over Lydia's healing injuries and scars and upon seeing her tattoos they both appeared dumbfounded, Frederick and Thomas both just laughed. Lydia had flushed slightly before quickly explaining to them that the tattoos were not just decoration and that they had been necessity, explaining what they each meant and even demonstrating their uses, at once making them more acceptable, even if it was somewhat hesitantly.

The reunion with Thomas was equally as sweet, they hadn't known what had become of him and seeing him standing beside Lydia, fit as a fiddle, they couldn't have been happier. Thomas regaled them all with the tale of how he had come to be captured by the black and with amusement in his voice mentioning how infuriated the Nameless One's spawn and Valdanr had been at Lydia and her friends. Empress was well and just as haughty as always, treating Thomas and Lydia with the same disinterest that she always had, though she was not as plump as she once had been and Madam Dubois attributed that to nerves at not being home. While Lydia was happy to see Percy, he was more happy to see Thomas than anyone, though her brother was not stingy with the creature, especially after Lydia told him when she had gotten the Aviafelix, though after settling Percy in Lydia's arms he hovered nearby and began telling her a list of all the things that he liked and didn't like and everything he had learned to do since he had been in Thomas' care. Lydia was so impressed with the care her brother had given him, that she asked if he would like to keep him and told him that she couldn't think of anyone better to care for him because it was obvious they were attached to each other.

Standing behind the rest of the family, quietly and patiently awaiting their turn to greet the two youngest Dubois were Lydia's father and her grandmother. Monsieur Dubois eventually cleared his throat to call the other members of his family aside so that he could pass through to his youngest children, offering his hand to Thomas and giving a firm nod, though despite his demeanor, his eyes glistened gently and there was definite relief and happiness swimming within them. For Lydia, he paused in front of her, his brow wrinkling for just a moment as he looked her over, though he didn't immediately say or do anything, he just looked at her and glanced to James. Lydia wasn't sure how to react to him and felt like a little girl again under his gaze, and if that wasn't enough, she felt more so when her father raised his hand and placed it on the top of her head, ruffling her hair affectionately and giving her a sincere smile. The usual look of expected disappointment gone from his eyes but replaced by something that looked like pride, like he was actually seeing who she was for the first time. He then placed his arms around her and brought her to his chest, hugging her for the first time in she didn't even know how long, her only reaction was to cry and wrap her arms around him. Eventually he let go of her and gave her a firm nod before moving over to James and offering his hand, if James accepted it, he then place his other hand on his shoulder and gently squeezed, giving him an approving nod before he would move on to speak with Howl.

Lastly, Celia Dubois, Lydia's paternal grandmother. Celia had been the one that had always shared stories of Howl's exploits and other fantastical tales, or tales that had been thought to be fantastical, with Lydia and her brothers. Unlike Lydia's parents and brothers, Celia was short like Lydia, though she was much rounder around the middle, she appeared to have had the same coal black hair as Lydia, though hers was now decorated by dignified streaks of silver and white. Her eyes were also like Lydia's, the same shade of green and intelligent, strong appearance to them, though hers appeared much larger, likely because they were quite possibly magnified by the large glasses the old woman wore. She placed her hands on either of Lydia's arms and held them their, giving her a look that seemed to say that she knew it, she knew everything that had happened would and the pride she held overflowed as she hugged her granddaughter tightly.

All of the Dubois graciously accepted the invitation to stay in the Castle, though Monsieur Dubois seemed to spend the least time there,instead spending most of his time with helping with the rebuilding of the factories. Many lives had been lost in the war and the survivors had been scattered as they fled so it took some time to find enough individuals that were familiar with proper factory construction. Many of those that were found chose to stay at the sites and that was much like Monsieur Dubois, though his family didn't seem to mind because they were used to him spending a lot of time away from home. Though unlike before, he did come home each day at least once to spend time with his family which was a sure change from how he used to be. He even talked a little more with his children and learned more about them than he had previously known.

Madam Dubois and the elder Madam Dubois spent most of their time at the castle helping Sophie, though neither really seemed to have any idea of how to run a household without directing others on what to do so they had a lot to learn, though neither of them seemed at all hesitant to learn and helped in any way they could, though the elder Madam seemed to take more easily to the new circumstances than the younger. Of course Lydia's grandmother also didn't seem as surprised by any of the magic derived aid or objects that existed in the castle, just like it was all old hat for her. Amelie took to the new circumstances in a way that seemed to be a combination of the two elder Dubois' women. She was slightly startled by the new circumstances but seemed more able to run a household without issuing instructions which was likely because she and Frederick had chosen to live more modestly.

Frederick, Thomas, and even Lydia spent much of their time helping to rebuild and all of the Dubois men were impressed with how much Lydia actually knew about construction, thinking that it wouldn't have been something she had any knowledge in. They were also impressed by the fact that many of the soldiers that had stayed around looked to her as a leader and respected her, and all of this just made that new light that her father had seen her in shine all the brighter. When Lydia wasn't helping her father and her brothers with rebuilding she spent a lot of her time working with Renee and Echo to modify the hair growth potion to work for plants and create it in mass quantities while adhering to the silly idea that James had thought of about putting the fancy hair tonic labels on the vats, even if Seifer knew they were fake, it was still funny to her. Her next order of business was the seals, they weren't something that could easily be manufactured because their power came from the person that was imbuing them so the most she could do was make copies of the seal for other people to then copy onto the surface they wanted them on and she did this with the help of the blacksmiths that had helped her make the weighted seals they were going to use with the nets to seal the Nameless One's egg. They created a sort of printing press to make stamps of the seals and most importantly Lydia made sure that others could identify the flaws in the designs so that none that had any flaws were sent out, one error could make the seal useless.

On one of the first few nights that the families had been reunited with the heroes, amidst the excited chatter at supper, Lydia's grandmother, who had taken a seat to the other side of James, listened intently after asking him questions about what he planned to do for a living and amidst their conversation, when he discussed what he had studied at school, she questioned him where he attended. A look of hope and shock crossed her features as he told her and she smiled somewhat nervously before speaking, "oh! My dear lad... then do you know a Professor Gaston Savatier?"

Sitting to the other side of James, Lydia got a somewhat confused but amused look on her face as she heard the name and looked to her grandmother questioningly before she looked to James.

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Zer0]

- James Pendragon -
" Flying Castle "​

James cheerfully shook Fredrick's hand. From Lydia's stories, he had developed a respect for him for all the years he's protected her as they grew up, and greeted Amelie with the same enthusiasm. He was happy watching Lydia being showered with affection and seeing her smile that way when her mother looked at her like that. She was getting accepted and that was wonderful.

He flattened his messy hair nervously when Mr. Dubois came, but when he hugged his daughter James' chest swelled with joy, to the point that his eyes watered. She got accepted by her dad, and he gave Lydia two thumbs up and that shy awkward smile of his mixed with a jubilance like yay!

He stood straighter when Mr. Dubois held out a hand, and shook it firmly. His nervousness falling away when he nodded at him in approval. Now he knew where Lydia got her intense silence, and it was interesting how here was someone else who was like her.

"Your dad doesn't talk much like you." he had whispered to her later. "I'm so amazed to meet so many people who have the same mannerisms as you, Lydia."

One day, when they were having supper, James felt like he was on a hot seat when Granny Celia asked about what he had planned to do for a living, because honestly he had drawn a blank the moment he had Ifrit . . . Ifrit --- he had forgotten about Ifrit again! James mentally chastised himself and made a strong mental note to summon him later.

His first thought about his livelihood was that he hadn't thought further than the present of helping with the rebuilding and then helping Lydia in creating The Order she wanted to make. Those spare moments when his thoughts had wandered to the idea, he had thought of making money by being a trainer in the military for a while, teaching shielding charms, and doing part time working in a museum as an explorer of ruins over at the Storm Wall and taking photos and making notes of the history there. He didn't know how much money that would make, he knew that Lydia's family was very rich, and as much as he wanted to impress Granny Celia and say he could provide as much, he told her the truth that he wasn't sure where to go yet.

He told her though about his accomplishments at school, how he had been one of the top students, and of his apprenticeship with his master and his thesis that had received praise from . . . he didn't like mentioning the Wizengamot, so he just said that he received praise from the wizards at Dalaran. He also added that even though he didn't know where to go yet, he swore that he would never let Lydia starve nor not have a roof over head. That he would do his best that she would never feel wanting with him, and that if worse came to worse, he knew how to survive in the wilds and make quality healing potions to sell.

His thoughts of how to start making money immediately was interrupted when Granny Celia asked about Professor Savatier. "Yes, granny, he was one of the wizards who went with dad." he looked to Seth who was trying to bait Thomas into eating one of Sen's new inventions: a harmlessly looking cookie with yellow icing on top which he was calling, 'Canary Cream'. "Seth, do you remember Professor Savatier?"

"Hm? Yeah, why?"

"He was one of the wizards who went with dad, did you see him in the tower?"

"No." said Seth surprised, now looking at Granny Celia and Lydia.

Roleplay Skittle

- Johnny Caprice -​

Johnny had been so happy when he was pulled into the hugfest, hugging everyone his arms could reach tightly. This was the best! And he memorized everyone of Echo's relatives' name, what they liked, and introduced all his summons and family members to them too.

His family was being nice and not judgmental, they really changed and he had asked Aunt Melody how she was able to make friends with them.

Katsuya

- Kenren Taisho -​

Kenren was very surprised to see Granny Zhou and Tsumiki, and was more surprised to see his mother. He hugged Tsumiki tight, happy to see her well and happy. It was like his family was here and all his princely charm faded away to just being himself.

There was so much to tell them, and for the next few weeks he spent it just catching up with them on everything that has happened.

- Sirius Twinkle Pendragon Rathmore -​

The black fluffy hatchling, now more than three months old, had grown bigger since the last time Renee saw him, and he nearly destroyed the palace grounds in his bounding excitement, leaping up and down and causing a little earthquake in his joy. He gave Renee and Seifer a very big lick, snuggling, and snuggling and asking her to shrink him so that he could be encompassed in her hug.

"Sirius!" cried Seifer happily and hugged him too. "I miss you."

It was a shock to Sophie that this was her daughter's child, while Howl was accepting and greeted Sirius like part of the family and said that he was his grandfather. After much explaining, Mrs. Pendragon slowly began to accept Sirius. He was a big black dragon, and Sophie had known nothing but ill from black dragons. What had happened was still fresh in her mind, and she was still reluctant around Sirius, but did not say anything that would discourage Renee.

 

[Katsuya]

Melody looked at Johnny with a slight grin and simply said: "Oh! I kept bothering your father and uncles with chat and Lykon couldn't take their silence anymore so he challenged them to a race." She giggled in her hand as her light grass colored eyes looked over at his family with amusement. "It's definitely fun, to run in the snow. Lykon had too much fun with your father and the kids...well let's just say they had fun in the snow too." They had an epic snowball fight with his sisters. "Your mother is really good with her embroidery! So as a fair trade, I taught her how to knit."

Echo stared at her aunt before sighing in acceptance. Yep...her aunt is crazy to bother the men in Johnny's family like that.

************

Chenglei smiled warmly when he saw Kenren letting himself relax around their family. With his sister bouncing around, his grandmother nagging and mothering them both, and Mrs. Taisho making sure they were okay; it feels good to spend time with their family. So the next few weeks, Chenglei helped Kenren explained what happened to them during the adventure.

Tsumiki stared in awe at Kenren and Chenglei, stars twinkling in her purple eyes. "REALLY!? You rode on a dragon? You can change into one?! I wanna see! I thought you didn't have magic! Can I see, big brother? And Brother Ken, you really fought against the deathknights and monsters and your arm and eye is made of mech stuff?! That's so cool!!!" As always, Tsumiki is excited with the whole thing while Granny Zhou...

"...I swear you two will be the death of me. Are you sure you'll be okay, Kenren?" The grandmother poked his arms in skepticism and a bit of worry.

*****************

Renee shrunk him so she can fully hug him in her arms; which she did gladly, giggling happily. Her cheeks blushed red when her father readily accepted Sirius into the family and called himself grandfather. Then she looked at her mother and her eyes...recognized that look on her mother's face. It's the same look that James had long before whenever he didn't want to accept something but kept it quiet.

"..." The Pendragon daughter pondered for a moment as Sirius snuggled with Seifer too and stood up to take her mother's hands in her own. She smiled softly. "It's okay mom. I understand..." That it's gonna take some time for her to really accept Sirius and while Renee is sad about it, she's determined to let her mother have quality time with Sirius. So she can make her own judgement on her son within time.

Zer0

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Her face had been buried against her father's chest when he hugged her, but when she turned her face to the side and saw James giving her the double thumbs up, she returned his smile in much the same way as he had given it, only hers had an added little sniffle and happy giggle.

When she and James spoke of the meeting later and he mentioned how neither her father nor herself spoke very much, she paused to think for a moment before she laughed slightly, "I guess it's because we both focus our minds primarily on work," she gave him a big hug, relieved and happy at the same time. It was like her whole family had realized that she didn't need someone to take care of her. She knew her father didn't necessarily need her for business alliances because he had two sons that were more interested in the subject than she was and that had likely been why both of her parents had been so lenient with her interest in magic because she still made appearances when they asked her to. She guessed that they only worried for her future and what she would do if she couldn't find a husband because of her interests, but now that she had showed them she could love magic and use it to her benefit as well as find someone that loved her and wanted to be her partner rather than to have her as a decoration, they weren't so concerned anymore. She laughed slightly as she held her arms around him for a moment longer, "it's funny that you say that because I don't think I ever would have noticed without you saying something... at least not with anyone other than my grandmother."

While they were having supper, it was true that Lydia's grandmother was asking James questions aplenty, though none of them were offered with a particular scrutiny, more so they were asked in a genial manner from general curiosity for the man that had won Lydia's heart. She was simply eager to learn about him and what had drawn Lydia to him. She offered no skepticism towards anything he said in response to her questions. She very obviously admired his honesty and told him as much before patting his hand and telling him she was sure he'd find his way before giving a glance to Lydia who hugged against James' other arm and nodded, adding that she would be there to support him.

As James discussed his academic achievements, Celia listened intently though she asked many questions about what certain things meant and what other things were and what kind of theses students of magic would write and her attention was rapt as Lydia looked on admiringly, though she was sure to add in additional things that he had accomplished during the past year and this prompted Celia to point out the facts that she had read in the paper and that James shouldn't worry about his future too much because it was very likely that many new doors would be opened to him, her gaze drifting towards Howl as she smiled and mentioned how they were all very well known now, just like his father.

When James responded positively to her question about Gaston Savatier, she couldn't help but let out an amused cackle at being called granny, her family members all pausing momentarily to take a glance towards their place at the table curiously. Though Granny Celia's amusement soon turned somber as James went on, a slight nod of her head given, " ... so that's why..." she remained silent as James turned his attention to Seth, Thomas was not taking the bait, giving Seth a somewhat discriminating look and shaking his head with both of his arms crossed over his chest as he eyed the cookie warily before smirking slightly, "you try it first and then I'll consider it," his attention then also turned to James as he interrupted.

Celia's expression appeared somewhat hopeful at their exchange, though she became somewhat dismayed once more as Seth said that he didn't see him. Lydia just shrugged her shoulders slightly when Seth looked to her before turning a questioning look on her grandmother. She didn't even think that she had been aware of the academy, let alone that she would know someone that had anything to do with it, "um... grandmother... who is Gaston Savatier?"

Even Thomas was now interested in their conversation and gave their grandmother the same questioning look as Lydia. Celia took a deep breath and folded her hands on her lap for a moment, sitting in silence, though with a slight smile she spoke, "well... first... you should know that Gaston Savatier is not his real name... it's the alias that he took after he left Frankia," her gaze had been cast down at her hands though she raised them to look at Thomas and Lydia who exchanged glances before looking back to their grandmother with concerned expressions. Celia then looked to Seth and James and took on a somewhat awkward smile that was reminiscent of Lydia's own awkward smiles, "his real name is Albert Dubois... and he is my son."

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Zer0]

- James Pendragon -
" Flying Castle "​

"You look nice like this, Lydia." said James, gazing at her after giving her a big hug back. "Very happy and relaxed." he smiled. "It's like everyone in your family has a part of them that's like you --- oh, Lydia, your book, the one Granny Celia gave you! Is it safe?"

During supper, James buried his nose in her hair when she said she'll support him. "Thank you, my partner. Lydia and I became partners when we were inside the belly of a giant sea serpent, granny." he added. "I'll never forget that . . . " he reminisced at his corn and crab soup as though it was a photo album. "I think that was the time, Lydia, that the crush I had on you became, in-love-with-you."

Meanwhile, Seth, with an exaggeratedly disheartened look, withdrew his "gift" as he called it, saying, "Alright." he ate it. "There. See, nothing amiss, my good chap." The twins had adapted the Frankian accent in speaking to Thomas and Frederick. And he innocently offered another one, spouting about some guilt-inducing words on "trying to welcome into the family" and, "just trying to be nice."; across the table Sen dramatically placed a hand on his heart as though feeling the pain of his twin, as though Seth had been wrongly accused by a friend whom he though would believe him.

At the end of Granny Celia's sentence, James' eyebrows flew up and disappeared behind his bangs. "Your father had a wizard brother?" he said, surprised, at Lydia; Johnny, Sen, and Seth who had been listening too, gaped. They had a teacher for seven or so years who was related to Lydia and they never knew. Suddenly, Seth caused a distraction by bursting into yellow feathers.

Roleplay Skittle

- Kenren Taisho -​

"I'll be okay, granny." smiled Kenren. "Renee Pendragon will becoming to the palace to work as a mediwitch and her brother Seth makes prosthetics. They'll help me take care of my arms. My love is also a gargantuan purring dragon," he clapped Chenglei's knee, " who's protected me ever since we first met, so whatever the world throws at us, compared to all that has happened this year, I think we can handle it."


Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Granny Zhou gazed at the pair of men sternly, holding her cane in front of her as she pondered a response.

Tsumiki, on the other hand, clapped her hands in joy, making a 'Squeee~!' sound like a mouse. "Is that Kenren's nickname for you, Lei lei!? That's so cute! Purring dragon. Heheh!" The easily excitable sister stood up and ran out of the room, screaming that her brother is a purring dragon.

"My big brother is the Purring dragon!"

"Tsu-! Stop screamin'!" Chenglei's red face looks like a cherry with a golden mop of hair, standing up to chase his little sister. They can see pots, pans, and plates floating lazily in the hallway; she must be in the kitchen and that's where the blonde soldier went to.

"Tsu, yur magic! I though' ya had bettah control by now!" Kenren knows whenever Tsumiki gets too excited, items tend to float around her. The first time it happened in front of him was when he visited their home only to have a tea kettle to greet him at the door instead of either of the siblings.

"I haven't been able to practice for months."

"...Wut?" The siblings started to have a calm argument; Chenglei saying that she should have practiced some more while Tsumiki said that she can't because they were hiding. "Ya still could hav' practiced wit' somethin' small though." was his response. This is a normal thing between the two and any second now, Chenglei would make tea with his sister looking for cookies to munch on.

The grandmother shook her head at her silly grand kids, smiling in amusement. "Are you sure you want to say that when Chenglei can barely handle Tsumiki?"

"WE CAN HEAR YOU/YA!"

"I'm glad that you have friends who want to help you." Granny Zhou continued as if she didn't hear Chenglei and Tsumiki from the kitchen, leaning back on the chair she's resting. "It's a nice feeling, to know you can lean on someone without that fear of really falling down..."

Her pale ash purple eyes twinkled. "Think you can even handle your silly brothers as well? With Pendragon-san and Chenglei?"

"AWWW~! Is that your nickname for Kenren? Peachy prince!? That's so cute, Lei lei!"

"Tsumiki! The butter knives! Drop 'em!"

"Heheheheh! Peachy prince and Purring dragon...Hehehehe!"

Zer0

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

It was true, Lydia did look very happy and relaxed. She felt like the weight that she had carried for so many years had finally been lifted. She didn't have to pretend she was someone that she wasn't anymore. She could study magic and it was acceptable, "I am happy... no one is expecting something from me that I can't give them anymore," she leaned back to look at him, nodding and smiling. It was all new to James because he hadn't met her family before, but she could see the traits between himself and his family that were alike as well and it was amusing to her when it came to both families how everyone was different but somehow the same. Her brow furrowed slightly as he asked about the book and she shook her head slightly, "I don't know... so much was lost and I don't know how much time they had to prepare before Cool Beans came to get them."

Her heart ached slightly at the thought of all of the irreplaceable items that were likely lost in the destruction but gave James a hopeful smile, "the book wasn't one of a kind so while... it was special... it's not something that we couldn't find in an average bookstore... but I can ask my grandmother if she managed to save anything."

The interactions between James and Lydia over supper drew the attention of Lydia's family, Amelie and Frederick whispering to each other, Thomas making teasing faces and gestures, Madam Dubois looking as though she wanted to interrupt but seeming to be hesitant to do so, though there was evident worry on her features. Granny Celia however, while she did seem surprised by their intimacy, she didn't tell them to keep their hands to themselves. After what they had been through together, the old woman knew that there was more to it than simple infatuation, especially with how they spoke to each other and about their future together. Not only that but upon questioning Lydia about where she got her lovely earrings and how the looked similar to Master Howl's, she had learned that Lydia represented the virtue of chastity and so she had no fear for her granddaughter's maidenhood. So she simply watched the two interact with a fond expression on her face.

Lydia leaned into James as she always did when he buried his nose in her hair, which her mother was delighted with because she had chosen to leave it long and thanked James when Lydia informed her that he asked that she keep it that way. Of course Lydia flushed slightly when she realized her grandmother's eyes were on them, though Celia only smiled warmly before turning her gaze more firmly on James as he stated how he and Lydia had become partners in the belly of a giant sea serpent. She released an abrupt laugh at the thought, her grasp on the adventures they had gone through still only vague because there just hadn't been that much time to catch up. As he continued her expression turned joyful as Lydia's did as well, the younger's cheeks flushing bright red as she squeezed James' arm and looked away coyly, "J-James!" she exclaimed in a way that she hadn't in a while since they had become so close, but his sweet words were once again embarrassing as he spoke them in front of a room full of people including her family.

Thomas watched Seth skeptically as he ate the cookie. They had all been excited to hear news from Lydia whenever she wrote and had turned it into a sort of event whenever a letter arrived, they would all gather in the parlor and Madam Dubois would read the letter for everyone. Thomas would then inform their father of anything he thought he would be interested in the next day while they were at work. So Thomas had learned of the pranks Seth and Sen had played on his sister and while he found them ingenious, he had decided that he wouldn't fall prey to them... at least not if he could help it. They almost had him when Seth offered the second cookie after having eaten the first, though Sen's dramatic gesture made him somewhat wary again and with his hand on the cookie he narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze shifting between the twins suspiciously.

Lydia's and Thomas' expressions both took on the appearance of surprised owls at the end of Celia's admission about Gaston, Lydia shook her head briskly as James asked her about her father's 'wizard brother,' to signify that she had no idea and as if to punctuate her lack of knowledge on the subject, she asked, "grandmother, what are you talking about? Father is an only child," Lydia appeared very much confused, though her confusion was disrupted by the sudden laughter that escaped from Thomas as Seth erupted in yellow feathers, now releasing the cookie from his grasp and redirecting his full attention on his grandmother, "that's right... father has never even mentioned having a brother, nor have you ever mentioned having another son."

Celia smiled faintly and nodded, "I know... none of you were ever supposed to know... and your father doesn't even remember him because he was three when Albert left," she sighed softly and placed a hand against her cheek thoughtfully as her other hand curved over her stomach, "the late Monsieur Dubois senior disowned him after he found out he had run away and forbade me from ever mentioning him... nor did he want me to have any contact with him should he ever try to contact me," she grinned slightly then, a mischievous gleam in her eye, "but you simply cannot tell a mother she isn't allowed to interact with her children... of course Albert didn't want his father to know where he had gone because he was afraid he would try to drag him back home so he took on the name Gaston Savatier."

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Zer0]

- James Pendragon -
" Flying Castle "​

"Wow . . ." said Johnny after Granny Celia's explanation.

"Tch~ close." said Sen, as Seth gave a good-hearted chuckle.

"Canary Cream." explained Seth to Thomas, and dusted off stray feathers off their supper.

James looked at the side, thinking, for a moment, then stood up with his plate. "I'll be back, Lydia. I'll ask around if anyone's seen or heard of Professor Savatier." he said to her and Granny Celia, as he quickly went over to Calcifer and tipped over the rest of his dinner into his fiery mouth.

Roleplay Skittle

- Kenren Taisho -​

"Don't tell her you call me peach prince, Chenglei!" said Kenren, embarrassed, remembering why Chenglei calls him that. It's not something a little girl should know.

He turned back to Granny Zhou, "Yes, it is a nice feeling, granny." he looked at the floor, fondly. "Makes me braver. I'm confident we can handle them, I suggested Chenglei pretend to be the reincarnation of a dragon god."

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

"Why not? It's his favorite fruit. You're his favorite person." Tsumiki chimed from the kitchen. Everyone can hear how embarrassed Chenglei sounded when he responded with:

"I'm nah gonna ansah dat."

"...You know that I'm seventeen, right? I can handle dirty stuf-"

"Ya ar' still meh little sistah. So drop it..."

Granny Zhou raised an eyebrow at the prince, smiling and amused. "...You asked him to be the reincarnation of a dragon god? My...Well then. I can only hope everyone will believe it." The elderly calmly said.

"If not, I suppose Chenglei will just prove it by changing forms? Smart thinking you two..."

Zer0

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

"It almost seems like there is an abundant fascination with birds in this..." Thomas said thoughtfully, pausing as he lifted one of Seth's molted feathers from the edge of his bowl and examined it absently, "magic world..." his attention shifting as he tossed the discarded feather from his fingertips, allowing it to float to the floor behind his shoulder.

Lydia still appeared to be in mild shock, though there wasn't just shock in her expression but excitement and curiosity as well. She gave a few nods to James as he said he was going to go ask around about her formerly unknown uncle, "o-oh! Thank you, James!" Though her attention returned to her grandmother shortly as she had about a million and one questions to ask and she didn't want Thomas asking anything while she was gone that she would just have to ask about again later.

Though not all of the Dubois siblings would deign to stay and listen to their grandmother speak of her eldest son. While Frederick had not been privy to their conversation as he had been immersed in one that included the Pendragon parents, his mother, and Amelie, he did notice the eldest Pendragon sibling rise and dispose of his leftovers. Excusing himself with all the manners that the Dubois children had been raised with and expected to utilize during social events, "James! Going for a walk?" he asked casually.

Lydia's attention perked slightly despite her grandmother talking about how Albert had self taught just like she had, glancing to Frederick and James for a moment with a slight smile on her face, though she didn't stop Frederick, mainly because he wasn't Thomas.

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Zer0]

- James Pendragon -
" Flying Castle "​

"More like a ride. Going to send messages to our friends about Professor Savatier, Frederick. I'll be back in two hours, want to come?" said James, pulling his old travelling cloak around his shoulders, then pulling up his sleeves as he walked through the door, the tattoos on his hands glowing.

Outside, after casting, "Cervo Venire" and "Abeilles Venire" --- in a somewhat grandiose way, being determined to impress Lydia's family --- a heavy swarm of bees and a glowing silver white stag cantered out of a puff of cloud.

"This is Frey, my guardian spirit." he patted the stag after he mounted it. "Frey, this is Frederick, Lydia's older brother." the stag tossed its head proudly, then booped Frederick's head in greeting.

Roleplay Skittle

- Kenren Taisho -​

"Thanks, granny." said Kenren. "We were also thinking of using that to help with the people accepting Chenglei when I announce that he will be my consort." he thought a while. "Would you be okay with that?"

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Granny Zhou looked surprised before smiling warm at the Prince...possible grandson-in-law.

". . . You have my blessing, Kenren Taisho." She chuckled shortly, happy. "Though you shouldn't care what I think of it or ask me, as long you love each other; you won't hear an angry peep from me."

A loud gasp was heard behind Granny Zhou and the old woman can tell it's Tsumiki as she clapped her hands again. The plate of biscuits is floating around the excitable teen. "Ken-nii is gonna be my real brother soon!? When were you going to tell me, Lei lei!?" Tsumiki gleefully spun around before skipping around the room with the biscuits following her. The plate almost hit a vase that's floating too.

"I'm getting a brother! I'm getting another brother!"

Chenglei could only stand there with a silly and charming smile with a tea pot and cups in his hands. Then he gracefully placed them on the table to serve a cup of his special brew to the prince and his grandmother . . .

Who stared at it with clear dread in them. She should have asked Tsumiki to make the tea and make sure that her silly grandson didn't do it.

". . . Thank you, Chenglei." She didn't move to grab the cup.

Zer0

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Frederick turned a glance at Lydia and gave her a brief smile before he looked back to James, his expression turning somewhat thoughtful as he obviously considered the offer for a moment before he turned back towards Amelia and Madam Dubois, "I am going for a ride with James, I will be back in two hours," he slipped on his own tan, double breast frock coat over his dress pants, vest, and button up blouse with slightly puffy sleeves after quickly placing a chocolate brown derby hat on his head as he followed after James.

"Were those Lydia's idea?" He couldn't help but smirk slightly as he saw the glowing of the runic tattoos on James' hands. His own hands were placed in the pockets of his coat as he watched in captivated silence as James summoned the bees and then the elk, a soft laugh escaped him when James was finished, "she never even saw a spell cast when she became interested in magic... it was almost like she envisioned what it would look like and strove to that end," he was obviously slightly mystified by the summons and in a way his words related that he understood Lydia in a way.

"Frey... he is like... the little owl... Sasha?" He smiled slightly, though his smile brightened as Frey gave him the head boop, an amused chuckle escaping him, "greetings Frey!"

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- James Pendragon -
" Flying Castle "​

"Yes, and her design." said James, proudly showing Frederick the runes as he offered him a hand up to sit behind him on Frey. He took out a little vial with something jelly inside from his robes, and one bee from the swarm flew in. A tiny arcane mark glowed on its back before it turned into stone, at the same time, the same mark sparked on James' palm. With a wave of his hand the bees scattered.

"That's how she does it with her spells, none of them come from a text book, she made all the runic combinations with her mind." he said, with the admiration one would give to an inventor. James chuckled at the mention of Sasha. "No, Sasha is a tier two summon who comes from one of the other eight realms, guardian spirits on the other hand, no one knows where they come from not even the spirits themselves. They don't have memories, but they always seem to know and feel familiar to their masters. Some wizards say guardian spirits come from oneself, others think it's the spirit of a loved one or dear pets that have passed on --- to Kenren's warship, Frey."

The stag started off in an easy trot, passing through the cleaner streets where the lights and sound of construction still went on through the night. Frey was like a glowing ghost, very bright in the dark.

Roleplay Skittle

- Kenren Taisho -​

"Thanks, again granny." said Kenren. "But you raised him, so . . . I thought I'd ask your permission for his hand too, even though we love each other." he gave Chenglei a warm smile, then picked up a cup of tea and drank it.

He has never told Chenglei that his tea was awful, he never had the heart to. He was used to it, though, and thanked his purring dragon for it too.

"I've always been your brother, Tsumiki!" said Kenren jovially. "No matter what, I'll protect you too with Chenglei."

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

The grandmother nodded, accepting his answer as she watched him drink Chenglei's tea. She almost grimaced but didn't say anything. Anybody who can stand Chenglei's tea is a trooper in her good metaphorical book.

"You're welcome, Ken'en."

"I know but like-! It's gonna be official!" Tsumiki chirped, going up to the prince and hugged him tightly. "Aww~! Then I promise to support you in the best way I can!" Her intense purple eyes gleamed in the promise and this is where anybody can see how Tsumiki and Chenglei are siblings. The blonde looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

"Wha' do ya mean?"

"Well I've been studying on politics and economy most of the time. Couldn't help myself since Ken-nii inspired me long time ago."

"...So...ya gonna-?"

"I'm going to try out the exams of the royal council." Is her simple response. Tsumiki grinned with a very familiar charm of a puppy as she leaned away from the prince.

The grandmother shrugged her shoulders. "I kept telling her that men usually take those exams but she wants to challenge them rules, it seems." Chenglei could only stare in awe of his sister. The exams for the royal council is the hardest exams the Orients ever have; the exam takers will be tested on not just their smarts but their wills by doing different tasks, no matter how simple or complicated it is. For his sister to want to brave through that insanity is not a small feat.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Kenren Taisho -​

"I'm looking forward to your exam results, Tsumiki." said Kenren, smiling.

 

[Katsuya]

Tsumiki lifted her head high and laughed when Chenglei hugged her tight. "Meh too..."

"I'll do my best!" She declared with a victory sign. "Promise!"

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

.